bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early PD-1 Therapy Discontinuation in Responding Metastatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Iivanainen Sanna , Koivunen Jussi P.
Published: October 2018

Background: Most clinical trials have investigated PD-(L)1 agents until disease progression or severe side effects, but the optimal duration of the treatment remains to be elucidated. Our institutional guideline has restricted maximal PD-(L)1 therapy length to 6 months, and therefore our cohort provides a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of short PD-1 therapy. Methods: We retrospectively collected all patients who had been treated with PD-1 therapy for metastatic cancer at Oulu University Hospital from 2014 to 2018. Clinical variables, treatment history, and survival were collected. Results: A total of 59 patients received PD-1 therapy for metastatic disease in lung and genitourinary (renal and bladder) cancers as well as melanoma. Median overall survival was close to what has been seen in clinical trials. Seventeen patients had PD-1 therapy discontinued in response, most of them because of reaching the maximal restricted PD-1 therapy length (n = 12, 70.6%). Patients whose therapy was discontinued in response experienced a long immuno-oncology (IO) therapy-free survival (median 12 months), and only 6 patients had need for therapy re-initiation during the follow-up. We also investigated alternative response evaluation criteria which outperformed conventional RECIST 1.1 in predicting IO therapy-free survival. Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that patients whose PD-1 therapy has been discontinued in response can have a long IO therapy-free period without need for a next line of therapy.
A Pan-Cancer Landscape Analysis Reveals a Subset of Endometrial Stromal and Pediatric Tumors Defined by Internal Tandem Duplications of BCOR
Authors: Juckett Luke T. , Lin Doug I. , Madison Russell , Ross Jeffrey S. , Schrock Alexa B. , Ali Siraj
Published: October 2018

Background: The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) regulates epigenetic silencing and is manifestly linked to rare cancer types. The X-linked BCOR gene (BCL-6 Corepressor) is a member of the PRC1 complex and potentiates transcriptional repression through BCL6 binding of PRC1. Accumulating evidence suggests that internal tandem duplications (ITD) of BCOR are oncogenic drivers in a subset of pediatric sarcomas and rare adult tumors. Objective: We reviewed the genomic profiles of a large series of advanced cancer patients to determine the frequency and genomic spectrum of ITD of BCOR across cancer. Methods: Tissues from 140,411 unique advanced cancers were sequenced by hybrid-capture-NGS-based comprehensive genomic profiling of 186–315 genes plus introns from 14 to 28 genes commonly rearranged in cancer, as well as RNA for 265 genes for a portion of these cases. Results: BCOR-ITDs were present in 0.024% of all cases (33/140,411). Of this dataset, sarcoma cancer types were most frequent, 63.6% (21/33), either of uterine origin 52.4% (11/21), or pediatric (nonuterine) 42.8% (9/21). The identified BCOR-ITDs occurred most frequently in exon 15, near C-terminus, 69.7% (23/33), with a mean insertion length of 31.7 codons (range 30–38). Of uterine cases, an expert gynecologic pathology central review identified all these cases as having a similar high-grade morphology consistent with endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), and 90% of cases having a round cell component. Of the uterine sarcoma cases harboring exon 15 BCOR-ITDs, none simultaneously carried gene fusions typically associated with ESS. Conclusion: BCOR-ITDs define a rare subset of pediatric sarcomas and clinically aggressive endometrial stromal sarcoma cases, as defined by NGS for the first time. Our findings help delineate the pan-cancer landscape of this alteration and suggest the need for focused investigation to delineate the pro-oncogenic function of BCOR, along with any sensitivity to targeted therapies.
Dry-Eye Disease in Recurrent Pterygium
Authors: Tan Jeremy , Vollmer-Conna Ute , Tat Lien , Coroneo Minas
Published: October 2018

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to investigate the degree of inflammation and dry-eye disease (DED) in recurrent pterygium. Methods: Fifty-five patients with a history of pterygium excision were divided into 3 groups – Group 1: no recurrence after the first excision; Group 2: recurrence after the first excision; Group 3: no recurrence after the second excision. Dry-eye symptoms and tear production were elicited for each patient. Results: A high prevalence of DED was observed in patients with primary and recurrent pterygium based on self-reported dry-eye symptoms (63.6%) and an abnormal Schirmer test result (78.1%). There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.025) in the Schirmer test values between patients with (5.6 mm) and without (11.4 mm) recurrence after surgery for primary pterygium. Patients who were cured after a second excision had an improved Schirmer test value (9.5 mm), although this was not significant. Conclusion: Pterygium recurrence is associated with a greater severity of dry eye, possibly by perpetuating ocular surface inflammation in the postoperative period.
Vascular Calcification Markers and Hemodialysis Vascular Access Complications
Authors: Lyu Beini , Banerjee Tanushree , Scialla Julia J. , Shafi Tariq , Yevzlin Alexander S. , Powe Neil R. , Parekh Rulan S. , Astor Brad C.
Published: October 2018

Background: Arteriovenous (AV) access dysfunction is a common complication in hemodialysis patients. Markers of vascular calcification are associated with cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in this population, but their association with vascular access outcomes is unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between selected vascular calcification makers and vascular access complications in a cohort of hemodialysis patients. Method: Fetuin-A, osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) were measured in blood samples from 219 dialysis patients in the Choice for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for end-stage renal disease study; these patients were using a permanent vascular access. Participants were followed for up to 1 year or until the occurrence of a vascular access intervention or replacement. Associations with AV fistula (AVF) and AV graft (AVG) intervention-free survival were assessed in models adjusted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and inflammation. Results: A total of 24 out 103 participants with an AVF and 43 out of 116 participants with an AVG had an intervention during follow-up. Lower fetuin-A, higher OPN, and higher BMP-7 were associated with a higher risk of AVF intervention (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] for highest versus lowest tertile = 0.30 [95% CI 0.10–0.94]) for fetuin-A, 3.84 (95% CI 1.16–12.74) for OPN, and 3.49 (95% CI 1.16–10.52) for BMP-7. OPG was not significantly associated with the risk of AVF intervention. The associations of OPN and BMP-7 with AVF intervention appeared stronger among participants without diabetes (aHR 8.06; 95% CI 1.11–58.57 for OPN and aHR 2.55; 95% CI 1.08–6.08 for BMP-7, respectively) than among their counterparts with diabetes (p interaction = 0.06). None of the markers studied were significantly associated with AVG interventions. Conclusion: Lower fetuin-A and higher OPN and BMP-7 are associated with complications in AVF but not in AVG, suggesting a role for calcification in the pathogenesis AVF failure.
Comparison of Two Different Treatment Protocols Using Systemic and Intratympanic Steroids with and without Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Patients with Severe to Profound Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cho Ilyoung , Lee Hyun-Min , Choi Sung-Won , Kong Soo-Keun , Lee Il-Woo , Goh Eui-Kyung , Oh Se-Joon
Published: October 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of simultaneous steroid and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with severe to profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL), which has a poor prognosis. Methods: Sixty patients diagnosed with severe to profound ISSNHL (≥70 dB HL) were randomly divided into two groups in a prospective controlled trial: an oral steroid + intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) group (control group) and an oral steroid + ITSI + HBOT group (study group). Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) results and word discrimination scores (WDS) were compared between the two groups before treatment and 10 days and 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. Hearing improvement was assessed using the modified American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria. Analyses were by both intention to treat and per protocol. Results: A total of 58 patients completed the 3-month follow-up, and 2 patients in the study group were excluded due to follow-up loss in the per-protocol analysis. In the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, the study group showed significantly better hearing levels than did the control group at 500 Hz (p < 0.05) 1 month after treatment and at 1 kHz (p < 0.05) 3 months after treatment. However, the average PTA values and PTA at 2, 4, and 8 kHz showed no significant difference. WDS improvement was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group 3 months after treatment by both per-protocol (66.4 ± 13.3 and 56.7 ± 19.1%, respectively; p = 0.029) and intention-to-treat analyses (65.9 ± 14.1 and 56.7 ± 19.1%, respectively; p = 0.035). The sum of complete and partial hearing recovery for the study group was significantly higher than that for the control group by per-protocol analysis (60.7 vs. 33.3%; p = 0.037) and intention-to-treat analysis (60.0 vs. 33.3%; p = 0.038). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the addition of HBOT to steroid combination therapy does not improve the average PTA values in severe to profound ISSNHL; however, it was associated with a better outcome at 500 Hz 1 month after treatment and, at 1 kHz, WDS 3 months after treatment. The sum of complete and partial hearing recovery was significantly higher for the study group than for the control group.
Attenuated Psychophysiological Reactivity following Single-Session Group Imagery Rescripting versus Verbal Restructuring in Social Anxiety Disorder: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hyett Matthew P. , Bank Samantha R. , Lipp Ottmar V. , Erceg-Hurn David M. , Alvares Gail A. , Maclaine Ellen , Puckridge Emily , Hayes Sarra , McEvoy Peter M.
Published: October 2018

Background: The effectiveness of psychotherapies for social anxiety disorder (SAD) is typically evaluated using self- and clinician-reported symptom change, while biomarkers of treatment response are rarely measured. The current study aimed to compare biomarkers of response following two brief group interventions for SAD. Methods: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of single-session group interventions for SAD (n = 58) – imagery rescripting (IR) and verbal restructuring (VR) versus waitlist control (WC). The IR intervention guided participants to rescript autobiographical memories through visualization whilst the VR intervention focused on thought challenging. Trial outcomes included change in psychophysiological reactivity (heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal responding) to social stress, and symptom-based measures (social interaction anxiety, negative self-portrayal, cognitive avoidance, repetitive negative thinking, memory modification, anxious behaviors). Results: Psychophysiological reactivity was selectively attenuated following IR treatment, compared to VR and WC groups. The specific influence of the imagery-based intervention in modulating autonomic reactivity was evident across HRV parameters, including the standard deviation of intervals between heartbeats (IR vs. WC, d = 0.67, p = 0.021; IR vs. VR, d = 0.58, p = 0.041), and high frequency power – an indicator of parasympathetically mediated emotion regulation (IR vs. WC, d = 0.75, p = 0.034; IR vs. VR, d = 0.95, p = 0.006). Few group differences were observed across self-report measures. Conclusion: The current study highlights the specificity of brief imagery-based interventions in influencing psychophysiological reactivity in SAD and establishes the sensitivity of objective markers of treatment response in quantifying change over symptom-based measurements.
Cytomorphologic, Imaging, Molecular Findings, and Outcome in Thyroid Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance/Atypical Cell of Undetermined Significance (AUS/FLUS): A Mini-Review
Authors: Geramizadeh Bita , Bos-hagh Somayeh , Maleki Zahra
Published: October 2018

Objectives: Since the introduction of the entity of “Atypical cell of undetermined significance /follicular lesion of undetermined significance” (AUS/FLUS) by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) in 2007, there have been many published studies about the cytomorphologic criteria, subclassification, outcome, and management of patients with the diagnosis of AUS/FLUS. There have been many studies in different aspects of this indeterminate category, i.e., cytologic and molecular findings, ultrasonographic findings, and in some instances even core-needle biopsy to address a better and safer way of the management of patients with this fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosis. The second edition of TBSRTC and the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines provide an update on the follow-up and management of AUS/FLUS. A multidisciplinary team consisting of pathologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, and radiologists should be involved in the diagnosis and management of AUS/FLUS, and all of them should be aware of the heterogeneity of this lesion for the prediction of the treatment and outcome. Study Design: In this review, we consider different research platforms (2008–2017) to find the best and key reports for the above-mentioned challenging aspects of AUS/FLUS. Conclusion: AUS/FLUS is now a well-defined group of thyroid lesions, which can be most accurately diagnosed and managed with cytomorphology, molecular, and ancillary studies.
Tetanic Facilitation of Neuromuscular Transmission by Adenosine A2A and Muscarinic M1 Receptors is Dependent on the Uptake of Choline via High-Affinity Transporters
Authors: Castellão-Santana Lilian Martins , Yumi Abiko Priscila , Ambiel Celia Regina , Peixoto Ana Rita , Noronha-Matos José Bernardo , Correia-de-Sá Paulo , Alves-Do-Prado Wilson
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: In this study, we evaluated the functional impact of facilitatory presynaptic adenosine A2A and muscarinic M1 receptors in the recovery of neuromuscular tetanic depression caused by the blockage of high-affinity choline transporter (HChT) by hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), a condition that mimics a myasthenia-like condition. Methods: Rat diaphragm preparations were indirectly stimulated via the phrenic nerve trunk with 50-Hz frequency trains, each consisting of 500–750 supramaximal intensity pulses. The tension at the beginning (A) and at the end (B) of the tetanus was recorded and the ratio (R) B/A calculated. Results: Activation of A2A and M1 receptors with CGS21680 (CGS; 2 nmol/L) and McN-A-343c (McN; 3 μmol/L) increased R values. Similar facilitatory effects were obtained with forskolin (FSK; 3 μmol/L) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 10 μmol/L), which activate adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C respectively. HC-3 (4 μmol/L) decreased transmitter exocytosis measured by real-time videomicroscopy with the FM4-64 fluorescent dye and prevented the facilitation of neuromuscular transmission caused by CGS, McN, and FSK, with a minor effect on PMA. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine (NEO; 0.5 μmol/L), also decreased transmitter exocytosis. The paradoxical neuromuscular tetanic fade caused by NEO (0.5 μmol/L) was also prevented by HC-3 (4 μmol/L) and might result from the rundown of the positive feedback mechanism operated by neuronal nicotinic receptors (blocked by hexamethonium, 120 μmol/L). Conclusion: Data suggest that the recovery of tetanic neuromuscular facilitation by adenosine A2A and M1 receptors is highly dependent on HChT activity and may be weakened in myasthenic patients when HChT is inoperative.
Preliminary insights on the relation between endometriosis, pelvic pain, and employment
Authors: Facchin Federica , Buggio Laura , Ottolini Federica , Barbara Giussy , Saita Emanuela , Vercellini Paolo
Published: October 2018

Aims: The economic burden of endometriosis and pelvic pain involves direct and indirect healthcare costs due to work loss and decreased productivity. However, the relation between endometriosis, pelvic pain, and employment remains underinvestigated. This study aimed at providing preliminary insights into this topic. Methods: We compared the employment status (having vs. not having a job) in 298 consecutive endometriosis patients and in 332 women without a history of endometriosis (control group). We also examined the association between pelvic pain and employment status. Results: Women with endometriosis were less likely to be employed compared to women without endometriosis (OR 0.508; 95% CI 0.284–0.908; p = 0.022). Women with symptomatic endometriosis were less likely to be employed relative to controls (OR 0.345; 95% CI 0.184–0.650; p = 0.001), as well as to asymptomatic endometriosis patients (OR 0.362; 95% CI 0.167–0.785; p = 0.01). No significant differences emerged between asymptomatic endometriosis and the control group (p > 0.05). Greater severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and dyschezia was found in unemployed endometriosis patients (vs. employed endometriosis participants). Conclusion: Endometriosis symptoms may significantly affect women’s professional life, with important socioeconomic, legal, and political implications. Community-based participatory research is encouraged.
Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodialysis Using the Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency MachineTM: First Clinical Experiences
Authors: Vidal Enrico , Cocchi Enrico , Paglialonga Fabio , Ricci Zaccaria , Garzotto Francesco , Peruzzi Licia , Murer Luisa , Ronco Claudio
Published: October 2018

We report the first worldwide experience with continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) in children using the last generation Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis Emergency Machine (CARPEDIEM)TM device. Thirteen children received 1,008 h of CVVHD during 95 sessions, using a 0.15 (n = 7) or a 0.25 m2 (n = 6) hemofilter. The median weight was 3 kg (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5–6.2). In 10 patients, CVVHD was conducted using a 5 Fr double-lumen central vascular access, whereas in 3 children, bigger sizes were used (6.5 and 8 Ch). The median prescribed Qb was 17 mL/min (IQR 10–29.5), with a median Qd of 10 mL/min. Circuits were primed with 5% albumin in 12 out of 13 patients, using anticoagulation with heparin in all 13 cases. The median delivered/prescribed time ratio yielded a 100% result (95–100%). The most common cause for “downtime” was clotting that however occurred in only 3% of all treatments. Survivals at continuous renal replacement therapy discontinuation and ICU discharge were 100 and 69% respectively. The CARPEDIEMTM machine allowed successful delivery of diffusive blood purification modality to very small patients, using small catheters, no blood primes, and excellent concordance between delivered and prescribed treatment duration.
Membrane Attack Complex and Factor H in Humans with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Rodríguez Eva , Gimeno Javier , Arias-Cabrales Carlos , Barrios Clara , Redondo- Pachón Dolores , Soler María José , Crespo Marta , Sierra-Ochoa Adriana , Riera Marta , Pascual Julio
Published: October 2018

Background and Aims: Complement system seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of complement system in the pathogenesis of human AKI. For this purpose, we studied Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) and factor H in plasma and kidney tissue in AKI. Methods: Plasmatic concentrations of MAC and Factor H were studied in patients with hospital-acquired AKI and their respective controls. MAC and Factor H expression and localization within the kidney were studied by immunohistochemistry in kidney tissue samples from autopsies. Demographical, past medical, and laboratory data in patients on admission and 3 years after discharge were recorded. Results: Plasmatic MAC concentrations were significantly higher in AKI-patients (5848±3604 vs 3703±1483 mAU/mL, p< 0.01), mainly in the severe cases, as measured by the need of renal replacement therapy, non-recovery of renal function, RIFLE classification and CKD development. MAC deposition was observed in tubular epithelial cell basal membranes, showing a larger number of tubules with MAC deposition, larger perimeter of affected tubules and greater intensity of MAC immunostaining in AKI patients. Factor H concentrations were higher in AKI patients (0.86±0.05 vs 0.60±0.04 mg/mL, p=0.007), showing a strong positive association with plasmatic MAC (r=0.7, p< 0.01)). Factor H immunostaining showed a tubular cytoplasmic pattern, with significant variations in the staining intensity, associated with the severity of histologic damage. Conclusion: Our data confirm that complement system is involved in human AKI, through the lytic action of MAC in tubular epithelial cells. These results suggest that complement system activation in AKI could be related with CKD development.
A Novel Inhibitor of Homodimerization Targeting MyD88 Ameliorates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis by Counteracting TGF-β1-Induced EMT in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Liu Jian-Hua , He Long , Zou Zhi-Miao , Ding Zuo-Chuan , Zhang Xue , Wang Hao , Zhou Ping , Xie Lin , Xing Shuai , Yi Cheng-Zhi
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway has been successfully used to treat renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). However, the exact therapeutic mechanism is still unknown. Here, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of TJ-M2010-2, a small molecular compound that inhibits MyD88 homodimerization, in RIF induced by ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods: In vivo, RIF was induced in mice by IRI, and the mice were prophylactically treated with TJ-M2010-2. In vitro, HK-2 cells were incubated with TGF-β1 to induce EMT, and the cells were pretreated with TJ-M2010-2. Results: We found that, compared with the IRI group, the TJ-M2010-2 group showed marked attenuation of RIF and renal function injury; decreased expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, vimentin, MMP2 and MMP9; and increased E-cadherin expression. Furthermore, TGF-β1-induced EMT was blocked by TJ-M2010-2 in HK-2 cells, as evidenced by blocked morphologic transformation, restored E-cadherin expression and inhibited α-SMA expression. In addition, compared to the TGF-β1 group, the TJ-M2010-2 group showed profound inhibition of the expression of TRAF6, p65 and Snail and upregulation of the expression of IκBα. Conclusion: This MyD88 inhibitor may be a potential therapeutic agent to ameliorate RIF.
Gestational Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Adverse Maternofetal Outcomes
Authors: Park Sehoon , Lee Seung Mi , Park Joong Shin , Hong Joon-Seok , Chin Ho Jun , Na Ki Young , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Lee Hajeong 
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The association between gestational estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and adverse pregnancy outcomes has not been fully investigated. Methods: This observational cohort study included pregnancy cases of singleton mothers whose serum creatinine levels were measured during pregnancy at two tertiary hospitals in Korea from 2000 to 2015. Those with identified substantial renal function impairment (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, during, or after pregnancy) were excluded. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation was used for the eGFR calculation. We computed the time-averaged eGFR during gestation to determine representative values when there were multiple measurements. We studied the following three gestational complications: preterm birth (< 37 weeks’ gestational age), low birth weight (< 2.5 kg), and preeclampsia. Results: Among the 12,899 studied pregnancies, 4,360 cases experienced one or more gestational complications. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval of composite gestational complications for eGFR ranges other than the reference range of 120–150 mL/ min/1.73m2 were: ≥150 mL/min/1.73m2, aOR 1.64 (1.38–1.95), P< 0.001; 90–120 mL/min/1.73m2, aOR 1.41 (1.28–1.56), P< 0.001; and 60–90 mL/min/1.73m2, aOR 2.56 (1.70–3.84), P< 0.001. Incidence of preterm birth or low birth weight showed similar U-shaped association with eGFR values; otherwise, preeclampsia or small for gestational age occurred more often in mothers with a lower gestational eGFR than in those with a higher value. Conclusion: Considering the unique association between gestational eGFR and pregnancy outcomes, carefully interpreting these results may help predict obstetric complications.
Is There a Possible Association between Skeletal Face Types and Third Molar Impaction? A Retrospective Radiographic Study
Authors: Tassoker Melek , Kok Hatice , Sener Sevgi
Published: October 2018

Objective: Third molar impaction is seen much more than impaction of any other tooth as they are the last teeth to erupt. Inadequate retromolar space and the direction of eruption may be contributing factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between third molar impaction and different skeletal face types. Subjects and Methods: Panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 158 orthodontic patients (aged 19–25 years) were retrieved from the archived records of the Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Dentistry, Konya, Turkey. Third molar impaction was classified on the basis of Winter’s classification. The skeletal facial type was determined by a measure of the angle created by the lines Ba-Na and Pt-Gn. The mean was 90 ± 2 and this value was regarded as mesofacial. An angle of > 93° was regarded as brachyfacial and an angle of < 87° as dolichofacial. Results: The overall presence of mandibular and maxillary third molar impactions was 65.2 and 38.6%, respectively. Although there was a statistically significant difference between different skeletal facial types and mandibular third molar impaction (p < 0.05), no statistically significant differences were observed between different skeletal facial types and maxillary third molar impaction (p > 0.05). Brachyfacials demonstrated a lower prevalence of third molar impaction than dolichofacials. Conclusions: Different skeletal face types were associated with mandibular third molar impaction. Brachyfacials, who have a greater horizontal facial growth pattern than dolichofacials, showed a lower prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars.
To Protect and Kill: US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Management of Human–Wildlife Conflict, 1996-2011
Authors: Lynch Michael J.
Published: October 2018

Harms against nonhuman animals have become a significant concern in different disciplines (e.g., green criminology). This paper presents a multi-disciplinary discussion of one form of animal harm—wildlife harm—created by state agencies charged with protecting animals. Specifically, this issue is examined by reviewing the complex problems faced by theUSFish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which is charged with competing objectives: between protecting economic and public health interests, and protecting wildlife. In managing the human–wildlife conflicts brought to its attention, theUSFWSmust often make tradeoffs between protecting economic and public health interests, and protecting wildlife. As the data reviewed here indicate, this leads theUSFWSto kill a large number of animals each year to protect economic and public health interests—more than 40 million animals since 1996. The political and economic factors that influence these killings, and how the state balances conflicting interests, are also examined.
Canine Rescue as a Social Movement: The Politics of Love
Authors: Peterson Anna L.
Published: October 2018

Canine rescue is a growing movement that affects the lives of tens of thousands of nonhuman animals and people every year. Rescue is noteworthy not only for its numbers, but also because it challenges common understandings of animal advocacy. Popular accounts often portray work on behalf of animals as sentimental, individualistic, and apolitical. In fact, work on behalf of animals has always been political, in multiple ways. It is characterized both by internal political tensions, especially between animal rights and welfare positions, and by complex relations to the broader public sphere. I analyze canine rescue, with a focus on pit bull rescue, to show that an important segment of canine rescue movements adopts an explicitly political approach which blurs the divide between rights and welfare, addresses the social context of the human-animal bond, and links animal advocacy to social justice.
Policing Modern China
Authors: Scoggins Suzanne E.
Published: October 2018

The study of policing in China is a small but growing subfield with critical insights for law and society scholars. This article examines the fundamentals of policing, tracing the organization’s history and institutional basics before turning to a review of the emerging literature. Scholars have made headway analyzing topics like policing practices, social control, public relations, and police perspectives, but there is still much work to be done. Partly because research on the police faces methodological challenges, the literature is uneven, leaving gaps in our knowledge about key issues such as police corruption, regional variation, and the relationship between police and private security groups. By outlining what we do and do not know about policing in China, this article parses the field’s best answers to questions of how police officers and the Public Security Bureau enforce state mandates and respond to challenges on the ground.
Ceratophila, a new genus of erotylid beetles (Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) inhabiting male cones of the cycad Ceratozamia (Cycadales: Zamiaceae)
Authors: TANG WILLIAM , SKELLEY PAUL , PÉREZ-FARRERA MIGUEL ANGEL
Published: October 2018

Ceratophila new genus (Erotylidae: Pharaxonothinae) inhabiting male cones of the Mesoamerican cycad genus Ceratozamia Brongniart (Zamiaceae) is described for seven new species and compared to other genera of the Pharaxonothinae. Ceratophila differs from other genera of the Pharaxonothinae in many characters, most notable of which are: lateral pronotal carina thicker anteriorly in lateral view; head with supraocular and transverse occipital lines; elytra lacking a basal bead; and stridulatory files at base of head narrowly separated. Ceratophila has the male genitalia laterally compressed with a short median lobe and flagellum, similar to other Erotylidae. In comparison, the most superficially similar pharaxonothine genus Pharaxonotha Reitter has: lateral pronotal carina thin along entire length; head lacking supraocular lines, but with transverse occipital lines; elytra with distinct basal bead; stridulatory files at base of head widely separated; and unique male genitalia that are dorsoventrally flattened with a long median lobe and flagellum. Ceratophila contains two subgenera, which differ most notably in external characters and sexual dimorphism. Members of Ceratophila (Ceratophila), the nominal subgenus, have: more cylindrical bodies, pronotum evenly convex dorsally; the pronotum lacking basal longitudinal grooves on disc; metatibiae that are distinctly triangularly dilated toward apex; and no apparent external sexual dimorphism. In comparison, members of Ceratophila (Vovidesa) new subgenus have: dorsoventrally flattened bodies; the pronotum explanate (concave) along lateral margins; the pronotum with basal longitudinal grooves on disc; metatibiae weakly or not dilated toward apex; and with all tibiae in males showing strong sexual dimorphism. Four new species are described within the subgenus Ceratophila: C. (C.) chemnicki, C. (C.) gregoryi, C. (C.) picipennis, C. (C.) sanchezae; and three new species are described within the subgenus Vovidesa: C. (V.) chiapensis, C. (V.) mixeorum, C. (V.) vazquezi. Keys to genera, subgenera and species of known adults based on morphology are provided.
Review of the batfish genus Halicmetus Alcock, 1891 from Australian waters, with descriptions of two new species (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , LAST PETER R.
Published: October 2018

A taxonomic review of species of the Indo–Pacific batfish genus Halicmetus occurring in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone is provided. Treatments of six species in the region, including diagnoses of the widespread Halicmetus niger Ho, Endo & Sakamaki, 2008, H. reticulatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1912 and H. ruber Alcock 1891, a reclassification of the poorly known H. marmoratus Weber, 1913, and descriptions of two new species, H. westraliensis n. sp. (an Australian endemic) and H. drypus n. sp. (from the northern sector of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone off Norfolk Island). The Australian species can be distinguished from each other and regional congeners by a combination of morphometrics, meristics and colouration. A key is provided for all known species of the genus.
Etmopterus marshae sp. nov, a new lanternshark (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae) from the Philippine Islands, with a revised key to the Etmopterus lucifer clade
Authors: EBERT DAVID A. , VAN HEES KELLEY E.
Published: October 2018

A new species of lanternshark, Etmopterus marshae (Squaliformes: Etmopteridae), is described from the Philippine Islands, western North Pacific Ocean. The new species occurs along insular slopes at a depth range of 322–337 m. The new species resembles other members of the “Etmopterus lucifer” clade in having linear rows of dermal denticles, and most closely          resembles E. burgessi from Taiwan and E. evansi and E. pycnolepis from the South Pacific. It can be distinguished from all other members of the E. lucifer clade by a combination of characteristics, including length of anterior and posterior flank branches being of relatively equal length, straight vs. curved anterior flank marking, relative lengths of caudal markings,     coloration, and relatively small size. A revised key to the revised key to the Etmopterus lucifer clade is provided.
Description of Two New Species of the Genus Vorticella (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) Epibionts on Pomacea canaliculata (Mollusca: Ampullariidae: Gastropoda) in Southern Brazil
Authors: PEREIRA MARCOS W. O. , De BRITO FABIANO CARVALHO , EIZIRIK EDUARDO , UTZ LAURA R. P.
Published: October 2018

The peritrich ciliates Vorticella veloxiiforme n.sp. and Vorticella ampullaria n.sp. were found as epibionts on the ampullarid mollusk Pomacea canaliculata collected from Patos Lagoon, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The detailed morphology of both species was investigated using live and stained specimens, as well as scanning electron microscopy. Zooids of Vorticella veloxiiforme are cup shaped measuring 57 X 41 μm on average. A J-shaped macronucleus lies in the upper half of the cell. One contractile vacuole was observed in the upper part of the cell. V. ampullaria presents an elongate zooid measuring 70 X 25 µm on average. A C-shaped macronucleus lies in the middle of the cell. Two contractile vacuoles are present: one close to the peristome and the other in the lower half of the cell. The pattern of oral polykinetids was typical of the genus, with all infundibular polykinetids composed by three rows of kinetosomes each. SEM revealed a regular pattern of pores present on the zooid membrane of both species. Analyses of the 18s rDNA placed the two new species in the order Vorticellida close to described species of Vorticella.
On the Momentum Budget of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model
Authors: Garcia Rolando R. , Richter Jadwiga H.
Published: October 2018

This study documents the contribution of equatorial waves and mesoscale gravity waves to the momentum budget of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in a 110-level version of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model. The model has high vertical resolution, 500 m, above the boundary layer and through the lower and middle stratosphere, decreasing gradually to about 1.5 km near the stratopause. Parameterized mesoscale gravity waves and resolved equatorial waves contribute comparable easterly and westerly accelerations near the equator. Westerly acceleration by resolved waves is due mainly to Kelvin waves of zonal wavenumber in the range k = 1–15 and is broadly distributed about the equator. Easterly acceleration near the equator is due mainly to Rossby–gravity (RG) waves with zonal wavenumbers in the range k = 4–12. These RG waves appear to be generated in situ during both the easterly and westerly phases of the QBO, wherever the meridional curvature of the equatorial westerly jet is large enough to produce reversals of the zonal-mean barotropic vorticity gradient, suggesting that they are excited by the instability of the jet. The RG waves produce a characteristic pattern of Eliassen–Palm flux divergence that includes strong easterly acceleration close to the equator and westerly acceleration farther from the equator, suggesting that the role of the RG waves is to redistribute zonal-mean vorticity such as to neutralize the instability of the westerly jet. Insofar as unstable RG waves might be present in the real atmosphere, mixing due to these waves could have important implications for transport in the tropical stratosphere.
Statistical State Dynamics of Weak Jets in Barotropic Beta-Plane Turbulence
Authors: Bakas Nikolaos A. , Constantinou Navid C. , Ioannou Petros J.
Published: October 2018

Zonal jets in a barotropic setup emerge out of homogeneous turbulence through a flow-forming instability of the homogeneous turbulent state (zonostrophic instability), which occurs as the turbulence intensity increases. This has been demonstrated using the statistical state dynamics (SSD) framework with a closure at second order. Furthermore, it was shown that for small supercriticality the flow-forming instability follows Ginzburg–Landau (G–L) dynamics. Here, the SSD framework is used to study the equilibration of this flow-forming instability for small supercriticality. First, we compare the predictions of the weakly nonlinear G–L dynamics to the fully nonlinear SSD dynamics closed at second order for a wide range of parameters. A new branch of jet equilibria is revealed that is not contiguously connected with the G–L branch. This new branch at weak supercriticalities involves jets with larger amplitude compared to the ones of the G–L branch. Furthermore, this new branch continues even for subcritical values with respect to the linear flow-forming instability. Thus, a new nonlinear flow-forming instability out of homogeneous turbulence is revealed. Second, we investigate how both the linear flow-forming instability and the novel nonlinear flow-forming instability are equilibrated. We identify the physical processes underlying the jet equilibration as well as the types of eddies that contribute in each process. Third, we propose a modification of the diffusion coefficient of the G–L dynamics that is able to capture the evolution of weak jets at scales other than the marginal scale (side-band instabilities) for the linear flow-forming instability.
A Robust Constraint on the Temperature and Height of the Extratropical Tropopause
Authors: Thompson David W. J. , Ceppi Paulo , Li Ying
Published: October 2018

In a recent study, the authors hypothesize that the Clausius–Clapeyron relation provides a strong constraint on the temperature of the extratropical tropopause and hence the depth of mixing by extratropical eddies. The hypothesis is a generalization of the fixed-anvil temperature hypothesis to the global atmospheric circulation. It posits that the depth of robust mixing by extratropical eddies is limited by radiative cooling by water vapor—and hence saturation vapor pressures—in areas of sinking motion. The hypothesis implies that 1) radiative cooling by water vapor constrains the vertical structure and amplitude of extratropical dynamics and 2) the extratropical tropopause should remain at roughly the same temperature and lift under global warming. Here the authors test the hypothesis in numerical simulations run on an aquaplanet general circulation model (GCM) and a coupled atmosphere–ocean GCM (AOGCM). The extratropical cloud-top height, wave driving, and lapse-rate tropopause all shift upward but remain at roughly the same temperature when the aquaplanet GCM is forced by uniform surface warming of +4 K and when the AOGCM is forced by RCP8.5 scenario emissions. “Locking” simulations run on the aquaplanet GCM further reveal that 1) holding the water vapor concentrations input into the radiation code fixed while increasing surface temperatures strongly constrains the rise in the extratropical tropopause, whereas 2) increasing the water vapor concentrations input into the radiation code while holding surface temperatures fixed leads to robust rises in the extratropical tropopause. Together, the results suggest that roughly invariant extratropical tropopause temperatures constitutes an additional “robust response” of the climate system to global warming.
Proactive Quality Control: Observing System Simulation Experiments with the Lorenz ’96 Model
Authors: Chen Tse-Chun , Kalnay Eugenia
Published: October 2018

Proactive quality control (PQC) is a fully flow-dependent QC for observations based on the ensemble forecast sensitivity to observations technique (EFSO). It aims at reducing the forecast skill dropout events suffered in operational numerical weather prediction by rejecting observations identified as detrimental by EFSO. Past studies show that individual dropout cases from the Global Forecast System (GFS) were significantly improved by noncycling PQC. In this paper, we perform for the first time cycling PQC experiments in a controlled environment with the Lorenz model to provide a systematic testing of the new method and possibly shed light on the optimal configuration of operational implementation. We compare several configurations and PQC update methods. It is found that PQC improvement is insensitive to the suboptimal configurations in DA, including ensemble size, observing network size, model error, and the length of DA window, but the improvements increase with the flaws in observations. More importantly, we show that PQC improves the analysis and forecast even in the absence of flawed observations. The study reveals that reusing the exact same Kalman gain matrix for PQC update not only provides the best result but requires the lowest computational cost among all the tested methods.
Public Attention to Natural Hazard Warnings on Social Media in China
Authors: Hu Xi , Zhang Xiujuan , Wei Jiuchang
Published: October 2018

Hazard warning is vital in disaster management. The rapid development of social media allows warning producers and receivers to exchange warning messages effectively and sufficiently. This study investigates the factors that influence public attention to natural hazard warning information on social media. Drawing from the protective action decision model and framing theory, this study classifies antecedents into three groups, namely, hazard information, publisher’s/reader’s characteristics, and frame setting. To test the hypotheses empirically, we select Sina Weibo, the leading social network in China, as the research context. From this platform, 3452 warning messages issued by authorities in the target area are collected. We code each message based on its attributes that are related to our study for linear regression analyses. Results show that all the factors related to publisher’s/reader’s characteristics exert significant effects on public attention. However, the affected range indicated by a warning message and the formality of the message’s language are not significantly related to public attention to the message.
Street art as everyday counterterrorism? The Norwegian art community’s reaction to the 22 July 2011 attacks
Authors: Tellidis Ioannis , Glomm Anna
Published: October 2018

This article looks at a project involving nine internationally acclaimed street artists who agreed to make murals in Oslo, following the 22 July 2011 attacks. Resting on the art project’s aims (‘to promote universal human rights and to counter the intolerance and xenophobia that can give rise to violence and justify terrorism’) and the art community’s reaction, the article argues that street art’s visibility and agency offer alternative ways of thinking about, and approaching, international relations (IR). The article examines the streets as the space where artists express and engage the ‘everyday’; and as the medium that allows artists to bring art to the public (as opposed to galleries or exhibitions the public chooses to visit). We argue that the incorporation of street art’s spatiality and aesthetics into ‘everyday IR’ supports more critical frameworks that (a) expose the exceptional logic(s) of illiberal governance; (b) enable the visibility of marginalised and/or dissenting voices in society; and (c) explore experimental, eclectic and creative approaches of doing/thinking everyday security, community and peace.
Misdemeanor Records and Employment Outcomes: An Experimental Study
Authors: Leasure Peter
Published: October 2018

This study examined whether misdemeanor drug convictions impact entry-level hiring outcomes. An experimental correspondence study was used whereby fictitious resumes are sent to employers. Resumes were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: no criminal record, 1-year-old misdemeanor record, and a 1-year-old felony record. Resumes were also randomly assigned with a distinctively White or African American name. Job type was used as an additional predictor. Results indicate that a misdemeanor conviction significantly hinders hiring outcomes for both African American and White applicants. However, results did not show statistically significant differences in the outcome between races. These results should be utilized to better inform defendants, practitioners, and policy-makers on the negative impacts of low-level convictions.
The Western Australian wage structure and gender wage gap: A post-mining boom analysis
Authors: Preston Alison , Birch Elisa
Published: October 2018

Whilst there is a large literature on the determinant of wages in Australia, relatively few studies have examined the determinants of wages at a state level. In this article, we present a study of the determinants of earnings in Western Australia, a state that experienced rapid growth during the mining boom of 2003–2013. We show that the relatively stronger wage growth in Western Australia since 2001 is the product of both compositional and price effects. We also report on the Western Australia and rest of Australia gender wage gaps. Our decomposition analysis of the mean gender wage gap shows that industry effects (as a result of gender segmentation across industry) account for a much larger share of the Western Australia gender wage gap than they do elsewhere in Australia, with the mining, construction and transport sectors driving the industry effects. Using quantile analysis we show that, relative to the rest of Australia, the Western Australia gender wage gaps are larger at both the bottom and the top of the wage distribution. At the median the Western Australia gender wage gap, at 2014–2016, is on par with that prevailing elsewhere in Australia, with women in both groups earning 10% less than their male counterparts, all else held equal.