bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Canine Parvovirus in Dogs in Lusaka District, Zambia
Authors: Saasa Ngonda , Nalubamba King Shimumbo , M’kandawire Ethel , Siwila Joyce
Published: September 2016

Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis is a highly contagious enteric disease of young dogs. Limited studies have been done in Zambia to investigate the prevalence of CPV in dogs. Blood was collected from dogs from three veterinary clinics (clinic samples, n=174) and one township of Lusaka (field samples, n=56). Each dog’s age, sex, breed, and vaccination status were recorded. A haemagglutination assay using pig erythrocytes and modified live parvovirus vaccine as the antigen was used. Antibodies to CPV were detected in 100% of dogs (unvaccinated or vaccinated). The titres ranged from 160 to 10240 with a median of 1280. Vaccinated dogs had significantly higher antibody titres compared to unvaccinated (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in titres of clinic samples compared to field samples (p<0.0001) but not within breed (p=0.098) or sex (p=0.572). Multiple regression analysis showed that only age and vaccination status were significant predictors of antibody titres. The presence of antibody in all dogs suggests that the CPV infection is ubiquitous and the disease is endemic, hence the need for research to determine the protection conferred by vaccination and natural exposure to the virus under local conditions.
Molecular Diagnostics for Precision Medicine in Colorectal Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspective
Authors: Chen Guoli , Yang Zhaohai , Eshleman James R. , Netto George J. , Lin Ming-Tseh
Published: September 2016

Precision medicine, a concept that has recently emerged and has been widely discussed, emphasizes tailoring medical care to individuals largely based on information acquired from molecular diagnostic testing. As a vital aspect of precision cancer medicine, targeted therapy has been proven to be efficacious and less toxic for cancer treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and among the leading causes for cancer related deaths in the United States and worldwide. By far, CRC has been one of the most successful examples in the field of precision cancer medicine, applying molecular tests to guide targeted therapy. In this review, we summarize the current guidelines for anti-EGFR therapy, revisit the roles of pathologists in an era of precision cancer medicine, demonstrate the transition from traditional “one test-one drug” assays to multiplex assays, especially by using next-generation sequencing platforms in the clinical diagnostic laboratories, and discuss the future perspectives of tumor heterogeneity associated with anti-EGFR resistance and immune checkpoint blockage therapy in CRC.
International Multi-Specialty Delphi Survey: Identification of Diagnostic Criteria for Hepatic and Renal Cyst Infection
Authors: Lantinga Marten A. , Darding Alexander J.M. , de Sévaux Ruud G.L. , Alam Ahsan , Bleeker-Rovers Chantal P. , Bobot Mickaël , Cornec-Le Gall Emilie , Gevers Tom J.G. , Hassoun Ziad , Meijer Esther , Mrug Michal , Nevens Frederik , Onuchic Luiz F. , Pei York , Piccoli Giorgina B. , Pirson Yves , Rangan Gopala K. , Torra Roser , Visser Folkert W. , Jouret François , Kanaan Nada , Oyen Wim J.G. , Suwabe Tatsuya , Torres Vicente E. , Drenth Joost P.H. ,   on behalf of the Delphi collaborators
Published: September 2016

Background: Cyst infection is one of the complications of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and polycystic liver disease. The diagnosis is typically made on a mix of clinical, laboratory and imaging abnormalities but the importance of individual items is uncertain. We aimed to perform a Delphi survey amongst physicians to achieve consensus on diagnostic criteria. Methods: We retrieved diagnostic items from the literature and conducted physician and patient interviews. All items were combined to create the online questionnaire. Participants rated each item during 3 consecutive rounds. Items were rated for diagnostic helpfulness for hepatic and renal cyst infection on a 9-point scale with anchors, from extremely unimportant (n = 1) to extremely important (n = 9). We determined consensus with the disagreement index. The median rating of each item was calculated and categorized into inappropriate (≤3.4), uncertain (3.5-6.4) or appropriate (≥6.5). By combining all items that reached an appropriate consensus rating, we developed a diagnostic algorithm based on expert consensus. Results: We invited 58 physicians to participate in the survey. In total, 35 (60%) responded to round 1 of which 91% (n = 32) and 86% (n = 30) responded to round 2 and 3, respectively. The final panel included 23 nephrologists, 5 hepatologists, a nuclear medicine specialist and an infectious disease physician from 11 countries (male 67%, mean age 47 ± 11 years, median clinical experience 21 years). The panel rated the diagnostic helpfulness of 59 potential items. Ultimately, 22 hepatic and 26 renal items were rated appropriate, including positive blood cultures and fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission CT imaging. Ultrasonography and absence of intracystic bleeding were amongst those deemed uncertain or inappropriate. Subsequently, by combining items rated appropriate, we developed a clinical tool to diagnose hepatic and renal cyst infection. Conclusions: We identified diagnostic items for hepatic and renal cyst infection and developed an expert-based diagnostic algorithm, which may aid physicians in the diagnostic work-up. A prospective study is necessary to validate this algorithm.
Novel Genetic Associations and Range of Phenotypes in Children with Disorders of Sex Development and Neurodevelopment: Insights from the Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study
Authors: Gazdagh Gabriella , Tobias Edward S. , Ahmed S. Faisal , McGowan Ruth ,   DDD Study Group
Published: September 2016

A range of phenotypes that are associated with disorders of sex development (DSD) may also be encountered in patients with neurodevelopmental delay. In this study we have undertaken a collaborative retrospective review of anonymised phenotypic and genotypic data from the UK-wide Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study. Our objectives were to determine the frequency and range of DSD phenotypes observed in participants in the DDD study and to identify novel genetic associations. We found that of 7,439 DDD participants, 603 (8%) had at least one genital abnormality. In addition, we found that DSD occurs in 5% of patients with learning difficulties. Causative mutations were found in 13 developmental genes, of which, crucially, 6 had no previous reported association with DSD. Our findings indicate that recognition of these associations should not be overlooked in the management of patients with complex conditions and that exomic sequencing through projects like DDD increases diagnostic yield.
Congenital Orbital Teratoma
Authors: Pellerano Fernando , Guillermo Elvis , Garrido Gloreley , Berges Pedro
Published: September 2016

We report a case of congenital orbital teratoma. A 3-day-old male, born at 39 weeks' gestation without relevant prenatal history, presented with a large vascularized proptotic mass distorting the left midface. Laboratory studies showed elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (12,910 ng/ml). Computed tomography showed a multiloculated heterogeneous lesion composed of hypodense and hyperdense calcified areas encompassing the whole orbital cavity with expansion of the bony walls, as well as forward displacement and compression of the eyeball without extension to surrounding structures. Clinical, imaging and laboratory features were consistent with congenital orbital teratoma. Due to pronounced proptosis with exposure keratopathy and corneal perforation, no motility of the globe and no vision in the affected eye in a resource-limited setting, the patient underwent orbital exenteration. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma. We describe the clinical course, radiographic and histopathological findings of this rare orbital tumor.
Clinical Characteristics of Cerebrovascular Pathology with Patients Suffering from Ph-Negative Myeloproliferative Disease
Authors: Tanashyan Marine M. , Kuznetsova Polina I. , Shabalina Alla A. , Raskurazhev Anton A. , Lagoda Olga V. , Subortseva Irina N. , Melikyan Anait L.
Published: September 2016

Background: Disturbances of microcirculation play a significant role in the development and progression of both acute and chronic cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) and may be associated with different hemogram abnormalities. One of the reasons of the prothrombogenic state of the endothelium is the increase in the number of blood corpuscles leading to (non-Ph) myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (PM). Materials and Methods: The study included 167 patients: 102 patients with Ph-MPD and the control group comprising 65 patients with CVD. According to MPD subtype, the patients were divided into three groups: patients with ET (37%, n = 38, male/female 7/31, age 52 ± 7 years), those with PV (40%, n = 41, male/female 20/21, age 50 ± 6 years) and those with PM (23%, n = 23, male/female 5/18, age 54 ± 4 years). Results: In 79% (n = 81) of cases in the study group (with Ph-MPD), patients had chronic CVD, with the most frequently identified symptoms being asthenia (92%) and headache (72%). Headache in Ph-MPD patients was more frequently (86%) associated with PM, while in patients with PV and ET it was equally distributed (70%). Neurological symptoms in 53% of cases were associated with focal changes of the brain on MRI localized in the subcortical area of the frontal and parietal lobes. Twenty-one (21%) patients suffered an acute cerebrovascular accident, 8 of them had thrombotic occlusion of one of the internal carotid arteries leading to hemispheric infarcts. Endothelial function (as measured by flow-dependent dilation of the brachial artery) was severely impaired in all study groups (median 5% with normal cut-off at 10%), the lowest degree of vasodilator activity being specific for patients with a history of stroke (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Patients suffering from MPD had asymptomatic focal changes in the brain in the absence of concomitant vascular disease (hypertension, atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders) in 50% of cases. MPD, while remaining un- or underdiagnosed, presents a major concern in the cerebrovascular setting. A large number of thrombotic strokes occurring in patients with ET underline the necessity of early diagnostics and preventive therapy in these patients.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Promote Immunosuppressant Adherence in Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Cukor Daniel , Ver Halen Nisha , Pencille Melissa , Tedla Fasika , Salifu Moro
Published: September 2016

Background: Nonadherence to immunosuppressant medication is a prevalent practice among kidney transplant recipients and has been associated with increased risk for graft failure and economic burden. The aim of this pilot study was to test whether a culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral adherence promotion program could significantly improve medication adherence to tacrolimus prescription as measured by telephone pill counts among kidney transplant recipients. Methods: Thirty-three adult transplant recipients were less than 98% adherent to tacrolimus prescription based on 3 telephone pill counts and were randomized either to the 2-session cognitive-behavioral adherence promotion program or to standard care. The curriculum was developed from an iterative process with transplant recipients into a 2-session group program that provided psychoeducation, addressed barriers to adherence, fostered motivation to improve adherence behavior, and discussed cultural messages on adherence behavior. Results: The intervention group displayed significantly higher levels of adherence when compared to the control group (t = 2.2, p = 0.04) and. similarly, when the amount of change was compared between the groups, the intervention group showed more change than the control condition (F (22,1) = 12.005, p = 0.003). Tacrolimus trough concentration levels were used as a secondary measure of adherence and, while there were no significant between-group differences for mean trough concentration levels, the variability in the trough levels did significantly decrease over time indicating more consistent pill-taking behavior in the intervention group. Conclusions: There is preliminary support for the pilot program as a successful intervention in helping patients with their immunosuppressant medication.
Single-Tube Flow Cytometry Assay for the Detection of Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms in Paucicellular Samples
Authors: Stacchini Alessandra , Demurtas Anna , Aliberti Sabrina , Barreca Antonella , Novero Domenico , Pacchioni Donatella
Published: September 2016

Objectives: Flow cytometry (FC) has become a useful support for cytomorphologic evaluation (CM) of fine-needle aspirates (FNA) and serous cavity effusions (SCE) in cases of suspected non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). FC results may be hampered by the scarce viability and low cellularity of the specimens. Study Design: We developed a single-tube FC assay (STA) that included 10 antibodies cocktailed in 8-color labeling, a cell viability dye, and a logical gating strategy to detect NHL in hypocellular samples. The results were correlated with CM and confirmed by histologic or molecular data when available. Results: Using the STA, we detected B-type NHL in 31 out of 103 hypocellular samples (81 FNA and 22 SCE). Of these, 8 were not confirmed by CM and 2 were considered to be only suspicious. The FC-negative samples had a final diagnosis of benign/reactive process (42/72), carcinoma (27/72), or Hodgkin lymphoma (3/72). Conclusions: The STA approach allowed obtainment of maximum immunophenotyping data in specimens containing a low number of cells and a large amount of debris. The information obtained by STA can help cytomorphologists not only to recognize but also to exclude malignant lymphomas.
Improvements in Lung Diffusion Capacity following Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD with and without Ventilation Inhomogeneity
Authors: Santus Pierachille , Radovanovic Dejan , Balzano Giovanni , Pecchiari Matteo , Raccanelli Rita , Sarno Nicola , Di Marco Fabiano , Jones Paul W. , Carone Mauro
Published: September 2016

Background: Lung diffusing capacity (DLCO) and lung volume distribution predict exercise performance and are altered in COPD patients. If pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can modify DLCO parameters is unknown. Objectives: To investigate changes in DLCO and ventilation inhomogeneity following a PR program and their relation with functional outcomes in patients with COPD. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, multicentric study. Patients were evaluated before and after a standardized 3-week PR program. Functional assessment included body plethysmography, DLCO, transfer factor (KCO) and alveolar volume (VA), gas exchange, the 6-min walking test (6MWT) and exercise-related dyspnea. Patients were categorized according to the severity of airflow limitation and presence of ventilation inhomogeneity, identified by a VA/TLC <0.8. Results: Two hundred and fifty patients completed the study. Baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % predicted (mean ± SD) was 50.5 ± 20.1 (76% males); 137 patients had a severe disease. General study population showed improvements in 6MWT (38 ± 55 m; p < 0.01), DLCO (0.12 ± 0.63 mmol × min-1 kPa-1; p < 0.01), lung function and dyspnea. Comparable improvements in DLCO were observed regardless of the severity of disease and the presence of ventilation inhomogeneity. While patients with VA/TLC <0.8 improved the DLCO increasing their VA (177 ± 69 ml; p < 0.01), patients with VA/TLC >0.8 improved their KCO (8.1 ± 2.8%; p = 0.019). The latter had also better baseline lung function and higher improvements in 6MWT (14.6 ± 6.7 vs. 9.0 ± 1.8%; p = 0.015). Lower DLCO at baseline was associated with lower improvements in 6MWT, the greatest difference being between subjects with very severe and mild DLCO impairment (2.7 ± 7.4 vs. 14 ± 2%; p = 0.049). Conclusions: In COPD patients undergoing a PR program, different pathophysiological mechanisms may drive improvements in DLCO, while ventilation inhomogeneity may limit improvements in exercise tolerance.
Patients' Characteristics Affect the Survival Benefit of Warfarin Treatment for Hemodialysis Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Brancaccio Diego , Neri Luca , Bellocchio Francesco , Barbieri Carlo , Amato Claudia , Mari Flavio , Canaud Bernard , Stuard Stefano
Published: September 2016

Background: Stroke prevention in dialysis-dependent patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is an unresolved clinical dilemma. Indeed, no randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of oral anticoagulants in this population, has been conducted so far. Observational research on the use of warfarin in patients on dialysis has shown conflicting results. This uncertainty is mirrored by the wide variations in warfarin prescription patterns across centers. We sought to evaluate the association between the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and mortality among hemodialysis patient with AF and to assess potential factors affecting the risk-benefit profile of warfarin in this population. Methods: A total of 91,987 patients registered in the European Clinical Dialysis Database® system from January 2004 to January 2015. Of which, 9,238 patients were identified with a diagnosis of AF. After excluding ineligible patients, a 1:1 propensity score matched cohort of 1,324 warfarin users and non-users were assembled. Results: VKA use was associated with both increased 90-day survival (hazard ratio, HR 0.47, p < 0.01) and 6-year survival (HR 0.76, p < 0.01); however, a trend indicated a stronger early benefit (p for time-interaction <0.01). Moderation analysis showed that patients' age and clinical history of stroke strongly influenced warfarin-related benefits on survival. Conclusion: VKA may provide an early survival benefit; however, this is partially offset later during the follow-up. In addition, heterogeneous risk-benefit profiles were observed among subgroups of dialysis-dependent patients with AF, further emphasizing the complexities of tailoring stroke prevention strategies in this population.
Parathyroidectomy Increases Heart Rate Variability and Leptin Levels in Patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Jiang Yao , Shen Zhixiang , Zhang Jingjing , Xing Changying , Zha Xiaoming , Shen Chong , Zeng Ming , Yang Guang , Mao Huijuan , Zhang Bo , Yu Xiangbao , Sun Bin , Ouyang Chun , Ge Yifei , Zhang Lina , Cheng Chen , Zhang Jing , Yin Caixia , Chen Huimin , Wang Ningning
Published: September 2016

Background: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, decreased heart rate variability (HRV) reflects impaired cardiac automatic nervous function and high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lower HRV in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a clinical manifestation of CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), could be reversed by parathyroidectomy (PTX). It has been proved that leptin interacts with the autonomic nervous function. However, the associations between leptin and HRV in CKD patients and their longitudinal changes in SHPT patients after PTX are still unknown. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 141 stage 5 CKD patients, and a prospective study in 36 severe SHPT patients with PTX. HRV was measured by Holter and serum leptin was measured by ELISA. Serum leptin levels were adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and transformed using natural logarithm (lnleptin/BMI). Results: With a gradient of lnleptin/BMI across quartiles from Q1 to Q4 in CKD patients, HRV indices showed no differences among quartiles. Patients in Q1 group had higher mean 24 h heart rates, and lower ln(very low frequency) (lnVLF) than other quartiles, although there were no statistically significant difference. In multivariate stepwise regression, serum leptin/BMI was an independent predictor for low frequency/high frequency. HRV indices and lnleptin/BMI levels were increased in severe SHPT patients after PTX. Compared to other quartiles, SHPT patients in Q1 group had larger improvement of lnVLF after PTX. Conclusion: Circulating leptin levels may be a novel treatment target to reduce CVD risk in advanced CKD-MBD patients.
Water Balance and ‘Salt Wasting' in the First Year of Life: The Role of Aldosterone-Signaling Defects
Authors: Bizzarri Carla , Pedicelli Stefania , Cappa Marco , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: September 2016

In newborns and infants, dehydration and salt wasting represent a relatively common cause of admission to hospital and may result in life-threatening complications. Kidneys are responsible for electrolyte homoeostasis, but neonatal kidneys show low glomerular filtration rate and immaturity of the distal nephron, leading to reduced ability to concentrate urine. High extrarenal fluid losses often contribute to the increased occurrence of electrolyte disorders. Aldosterone is essential for sodium retention in the kidney, salivary glands, sweat glands and colon. A partial and transient aldosterone resistance is present in newborns and infants, thus reducing the capability of maintaining sodium balance in specific pathological conditions. The present review examines the mechanisms making infants more susceptible to salt wasting. Peculiar aspects of renal physiology in the first year of life and management of electrolyte disorders (i.e. sodium and potassium) are considered. Finally, inherited disorders associated with neonatal salt wasting are examined in detail.
Single-Incision Mini-Slings: Obturator Complex Pull-Out-Force Measurements
Authors: Lenz Florian , Doll Sara , Sohn Christof , Brocker Kerstin A.
Published: September 2016

Aim: To evaluate the different pull-out-force out of the obturator membrane and the obturator internus muscle of 2 mini-sling systems for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment. Material and Methods: In a prospective study, the pull-out-force measurements were performed on 8 female cadaver pelvises, both on the obturator membrane and internal muscle, using the force measurement device PCE-FM50 (PCE Instruments). Tested were the hooks of 2 on the market available mini-sling kits (MiniArc by American Medical System; Ajust by BARD Inc.). Connected to the force measurement device, the hooks were placed into the obturator membrane and the obturator internus muscle. Mean value and SD were documented. Results: On the complete obturator complex, Ajust showed a significantly higher pull-out-force (2,561.75 ± 638.8 g) than did the MiniArc (1,780.69 ± 442.3 g), p = 0.025. No significant differences were performed on the obturator membrane. Conclusions: The Ajust mini-sling hook is, given the objective results, more stably attached to the obturator complex than the MiniArc. Yet, both systems are sufficiently attachable to the evaluated anatomic structures, fulfilling the needed requirements for their use in the treatment of SUI.
Recife e Salvador na visão dos capuchinhos italianos missionários no Reino do Congo (1667-1703): habitantes, costumes, escravidão, comércio, matéria médica, flora e fauna do Brasil seiscentista
Authors: Papavero Nelson , Teixeira Dante Martins ,   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Published: September 2016

A publicação conta com traduções e ilustrações dos relatos dos capuchinhos italianos acerca do Brasil seiscentista, testemunhando desde os costumes da comunidade até flora e fauna da região litorânea.
Maritime Intercourse and the Commercial Origins of the Alien Tort Statute
Authors: Kolla Edward J.
Published: September 2016

The Alien Tort Statute (ats) is one of the greatest enigmas of American legal history. Enacted in 1789, it was little used until the late 1970s, when foreigners notably began seeking compensation under its terms for human rights abuses committed around the world. Recently, the us Supreme Court seemed to put an end to this practice – but the ats is still of interest to historians. After the American War of Independence, Great Britain and the United States maintained a robust trade and close economic relationship. Many Americans saw the perpetuation of these ties as essential to the new republic’s prosperity. The ats helped frame the United States’ mercantile associations in terms of customary maritime and trade law; in particular, evidence suggests it aimed to provide a mechanism in us courts for the remedy of commercial disputes, especially with Americans’ former imperial overlord, in accordance with the contemporary law of nations.
Calvin’s Use of the Chevallon Edition of Chrysostom’s Opera Omnia
Authors: Kreijkes Jeannette
Published: September 2016

Research on the relationship between John Calvin and John Chrysostom has been based on Calvin’s alleged use of the 1536 Chevallon edition of Chrysostom’s Opera Omnia throughout his literary career. This article questions the evidence for Calvin’s intensive use of the Chevallon edition by discussing the opinions that underlie Alexandre Ganoczy and Klaus Müller’s interpretation of the marked sections and their influence on scholars after them. It argues that at best Calvin used the copy in question as one among others only during his last Genevan period. This challenges future research on the relationship between Calvin and Chrysostom not to focus on one edition that Calvin always used to read, but to establish which particular Chrysostom edition or editions Calvin used for each particular work he wrote.
Cold War Liberal Pluralism and Its Legacy. George Kennan and Henry Kissinger Revisited
Authors: Horsfield Dorothy
Published: September 2016

With intensified speculation about a new Cold War, the question of whether there is any sound basis for detente between the West and Russia has been at the heart of contentious international debates. Centrally these have included nato expansion into the Eastern bloc and the way forward from the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. In this context, two of the staunchest critics of what they believe are the ill-conceived initiatives in us foreign policy towards the post-Soviet government have been the Americans, George Kennan and Henry Kissinger. Both men have railed against triumphalist varieties of liberalism, and especially what they see as their country’s overactive democratization zeal in the wake of the Second World War. Both men have argued for a more informed pluralistic liberalism, in the hope of fostering a stable global order beyond the sectarian extermination programs and ruinous total wars of the last 100 years. The article considers the plausibility and prescience of their views.
Five new feather mites of the subfamily Pterodectinae (Acariformes: Astigmata: Proctophyllodidae) from passerines and hummingbirds (Aves) of Brazil
Authors: HERNANDES FABIO AKASHI , PEDROSO LUIZ GUSTAVO A. , ONIKI-WILLIS YOSHIKA
Published: September 2016

Five new species of feather mites (Proctophyllodidae: Pterodectinae) are described from passerines and hummingbirds of Brazil: Amerodectes longifuscus sp. nov. from Poospiza lateralis (Nordmann, 1835) (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), A. vireonis sp. nov. from Vireo olivaceus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Passeriformes: Vireonidae), Tyrannidectes synallaxis sp. nov. from Synallaxis ruficapilla Vieillot, 1819 (Passeriformes: Furnariidae), Trochilodectes willisi sp. nov. from Phaethornis eurynome (Lesson, 1832) (Apodiformes: Trochilidae), and Xynonodectes phaethornis sp. nov. from Ph. pretrei (Lesson & Delattre, 1839) (Apodiformes: Trochilidae).
A new species of hermit crab of the genus Pagurus Fabricius, 1775 (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguridae) from the southern Caribbean off Venezuela
Authors: LIMA DANIEL JOSÉ MARCONDES , LEMAITRE RAFAEL
Published: September 2016

A male specimen of a new species of the heterogeneous genus Pagurus Fabricius, 1775, collected in 1968 off the Caribbean coast of Venezuela, was discovered among the vast crustacean collections of the Smithsonian Institution. This new species herein described and illustrated is named P. scopaopsis, and is characterized primarily by the presence of: a brush-like setation pattern on the dactyl of the left third pereopod, dense small tubercles on the dorsal surfaces of the dactyl and fixed finger of the right chela, and a raised longitudinal ridge armed with spines on the palm and fixed finger of the left chela.
A new family, genus and species of freshwater amphipod Australomicroprotopus megacoxa gen. nov. sp. nov. (Senticaudata, Corophiidea, Microprotopoidea, Australomicroprotopidae fam. nov.) from Australia
Authors: MYERS ALAN A. , LOWRY JAMES K. , BILLINGHAM ZAC
Published: September 2016

A new species of fresh-water amphipod is described from Australia. Australomicroprotopus megacoxa gen. nov. sp. nov. It is placed in a new family, the Australomicroprotopidae fam. nov. and is fully described and figured.
Description of the immature stages and new host plant records of Deois (Deois) mourei (Berg) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), a species newly recorded from Argentina and Paraguay
Authors: FOIERI ALVARO , LENICOV ANA M. MARINO DE REMES , VIRLA EDUARDO G.
Published: September 2016

Deois (Deois) mourei Cavichioli & Sakakibara (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) is recorded for the first time from Argentina and Paraguay. The eggs and immature stages of the species are described and illustrated; the main characters that distinguish instars are body size, color, number of flagellomeres, and number of tibial and metatarsomere spines. A key for identification of nymphs of D. (D.) mourei and a key to differentiate nymphs of the sympatric species D. (D.) mourei and Notozulia entreriana Berg are provided. In addition, a list of host plants of D. (D.) mourei in Argentina is given.
Observations of Severe Local Storms and Tornadoes with the Atmospheric Imaging Radar
Authors: Bodine David J. , Bonin Timothy A. , Isom Bradley , Palmer Robert D. , Cheong Boon Leng , Lujan Javier , Mahre Andrew , Byrd Andrew D.
Published: September 2016

Mobile radar platforms designed for observation of severe local storms have consistently pushed the boundaries of spatial and temporal resolution in order to allow for detailed analysis of storm structure and evolution. Digital beamforming, or radar imaging, is a technique that is similar in nature to a photograwphic camera, where data samples from different spaces at the same range are collected simultaneously. This allows for rapid volumetric update rates compared to radars that scan with a single narrow beam. The Atmospheric Imaging Radar (AIR) is a mobile X-band (3.14-cm wavelength) imaging weather radar that transmits a vertical, 20° fan beam and uses a 36-element receive array to form instantaneous range–height indicators (RHIs) with a native beamwidth of 1° × 1°. Rotation in azimuth allows for 20° × 90° volumetric updates in under 6 s, while advanced pulse compression techniques achieve 37.5-m range resolution. The AIR has been operational since 2012 and has collected data on tornadoes and supercells at ranges as close as 6 km, resulting in high spatial and temporal resolution observations of severe local storms. The use of atmospheric imaging is exploited to detail rapidly evolving phenomena that are difficult to observe with traditional scanning weather radars.
The Dynamics of Mesoscale Winds in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere
Authors: Callies Jörn , Bühler Oliver , Ferrari Raffaele
Published: September 2016

Spectral analysis is applied to infer the dynamics of mesoscale winds from aircraft observations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Two datasets are analyzed: one collected aboard commercial aircraft and one collected using a dedicated research aircraft. A recently developed wave–vortex decomposition is used to test the observations’ consistency with linear inertia–gravity wave dynamics. The decomposition method is shown to be robust in the vicinity of the tropopause if flight tracks vary sufficiently in altitude. For the lower stratosphere, the decompositions of both datasets confirm a recent result that mesoscale winds are consistent with the polarization and dispersion relations of inertia–gravity waves. For the upper troposphere, however, the two datasets disagree: only the research aircraft data indicate consistency with linear wave dynamics at mesoscales. The source of the inconsistency is a difference in mesoscale variance of the measured along-track wind component. To further test the observed flow’s consistency with linear wave dynamics, the ratio between tropospheric and stratospheric mesoscale energy levels is compared to a simple model of upward-propagating waves that are partially reflected at the tropopause. For both datasets, the observed energy ratio is roughly consistent with the simple wave model, but wave frequencies diagnosed from the data draw into question the applicability of the monochromatic theory at wavelengths smaller than 10 km.
An Investigation of the Stability Dependence of SST-Induced Vertical Mixing over the Ocean in the Operational Met Office Model
Authors: Song Qingtao , Chelton Dudley B. , Esbensen Steven K. , Brown Andrew R.
Published: September 2016

This study presents an assessment of the impact of a March 2006 change in the Met Office operational global numerical weather prediction model through the introduction of a nonlocal momentum mixing scheme. From comparisons with satellite observations of surface wind speed and sea surface temperature (SST), it is concluded that the new parameterization had a relatively minor impact on SST-induced changes in sea surface wind speed in the Met Office model in the September and October 2007 monthly averages over the Agulhas Return Current region considered here. The performance of the new parameterization of vertical mixing was evaluated near the surface layer and further through comparisons with results obtained using a wide range of sensitivity of mixing parameterization to stability in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, which is easily adapted to such sensitivity studies. While the new parameterization of vertical mixing improves the Met Office model response to SST in highly unstable (convective) conditions, it is concluded that significantly enhanced vertical mixing in the neutral to moderately unstable conditions (nondimensional stability [Formula: see text] between 0 and −2) typically found over the ocean is required in order for the model surface wind response to SST to match the satellite observations. Likewise, the reduced mixing in stable conditions in the new parameterization is also relatively small; for the range of the gradient Richardson number typically found over the ocean, the mixing was reduced by a maximum of only 10%, which is too small by more than an order of magnitude to be consistent with the satellite observations.
First-Year Evaluation of GPM Rainfall over the Netherlands: IMERG Day 1 Final Run (V03D)
Authors: Gaona M. F. Rios , Overeem A. , Leijnse H. , Uijlenhoet R.
Published: September 2016

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission is the successor to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), which orbited Earth for ~17 years. With Core Observatory launched on 27 February 2014, GPM offers global precipitation estimates between 60°N and 60°S at 0.1° × 0.1° resolution every 30 min. Unlike during the TRMM era, the Netherlands is now within the coverage provided by GPM. Here the first year of GPM rainfall retrievals from the 30-min gridded Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) product Day 1 Final Run (V03D) is assessed. This product is compared against gauge-adjusted radar rainfall maps over the land surface of the Netherlands at 30-min, 24-h, monthly, and yearly scales. These radar rainfall maps are considered to be ground truth. The evaluation of the first year of IMERG operations is done through time series, scatterplots, empirical exceedance probabilities, and various statistical indicators. In general, there is a tendency for IMERG to slightly underestimate (2%) countrywide rainfall depths. Nevertheless, the relative underestimation is small enough to propose IMERG as a reliable source of precipitation data, especially for areas where rain gauge networks or ground-based radars do not offer these types of high-resolution data and availability. The potential of GPM for rainfall estimation in a midlatitude country is confirmed.
Slow to Learn
Authors: Spaniel William , Bils Peter
Published: September 2016

If peace fails due to incomplete information and incentives to misrepresent power or resolve, war is supposed to serve as a learning process and allows parties to reach a mutually preferable bargain. We explore crisis bargaining under a third type of uncertainty: the extent to which one side wishes to conquer the other. With incomplete information and take-it-or-leave-it negotiations, this type of uncertainty is isomorphic to incomplete information about the probability of victory. However, with incomplete information and bargaining while fighting, standard convergence results fail: types fail to fully separate because there is no differential cost for delay. Wars correspondingly last longer while benefiting no one. These results help explain empirical differences between territorial versus nonterritorial conflicts and interstate versus intrastate wars.
‘The Transformation of Man’ in French Algeria: Economic Planning and the Postwar Social Sciences, 1958–62
Authors: Davis Muriam Haleh
Published: September 2016

This article demonstrates how the evolution of US social sciences during the Cold War influenced French attempts to develop Algeria economically and socially. During a violent war of decolonization, French researchers drew from social psychology to inform development policies. Studying political trends through the lens of cultural and psychological factors transformed older understandings of social classification. Rather than being conceived in primarily biological terms, racial difference was increasingly defined in relationship to economic capacities. The Constantine Plan, introduced in 1958, exemplified the intimate link between social planning and the postwar social sciences. The article then studies attempts to develop the Sahara, where planners sought to determine which races would be able to work in the harsh conditions of the desert. Arguing that social planning in Algeria was not merely a ‘colonial’ phenomena, this article shows how development reflected the broader shifts in thinking about the economy and social organization that marked the 1950s and 1960s.
Farm risks and uncertainties
Authors: Ullah Raza , Shivakoti Ganesh P. , Zulfiqar Farhad , Kamran Muhammad Asif
Published: September 2016

Owing to the variable economic and biophysical environment, agricultural activities are subjected to variety of risks and uncertainties. Our contemporary review of the previous literature distinguished two major types of risk in agriculture. First, business risk which include production, market, institutional and personal risks. Second, financial risks resulting from different methods of financing the farm business. The relative importance of these risk sources may depend on the geographical location, government policies and legislations, the presence of formal (state owned) and/or traditional risk coping tools, type of agricultural product etc. There is a wide array of risk management tools available to the farmers to manage their risks at farm level. The adoption of these risk management strategies are heavily influenced by farmers’ risk perceptions their attitude towards risk, farm and farm household characteristics and farmers’ access to publically provided services including agricultural credit and information. An insubstantial proportion of literature also revealed farmers’ behavior of simultaneous adoption of multiple risk coping tools in managing their farm risks and therefore suggesting future studies to investigate farmers’ decisions making process in context of simultaneous adoption of the available risk coping tools.
What you see is news
Authors: Morse Stephen
Published: September 2016

This article uses the Nexis database to explore the global media reporting of Bt maize and Bt cotton between 1996 and 2015 in terms of trends over time and how this relates to region (North America, Europe and Asia) and topic (six in total) of focus. While Bt cotton and Bt maize are ‘genetically modified’ (GM), there are differences between them in terms of the extent and pattern of media reporting. An apparent spike in media reporting of Bt maize between 1998 and 2001 is largely linked to the North America and Europe regions, and covers the period just after the first commercial release of that variety. For Bt cotton, the broad trend in media reporting mirrors the increase in Bt cotton area, and a sharp rise in press reporting as of 2008/2009 in Asia follows a rapid increase in the area of Bt cotton in India since that time. For both crops, the count of articles classified as ‘Environment and natural resources’ was significantly higher than for the other topics and for both crops, the topic ‘Safety, accidents and disasters’ had the lowest count. The media picks up on many signals within the GM crop arena, and may have a significant influence given that the public may rely heavily upon the media for its information regarding GM.
“Because I’m Light Skin . . . They Think I’m Italian”
Authors: Fergus Edward
Published: September 2016

Discussions on Latino/a students’ interpretation of the opportunity structure and schooling treat racial/ethnic identification among Latino/as as static, despite skin color variation. This article provides findings from interviews with six Mexican students who discussed teachers identifying them as “White-looking” or “Hispanic/Mexican-looking.” Both groups shared belief in the achievement ideology and understood the opportunity structure as fraught with barriers. However, the “White-looking” students perceived themselves as being able to permeate such barriers meanwhile the “Hispanic/Mexican-looking” students believed such barriers affect their ability to “make it” regardless of their aspirations. This study raises questions regarding theories on academic variability of Latino/a students.
The Lives, Aspirations, and Needs of Refugee and Immigrant Students With Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) in a Secondary Newcomer Program
Authors: Hos Rabia
Published: September 2016

Secondary schools in the United States have been changing with the increased arrival of refugee students with interrupted formal education (SIFE), especially at the secondary schools. Refugee SIFE are faced with barriers developing both language and academic skills. This article describes some of the findings of an ethnographic research study that was conducted in an urban secondary newcomer program with SIFE in Northeast United States. The findings suggest that the refugee SIFE were in dire need of psychological support, had many responsibilities outside of school, and had high aspirations for the future despite their limited knowledge of the U.S. educational system.
Reallocation of Plan Targets in the Case of Shortfalls in Some Sectors
Authors: Rangarajan C. , Satia J.K.
Published: September 2016

The evaluation and monitoring plan performance in India essentially focusses on the questions like why the shortfalls have occurred, what the bottlenecks were, and what attempts should be made to resolve these difficulties. While the shortfalls are recognized, not much attention has been paid to the replanning measures necessary.

In this paper the authors address themselves to the task of readjusting plan targets when shortfalls that occurred in certain sectors cannot be made good during the plan period. The problem is formulated as a mathematical programme. The constraints are derived by the necessity to retain inter-sectoral balances. Two different objective functions and their implications are discussed,

A case study which uses the input-output table for the year 1973–74 is used to illustrate the methodology and analyse the effect of shortfalls in two sectors-electricity, and basic metals and metal products.
A Strategy Model for Export Marketing
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh , Khurana Rakesh
Published: September 2016

In this article, a method is developed for choosing an appropriate product-market strategy, given the relative endowments of the exporter and the possible target countries. It is argued that in selecting product-markets for exports, competitive advantage as well as export potential are important. Furthermore, competitive advantage should be computed on the basis of marketing and technological factors in addition to traditional factors. The method for evaluating product-markets is illustrated by means of a simulation using hypothetical data. Considerations in addition to comparative advantage and export potential such as barriers to entry and social and political compatibility are also discussed. Guidelines for implementing the proposed model are provided.
The Public Sector
Authors: Raghavan S.V.S.
Published: September 2016

This article reviews the following books: J.B.P. Sinha, Some Problems of Public Sector Organisations (Delhi: National Publishing House, 1973). S. K. Roy, Corporate Image in India, (New Delhi: Shri Ram Centre for Industrial Relations, 1974). Ziauddin Khan & R. K. Arora, Public Enterprises in India (New Delhi t Associated Publishing House, 1975). Institute of Public Enterprises, Pricing and Investment in Public Enterprises (New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publishing Company, 1974). Laxmi Narain, Managerial Compensation and Motivation in Public Enterprises (New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publishing Company, 1973).
Outgrowing the Frame
Authors: Sinha Jai B.P.
Published: September 2016

This article reviews the following books: D. M. Pestonjee, Organizational Structure And Job Attitudes (Calcutta : The Minerva Associates, 1973). S. K. Roy, & A. S. Menon (Eds.), Motivation and Organizational Effectiveness (New Delhi: S.R.C. for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, 1974). B. R. Sharma, Occupational Values and Business (New Delhi: Sindhu Publications Ltd., 1974). D. Sinha, Studies in Industrial Psychology (Agra : Shri Ram Mehra, 1973).
Effectiveness of Varying Sales Style on Consumer Orientations
Authors: Rao T.V. , Misra Sasi
Published: September 2016

Using the role-play technique, the effect of four different sales orientations on customers with four different need patterns was examined by the authors. In a factorial design, product-centred,company-centred, customer-centred and self-centred salespersons interacted with strong need, marginal need, no need, and negative need consumers, attempting to sell a radio set. Neither the salesperson nor the customer was aware of the other's orientation. The study was conducted separately on the two different samples: three groups of salespersons and three groups of students with eight persons in each group. Results indicated that product-centred salespersons made a more positive impact on consumers followed by the customercentred and the company-centred salespersons. Self-centred salespersons made a relatively low impact. Furthermore, product-centred salespersons made a greater impact on low need customers while company-centred salespersons made a greater impact on high-need customers. Customercentred salespersons showed more consistency in the impact they made than the other three types of salespersons, indicating that they are likely to be consistently effective irrespective of the need patterns or customers.