bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Deflexion of Anisotropic Structural Composite Aerodynamic Components
Authors: Whitty J. , Haydock T. , Johnson B. , Howe J.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents closed form solutions to the classical beam elasticity differential equation in order to effectively model the displacement of standard aerodynamic geometries used throughout a number of industries. The models assume that the components are constructed from in-plane generally anisotropic (though shown to be quasi-isotropic) composite materials. Exact solutions for the displacement and strains for elliptical and FX66-S-196 and NACA 63-621 aerofoil approximations thin wall composite material shell structures, with and without a stiffening rib (shear-web), are presented for the first time. Each of the models developed is rigorously validated via numerical (Runge-Kutta) solutions of an identical differential equation used to derive the analytical models presented. The resulting calculated displacement and material strain fields are shown to be in excellent agreement with simulations using the ANSYS and CATIA commercial finite element (FE) codes as well as experimental data evident in the literature. One major implication of the theoretical treatment is that these solutions can now be used in design codes to limit the required displacement and strains in similar components used in the aerospace and most notably renewable energy sectors.
The Comparison of Double J Stent Insertion and Conservative Treatment Alone in Severe Pure Gestational Hydronephrosis: A Case Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Çeçen Kürşat , Ülker Kahraman
Published: January 2014

Objective. Management options of gestational hydronephrosis are based on the coexisting stone disease, pyelonephritis, and renal disease. However, the management option and its consequences in the absence of a coexisting disease state are not clear. In this study we aimed to compare the effectiveness of conservative treatment and double J insertion in symptomatic pure gestational hydronephrosis.Material and Methods. The data of the women with severe pure gestational hydronephrosis over a nine-year period was collected retrospectively. The included women were grouped into two according to receiving double J stent insertion or conservative treatments.Results. Double J insertion and conservative treatment groups included 24 and 29 women, respectively. Hydronephrosis was demonstrated on the right, left, or both kidneys in 37 (70%), 13 (24%), and 3 (6%) women, respectively. None of the participants gave birth prior to the 37th week. The demographics, initial pain scores, the severity of the hydronephrosis during first admission, and pain scores one week after the interventions did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05). Similarly, the rates of complications, postpartum pain scores, and permanent hydronephrosis did not differ between groups (P>0.05).Conclusion. Double J insertion in symptomatic pure gestational hydronephrosis adds no benefit to conservative treatment.
Flagellins of Salmonella Typhi and Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli Are Differentially Recognized through the NLRC4 Pathway in Macrophages
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Zhang Ejuan , Liu Fang , Zhang Yan , Zhong Maohua , Li Yaoming , Zhou Dihan , Chen Yaoqing , Cao Yuan , Xiao Yang , He Benxia , Yang Yi , Sun Ying , Lu Mengji , Yan Huimin
Published: January 2014

Flagellin is recognized by both Toll-like receptor (TLR)5 and NAIP5/NLRC4 inflammasome receptors. We hypothesized that the flagellins derived from different bacteria might differentially activate TLR5 and/or NAIP5/NLRC4 signal pathways. To test this, the immune recognition of recombinant flagellins derived from pathogenic Salmonella Typhi (SF) and the nonpathogenic Escherichia coli K12 strain MG1655 (KF) were examined by the activation of TLR5 and NLRC4 pathways in various cell types. While flagellins SF and KF were not distinguishable in activating the TLR5 pathway, KF induced significantly less interleukin-1β production and pyroptotic cell death in peritoneal macrophages than SF, and showed markedly lower efficiency in activating caspase-1 through the NLRC4 pathway than SF. Macrophages may differentially recognize flagellins by intracellular sensors and thereby initiate the immune response to invading pathogenic bacteria. Our findings suggest an active role of flagellin as an important determinant in host differential immune recognition and for the control of bacteria infection.
Tandem Repeated Application of Organic Solvents and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Enhances Cumulative Skin Irritation
Authors: Schliemann Sibylle , Schmidt Christina , Elsner Peter
Published: January 2014

The objective of our study was to investigate the tandem irritation potential of two organic solvents with concurrent exposure to the hydrophilic detergent irritant sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). A tandem repeated irritation test was performed with two undiluted organic solvents, cumene (C) and octane (O), with either alternating application with SLS 0.5% or twice daily application of each irritant alone in 27 volunteers on the skin of the back. The cumulative irritation induced over 4 days was quantified using visual scoring and non-invasive bioengineering measurements (skin colour reflectance, skin hydration and transepidermal water loss). Repeated application of C/SLS and O/SLS induced more decline of stratum corneum hydration and higher degrees of clinical irritation and erythema compared to each irritant alone. Our results demonstrate a further example of additive harmful skin effects induced by particular skin irritants and indicate that exposure to organic solvents together with detergents may increase the risk of acquiring occupational contact dermatitis.
A Novel Mutation in SOX2 Causes Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism with Mild Ocular Malformation
Authors: Takagi Masaki , Narumi Satoshi , Asakura Yumi , Muroya Koji , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Adachi Masanori , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: January 2014

Background: Heterozygous SOX2 mutations have been reported to cause isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) in addition to ocular and brain abnormalities. Objective: We report a novel missense SOX2 (Y110C) mutation in an HH patient with mild ocular malformation. Patients: The 20-year-old male was referred because of typical signs of complete hypogonadism, with small intrascrotal testes (2 ml), no pubic hair (P1), and a micropenis. Hormone assays revealed very low plasma testosterone levels and very low levels of plasma gonadotropin. He was found to have retinal detachment in his right eye and surgery was performed at the age of 14 years. Results: Using a next-generation sequencing strategy, we identified a novel heterozygous SOX2 mutation, c.329A>G (p.Y110C). Y110C SOX2 had reduced transactivation and no dominant negative effect. Subcellular localization revealed no significant difference between wild-type and mutant SOX2. EMSA experiments showed that the Y110C SOX2 abrogated DNA-binding ability. Conclusion: The Y110C mutation affects a critical residue in the SOX2 protein. This study extends our understanding of the phenotypic features, molecular mechanism, and developmental course associated with mutations in SOX2. When multiple genes need to be analyzed for mutations simultaneously, targeted sequence analysis of interesting genomic regions is an attractive approach.
Short-Term Outcomes of Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Performed by Trainees
Authors: Sakamoto Taku , Sato Chiko , Makazu Makomo , Sekiguchi Masau , Mori Genki , Yamada Masayoshi , Kinjo Yuzuru , Turuki Eriko , Abe Seiichiro , Otake Yosuke , Nakajima Takeshi , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka
Published: January 2014

Background: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a relatively new therapy that has been accepted as the most effective treatment procedure for superficial colorectal neoplasms. Given the increasing acceptance and use of this procedure worldwide, the outcomes of colorectal ESD performed by trainees should be understood from a practical perspective and for developing strategies to introduce ESD to trainees. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ESD when conducted by less-experienced endoscopists. Summary: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 164 patients with 164 colorectal neoplasms who underwent ESD carried out by 20 trainees performing their first colorectal ESDs between April 2005 and March 2012. For each operator, clinical data were collected between the first and 30th cases. For evaluating the technical aspects of the ESD procedure, the endoscopic characteristics of the lesions, procedure time, en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, invasion depth and complications were evaluated. The median procedure time was 95 min; about 75% of the lesions were resected within 120 min. Apparent perforation or electric damage in the muscularis propria was seen in 4% of lesions. In terms of factors with the potential to effect procedure time, lesion size and pathological invasion depth were significantly different between shorter and longer treatment times for granular-type laterally spreading tumors (LST). Key Messages: A granular-type LST of <40 mm is a good lesion for introducing colorectal ESD to trainees. Trainees should have a strong ability to make a depth diagnosis before starting ESD.
Predictive Value of Optimal Morphologic Response to First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Yoshita Hiroki , Hosokawa Ayumu , Ueda Akira , Ando Takayuki , Kajiura Shinya , Kato Hiroshi , Kawabe Hideto , Tomizawa Gakuto , Horikawa Naoki , Yabuhita Kazuhisa , Note Masayuki , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: January 2014

Background: It has been reported that morphologic response to preoperative chemotherapy is an independent prognostic factor in patients who undergo hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of morphologic response to first-line chemotherapy in patients with CLM. Methods: We assessed 41 patients with CLM who received fluorouracil-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab as the first-line chemotherapy between April 2006 and June 2012. Three blinded radiologists evaluated computed tomography images and classified them as optimal, incomplete or no response according to the morphologic criteria. Response to systemic chemotherapy was also evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Predictive factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) were identified in multivariate analysis. Results: Twenty-three patients (56%) received chemotherapy with bevacizumab, while 18 patients (44%) received chemotherapy without bevacizumab. Optimal morphologic response was observed in 11 patients (48%) treated with bevacizumab and in 5 patients (28%) treated without bevacizumab (p = 0.19). Eight patients (20%) underwent hepatic resection after chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 31.3 months. The median PFS was 13.3 months for patients with optical morphologic response and 8.7 months in those with incomplete/no morphologic response (p = 0.0026). On multivariate analysis, performance status and morphologic response were significant independent predictors of PFS. Conclusion: Optimal morphologic response was significantly associated with PFS in patients with CLM who were treated with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy as the first-line chemotherapy.
DNA Damage in Lens Epithelial Cells and Peripheral Lymphocytes from Age-Related Cataract Patients
Authors: Zhang Junfang , Wu Jian , Yang Ling , Zhu Rongrong , Yang Mei , Qin Bai , Shi Haihong , Guan Huaijin
Published: January 2014

Background: Oxidative DNA damage may be one of the etiologies of age-related cataract (ARC). We quantified DNA damage in lens epithelial cells (LECs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes of ARC. Methods: A total of 64 patients with different types of ARC and 23 control subjects were enrolled. Fresh LECs and peripheral lymphocytes were collected and DNA damage was evaluated by alkaline comet assay. The percentage of DNA in the tail of comets (%Tail DNA) and the olive tail moment (OTM) were calculated by CASP software. Results: The results showed the %Tail DNA and OTM in LECs and lymphocytes in the overall cataract patient group were significantly higher than those in the control subjects. The %Tail DNA and OTM of LECs and lymphocytes showed no differences among cortical, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataracts. The %Tail DNA and OTM in LECs were significantly lower than those in lymphocytes but a significant correlation of the DNA damage was found between them. Conclusion: We concluded that DNA damage in lens and peripheral blood lymphocytes increased in ARC. The results imply that local and systemic oxidative DNA damage might play certain roles in ARC pathogenesis.
A Questionnaire-Based Survey on the Diagnosis and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in East Asian Countries in 2012
Authors: Hida Nobuyuki , Nakamura Shiro , Hahm Ki-Baik , Sollano Jose D. , Zhu Qi , Rani Abdul Aziz , Syam Ari Fahrial , Kachintorn Udom , Ueno Fumiaki , Joh Takashi , Naito Yuji , Suzuki Hidekazu , Takahashi Shin-ichi , Fukudo Shin , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Kinoshita Yoshikazu , Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Yamaguchi Yasuharu , Yoshida Atsushi , Arakawa Testuo , Matsumoto Takayuki ,   The IGICS Study Group
Published: January 2014

Background and Aim: The prevalence and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are lower in East Asia than in Western countries; however, marked increases have recently been reported. The clinical diagnosis and medical management of IBD in East Asia differ from those in Western countries. A questionnaire-based survey was performed to gather physicians' current opinions on IBD in different East Asian countries. Methods: Representative International Gastrointestinal Consensus Symposium (IGICS) committee members provided a questionnaire to physicians in each East Asian country studied. The questionnaire mainly focused on the diagnosis and management of IBD. Results: There were 19 respondents from Japan, 10 from South Korea, 9 from the Philippines, 6 from China and 4 from Indonesia. Colonoscopy (100%) and histopathology (63%) were commonly used for the diagnosis in ulcerative colitis (UC). Conventional small bowel enteroclysis was still the most common diagnostic tool for assessing small bowel lesions in Crohn's disease (CD) in East Asia. The percentage of physicians who investigated the reactivation of Cytomegalovirus in severe or refractory patients with UC ranged from 0% in the Philippines and Indonesia to 100% in Japan and Korea. Most physicians in Korea, the Philippines, China and Indonesia chose thiopurines or anti-TNF therapy as the second-line treatment in severe refractory UC, whereas Japanese physicians preferred to use tacrolimus or leukocyte apheresis. Physicians in the Philippines and Indonesia preferred to use oral 5-aminosalicylic acid for newly diagnosed severe ileocecal CD. In contrast, Korean physicians chose oral steroids and most physicians in China and Japan preferred to use anti-TNF. Nutritional therapy to induce or maintain remission in patients with CD was commonly used in Indonesia, Japan and China. Targeted biopsies by conventional colonoscopy were the most preferred strategy for cancer surveillance in long-standing UC over random biopsies in this region. Conclusions: The present survey found that current diagnostic approaches and clinical management of IBD vary within East Asian countries.
Reproducibility of a New Colour Test
Authors: Burgmüller Michael , Pemp Berthold , Dunavölgyi Roman , Sacu Stefan , Buehl Wolf
Published: January 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the reproducibility of a new colour test, using the Chromatometer CM3. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects were recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology, at the Medical University of Vienna. A total of 40 eyes were tested. Both eyes were tested separately with the Chromatometer CM3. The colour test was repeated after several days. Each time, best-corrected visual acuity was tested using Snellen charts, and colour perception was tested using the Chromatometer CM3. Results: The Chromatometer CM3 showed reproducible results between the two tests at almost every luminosity level. All 4 green-red measurements and 2 blue-yellow brightness measurements showed reproducible results between the first and second tests. Conclusion: The Chromatometer CM3 seems to be an appropriate method to detect changes in colour perception, although the red-green comparison appeared to be more precise than the blue-yellow comparison.
Endotoxin Removal: History of a Mission
Authors: Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2014

One of the key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of severe sepsis and septic shock is lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin, which is a component of the cellular wall of Gram-negative bacteria. Clinical studies have shown that the level of circulating LPS is correlated with illness severity (APACHE II), the onset and amount of organ dysfunction (SOFA) and intensive care unit mortality. Many therapeutic strategies have attempted to neutralize the pathogenic activity of endotoxin in order to interrupt the progression of a septic state towards a worsened clinical framework, i.e. severe sepsis of septic shock. Over the past decades the role of extracorporeal hemoperfusion by means of polymyxin B-based cartridges (PMX-DHP) to bind and neutralize LPS from whole blood has increased in clinical relevance. This is due to an increasing number of studies confirming that a directed therapy of endotoxic shock could significantly influence the course of the septic cascade. This review will outline the meaning of the targeted approach to endotoxin, both highlighting the specific immunologic effect of endotoxin removal by polymyxin B and the evidence of clinical improvements following this kind of therapy in terms of recovery of organ function.
Mutational Profiling in Melanocytic Tumors: Multiple Somatic Mutations and Clinical Implications
Authors: Richetta Antonio Giovanni , Silvestri Valentina , Giancristoforo Simona , Rizzolo Piera , D'Epiro Sara , Graziano Veronica , Mattozzi Carlo , Navazio Anna Sara , Falchetti Mario , Calvieri Stefano , Ottini Laura
Published: January 2014

In this study, we analyzed multiple somatic mutations in 10 genes relevant in melanoma tumorigenesis and targeted therapies. Overall, 45% of the tumors showed mutations and, in particular, 33% had multiple mutations. Based on our results, we conclude that the assessment of mutation status of multiple genes, including CDKN2A, could provide a genetic profile that can be useful as a prognostic and therapeutic marker in melanocytic tumors.
The Frequency and Prognostic Impact of Fever Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Orvin Katia , Kornowski Ran , Bishara Jihad , Bental Tamir , Levi Amos , Noam Natalie , Iakobishvili Zaza , Porter Avital , Sagie Alex , Goldberg Elad
Published: January 2014

Objectives: This study sought to explore the frequency and prognostic implications of infectious and noninfectious fever following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including 194 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI at our institution. We identified and characterized all patients who developed fever within the first 72 h following the procedure. We determined the etiology of the fevers (infectious vs. noninfectious) and assessed their impact on in-hospital complications and 1-year mortality. Results: Following TAVI, 65 (33.5%) patients had fever (mean age 83.7 ± 3.8 years, 70.2% female). An infectious etiology was evident in only 17 of the 65 patients (26.1%) with fever, mainly due to pneumonia (52.9%) and a urinary tract infection (41.2%). No significant difference was observed in baseline characteristics, the mean fever temperature/duration, or signs of inflammatory response between infectious and noninfectious fevers. The mean hospital duration was longer (7 ± 4.8 days vs. 4.7 ± 2.4 days, p = 0.01) among patients with an infectious fever; however, fever had no impact on the 1-year mortality rate (5.9 and 4.5%, respectively, p = 0.71). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that, although fever was a common phenomenon after TAVI, it represented an infectious complication only in a minority of cases. Nevertheless, fever, infectious or not, had no impact on the 1-year mortality rate following TAVI.
Processing of Laminin α Chains Generates Peptides Involved in Wound Healing and Host Defense
Authors: Senyürek Ilknur , Kempf Wolfgang E. , Klein Gerd , Maurer Andreas , Kalbacher Hubert , Schäfer Luisa , Wanke Ines , Christ Christina , Stevanovic Stefan , Schaller Martin , Rousselle Patricia , Garbe Claus , Biedermann Tilo , Schittek Birgit
Published: January 2014

Laminins play a fundamental role in basement membrane architecture and function in human skin. The C-terminal laminin G domain-like (LG) modules of laminin α chains are modified by proteolysis to generate LG1-3 and secreted LG4-5 tandem modules. In this study, we provide evidence that skin-derived cells process and secrete biologically active peptides from the LG4-5 module of the laminin α3, α4 and α5 chain in vitro and in vivo. We show enhanced expression and processing of the LG4-5 module of laminin α3 in keratinocytes after infection and in chronic wounds in which the level of expression and further processing of the LG4-5 module correlated with the speed of wound healing. Furthermore, bacterial or host-derived proteases promote processing of laminin α3 LG4-5. On a functional level, we show that LG4-5-derived peptides play a role in wound healing. Moreover, we demonstrate that LG4-derived peptides from the α3, α4 and α5 chains have broad antimicrobial activity and possess strong chemotactic activity to mononuclear cells. Thus, the data strongly suggest a novel multifunctional role for laminin LG4-5-derived peptides in human skin and its involvement in physiological processes and pathological conditions such as inflammation, chronic wounds and skin infection.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II mRNA-Binding Protein 3 Expression in Effusion Cytology: A Marker for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma Cells and a Potential Prognostic Indicator in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Hye Jeong , Kim Ga-Eon , Lee Ji Shin , Lee Jae Hyuk , Nam Jong Hee , Choi Chan
Published: January 2014

Objective: The aim of our study was to identify the diagnostic value of insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) in distinguishing metastatic adenocarcinoma cells (MAC) from reactive mesothelial cells (RMC) in effusions. We also investigated the role of IMP3 as a prognostic indicator for patients with malignant effusion. Study Design: A total of 156 cell block specimens, including 116 malignant effusions with MAC and 40 benign effusions with RMC, were subjected to immunocytochemical staining for IMP3. Results: Immunocytochemical studies showed positive staining for IMP3 in 91 of 116 (78.4%) cases of MAC and in 3 of 40 (7.5%) cases of RMC. With regard to distinguishing MAC from RMC, the IMP3 reactivity was found to be 78.4% sensitive and 92.5% specific with a positive predictive value of 96.8% and a negative predictive value of 59.7%. Diffuse IMP3 expression (>25%) in MAC from patients with gastric adenocarcinoma was associated with shorter survival (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our data suggest that IMP3 is a helpful marker for differentiating MAC from RMC, and that diffuse IMP3 expression is a poor prognostic indicator in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and malignant effusion.
Lepidopteran Sex Determination: A Cascade of Surprises
Authors: Nagaraju J. , Gopinath G. , Sharma V. , Shukla J.N.
Published: January 2014

Sex determination is a developmental pathway that fixes the sexual fate (male or female) of an individual at early stages of embryonic development. This pathway is ideally suited for evolutionary studies given the astoundingly diverse mechanisms found in the animal kingdom. In particular, insects use multiple different cues to specify the sexual fate of an individual. In this review, we focus on genes and genetic interactions involved in the sex determination of insect species belonging to the order Lepidoptera. Unique features of the lepidopteran sex determination system are discussed.
Acquired Ichthyosis Triggered by an Osseous Hemangiopericytoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Patsatsi Aikaterini , Kyriakou Aikaterini , Karavasilis Vasilios , Tsatsou Fragkiski , Lazaridis Georgios , Kalabalikis Dimitrios , Sotiriadis Dimitrios
Published: January 2014

Ichthyoses are a heterogeneous group of cutaneous keratinization disorders that can be congenital or acquired. Apart from neoplastic disorders, the acquired form of ichthyosis (AI) has been associated with a variety of diseases including infections, autoimmune/inflammatory and endocrine/metabolic diseases as well as nutritional conditions, medications and others. However, malignancy accounts for half of the reported cases, most commonly including lymphoproliferative disorders. We present a case of AI as a paraneoplastic skin manifestation of a primary, osseous hemangiopericytoma (HP) accompanied by multiple liver metastases. We also review the literature and discuss the necessity of investigating underlying diseases, especially malignancy, when adult-onset ichthyosis arises.
Model of Bipolar Electrogram Fractionation and Conduction Block Associated With Activation Wavefront Direction at Infarct Border Zone Lateral Isthmus Boundaries
Authors: Ciaccio Edward J. , Ashikaga Hiroshi , Coromilas James , Hopenfeld Bruce , Cervantes Daniel O. , Wit Andrew L. , Peters Nicholas S. , McVeigh Elliot R. , Garan Hasan
Published: January 2014

Background—

Improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying infarct border zone electrogram fractionation may be helpful to identify arrhythmogenic regions in the postinfarction heart. We describe the generation of electrogram fractionation from changes in activation wavefront curvature in experimental canine infarction.

Methods and Results—

A model was developed to estimate the extracellular signal shape that would be generated by wavefront propagation parallel to versus perpendicular to the lateral boundary (LB) of the reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) isthmus or diastolic pathway. LBs are defined as locations where functional block forms during VT, and elsewhere they have been shown to coincide with sharp thin-to-thick transitions in infarct border zone thickness. To test the model, bipolar electrograms were acquired from infarct border zone sites in 10 canine heart experiments 3 to 5 days after experimental infarction. Activation maps were constructed during sinus rhythm and during VT. The characteristics of model-generated versus actual electrograms were compared. Quantitatively expressed VT fractionation (7.6±1.2 deflections; 16.3±8.9-ms intervals) was similar to model-generated values with wavefront propagation perpendicular to the LB (9.4±2.4 deflections; 14.4±5.2-ms intervals). Fractionation during sinus rhythm (5.9±1.8 deflections; 9.2±4.4-ms intervals) was similar to model-generated fractionation with wavefront propagation parallel to the LB (6.7±3.1 deflections; 7.1±3.8-ms intervals). VT and sinus rhythm fractionation sites were adjacent to LBs ≈80% of the time.

Conclusions—

The results suggest that in a subacute canine infarct model, the LBs are a source of activation wavefront discontinuity and electrogram fractionation, with the degree of fractionation being dependent on activation rate and wavefront orientation with respect to the LB.
Taxonomy, distribution and autecology of Planothidium bagualensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta) a common monoraphid species from southern Brazilian rivers
Authors: WETZEL CARLOS E. , ECTOR LUC
Published: January 2014

A new species in the genus Planothidium is described, Planothidium bagualensis sp. nov., from rivers of the Rio Pardo hydrographical basin, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This account is based on light and scanning electron microscopy. This rather common species was misidentified in previous studies conducted in Brazil as belonging to either a group of species related to Planothidium lanceolatum and its varieties, or Planothidium frequentissimum. The presence of a cavum (“hood”) in the rapheless valve, however, clearly separates it from P. lanceolatum sensu stricto which has only a sinus (“rimmed depression”); the wider and longer cells of P. bagualensis, besides having ultrastructural differences, sets it apart from P. frequentissimum. Planothidium bagualensis is widely reported in freshwater environments of southern Brazil. The species reached up to 45% of relative abundance in epilithic samples from eutrophic lotic environments of the Rio Pardo hydrographical basin. Traditional weighted-averaging approaches (WA) were applied to model phosphates (P), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids and pH optima. P. bagualensis is formally described and the literature reviewed to delimitate its distribution. Published photomicrographs corresponding to Planothidium lanceolatum sensu stricto from South America were up to date only found in the Andean Cordillera (Chile and Bolivia), but until now this taxon has never been illustrated in Brazil.
New data on the morphology and distribution of the enigmatic Schouteden’s sun snake, Helophis schoutedeni (de Witte, 1922) from the Congo Basin
Authors: NAGY ZOLTÁN T. , GVOŽDÍK VÁCLAV , MEIRTE DANNY , COLLET MARCEL , PAUWELS OLIVIER S.G.
Published: January 2014

The Schouteden’s sun snake is the sole representative of its genus, and was originally described by the Belgian herpetologist Gaston-François de Witte as a colubrid, Pelophis schoutedeni (de Witte 1922). Twenty years later, the new generic name Helophis was established by de Witte & Laurent (1942) because the generic name Pelophis was preoccupied by Pelophis Fitzinger, 1843 [type species: Brachyorrhos (now Enhydris) alternans Reuss, 1834]. De Witte (1922) and de Witte & Laurent (1942) gave data on two syntypes (Fig. 1), which are preserved in the herpetological collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium. One, RMCA R.2468, was found in Tondu (at Lac Tumba, Équateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo = DRC), while the other, RMCA R.2469, was collected in Kwamouth (“Moyen-Congo”, now Bandundu Province, DRC). Both were collected by Henri Schouteden in 1921. In the original description, no information was given about the sex of the syntypes. De Witte & Laurent (1942) reported a third specimen (RMCA R.11551) from Léopoldville (today Kinshasa), which was collected in 1937 by Henrard. Since then, this snake species was almost forgotten, and the genus has remained monotypic. To our knowledge, no photographs of living specimens of this species have been published so far. In general, very little is known about the distribution, biology, conservation status or even the phylogenetic relationships of this vividly colored snake species. Although several works listed Helophis schoutedeni as being part of the Congo Basin (DRC) snake fauna (e.g. Kusamba 1990; Meirte 1992; Trape & Roux-Estève 1995; Broadley 1998) sometimes including a basic identification key, no new information was given. Moreover, no recent field guides of the Central African region (e.g., Chippaux 2006) include this snake species. Regarding its classification, Broadley (1998) considered it as a natricine species (Natricinae) while in The Reptile Database (Uetz & Hošek 2013) it is listed as Colubridae incertae sedis, similarly like in Pyron et al. (2013), where Helophis was missing from their phylogenetic meta-analysis.
On some Vetigastropoda (Mollusca, Gastropoda) from the Plio-Pleistocene of the Philippines with descriptions of three new species
Authors: HELWERDA RENATE ARIANE , WESSELINGH FRANK PIETER , WILLIAMS SUZANNE T.
Published: January 2014

We studied representatives of seven vetigastropod families in an extremely well-preserved Plio-Pleistocene mollusc fauna found in relatively deep water sediments (c. 200–300 m paleodepth) from the north-western Philippines. The fauna is systematically described and its paleoenvironmental and paleobiogeographical character is explored. Twenty-six species of gastropods were studied, three of which are described as new: Halystina conoidea n. sp., Calliotropis arenosa n. sp. and Ethminolia wareni n. sp. Four new combinations are proposed: Pseudotalopia taiwanensis (Chen, 2006), Solariella segersi (Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2006), Zetela tabakotanii (Poppe, Tagaro & Dekker, 2006) and Ilanga konos (Vilvens, 2009). Fourteen species are known living. Most extant species nowadays occur around the Philippines. Two of the species also occur in Neogene deposits from western Pacific islands. The new fauna offers insights into the character of relatively deep water Indo-West Pacific mollusc faunas prior to the onset of the late Quaternary ice ages.
A revision of the genus Protarchanara Beck, 1999 with description of a new genus and three new species (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Xyleninae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , MATOV ALEXEJ YU. , GYULAI PÉTER , BEHOUNEK GOTTFRIED
Published: January 2014

The genus Protarchanara Beck, 1999 is revised. The new genus Hydredes gen. n. (type species Hydredes yakobsoni sp. n.) is described. Three new species, Hydredes yakobsoni sp. n., H. shchetkini sp. n. and Protarchanara mythimnoida sp. n. are described from Central Asia. Two species, Arenostola delattini Wiltshire, 1953 and Hydraecia praecipua Hacker & Nekrasov, 2001 are transferred to the genus Hydredes gen. n. Protarchanara brevilinea impudica (Staudinger, 1892) stat. n. is upgraded to subspecific level. Lectotypes for Namangana contumax Püngeler, 1902, Sidemia (Luperina) johni Püngeler, 1914 and Nonagria impudica Staudinger, 1892 are designated. The adults and male and female genitalia are illustrated.
Allopachria longyanensis sp. n. from China (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: JI LANZHU , GUO CHENG , BIAN DONGJU
Published: January 2014

Since the revision of the genus Allopachria Zimmermann, 1924 (Wewalka 2000), a total of 13 new species have been added to this genus (Wewalka 2010; Bian & Ji 2010, 2012; Bian et al. 2013). Together with Allopachria longyanensis sp. nov., the genus now includes 47 known species.        The new species was detected among museum material, collected in 1997 in the Fujian Province, China. Specimens were examined under an Olympus SZX16 stereomicroscope, and further details were studied using an Olympus BX51 compound microscope. The studied material is deposited in the Institute of Applied Ecology, Shenyang, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Aerosol Indirect Effects on Idealized Tropical Cyclone Dynamics
Authors: Herbener Stephen R. , van den Heever Susan C. , Carrió Gustavo G. , Saleeby Stephen M. , Cotton William R.
Published: January 2014

The desire to improve the forecasting skill of the intensity and size of tropical cyclones has prompted the investigation into numerous physical processes that can impact these quantities. The modification of cloud properties via aerosols injected into a tropical cyclone can initiate interactions between cloud microphysics and storm dynamics that ultimately lead to appreciable changes in the large-scale features of the storm. In this modeling study it is shown that the introduction of aerosols at the periphery of an idealized tropical cyclone can impact both the intensity and size of the storm. In general, the storm intensity increases and the storm size decreases with increasing aerosol number concentration. Results from a sensitivity study to the aerosol number concentration in a source located at the storm periphery reveal that the storm intensity is increased up to 17%, and the storm size is reduced up to roughly 16% for aerosol concentrations ranging from 100 to 2000 cm−3. The storm response is approximately a monotonic function of the aerosol concentration amounts. Despite the increase in storm intensity for the heavily polluted case, the overall destructive potential of this case is reduced due to the significant decrease in the storm size.
Observations of Temperature in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere of Tropical Weather Disturbances
Authors: Davis Christopher A. , Ahijevych David A. , Haggerty Julie A. , Mahoney Michael J.
Published: January 2014

Microwave temperature profiler (MTP) data are analyzed to document temperature signatures in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere that accompany Atlantic tropical weather disturbances. The MTP was deployed on the National Science Foundation–National Center for Atmospheric Research Gulfstream V (GV) aircraft during the Pre-Depression Investigation of Cloud-Systems in the Tropics (PREDICT) in August and September 2010.

Temporal variations in cold-point temperature compared with infrared cloud-top temperature reveal that organized deep convection penetrated to near or beyond the cold point for each of the four disturbances that developed into a tropical cyclone. Relative to the lower-tropospheric circulation center, MTP and dropsonde data confirmed a stronger negative radial gradient of temperature in the upper troposphere (10–13 km) of developing disturbances prior to genesis compared with nondeveloping disturbances. The MTP data revealed a somewhat higher and shallower area of relative warmth near the center when compared with dropsonde data. MTP profiles through anvil cloud depicted cooling near 15 km and warming in the lower stratosphere near the time of maximum coverage of anvil clouds shortly after sunrise. Warming occurred through a deep layer of the upper troposphere toward local noon, presumably associated with radiative heating in cloud. The temperature signatures of anvil cloud above 10-km altitude contributed to the radial gradient of temperature because of the clustering of deep convection near the center of circulation. However, it is concluded that these signatures may be more a result of properties of convection than a direct distinguishing factor of genesis.
Taiwan–US Relations
Authors: Cheng Tuan Y.
Published: January 2014

Taiwan’s engagement with China has complicated its relations with the United States, even though Washington supports Taipei’s engagement policy. Various American domestic actors are suspicious of Taiwan’s new relations with China and raise their concerns. Some question Taiwan’s loyalty and consistency, and some call for change of American policy toward Taiwan including arms sales. They are also displeased with Taiwan’s actions on the Diaoyutai Islands disputes. Indeed, it is extremely difficult for a small power like Taiwan to manage the relations with two great powers, especially when they are in competition. The purpose of the article is to analyse how Taiwan keeps up its traditional ties with the United States and attempts to deal with the issues raised by the uncertainties in the relationship.
Stability with Chinese Characteristics
Authors: Narayanan Raviprasad
Published: January 2014

Even as Xi Jinping begins to make his personal imprint on Cross-Strait relations, he has to contend with his predecessor, Hu Jintao’s policy towards Taiwan that generated a modus vivendi, acting as a precursor to a slew of trade related agreements between the two sides leading to the ECFA in 2010. On Taiwan, the ‘status quo’ aspect of Cross-Strait relations has assumed overwhelming consensus with calls for deeper economic engagement with the mainland. Broadly, a template with its own characteristics emerges of a selective reconciling of differences with certain accommodations of interests making the Cross-Strait relations a unique model. This article situates Cross-Strait relations during Hu Jintao’s term from 2002–2012, and advances the proposition that the mechanics of an eventual integration are underway with deeper economic cooperation being the first phase of a comprehensive framework under construction. To Beijing, its behaviour on Cross-Strait issues is intrinsic to its announced process of ‘peaceful development’. However, the ‘relative’ success of the on-going process of economic integration does not have to be interpreted as an overwhelming endorsement of the methodology adopted, since closer relations with the mainland is a deeply divisive and politically charged issue in Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Relations with India
Authors: Tien-Sze Fang
Published: January 2014

‘India’s rise’ has been the main driver of the India–Taiwan relationship over the recent years. Acknowledging India’s growing profile and influence in international society in the early 2000s, Taiwan has shown greater willingness to team up with India. As a result, Taiwan favours a more engagement-based policy toward India. Treating ‘India’s rise’ as the main factor, this article tries to provide a new perspective for understanding India–Taiwan relations. For this purpose, the article will address the development of the relationship, looking specifically at the economic, trade and strategic cooperation as well as educational and academic exchanges. This article concludes that the two sides are poised for constructive engagement but need to establish a long-term framework for realising the full potential.
Early warning signals for war in the news
Authors: Chadefaux Thomas
Published: January 2014

There have been more than 200 wars since the start of the 20th century, leading to about 35 million battle deaths. However, efforts at forecasting conflicts have so far performed poorly for lack of fine-grained and comprehensive measures of geopolitical tensions. In this article, a weekly risk index is derived by analyzing a comprehensive dataset of historical newspaper articles over the past century. News reports have the advantage of conveying information about contemporaries’ interpretation of events and not having to rely on meaning inferred a posteriori with the benefit of hindsight. I applied this new index to a dataset of all wars within and between countries recorded since 1900, and found that the number of conflict-related news items increases dramatically prior to the onset of conflict. Using only information available at the time, the onset of a war within the next few months could be predicted with up to 85% confidence and predictions significantly improved upon existing methods both in terms of binary predictions (as measured by the area under the curve) and calibration (measured by the Brier score). Predictions also extend well before the onset of war – more than one year prior to interstate wars, and six months prior to civil wars – giving policymakers significant additional warning time.
With friends like these, who needs democracy? The effect of transnational support from rivals on post-conflict democratization
Authors: Colaresi Michael
Published: January 2014

Previous research has uncovered only ambiguous evidence of the mechanisms that support or inhibit democratic trajectories in the aftermath of civil war. Here I suggest that one specific form of transnational aid during a civil war may have reverberating consequences after the fighting stops. Specifically, when a state emerges to control the executive after a conflict with the help of a previous interstate enemy, the leadership is vulnerable to political attacks on their patriotism and judgment. As such, open democracy becomes a less attractive option for these executives. I investigate this proposition using difference-in-difference matching estimation, as well as several alternative specifications. The findings strongly suggest the presence of disincentives to democratize for those executives that received help from external rivals. This research provides a new set of tools for identifying the causes and potential remedies to deficient democracy after civil wars.
Holocene landscape changes and wood use in Patagonia: Plant macroremains from Cerro Casa de Piedra 7
Authors: Caruso Fermé Laura , Civalero Maria Teresa
Published: January 2014

This paper studies the different practices employed in the acquisition of woody material used by hunter–gatherer societies from the northwestern region of the Santa Cruz Province, Argentine Patagonia, during the early and middle Holocene. In addressing this theme, we study carbonized and non-carbonized wood recovered from six stratigraphic levels from the Cerro Casa de Piedra 7 site. This research revealed that during the lowest level of occupation, a distinct range of woody species were utilized; these were subsequently absent in the rest of the stratigraphical levels studied. In fact, all the other levels analyzed presented the homogeneous presence of a single plant species: Nothofagus pumilio. This species has the largest representation among both the charcoal and uncharred wood fragments of the six levels studied. The study of the assemblage samples allowed us to identify differences between the various archaeological levels, which could be the product of behavioral and/or environmental differences.
Social TV and the 2012 Election
Authors: Nee Rebecca Coates
Published: January 2014

The 2012 presidential election cycle was marked by an increase in simultaneous media use, often known as “social TV,” particularly among young adults whose attention to TV has fragmented in the digital age. This study is one of the first to apply uses and gratifications theory to the simultaneous use of both social media and mass media. Although a low survey response rate hinders generalizability of this study, the considerable size of the sample ( N = 2,727) makes this research useful for identifying motivations and political outcomes of using two screens. Findings show those who actively used social media while watching TV for sociocognitive motives were likely to have engaged with one of the 2012 presidential candidates by following them or sharing their content on Facebook or Twitter. Active social TV users also reported that they weighed the candidates’ social media presence when making voting decisions. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Campaign News Genres, Audience Characteristics, and Media Perceptions
Authors: Brewer Paul R. , Young Dannagal Goldthwaite , Jones Philip Edward
Published: January 2014

This study builds on theories of “relative hostile media perceptions” to assess how audience characteristics and the ideological content of programming interact to shape media perceptions across different news genres. It uses a field experiment in which participants were randomly assigned to watch coverage of the 2012 Iowa Republican caucuses on broadcast network evening news ( ABC World News), a conservative-oriented political talk show (Fox News Channel’s Hannity), or a political satire show (Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart). Partisanship and age shaped evaluations of coverage across these different genres: Partisans held more favorable views of news aligned with their own views, older participants favored network news, and younger participants favored political comedy. Additionally, viewing network news or political satire—but not conservative opinion talk—fostered more positive evaluations of the news media in general. The results illuminate how viewers form media perceptions in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.