bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ Views on a Combined Action Observation and Motor Imagery Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bek Judith , Webb Jordan , Gowen Emma , Vogt Stefan , Crawford Trevor J. , Sullivan Matthew S. , Poliakoff Ellen
Published: September 2016

Background. Action observation and motor imagery activate neural structures involved in action execution, thereby facilitating movement and learning. Although some benefits of action observation and motor imagery have been reported in Parkinson’s disease (PD), methods have been based on stroke rehabilitation and may be less suitable for PD. Moreover, previous studies have focused on either observation or imagery, yet combining these enhances effects in healthy participants. The present study explores the feasibility of a PD-specific home-based intervention combining observation, imagery, and imitation of meaningful everyday actions.Methods. A focus group was conducted with six people with mild to moderate PD and two companions, exploring topics relating to the utility and feasibility of a home-based observation and imagery intervention.Results. Five themes were identified. Participants reported their experiences of exercise and use of action observation and motor imagery in everyday activities, and the need for strategies to improve movement was expressed. Motivational factors including feedback, challenge, and social support were identified as key issues. The importance of offering a broad range of actions and flexible training was also highlighted.Conclusions. A home-based intervention utilising action observation and motor imagery would be useful and feasible in mild to moderate PD.
Optimization of a Coastal Environmental Monitoring Network Based on the Kriging Method: A Case Study of Quanzhou Bay, China
Authors: Chen Kai , Ni Minjie , Cai Minggang , Wang Jun , Huang Dongren , Chen Huorong , Wang Xiao , Liu Mengyang
Published: September 2016

Environmental monitoring is fundamental in assessing environmental quality and to fulfill protection and management measures with permit conditions. However, coastal environmental monitoring work faces many problems and challenges, including the fact that monitoring information cannot be linked up with evaluation, monitoring data cannot well reflect the current coastal environmental condition, and monitoring activities are limited by cost constraints. For these reasons, protection and management measures cannot be developed and implemented well by policy makers who intend to solve this issue. In this paper, Quanzhou Bay in southeastern China was selected as a case study; and the Kriging method and a geographic information system were employed to evaluate and optimize the existing monitoring network in a semienclosed bay. This study used coastal environmental monitoring data from 15 sites (including COD, DIN, and PO4-P) to adequately analyze the water quality from 2009 to 2012 by applying the Trophic State Index. The monitoring network in Quanzhou Bay was evaluated and optimized, with the number of sites increased from 15 to 24, and the monitoring precision improved by 32.9%. The results demonstrated that the proposed advanced monitoring network optimization was appropriate for environmental monitoring in Quanzhou Bay. It might provide technical support for coastal management and pollutant reduction in similar areas.
Thermodynamic Study of Racemic Ibuprofen Separation by Liquid Chromatography Using Cellulose-Based Stationary Phase
Authors: Ferrari Wilson M. , Nascimento Ana C. , Moreira Jean V. , Cremasco Marco A.
Published: September 2016

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), also known for its significant antipyretic and analgesic properties. This chiral drug is commercialized in racemic form; however, only S-(+)-ibuprofen has clinical activities. In this paper the effect of temperature change (from 288.15 to 308.15 K) on the ibuprofen resolution was studied. A column (250×4.6 mm) packed with tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) was used to obtain the thermodynamic parameters, such as enthalpy change (ΔH), entropy change (ΔS), variation enthalpy change (ΔΔH), variation entropy change (ΔΔS), and isoenantioselective temperature (Tiso). The mobile phase was a combination of hexane (99%), isopropyl alcohol (1%), and TFA (0.1%), as an additive. The conditions led to a selectivity of 1.20 and resolution of 4.55. The first peak, R-(−)-ibuprofen, presented an enthalpy change of 7.21 kJ/mol and entropy change of 42.88 kJ/K·mol; the last peak, S-(+)-ibuprofen, has an enthalpy change of 8.76 kJ/mol and 49.40 kJ/K·mol of entropy change.
New Possible Surgical Approaches for the Submammary Adipofascial Flap Based on Its Arterial Supply
Authors: Elzawawy Ehab M. , Kelada Melad N. , Al Karmouty Ahmed F.
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Submammary adipofascial flap (SMAF) is a valuable option for replacement of the inferior portion of the breast. It is particularly useful for reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects. It is also used to cover breast implants. Most surgeons base this flap cranially on the submammary skin crease, reflecting it back onto the breast. The blood vessels supplying this flap are not well defined, and the harvest of the flap may be compromised due to its uncertain vascularity. The aim of the work was to identify perforator vessels supplying SMAF and define their origin, site, diameter, and length. Materials and Methods. The flap was designed and dissected on both sides in 10 female cadavers. SMAF outline was 10 cm in length and 7 cm in width. The flap was raised carefully from below upwards to identify the perforator vessels supplying it from all directions. These vessels were counted and the following measurements were taken using Vernier caliper: diameter, total length, length inside the flap, and distance below the submammary skin crease. Conclusions. The perforators at the lateral part of the flap took origin from the lateral thoracic, thoracodorsal, and intercostal vessels. They were significantly larger, longer, and of multiple origins than those on the medial part of the flap and this suggests that laterally based flaps will have better blood supply, better viability, and more promising prognosis. Both approaches, medially based and laterally based SMAF, carry a better prognosis and lesser chance for future fat necrosis than the classical cranially based flap.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Microporous Polyurethanes Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Strankowski Michał , Włodarczyk Damian , Piszczyk Łukasz , Strankowska Justyna
Published: September 2016

Microporous polyurethanes (MPU) were modified by adding 0.25%–1.25 wt% of reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The materials were prepared without solvent viain situpolymerization. From a technological point of view, it is very important to obtain functional materials by using reacting compounds only. The thermal characteristics of obtained MPU were investigated using TGA, DSC, and DMA techniques. In comparison to nonmodified microporous polyurethane, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the modified systems have significantly improved. The temperature corresponding to the maximum degradation rate (Tmax) for nanocomposites containing 1% and 1.25 wt% of RGO was 51°C higher than that observed for pure microporous PU system. The increase of tensile strength was also observed for matrix with the addition of 0.5 wt% RGO nanofiller.
Comparative Study on Adsorptive Characteristics of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos from Water by Thermosensitive Nanosphere Polymer
Authors: Pishgar Faranak , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Khodaparast Haghi Ali Akbar , Motaghitalab Vahid , Hasani Amir Hesam
Published: September 2016

Diazinon and chlorpyrifos are two common organophosphorus poisons to fight the pests in Iran. The removal of these poisons from water by thermosensitive nanosphere polymer (TNP), synthesized from the copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and 3-allyloxy-1,2-propanediol, was investigated. The effect of pH, contact time, and the initial concentration on the removal amount was studied. The highest removal amount of these poisons by TNP occurred at pH 7. The contact time increase improves the removal amount and the equilibrium contact time for diazinon and chlorpyrifos was 10 and 18 min, respectively. For low concentration of less than 50 mgL−1it was shown that removal capacity remains above 95%. The initial concentration above 50 mgL−1decreased the removal amount, in which chlorpyrifos showed a greater decrease. The kinetic data has been checked using pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, and intraparticle diffusion equations. The intraparticle diffusion model had the best conformability for the adsorption process.
Molecular Analysis of CYP21A2 Gene Mutations among Iraqi Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Al-Obaidi Ruqayah G. Y. , Al-Musawi Bassam M. S. , Al-Zubaidi Munib Ahmed K. , Oberkanins Christian , Németh Stefan , Al-Obaidi Yusra G. Y.
Published: September 2016

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a group of autosomal recessive disorders. The most frequent one is 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Analyzing CYP21A2 gene mutations was so far not reported in Iraq. This work aims to analyze the spectrum and frequency of CYP21A2 mutations among Iraqi CAH patients. Sixty-two children were recruited from the Pediatric Endocrine Consultation Clinic, Children Welfare Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from September 2014 till June 2015. Their ages ranged between one day and 15 years. They presented with salt wasting, simple virilization, or pseudoprecocious puberty. Cytogenetic study was performed for cases with ambiguous genitalia. Molecular analysis of CYP21A2 gene was done using the CAH StripAssay (ViennaLab Diagnostics) for detection of 11 point mutations and >50% of large gene deletions/conversions. Mutations were found in 42 (67.7%) patients; 31 (50%) patients were homozygotes, 9 (14.5%) were heterozygotes, and 2 (3.2%) were compound heterozygotes with 3 mutations, while 20 (32.3%) patients had none of the tested mutations. The most frequently detected mutations were large gene deletions/conversions found in 12 (19.4%) patients, followed by I2Splice and Q318X in 8 (12.9%) patients each, I172N in 5 (8.1%) patients, and V281L in 4 (6.5%) patients. Del 8 bp, P453S, and R483P were each found in one (1.6%) and complex alleles were found in 2 (3.2%). Four point mutations (P30L, Cluster E6, L307 frameshift, and R356W) were not identified in any patient. In conclusion, gene deletions/conversions and 7 point mutations were recorded in varying proportions, the former being the commonest, generally similar to what was reported in regional countries.
Octant Degeneracy and Quadrant of Leptonic CPV Phase at Long BaselineνExperiments and Baryogenesis
Authors: Bora Kalpana , Ghosh Gayatri , Dutta Debajyoti
Published: September 2016

In a recent work by us, we have studied how CP violation discovery potential can be improved at long baseline neutrino experiments (LBNE/DUNE), by combining with its ND (near detector) and reactor experiments. In this work, we discuss how this study can be further analysed to resolve entanglement of the quadrant of leptonic CPV phase and octant of atmospheric mixing angleθ23, at LBNEs. The study is done for both NH (normal hierarchy) and IH (inverted hierarchy), HO (higher octant), and LO (lower octant). We show how baryogenesis can enhance the effect of resolving this entanglement and how possible values of the leptonic CP violating phaseδCPcan be predicted in this context. With respect to the latest global fit data of neutrino mixing angles, we predict the values ofδCPfor different cases. In this context we present favoured values ofδCP(δCPrange at ≥2σ) constrained by the latest updated BAU range and also confront our predictions ofδCPwith an up-to-date global analysis of neutrino oscillation data. We find that some region of the favouredδCPparameter space lies within the best fit values aroundδCP≃1.3π–1.4π. A detailed analytic and numerical study of baryogenesis through leptogenesis is performed in this framework within the nonsupersymmetric SO(10)models.
Utilization of Public Health Service Increased Risk Donors Yields Equivalent Outcomes in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Fleetwood V. A. , Lusciks J. , Poirier J. , Hertl M. , Chan E. Y.
Published: September 2016

Background. The PHS increased risk donor (IRD) is underutilized in liver transplantation. We aimed to examine the posttransplant outcomes in recipients of increased-risk organs.Methods. We analyzed 228,040 transplants in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database from 2004 to 2013. Endpoints were graft failure and death. Results were controlled for demographics and comorbidities. Statistical analysis utilized Fisher’s test and logistic regression.Results. 58,816 patients were identified (5,534 IRD, 53,282 non-IRD). IRDs were more frequently male (69.2% versus 58.3%,p<0.001), younger (34 versus 39,p<0.001), and less likely to have comorbidities (p<0.001). Waitlist time was longer for IRD graft recipients (254 versus 238 days,p<0.001). All outcomes were better in the IRD group. Graft failure (23.6 versus 27.3%,p<0.001) and mortality (20.4 versus 22.3%,p=0.001) were decreased in IRD graft recipients. However, in multivariate analysis, IRD status was not a significant indicator of outcomes.Conclusion. This is the first study to describe IRD demographics in liver transplantation. Outcomes are improved in IRD organ recipients; however, controlling for donor and recipient comorbidities, ischemia time, and MELD score, the differences lose significance. In multivariate analysis, use of IRD organs is noninferior, with similar graft failure and mortality despite the infectious risk.
Doxorubicin-Induced Systemic Inflammation Is Driven by Upregulation of Toll-Like Receptor TLR4 and Endotoxin Leakage
Authors: Wang Lintao , Chen Qian , Qi Haixia , Wang Chunming , Wang Cheng , Zhang Junfeng , Dong Lei
Published: September 2016

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used for cancer treatment, but it causes systemic inflammation and serious multiorgan side effects in many patients. In this study, we report that upregulation of the proinflammatory Toll-like receptor TLR4 in macrophages by doxorubicin is an important step in generating its toxic side effects. In patient serum, doxorubicin treatment resulted in leakage of endotoxin and inflammatory cytokines into circulation. In mice, doxorubicin damaged the intestinal epithelium, which also resulted in leakage of endotoxin from the gut flora into circulation. Concurrently, doxorubicin increased TLR4 expression in macrophages both in vitro and in vivo, which further enhanced the sensitivity of these cells to endotoxin. Either depletion of gut microorganisms or blockage of TLR4 signaling effectively decreased doxorubicin-induced toxicity. Taken together, our findings suggest that doxorubicin-triggered leakage of endotoxin into the circulation, in tandem with enhanced TLR4 signaling, is a candidate mechanism underlying doxorubicin-induced systemic inflammation. Our study provides new insights for devising relevant strategies to minimize the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, which may extend its clinical uses to eradicate cancer cells. Cancer Res; 76(22); 6631–42. ©2016 AACR.
Somatic and Germline TP53 Alterations in Second Malignant Neoplasms from Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sherborne Amy L. , Lavergne Vincent , Yu Katharine , Lee Leah , Davidson Philip R. , Mazor Tali , Smirnoff Ivan V. , Horvai Andrew E. , Loh Mignon , DuBois Steven G. , Goldsby Robert E. , Neglia Joseph P. , Hammond Sue , Robison Leslie L. , Wustrack Rosanna , Costello Joseph F. , Nakamura Alice O. , Shannon Kevin M. , Bhatia Smita , Nakamura Jean L.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are severe late complications that occur in pediatric cancer survivors exposed to radiotherapy and other genotoxic treatments. To characterize the mutational landscape of treatment-induced sarcomas and to identify candidate SMN-predisposing variants, we analyzed germline and SMN samples from pediatric cancer survivors.

Experimental Design: We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing on radiation-induced sarcomas arising from two pediatric cancer survivors. To assess the frequency of germline TP53 variants in SMNs, Sanger sequencing was performed to analyze germline TP53 in 37 pediatric cancer survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) without any history of a familial cancer predisposition syndrome but known to have developed SMNs.

Results: WES revealed TP53 mutations involving p53′s DNA-binding domain in both index cases, one of which was also present in the germline. The germline and somatic TP53-mutant variants were enriched in the transcriptomes for both sarcomas. Analysis of TP53-coding exons in germline specimens from the CCSS survivor cohort identified a G215C variant encoding an R72P amino acid substitution in 6 patients and a synonymous SNP A639G in 4 others, resulting in 10 of 37 evaluable patients (27%) harboring a germline TP53 variant.

Conclusions: Currently, germline TP53 is not routinely assessed in patients with pediatric cancer. These data support the concept that identifying germline TP53 variants at the time a primary cancer is diagnosed may identify patients at high risk for SMN development, who could benefit from modified therapeutic strategies and/or intensive posttreatment monitoring. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1852–61. ©2016 AACR.
Effectiveness of the Language Intervention Programme for Preschool Children
Authors: Lousada Marisa , Ramalho Margarida , Marques Carolina
Published: September 2016

Objective: This paper investigates the effectiveness of the Language Intervention Programme for the treatment of 14 preschool-aged children with primary language impairment. Patients and Methods: We used a waiting list control design, in which half the sample (7 children) received immediate intervention with the Language Intervention Programme, whereas the remaining children received treatment after a 4-week delay. The intervention consisted of 8 individual biweekly sessions. Outcome measures of language ability (receptive semantic and morphosyntactic, expressive semantic and morphosyntactic, and metalinguistic) were taken before and after intervention. Results: After 4 weeks of intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in language (receptive, expressive and metalinguistic skills), but no differences were found for those in the waiting control group. After 4 weeks of intervention for the control group, significant progress in language was also observed. Conclusion: The Language Intervention Programme was found to be effective in treating language skills of children with language impairment, providing clinical evidence for speech and language therapists to employ this programme for the treatment of preschool children with language disorders.
An Overlap of Secondary Cutis Verticis Gyrata, Folliculitis Decalvans, Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae and the Use of Dreadlocks: The Role of Inflammation due to Traction
Authors: Alonso Pereira Luiza , Teixeira Marcelo , Andrade Jhessica , Rochael Maíra , Gavazzoni-Dias Maria Fernanda Reis
Published: September 2016

We report a 29-year-old black male with cutis verticis gyrata, folliculitis decalvans and folliculitis keloidalis nuchae confirmed by biopsy. He had been using dreadlocks for 5 years before the appearance of the lesions. An activation of the different fibroblast growth factor members may explain the development of hyperproliferation of collagen, fibrosis and keloid lesions. We suggest a hypothesis of a common pathogenesis for the three conditions in a genetically predisposed patient. Inflammation and traction caused by the dreadlocks can act as a possible trigger factor.
Extensive Proliferation of a Subset of Differentiated, yet Plastic, Medial Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Contributes to Neointimal Formation in Mouse Injury and Atherosclerosis Models
Authors: Chappell Joel , Harman Jennifer L. , Narasimhan Vagheesh M. , Yu Haixiang , Foote Kirsty , Simons Benjamin D. , Bennett Martin R. , Jørgensen Helle F.
Published: September 2016

Rationale:

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) accumulation is a hallmark of atherosclerosis and vascular injury. However, fundamental aspects of proliferation and the phenotypic changes within individual VSMCs, which underlie vascular disease, remain unresolved. In particular, it is not known whether all VSMCs proliferate and display plasticity or whether individual cells can switch to multiple phenotypes.

Objective:

To assess whether proliferation and plasticity in disease is a general characteristic of VSMCs or a feature of a subset of cells.

Methods and Results:

Using multicolor lineage labeling, we demonstrate that VSMCs in injury-induced neointimal lesions and in atherosclerotic plaques are oligoclonal, derived from few expanding cells. Lineage tracing also revealed that the progeny of individual VSMCs contributes to both alpha smooth muscle actin (aSma)–positive fibrous cap and Mac3-expressing macrophage-like plaque core cells. Costaining for phenotypic markers further identified a double-positive aSma+ Mac3+ cell population, which is specific to VSMC-derived plaque cells. In contrast, VSMC-derived cells generating the neointima after vascular injury generally retained the expression of VSMC markers and the upregulation of Mac3 was less pronounced. Monochromatic regions in atherosclerotic plaques and injury-induced neointima did not contain VSMC-derived cells expressing a different fluorescent reporter protein, suggesting that proliferation-independent VSMC migration does not make a major contribution to VSMC accumulation in vascular disease.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that extensive proliferation of a low proportion of highly plastic VSMCs results in the observed VSMC accumulation after injury and in atherosclerotic plaques. Therapeutic targeting of these hyperproliferating VSMCs might effectively reduce vascular disease without affecting vascular integrity.
Distribution of Estimated 10-Year Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events and Residual Risk in a Secondary Prevention Population
Authors: Kaasenbrood Lotte , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , van der Graaf Yolanda , Ray Kausik K. , Peters Ron J.G. , Kastelein John J.P. , Amarenco Pierre , LaRosa John C. , Cramer Maarten J.M. , Westerink Jan , Kappelle L. Jaap , de Borst Gert J. , Visseren Frank L.J.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Among patients with clinically manifest vascular disease, the risk of recurrent vascular events is likely to vary. We assessed the distribution of estimated 10-year risk of recurrent vascular events in a secondary prevention population. We also estimated the potential risk reduction and residual risk that can be achieved if patients reach guideline-recommended risk factor targets.

Methods:

The SMART score (Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease) for 10-year risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or vascular death was applied to 6904 patients with vascular disease. The risk score was externally validated in 18 436 patients with various manifestations of vascular disease from the TNT (Treating to New Targets), IDEAL (Incremental Decrease in End Points Through Aggressive Lipid Lowering), SPARCL (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels), and CAPRIE (Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events) trials. The residual risk at guideline-recommended targets was estimated by applying relative risk reductions from meta-analyses to the estimated risk for targets for systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, physical activity, and use of antithrombotic agents.

Results:

The external performance of the SMART risk score was reasonable, apart from overestimation of risk in patients with 10-year risk >40%. In patients with various manifestations of vascular disease, median 10-year risk of a recurrent major vascular event was 17% (interquartile range, 11%–28%), varying from <10% in 18% to >30% in 22% of the patients. If risk factors were at guideline-recommended targets, the residual 10-year risk would be <10% in 47% and >30% in 9% of the patients (median, 11%; interquartile range, 7%–17%).

Conclusions:

Among patients with vascular disease, there is very substantial variation in estimated 10-year risk of recurrent vascular events. If all modifiable risk factors were at guideline-recommended targets, half of the patients would have a 10-year risk <10%. These data suggest that even with optimal treatment, many patients with vascular disease will remain at >20% and even >30% 10-year risk, clearly delineating an area of substantial unmet medical need.
Retinal Vessel Calibers in Predicting Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Seidelmann Sara B. , Claggett Brian , Bravo Paco E. , Gupta Ankur , Farhad Hoshang , Klein Barbara E. , Klein Ronald , Di Carli Marcelo , Solomon Scott D.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Narrower retinal arterioles and wider retinal venules have been associated with negative cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether retinal vessel calibers are associated with cardiovascular outcomes in long-term follow-up and provide incremental value over the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Pooled Cohort Equations in predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events.

Methods:

A total of 10 470 men and women without prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events or heart failure in the ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) underwent retinal photography at visit 3 (1993–1995).

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 16 years, there were 1779 incident coronary heart disease events, 548 ischemic strokes, 1395 heart failure events, and 2793 deaths. Rates of all outcomes were higher in those with wider retinal venules and narrower retinal arterioles. Subjects with wider retinal venules (hazard ratio [HR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.18; HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07–1.31; and HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00–1.20 per 1-SD increase) and narrower retinal arterioles (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11; HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03–1.26; and HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03–1.24 per 1-SD decrease) had a higher risk of death and stroke in both sexes and incident coronary heart disease in women but not men (interaction
P
=0.02) after adjustment for the Pooled Cohort Equations risk score variables. The association between retinal vessel caliber and heart failure was nonsignificant after adjustment for systolic blood pressure. Among women with Pooled Cohort Equations–predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event risk <5% (overall risk, 3.9%), women in the narrowest arteriolar quartile had a 10-year event rate of 5.6% compared with 2.8% for women in the widest quartile (5.0% versus 3.4% for wider versus narrower venules). Retinal vessel caliber reclassified 21% of low-risk women (11% of all women) as intermediate risk (>5%).

Conclusions:

Narrower retinal arterioles and wider retinal venules conferred long-term risk of mortality and ischemic stroke in both sexes and coronary heart disease in women. These measures serve as an inexpensive, reproducible biomarker that added incremental value to current practice guidelines in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event risk prediction in low-risk women.
Caveolin 1 Modulates Aldosterone‐Mediated Pathways of Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis
Authors: Baudrand Rene , Gupta Nidhi , Garza Amanda E. , Vaidya Anand , Leopold Jane A. , Hopkins Paul N. , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Ferri Claudio , Romero Jose R. , Williams Jonathan , Loscalzo Joseph , Adler Gail K. , Williams Gordon H. , Pojoga Luminita H.
Published: September 2016

Background

Overactivation of the aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (
MR
) pathway is associated with hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Caveolin 1 (cav‐1) is involved in glucose/lipid homeostasis and may modulate
MR
signaling. We investigated the interplay between cav‐1 and aldosterone signaling in modulating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in cav‐1–null mice and humans with a prevalent variant in the

CAV
1

gene.

Methods and Results

In mouse studies, cav‐1 knockout mice exhibited higher levels of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, cholesterol, and resistin and lower ratios of high‐ to low‐density lipoprotein (all
P
<0.001 versus wild type). Moreover, cav‐1 knockout mice displayed hypertriglyceridemia and higher
mRNA
levels for resistin, retinol binding protein 4,
NADPH
oxidase 4, and aldose reductase in liver and/or fat tissues.
MR
blockade with eplerenone significantly decreased glycemia (
P
<0.01), total cholesterol (
P
<0.05), resistin (
P
<0.05), and described enzymes, with no effect on insulin or triglycerides. In the human study, we analyzed the

CAV
1

gene polymorphism rs926198 in 556 white participants; 58% were minor allele carriers and displayed higher odds of insulin resistance (odds ratio 2.26 [95% CI 1.40–3.64]) and low high‐density lipoprotein (odds ratio 1.54 [95% CI 1.01–3.37]). Aldosterone levels correlated with higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and resistin and lower high‐density lipoprotein only in minor allele carriers.

CAV
1

gene expression quantitative trait loci data revealed lower cav‐1 expression in adipose tissues by the rs926198 minor allele.

Conclusions

Our findings in mice and humans suggested that decreased cav‐1 expression may activate the effect of aldosterone/
MR
signaling on several pathways of glycemia, dyslipidemia, and resistin. In contrast, hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia are likely mediated by
MR
‐independent mechanisms. Future human studies will elucidate the clinical relevance of
MR
blockade in patients with genotype‐mediated cav‐1 deficiency.
An Essentialist Account of Authenticity
Authors: Newman George E.
Published: September 2016

The concept of authenticity is central to how people value many different types of objects and yet there is considerable disagreement about how individuals evaluate authenticity or how the concept itself should be defined. This paper attempts to reconcile previous approaches by proposing a novel view of authenticity. Specifically, I draw upon past research on psychological essentialism and propose that when people evaluate the authenticity of objects, they do so by evaluating the extent to which the object embodies or reflects a valued essence. I suggest that this explanation of authenticity provides an overarching framework that describes how people evaluate object authenticity across a variety of contexts and I report the results of three experiments that directly test the predictions made by this explanation.
Recent Advances in Children’s Rights in the African Human Rights System
Authors: Nyarko Michael Gyan , Ekefre Henrietta Markfre
Published: September 2016

This case note reviews recent developments in the protection of children’s rights in Africa through the individual communications mandate of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (the Committee). It examines the recent decision of the Committee concerning the Talibés of Senegal. It argues that whilst the Committee took a commendable progressive approach in the interpretation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, its decision lacked a gender sensitive approach which it must address in future communications.
Three new species of glass sponges Pheronematidae (Porifera: Hexactinellida) from the deep-sea of the northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: WANG DEXIANG , WANG CHUNSHENG , ZHANG YUAN , LIU CHENGGANG
Published: September 2016

Three new glass sponge species of the family Pheronematidae are described in this study. Specimens were sampled in the northwestern Pacific Ocean during cruise DY125–35I expedition (July–August, 2014) conducted by the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association. All samples were collected by the Chinese manned submersible Jiaolong HOV at a depth of 1627–2897 m. The three species belonging to three genera of the same family were observed, i.e., Platylistrum subviridum sp. nov. Poliopogon canaliculatus sp. nov. and Semperella retrospinella sp. nov. An unique form of the pinular ray of pinular pentactins with reclined spines is described for S. retrospinella sp. nov. This is also the first record of Platylistrum in the Pacific Ocean.
Status of the names of some hydroid species (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa), described from the Atlantic coast of Patagonia
Authors: MIRANDA THAÍS P. , CUNHA AMANDA F. , MARQUES ANTONIO C.
Published: September 2016

Thirty new species of benthic leptothecate hydroids were described and named from Patagonia in a 1991 PhD dissertation by Mohamed El Beshbeeshy. Although constituting nomina nuda under provisions of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), the names of some species were used in several scientific publications between 1991 and 2011. In 2011, the dissertation of El Beshbeeshy was published in accordance with Article 8 of the ICZN. Several species-group names appearing in that work nevertheless fail to fully comply with certain articles of the code. The goal of this contribution is to review the nomenclatural availability of the names of those 30 new taxa, and to clearly establish the current status of El Beshbeeshy’s material. Two of them were made available in 1999 as part of studies other than those of El Beshbeeshy, and correct authorship and date is here noted. Twenty-one of the nomina nuda were made available in a work published by El Beshbeeshy in 2011, although some constitute junior synonyms. Six of the new species-group names appearing in both the 1991 and 2011 works, established following a literature review of Patagonian species, were proposed without re-description, or designation of name-bearing types, or locations of such types. Most of them do not meet criteria of availability and remain nomina nuda. The status of each is discussed to avoid additional nomenclatural errors and continued taxonomic confusion.
A new species of Ituglanis (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Tocantins and Paranaíba river basins, central Brazil, with remarks on the systematics of the genus
Authors: DATOVO ALÉSSIO , AQUINO PEDRO DE PODESTÀ UCHÔA DE , LANGEANI FRANCISCO
Published: September 2016

Ituglanis goya, new species, is described from the Paranaíba and Tocantins river drainages, central Brazil. This is the first species of the genus described for the Upper Paraná system and the second epigean Ituglanis for the Tocantins basin. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of a color pattern formed by longitudinal stripes and spots, absence of the anterior cranial fontanel, pattern of the cephalic laterosensory system and several fin-ray counts. Ituglanis goya exhibits morphological features that oppose the traditional hypotheses of alignment of the genus with the TSVSG clade of Trichomycteridae. These and other issues concerning the systematics of Ituglanis and the Trichomycterinae are critically discussed.
Ultramorphological characteristics of unknown larva of Phloeonomus punctipennis Thomson, 1867 (Coleoptera; Staphylinidae; Omaliinae): an obligate saproxylic species: notes on chaetotaxy and ecological preferences
Authors: STANIEC BERNARD , WAGNER GRZEGORZ K. , PIETRYKOWSKA-TUDRUJ EWA
Published: September 2016

The aim of the study was to describe the morphological ultrastructure, including chaetotaxy, of the previously unknown early (L1) and late (L2-3) larval instars of Phloeonomus punctipennis. The diagnostic larval characters for the genus Phloeonomus are proposed for the first time. Morphological differences between L1 and L3 refer only to the proportion of length of individual parts of antennae and legs as well as length proportion of urogomphi and their subapical setae. The chaetotaxy of the mature larvae of P. punctipennis and Dalotia coriaria, as a model of aleocharine larvae, is compared. Despite some identified differences, the chaetotaxic system proposed previously for Aleocharinae is successfully applied to the larva of P. punctipennis. It may most probably be also useful for larvae of other Omaliinae species. Also, information on geographical distribution and the ecological preferences of this species is provided, as is the information on accompanying insects.
Idiocnemis schorri sp. nov., a new damselfly species from southern Papua New Guinea (Odonata: Platycnemididae)
Authors: GASSMANN DIRK , RICHARDS STEPHEN J. , POLHEMUS DAN A.
Published: September 2016

Idiocnemis schorri sp. nov. is described from the Hindenburg and Muller Ranges and the Kikori River Basin of southern Papua New Guinea. The new species differs from all congeners by, among other characters, a unique colour pattern on the thorax. Characters of males and females are illustrated and compared to those of similar species from the Idiocnemis bidentata group. The new species is found along small, shallow rainforest streams and is currently known only from the Trans-Fly Foreland and Papuan Gulf Foreland areas of endemism.
Description of a new Penaeidae (Decapoda: Dendrobranchiata) species, Farfantepenaeus isabelae sp. nov.
Authors: TAVARES CAROLINA , GUSMÃO JAQUELINE
Published: September 2016

The pink shrimp, Farfantepenaeus subtilis, actually comprises two cryptic species confused under a single name. Despite morphological and molecular evidences accumulated since 1967, the new species confused with F. subtilis has never been formally described. In this paper, Farfantepenaeus isabelae sp. nov., is described and compared to its close relatives, F. brasiliensis, F. notialis, F. paulensis and F. subtilis s. str..
Taxonomic notes on the genus Tiliacea Tutt, 1896 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Xylenini) with the description of a new species and a new genus
Authors: BENEDEK BALÁZS , BABICS JÁNOS
Published: September 2016

The updated checklist and a general characterisation of the species-groups of the genus Tiliacea are presented. ′′Xanthia yunnana′′ Chen, 1999 syn. nov. is moved from the genus Tiliacea and synonymised with Gortyna joannisi (Boursin, 1928). One new species, Tiliacea annamaria sp. n. is described. ′′Xanthia′′ aurantiago (Draudt, 1950) is combined into the genus Tiliacea comb. nov. and a new genus, Tuttiana gen. nov. is established for ′′Xanthia′′ xanthophylla (Hreblay & Ronkay, 1998) comb. nov. and ′′Cirrhia′′ spalvota (Benedek & Saldaitis, 2011) comb. nov.
Automatic Model Calibration: A New Way to Improve Numerical Weather Forecasting
Authors: Gan Y. , Ye A. , Miao C. , Miao S. , Liang X. , Fan S.
Published: September 2016

Weather forecasting skill has been improved over recent years owing to advances in the representation of physical processes by numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, observational systems, data assimilation and postprocessing, new computational capability, and effective communications and training. There is an area that has received less attention so far but can bring significant improvement to weather forecasting—the calibration of NWP models, a process in which model parameters are tuned using certain mathematical methods to minimize the difference between predictions and observations. Model calibration of the NWP models is difficult because 1) there are a formidable number of model parameters and meteorological variables to tune, and 2) a typical NWP model is very expensive to run, and conventional model calibration methods require many model runs (up to tens of thousands) or cannot handle the high dimensionality of NWP models. This study demonstrates that a newly developed automatic model calibration platform can overcome these difficulties and improve weather forecasting through parameter optimization. We illustrate how this is done with a case study involving 5-day weather forecasting during the summer monsoon in the greater Beijing region using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. The keys to automatic model calibration are to use global sensitivity analysis to screen out the most important parameters influencing model performance and to employ surrogate models to reduce the need for a large number of model runs. Through several optimization and validation studies, we have shown that automatic model calibration can improve precipitation and temperature forecasting significantly according to a number of performance measures.
Identifying Dynamically Induced Variability in Glacier Mass-Balance Records
Authors: Christian John Erich , Siler Nicholas , Koutnik Michelle , Roe Gerard
Published: September 2016

Glacier mass balance provides a direct indicator of a glacier’s relationship with local climate, but internally generated variability in atmospheric circulation adds a significant degree of noise to mass-balance time series, making it difficult to correctly identify and interpret trends. This study applies “dynamical adjustment” to seasonal mass-balance records to identify and remove the component of variance in these time series that is associated with large-scale circulation fluctuations (dynamical adjustment refers here to a statistical method and not a glacier’s dynamical response to climate). Mass-balance records are investigated for three glaciers: Wolverine and Gulkana in Alaska and South Cascade in Washington. North Pacific sea level pressure and sea surface temperature fields perform comparably as predictors, each explaining 50%–60% of variance in winter balance and 25%–35% in summer balance for South Cascade and Wolverine Glaciers. Gulkana Glacier, located farther inland, is less closely linked to North Pacific climate variability, with the predictors explaining roughly 30% of variance in winter and summer balance. To investigate the degree to which this variability affects trends, adjusted mass-balance time series are compared to those in the raw data, with common results for all three glaciers; winter balance trends are not significant initially and do not gain robust significance after adjustment despite the large amount of circulation-related variability. However, the raw summer balance data have statistically significant negative trends that remain after dynamical adjustment. This indicates that these trends of increasing ablation in recent decades are not due to circulation anomalies and are consistent with anthropogenic warming.
Constraints on Southern Australian Rainfall Change Based on Atmospheric Circulation in CMIP5 Simulations
Authors: Grose Michael R. , Risbey James S. , Moise Aurel F. , Osbrough Stacey , Heady Craig , Wilson Louise , Erwin Tim
Published: September 2016

Atmospheric circulation change is likely to be the dominant driver of multidecadal rainfall trends in the midlatitudes with climate change this century. This study examines circulation features relevant to southern Australian rainfall in January and July and explores emergent constraints suggested by the intermodel spread and their impact on the resulting rainfall projection in the CMIP5 ensemble. The authors find relationships between models’ bias and projected change for four features in July, each with suggestions for constraining forced change. The features are the strength of the subtropical jet over Australia, the frequency of blocked days in eastern Australia, the longitude of the peak blocking frequency east of Australia, and the latitude of the storm track within the polar front branch of the split jet. Rejecting models where the bias suggests either the direction or magnitude of change in the features is implausible produces a constraint on the projected rainfall reduction for southern Australia. For RCP8.5 by the end of the century the constrained projections are for a reduction of at least 5% in July (with models showing increase or little change being rejected). Rejecting these models in the January projections, with the assumption the bias affects the entire simulation, leads to a rejection of wet and dry outliers.
Improvements to the Geostationary Visible Imager Ray-Matching Calibration Algorithm for CERES Edition 4
Authors: Doelling David R. , Haney Conor O. , Scarino Benjamin R. , Gopalan Arun , Bhatt Rajendra
Published: September 2016

The Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) project relies on geostationary imager–derived TOA broadband fluxes and cloud properties to account for the regional diurnal fluctuations between the Terra and Aqua CERES and MODIS measurements. The CERES project employs a ray-matching calibration algorithm in order to transfer the Aqua MODIS calibration to the geostationary (GEO) imagers, thereby allowing the derivation of consistent fluxes and cloud retrievals across the 16 GEO imagers utilized in the CERES record. The CERES Edition 4 processing scheme grants the opportunity to recalibrate the GEO record using an improved GEO/MODIS all-sky ocean ray-matching algorithm. Using a graduated angle matching method, which is most restrictive for anisotropic clear-sky ocean radiances and least restrictive for isotropic bright cloud radiances, reduces the bidirectional bias while preserving the dynamic range. Furthermore, SCIAMACHY hyperspectral radiances are used to account for both the solar incoming and Earth-reflected spectra in order to correct spectral band differences. As a result, the difference between the linear regression offset and the maintained GEO space count was reduced, and the calibration slopes computed from the linear fit and the regression through the space count agreed to within 0.4%. A deep convective cloud (DCC) ray-matching algorithm is also presented. The all-sky ocean and DCC ray-matching timeline gains are within 0.7% of one another. Because DCC are isotropic and the brightest, Earth targets with near-uniform visible spectra, the temporal standard error of GEO imager gains, are reduced by up to 60% from that of all-sky ocean targets.
Simulation of Polarimetric Radar Variables from 2013 CAPS Spring Experiment Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasts and Evaluation of Microphysics Schemes
Authors: Putnam Bryan J. , Xue Ming , Jung Youngsun , Zhang Guifu , Kong Fanyou
Published: September 2016

Polarimetric radar variables are simulated from members of the 2013 Center for Analysis and Prediction of Storms (CAPS) Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecasts (SSEF) with varying microphysics (MP) schemes and compared with observations. The polarimetric variables provide information on hydrometeor types and particle size distributions (PSDs), neither of which can be obtained through reflectivity (Z) alone. The polarimetric radar simulator pays close attention to how each MP scheme [including single- (SM) and double-moment (DM) schemes] treats hydrometeor types and PSDs. The recent dual-polarization upgrade to the entire WSR-88D network provides nationwide polarimetric observations, allowing for direct evaluation of the simulated polarimetric variables.

Simulations for a mesoscale convective system (MCS) and supercell cases are examined. Five different MP schemes—Thompson, DM Milbrandt and Yau (MY), DM Morrison, WRF DM 6-category (WDM6), and WRF SM 6-category (WSM6)—are used in the ensemble forecasts. Forecasts using the partially DM Thompson and fully DM MY and Morrison schemes better replicate the MCS structure and stratiform precipitation coverage, as well as supercell structure compared to WDM6 and WSM6. Forecasts using the MY and Morrison schemes better replicate observed polarimetric signatures associated with size sorting than those using the Thompson, WDM6, and WSM6 schemes, in which such signatures are either absent or occur at abnormal locations. Several biases are suggested in these schemes, including too much wet graupel in MY, Morrison, and WDM6; a small raindrop bias in WDM6 and WSM6; and the underforecast of liquid water content in regions of pure rain for all schemes.