bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Multiple Simultaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhages between 1950 and 2013: Analysis of Data on Age, Sex and Outcome
Authors: Laiwattana Denchai , Sangsawang Bussara , Sangsawang Nucharee
Published: May 2014

Background: Primary multiple simultaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (MSICHs) are quite rare. Although occasional reports have been found, there have been no systematic reviews. The published case reports and case series contain overlapping data, leading to erroneous information about MSICHs. This is the first extensive review of accessible studies published in English on MSICHs. Our primary objective was to analyze the demographic data on age, sex, outcome and prognosis with regard to primary MSICHs. Summary: A PubMed search without language restriction for articles with results from human studies and registered between January 1950 and September 2013 yielded 677 articles. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) reported case(s) or case series on primary MSICHs; (2) text partly or fully in English, and (3) text contains identifiable data on age, sex and outcome of patients. A total of 24 articles met all the inclusion criteria. The reference lists of these 24 articles were inspected for additional relevant articles, which yielded another 20 articles. In all, 248 cases were identified; 143 cases were excluded for various reasons: 52 duplicate cases, 18 cases of multiple nonsimultaneous intracerebral hemorrhages, 25 cases of secondary MSICHs, and 48 cases with incomplete data on age, sex and outcome. The remaining 105 cases were analyzed. MSICHs were found to be more common in bilateral cases (53.33%): there were bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhages (33.33%), bilateral thalamic hemorrhages (18.10%), bilateral lobar hemorrhages (0.95%) and bilateral cerebellar hemorrhages (0.95%). Nonbilateral MSICHs were found in 46.67% of the cases. The hematomas were commonly distributed in the basal ganglia (45.83%), thalamus (30.56%) and cerebellum (10.19%). MSICHs were more frequently encountered in males (60.95%; average age: 59.13 ± 12.49 years). The average age of the female patients was higher (63.89 ± 13.11 years). Patients with primary MSICHs had a survival rate of 56.20%. There was a favorable outcome of primary MSICHs in 18.10% of all the cases, the highest proportion of which was in the nonbilateral MSICH group. The remaining 38.10% had unfavorable outcomes. Death occurred in 43.80% of all cases, the highest proportion being found in the bilateral basal ganglia hemorrhage group. Primary MSICHs share features with solitary intracerebral hemorrhage regarding age, sex, and the location and distribution of hematomas, but they have a poorer outcome (p < 0.05). Key Messages: Primary MSICHs are rare and share features with solitary intracerebral hemorrhage regarding age and the location and distribution of hematomas. Patients have a poorer prognosis but higher favorable outcome rates in case of survival. This information adds to the awareness of clinicians that higher rates of favorable outcomes can be achieved for MSICHs.
Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Vascular Function and Disease
Authors: Brown Nicholas K. , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Jifeng , Zeng Rong , Wu Jiarui , Eitzman Daniel T. , Chen Y. Eugene , Chang Lin
Published: May 2014

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), long assumed to be nothing more than vessel-supporting connective tissue, is now understood to be an important, active component of the vasculature, with integral roles in vascular health and disease. PVAT is an adipose tissue with similarities to both brown and white adipose tissue, although recent evidence suggests that PVAT develops from its own precursors. Like other adipose tissue depots, PVAT secretes numerous biologically active substances that can act in both autocrine and paracrine fashion. PVAT has also proven to be involved in vascular inflammation. Although PVAT can support inflammation during atherosclerosis via macrophage accumulation, emerging evidence suggests that PVAT also has antiatherosclerotic properties related to its abilities to induce nonshivering thermogenesis and metabolize fatty acids. We here discuss the accumulated knowledge of PVAT biology and related research on models of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Risk Factor Differences in Calcified and Noncalcified Aortic Plaque
Authors: Chuang Michael L. , Gona Philimon , Oyama-Manabe Noriko , Manders Emily S. , Salton Carol J. , Hoffmann Udo , Manning Warren J. , O’Donnell Christopher J.
Published: May 2014

Objective—

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factor (RF) correlates of aortic plaque (AP) detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), which mainly shows noncalcified plaques, and by noncontrast computed tomography (CT), which best depicts calcified plaques, in community-dwelling adults.

Approach and Results—

A total of 1016 Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort members (64±9 years; 474 men) underwent CMR and CT of the aorta. Potential RFs for AP (age; sex; body mass index; blood pressure; low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; fasting glucose; C-reactive protein; prevalent hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking; use of antihypertensive, diabetes mellitus, or lipid-lowering drugs) were compared between participants, with zero versus nonzero AP by CMR and by CT. Candidate RFs attaining
P
<0.05 for difference with either imaging modality were entered into multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, and other RFs. Odds ratios were calculated for modality-specific prevalence of AP. Associations between RFs and continuous measures of AP were assessed using Tobit regression. Prevalence of CMR and CT AP was 49% and 82%, respectively. AP burdens by CMR and CT were correlated,
r
=0.28,
P
<0.0001. Increasing age and smoking were associated with prevalent AP by both CMR and CT. Additionally, prevalent AP by CMR was associated with female sex and fasting glucose and prevalent AP by CT with hypertension treatment and adverse lipid profile.

Conclusions—

AP by CMR and CT are both associated with smoking and increasing age, but other RFs differ between calcified and noncalcified AP. The relative predictive value of AP detected by CMR versus by CT for incident cardiovascular events remains to be determined.
Transcriptional Regulation of Endothelial Arginase 2 by Histone Deacetylase 2
Authors: Pandey Deepesh , Sikka Gautam , Bergman Yehudit , Kim Jae Hyung , Ryoo Sungwoo , Romer Lewis , Berkowitz Dan
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Arginase 2 (Arg2) is a critical target in atherosclerosis because it controls endothelial nitric oxide, proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation. Regulators of Arg2 transcription in the endothelium have not been characterized. The goal of the current study is to determine the role of specific histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the regulation of endothelial Arg2 transcription and endothelial function.

Approach and Results—

The HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A increased levels of Arg2 mRNA, protein, and activity in both human aortic endothelial cells and mouse aortic rings. These changes occurred in both time- and dose-dependent patterns and resulted in Arg2-dependent endothelial dysfunction. Trichostatin A and the atherogenic stimulus oxidized low-density lipoprotein enhanced the activity of common promoter regions of Arg2. HDAC inhibition with trichostatin A also decreased endothelial nitric oxide, and these effects were blunted by arginase inhibition. Nonselective class I HDAC inhibitors enhanced Arg2 expression, whereas the only selective inhibitor that increased Arg2 expression was mocetinostat, a selective inhibitor of HDACs 1 and 2. Additionally, mouse aortic rings preincubated with mocetinostat exhibited dysfunctional relaxation. Overexpression of HDAC2 (but not HDAC 1, 3, or 8) cDNA in human aortic endothelial cells suppressed Arg2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, and siRNA knockdown of HDAC2 enhanced Arg2 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated direct binding of HDAC2 to the Arg2 promoter, and HDAC2 overexpression in human aortic endothelial cells blocked oxidized low-density lipoprotein–mediated activation of the Arg2 promoter. Finally, overexpression of HDAC2 blocked oxidized low-density lipoprotein–mediated vascular dysfunction.

Conclusions—

HDAC2 is a critical regulator of Arg2 expression and thereby endothelial nitric oxide and endothelial function. Overexpression or activation of HDAC2 represents a novel therapy for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
Myeloid Cell–Specific ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 Deletion Has Minimal Impact on Atherogenesis in Atherogenic Diet–Fed Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Bi Xin , Zhu Xuewei , Gao Chuan , Shewale Swapnil , Cao Qiang , Liu Mingxia , Boudyguina Elena , Gebre Abraham K. , Wilson Martha D. , Brown Amanda L. , Parks John S.
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Transplantation studies suggest that bone marrow cell ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 protects against atherosclerosis development. However, the in vivo effect of macrophage ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 expression on atherogenesis is not fully understood because bone marrow contains other leukocytes and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Myeloid-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 knockout mice in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout C57BL/6 background were developed to address this question.

Approach and Results—

Chow-fed myeloid-specific ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 knockout/LDL receptor knockout (double knockout [DKO]) versus LDL receptor knockout (single knockout [SKO]) mice had similar plasma lipid concentrations, but atherogenic diet (AD)–fed DKO mice had reduced plasma very-LDL (VLDL)/LDL concentrations resulting from decreased hepatic VLDL triglyceride secretion. Resident peritoneal macrophages from AD-fed DKO versus SKO mice had significantly higher cholesterol content but similar proinflammatory gene expression. Atherosclerosis extent was similar between genotypes after 10 to 16 weeks of AD but increased modestly in DKO mice by 24 weeks of AD. Lesional macrophage content was similar, likely because of the higher monocyte flux through aortic root lesions in DKO versus SKO mice. After transplantation of DKO or SKO bone marrow into SKO mice and 16 weeks of AD feeding, atherosclerosis extent was similar and plasma apolipoprotein B lipoproteins were reduced in mice receiving DKO bone marrow. When differences in plasma VLDL/LDL concentrations were minimized by maintaining mice on chow for 24 weeks, DKO mice had modest, but significantly more, atherosclerosis compared with SKO mice.

Conclusions—

Myeloid cell ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 increases hepatic VLDL triglyceride secretion and plasma VLDL/LDL concentrations in AD-fed LDL receptor knockout mice, offsetting its atheroprotective role in decreasing macrophage cholesterol content, resulting in a minimal increase in atherosclerosis.
α5β1 Integrin Signaling Mediates Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein–Induced Inflammation and Early Atherosclerosis
Authors: Yurdagul Arif , Green Jonette , Albert Patrick , McInnis Marshall C. , Mazar Andrew P. , Orr A. Wayne
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Endothelial cell activation drives early atherosclerotic plaque formation. Both fibronectin deposition and accumulation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) occur early during atherogenesis, and both are implicated in enhanced endothelial cell activation. However, interplay between these responses has not been established. The objective of our study was to determine whether endothelial matrix composition modulates the inflammatory properties of oxLDL.

Approach and Results—

We now show that oxLDL-induced nuclear factor-κB activation, proinflammatory gene expression, and monocyte binding are significantly enhanced when endothelial cells are attached to fibronectin compared with basement membrane proteins. This enhanced response does not result from altered oxLDL receptor expression, oxLDL uptake, or reactive oxygen species production, but results from oxLDL-induced activation of the fibronectin-binding integrin α5β1. Preventing α5β1 signaling (blocking antibodies, knockout cells) inhibits oxLDL-induced nuclear factor-κB activation and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. Furthermore, oxLDL drives α5β1-dependent integrin signaling through the focal adhesion kinase pathway, and focal adhesion kinase inhibition (PF-573228, small interfering RNA) blunts oxLDL-induced nuclear factor-κB activation, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, and monocyte adhesion. Last, treatment with the α5β1 signaling inhibitor, ATN-161, significantly blunts atherosclerotic plaque development in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice, characterized by reduced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression and macrophage accumulation without affecting fibrous cap size.

Conclusions—

Our data suggest that α5β1-mediated cross-talk between fibronectin and oxLDL regulates inflammation in early atherogenesis and that therapeutics that inhibit α5 integrins may reduce inflammation without adversely affecting plaque structure.
Association of Human Leukocyte Antigen Donor–Recipient Matching and Pediatric Heart Transplant Graft Survival
Authors: Butts Ryan J. , Scheurer Mark A. , Atz Andrew M. , Moussa Omar , Burnette Ali L. , Hulsey Thomas C. , Savage Andrew J.
Published: May 2014

Background—

The effect of donor–recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching on outcomes remains relatively unexplored in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of donor–recipient HLA matching on graft survival in pediatric heart transplantation.

Methods and Results—

The UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) database was queried for heart transplants occurring between October 31, 1987, and December 31, 2012, in a recipient aged ≤17 years with ≥1 postoperative follow-up visit. Retransplants were excluded. Transplants were divided into 3 donor–recipient matching groups: no HLA matches (HLA-no), 1 or 2 HLA matches (HLA-low), and 3 to 6 HLA matches (HLA-high). Primary outcome was graft loss. Four thousand four hundred seventy-one heart transplants met the study inclusion criteria. High degree of donor–recipient HLA matching occurred infrequently: HLA-high (n=269; 6%) versus HLA-low (n=2683; 60%) versus HLA-no (n=1495; 34%). There were no differences between HLA matching groups in the frequency of coronary vasculopathy (
P
=0.19) or rejection in the first post-transplant year (
P
=0.76). Improved graft survival was associated with a greater degree of HLA donor–recipient matching: HLA-high median survival, 17.1 (95% confidence interval, 14.0–20.2) years; HLA-low median survival, 14.2 (13.1–15.4) years; and HLA-no median survival, 12.1 (10.9–13.3 years) years;
P
<0.01, log-rank test. In Cox-regression analysis, HLA matching was independently associated with decreased graft loss: HLA-low versus HLA-no hazard ratio, 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.99),
P
=0.04; HLA-high versus HLA-no, 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.43–0.90),
P
<0.01.

Conclusions—

Decreased graft loss in pediatric heart transplantation was associated with a higher degree of donor–recipient HLA matching, although a difference in the frequency of early rejection or development of coronary artery vasculopathy was not seen.
Warfarin-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Åsberg Signild , Eriksson Marie , Henriksson Karin M. , Terént Andreas
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose—

The aim was to investigate the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with ischemic stroke taking warfarin and whether this risk changed over time.

Methods—

Between 2001 and 2008, the Swedish Stroke Register registered 12 790 patients with ischemic stroke discharged on warfarin. The patients was studied in two 4-year periods (inclusion 2001–2004: follow-up until 2005 and inclusion 2005–2008: follow-up until 2009) for which rates of subsequent ICH were calculated. Adjusted hazard ratios, comparing the second period with the first period, were estimated in Cox regression models.

Results—

Of 6039 patients, 58 patients (1.0%) in the first period and 69 of 6751 patients (1.0%) in the second period had subsequent ICH. Annual rates of ICH ranged from 0.37% in the first period to 0.39% in the second period (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–1.48).

Conclusions—

In this nationwide study, the risk of warfarin-associated ICH among ischemic stroke patients was low and did not change during the 2000s.
How males form coalitions against group rivals and the Pandit/van Schaik coalition model
Authors: Young Christopher , Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia
Published: May 2014

In group living animals, there is pronounced variation in the formation and function of cooperation between males via coalitionary aggression. Pandit, van Schaik and colleagues developed a mathematical model to predict the evolution of different coalition types in group-living male primates, the PvS model. Coalitions are classified into five types dependent on the ranks of the participants and the function of the aggression. The main factor determining the coalition types expected to evolve is contest potential, an estimate of female monopolisability by individual males. We examined the model using groups of Assamese (Macaca assamensis) and Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) to gain a full range of contest potentials. We observed, across groups, 393 coalitions during 3645 h of data collection. We measured contest potential on a species-specific basis dependent on the information males can infer about female reproductive state. By examining coalition formation in different populations and species, but also in the same groups over time, we showed the strengths and weaknesses of the PvS model. We discuss why our results do not fully fit the model’s predictions, including differing costs/benefits of coalition formation, such as delayed benefits via increased status, making rank-changing coalitions viable at mid–low contest potential. Alternative factors not considered by the model include the effect of male social bonds on coalition partner choice and the effect of female mate-choice on coalition target selection. Finally, we suggest possible improvements to the model and provide information on how best to test the current predictions of the PvS model.
Male social bonds: strength and quality among co-resident white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus)
Authors: Schoof Valérie A.M. , Jack Katharine M.
Published: May 2014

Social relationships among immigrant same-sex co-residents have received relatively little attention, particularly for species where males are the dispersing sex. White-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) are unusual in that immigrant males form cooperative alliances with co-resident males during intergroup encounters, and also have affiliative and tolerant intragroup relationships. We collected approx. 3341 h of focal animal data on 25 adult and subadult males in five groups of wild Cebus capucinus in the Santa Rosa Sector, Costa Rica, across three distinct field seasons. Using generalized linear mixed models, we examined the influence of number of co-resident males, group socionomic sex ratio, dominance status and age, and past parallel dispersal on social bond strength (i.e., proximity, contact rest, grooming, preferred grooming partners) and quality (i.e., grooming reciprocity) for 47 unique male–male dyads. Overall, dyads that included an alpha male had the weakest and least equitable bonds, while dyads composed of subordinate males had the strongest and most equitable bonds, with subordinate subadult peers being most likely to form preferred relationships. Several measures of bond strength and quality were highest among dyads in groups with few males and low socionomic sex (female-to-male) ratios. Dyad partners who had previously engaged in parallel dispersal had slightly better bonds than those that did not, suggesting that kinship and/or familiarity may be important. Our results indicate that within groups, male relationships are influenced by power asymmetry, partner availability, and dyad relationship history.
Socially tolerant relationships among wild male moor macaques (Macaca maura)
Authors: Riley Erin P. , Sagnotti Cristina , Carosi Monica , Putu Oka Ngakan
Published: May 2014

Researchers are increasingly documenting the existence of social tolerance and affiliative behavior among primate males, including in male-dispersing species. We investigated the nature of male social relationships in a relatively understudied macaque species, the moor macaque (Macaca maura), in order to expand our knowledge of male social relationships in male dispersing primates. The classification of social styles for primates rests largely on data about female social relationships. Therefore, by providing data on male–male relationships, we also contribute to our understanding of social style variation within the genus Macaca. Observations were conducted on a wild yet well-habituated group in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. We collected focal animal and ad libitum data on four adult males, recording social behavior during 209 contact hours over two field seasons in 2010 and 2011. The adult male moor macaques in this study did not interact frequently. Interactions that did occur more frequently involved affiliation rather than aggression, with greetings being the most common form of interaction. Greetings occurred in a predominately neutral context and were more common between specific males with uncertain or ambiguous dominance relationships and low-quality relationships, but the initiation of greetings was not linked to dominance rank. These results suggest that greetings enable males to communicate information about their willingness to invest in the relationship, representing one way for adult males to ease social tension and build social bonds. To expand our understanding of social style variation in Macaca, we compared our data to those published for other macaque taxa. In the present study, the observed pattern of aggression (i.e., low rate, low to moderate intensity and high symmetry) was consistent with the species’ social style classification as highly tolerant. The relatively low grooming rate and low percentage of counteraggression, however, were more consistent with the social style of less tolerant taxa. Further research is needed to determine what factors explain this pattern of social tolerance among male moor macaques.
The evolution of social bonds in primate males
Authors: Ostner Julia , Schülke Oliver
Published: May 2014

Social bonds, here defined as strong, equitable and enduring social relationships, increase fitness in both male and female primates irrespective of their dispersal regime. Despite the benefits they carry for some, social bonds evolved more often among female than among male primates which is thought to be caused by the unsharable nature of males’ limiting resource, fertilizations. Here we present a structured review of variation in primate male social relationships, mating systems, and social organization. In addition to classical socio-ecological reasoning and recent models on the evolution of male coalitions, we consider the phylogenetic history of species living in multi-male groups and alternative evolutionary routes to male co-residency, which may constrain the evolution of male social bonds in some cases. We summarize our results in a conceptual framework that represents the effects of male contest competition within and between groups on male social organization, affiliation and cooperation. We conclude that male social bonds evolved as long-term alliances that gain their adaptive function in within group contests and, thus, that the evolution of male social bonds is driven by variation in within group contest competition. Between group contest competition may select for large male group size but in the end it is the narrow window of medium to low within group contest competition that promotes the evolution of political coalitions and thus is responsible for the rarity of social bonds among primate males.
Towards an Interpretation of the Civic Oath of the Chersonesites (IOSPE I2 401)
Authors: Makarov Igor A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract1

This article treats controversial questions relating to the study of the civic oath from Tauric Chersonesos (iospeI2401). Comparison of the document from Chersonesos with others of a similar kind makes it possible to specify with greater precision the nature of the document in question and its historical interpretation. A distinctive feature of the oath sworn by the citizens of Chersonesos is the inclusion in it of a section relating to the obligations of the magistrates in thepolisand the members of its council. Arguments are outlined in support of a new interpretation of lines 24-25, according to which the term σαστήρ mentioned in them is a word designating the treasury of thepolis.A more precise reading of the concluding lines of the Chersonesos oath is also presented here.
‘A Wound in the Heart’
Authors: Hoekema Alle G.
Published: May 2014

Abstract

This article reflects on the role of religion as one of four, interconnected layers in the contextual novels of the candid and controversial Indonesian author Ayu Utami (b. 1968). Next to important gender issues, substantial critique of Indonesian politics, and attention to Javanese culture and mythology, her Christian background is present, in varying density, in all novels she has published so far. This can be proved by numerous quotations from the Bible and even by the fact, that the main protagonist of her largest novel so far is given an almost Messianic status. In her earlier novels, Ayu Utami seems to distance herself from patriarchic, institutional Catholicism. However, in her most recent, autobiographical, novel she makes clear, why and under which conditions she is able to return to her maternal faith.
Health and Philanthropy Among the Ottoman Orthodox Population, Eighteenth to Early Nineteenth Century
Authors: Alexander John , Laiou Sophia
Published: May 2014

The aim of this paper is to investigate the establishment of hospitals the provision of medical treatment among the Ottoman Orthodox population in the eighteenth-early nineteenth century. To this end, the paper demonstrates a common legal culture which combined the Islamic vakıf with the provisions for charity of the Byzantine-Roman law, and it also stresses the gradual increase of the role of the lay benefactors in the charitable activities. The paper concludes that in the period under study the economic development in the Ottoman empire and the subsequent socio-economic differentiation among the Ottoman Orthodox subjects shifted the importance from the Church as an exclusive provider of social welfare to the wealthy Christian reaya, who sought for further social recognition through their charitable activities. Thus, the act of philanthropy possessed a dominant class meaning apart from the religious one.
The Social History of Surgery in Ottoman Syria
Authors: Liebrenz Boris
Published: May 2014

Little is known about the role of surgery in pre-modern medical practice in general, and in the lands under Muslim dominance in particular. There is an acknowledged gap between theoretical knowledge and medical practice, but evidence of the latter is difficult to find. Many fundamental questions therefore remain unanswered. For example, was there a division of labour between surgeons and physicians? We are also mostly ignorant about who practiced surgery, the legal context surrounding this practice, and its financial aspects. This article offers an analytical edition of two documents from the Syrian town Hamah dating from 1212/1798, which can help answer some of these questions. They concern a respected and learned physician who also personally performed the removal of bladder stones and was paid well for his services.
The Changing Knowledge Functions of University in the 21st Century: Implications for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education
Authors: Wing On Lee
Published: May 2014

The learning discourse of the 21st century is characterized by the emergence of the knowledge economy, and the need for lifelong learning for learners to be able to adapt to the fast and ever changing economies of the society. This has created changing demands for the skill sets of the 21st century learners, such as the ability for critical and creative thinking, the ability for self-directed and collaborative learning, the ability to learn formally and informally, and the ability for both competition and cooperation, etc. The skill sets diverge from the almost single-faceted traditional emphasis on academic abilities, and the knowledge functions of the university is gradually changing. Knowledge creation is being regarded as possible not only by basic and discovery research, but also possible in the process of teaching, clinical practice and multi-disciplinary integration. Knowledge ownership is changing from the ivory tower research professors to combined expectations and ownership of the learners and stakeholders. The significance of knowledge is shifting from its simple significance in terms of discovery to being measured by its utilization and mobilization, and user’s satisfaction. All these have implications for learning, and university teaching is also changing from traditional research based learning modes towards practice and internship, the opportunity for experiential learning, and the opportunity of exchange among an increasingly diversified student body, developed through the agenda of internationalization. The purpose of this paper is to examine these changes and how the changes require our adjustment in our teaching and learning approaches, measurement, and expectations for learning outcomes in university education.
Student Development in Undergraduate Research Programs in China: From the Perspective of Self-Authorship
Authors: Yuhao Cen
Published: May 2014

This qualitative study investigates college student development in the epistemological, intrapersonal, and interpersonal dimensions through participating in co-curricular undergraduate research programs. The student interview data reported in this paper comes from a larger study on college experiences and student learning. It is found that student development in the three dimensions are intertwined in undergraduate research programs, and internal voices begin to emerge in college. Despite the research- and innovation- orientation of undergraduate research programs, they serve as vehicles for students to explore answers to three driving questions in young adulthood: “How do I know?,” “Who am I?,” “How do I want to construct relationships with others?” Limitations and implications are also discussed.
Assessing Multinational Interest in STEM: Implementing a Comparative Survey Research Study in China
Authors: Maltese Adam V. , Ross Heidi , Wang Lei , Wang Yimin
Published: May 2014

This paper introduces the design and implementation of a comparative survey research project, amistem [Assessing Multinational Interest in stem (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)] in China, the U.S., and Australia that is being conducted by researchers at Indiana University. We begin with an overview of how survey research has developed in China during the past two decades, especially in the field of higher education. This analysis provides the backdrop for considering the challenges we faced in “internationalizing” the stem survey research project. Part two of the paper illuminates the difficulties of implementing the study in multiple contexts, including China. Part three of the paper examines challenges related to the translation and cultural adaptation of the u.s.-based survey for the Chinese context. Our conclusions shed light on the contexts, processes, challenges and possibilities of conducting multi-national survey research in China, as well as on ways to insure that multi-national surveys are culturally appropriate and comparable.
Reaction Wood Anatomy in a Vessel-Less Angiosperm Sarcandra Glabra
Authors: Aiso Haruna , Ishiguri Futoshi , Takashima Yuya , Iizuka Kazuya , Yokota Shinso
Published: May 2014

Anatomy and lignin distribution in artificially inclined stems of Sarcandra glabra were investigated to clarify the characteristics of reaction wood (RW) in a vessel-less angiosperm species. Of the five coppiced stems studied from a single tree, two stems were fixed straight and classified as normal wood (NW) and the remaining three stems were inclined at 50 degrees from the vertical to induce the formation of the RW. Compared with NW, the lower side of the inclined samples had a relatively high compressive surface-released strain and an increase in the microfibril angle of the S2 layer of tracheids. However, no significant change was observed in the length or cell wall thickness of the tracheids. The results of Wiesner and Mäule colour reactions indicated that the amount of guaiacyl lignin in the cell walls of tracheids was increased in RW. It appears that RW in Sarcandra is formed on the lower side of inclined stems, and its anatomical characteristics and chemical composition are similar to those of the compression wood (CW) found in gymnosperm species (the so-called
“CW-like RW” type).
Anatomical, Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Fast-Growing Populus × Euramericana cv. ‘74/76’
Authors: Rongjun Zhao , Chunli Yao , Xianbao Cheng , Jianxiong Lu , Benhua Fei , Yurong Wang
Published: May 2014

The anatomical characteristics, chemical composition, and physical and mechanical properties of fast-growing Populus × euramericana cv. ‘74/76’ juvenile wood were investigated. Four- to five-year-old clonal plantation trees were harvested from two different experimental sites in the suburbs of Beijing. The Shunyi site had black alkali soil with a planting density of 4 × 6 m and the Miyun site had sandy loam soil with a planting density of 3 × 5 m. The test results showed that the poplar trees from the two sites were both fast growing, with poplar at Shunyi growing faster than at Miyun. There were no significant differences in wood properties between trees grown at the two sites. Fiber length at breast height varied from 872 to 1300 μm between growth rings, average fiber width varied from 21.0 to 25.5 μm and double wall thickness varied from 5.0 to 6.6 μm. Average cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose contents in the samples were 48.9%, 25.4%, and 18.8%, respectively. MFA was higher in the first two growth rings (20–25°), and then decreased rapidly to 12° close to the bark. The average air-dry density at breast height was 401 kg/m3 while the average MOE at breast height was 9.3 GPa. The trees showed large growth rates in both height and stem diameter during the growing season. However, wood properties of the juvenile poplar appeared to be similar to those of poplars with a slower growth rate.
A Taxonomic Revision of Desmodium (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) in Brazil
Authors: LIMA LAURA CRISTINA PIRES , QUEIROZ LUCIANO PAGANUCCI DE , TOZZI ANA MARIA GOULART DE AZEVEDO , LEWIS GWILYM PETER
Published: May 2014

Desmodium is characterized mainly by lilac flowers arranged in pseudoracemose inflorescences, stamens monadelphous or diadelphous and a lomentaceous fruit generally covered by uncinate hairs. A taxonomic revision of the Brazilian species was carried out based on the analysis of 3,000 herbarium specimens, including all nomeclatural types. Field trips to the most species-rich areas of Desmodium in Brazil were undertaken, resulting in the sampling of 29 out of the 34 species recognised for  the country. We recognise 101 names as synonyms, 27 of which are new. Lectotypes were designated for 60 accepted names and synonyms, and two neotypes and one epitype were chosen. A new combination is proposed for Meibomia microcarpa, as well as a new name for Meibomia guaranitica var. microcarpa. Desmodium album is a new  record for Brazil, and D. craspediferum, D. glabrescens and D. juruenense, previously known only by type collections, were recollected during this study. All species are described, mapped and illustrated. An identification key, and comments on taxonomy and nomenclature are provided.
A review of the Palaearctic Mniotype adusta (Esper, 1790) species-group with description of a new species and six new subspecies (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , MATOV ALEXEI YU. , BEHOUNEK GOTTFRIED , HAN HUI-LIN
Published: May 2014

Eighteen Palaearctic taxa of the Mniotype adusta species-group are reviewed. One new species (M. kobyakovi Volynkin, Matov & Behounek, sp. n.) and six new subspecies (M. lama kortka Volynkin, Matov & Behounek, ssp. n., M. lama etugen Volynkin, Matov & Behounek, ssp. n., M. lama ayubaevorum Volynkin, Matov & Behounek, ssp. n., M. adusta poltavskyi Volynkin, Matov & Behounek, ssp. n., M. adjuncta cineritia Volynkin, Matov & Behounek, ssp. n. and M. dubiosa amitayus Volynkin & Han, ssp. n.) are described. Two taxa, previously regarded as subspecies are restored to specific status: M. adjuncta (Moore, 1881) stat. n. and M. dubiosa (A. Bang-Haas, 1912) stat. n. A taxon previously regarded as a junior synonym is restored to specific status: M. juldussica (Draudt, 1934) stat. n. A new synonymy is introduced: M. bathensis (Lutzau, 1900) = Hadena adusta var. moesta Staudinger, 1897 syn. n. The synonymy of M. bathensis and Crino adusta subsp. urupino Bryk, 1942 syn. rev. is revised. The lectotypes for Hadena? lama Staudinger, 1900, Mamestra vicina Alphéraky, 1882, Hadena adusta var. moesta Staudinger, 1897 and Hadena lama var. dubiosa A. Bang-Haas, 1912 are designated. The neotype for Crino adusta juldussica Draudt, 1934 is designated. The adults, male and female genitalia of all reviewed species and subspecies are illustrated.
A new species of Aspidimorpha (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Aspidimorphini) from Uganda
Authors: BOROWIEC LECH , SEKERKA LUKÁŠ
Published: May 2014

Aspidimorpha (Aspidimorpha) wagneri sp. nov. is described from Uganda. This species belongs to the nominotypical subgenus, together with several African species that are closely related to A. mutata Boheman, 1854. Its relative position within the genus is discussed.
Biodiversity and Bionomics of the Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) of Northeastern Algeria
Authors: CHERAIRIA MOUNA , ADLER PETER H. , SAMRAOUI BOUDJÉMA
Published: May 2014

Black flies in the Seybouse River Basin in northeastern Algeria were sampled at 31 sites along the main river and its tributaries across all seasons from 2011 to 2013. Eight nominal species and species complexes in three genera were identified among more than 31,000 specimens. Urosimulium faurei (Bernard, Grenier & Bailly-Choumara), Simulium (Eusimulium) mellah Giudicelli & Bouzidi, and Simulium (Nevermania) lundstromi (Enderlein) were recorded for the first time in northeastern Algeria. Three cytoforms of the Simulium (Eusimulium) velutinum complex and two morphoforms of Simulium (Nevermannia) ruficorne Macquart were found. The most abundant and ubiquitous taxon, Simulium (Wilhelmia) pseudequinum Segúy, representing nearly 80% of collected specimens, occupied the widest range of habitats, including those with anthropogenic influences.
Tropical Connections to Climatic Change in the Extratropical Southern Hemisphere: The Role of Atlantic SST Trends
Authors: Simpkins Graham R. , McGregor Shayne , Taschetto Andréa S. , Ciasto Laura M. , England Matthew H.
Published: May 2014

The austral spring relationships between sea surface temperature (SST) trends and the Southern Hemisphere (SH) extratropical atmospheric circulation are investigated using an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). A suite of simulations are analyzed wherein the AGCM is forced by underlying SST conditions in which recent trends are constrained to individual ocean basins (Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic), allowing the impact of each region to be assessed in isolation. When forced with observed global SST, the model broadly replicates the spatial pattern of extratropical SH geopotential height trends seen in reanalyses. However, when forcing by each ocean basin separately, similar structures arise only when Atlantic SST trends are included. It is further shown that teleconnections from the Atlantic are associated with perturbations to the zonal Walker circulation and the corresponding intensification of the local Hadley cell, the impact of which results in the development of atmospheric Rossby waves. Thus, increased Rossby waves, forced by positive Atlantic SST trends, may have played a role in driving geopotential height trends in the SH extratropics. Furthermore, these atmospheric circulation changes promote warming throughout the Antarctic Peninsula and much of West Antarctica, with a pattern that closely matches recent observational records. This suggests that Atlantic SST trends, via a teleconnection to the SH extratropics, may have contributed to springtime climatic change in the SH extratropics over the past three decades.
Impacts of Satellite-Based Rainfall Products on Predicting Spatial Patterns of Rift Valley Fever Vectors*
Authors: Guilloteau Clement , Gosset Marielle , Vignolles Cecile , Alcoba Matias , Tourre Yves M. , Lacaux Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2014

Spatiotemporal rainfall variability is a key parameter controlling the dynamics of mosquitoes/vector-borne diseases such as malaria, Rift Valley fever (RVF), or dengue. Impacts from rainfall heterogeneity at small scales (i.e., 1–10 km) on the risk of epidemics (i.e., host bite rate or number of bites per host and per night) must be thoroughly evaluated. A model with hydrological and entomological components for risk prediction of the RVF zoonosis is proposed. The model predicts the production of two mosquito species within a 45 km × 45 km area in the Ferlo region, Senegal. The three necessary steps include 1) best rainfall estimation on a small scale, 2) adequate forcing of a simple hydrological model leading to pond dynamics (ponds are the primary larvae breeding grounds), and 3) best estimate of mosquito life cycles obtained from the coupled entomological model. The sensitivity of the model to the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of rainfall is first tested using high-resolution rain fields from a weather radar. The need for high-resolution rain data is thus demonstrated. Several high-resolution satellite rainfall products are evaluated in the region of interest using a dense rain gauge network. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis 3B42, version 6 (TMPA-3B42V6), and 3B42 in real time (TMPA-3B42RT); Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) in near–real time (GSMaP-NRT) and Moving Vector with Kalman version (GSMaP-MVK); African Rainfall Estimation Algorithm, version 2.0 (RFE 2.0); Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH); and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) are tested and finally corrected using a probability matching method. The corrected products are then used as forcing to the coupled model over the 2003–10 period. The predicted number and size of ponds and their dynamics are greatly improved compared to the model forced only by a single gauge. A more realistic spatiotemporal distribution of the host bite rate of the RVF vectors is thus expected.
The Landfall and Inland Penetration of a Flood-Producing Atmospheric River in Arizona. Part II: Sensitivity of Modeled Precipitation to Terrain Height and Atmospheric River Orientation
Authors: Abel Mimi R. , Mahoney Kelly M. , Neiman Paul J. , Moore Benjamin J. , Alexander Michael , Ralph F. Martin
Published: May 2014

This manuscript documents numerical modeling experiments based on a January 2010 atmospheric river (AR) event that caused extreme precipitation in Arizona. The control experiment (CNTL), using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with 3-km grid spacing, agrees well with observations. Sensitivity experiments in which 1) model grid spacing decreases sequentially from 81 to 3 km and 2) upstream terrain is elevated are used to assess the sensitivity of interior precipitation amounts and horizontal water vapor fluxes to model grid resolution and height of Baja California terrain. The drying ratio, a measure of airmass drying after passage across terrain, increases with Baja’s terrain height and decreases with coarsened grid spacing. Subsequently, precipitation across Arizona decreases as the Baja terrain height increases, although it changes little with coarsened grid spacing. Northern Baja’s drying ratio is much larger than that of southern Baja. Thus, ARs with a southerly orientation, with water vapor transports that can pass south of the higher mountains of northern Baja and then cross the Gulf of California, can produce large precipitation amounts in Arizona. Further experiments are performed using a linear model (LM) of orographic precipitation for a central-Arizona-focused subdomain. The actual incidence angle of the AR (211°) is close to the optimum angle for large region-mean precipitation. Changes in region-mean precipitation amounts are small (~6%) owing to AR angle changes; however, much larger changes in basin-mean precipitation of up to 33% occur within the range of physically plausible AR angles tested. Larger LM precipitation sensitivity is seen with the Baja-terrain-modification experiments than with AR-angle modification.
Challenges of Operational River Forecasting
Authors: Pagano Thomas C. , Wood Andrew W. , Ramos Maria-Helena , Cloke Hannah L. , Pappenberger Florian , Clark Martyn P. , Cranston Michael , Kavetski Dmitri , Mathevet Thibault , Sorooshian Soroosh , Verkade Jan S.
Published: May 2014

Skillful and timely streamflow forecasts are critically important to water managers and emergency protection services. To provide these forecasts, hydrologists must predict the behavior of complex coupled human–natural systems using incomplete and uncertain information and imperfect models. Moreover, operational predictions often integrate anecdotal information and unmodeled factors. Forecasting agencies face four key challenges: 1) making the most of available data, 2) making accurate predictions using models, 3) turning hydrometeorological forecasts into effective warnings, and 4) administering an operational service. Each challenge presents a variety of research opportunities, including the development of automated quality-control algorithms for the myriad of data used in operational streamflow forecasts, data assimilation, and ensemble forecasting techniques that allow for forecaster input, methods for using human-generated weather forecasts quantitatively, and quantification of human interference in the hydrologic cycle. Furthermore, much can be done to improve the communication of probabilistic forecasts and to design a forecasting paradigm that effectively combines increasingly sophisticated forecasting technology with subjective forecaster expertise. These areas are described in detail to share a real-world perspective and focus for ongoing research endeavors.