bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression Profiling in BRAF-Mutated Melanoma Reveals Patient Subgroups with Poor Outcomes to Vemurafenib That May Be Overcome by Cobimetinib Plus Vemurafenib
Authors: Wongchenko Matthew J. , McArthur Grant A. , Dréno Brigitte , Larkin James , Ascierto Paolo A. , Sosman Jeffrey , Andries Luc , Kockx Mark , Hurst Stephen D. , Caro Ivor , Rooney Isabelle , Hegde Priti S. , Molinero Luciana , Yue Huibin , Chang Ilsung , Amler Lukas , Yan Yibing , Ribas Antoni
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The association of tumor gene expression profiles with progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes in patients with BRAFV600-mutated melanoma treated with vemurafenib or cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib was evaluated.

Experimental Design: Gene expression of archival tumor samples from patients in four trials (BRIM-2, BRIM-3, BRIM-7, and coBRIM) was evaluated. Genes significantly associated with PFS (P < 0.05) were identified by univariate Cox proportional hazards modeling, then subjected to unsupervised hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis, and recursive partitioning to develop optimized gene signatures.

Results: Forty-six genes were identified as significantly associated with PFS in both BRIM-2 (n = 63) and the vemurafenib arm of BRIM-3 (n = 160). Two distinct signatures were identified: cell cycle and immune. Among vemurafenib-treated patients, the cell-cycle signature was associated with shortened PFS compared with the immune signature in the BRIM-2/BRIM-3 training set [hazard ratio (HR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–2.6, P = 0.0001] and in the coBRIM validation set (n = 101; HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.5; P = 0.08). The adverse impact of the cell-cycle signature on PFS was not observed in patients treated with cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib (n = 99; HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7–1.8; P = 0.66).

Conclusions: In vemurafenib-treated patients, the cell-cycle gene signature was associated with shorter PFS. However, in cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib-treated patients, both cell cycle and immune signature subgroups had comparable PFS. Cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib may abrogate the adverse impact of the cell-cycle signature. Clin Cancer Res; 23(17); 5238–45. ©2017 AACR.
MELK and EZH2 Cooperate to Regulate Medulloblastoma Cancer Stem-like Cell Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Liu Hailong , Sun Qianwen , Sun Youliang , Zhang Junping , Yuan Hongyu , Pang Shuhuan , Qi Xueling , Wang Haoran , Zhang Mingshan , Zhang Hongwei , Yu Chunjiang , Gu Chunyu
Published: May 2017

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Although accumulated research has suggested that cancer stem-like cells play a key role in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis, the specific molecular mechanism regarding proliferation remains elusive. Here, we reported more abundant expression of maternal embryonic leucine-zipper kinase (MELK) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in medulloblastoma stem-like cells than in neural stem cells and the interaction between the two proteins could mediate the self-renewal of sonic hedgehog subtype medulloblastoma. In human medulloblastoma, extensive nodularity and large-cell/anaplastic subgroups differed according to the staining levels of MELK and EZH2 from the other two subgroups. The proportion of MELK- or EZH2-positive staining status could be considered as a potential indicator for survival. Mechanistically, MELK bound to and phosphorylated EZH2, and its methylation was induced by EZH2 in medulloblastoma, which could regulate the proliferation of cancer stem-like cells. In xenografts, loss of MELK or EZH2 attenuated medulloblastoma stem-like cell-derived tumor growth and promoted differentiation. These findings indicate that MELK-induced phosphorylation and EZH2-mediated methylation in MELK/EZH2 pathway are essential for medulloblastoma stem-like cell-derived tumor proliferation, thereby identifying a potential therapeutic strategy for these patients.

Implications: This study demonstrates that the interaction occurring between MELK and EZH2 promotes self-proliferation and stemness, thus representing an attractive therapeutic target and potential candidate for diagnosis of medulloblastoma. Mol Cancer Res; 15(9); 1275–86. ©2017 AACR.
The First Case of Kernohan-Woltman Notch Phenomenon Caused by Epidural Hematoma in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Ozturk Sait , Ozturk Yasar , Ocal Ozgur
Published: May 2017

Kernohan-Woltman notch phenomenon (KWNP) is an ipsilateral motor weakness due to compression of the contralateral cerebral peduncle. Most of the KWNP cases reported have been due to subdural hematomas, intracranial space-occupying lesions, and spontaneous bleeding of vascular malformations. In this study, we present the first pediatric case of KWNP caused by a traumatic epidural hematoma. Although subdural hematomas are the most frequent reason for KWNP, epidural hematomas may cause paradoxical ipsilateral signs not only in adults but also in pediatric patients.
Treatment Outcome in Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumour: Clinical Experience from a Regional Cancer Centre in North India
Authors: Biswas Ahitagni , Julka Pramod Kumar , Bakhshi Sameer , Singh Manmohan , Rath Goura Kishor
Published: May 2017

Background: Primary intracranial germ cell tumour is a rare entity and constitutes 2-3% of all paediatric brain tumours in Western countries. We herein intend to report the clinical features and treatment outcome of patients with primary central nervous system germ cell tumour treated at our institute. Methods: Clinical data were collected by retrospective chart review from 2006 to 2012. Histopathology slides were reviewed and relevant immunohistochemistry stains were done. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method. Results: Twenty patients met the study criterion (male:female = 7:3). Median age at presentation was 13 years. Tumour location was pineal in 10 patients, suprasellar in 6, thalamic in 2, basal ganglion in 1, and spinal in 1. Leptomeningeal spread was noted in 1 patient at presentation. Surgical resection was gross-total in 7 patients (35%), near-total in 2 (10%), subtotal in 4 (20%), and limited to biopsy in 6 (30%). The tumours were germinomatous, non-germinomatous, and of mixed germ cell subtype in 17 patients (85%), 2 patients (10%), and 1 patient (5%), respectively. Systemic chemotherapy (median of 4 cycles) was given to 19 patients (95%). The common regimens used were a combination of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) in 14 patients (70%) and etoposide and cisplatin (EP) in 5 patients (25%). Radiation therapy (40-50 Gy in conventional fractionation; median of 42 Gy) was delivered to 17 patients (85%): local radiation in 6 and whole ventricular, whole brain, and craniospinal irradiation followed by a boost in 5, 3, and 3 patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 44.52 months, 17 patients (85%) were in complete response and 3 (15%) had progressive disease. Death and disease recurrence were noted in 6 patients (30%) and 1 patient, respectively. Median OS and PFS were not reached. The actuarial rates of OS at 3 and 5 years were 75.8 and 68.9%, respectively. The actuarial rates of PFS at both 3 and 5 years were 81.6%. Conclusion: Multimodality treatment consisting of limited resection followed by platinum-based systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy (40-50 Gy) is a reasonable treatment strategy in patients of primary central nervous system germ cell tumour in a developing nation.
Urinary Osteopontin Predicts Incident Chronic Kidney Disease, while Plasma Osteopontin Predicts Cardiovascular Death in Elderly Men
Authors: Feldreich Tobias , Carlsson Axel C. , Helmersson-Karlqvist Johanna , Risérus Ulf , Larsson Anders , Lind Lars , Ärnlöv Johan
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives: The matricellular protein osteopontin is involved in the pathogenesis of both kidney and cardiovascular disease. However, whether circulating and urinary osteopontin levels are associated with the risk of these diseases is less studied. Design, Setting, Participants, and Measurements: A community-based cohort of elderly men (Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men [ULSAM]; n = 741; mean age: 77 years) was used to study the associations between plasma and urinary osteopontin, incident chronic kidney disease, and the risk of cardiovascular death during a median of 8 years of follow-up. Results: There was no significant cross-sectional correlation between plasma and urinary osteopontin (Spearman ρ = 0.07, p = 0.13). Higher urinary osteopontin, but not plasma osteopontin, was associated with incident chronic kidney disease in multivariable models adjusted for age, cardiovascular risk factors, baseline glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and the inflammatory markers interleukin 6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (odds ratio for 1 standard deviation [SD] of urinary osteopontin, 1.42, 95% CI 1.00-2.02, p = 0.048). Conversely, plasma osteopontin, but not urinary osteopontin, was independently associated with cardiovascular death (multivariable hazard ratio per SD increase, 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.58, p < 0.001, and 1.00, 95% CI 0.79-1.26, p = 0.99, respectively). The addition of plasma osteopontin to a model with established cardiovascular risk factors significantly increased the C-statistics for the prediction of cardiovascular death (p < 0.002). Conclusions: Higher urinary osteopontin specifically predicts incident chronic kidney disease, while plasma osteopontin specifically predicts cardiovascular death. Our data put forward osteopontin as an important factor in the detrimental interplay between the kidney and the cardiovascular system. The clinical implications, and why plasma and urinary osteopontin mirror different pathologies, remain to be established.
Neuropsychiatric Features of Neurosyphilis: Frequency, Relationship with the Severity of Cognitive Impairment and Comparison with Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Zhong Xiaomei , Shi Haishan , Hou Le , Chen Ben , Peng Qi , Chen Xinru , Wu Zhangying , Wang Yanhua , Mai Naikeng , Huang Xingbing , Ning Yuping
Published: May 2017

Background: The pattern of neuropsychiatric features of patients with neurosyphilis and the impact of the severity of cognitive impairment on neuropsychiatric syndromes are unknown. Objective: We aim to assess the neuropsychiatric features of patients with neurosyphilis, and compare the impact of the severity of cognitive impairment on the neuropsychiatric syndromes between neurosyphilis and Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Neuropsychiatric symptoms and the degree of cognitive impairment were assessed in a case-control study of 91 neurosyphilis, 162 AD, 157 mild cognitive impairment, and 139 normal controls by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scale and Clinical Dementia Rating scale, respectively. Factor analysis was performed on the 12 NPI items. Results: Factor analysis showed that patients with neurosyphilis showed more severe neuropsychiatric syndromes at the dementia stage than those neurosyphilis patients at the mild cognitive impairment stage, while neuropsychiatric manifestations were equally common among the different stages of dementia (all p < 0.05). Frontal lobe syndrome was more severe in patients with neurosyphilis than in patients with AD from the early mild cognitive impairment stage to the moderate dementia stage (all p < 0.01). Conclusions: Patients with neurosyphilis show different patterns of neuropsychiatric syndromes at the mild cognitive impairment and dementia stages, and differ from patients with AD.
The Emerging View of Aging as a Reversible Epigenetic Process
Authors: López-León Micaela , Goya Rodolfo G.
Published: May 2017

The achievement of animal cloning and subsequent development of cell reprogramming technology are having a profound impact on our view of the mechanisms of aging in complex organisms. The experimental evidence showing that an adult somatic nucleus implanted into an enucleated oocyte can give rise to a whole new individual strongly suggests that the integrity of the genome of an adult nucleus is fully preserved. Here, we will review recent experimental evidence showing that pluripotency gene-based cell reprogramming can erase the epigenetic marks of aging and rejuvenate cells from old individuals reversing most signs of aging and that when induced pluripotent stem cells are differentiated back to the cell type of origin, the rejuvenated cells share many of the features of wild-type counterparts from young donors. This evidence supports the idea that progressive epigenetic dysregulation may be the key driver of organismal aging and challenges the conventional view of aging as an irreversible process. The model of aging as an epigenetic process provides an elegant explanation of a number of age-related processes difficult to explain by conventional theories of aging.
Z–Source Multilevel Inverter Based on Embedded Controller
Authors: Vijayalakshmi K. , Balamurugan Chinnapettai Ramalingam
Published: May 2017

In this paper Embedded based Z-source multilevel inverter (ZSMLI) is proposed. This work implements a five level cascaded H-bridge Z-source inverter by using embedded control. Switching devices are triggered using embedded controller. In this controller coding is described by using switching table. The presence of Z-source network couples inverter main circuit to the power source that providing special features that can overcome the limitations of VSI (voltage source inverter) and CSI (current source inverter). The Z-source concept can applicable in all dc-ac, dc-dc, ac-dc and ac-ac power conversions. Simulation model of Z-source multilevel inverter based on embedded controller has been built in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The Performance parameters of Z-source MLI such as RMS (root mean square) output voltage, THD (total harmonic distortion) and DC component have been analysed for various inductance (L) and capacitance (C) value.
Enhanced Time of Use Electricity Pricing for Industrial Customers in Malaysia
Authors: Azrina Mohd Azman Nur , Pauzi Abdullah Md , Yusri hasan Mohammad , Mat Said Dalila , Hussin Faridah
Published: May 2017

New Time of Use (ToU) tariff scheme known as Enhanced ToU (EToU) has been introduced on 1st January 2016 for industrial customers in Malaysia. EToU scheme is the advanced version of current ToU where the daily time frame is divided into six period blocks, as compared to only two in the existing ToU. Mid-peak tariff is introduced on top of peak-hour and off-peak tariff. The new scheme is designed to reduce Malaysia’s peak hour electricity demand. On customer side, they could be benefited from the low off-peak tariff by simply shifting their consumption. However, it depends on their consumption profile and their flexibility in shifting their consumption. Since EToU scheme is voluntary, each customer needs to perform cost-benefit analysis before deciding to switch into the scheme. This paper analyzes this problem by considering EToU tariff scheme for industry and customer’s electricity consumption profile. Case studies using different practical data from different industries are presented and discussed in this paper.
An Adaptive Cross-Layer Architecture to Optimize QoS Provisioning in MANET
Authors: Asha Asha , Mahadevan G.
Published: May 2017

Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) is a collection of mobile nodes, which dynamically form a temporary network, without using any infrastructure like wireless access points or base-stations. The provision of QoS guarantees is much more challenging in Mobile Ad hoc Networks. There are many interesting applications such as multimedia services, disaster recovery etc can be supported if Quality-of-Service (QoS) support can be provided for MANETs. But QoS provisioning in MANETs is a very challenging problem when compared to wired IP networks. This is because of unpredictable node mobility, wireless multi-hop communication, contention for wireless channel access, limited battery power and range of mobile devices as well as the absence of a central coordination authority. So, the design of an efficient and reliable routing scheme providing QoS support for such applications is a difficult task. In this paper we studied the challenges and approaches for QoS aware routing techniques.  

 
A Comprehensive Review of Fault Location Methods for Distribution Power System
Authors: Gana N , Ab Aziz NF , Ali Z , Hashim H , Yunus Bahisham
Published: May 2017

Fault on distribution system does not only affect the reliability of power supply, but also contribute to increasing operational and maintenance cost borne by the utilities. Throughout the years, various methods have been studied and practiced to solve problems related to the fault location in the distribution system. In this paper, the fault location methods are reviewed and summarised according to their categories. The fault location methods discussed in this paper are based on literature studies of outage mapping and field measurement for the distribution system. Furthermore, the component which influences the fault location methods such as unbalanced system, capacitance effects, distributed generation, and distribution topology are related to the explanation of the method. Finally, the field measurements are presented as in comparison which will clarify the effectiveness and the establishment of each method.
Comparison of the Themes of Malaysian Friday Sermons Between the Year 2010 and 2015
Authors: ‘Aasim Asyafi’ie bin Ahmad Muhammad , Bin Harun Mokhtar , Inayat binti Khalid Puspa , Ibrahim Shapiai Mohd , Najib bin Ibrahim Md. , Zaleha Abdul Hamid Siti
Published: May 2017

One of the analyses used in the field of corpus linguistics is comparing the word occurrence from different text corpora. This technique can be used to identify how a certain discipline change over time through text analysis. In this study, the changes of the context of Malaysian Friday sermons are investigated. The text corpus was developed by taking the Friday sermons spoken in Kuala Lumpur mosques in the year 2015. A total of 52 sermons were used for the text corpus because there are a total of 52 Friday sermons in a year. The Malay text corpus was constructed by using PHP and MySQL, and only the top words spoken were inserted into the text corpus. This text corpus is then compared with a previously developed text corpus from 2010 Friday sermons. The new text corpus overlapped with the old text corpus by 82%. Analysis also shows the difference of semantic between 2010 and 2015 Friday sermons.
Vertical Information System: A Case Study of Civil Servant Teachers’ Data in Manado City
Authors: Runtuwene Julyeta P.A. , Tangkawarow Irene R.H.T
Published: May 2017

Information systems have become important factors in a company, where information systems are useful in providing useful information for the company itself. The information system helps companies implement corporate activities at the beginning of the process until the decision making. In the concept Information system, we know the term of vertical information system, which is another strategy for increasing vertical information capacity. Vertical information system includes the periodic report, written information, and computer-based communications distributed to managers. In this article, discusses the approach in the development of vertical information system which will be preceded by comparison of operational systems, management information systems, and business intelligence systems. We will give explanations about the role in the BI system in an organization, the challenges faced in the implementation of vertical information systems, approaches in vertical information systems, approaches that we choose, and how it implement in  civil servant teachers data in Manado City.

 
Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 deletion affects the natural trafficking of Annexin A2 in monocytes and favours venous thrombosis in mice
Authors: Amadio Patrizia , Tarantino Eva , Sandrini Leonardo , Tremoli Elena , Barbieri Silvia
Published: May 2017

Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition that often leads to pulmonary thromboembolism (VTE) and death. The role of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS)2 in arterial thrombosis has been well established, whereas its impact in venous thrombosis remains unclear. Here, we showed that PTGS2 deletion predisposes to venous thrombosis as suggested by greater clot firmness and clot elasticity, by higher plasma levels of functional fibrinogen, factor VIII and PAI-1 activity, and proved by bigger thrombi detected after inferior vena cava ligation (IVCL) compared to WT mice. PTGS2-/- thrombi have greater fibrin content, higher number of F4/80+, TF+ and ANXA2+ cells, and lower S100A10+ cells. Remarkably, monocyte depletion reduced thrombus size in mutant mice, suggesting an important role of PTGS2-/- monocytes in this experimental setting. Interestingly, PTGS2 deletion reduced membrane ANXA2, and total S100A10, promoted assembly of ANXA2/p50NF-kB complex and its nuclear accumulation, and induced TF in peritoneal macrophages, whereas ANXA2 silencing decreased dramatically TF. Finally, Carbaprostacyclin treatment prevented venous thrombus formation induced by IVCL in mutant mice, reduced the ANXA2 binding to p50NF-kB subunit and its nuclear trafficking, and decreased TF in PTGS2-/- macrophages. PTGS2 deletion, changing the natural distribution of ANXA2 in monocytes/macro-phages, increases TF expression and activity predisposing to venous thrombosis. Interestingly, Carbaprostacyclin treatment, inhibiting nuclear ANXA2 trafficking, controls monocyte TF activity and prevents DVT occurrence. Our data are of help in elucidating the mechanisms by which PTGS2 inhibition increases DVT risk, and suggest a new role for ANXA2 in venous thrombosis.

Supplementary Material to this manuscript is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Prevalence of Developmental Venous Anomalies Increases With Age
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , El-Rida El-Masri Ali , Wald John T. , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

To test the hypothesis that developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) may develop in the postnatal period, we studied the age-related prevalence of DVAs on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods—

Reports from a consecutive series of head magnetic resonance images with intravenous contrast performed over a 2-year period at our institution were reviewed. Studies reporting the presence of a DVA were retrieved and reviewed by a neuroradiologist. Patients were divided into 4 age groups: (1) <1 year old (neonates/infants), (2) 1 to 5 years old (toddlers and preschoolers), (3) 6 to 17 years old (grade schoolers), and (4) ≥18 years old (adults), and DVA prevalence by age group was studied.

Results—

A total of 18 073 individuals were included. DVA prevalence in the neonate/infant age group was 1.5% (5/335) compared with 7.1% (51/714) in the toddler/preschool age group. In both the grade-school age group and adult age group, DVA prevalence was 9.6% (150/1557 and 1483/15 467, respectively). Neonates/infants were significantly less likely to have DVAs than other age groups (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

We found a very low prevalence of DVAs on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in patients <1 year old which was significantly lower than other age groups. These findings suggest that postnatal changes in venous architecture and drainage patterns may contribute to the development of DVAs.
Overestimation of Susceptibility Vessel Sign
Authors: Zhang Ruiting , Zhou Ying , Liu Chang , Zhang Meixia , Yan Shenqiang , Liebeskind David S. , Lou Min
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

The extent of blooming artifact may reflect the amount of paramagnetic material. We thus assessed the overestimation ratio of susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on susceptibility-weighted imaging, defined as the extent of SVS width beyond the lumen and examined its value for predicting the stroke cause in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods—

We included consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with proximal large artery occlusion who underwent both susceptibility-weighted imaging and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography within 8 hours poststroke onset. We calculated the length, width, and overestimation ratio of SVS on susceptibility-weighted imaging and then investigated their values for predicting the stroke cause, respectively.

Results—

One-hundred eleven consecutive patients (72 female; mean age, 66.6±13.4 years) were enrolled, among whom 39 (35.1%) were diagnosed with cardiogenic embolism, 43 (38.7%) with large artery atherosclerosis, and 29 (26.1%) with undetermined cause. The presence, length, width, and overestimation ratio of SVS were all independently associated with the cause of cardiogenic embolism after adjusting for baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and infarct volume. After excluded patients with undetermined cause, the sensitivity and specificity of overestimation ratio of SVS for cardiogenic embolism were 0.971 and 0.913; for the length of SVS, they were 0.629 and 0.739; for the width of SVS, they were 0.829 and 0.826, respectively.

Conclusions—

The overestimation ratio of SVS can predict cardiogenic embolism, with both high sensitivity and specificity, which can be helpful for the management of acute ischemic stroke patients in hyperacute stage.
The Forte-Kreis
Authors: Poorthuis Marcel
Published: May 2017

Just before the outbreak of World War 1, a group of writers, artists and philosophers decided to establish a spiritual rule over Europe, the Forte Kreis. The group aimed at a reconciliation in Europe, by establishing pacifism, but also between East and West by creating a new language. Their thoughts have been documented a several archives in Europe. By bringing them together, a picture emerges of a blend of elitist naiveté and prophetic foresight. The need for a supra-national spiritual guidance seems as relevant today as it was hundred years ago.
The Secret of the Celts Revisited
Authors: Borsje Jacqueline
Published: May 2017

What makes the Celts so popular today? Anton van Hamel and Joep Leerssen published on the popularity of imagery connected with pre-Christian Celts, Van Hamel seeing the holistic worldview and Leerssen mysteriousness as appealing characteristics. They explain waves of ‘Celtic revival’ that washed over Europe as reaction and romanticising movements that search for alternatives from contemporaneous dominant culture. Each period has produced its modernized versions of the Celtic past. Besides periodical heightened interest in things Celtic, Van Hamel saw a permanent basis of attraction in Celtic texts, which accommodate ‘primitive’ and romantic mentalities. This article also analyses Celtic Christianity (through The Celtic Way by Ian Bradley and The Celtic Way of Prayer by Esther de Waal) on the use of Celtic texts and imagery of Celtic culture. Two case studies are done (on the use of the Old-Irish Deer’s Cry and the description of a nineteenth-century Scottish ritual). Both the current search for ‘spirituality’ and the last wave of ‘Celtic revival’ seem to have sprung from a reaction movement that criticizes dominant religion/culture and seek inspiration and precursors in an idealized past. The roots of this romantic search for a lost paradise are, however, also present in medieval Irish literature itself. Elements such as aesthetics, imaginative worlds and the posited lost beauty of pre-industrial nature and traditional society are keys in explaining the bridges among the gap between ‘us’ and the Celts. The realization that Celtic languages are endangered or dead heightens the feeling of loss because they are the primary gates towards this lost way of (thinking about) life.
An empirical investigation of the felicity conditions for the Japanese evidentials -rashii, -sooda, and -yooda
Authors: Matsubara Julie , Blasingame Michael , Smith E. Allyn
Published: May 2017

This paper reports on the first detailed experimental investigation of the perception of the felicity of evidential markers in context. We investigated the Japanese evidentials -rashii, -sooda, and -yooda in various discourse environments by manipulating two key variables: (a) whether there was any conjecture required, and (b) whether the information source was accessible firsthand to the speaker. This work provides a baseline against which future studies of other discourse variables can be measured, and our results present some challenges to established conceptions. For example, -rashii was found to be compatible with reportative utterances, building on its traditional categorization as a conjectural evidential. We situate our findings with respect to the typological literature and contemplate how the results may inform semantico-pragmatic theories of evidentiality. We further propose a slight modification to McCready and Ogata (2007) to account for the felicity of bare propositions with indirect information sources.
Nine true bugs (Heteroptera) newly-discovered in Illinois
Authors: SWANSON DANIEL R. , TAYLOR STEVEN J. , HEADS SAM W.
Published: May 2017

Six heteropteran species are reported for the first time from Illinois based on recently caught specimens from various bioinventories: the flat bug Neuroctenus pseudonymus Bergroth (Aradidae: Mezirinae), the stilt bug Metacanthus multispinus (Ashmead) (Berytidae: Metacanthinae), the leaf-footed bugs Anasa repetita Heidemann and Chelinidea vittiger Uhler (Coreidae: Coreinae), the ambush bug Phymata fasciata fasciata (Gray) (Reduviidae: Phymatinae), and the scentless plant bug Arhyssus nigristernum (Signoret) (Rhopalidae: Rhopalinae). Additionally, three more records for the flat bug Nannium pusio Heidemann (Aradidae) and the scentless plant bugs Aufeius impressicollis Stål and Niesthrea louisianica Sailer (Rhopalidae) are newly-reported for the state based on material in the Illinois Natural History Insect Collection (INHS). Supplementing these notes are dichotomous keys to the species of Mezirinae, Berytidae, Coreidae, Phymatinae, and Rhopalidae of Illinois.
The “wild shot”: photography for more biology in natural history collections, not for replacing vouchers
Authors: GARROUSTE ROMAIN
Published: May 2017

Recently a correspondence in Zootaxa (Ceríaco et al., 2016) with more than 450 signatories including taxonomists, curators and other taxonomy users from all continents has received wide attention and has stimulated extensive discussion (a true buzz) around the possible interpretations of the Code (ICZN) about photography in taxonomy (Researchgate website link). This short note was necessary to recall the necessity of preserved specimens as vouchers for taxonomy, in response to photography-based taxonomy (PBT) as defended by Pape et al. (2016), and in a broad sense, for all the life sciences. This had been widely discussed and argued by Dubois & Nemésio (2007) who concluded on the importance of vouchers in taxonomy. But if the subject of these papers and discussions are about photography as the only way to document a new species, none of them discussed really what photography could represent in enhancing knowledge in natural sciences based on collections of specimens including type series and in association with other media (video and sound).
Two new Pseudoceros (Polycladida: Pseudocerotidae) and a Prostheceraeus (Polycladida: Euryleptidae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: DIXIT SUDHANSHU , RAGHUNATHAN C. , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: May 2017

Polyclads are free-living marine flatworms known for their striking colour and patterns. These animals though frequently encountered are still understudied in the Indian context. The present paper describes three new species, two belonging to the genus Pseudoceros Lang, 1884 and one to the genus Prostheceraeus Schmarda, 1859. Pseudoceros auranticrinis sp. nov. is characterised by whitish cream background colour, brown mottling with numerous white and dark brown spots all over the body except margins and a smooth dorsal surface with orange pseudotentacles, Pseudoceros vishnui sp. nov. is characterised by having purple to violet spots on dorsum with margin made up of blue spots, while Prostheceraeus fuscolineatus sp. nov. is characterised by presence of brown longitudinal lines on dorsum and black erected tentacles. This is the first description of any species under the genus Prostheceraeus from central Indo-Pacific as well as Indian Ocean. Some insights on feeding behaviour of P. vishnui sp. nov. are also provided.
Two new species of Trimma (Pisces; Gobiidae) from Fiji, south-western Pacific Ocean
Authors: WINTERBOTTOM RICHARD
Published: May 2017

Two new species of Trimma are described from Fiji. Trimma bathum n. sp. lacks scales on the cheeks, opercle and predorsal midline, has 18–19 unbranched pectoral fin rays, an unbranched 5th pelvic fin ray that is 40–56% the length of the 4th ray, 17–18 gill rakers on the outer surface of the first gill arch, a U-shaped interorbital and a narrow slit-like postorbital trench, a low, median fleshy ridge extending half-way towards the orbit from the origin of the first dorsal fin, and, when freshly collected, a pink head and body with most body scales having an orange-brown spot or short bar at their centres. The species is currently known only from off Suva Harbour, Viti Levu, Fiji. Trimma finistrinum n. sp. has a bony interorbital equal to the pupil diameter, a fully scaled nape of 12–14 scales, a second dorsal spine that may reach posteriorly to the middle of the second dorsal fin, the papillae in the longitudinal row immediately below the eye either single or with two papillae in a vertical row, unbranched pectoral fin rays, usually a branched fifth pelvic-fin ray that is about half length of the fourth ray, and a large diffuse dark blotch on the posterior part of the caudal peduncle. A colour pattern of a brownish body with most body scales having golden- to greenish-yellow (pale in preservative) centres is unique among species of the genus. The species is currently recorded only from off the north and east coasts of Viti Levu, Fiji.
Observations of Convective Thermals with Weather Radar
Authors: Melnikov Valery , Zrnić Dusan S.
Published: May 2017

It is shown that the NEXRAD weather radar with enhanced detectability is capable of observing the evolution of convective thermals. The fields of radar differential reflectivity show that the upper parts of the thermals are observable due to Bragg scatter, whereas scattering from insects dominates in the lower parts. The thermal-top rise rate is between 1.5 and 3.7 m s−1 in the analyzed case. Radar observations of thermals also enable estimations of their maximum heights, horizontal sizes, and the turbulent dissipation rate within each thermal. These attributes characterize the intensity of convection.
Addressing Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture and Natural Resources: Barriers and Priorities for Land-Grant Universities in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Tobin Daniel , Radhakrishna Rama , Chatrchyan Allison , Allred Shorna B.
Published: May 2017

Climate change has serious implications for agricultural production, natural resource management, and food security. In the United States, land-grant universities and the U.S. Cooperative Extension System have a critical role to play in conducting basic and applied research related to climate change and translating findings into meaningful programming. However, land-grant universities and Extension have had difficulty maintaining their roles as the preeminent source of trusted information on complex topics like climate change. To help guide research and programming agendas of land-grant universities, the authors explored the barriers and priorities that researchers and Extension personnel at 16 northeastern land-grant universities perceive as they pursue climate change research and programming. Through an online survey, respondents indicated their perceptions of barriers related to information, workplace, and target audiences as well as the priorities they perceived as most important for land-grant universities to pursue. Statistical analysis indicated that lack of funding, lack of time, lack of locally relevant climate information, and challenges with target audiences were among the most critical barriers. In terms of future priorities, respondents indicated securing funding for applied research, training Extension educators, and developing locally relevant decision support tools as the most important activities northeastern land-grant universities can undertake. Based on these findings, this study concludes that land-grant universities will need to strategically pursue research and educational programming on climate change in ways that integrate research and Extension and simultaneously address climate change and other concerns of land managers.
Do “His” and “Her” Marriages Influence One Another? Contagion in Personal Assessments of Marital Quality among Older Spouses over a Four-Year Span
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E.
Published: May 2017

Husbands and wives differ in their evaluations of marital quality, with “his” marriage typically proving better than “her” marriage. However, spouses’ perceptions of marital quality tend to be significantly correlated with one another. Prior research has addressed the existence and implications of gender differences in marital quality but has focused less on spouses’ similarities in their perceptions. In particular, prior studies have not examined the extent to which spouses’ assessments of marital quality may be reciprocally related. In short, do his and her marriages influence one another? This study analyzes longitudinal dyadic data from 209 older married couples who participated in the first two waves of the Disability and Use of Time supplement to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (2009–2013). Two-wave lagged models tested emotional and social contagion theory by examining whether husbands’ and wives’ reports of marital quality at baseline predicted both spouses’ marital quality after four years. Results indicated that (a) husbands reported better marital quality than their wives in both 2009 and 2013; (b) for both husbands and wives, baseline marital quality was significantly related with one’s own and one’s partner’s marital quality four years later; and (c) there were no differences in effects according to gender. These findings offer support for the framework of his and her marriage as well as emotional and social contagion theory.
Leukocyte filtration of the cardiotomy suction. Does it affect systemic leukocyte activation or pulmonary function?
Authors: Issitt Richard , Ball Jon , Bilkhoo Indie , Mani Adnan , Walsh Bronagh , Voegeli David
Published: May 2017

Background:

Cardiopulmonary bypass is thought to propagate a global systemic response through contact with the non-physiological surfaces of the extracorporeal circuit, leading to the stimulation of leukocytes, their adherence to endothelial cells and the release of cytotoxic molecules. This, in turn, has been shown to accelerate pulmonary injury. This study tested a new leukocyte-filtration system (RemoweLL) against a conventional system with no leukocyte-depleting capacity to determine the efficacy of the filtration system and its effects on pulmonary function.

Methods:

Thirty patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery using either the RemoweLL filtration system (15 patients) or a conventional cardiopulmonary bypass circuit (15 patients). Data were collected on the total number of leukocytes, their differentiation and activation, using the leukocyte adhesion integrin CD11b as a surrogate marker. Pulmonary function was assessed using the Alveolar-arterial Oxygenation Index (AaOI) and patients were categorized using the Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Results:

Both groups showed significant increases in leukocyte numbers during CPB (p<0.001), with no differences noted between the groups. CD11b showed a significant increase in both groups, with peak activation occurring at the end of CPB, but no difference between the groups (p=0.8). There was a trend towards lower AaOI increases in the filtration group, but this did not reach significance (p=0.075) and there was no difference in ARDS definitions (p=0.33).

Conclusions:

Leukocyte filtration of cardiotomy suction did not influence total leukocyte counts or activation as measured by CD11b upregulation. Furthermore, no evidence could be found to suggest improved pulmonary function.
Do Patients With a Baseline Clinical Condition Warranting the Cautious Use of Parenteral Nutrition Develop Subsequent Metabolic Complications?
Authors: Solomon Diana M. , Hollands James M. , Siemianowski Laura A. , Smith Colleen E. , Song Richard J. , Bingham Angela L.
Published: May 2017

Background: The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Adult Nutrition Support Core Curriculum describes clinical conditions that warrant cautious use of parenteral nutrition (CCWCPN). The Core Curriculum authors acknowledge there is no evidence for specific criteria suggested for the clinical conditions. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a baseline CCWCPN on the development of subsequent metabolic complications in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Methods: Adult patients initiated on PN from May 2014 to July 2015 at Cooper University Hospital were included in this retrospective study. The impact of a CCWCPN on the development of the following was determined: acid‐base disturbances, hepatobiliary complications, hypercapnia, hyperchloremia, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypochloremia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and refeeding syndrome. Results: Three hundred forty‐one patients were included (mean age, 61.7 years; mean duration of PN, 8.5 days; central PN, 97%). Metabolic complications occurred more frequently in patients with a baseline CCWCPN than without these conditions (77% vs 53%, P = .001). Subgroup analyses for the development of metabolic complications in patients with or without each individual baseline CCWCPN yielded the following statistically significant results: hypernatremia (93% vs 57%, P = .007) and hyperchloremia (86% vs 57%, P = .033). Conclusions: Hospitalized adult patients with a baseline CCWCPN were more likely to develop a metabolic complication when receiving PN. Baseline hypernatremia and hyperchloremia were associated with the development of metabolic complications. Baseline CCWCPN should be recognized upon initiation of PN; practitioners should closely monitor patients to minimize subsequent metabolic complications.
Ultraviolet-induced surface grafting of octafluoropentyl methacrylate on polyether ether ketone for inducing antibiofilm properties
Authors: Amdjadi Parisa , Nojehdehian Hanieh , Najafi Farhood , Ghasemi Amir , Seifi Massoud , Dashtimoghadam Erfan , Fahimipour Farahnaz , Tayebi Lobat
Published: May 2017

Since octafluoropentyl methacrylate is an antifouling polymer, surface modification of polyether ether ketone with octafluoropentyl methacrylate is a practical approach to obtaining anti-biofilm biocompatible devices. In the current study, the surface treatment of polyether ether ketone by the use of ultraviolet irradiation, so as to graft (octafluoropentyl methacrylate) polymer chains, was initially implemented and then investigated. The Fourier-transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra corroborated the appearance of new signals associated with the fluoroacrylate group. Thermogravimetric curves indicated enhanced asymmetry in the polymer structure due to the introduction of the said new groups. Measuring the peak area in differential scanning calorimetry experiments also showed additional bond formation. Static water contact angle measurements indicated a change in wettability to the more hydrophobic surface. The polyether ether ketone–octafluoropentyl methacrylate surface greatly reduced the protein adsorption. This efficient method can modulate and tune the surface properties of polyether ether ketone according to specific applications.
Extending the ACEs Framework: Examining the Relations Between Childhood Abuse and Later Victimization and Perpetration With College Men
Authors: Voith Laura A. , Anderson RaeAnn E. , Cahill Shawn P.
Published: May 2017

Research has revealed that forms of violence are interconnected, but less work focuses on the interconnection of victimization and perpetration, particularly with men. Subsequently, our understanding of the complexities of violence exposure in men’s lives and related policies and treatments remains limited. The present study utilizes a sample of at-risk for violence involvement, college men, to examine the relationships between childhood victimization, adulthood victimization, and adulthood perpetration. Participants are 423 college men receiving course credit who completed a battery of standardized questionnaires via an anonymous web survey. Logistic regression is used. Results indicate that 27% of the men report polyperpetration (two or more types of perpetration), 43.5% report polyvictimization (two or more types of victimization), and 60% report experiencing both forms of victimization and perpetration in the past year. Childhood physical abuse has predictive power for perpetration (psychological aggression and polyperpetration) and victimization (sexual violence, psychological aggression, and polyvictimization) for the men in the past year. Childhood sexual abuse has strong predictive power for perpetration (physical violence, sexual violence, and polyperpetration) and victimization (physical violence and sexual violence) with the men in the past year. Finally, emotional abuse has predictive power for victimization (physical violence and psychological aggression), but not perpetration, for the men in the past year. Developmental psychopathology and the adverse childhood experiences frameworks are used to posit potential pathways explaining the relation between childhood abuse and the overlap between victimization and perpetration in adulthood for men. Implications of this study include the use of trauma-informed models of care with men and expanding the scope of study to examine experiences of both victimization and perpetration, and various types of violence, among men.
Attracting Diverse Talent to Academia
Authors: Sánchez Nelson F. , Poll-Hunter Norma , Spencer Dennis J. , Lee-Rey Elizabeth , Alexander Andreia , Holaday Louisa , Soto-Greene Maria , Sánchez John P.
Published: May 2017

Women and underrepresented racial/ethnic minority faculty (URM) are critical to developing inclusive learning environments. Career counselors can benefit from understanding the factors influencing women’s and URMs’ interest in academic careers, as this population remains markedly underrepresented in academic medicine. A mixed methods study was conducted among medical students and residents yielding 643 survey and 121 focus group participants. Participants were diverse by gender and race/ethnicity. Themes included (a) factors influencing career interest, (b) influential others, (c) timing of career interest, and (d) career expectations. Findings show differences among women, URM, and dominant-identity groups. Implications include how career development programs and institutional diversity policies and practices should consider developing and offering activities that support (a) mentoring—especially for women trainees, (b) learning how to align academia and community engagement and scholarship—especially for URM trainees, and (c) senior leadership development support for women and URM trainees.