bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Glutaredoxin Activity as a Marker of Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Levin Anna , Nair Deepika , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Bárány Peter , Heimburger Olof , Anderstam Björn , Stenvinkel Peter , Bruchfeld Annette , Ungerstedt Johanna S.
Published: September 2018

Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in its complications, in particular cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death among patients undergoing dialysis treatment. We recently described that Glutaredoxin1 (Grx), an intracellular antioxidant, catalyzes oxidoreductase reactions also extracellularly, and that serum Grx levels correlate to disease severity in type 2 diabetes. Aim: In the current study we assess Grx as a potential clinical marker of oxidative stress in CKD. Methods: We examined Grx activity in 25 patients with different stages of chronic kidney failure, 19 control subjects, and 36 patients at initiation of dialysis and after 2 years of dialysis. Results: We found that Grx activity was significantly higher in CKD patients compared to control subjects, indicating an oxidized extracellular environment in CKD. Grx levels correlated to interleukin-6 and pentosidine, but not to age or GFR. In dialysis patients with Grx sampling before dialysis start and after 2 years of dialysis, Grx levels increased more in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in peritoneal dialysis patients, indicating an increased oxidative stress imbalance in HD patients. Patients who experienced a stroke or myocardial infarction at any time had a significantly higher increase in Grx during the 2 years of dialysis, compared to patients without stroke or myocardial infarction, indicating a possible association between high Grx levels and a cardiovascular event. Conclusion: Our pilot study indicates that Grx may be a useful marker for assessing the degree of oxidative stress in CKD, however this needs further investigation in a larger prospective patient cohort.
Nitrosonifedipine, a Photodegradation Product of Nifedipine, Suppresses Pharmacologically Induced Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Authors: Imanishi Masaki , Izawa-Ishizawa Yuki , Sakurada Takumi , Kohara Yusuke , Horinouchi Yuya , Sairyo Eriko , Zamami Yoshito , Takechi Kenshi , Chuma Masayuki , Fukushima Keijo , Ikeda Yasumasa , Fujino Hiromichi , Yoshizumi Masanori , Tsuchiya Koichiro , Tamaki Toshiaki , Ishizawa Keisuke
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: We have reported that nitrosonifedipine (NO-NIF), a photodegradation product of nifedipine, has strong antioxidant and endothelial protective effects, and can suppress several cardiovascular diseases in animal models. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of NO-NIF on aortic aneurysm formation. Methods: The mice were infused with β-aminopropionitrile for 2 weeks and angiotensin II for 6 weeks to induce aortic aneurysm formation. The oxidative stress was measured by dihydroethidium staining and nitrotyrosine staining. The expressions of inflammation-related genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining. To clarify the mechanisms of how NO-NIF suppresses vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, endothelial cells were used in in vitro system. Results: NO-NIF suppressed pharmacologically induced the aortic aneurysm formation and aortic expansion without blood pressure changes. NO-NIF suppressed elastin degradation and matrix metalloproteinase-2 mRNA expression. NO-NIF suppressed the reactive oxygen species-cyclophilin A positive feedback loop. Upregulated mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes and endothelial VCAM-1 were suppressed by NO-NIF co-treatment in aortae. Conclusion: NO-NIF has the potential to be a new, nifedipine-derived therapeutic drug for suppressing aortic aneurysm formation by directly improving aortic structure with its strong ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
The Safety and Efficacy of Regional Citrate Anticoagulation in Albumin-Assisted Liver Dialysis for Extracorporeal Liver Support in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lion Richard Paul , Tufan Pekkucuksen Naile , Srivaths Poyyapakkam , Desai Moreshwar S. , Arikan Ayse Akcan
Published: September 2018

Aims: To establish the safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) for pediatric liver failure (LF) patients receiving extracorporeal liver support (ELS) with albumin-assisted dialysis. Methods: Retrospective review of pediatric LF patients receiving ELS from April 2014 to December 2016 at a tertiary children’s hospital pediatric intensive care unit. Demographic and ELS data collected by chart review. Citrate accumulation (CA) was defined as total calcium (mmol/L): ionized calcium (mmol/L) > 2.5 (tCa:iCa). Efficacy was assessed by treatment duration. Safety was assessed by adverse events: bleeding, hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, unplanned treatment discontinuation. Results: Fifteen patients (median age 3 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.7–8.0]) received 108 ELS treatments (median 5 [IQR 4–7.5]). Sixty-eight episodes of CA were identified. Of those, 6 coincided with intervention and 1 coincided with ELS discontinuation. There were no deaths attributed to ELS or RCA. Conclusion: RCA provides safe and effective anticoagulation for pediatric LF patients requiring ELS.
Cytological Findings of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor-Derived Bone Metastasis
Authors: Kanda Hiroaki , Furuta Noriyuki , Takazawa Yutaka , Furuta Reiko , Ae Keisuke , Sugiyama Yuko , Ishikawa Yuichi
Published: September 2018

Objective: Procedures for diagnosing bone tumors should be rapid and minimally invasive. Thus, cytological examinations are more useful for such purposes than histological examinations. In order to identify cytomorphological findings that could be used to diagnose bone metastasis from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), previous cases were reviewed. Study Design: Cytological samples of 7 lesions from 4 patients with GIST-derived bone metastasis, which were obtained from 2001 to 2017 at the JFCR Cancer Institute Hospital, were reviewed. Results: The metastasis of GIST to the bone was clinically suspected before the cytological and histological examinations in all cases since they all involved other metastatic lesion(s), and characteristic osteolytic lesions were detected on radiological images. Although various cell shapes were encountered, spindle cell proliferation was seen in all cytological samples. No pleomorphism was apparent. Characteristic nuclear findings were observed. All of the cases could be diagnosed as GIST-derived bone metastasis. Conclusion: GIST-derived bone metastasis can be diagnosed by examining cytological samples.
Number Needed to Diagnose, Predict, or Misdiagnose: Useful Metrics for Non-Canonical Signs of Cognitive Status?
Authors: Larner A.J.
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: “Number needed to” metrics may hold more intuitive appeal for clinicians than standard diagnostic accuracy measures. The aim of this study was to calculate “number needed to diagnose” (NND), “number needed to predict” (NNP), and “number needed to misdiagnose” (NNM) for neurological signs of possible value in assessing cognitive status. Methods: Data sets from pragmatic diagnostic accuracy studies examining easily observed and dichotomised neurological signs (“attended alone” sign, “attended with” sign, head turning sign, applause sign, la maladie du petit papier) were analysed to calculate the NND, NNP, and NNM. Results: All measures of discrimination showed broad ranges. The range of NND and NNP suggested that these signs were, with a single exception, of value for correctly diagnosing or predicting cognitive status (presence or absence of cognitive impairment) when between 2 and 4 patients were examined. However, NNM showed similar values (range 1–5 patients) suggesting risk of misdiagnosis. Conclusion: NND, NNP, and NNM may be useful, intuitive, metrics in assessing the utility of diagnostic tests in day-to-day clinical practice. A ratio of NNM to either NND or NNP, termed the likelihood to diagnose or misdiagnose, may clarify the utility or inutility of diagnostic tests.
Normative Changes and Individual Differences in Early Moral Judgments: A Constructivist Developmental Perspective
Authors: Smetana Judith G. , Jambon Marc , Ball Courtney L.
Published: September 2018

This paper discusses the emergence and development of morality as a distinct form of social knowledge in early childhood. Drawing on social domain theory, we define morality in terms of individuals’ concerns regarding others’ welfare, fair treatment, rights, and the equitable distribution of resources. Moral judgments are described as building on early predispositions but constructed through children’s varied social experiences. We highlight some of the morally relevant interactions in the first few years of life that contribute to early moral development and then summarize evidence regarding young children’s increasing ability to distinguish moral and nonmoral concepts in their judgments. Consistent with our constructivist emphasis, we also draw attention to sources of individual differences in early moral judgment development. We conclude with some suggestions for future research that build on the innovative methods and new findings reported here to further expand our understanding of early moral development.
Attenuation of Remifentanil-Induced Hyperalgesia by Betulinic Acid Associates with Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Spinal Dorsal Horn
Authors: Lv Chang-Cheng , Xia Man-Li , Shu Shu-Juan , Chen Fei , Jiang Li-Shan
Published: September 2018

Remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) is known to be associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Betulinic acid (BA) was reported to reduce visceral pain owing to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. Here, we ­explored whether BA can attenuate RIH through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in spinal dorsal horn. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control, Incision, RIH, and RIH pre-treated with BA. After pretreated with BA (25 mg/kg, i.g.) for 7 days, rats were subcutaneously infused with remifentanil (40 μg/kg) for 30 min during right plantar incision surgery to induce RIH. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT), paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL), spinal oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators were determined. Intraoperative remifentanil infusion induced postoperative hyperalgesia, as evidenced by the significant decrease in PWMT and PWTL (p < 0.01), and the significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation evidenced by up-regulations of malondialdehyde, 3-nitrotyrosine, interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α (p < 0.01) in spinal dorsal horn and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity (p < 0.01) in dorsal root ganglion, as well as a decrease in manganese superoxide ­dismutase activity (p < 0.01) compared with control and ­incision groups. All these results mentioned above were markedly reversed by pre-treatment with BA (p < 0.01) compared with RIH group. These findings demonstrated that BA can effectively attenuate RIH, which associates with potentially inhibiting oxidative stress and subsequently down-regulating MMP-9-related pro-inflammatory cyokines in spinal dorsal horn.
Liver Resection for Hepatic Metastases from Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Grimme Frederike A.B. , Seesing Maarten F.J. , van Hillegersberg Richard , van Coevorden Frits , de Jong Koert P. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Verhoef Cornelis , de Wilt Johannes H.W. ,   On behalf of the Dutch Liver Surgery Working Group
Published: September 2018

Background: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of resection of sarcoma liver metastases, and to identify possible prognostic factors for long-term survival. Methods: All patients who underwent resection of liver metastases of sarcoma in the Netherlands from 1998 to 2014 were included. Study data was retrospectively collected from patient files. Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: Some 38 patients treated in 16 hospitals were included (15 male, 23 female). The median age was 57 years (37–80 years). The most common histological subtype was leiomyosarcoma (63%). The predominant site of primary tumour was the abdomen (59%). R0 resection was achieved in 16 patients. Mortality was 3 and 16% of included patients had 1 or more complications. The median follow-up period was 18 months (range 1–161). After liver resection, 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 88, 54, and 42% respectively. Median overall survival was 46 months (1–161 months). One- and three-year progression-free survival (PFS) after liver resection were 54 and 19% respectively. Median PFS was 16 months (1–61 months). Conclusions: Liver surgery for sarcoma metastases is safe and leads to a relatively good survival. The choice for surgical treatment should always be discussed in a multidisciplinary sarcoma and liver team.
A New Series of Sorbent Devices for Multiple Clinical Purposes: Current Evidence and Future Directions
Authors: Ankawi Ghada , Fan Weixuan , Pomarè Montin Diego , Lorenzin Anna , Neri Mauro , Caprara Carlotta , de Cal Massimo , Ronco Claudio
Published: September 2018

Adsorption is an extracorporeal technique utilized for blood purification. It complements convection and diffusion (the main modalities of solute removal). It involves the passage of blood (or plasma) through an adsorption cartridge, where solutes are removed by direct binding to the sorbent material. Over the years, new adsorption cartridges, with improved characteristics have been developed. Furthermore, the therapeutic applications of adsorption have expanded. These now involve the treatment of inflammatory conditions, chronic uremic symptoms, and autoimmune disease, in addition to intoxication, which was once considered the classical indication for adsorption therapy. HA130, HA230, and HA330 (Jafron, Zhuhai City, China) are among the widely used adsorption cartridges in China. There has been sufficient body of evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. In this review, we aim to highlight their main clinical applications.
Friction Atlas: Making Authority Visually and Physically Discernible in Public Space
Authors: Patelli Paolo , Vendrame Giuditta
Published: September 2018

This visual essay presents and reflects on Friction Atlas—an ongoing design project that engages both critically and playfully with the spatial presence and implications of law in urban public spaces. Through spatial interventions on public surfaces, the work appropriates and visualizes the omnipresent scripts of law that, drafted onto our public bodies, regulate public assembly and behaviors in urban space. Through performative actions, such codes are then made physically discernible. Law imprints upon flesh a quiet definition of movements and gestures, unconscious reactions, behaviors and anticipations. Pushing the limits of representation, Friction Atlas turns these dynamics into a conscious, participatory choreography. What happens when we redefine the rules as the visible surface of a playing field?
Building Capabilities Through Democratic Dialogues
Authors: Huybrechts Liesbeth , Dreessen Katrien , Hagenaars Ben
Published: September 2018

Designers are increasingly involved in designing alternative futures for their cities, together with or self-organized by citizens. This article discusses the fact that (groups of) citizens often lack the support or negotiation power to engage in or sustain parts of these complex design processes. Therefore the “capabilities” of these citizens to collectively visualize, reflect, and act in these processes need to be strengthened. We discuss our design process of “democratic dialogues” in Traces of Coal—a project that researches and designs together with the citizens an alternative spatial future for a partially obsolete railway track in the Belgian city of Genk. This process is framed in a Participatory Design approach and, more specifically, in what is called “infrastructuring,” or the process of developing strategies for the long-term involvement of participants in the design of spaces, objects, or systems. Based on this process, we developed a typology of how the three clusters of capabilities (i.e., visualize, reflect, and act) are supported through democratic dialogues in PD processes, linking them to the roles of the designer, activities, and used tools.
A Legal Concept in Motion: The ‘Spreader of Corruption’ (sā‘ī bi’l-fesād) from Qarakhanid to Ottoman Jurisprudence
Authors: Aykan Yavuz
Published: September 2018

This article traces the genealogies of the legal concept ‘spreader of corruption’. Although some scholars working on Ottoman law consider this concept to be part of the Ottoman ḳānūn tradition, the history of its adaptation by Ottoman jurists actually dates back to the Qarakhanid period (eleventh century CE). It acquired its legal meaning as a result of jurisprudential debates among Ḥanafī jurists in the context of political turmoil and violent factionalism among madhhabs. Later, Seljuq and Golden Horde legal-textual traditions served as conduit for Ottoman jurists to adapt the concept in order to apply it to a variety of criminal acts. This article explores how the ‘spreader of corruption’ concept was reinterpreted over the centuries and how it contributed to the enforcement of law in the Ottoman context.
What Do Philosophers Do? Maddy, Moore and Wittgenstein
Authors: Coliva Annalisa
Published: September 2018

The paper discusses and presents an alternative interpretation to Penelope Maddy’s reading of G.E. Moore’s and Ludwig Wittgenstein’s anti-skeptical strategies as proposed in her book What Do Philosophers Do? Skepticism and the Practice of Philosophy. It connects this discussion with the methodological claims Maddy puts forward and offers an alternative to her therapeutic reading of Wittgenstein’s On Certainty.
Synonymy and notes on a rare species of Vriesea (Bromeliaceae) from the Atlantic forest hotspot of Bahia and Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: VERSIEUX LEONARDO M. , NOGUEIRA MATHEUS , CONCEIÇÃO ABEL A.
Published: September 2018

During the preparation of the Flora of Bahia we studied the sympatry of Vriesea noblickii Martinelli & Leme (1987: 346) and V. sandrae Leme (1995: 147) along the same mountain range in Santa Teresinha municipality. Fieldwork was conducted in similar vegetation along Bahia and Minas Gerais states and herbaria collections were revised aiming to comprehend their morphological variation. Here, we present an updated distribution and conservational comments about V. noblickii, including V. sandrae as a synonym. Although proposed earlier (Luther 2001), this synonymy has been ignored by most databases and the name V. sandrae is currently used for identifications of specimens from Bahia causing confusion. We also indicate a new record for northeastern Minas Gerais expanding the area occupied by V. noblickii.
A new species of Amyema (Loranthaceae) and a new Gastrodia (Orchidaceae) record for the Philippines from Negros Island
Authors: PELSER PIETER B. , OLIMPOS SHIELLA MAE B. , O’BYRNE PETER , BARCELONA JULIE F.
Published: September 2018

Our recent fieldwork in the island of Negros, Philippines resulted in the discovery of a species new to science, Amyema lisae (Loranthaceae), and a new record for the Philippines, Gastrodia sabahensis (Orchidaceae), which we describe and report here. Amyema lisae differs from similar species with verticillate phyllotaxy and inflorescences of simple umbels by having relatively smaller leaves and 5-merous flowers that are yellow and tomentose. This new species is named in honor of Lisa J. Paguntalan, a champion of biodiversity conservation in the Philippines. In the same island, we also collected Gastrodia sabahensis, previously only known to occur in Borneo. Our specimens differ from typical plants of this species by having larger flowers with column bases that are slightly broader and stelidia that are broad with blunt apices.
Notes on the identity of two Indian species of Lindernia sensu stricto (Linderniaceae), and lectotypification of the name L. srilankana
Authors: PRASAD MANAGVAYAL GOVINDAN , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: September 2018

The taxonomic identity of two Indian species of Lindernia s. str. is revised and updated. Thus, the following names at the species rank are reduced to synonymy of what follows them in parenthesis viz. L. calemeriana (L. srilankana) and L. parviflora (L. dubia). Lectotype of L. srilankana is also designated for the first time.
A new species of Genista sect. Spartocarpus (Fabaceae) from Karaman (Turkey)
Authors: DİNÇ MUHİTTİN , BAĞCI YAVUZ
Published: September 2018

Genista Linnaeus (1753: 709) is a large genus of spiny and non-spiny shrubs including over 90 species, mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region but also represented throughout most of western and central Europe, and extending to the southeast of the former USSR, Turkey, Syria and North Africa. The genus is usually arranged into three subgenera and 10 sections (Gibbs 1966, 1968). Among these, Genista subg. Spartocarpus Spach (1844: 240) is widespread in the Balkan Peninsula and the eastern Mediterranean, but has a secondary centre in the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, Sicily, north Africa, and southern Spain (Pardo et al. 2004). According to the most recent generic revision (Gibbs 1966), G. subg. Spartocarpus includes four sections: sect. Spartocarpus, sect. Acanthospartum Spach (1844: 247), sect. Fasselospartum Gibbs (1966: 20) and sect. Cephalospartum Spach (1844: 254).
Miconia rheophytica (Melastomataceae: Miconieae), a new and endangered species from the Magdalena Medio region of Colombia
Authors: POSADA-HERRERA JUAN MAURICIO , ALMEDA FRANK
Published: September 2018

Miconia rheophytica is described, illustrated, and compared with presumed relatives in the Octopleura clade. It is distinguished by its narrowly elliptic to ovate-lanceolate leaf blades with entire to subentire margins that have evenly spaced spreading smooth eglandular trichomes 0.8−1.4 mm long, an indumentum of dendritic trichomes with short axes and terete radiating arms on distal internodes, adaxial petiole surfaces, and primary and secondary veins on abaxial leaf surfaces, unribbed hypanthia that are constricted and tapered distally below the torus and covered with a mixture of basally roughened trichomes and dendritic trichomes with short axes, anthers with two ± truncate apical pores, eglandular anther appendages, 3-locular ovary, and berries that are bright blue at maturity. It is known only from flash-flooded riverbanks in three river canyons in the Magdalena Medio region of Antioquia, Colombia. A conservation assessment of “Endangered” is recommended for this species based on IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Prockia jaliscana (Salicaceae), a new species from Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: JIMÉNEZ RAMÍREZ JAIME , CRUZ DURÁN RAMIRO
Published: September 2018

Prockia jaliscana is described and illustrated as a new species from the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This species is similar to P. oaxacana; however, it differs from the latter because it is dioecious, presents linear or lanceolate to foliaceous stipules, has male and female flowers different from those of P. oxacana, apetalous staminate flowers and presents an ovary with ovules in both basal and parietal placentae.
Bryozoa (Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata) from polymetallic nodules in the Russian exploration area, Clarion–Clipperton Fracture Zone, eastern Pacific Ocean—taxon novelty and implications of mining
Authors: GRISCHENKO ANDREI V. , GORDON DENNIS P. , MELNIK VIACHESLAV P.
Published: September 2018

This work describes Bryozoa of the orders Cyclostomata and Ctenostomata found associated with polymetallic nodules collected by box-coring in the eastern part of the Russian exploration area of the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ) under contract to Yuzhmorgeologiya. Scanning electron microscopic study of 358 cyclostome colonies and 14 ctenostome colonies from 4510–5280 m depth has resulted in the recognition of two new species of Ctenostomata, and 14 new species, nine new genera and two new families of Cyclostomata; three additional species of Cyclostomata are left in open nomenclature pending the discovery of missing reproductive characters. The taxonomic novelty is thus notable. One of the new Ctenostomata represents the first living example of the previously monotypic Late Cretaceous genus Pierrella. Twelve of the new cyclostome taxa have well-developed gonozooids, indicating that embryonic cloning (polyembryony) is normal in this deep-sea environment. On the other hand, one indeterminate tubuliporine and two rectangulates have dimorphic peristomes. In the latter two cases, enough mature colonies were found to suggest that this feature is normal, and that the dimorphic zooids are possibly female—in other words, capacious incubation chambers are apparently lacking, and therefore polyembryony would also be lacking or reduced. In one of these species, evidence is presented to suggest that the ancestrular zooid can reproduce precociously. Of the species reported here, only one has previously been found outside the exploration area, highlighting both the limited knowledge we have of bryozoans in the deep Pacific and/or a fauna that is largely endemic to the nodule environment. An additional 31 species of Cheilostomata have also been discovered that will be described in a subsequent publication. Most bryozoans are macrofaunal-sized, so are both inadequately determinable and overlooked in images obtained by remotely operated vehicles; yet, with 50 species, Bryozoa is the most speciose sessile macrofaunal phylum on the nodules. Nodules constitute hard substrata in an area otherwise mostly inhospitable for Bryozoa, hence mining would lead to loss of critical habitat. Further, as suspension-feeders, bryozoans are highly susceptible to smothering by suspended sediment, and non-mined areas closely adjacent to extraction zones would likely also be affected and their associated bryozoan fauna obliterated. More data are required on the distribution of the CCFZ bryozoan species elsewhere in the east Central Pacific to determine if mining would lead to local taxon extirpation or global extinction at both low and high taxonomic levels.
Dynamics and Predictability of El Niño–Southern Oscillation: An Australian Perspective on Progress and Challenges
Authors: Santoso Agus , Hendon Harry , Watkins Andrew , Power Scott , Dommenget Dietmar , England Matthew H. , Frankcombe Leela , Holbrook Neil J. , Holmes Ryan , Hope Pandora , Lim Eun-Pa , Luo Jing-Jia , McGregor Shayne , Neske Sonja , Nguyen Hanh , Pepler Acacia , Rashid Harun , Gupta Alex Sen , Taschetto Andréa S. , Wang Guomin , Abellán Esteban , Sullivan Arnold , Huguenin Maurice F. , Gamble Felicity , Delage Francois
Published: September 2018

El Niño and La Niña, the warm and cold phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), cause significant year-to-year disruptions in global climate, including in the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere. Australia is one of the countries where its climate, including droughts and flooding rains, is highly sensitive to the temporal and spatial variations of ENSO. The dramatic impacts of ENSO on the environment, society, health, and economies worldwide make the application of reliable ENSO predictions a powerful way to manage risks and resources. An improved understanding of ENSO dynamics in a changing climate has the potential to lead to more accurate and reliable ENSO predictions by facilitating improved forecast systems. This motivated an Australian national workshop on ENSO dynamics and prediction that was held in Sydney, Australia, in November 2017. This workshop followed the aftermath of the 2015/16 extreme El Niño, which exhibited different characteristics to previous extreme El Niños and whose early evolution since 2014 was challenging to predict. This essay summarizes the collective workshop perspective on recent progress and challenges in understanding ENSO dynamics and predictability and improving forecast systems. While this essay discusses key issues from an Australian perspective, many of the same issues are important for other ENSO-affected countries and for the international ENSO research community.
Spatial Translation and Regression in Dreams: The Nicholas Young Phenomenon
Authors: Balter Leon
Published: September 2018

The Nicholas Young phenomenon involves an immediate shift in dreams to more regressive mental functioning whenever, in the manifest ideational content, the dreamer or protagonist crosses a topographical boundary or threshold (spatial translation). This phenomenon thus furthers the regression typical in dreams. Eight examples of the Young phenomenon are presented. An attempt to explain this highly specialized phenomenon addresses dreams in series, or dream sections in series, and refers to Scherner’s Law, which covers their sequential trend toward regression. Referring to the mind’s self-observing capacity, Silberer’s “symbolism of the threshold” is invoked to explain the spatial translation of the Young phenomenon.
The potential for urban surveillance to help support people who are homeless: Evidence from Cairns, Australia
Authors: Clarke Andrew , Parsell Cameron
Published: September 2018

Numerous studies have documented how surveillance practices, such as CCTV, are deployed to support ‘revanchist’ responses to homelessness wherein punitive policing and urban design practices are used to exclude people who are homeless from prime urban areas. However, few studies have considered the capacity of surveillance to facilitate supportive responses to homelessness. In this paper, we explore this supportive capacity through an ethnographic case study of responses to homelessness in the regional Australian city of Cairns. We demonstrate that, whilst surveillance is deployed to police the homeless in Cairns, it is also used to facilitate social services to access and engage with them, for example by using CCTV as a means to coordinate supportive street outreach activities. We conclude from this that there is no necessary relationship between surveillance and punitive/revanchist responses to homelessness, therefore efforts should be made to document and promote its positive uses alongside critiquing its punitive ones.
The Effects of Medicare Accountable Organizations on Inpatient Mortality Rates
Authors: Cutler Eli , Karaca Zeynal , Henke Rachel , Head Michael , Wong Herbert S.
Published: September 2018

Studies have linked Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to improved primary care, but there is little research on how ACOs affect care in other settings. We examined whether Medicare ACOs have improved hospital quality of care, specifically focusing on preventable inpatient mortality. We used 2008-2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project hospital discharge data from 34 states’ Medicare ACO and non-ACO hospitals in conjunction with data from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey and the Survey of Care Systems and Payment. We estimated discharge-level logistic regression models that measured the relationship between ACO affiliation and mortality following admissions for acute myocardial infarction, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, coronary artery bypass grafting, and pneumonia, controlling for patient demographic mix, hospital, and year. Our results suggest that, on average, Medicare ACO hospitals are not associated with improved mortality rates for the studied IQI conditions. Stakeholders may potentially consider providing ACOs with incentives or designing new programs for ACOs to target inpatient mortality reductions.
From Open Doors to Closed Gates: Intragenerational Reverse Incorporation in New Immigrant Destinations
Authors: Jones Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Existing paradigms of immigrant incorporation fruitfully describe immigrants’ upward or downward mobility across generations. Yet we know very little about intragenerational change. Drawing on a case in which upwardly mobile Latino immigrants see their gains reversed, I model what I call intragenerational reverse incorporation. In doing so, I theorize how incorporation gains can be undone through institutional closure and shifts in reception attitudes spurred by securitization and intensified immigration enforcement. Drawing on data gathered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, I show how these changes both marginalized and racialized Latino immigrants, who in turn internalized and politicized their new status.
Measuring the Impact of Motivations on Travelers’ Strategic Decisions in Different Traffic Conditions: Data Collection, Analysis, and Modeling
Authors: Pan Dong , Hamdar Samer H. , Campbell John L. , Farrahi Amir
Published: September 2018

Continued growth in travel demand and the corresponding congestion occurrence accentuates the need for active transportation and demand management (ATDM) for predictive rather than reactive congestion mitigation strategies. These strategies (applications) reduce demand and thus improve the performance of different surface transportation facilities. Earlier research work mainly utilized simulations and field experiments to suggest improvements to ATDM applications associated with pricing and/or provision of information to travelers; however, few such studies considered the dynamics of travelers’ motivations as an essential component in the performance of a given ATDM application. In other words, how travelers’ motivations change as a function of the ATDM applications’ characteristics remains largely unexplored. This study thus examines the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to analyze travelers’ motivations associated with different mode choices and captures and measures the corresponding dynamics of motivations when facing different surrounding circumstances and ATDM regimes. Utilizing a survey and an online data collection platform to estimate motivational patterns behind travelers’ mode choices, following and extending the TPB paradigm, the study concludes that: (a) travelers’ mode choices are primarily determined by intentions (motivations); (b) income and age are two additional characteristics that influence mode choices; (c) travelers’ reasoned choices are mainly attitude-oriented; and (d) different attitudinal aspects are accentuated or compromised along with the changes of travel conditions and ATDM applications.
Impact of Travel Time Constraints on Taste Heterogeneity and Non-Linearity in Simple Time–Cost Trade-Offs
Authors: Tjiong Jeff , Hess Stephane , Dekker Thijs , Cabral Manuel Ojeda
Published: September 2018

Discrete choice models are a key technique for estimating the value of travel time (VTT). Often, stated choice data are used in which respondents are presented with trade-offs between travel time and travel cost and possibly additional attributes. There is a clear possibility that some respondents experience time constraints, leaving some of the presented options unfeasible. A model not incorporating information on these constraints would explain choices for faster and more expensive options as an indication that those respondents have a higher VTT when in reality they may be forced to select the more expensive option as a result of their personal constraints. This paper puts forward the hypothesis that this can have major impacts on findings in terms of heterogeneity in VTT measures. This paper examines via simulation the bias in VTT estimates and especially preference heterogeneity when such constraints are (not) accounted for. Empirical evidence is provided that preference heterogeneity is confounded with the travel budget impact on the availabilities of alternatives, and it is shown that there is a risk of producing biased estimates for appraisal VTT if studies do not explicitly model choice set formation. The inclusion of an opt-out alternative could be an effective measure to reduce the bias. This paper also explores the potential use of non-linear functional forms to capture the time budget impacts.
Investigation of the biogas production potential from algal wastes
Authors: Koçer Anıl Tevfik , Özçimen Didem
Published: September 2018

In recent years, researchers focused their attention on biogas production more than ever to meet the energy demand. Especially, biogas obtained from algal wastes has become a trending research area owing to the high content of volatile solids in algae. The main purpose of this study is to determine the biogas production potential from algal wastes and examine the effect of temperature and particle size parameters on biogas yield. A comparison was made between the biogas production potential of microalgal wastes, obtained after oil extraction, and macroalgal wastes collected from coastal areas. It was found that algal biogas yield is directly proportional to temperature and inversely proportional to particle size. Optimal conditions for biogas production from algal wastes were determined as the temperature of 55 °C, a particle size of 200 μm, a residence time of 30 days and an alga–inoculum ratio of 1:4 (w:w). Highest biogas yield obtained under these conditions was found as 342.59 cm3 CH4 g−1 VS with Ulva lactuca. Under thermophilic conditions, both micro- and macroalgal biogas yields were comparable. It can be concluded that algal biomass is a good source for biogas production, although further research is needed to increase biogas yield and quality.
Recycle of resin-based analogue material for geo-mechanical model test
Authors: Pengxian Fan , Jiabo Wang , Yehui Shi , Derong Wang , Jinzhong Tan , Lu Dong
Published: September 2018

Analogue materials are widely used to simulate prototype rocks in geo-mechanical model tests. The large amounts of solid waste generated by a large-scale model test has always posed problems for studies. The re-use of analogue materials can significantly reduce the cost of geo-mechanical model tests and the resulting environmental problems. However, despite the environmental and economic benefits, there have been few reports on the re-use of analogue materials. In this work, a recycling method for a resin-based analogue material is studied experimentally. More than 300 samples were prepared and tested. By adding a certain amount of resin in solution form to the recycled material, regenerated samples with properties consistent with those of the samples prior to recycling were obtained. Based on a comparative analysis of the test data, an equation is proposed for the calculation of the appropriate amount of resin addition in the recycling process. Thus, a simple and effective recycling method is established for a resin-based analogue material. Verification was performed by independent tests on three group samples with different proportions, and the possibility of repeated recycling was also confirmed. The proposed recycling method makes the cyclic utilization of resin-based analogue material possible and is helpful for reducing the cost and pollution of geo-mechanical model tests.
Utilisation of poultry industry wastes for liquid biofuel production via thermal and catalytic fast pyrolysis
Authors: Kantarli Ismail Cem , Stefanidis Stylianos D , Kalogiannis Konstantinos G , Lappas Angelos A
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to examine the potential of poultry wastes to be used as feedstock in non-catalytic and catalytic fast pyrolysis processes, which is a continuation of our previous research on their conversion into biofuel via slow pyrolysis and hydrothermal conversion. Both poultry meal and poultry litter were examined, initially in a fixed bed bench-scale reactor using ZSM-5 and MgO as catalysts. Pyrolysis of poultry meal yielded high amounts of bio-oil, while pyrolysis of poultry litter yielded high amounts of solid residue owing to its high ash content. MgO was found to be more effective for the deoxygenation of bio-oil and reduction of undesirable compounds, by converting mainly the acids in the pyrolysis vapours of poultry meal into aliphatic hydrocarbons. ZSM-5 favoured the formation of both aromatic compounds and undesirable nitrogenous compounds. Overall, all bio-oil samples from the pyrolysis of poultry wastes contained relatively high amounts of nitrogen compared with bio-oils from lignocellulosic biomass, ca. 9 wt.% in the case of poultry meal and ca. 5–8 wt.% in the case of poultry litter. This was attributed to the high nitrogen content of the poultry wastes, unlike that of lignocellulosic biomass. Poultry meal yielded the highest amount of bio-oil and was selected as optimum feedstock to be scaled-up in a semi-pilot scale fluidised bed biomass pyrolysis unit with the ZSM-5 catalyst. Pyrolysis in the fluidised bed reactor was more efficient for deoxygenation of the bio-oil vapours, as evidenced from the lower oxygen content of the bio-oil.
The comparative performance of the Canadian and Australian health systems
Authors: Philippon Donald J. , Marchildon Gregory P. , Ludlow Kristiana , Boyling Claire , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: September 2018

Using three data sets, each providing an overview of health service delivery in high-income countries, this article provides a high-level comparative analysis of health system performance against specified key performance indicators in two jurisdictions: Canada and Australia. Several variations, nuances, and points of comparison between delivery and organization of care are discussed. The article examines three policy and structural differences that may help explain the comparatively superior performance of the Australian system on most indicators, and two key areas of improvement for the Canadian system were illuminated: a stronger central government role and a national pharmaceutical plan. It is hoped that this article will empower health leaders to take action in these areas.
Perceptions of Rural African American Adults About the Role of Family in Understanding and Addressing Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ellis Katrina R. , Young Tiffany L. , Carthron Dana , Simms Marcia , McFarlin Shirley , Davis Kia L. , Dave Guarav , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Cené Crystal
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

African Americans (AAs) in rural south and southeast regions of the United States have among the highest prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the country. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory study is to understand family influences on CVD-related knowledge and health-related behaviors among rural AA adults.

Design:

Qualitative descriptive study design using a community-based participatory research approach.

Setting:

Two rural North Carolina counties.

Participants:

Eligible participants were AA adults (at least 21 years of age), who self-reported either CVD diagnosis or selected CVD risk factor(s) for themselves or for an adult family member (N = 37).

Method:

Directed content analysis of semistructured interviews by community and academic partners.

Results:

Family health history and familial norms and preferences influenced participants’ CVD-related knowledge, beliefs, and health-related behaviors. Participants reported their families were helpful for increasing motivation for and overcoming barriers to healthy behaviors, including hard-to-access community resources and physical challenges. Conversely, and to a lesser extent, participants also reported that family members hindered or had little influence (positive or negative) on their engagement in healthy behaviors.

Conclusion:

Family played an important role in helping individuals overcome personal and community-related challenges. Efforts to reduce CVD burden among rural AAs should seek to understand the family-related facilitators, barriers, and processes associated with CVD knowledge and risk-reduction behaviors.
Preconditioning Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Colitis Through PGE2-Mediated T-Cell Modulation
Authors: Yang Fu Yuan , Chen Rui , Zhang Xiaohu , Huang Biao , Tsang Lai Ling , Li Xican , Jiang Xiaohua
Published: September 2018

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based cell therapy has been demonstrated as a promising strategy in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is considered an immune disease. While the exact mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of MSCs are still unclear, MSCs display anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by interacting with various immunoregulatory cells. Our previous studies have shown that MSCs can be preconditioned and deconditioned with enhanced cell survival, differentiation and migration. In this study, we evaluated the effect of preconditioning on the immunoregulatory function of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUCMSCs) and their therapeutic effect on treating IBD. Our results show that intraperitoneal administration of deconditioned hUCMSCs (De-hUCMSCs) reduces the disease activity index (DAI), histological colitis score and destruction of the epithelial barrier, and increases the body weight recovery more intensively than that of un-manipulated hUCMSCs. In addition, De-hUCMSCs but not hUCMSCs elicit anti-apoptotic effects via induction of the ERK pathway during the early stage of IBD development. In vitro co-culture studies indicate that De-hUCMSCs suppress T-cell proliferation and activation more markedly than hUCMSCs. Moreover, De-hUCMSCs block the induction of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)-2, while promoting the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in T-cells. Mechanically, we find that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion is significantly increased in De-hUCMSCs, the suppression of which dramatically abrogates the inhibitory effect of De-hUCMSCs on T-cell activation, implying that the crosstalk between De-hUCMSCs and T-cells is mediated by PGE2. Together, we have demonstrated that preconditioning enhances the immunosuppressive and therapeutic effects of hUCMSCs on treating IBD via increased secretion of PGE2.
Window Dressing of Financial Statements in the Era of Digital Finance: A Study of Small Cap Indian Companies
Authors: Zaidi Umme Kulsoom , Akhter Javaid , Akhtar Asif
Published: September 2018

With the paradigm shift from the local “ bahi-khata (indigenous accounting and record-keeping system)” to the online annual statements, companies are continuously searching for ways to window dress accounts and present a better financial picture. Window dressing is an old phenomenon and lies within the boundaries of lawfulness. As we enter the era of Digital India Programme, it becomes imperative to present correct accounting figures. Studies have revealed that small size companies include more data irregularities than their large size counterparts. Thus, the article aims at analysing the financial statements of 100 companies listed on Nifty Free Float Smallcap Index for the period 2011–2015 with the help of Beneish model. The results indicate that the largest amount of window dressing takes place in the construction industry. The study implies that an in-depth study of the audited reports is required to identify their authenticity and detect any instances of window dressing.