bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Chyle Leak after Head and Neck Surgery: Review of Current Treatment Strategies
Authors: Delaney Sean W. , Shi Haoran , Shokrani Alireza , Sinha Uttam K.
Published: January 2017

Chyle leak formation is an uncommon but serious sequela of head and neck surgery when the thoracic duct is inadvertently injured, particularly with the resection of malignancy low in the neck. The thoracic duct is the primary structure that returns lymph and chyle from the entire left and right lower half of the body. Chyle extravasation can result in delayed wound healing, dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte disturbances, and immunosuppression. Prompt identification and treatment of a chyle leak are essential for optimal surgical outcome. In this article we will review the current treatment options for iatrogenic cervical chyle leaks.
Cooperative Output Regulation of Multiagent Linear Parameter‐Varying Systems
Authors: Mesbahi Afshin , Mohammadpour Velni Javad
Published: January 2017

The output regulation problem is examined in this paper for a class of heterogeneous multiagent systems whose dynamics are governed by polytopic linear parameter‐varying (LPV) models. The dynamics of the agents are decoupled from each other but the agents’ controllers are assumed to communicate. To design the cooperative LPV controllers, analysis conditions for closed‐loop system are first established to ensure stability and reference tracking. Then, the LPV control synthesis problem is addressed, where the offline solution to a time‐varying Sylvester equation will be used to determine and update in real time the controller state‐space matrices. Two numerical examples will be finally given to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed cooperative design method.
Unilateral Laryngeal Pacing System and Its Functional Evaluation
Authors: Zeng Taiping , Zhang Zhiping , Peng Weiwei , Zhang Fei , Shi Baker Y. , Chen Fangyi
Published: January 2017

Goal. To establish a reliable instrumental system for synchronized reactivation of a unilaterally paralyzed vocal fold and evaluate its functional feasibility.Methods. Unilateral vocal fold paralysis model was induced by destruction of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in anesthetized dogs. With a micro controller-based electronic system, electromyography (EMG) signals from cricothyroid (CT) muscle on the ipsilateral side were recorded and used to trigger pacing of paralyzed vocalis muscles. The dynamic movement of vocal folds was continuously monitored using an endoscope, and the opening and closing of the glottis were quantified with customized imaging processing software.Results. The recorded video images showed that left side vocal fold was obviously paralyzed after destructing the RLN. Using the pacing system with feedback triggering EMG signals from the ipsilateral CT muscle, the paralyzed vocal fold was successfully reactivated, and its movement was shown to be synchronized with the healthy side.Significance. The developed unilateral laryngeal pacing system triggered by EMG from the ipsilateral side CT muscle could be successfully used in unilateral vocal fold paralysis with the advantage of avoiding disturbance to the healthy side muscles.
Instrument Variables for Reducing Noise in Parallel MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Chang Yuchou , Wang Haifeng , Zheng Yuanjie , Lin Hong
Published: January 2017

Generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) has been a widely used parallel MRI technique. However, noise deteriorates the reconstructed image when reduction factor increases or even at low reduction factor for some noisy datasets. Noise, initially generated from scanner, propagates noise-related errors during fitting and interpolation procedures of GRAPPA to distort the final reconstructed image quality. The basic idea we proposed to improve GRAPPA is to remove noise from a system identification perspective. In this paper, we first analyze the GRAPPA noise problem from a noisy input-output system perspective; then, a new framework based on errors-in-variables (EIV) model is developed for analyzing noise generation mechanism in GRAPPA and designing a concrete method—instrument variables (IV) GRAPPA to remove noise. The proposed EIV framework provides possibilities that noiseless GRAPPA reconstruction could be achieved by existing methods that solve EIV problem other than IV method. Experimental results show that the proposed reconstruction algorithm can better remove the noise compared to the conventional GRAPPA, as validated with both of phantom and in vivo brain data.
Herbal Compound “Jiedu Huayu” Reduces Liver Injury in Rats via Regulation of IL‐2, TLR4, and PCNA Expression Levels
Authors: Wang Minggang , Shi Qinglan , Zhang Rongzhen , Qiu Hua , Mao Dewen , Long Fuli
Published: January 2017

Aim of the Study. To investigate the preventative effects of Jiedu Huayu (JDHY) on D‐galactosamine (D‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute liver failure (ALF) and to evaluate the possible mechanisms of action. Materials and Methods. ALF was induced in Wistar rats by administrating D‐GalN (900 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (10 μg/kg). After treatment with JDHY granules, the levels of blood alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time were determined. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. The expression of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) was examined by fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot. Results. JDHY treatment dramatically improved liver function and increased survival rates in an ALF model in rats. We observed a decrease in IL‐2 and TLR4 expression following treatment with JDHY in liver cells from ALF rats using qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. Conclusion. We hypothesize that the therapeutic potential of JDHY for treating ALF is due to its modulatory effect on the suppression of inflammation and by promoting hepatocyte regeneration. Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of JDHY in the treatment of liver disease.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides Influence Neonatal Mucosal and Systemic Immunity
Authors: Donovan Sharon M. , Comstock Sarah S.
Published: January 2017

The immune system of the infant is functionally immature and naïve. Human milk contains bioactive proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that protect the newborn and stimulate innate and adaptive immune development. This review will focus on the role human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) play in neonatal gastrointestinal and systemic immune development and function. For the past decade, intense research has been directed at defining the complexity of oligosaccharides in the milk of many species and is beginning to delineate their diverse functions. These studies have shown that human milk contains a higher concentration as well as a greater structural diversity and degree of fucosylation than the milk oligosaccharides in other species, particularly bovine milk from which many infant formulae are produced. The commercial availability of large quantities of certain HMO has furthered our understanding of the functions of specific HMO, which include protecting the infant from pathogenic infections, facilitating the establishment of the gut microbiota, promoting intestinal development, and stimulating immune maturation. Many of these actions are exerted through carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions with pathogens or host cells. Two HMOs, 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), have recently been added to infant formula. Although this is a first step in narrowing the compositional gap between human milk and infant formula, it is unclear whether 1 or 2 HMO will recapitulate the complexity of actions exerted by the complex mixture of HMO ingested by breastfed infants. Thus, as more HMO become commercially available, either isolated from bovine milk or chemically or microbially synthesized, it is anticipated that more oligosaccharides will be added to infant formula either alone or in combination with other prebiotics.
Human Milk Banking
Authors: Haiden Nadja , Ziegler Ekhard E.
Published: January 2017

Human milk banks play an essential role by providing human milk to infants who would otherwise not be able to receive human milk. The largest group of recipients are premature infants who derive very substantial benefits from it. Human milk protects premature infants from necrotizing enterocolitis and from sepsis, two devastating medical conditions. Milk banks collect, screen, store, process, and distribute human milk. Donating women usually nurse their own infants and have a milk supply that exceeds their own infants' needs. Donor women are carefully selected and are screened for HIV-1, HIV-2, human T-cell leukemia virus 1 and 2, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. In the milk bank, handling, storing, processing, pooling, and bacterial screening follow standardized algorithms. Heat treatment of human milk diminishes anti-infective properties, cellular components, growth factors, and nutrients. However, the beneficial effects of donor milk remain significant and donor milk is still highly preferable in comparison to formula.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Prevalence and Correlates Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nielsen Friedrich , Georgiadou Ekaterini , Bartsch Merle , Langenberg Svenja , Müller Astrid , de Zwaan Martina
Published: January 2017

Objective: Previous research shows an association between obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study compares pre- and post-bariatric surgery patients using the internationally used Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS™) to screen for ADHD. Methods: Matched samples pre- (N = 120) and post-bariatric surgery (N = 128) were compared using self-rating instruments to assess ADHD-relevant symptomatology, depression, eating-related psychopathology, and BMI. Results: Prevalence of probable ADHD did not differ between groups using the CAARS Index Scale T-scores; however, CAARS subscales Inattention/Memory and Self-Concept showed significantly lower scores in post-surgery patients. All CAARS subscales correlated significantly with each other, with depression and eating-related psychopathology. There was no correlation between ADHD and excess BMI loss in post-surgery patients. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a considerable number of patients before and after bariatric surgery screened positive for ADHD. It can be hypothesized that some core ADHD symptoms improve after surgery. Future studies are warranted to investigate the influence of ADHD on long-term surgery outcomes.
Risk Factors for Intrapartum Fever in Term Gestations and Associated Maternal and Neonatal Sequelae
Authors: Burgess Angela P.H. , Katz Justin E. , Moretti Michael , Lakhi Nisha
Published: January 2017

Aim: To determine factors associated with intrapartum fever and to examine associated maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study of patients between 360/7 and 420/7 gestational weeks who entered spontaneous or induced active labor and developed temperature ≥38°C; a similar group that did not develop fever were controls. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with p < 0.05 as significant. Results: Fifty-four febrile patients and 306 nonfebrile controls met inclusion criteria. Nulligravidity (45.8 vs. 77.8%, p < 0.001), length of first stage ≥720 min (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.97-6.55, p < 0.001), length of second stage ≥120 min (OR 4.76, 95% CI 2.29-9.89, p < 0.001), membrane rupture ≥240 min (46.4 vs. 79.6%, p < 0.001), increasing number of vaginal exams (4 vs. 6, p < 0.001), oxytocin (44.8 vs. 63.0%, p = 0.014), and meperidine (14.7 vs. 35.2%, p < 0.001) were all associated with intrapartum fever. Associated morbidity included cesarean delivery (22.5 vs. 44.4%, p = 0.001), Apgar score <7 at 5 min (0.7 vs. 5.6%, p = 0.011), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (9.5 vs. 51.9%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We have identified several noninfectious factors that are associated with intrapartum fever. Modification of risk factors may improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Embolization of Sacral Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Alvarado Anthony M. , Haussen Diogo C. , Ebersole Koji , Nogueira Raul G. , Abraham Michael G.
Published: January 2017

The authors report 2 cases of sacral dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presenting with gradual neurologic decline characterized by progressive lower extremity weakness and bowel and bladder incontinence. Spinal angiography demonstrated a sacral dural AVF with perimedullary vein engorgement and drainage extending to the level of the cervical spine in both cases. The fistulas were completely obliterated with n-BCA (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) embolic agent in one case, and with ethylene vinyl alcohol (Onyx) in the second, resulting in improvement of the symptoms in both patients. The unique features of this case report include the rare location of the fistula's origin, the necessity for complete spinal angiography, and the use of intraoperative monitoring in one case to guide embolization treatment.
Intraocular Cytokines and Their Correlations with Clinical Parameters in Patients with Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Shchuko Andrey G. , Zaitseva Natalia V. , Yurieva Tatyana N. , Chernykh Elena R. , Mikhalevich Isay M. , Shevela Ekaterina Y. , Grigorieva Alina V.
Published: January 2017

Purpose: To study cytokine levels in aqueous humor of patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV), their correlations with each other and ocular parameters. Methods: Ophthalmological examination and immunological study of aqueous humor with cytokine levels measurement (Bio-Plex™ Human Cytokine 27-Plex panel; Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA) were performed in 19 patients (19 eyes) with ranibizumab-treated mCNV and compared to 15 patients (15 eyes) with myopia without CNV. Results: The levels of 10 cytokines were significantly different in patients with mCNV compared to the controls: the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level was 2 times lower (191.15 ± 142.30 and 320.06 ± 170.05 pg/mL, respectively), and the levels of PDGF, IL-2, IL-5, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17А, TNF-α, IL-8, and RANTES were elevated. Strong correlations between morphological and functional parameters and cytokines, including VEGF, were found. The VEGF level inversely correlated with the myopia degree and the cytokines IL-13, INF-γ, and RANTES. Conclusion: The decrease in VEGF levels accompanied by imbalance of other cytokines may suggest additional mCNV development pathways.
Searching the Footprints of Pioneers on Neurology: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Park Kang Min , Kim Jee-Eun , Kim Yerim , Kim Si Eun , Yoon Dae Young , Bae Jong Seok
Published: January 2017

Background: We identify the most cited articles that have influenced the clinical practices of neurologists. Methods: We first analyzed the top 100 cited articles published in 50 neurology journals with high impact factors. We collected all of the original articles on clinical neurology published in all 554 medical journals. The Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science search tools were used to identify the top 100 cited articles in the database of Journal Citation Reports since 1950, which were then manually reviewed to discover their contents. Results: In the first part of analysis, the top 100 cited articles were all published in 17 journals, with 26 articles published in Neurology. The most frequent topic subject of neurodegeneration appeared in 40 articles. The second part of the analysis revealed that the top 100 cited articles were also all published in 17 journals, with 30 articles published in New England Journal of Medicine. In contrast to the first part of the analysis, stroke was the most frequent topic subject (in 38 articles). Conclusions: Our bibliometric analysis has yielded 2 detailed lists of the top 100 cited articles that were listed separately using different methods. This approach can provide information about the trends and academic achievements in the field of clinical neurology.
A New Dynamic Intelligent Model to Determine Reliability and Trust of Online Banking by Using Fuzzy C-Mean
Authors: Rezaiee Ali Mohammad , Karimi Abbas
Published: January 2017

The main purpose of the present study presents a new model of smart dynamically determine the validity and reliability survey of Internet users bank is using Fuzzy C-Mean model. In other words, the aim of this study is to provide a smart system to determine the behavior of Internet users bank is confidence, so that we can fit the points by the customer, providing banking services to defined limits. In terms of method, a descriptive and exploratory data mining is in use. The method of research was descriptive survey and the use of data mining, exploration. The aim of this study is applied. The survey of methods for qualitative and quantitative data. Since the data of the Agricultural Bank documents (bills of transfer, transfer funds transfers, the number of IT users, foundations, etc.) were collected and interviews with experts in the field of electronic banking Agricultural Bank, Agricultural Bank branch target population for were randomly selected. The results showed that the diagnostic accuracy provided structure to determine the acceptable level of confidence in Internet banking is user behavior.
Reverse Conversion of Signed-Digit Number Systems: Transforming Radix-Complement Output
Authors: Chakraborty Madhu Sudan , Mondal Abhoy Chand
Published: January 2017

Although the speed advantage of using signed – digit number systems seemed to have been reduced significantly by reverse conversion owing to the carry – propagation, in this paper, it was shown that if typical reverse conversion algorithms were employed for signed – digit number systems, then no further carry propagation needed to transform the output from radix – complement form to other conventional forms. As a result the instantaneous delay caused by the reverse conversion of signed – digit number systems might be compensated by speed gain at later stages.
Inflammatory Biomarkers Predict Heart Failure Severity and Prognosis in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Hage Camilla , Michaëlsson Erik , Linde Cecilia , Donal Erwan , Daubert Jean-Claude , Gan Li-Ming , Lund Lars H.
Published: January 2017

Background—

Underlying mechanisms in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction remain unknown. We investigated cardiovascular plasma biomarkers in HF with preserved ejection fraction and their correlation to diastolic dysfunction, functional class, pathophysiological processes, and prognosis.

Methods and Results—

In 86 stable patients with HF and EF ≥45% in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) biomarker substudy, biomarkers were quantified by a multiplex immunoassay. Orthogonal projection to latent structures by partial least square analysis was performed on 87 biomarkers and 240 clinical variables, ranking biomarkers associated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional class and the composite outcome (all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization). Biomarkers significantly correlated with outcome were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression and correlations with echocardiographic measurements performed. The orthogonal partial least square outcome-predicting biomarker pattern was run against the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) database, containing annotated data from the public domain. The orthogonal partial least square analyses identified 32 biomarkers correlated with NYHA class and 28 predicting outcomes. Among outcome-predicting biomarkers, growth/differentiation factor-15 was the strongest and an additional 7 were also significant in Cox regression analyses when adjusted for age, sex, and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide: adrenomedullin (hazard ratio per log increase 2.53), agouti-related protein; (1.48), chitinase-3–like protein 1 (1.35), C–C motif chemokine 20 (1.35), fatty acid–binding protein (1.33), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (2.29), and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (0.34). Twenty-three of them correlated with diastolic dysfunction (E/e′) and 5 with left atrial volume index. The IPA suggested that increased inflammation, immune activation with decreased necrosis and apoptosis preceded poor outcome.

Conclusions—

In HF with preserved ejection fraction, novel biomarkers of inflammation predict HF severity and prognosis that may complement or even outperform traditional markers, such as N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide. These findings lend support to a hypothesis implicating global systemic inflammation in HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00774709.
Circulating Noncoding RNAs as Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease and Injury
Authors: Viereck Janika , Thum Thomas
Published: January 2017

The discovery of thousands of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) has expanded our view on mammalian genomes and transcriptomes, as well as their organization and regulation. Accumulating evidence on aberrantly regulated ncRNAs, including short microRNAs, long ncRNAs and circular RNAs, across various heart diseases indicates that ncRNAs are critical contributors to cardiovascular pathophysiology. In addition, ncRNAs are released into the circulation where they are present in concentration levels that differ between healthy subjects and diseased patients. Although little is known about the origin and function of such circulating ncRNAs, these molecules are increasingly recognized as noninvasive and readily accessible biomarker for risk stratification, diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac injury, and multiple forms of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we summarize recent findings on biological characteristics of circulating ncRNAs and highlight their value as potential biomarker in selected pathologies of cardiovascular disease.
MicroRNA Biomarkers and Platelet Reactivity
Authors: Sunderland Nicholas , Skroblin Philipp , Barwari Temo , Huntley Rachael P. , Lu Ruifang , Joshi Abhishek , Lovering Ruth C. , Mayr Manuel
Published: January 2017

Over the last few years, several groups have evaluated the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for cardiometabolic disease. In this review, we discuss the emerging literature on the role of miRNAs and other small noncoding RNAs in platelets and in the circulation, and the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers for platelet activation. Platelets are a major source of miRNAs, YRNAs, and circular RNAs. By harnessing multiomics approaches, we may gain valuable insights into their potential function. Because not all miRNAs are detectable in the circulation, we also created a gene ontology annotation for circulating miRNAs using the gene ontology term extracellular space as part of blood plasma. Finally, we share key insights for measuring circulating miRNAs. We propose ways to standardize miRNA measurements, in particular by using platelet-poor plasma to avoid confounding caused by residual platelets in plasma or by adding RNase inhibitors to serum to reduce degradation. This should enhance comparability of miRNA measurements across different cohorts. We provide recommendations for future miRNA biomarker studies, emphasizing the need for accurate interpretation within a biological and methodological context.
Exosomes Generated From iPSC-Derivatives
Authors: Jung Ji-Hye , Fu Xuebin , Yang Phillip C.
Published: January 2017

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in modern society. The adult heart innately lacks the capacity to repair and regenerate the damaged myocardium from ischemic injury. Limited understanding of cardiac tissue repair process hampers the development of effective therapeutic solutions to treat CVD such as ischemic cardiomyopathy. In recent years, rapid emergence of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes presents a valuable opportunity to replenish the functional cells to the heart. The therapeutic effects of iPSC-derived cells have been investigated in many preclinical studies. However, the underlying mechanisms of iPSC-derived cell therapy are still unclear, and limited engraftment of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes is well known. One facet of their mechanism is the paracrine effect of the transplanted cells. Microvesicles such as exosomes secreted from the iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes exert protective effects by transferring the endogenous molecules to salvage the injured neighboring cells by regulating apoptosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis. In this review, we will focus on the current advances in the exosomes from iPSC derivatives and discuss their therapeutic potential in the treatment of CVD.
Long Noncoding RNAs in Pathological Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Viereck Janika , Thum Thomas
Published: January 2017

A novel long noncoding RNA
Chaer
acts as noncoding epigenetic regulator at the onset of cardiac hypertrophy and enables an improved understanding about the complex mechanisms in cardiovascular disease.
Acute Transient Vestibular Syndrome
Authors: Choi Jae-Hwan , Park Min-Gyu , Choi Seo Young , Park Kyung-Pil , Baik Seung Kug , Kim Ji-Soo , Choi Kwang-Dong
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose—

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stroke and efficacy of bedside evaluation in diagnosing stroke in acute transient vestibular syndrome (ATVS).

Methods—

We performed a prospective, single-center, observational study that had consecutively recruited 86 patients presenting with ATVS to the emergency department of Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital from January to December 2014. All patients received a constructed evaluation, including HINTS plus (head impulse, nystagmus patterns, test of skew, and finger rubbing) and brain magnetic resonance imagings. Patients without an obvious cause further received perfusion-weighted imaging. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine clinical parameters to identify stroke in ATVS.

Results—

The prevalence of stroke was 27% in ATVS. HINTS plus could not be applied to the majority of patients because of the resolution of the vestibular symptoms, and magnetic resonance imagings were falsely negative in 43% of confirmed strokes. Ten patients (12%) showed unilateral cerebellar hypoperfusion on perfusion-weighted imaging without an infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging, and 8 of them had a focal stenosis or hypoplasia of the corresponding vertebral artery. The higher risk of stroke in ATVS was found in association with craniocervical pain (odds ratio, 9.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.0–45.2) and focal neurological symptoms/signs (odds ratio, 15.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.5–93.8).

Conclusions—

Bedside examination and routine magnetic resonance imagings have a limitation in diagnosing strokes presenting with ATVS, and perfusion imaging may help to identify strokes in ATVS of unknown cause. Associated craniocervical pain and focal neurological symptoms/signs are the useful clues for strokes in ATVS.
The Promise of Administrative Data in Education Research
Authors: Figlio David , Karbownik Krzysztof , Salvanes Kjell
Published: January 2017

Thanks to extraordinary and exponential improvements in data storage and computing capacities, it is now possible to collect, manage, and analyze data in magnitudes and in manners that would have been inconceivable just a short time ago. As the world has developed this remarkable capacity to store and analyze data, so have the world's governments developed large-scale, comprehensive datafiles on tax programs, workforce information, benefit programs, health, and education. Although these data are collected for purely administrative purposes, they represent remarkable new opportunities for expanding our knowledge. We describe some of the benefits and challenges associated with the use of administrative data in education research.
Halacarid mites (Acari: Halacaridae) from Esperance (Western Australia), description of two new Copidognathus species
Authors: BARTSCH ILSE
Published: January 2017

Two new species, Copidognathus angusticeps spec. nov. and C. parvulus spec. nov., are described. The two species are from the southern coast of Western Australia, from Esperance. Copidognathus angusticeps has a long, slender gnathosoma, the rostrum is about as long as the gnathosomal base, major parts of the dorsal and ventral plates are punctate, the hardly delimited porose areolae have a similar ornamentation, the epimeral pores are enlarged. In C. parvulus the slender rostrum is almost twice as long as the gnathosomal base, the dorsal and ventral plates are almost smooth except for the sharply delimited areolae with rosette pores. Copidognathus amaurus Bartsch, 1999 and C. australensis (Lohmann, 1909), which are new records in the Esperance fauna, are also characterized by an elongate gnathosoma, but are not closely related with any of the two new species.
Digitonthophagus gazella auctorum: an unfortunate case of mistaken identity for a widely introduced species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Onthophagini)
Authors: GÉNIER FRANÇOIS , DAVIS ADRIAN L.V.
Published: January 2017

At risk of committing entomological heresy, we question the identity of a dung-burying beetle species that originates from Africa and has been introduced first into Hawaii and subsequently to Australasia, North America, and South America (Fincher 1986; Edwards 2007; Noriega et al. 2010) for pasture improvement and biological control of dung-breeding flies (Waterhouse 1974; Bornemissza 1979).  Under the name Onthophagus gazella (Fabricius 1787), it was the first species selected for introduction into Australia by the CSIRO Dung Beetle Project (Bornemissza 1976; Edwards 2007). Firstly, in 1968, a "tropical strain" was introduced from Hawaii where it had become established after introduction from Zimbabwe in 1957 (Markin & Yoshioka 1998). Later, after establishment of the CSIRO Dung Beetle Research Unit in Pretoria in 1970, a "cold" or "even rainfall strain" was introduced into Australia directly from South Africa (Bornemissza 1976) (even rainfall region = south coast of Eastern Cape). The species was subsequently introduced into the southern continental United States of America (Victoria County, Texas) from Hawaii (Montes de Oca & Halffter 1998) then elsewhere into southeastern and southwestern states from Hawaii and breeding colonies from Australia (Anderson & Loomis 1978). It has since expanded its range through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to coastal Colombia (Kohlmann 1994; Noriega 2002; Noriega et al. 2006, 2011). Expansion of its range within central southern South America (Noriega et al. 2010) has been assisted by introductions into Brazil from the United States of America since the 1980s (Bianchin et al. 1998), and others into Venezuela and Chile (Vidaurre et al. 2008). More recently, it has been introduced into quarantine and field trials in New Zealand (Forgie et al. 2013) using individuals originating from the south coast of the Eastern Cape and Northwest Province of South Africa (S. Forgie, personal communication).
Tropospheric Turbulence over the Tropical Open Ocean: Role of Gravity Waves
Authors: Bellenger H. , Wilson R. , Davison J. L. , Duvel J. P. , Xu W. , Lott F. , Katsumata M.
Published: January 2017

A large set of soundings obtained in the Indian Ocean during three field campaigns is used to provide statistical characteristics of tropospheric turbulence and its link with gravity wave (GW) activity. The Thorpe method is used to diagnose turbulent regions of a few hundred meters depth. Above the mixed layer, turbulence frequency varies from ~10% in the lower troposphere up to ~30% around 12-km height. GWs are captured by their signature in horizontal wind, normalized temperature, and balloon vertical ascent rate. These parameters emphasize different parts of the wave spectrum from longer to shorter vertical wavelengths. Composites are constructed in order to reveal the vertical structure of the waves and their link with turbulence. The relatively longer-wavelength GWs described by their signature in temperature (GWTs) are more active in the lower troposphere, where they are associated with clear variations in moisture. Turbulence is then associated with minimum static stability and vertical shear, stressing the importance of the former and the possibility of convective instability. Conversely, the short waves described by their signature in balloon ascent rate (GWws) are detected primarily in the upper troposphere, and their turbulence is associated with a vertical shear maximum, suggesting the importance of dynamic instability. Furthermore, GWws appear to be linked with local convection, whereas GWTs are more active in suppressed and dry phases in particular of the Madden–Julian oscillation. These waves may be associated with remote sources, such as organized convection or local fronts, such as those associated with dry-air intrusions.
Impact of Eurasian Spring Snow Decrement on East Asian Summer Precipitation
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Zhang Renhe , Zuo Zhiyan
Published: January 2017

In this study, the relationship between Eurasian spring snow decrement (SSD) and East Asian summer precipitation and related mechanisms were investigated using observational data and the Community Atmospheric Model, version 3.1 (CAM3.1). The results show that a west–east dipole pattern in Eurasian SSD anomalies, with a negative center located in the region between eastern Europe and the West Siberia Plain (EEWSP) and a positive center located around Baikal Lake (BL), is significantly associated with East Asian summer precipitation via triggering an anomalous midlatitude Eurasian wave train. Reduced SSD over EEWSP corresponds to anomalously dry local soil conditions from spring to the following summer, thereby increasing surface heat flux and near-surface temperatures. Similarly, the increase in SSD over BL is accompanied by anomalously low near-surface temperatures. The near-surface thermal anomalies cause an anomalous meridional temperature gradient, which intensifies the lower-level baroclinicity and causes an acceleration of the subtropical westerly jet stream, leading to an enhanced and maintained Eurasian wave train. Additionally, the atmospheric response to changed surface thermal conditions tends to simultaneously increase the local 1000–500-hPa thickness, which further enhances the Eurasian wave train. Consequently, significant wave activity flux anomalies spread from eastern Europe eastward to East Asia and significantly influence the summer precipitation over China, with more rainfall over northeastern China and the Yellow River valley and less rainfall over Inner Mongolia and southern China.
Assessing the Impact of Model Biases on the Projected Increase in Frequency of Extreme Positive Indian Ocean Dipole Events
Authors: Wang Guojian , Cai Wenju , Santoso Agus
Published: January 2017

For many generations, models simulate an Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) that is overly large in amplitude. The possible impact of this systematic bias on climate projections, including a projected frequency increase in extreme positive IOD (pIOD) using a rainfall-based definition, has attracted attention. In particular, a recent study suggests that the increased frequency is an artifact of the overly large IOD amplitude. In contrast, here the opposite is found. Through intermodel ensemble regressions, the present study shows that models producing a high frequency in the present-day climate generate a small future frequency increase. The frequency is associated with the mean equatorial west-minus-east sea surface temperature (SST) gradient: the greater the gradient, the greater the frequency because it is easier to shift convection to the west, which characterizes an extreme pIOD. A greater present-day gradient is associated with a present-day shallower thermocline, lower SSTs, and lower rainfall in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean (EEIO). Because there is an inherent limit for a maximum rainfall reduction and for the impact on surface cooling by a shallowing of an already shallow mean EEIO thermocline, there is a smaller increase in frequency in models with a shallower present-day EEIO thermocline. Given that a bias of overly shallow EEIO thermocline and overly low EEIO SSTs and rainfall is common in models, the future frequency increase should be underestimated, opposite to an implied overestimation resulting from the overly large IOD amplitude bias. Therefore, correcting the projected frequency from a single bias, without considering other biases that are present, is not appropriate and should be avoided.
Estimating the number of adults with severe and persistent mental illness who have complex, multi-agency needs
Authors: Whiteford Harvey , Buckingham Bill , Harris Meredith , Diminic Sandra , Stockings Emily , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: January 2017

Objective:

A population health approach to mental health service planning requires estimates that align interventions with the needs of people with mental illness. The primary objective was to estimate the number of people in Australia living with severe and persistent mental illness who have complex, multi-agency needs. The secondary objective was to describe the possible service needs of individuals with severe mental illness.

Methods:

We disaggregated the estimated 12-month prevalence of adults with severe mental illness into needs-based sub-groups, using multiple data sources. Possible service needs of 1825 adults with psychotic disorders and 334 adults with severe past-year affective and/or anxiety disorders were described using data from the 2010 Survey of High Impact Psychosis and 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, respectively.

Results:

Using best available data, we estimated that 3.3% of adults experience a severe mental illness each year, of whom one-third (1.1% of adults) experience a persistent mental illness that requires ongoing services to address residual disability. Among those with severe and persistent mental illness, one-third of adults (0.4% or 59,000 adults in 2015) have complex needs requiring multi-agency support to maximise their health, housing, social participation and personal functioning. Survey of High Impact Psychosis data indicated that among adults with psychotic disorders, use of accommodation (40%), non-government (30%) services and receipt of income support (85%) services were common, as were possible needs for support with socialising, personal care and employment. National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing data indicated that among individuals with severe affective and anxiety disorders, receipt of income support (37%) was common (information on accommodation and non-government support services was not available), as were possible needs for financial management and employment support.

Conclusion:

Agreed indicators of complex, multi-agency needs are required to refine these estimates. Closer alignment of information collected about possible service needs across epidemiological surveys is needed.
The challenge of defining a woman's Tantric history
Authors: Lefebvre Danielle
Published: January 2017

In this paper I reflect on methodological problems that arise in the construction of women's religious history. I look to Miranda Shaw's Passionate Enlightenment, one of the first investigations into the lives of women in the early history of Tantric Buddhism, to initiate this discussion. Shaw introduces, in some instances for the first time, texts written by and about women in early Tantric communities in order to offer an authentic Tantric Buddhism where women occupied a high status as founders, teachers and practitioners. I suggest that such a history accepts the idealized constructions of gender, particularly as expressed through the category of experience, as evidence for the social reality of women. This reflects a larger trend in some feminist histories and I am interested in problematizing the search for authentic or "true". forms of religion.
Fluid control: Orchestrating blood flow in the Durgā Pūjā
Authors: Rodrigues Hillary Peter
Published: January 2017

Tantric rituals are often concerned with the manipulation of life fluids. The Bengali Durgā Pūjā, an annual worship celebration for the Hindu Great Goddess, is an example of an essentially Tantric ritual with orthodox Vedic and Puranic features. Although the overt rationales for the ritual have undergone changes over the centuries, from its martial origins to socio-economic display, the liturgy offers an underlying rationale that reveals its Tantric interests. Ritual features, symbolic elements, and the states and statuses of the actors during the enactment of the Durgā Pūjā demonstrate its concern with orchestrating the flow of female reproductive fluids through a ritual manipulation of the divine feminine. This paper will articulate the most salient of those aspects. Although often overlooked, because of its non-Tantric façade, the Bengali Durga Pūjā points us to a valuable resource for the study of Hindu Śākta Tantrism.
Measuring and Promoting Acceptance of Young Children with Disabilities
Authors: Favazza Paddy C. , Phillipsen Leslie , Kumar Poonam
Published: January 2017

The results of two studies are presented: (a) an examination of the reliability of the Acceptance Scale for Kindergartners with a sample of non-Caucasian, low socioeconomic status (SES) children, and (b) the efficacy of an intervention designed to promote acceptance of young children with disabilities with this new sample. Results indicate that the Acceptance Scale for Kindergarten—Revised is reliable and that various components of a special friends intervention yield differential results. Specifically, results indicate that children exposed to individual components of the intervention had short-term gains in acceptance of individuals with disabilities, while children exposed to the whole intervention had short-term and long-term gains in acceptance. Exposure to the whole program is more effective than any of the individual components in producing greater changes in levels of acceptance of young children with disabilities.
Improving Graduation and Employment Outcomes of Students with Disabilities: Predictive Factors and Student Perspectives
Authors: Benz Michael R. , Lindstrom Lauren , Yovanoff Paul
Published: January 2017

This article reports on findings from two studies that examined secondary and transition practices. The first study examined student and program factors that predicted participants' graduation with a standard high school diploma and placement in employment and continuing education. The second study examined participants' perceptions of the program and staff characteristics that were most important in helping them achieve their education and transition goals. Findings from these studies indicate that career-related work experience and completion of student-identified transition goals were highly associated with improved graduation and employment outcomes. Individualization of services around student goals and personalized attention from staff were highly valued by participants. Recommendations for policy and practice are discussed.
Asperger Syndrome: The Emerging Challenge to Special Education
Authors: Safran Stephen P.
Published: January 2017

This article provides a synthesis of recent literature on Asperger Syndrome (AS), a condition that has received little attention in American special education. The analysis addresses the syndrome's history, definition, differential diagnosis from other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), screening procedures, and emerging educational interventions. Implications for special education practice, including the need for screening students at risk for AS and informing parents about a potential disability, are discussed.
Rewarded by Punishment: Reflections on the Disuse of Positive Reinforcement in Schools
Authors: Maag John W.
Published: January 2017

Most approaches for dealing with student disruptions involve the use of various forms of punishment such as removals from the classroom, fines, restitutional activities, inschool and out-of-school suspensions, and expulsions. Although some of these approaches may make schools safer by removing the offending students, they have little effect on encouraging students to perform socially appropriate behaviors. There are many reasons why educators find punishment a more acceptable approach for managing students' challenging behaviors than positive reinforcement. This article delineates these reasons and argues for educators to plan the occurrence of positive reinforcement to increase appropriate behaviors rather than running the risk of it haphazardly promoting inappropriate behaviors.
Preliminary Findings on Personalized Grading Plans for Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Munk Dennis D. , Bursuck William D.
Published: January 2017

Research on the grades of students with disabilities included in general education classes has revealed a number of problems, including a preponderance of low grades and lack of a cohesive process by which general and special educators collaborate to develop grading criteria and determine a report card grade. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative model for making grading adaptations. Parents, students, general educators, and special educators collaborated to develop and implement personalized grading plans (PGPs) for four middle school students. Results indicate that all participants perceived the process to be more fair and effective than those used previously for making adaptations. Implications for grading practices and integration into the individualized education program (IEP) process are discussed.
Increasing Self-Determination: Teaching Students to Plan, Work, Evaluate, and Adjust
Authors: Martin James E. , Mithaug Dennis E. , Cox Phil , Peterson Lori Y. , Van Dycke Jamie L. , Cash Mary E.
Published: January 2017

A study was conducted to determine if secondary-age students could use self-determination contracts to regulate the correspondence between their plans, work, self-evaluations, and adjustments on academic tasks. The authors examined the impact of these contracts on the plan, work, evaluation, and adjustment behaviors of 8 secondary-age students with severe emotional/behavioral problems. The students completed daily self-determination contracts to schedule their work on academic tasks, plan for work outcomes, evaluate progress, and adjust for the next day's activity. One-way repeated-measures (ANOVAs) yielded 15 significant effects for the correspondence between plan and work, between work and evaluation, between evaluation and adjustment, and between adjustment and the next day plan. Pre- and postassessment found significant academic improvement.
What We Know and Need to Know about Alternate Assessment
Authors: Browder Diane M. , Spooner Fred , Algozzine Robert , Ahlgrim-Delzell Lynn , Flowers Claudia , Karvonen Meagan
Published: January 2017

This article reviews promises, practices, and provisos of alternate assessment as a basis for illustrating what we know and what we need to know about measuring progress of students with disabilities in statewide assessment programs. In 19 data-based studies, professionals have begun to document the impact that alternate assessment is having on school reform and policy in general and to expectations, access to the general curriculum, and instruction for students with disabilities, especially those with significant cognitive impairments. At this juncture, there are insufficient data to report with confidence that alternate assessment will live up to its promises. Based on the data at hand, we offer recommendations for future research and a clearer focus on what we need to know to improve the outcomes of alternate assessments.