bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitional Zone Index as a Predictor of the Efficacy of α-Blocker and 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Combination Therapy in Korean Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Choi Jae Duck , Kim Jung Hoon , Ahn Seung Hyun
Published: January 2016

Introduction: We investigated the value of the transitional zone index (TZI) for predicting treatment response to combination therapy involving α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: Symptomatic BPH patients (n = 118) were randomized to receive 0.2 mg tamsulosin alone or with 0.5 mg dutasteride daily for 12 months. The TZI, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum urinary flow rates (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volumes, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months. The groups were subdivided according to a cut-off TZI value of 0.5 to compare treatment-related changes. Results: After 12 months, the combination therapy group had significantly greater decreases in prostate volume (p < 0.001), TZ volume (p < 0.001) and PSA (p < 0.001) than the monotherapy group, regardless of TZI. However, combination therapy resulted in significantly greater Qmax increases (p < 0.001) only in patients with a TZI ≥0.5. Multivariate analysis determined that TZI was the strongest independent predictor of the Qmax increase at 12 months in the combination therapy group (β = 13.7, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Greater Qmax improvement is expected with combination therapy comprising α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors for patients with a TZI ≥0.5. The TZI may be useful for predicting the Qmax response to combination treatment for BPH.
The Topographic Organization of Retinal Ganglion Cell Density and Spatial Resolving Power in an Unusual Arboreal and Slow-Moving Strepsirhine Primate, the Potto (Perodicticus potto)
Authors: Coimbra João Paulo , Kaswera-Kyamakya Consolate , Gilissen Emmanuel , Manger Paul R. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: January 2016

The potto (Perodicticus potto) is an arboreal strepsirhine found in the rainforests of central Africa. In contrast to most primates, the potto shows slow-moving locomotion over the upper surface of branches, where it forages for exudates and crawling invertebrates with its head held very close to the substrate. Here, we asked whether the retina of the potto displays topographic specializations in neuronal density that correlate with its unusual lifestyle. Using stereology and retinal wholemounts, we measured the total number and topographic distribution of retinal ganglion cells (total and presumed parasol), as well as estimating the upper limits of the spatial resolution of the potto eye. We estimated ∼210,000 retinal ganglion cells, of which ∼7% (∼14,000) comprise presumed parasol ganglion cells. The topographic distribution of both total and parasol ganglion cells reveals a concentric centroperipheral organization with a nasoventral asymmetry. Combined with the upwardly shifted orbits of the potto, this nasoventral increase in parasol ganglion cell density enhances contrast sensitivity and motion detection skywards, which potentially assists with the detection of predators in the high canopy. The central area of the potto occurs ∼2.5 mm temporal to the optic disc and contains a maximum ganglion cell density of ∼4,300 cells/mm2. We found no anatomical evidence of a fovea within this region. Using maximum ganglion cell density and eye size (∼14 mm), we estimated upper limits of spatial resolving power between 4.1 and 4.4 cycles/degree. Despite their reported reliance on olfaction to detect exudates, this level of spatial resolution potentially assists pottos with foraging for small invertebrates and in the detection of predators.
Placebos in der Psychotherapieforschung - eine systematische Analyse am Beispiel der systematischen Desensibilisierung
Authors: Locher Cosima , Hasler Sebastian , Gaab Jens
Published: January 2016

Hintergrund: Die Voraussetzungen der randomisierten, Placebo-kontrollierten Evaluation - die Ununterscheidbarkeit der Therapiebedingungen für die Patienten und die Verblindung der Therapeuten - sind in der Psychotherapieforschung nicht uneingeschränkt gegeben. Das Ziel dieser qualitativen systematischen Übersichtsarbeit ist es, am Beispiel der systematischen Desensibilisierung (SD) die Vorgehensweisen zur Bestimmung der Behandlungsspezifität zu beschreiben und deren theoretische und praktische Implikationen zu diskutieren. Methodik: Auf der Basis einer systematischen Literaturrecherche in PsycINFO und PubMed für den Zeitraum von 1976-2015 wurden Psychotherapiestudien gesucht, in denen Patienten mit Angstsymptomen einer SD- oder Placebo-Gruppe zugewiesen und verglichen wurden. Nach Extraktion der gewählten Moderator-Variablen konnten 11 Studien eingeschlossen werden. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zu den spezifischen Effekten der SD waren nicht einheitlich. Eine durchgeführte Moderator-Analyse zeigte, dass der Nachweis spezifischer Effekte von der Glaubwürdigkeit des Placebos und dem dabei erlebten Ausmaß emotionaler Erfahrungen abhängig ist. Schlussfolgerung: Ob ein bestimmtes psychotherapeutisches Verfahren als spezifisch einzustufen ist, hängt von der Operationalisierung der Placebo-Kontrolle ab. Insbesondere bei SD scheint die Einschränkung des zu bearbeitenden Themas und in der Folge die Unterbindung der emotionalen Erfahrung des Patienten innerhalb der Kontrollbedingung eine Voraussetzung dafür zu sein, spezifische Effekte der SD zu finden.
Erythrodermia Congenitalis Ichthyosiformis Bullosa of Brocq
Authors: Sander Dorothea , Schröder Josef , Schönbuchner Ines , Schreml Julia , Karrer Sigrid , Berneburg Mark , Schreml Stephan
Published: January 2016

A 50-year-old man presented with congenital scaling and hyperkeratosis on his palms, the soles of his feet and the extensor areas of his joints. The flexural areas were unaffected. His maternal grandmother, questionably his maternal uncle, his mother, all three brothers, one of his two sisters as well as two nephews and three nieces have or had similar skin changes. A punch biopsy was taken from the left palm. Clinical and histological signs led to the diagnosis of erythrodermia congenitalis ichthyosiformis bullosa of Brocq. We confirmed this genetically and found a heterozygous duplication (c.1752dupT) in the keratin 1 gene (KRT-1). To our knowledge, this is the first case of this skin condition reported in the literature with a heterozygous duplication (c.1752dupT) in KRT-1.
The Prevalence of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Rawlins Michael D. , Wexler Nancy S. , Wexler Alice R. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Douglas Ian , Evans Stephen J.W. , Smeeth Liam
Published: January 2016

Background: Reviews of the epidemiology of Huntington's disease (HD) suggest that its worldwide prevalence varies widely. This review was undertaken to confirm these observations, to assess the extent to which differences in case-ascertainment and/or diagnosis might be responsible, and to investigate whether the prevalence pattern has changed over the past 50 years. Methods: Eighty two relevant studies were identified from Medline and Embase, previous reviews, scrutiny of references from included and excluded studies and enquiry among those interested in the field. Results: The lowest rates were among the Asians and the highest among the Caucasians. The differences are not fully explained by varying approaches to case-ascertainment or diagnosis. There was evidence of an increasing prevalence of between 15 and 20% per decade in studies from Australia, North America and Western Europe. Conclusions: The prevalence of HD varies more than tenfold between different geographical regions. This variation can in part be attributed to differences in case-ascertainment and/or diagnostic criteria, but there is consistent evidence of a lower incidence in Asian populations. There is also evidence that in Australia, North America and in Western Europe (including the United Kingdom), prevalence has increased over the past 50 plus years.
Repercussão da expansão da ficção popular no Brasil dos anos 1930
Authors: Almeida Leandro Antonio de
Published: January 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a repercussão no Brasil, nas décadas de 1930 e 1940, dos gêneros destinados ao grande público, em especial daqueles que hoje consideramos de entretenimento como o policial, o sentimental e as aventuras. As fontes utilizadas serão as opiniões de escritores, editores e intelectuais publicadas em jornais e revistas publicadas em São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro. Primeiramente, vamos analisar como a expansão do mercado editorial pautou-se nesses gêneros, como também perceberam editores, escritores e livreiros da época. Em seguida, consideraremos suas opiniões sobre o papel desses gêneros para a cultura letrada no Brasil. Mostraremos posicionamentos que recusam qualquer valor a essa ficção, outros que restringem sua função ao entretenimento ou degrau para formação do leitor erudito, até mesmo as tentativas de nacionalização dessas histórias escritas por escritores estrangeiros e difundidas no Brasil da época.

 
Soberania e fiscalidade no Brasil independente: concepções da imprensa paulista
Authors: Leme Marisa Saenz
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo busca-se compreender o modo pelo qual os liberais moderados paulistas chegaram a formular o que teoricamente veio a se conceituar como monopólio fiscal, impreterível para a constituição do Estado moderno, também em sua dimensão liberal. Para tanto são utilizadas as matérias publicadas na imprensa paulista do 1º Reinado, constituída pelos periódicos O Farol Paulistano (1827 a 1831) e O Observador Constitucional (1829 a 1831).

 
Roças, fazendas, engenhos, currais: uma cartografia da ruralidade colonial nas minas do Cuiabá (primeira metade do século XVIII)
Authors: Oliveira Tiago Kramer de
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo, analisamos a formação de ambientes rurais nas Minas do Cuiabá na primeira metade do século XVIII. Utilizamos relatos, crônicas, correspondências oficiais, cartas de sesmarias e documentação cartográfica para reconstruirmos detalhes da espacialização da ruralidade no centro da América do Sul. Acreditamos que um estudo detalhado pode servir para problematizarmos estudos que, em outras escalas, procuraram caracterizar a formação do meio rural no contexto da expansão das conquistas portuguesas no século XVIII.
Pioglitazone-Incorporated Nanoparticles Prevent Plaque Destabilization and Rupture by Regulating Monocyte/Macrophage Differentiation in
ApoE

−/−

Mice
Authors: Nakashiro Soichi , Matoba Tetsuya , Umezu Ryuta , Koga Jun-ichiro , Tokutome Masaki , Katsuki Shunsuke , Nakano Kaku , Sunagawa Kenji , Egashira Kensuke
Published: January 2016

Objective—

Inflammatory monocytes/macrophages produce various proteinases, including matrix metalloproteinases, and degradation of the extracellular matrix by these activated proteinases weakens the mechanical strength of atherosclerotic plaques, which results in a rupture of the plaque. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ induces a polarity shift of monocytes/macrophages toward less inflammatory phenotypes and has the potential to prevent atherosclerotic plaque ruptures. Therefore, we hypothesized that nanoparticle-mediated targeted delivery of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone into circulating monocytes could effectively inhibit plaque ruptures in a mouse model.

Approach and Results—

We prepared bioabsorbable poly(lactic-
co
-glycolic-acid) nanoparticles containing pioglitazone (pioglitazone-NPs). Intravenously administered poly(lactic-
co
-glycolic-acid) nanoparticles incorporated with fluorescein isothiocyanate were found in circulating monocytes and aortic macrophages by flow cytometric analysis. Weekly intravenous administration of pioglitazone-NPs (7 mg/kg per week) for 4 weeks decreased buried fibrous caps, a surrogate marker of plaque rupture, in the brachiocephalic arteries of
ApoE

−/−

mice fed a high-fat diet and infused with angiotensin II. In contrast, administration of control-NPs or an equivalent dose of oral pioglitazone treatment produced no effects. Pioglitazone-NPs inhibited the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsins in the brachiocephalic arteries. Pioglitazone-NPs regulated inflammatory cytokine expression and also suppressed the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer in bone marrow–derived macrophages.

Conclusions—

Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of pioglitazone inhibited macrophage activation and atherosclerotic plaque ruptures in hyperlipidemic
ApoE

−/−

mice. These results demonstrate a promising strategy with a favorable safety profile to prevent atherosclerotic plaque ruptures.
Platelet CD40 Exacerbates Atherosclerosis by Transcellular Activation of Endothelial Cells and Leukocytes
Authors: Gerdes Norbert , Seijkens Tom , Lievens Dirk , Kuijpers Marijke J.E. , Winkels Holger , Projahn Delia , Hartwig Helene , Beckers Linda , Megens Remco T.A. , Boon Louis , Noelle Randolph J. , Soehnlein Oliver , Heemskerk Johan W.M. , Weber Christian , Lutgens Esther
Published: January 2016

Objective—

Beyond their eminent role in hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets are recognized as mediators of inflammation. Platelet cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40) ligand (CD40L and CD154) plays a key role in mediating platelet-induced inflammation in atherosclerosis. CD40, the receptor for CD40L, is present on platelets; however, the role of CD40 on this cell type is until now undefined.

Approach and Results—

We found that in both mice and humans, platelet CD40 mediates the formation of platelet–leukocyte aggregates and the release of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4. Leukocytes were also less prone to adhere to CD40-deficient thrombi. However, platelet CD40 was not involved in platelet aggregation. Activated platelets isolated from
Cd40
−/−
Apoe
−/−
mice adhered less to the endothelium upon injection into
Apoe
−/−
mice when compared with CD40-sufficient platelets. Furthermore, lack of CD40 on injected platelets led to reduced leukocyte recruitment to the carotid artery as assayed by intravital microscopy. This was accompanied by a decrease in endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, VE-cadherin, and P-selectin expression. To investigate the effect of platelet CD40 in atherosclerosis,
Apoe
−/−
mice received thrombin-activated
Apoe
−/−
or
Cd40
−/−
Apoe
−/−
platelets every 5 days for 12 weeks, starting at the age of 17 weeks, when atherosclerotic plaques had already formed. When compared with mice that received
Apoe
−/−
platelets, those receiving
Cd40
−/−
Apoe
−/−
platelets exhibited a >2-fold reduction in atherosclerosis. Plaques of mice receiving CD40-deficient platelets were less advanced, contained less macrophages, neutrophils, and collagen, and displayed smaller lipid cores.

Conclusions—

Platelet CD40 plays a crucial role in inflammation by stimulating leukocyte activation and recruitment and activation of endothelial cells, thereby promoting atherosclerosis.
Atrial Fibrillation Complexity Parameters Derived From Surface ECGs Predict Procedural Outcome and Long-Term Follow-Up of Stepwise Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lankveld Theo , Zeemering Stef , Scherr Daniel , Kuklik Pawel , Hoffmann Boris A. , Willems Stephan , Pieske Burkert , Haïssaguerre Michel , Jaïs Pierre , Crijns Harry J. , Schotten Ulrich
Published: January 2016

Background—

The success rate of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is still far from satisfactory. Identification of patients who will benefit from ablation is highly desirable. We investigated the predictive value of noninvasive AF complexity parameters derived from standard 12-lead ECGs for AF termination and long-term success of catheter ablation and compared them with clinical predictors.

Methods and Results—

The study included a training (93 patients) and a validation set (81 patients) of patients with persistent AF undergoing stepwise radiofrequency ablation. In the training set AF terminated in 81% during catheter ablation, 77% were in sinus rhythm after 6 years and multiple ablations. ECG-derived complexity parameters were determined from a baseline 10-s 12-lead ECG. Prediction of AF termination was similar using only ECG (cross-validated mean area under the curve [AUC], 0.76±0.15) or only clinical parameters (mean AUC, 0.75±0.16). The combination improved prediction to a mean AUC of 0.79±0.13. Using a combined model of ECG and clinical parameters, sinus rhythm at long-term follow-up could be predicted with a mean AUC of 0.71±0.12. In the validation set AF terminated in 57%, 61% were in sinus rhythm after 4.6 years. The combined models predicted termination with an AUC of 0.70 and sinus rhythm at long-term follow-up with an AUC of 0.61. Overall, fibrillation-wave amplitude provided the best rhythm prediction.

Conclusions—

The predictive performance of ECG-derived AF complexity parameters for AF termination and long-term success of catheter ablation in patients with persistent AF is at least as good as known clinical predictive parameters, with fibrillation-wave amplitude as the best predictor.
Validating a Pragmatic Approach to Cognitive Screening in Stroke Prevention Clinics Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Authors: Swartz Richard H. , Cayley Megan L. , Lanctôt Krista L. , Murray Brian J. , Smith Eric E. , Sahlas Demetrios J. , Herrmann Nathan , Cohen Ashley , Thorpe Kevin E.
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose—

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is used commonly to identify cognitive impairment (CI), but there are multiple published cut points for normal and abnormal. We seek to validate a pragmatic approach to screening for moderate–severe CI, by classifying patients into high-, intermediate-, and low-risk categories.

Methods—

A total of 390 participants attending an academic Stroke Prevention Clinic completed the MoCA and more detailed neuropsychological testing. Between April 23, 2012 and April 30, 2014, all consecutive new referrals to the regional Stroke Prevention Clinic who were English-speaking, not severely aphasic, and could see and write well enough to complete neuropsychological testing were assessed for inclusion, and consenting patients were enrolled. CI was defined as ≥2 SDs below normal for age and education on at least 2 cognitive subtests. A single cut point for CI was compared with 2 cut points (high sensitivity and high specificity) generated using receiver operator characteristic and area under the curve analyses. The intermediate-risk group contained those scoring between the 2 cut points.

Results—

Thirty-four percent of participants had a symptomatic or silent stroke, 34% were seen for possible or probable transient ischemic attack, and 32% were diagnosed with other vascular or nonvascular conditions. Using a single cut point, sensitivity and specificity were optimal with MoCA ≤22, (sensitivity=60.4%, specificity=89.9%, area under the curve=0.801, positive predictive value=48.5%, negative predictive value=93.5%, positive likelihood ratio=6, and negative likelihood ratio=0.4). Using 2 cut points, sensitivity was optimal with MoCA ≥28 (sensitivity=96.2%, negative predictive value =97.6%, and negative likelihood ratio=1.27), and specificity was optimal with MoCA ≤22 (specificity=89.9%, positive predictive value=48.5%, and positive likelihood ratio=6).

Conclusions—

Stratifying participants into 3 categories facilitates the identification of a homogenous group at low risk for CI, as well as 2 other groups with intermediate and higher risk. This approach could facilitate clinical care pathways and patient selection for research.
Reward Sensitivity of ACC as an Intermediate Phenotype between DRD4-521T and Substance Misuse
Authors: Baker Travis E. , Stockwell Tim , Barnes Gordon , Haesevoets Roderick , Holroyd Clay B.
Published: January 2016

The development and expression of the midbrain dopamine system is determined in part by genetic factors that vary across individuals such that dopamine-related genes are partly responsible for addiction vulnerability. However, a complete account of how dopamine-related genes predispose individuals to drug addiction remains to be developed. Adopting an intermediate phenotype approach, we investigated whether reward-related electrophysiological activity of ACC—a cortical region said to utilize dopamine reward signals to learn the value of extended, context-specific sequences of goal-directed behaviors—mediates the influence of multiple dopamine-related functional polymorphisms over substance use. We used structural equation modeling to examine whether two related electrophysiological phenomena associated with the control and reinforcement learning functions of ACC—theta power and the reward positivity—mediated the relationship between the degree of substance misuse and genetic polymorphisms that regulate dopamine processing in frontal cortex. Substance use data were collected from 812 undergraduate students. One hundred ninety-six returned on a subsequent day to participate in an electrophysiological experiment and to provide saliva samples for DNA analysis. We found that these electrophysiological signals mediated a relationship between the DRD4-521T dopamine receptor genotype and substance misuse. Our results provide a theoretical framework that bridges the gap between genes and behavior in drug addiction and illustrate how future interventions might be individually tailored for specific genetic and neurocognitive profiles.
A New Endemic Mimosa (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) from Pampa Biome, Brazil
Authors: Silveira Fernanda Schmidt , Bordignon Sérgio , Miotto Silvia Teresinha Sfoggia
Published: January 2016

Mimosa terribilis (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae), a new subshrub species, endemic from Pampa grasslands of Rio Grande do Sul State in Southern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically close to Mimosa ramosissima with respect to its subshrub habit, recurved aculei, stipules 1-nerved, calyx narrowly campanulate, inflorescence capituliform and globose, besides hispid pods. The new species differs from M. ramosissima by not being lobate calyx, nor having nervate calyx; having indumentum that is only puberulent and shorter peduncles (3–6mm long). Furthermore, this species has a narrowly distribution, being known only for south of Rio Grande do Sul State while M.ramosissima is distributed along south and southeast of Brazil.
Anathallis manausensis (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Krahl Amauri Herbert , Valsko Jefferson José , Holanda Ana Sofia Sousa de , Chiron Guy
Published: January 2016

A new species is proposed in the genus Anathallis. It is described, illustrated and compared with its relatives. A key to the Amazonian species of Anathallis is presented. We propose a new combination in the genus Lankesteriana.
Review of the fur-mite genus Soricilichus Fain, 1970 (Acariformes: Chirodiscidae)—symbionts of the African shrews of the subfamily Crocidurinae (Soricomorpha: Soricidae)
Authors: BOCHKOV ANDRE V. , MBALITINI SYLVESTRE G. , VERHEYEN ERIK
Published: January 2016

The fur-mite genus Soricilichus Fain, 1970 (3 species) (Acariformes: Chirodiscidae) represented by permanent symbionts of the African shrews of the subfamily Crocidurinae (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) is revised. The external morphology of these species was investigated with light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the type specimens and newly obtained samples, 2 recognized species, S. scutisorex Fain, 1970 from Scutisorex somereni Thomas and S. kivuensis Fain, 1981 from Crocidura sp.—both are from DR of Congo—are redescribed. A new species S. sylvisorex sp. nov. found on shrews of the genera Sylvisorex (S. granti Thomas (type host), S. lunaris Thomas, S. vulcanorum Hutterer and Verheyen) and Crocidura (C. denti Dollman, C. cf. niobe, Crocidura sp.), collected in the DR Congo is also described. An amended generic diagnosis, including description of female immature stages, and a key to species are provided.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of a new freshwater ciliate Urosomoida sejongensis n. sp. (Ciliophora, Sporadotrichida, Oxytrichidae) from King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: JUNG JAE-HO , BAEK YE-SEUL , KIM SANGHEE , CHOI HAN-GU
Published: January 2016

In this study, a new “non-oxytrichid Dorsomarginalia” ciliate, Urosomoida sejongensis n. sp. discovered from freshwater of the King George Island, Antarctica, was investigated using morphological, morphometrical, and molecular methods. Morphology of U. sejongensis is characterized as follows: body shape slender to elongated; cortical granules spherical and colorless, groups of granules formed patchy distribution; ring-shaped structures scattered in cytoplasm; 27–30 adoral membranelles with undulating membranes in Oxytricha pattern; usually 17 frontal-ventral-transverse (FVT) cirri composed of 3 frontal, 1 buccal, 4 frontoventral, 3 postoral ventral, 2 pretransverse ventral and 4 transverse cirri; 1 right and 1 left marginal rows; 3 dorsal kineties with 1 dorsomarginal row, 3 caudal cirri; 1 micronucleus between 2 macronuclear nodules. This new species mainly differs from other congeners by the combination of following morphological features: a micronucleus, cortical granules, and ciliatures (e.g., adoral membranelles, FVT cirri). Urosomoida sejongensis shows a nucleotide similarity of 97.3% with U. agilis, type of this genus, using the SSU rDNA sequence. Molecular phylogeny shows a non-monophyletic relationship among Urosomoida species and emphasizes the need for further morphogenetic studies of this genus and other related species to resolve morphological convergences.
A new species of spider belonging to the Pardosa lugubris-group (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Far East Asia
Authors: NADOLNY ANTON A. , OMELKO MIKHAIL M. , MARUSIK YURI M. , BLAGOEV GERGIN
Published: January 2016

A new species, Pardosa koponeni sp. n., is described. The new species is widely distributed in Far East Asia. It was previously confused with P. lugubris (Walckenaer, 1802). The two species have very similar copulatory organs but differ in the colouration of legs II–IV in males and the carapace/femur I ratio in both sexes. The distribution of the new species is mapped using material examined and literature data. To provide a more complete understanding of the boundaries between such closely related species, morphological and DNA barcoding approaches for species discrimination were integrated. Two species of the Pardosa lugubris-group (P. lugubris and P. alacris) were found to share haplotypes, suggesting evidence of hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting, or they are perhaps separate morphotypes of the same species. This is another example of complexity and the value of comparing morphology and DNA barcode data among spiders.
Two new species of the Anemadus taiwanus species-group (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae: Anemadini) from China
Authors: WANG CHENG-BIN
Published: January 2016

Anemadus perreaui sp. nov. and A. sichuanus sp. nov., both belong to the A. taiwanus species-group (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae, Anemadini), are described from Sichuan Province, China. Color plates and line drawings are offered to illustrate their important characteristics. A key to all species of the group is compiled so as to include the two new species.
The Role of Cloud Radiative Heating in Determining the Location of the ITCZ in Aquaplanet Simulations
Authors: Harrop Bryce E. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: January 2016

The relationship between the tropical circulation and cloud radiative effect is investigated. Output from the Clouds On–Off Klimate Intercomparison Experiment (COOKIE) is used to examine the impact of cloud radiative effects on circulation and climate. In aquaplanet simulations with a fixed SST pattern, the cloud radiative effect leads to an equatorward contraction of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and a reduction of the double ITCZ problem. It is shown that the cloud radiative heating in the upper troposphere increases the temperature, weakens CAPE, and inhibits the onset of convection until it is closer to the equator, where SSTs are higher. Precipitation peaks at higher values in a narrower band when the cloud radiative effects are active, compared to when they are inactive, owing to the enhancement in moisture convergence. Additionally, cloud–radiation interactions strengthen the mean meridional circulation and consequently enhance the moisture convergence. Although the mean tropical precipitation decreases, the atmospheric cloud radiative effect has a strong meridional gradient, which supports stronger poleward energy flux and speeds up the Hadley circulation. Cloud radiative heating also enhances cloud water path (liquid plus ice), which, combined with the reduction in precipitation, suggests that the cloud radiative heating reduces precipitation efficiency in these models.
Infrared Microspectroscopy of Bionanomaterials (Diatoms) with Careful Evaluation of Void Effects
Authors: Alipour Leila , Hamamoto Mai , Nakashima Satoru , Harui Rika , Furiki Masanari , Oku Osamu
Published: January 2016

In order to characterize a representative natural bionanomaterial, present day centric diatom samples (diameter, 175–310 µm) have been analyzed and imaged by infrared (IR) micro-spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Because diatom silica frustules have complex microscopic morphology, including many void areas such as micro- or nano-pores, the effects of voids on the spectral band shapes were first evaluated. With increasing void area percentage, 1220 cm−1/1070 cm−1 peak height ratio (Si–O polymerization index) increases and 950 cm−1/800 cm−1 peak height ratio (Si–OH/Si–O–Si) decreases, both approaching 1. Based on the void area percentage of representative diatom samples determined using SEM image analyses (51.5% to 20.5%) and spectral simulation, the 1220 cm−1/1070 cm−1 ratios of diatom samples are sometimes affected by the void effect, but the 950 cm−1/800 cm−1 ratios can indicate real structural information of silica. This void effect should be carefully evaluated for IR micro-spectroscopy of micro-nano-porous materials. Maturity of diatom specimens may be evaluated from: (1) void area percentages determined by SEM; (2) average thicknesses determined by optical microscope; and (3) average values of 1220 cm−1/1070 cm−1 peak height ratios (opposite trend to the void effect) determined by IR micro-spectroscopy. Microscopic heterogeneities of chemical structures of silica were obtained by IR micro-spectroscopic mapping of four representative diatoms. The 950 cm−1/800 cm−1 ratios show that large regions of some diatoms consist of hydrated amorphous immature silica. The successful analysis of diatoms by IR micro-spectroscopic data with careful void effect evaluation may be applied to physicochemical structures of many other bionanomaterials.
Preconcentration of Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) using an Optimized Enrichment Procedure: Useful and Alternative Methodology for Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Tokay Feyzullah , Bağdat Sema
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a new solid phase extraction procedure is described for Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II). Silica gel which was coated with N,N’-bis(4-methoxysalicylidene) ethylenediamine (MSE) is used as a sorbent. Three independent variables were optimized using central composite design (CCD) for sorption and elution of metal ions. The optimum values of sorption and elution variables allowed simultaneous preconcentration of the ions in same conditions as follows, for sorption, pH 6.9, flow rate 5.4 mL min–1, sample volume 50.0 mL, and for elution, flow rate 2.6 mL min–1, eluent concentration 1.0 mol L–1, eluent volume 5.0 mL. The detection limits (LOD) were found to be 1.1 µg L–1 for Cu(II), 7.4 µg L–1 for Co(II), and 7.5 µg L–1 for Ni(II) and preconcentration factor was 200 for each of the ions. The accuracy of the method was tested with Lake Ontario water and multi-element standard solution. The proposed method was also applied to various water samples. The proposed method can be alternatively suggested as accurate, precise, easy, and a cheap method for Cu(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) determination.
Predictors of delinquency among adolescents and young adults: A new psychosocial control perspective
Authors: Curcio Angela L , Mak Anita S , George Amanda M
Published: January 2016

The present study examined whether a new psychosocial control model of youth problem behaviours, including additional variables of sensation seeking and peer risk-taking behaviour, could be expanded to explain delinquency in early and mid-late adolescence, and emerging early- and mid-young adulthood. We also explored the possible mediating role of peer risk-taking behaviours on conventional social control risk factors of parent attachment, school connectedness, and perceived seriousness of risk-taking behaviours with delinquency. Using a recently updated Australian self-report delinquency measure that can capture undetected antisocial behaviour among both adolescents and adults, a sample of 329 secondary school students (age groups 13–14 and 15–17, 50.6% female) and 334 university students (age groups 18–20 and 21–24, 68.4% female) in Canberra, Australia participated. The new psychosocial control model explained variance in delinquency with medium to large effect sizes, and beyond the original psychosocial control variables in all four age cohorts. Peer risk-taking behaviour explained the largest proportion of variance across all four age groups; its mediating role was partially supported. Impulsivity predicted delinquency among 13–20 years olds as did sensation seeking among 15–24 years olds, suggesting different, yet overlapping influences on developmental trajectories of delinquency.
Responsiveness Beyond Policy Satisfaction: Does It Matter to Citizens?
Authors: Esaiasson Peter , Gilljam Mikael , Persson Mikael
Published: January 2016

Can politicians facilitate citizen acceptance of unwelcome policy decisions by acting responsively during the decision-making process? We suggest a framework to analyze the responsiveness–acceptance connection and report findings from two studies designed for that purpose. First, we ran a survey experiment to examine how exogenously induced responsiveness actions affect reactions to a policy decision. Second, we conducted a case study to see how results hold up in a real-world setting. We find that responsiveness actions are rewarded provided that citizens are convinced that politicians have paid attention to their wishes and views. Responsiveness actions that signal willingness to communicate (“to listen” and “to explain”) are more effective than the action to follow majority opinion (“to adapt”). However, the responsiveness–acceptance connection is sensitive to perceptual bias; policy losers are hard pressed to accept that politicians have indeed acted responsively.
What works in school-based alcohol education: A systematic review
Authors: Lee Nicole K , Cameron Jacqui , Battams Samantha , Roche Ann
Published: January 2016

Background:

Considerable attention has been focused on the impact of young people’s alcohol use. To address this, schools often implement alcohol and drug education and there are many potential programmes to choose from.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify evidence-based alcohol education programmes for schools.

Methods:

A systematic review was undertaken of school-based programmes that targeted alcohol within a school setting and included at least one alcohol behaviour or knowledge change outcome. Six-hundred seventy-five abstracts were screened resulting in 454 studies assessed for eligibility, with 70 studies, evaluating 40 individual programmes, included in the final review.

Results:

Of the 40 programmes, 3 had good evidence of a positive effect. They included CLIMATE Schools (Australia), Project ALERT (USA) and All Stars (USA). Of the others, 4 showed some evidence of positive effect, 1 had no evidence of effect, 29 were inconclusive and 2 showed negative outcomes, such as increases in alcohol use. Although many programmes were evaluated, very few had sufficient evidence to be able to endorse their widespread implementation in schools.

Conclusion:

Three programmes included in the review had sufficient positive outcomes to be recommended for implementation, and four showed good outcomes in some areas. Schools should consider these results when deciding on introducing alcohol education. Overall, the evidence base is broad but relatively weak and further research is required, focusing on programmes identified as having good or potentially good outcomes.
Effects of Information Availability on Command-and-Control Decision Making
Authors: Marusich Laura R. , Bakdash Jonathan Z. , Onal Emrah , Yu Michael S. , Schaffer James , O’Donovan John , Höllerer Tobias , Buchler Norbou , Gonzalez Cleotilde
Published: January 2016

Objective:

We investigated how increases in task-relevant information affect human decision-making performance, situation awareness (SA), and trust in a simulated command-and-control (C2) environment.

Background:

Increased information is often associated with an improvement of SA and decision-making performance in networked organizations. However, previous research suggests that increasing information without considering the task relevance and the presentation can impair performance.

Method:

We used a simulated C2 task across two experiments. Experiment 1 varied the information volume provided to individual participants and measured the speed and accuracy of decision making for task performance. Experiment 2 varied information volume and information reliability provided to two participants acting in different roles and assessed decision-making performance, SA, and trust between the paired participants.

Results:

In both experiments, increased task-relevant information volume did not improve task performance. In Experiment 2, increased task-relevant information volume reduced self-reported SA and trust, and incorrect source reliability information led to poorer task performance and SA.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that increasing the volume of information, even when it is accurate and task relevant, is not necessarily beneficial to decision-making performance. Moreover, it may even be detrimental to SA and trust among team members.

Application:

Given the high volume of available and shared information and the safety-critical and time-sensitive nature of many decisions, these results have implications for training and system design in C2 domains. To avoid decrements to SA, interpersonal trust, and decision-making performance, information presentation within C2 systems must reflect human cognitive processing limits and capabilities.
Evaluation of the Impact of the Revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Lifting Equation
Authors: Lu Ming-Lun , Putz-Anderson Vern , Garg Arun , Davis Kermit G.
Published: January 2016

Objective:

The objective of this article is to evaluate the impact of the Revised National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Lifting Equation (RNLE).

Background:

The RNLE has been used extensively as a risk assessment method for prevention of low back pain (LBP). However, the impact of the RNLE has not been documented.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature on the RNLE was conducted. The review consisted of three parts: characterization of the RNLE publications, assessment of the impact of the RNLE, and evaluation of the influences of the RNLE on ergonomic standards. The literature for assessing the impact was categorized into four research areas: methodology, laboratory, field, and risk assessment studies using the Lifting Index (LI) or Composite LI (CLI), both of which are the products of the RNLE.

Results:

The impact of the RNLE has been both widespread and influential. We found 24 studies that examined the criteria used to define lifting capacity used by the RNLE, 28 studies that compared risk assessment methods for identifying LBP, 23 studies that found the RNLE useful in identifying the risk of LBP with different work populations, and 13 studies on the relationship between LI/CLI and LBP outcomes. We also found evidence on the adoption of the RNLE as an ergonomic standard for use by various local, state, and international entities.

Conclusion:

The review found 13 studies that link LI/CLI to adverse LBP outcomes. These studies showed a positive relationship between LI/CLI metrics and the severity of LBP outcomes.
Supply driven mortgage choice
Authors: Koblyakova Alla , White Michael
Published: January 2016

Variable mortgage contracts dominate the UK mortgage market. The dominance of the variable rate mortgage contracts has important consequences for the transmission mechanism of monetary policy decisions and systemic risks. This raises an obvious concern that a mortgage market such as that in the UK, where the major proportion of mortgage debt is either at a variable or fixed for less than two years rate, is vulnerable to alterations in the interest rate regime. Theoretically, mortgage choice is determined by demand and supply factors. So far, most of the existing literature has focused on the demand side perspective, and what is limited is consideration of supply side factors in empirical investigation on mortgage choice decisions. This paper uniquely explores whether supply side factors may partially explain observed/ex-post mortgage type decisions. Empirical results detect that lenders’ profit motives and mortgage funding/pricing issues may have assisted in preferences toward variable rate contracts. Securitisation is found to positively impact upon gross mortgage lending volumes while negatively impacting upon the share of variable lending flows. This shows that an increase in securitisation not only improves liquidity in the supply of mortgage funds, but also has the potential to shift mortgage choices toward fixed mortgage debt. The policy implications may involve a number of measures, including reconsideration of the capital requirements for the fixed, as opposed to the variable rate mortgage debt, growing securitisation and optimisation of the mortgage pricing policies.
Temporal Framing Effects Differ for Narrative Versus Non-Narrative Messages: The Case of Promoting HPV Vaccination
Authors: Kim Jarim , Nan Xiaoli
Published: January 2016

Building upon extant research on temporal framing effect (i.e., relative persuasiveness of present- vs. future-oriented messages), this study investigates whether temporal framing effect differs for narrative versus non-narrative messages in the context of promoting human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young adults. Results of a controlled experiment ( N = 416) indicated that a present-oriented (vs. future-oriented) message led to more favorable attitudes and stronger intentions and perceived vaccine efficacy when the messages were presented in a narrative format, whereas a future-oriented (vs. present-oriented) message resulted in similar attitudes, intentions, and perceived vaccine efficacy when the messages were presented in a non-narrative format. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
The Roles of Shared Racial Fate and a Sense of Belonging With African Americans in Black Immigrants’ Race-Related Stress and Depression
Authors: Hunter Carla D. , Case Andrew D. , Joseph Nancy , Mekawi Yara , Bokhari Ehsan
Published: January 2016

Objectives: The first goal was to examine whether race-related stress was associated with depression in Black immigrants, as has been found in African Americans. The second goal was to determine whether intergroup relations identity factors—Black immigrants’ shared racial fate or sense of belonging with African Americans—were related to depression, above and beyond race-related stress. Third, we examined if Black immigrants’ shared racial fate or a sense of belonging with African Americans moderated the relationship between race-related stress and depression. Method: Data were collected from 110 individuals who identified as first- or second-generation Black immigrants. Results: Greater race-related stress was related to higher depression. Greater endorsement of a sense of belonging with African Americans was related to lower depression over and above the influence of race-related stress; this was not the case for shared racial fate, which was not associated with depression. Neither shared racial fate nor a sense of belonging with African Americans moderated the association between race-related stress and depression. Intergroup relations facilitate our understanding of well-being in immigrant populations.
“Bringing DNA into the Neighborhood” in San Francisco
Authors: Risse Guenter B.
Published: January 2016

Based primarily on personal experiences, this article aims to illustrate the troublesome relationship between the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and its adjoining neighborhoods from the 1960s to the present. Like other University of California campuses, UCSF was not required to conform to local land uses and zoning laws. Only its periodic and mandatory Long Range Development Plans provided clues about future research initiatives and expansion plans. The story, punctuated by indifference to neighborhood concerns, depicts the protracted legal wrangling between a world-renowned medical institution and local civic organizations fearful of its impact on the environment, residential life, and real estate. The featured focus of these disputes centered around UCSF’s hasty purchase in 1984 of a large facility located in the Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco to alleviate crowding at the main campus on Parnassus Heights. Confusion, misunderstanding, and outright distrust concerning UCSF’s planning for the new research location ensued. In fact, fear of potential chemical emissions and radioactive contamination prompted stiff local resistance. Eventually, after a decade of litigation, the protracted case forced UCSF to redefine and restrict its mission at Laurel Heights. The article argues that the Medical Center’s subsequent leadership learned an important lesson from this costly lawsuit. In its subsequent efforts to expand locally, UCSF created mechanisms designed to prevent opposition and litigation by systematically engaging with San Francisco communities and their leaders. By the early twenty-first century, such partnerships and alliances paved the way for a successful institutional expansion, thus consolidating UCSF’s role as a leader in biomedical research, teaching, and practice.
The Non-word Repetition Task as a clinical marker of Specific Language Impairment in Spanish-speaking children
Authors: Girbau Dolors
Published: January 2016

Forty native Spanish-speaking children (age 8;0–10;3), 20 with Specific Language Impairment (SLI) and 20 with Typical Language Development (TLD), received a battery of psycholinguistic tests, IQ, hearing screenings, and the Spanish Non-word Repetition Task (NRT). The children’s repetition of 20 non-words was scored. The percentage of correct non-words was significantly lower in children with SLI than in age-matched children with TLD. A length effect was found, with the subset of three-, four-, and five-syllable non-words leading to greater differences between groups. The NRT identified SLI accurately; likelihood ratios are reported with significant good sensitivity and specificity. Significant positive correlations were found, for all children together, between the overall NRT accuracy and the eight contemporary expressive/receptive language scores: PPVT-III, TTFC-2, and CEG tests; WISC-IV/Vocabulary subtest; and four ITPA subtests, including lexical fluency and comprehension of sentences/stories. The Spanish NRT can be used as a diagnostic marker for SLI. The clinical implications of phonological working memory links to psycholinguistic abilities are discussed.