bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiological Diagnosis of Portal/Mesenteric Vein Occlusion
Authors: Hauenstein Karlheinz , Li Yan
Published: January 2015

Background: In contrast to an acute occlusion of the visceral arteries, which is the most important differential diagnosis for an occlusion of the portal venous system and which poses a highly dangerous situation ending in gangrene of the bowel wall, the symptoms of an acute occlusion of the portal venous system are quite unspecific. To rule out an acute arterial occlusion, diagnostic evaluation has to be carried out quickly in order to decide on the necessity of therapeutic steps concerning a recanalization of the occluded vessels. Only few therapeutic options are available to recanalize and remodel the portal venous system, depending on the underlying disease, the age of the occlusion, its extension, and the effect on the bowel wall, stomach, spleen, and abdominal wall. Moreover, the efficacy of recanalization procedures mainly depends on the formation and number of collateral venous blood supply, its degree, and the anatomic structure. Possible complications of portal hypertension like varices, gastrointestinal vasculopathy, ascites, and splenomegaly also influence the success of recanalization procedures. Only in cases of acute thrombotic occlusion systemic lytic therapy promises to be successful. Therefore, other options such as transjugular intrahepatic recanalization, e.g. by means of the TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) procedure, have to be evaluated. Methods: Review of the literature. Results: Noninvasive methods such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography, and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow the evaluation of therapeutic options as well as their success, the feasibility of technical procedures, the detection of possible risks, and a calculation of risks and benefits. Conclusion: In order to arrive at the correct therapeutic decision, a combination of MRI and US methods combined with color Doppler guarantee the most efficient diagnostic results in cases with acute or chronic occlusions of the portal venous system.
Determinants of Length of Hospitalization due to Acute Odontogenic Maxillofacial Infections: A 2009-2013 Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Rastenienė Rūta , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Pūrienė Alina
Published: January 2015

Objectives: To investigate the determinants of the length of hospitalization (LOH) due to acute odontogenic maxillofacial infections (AOMIs) from 2009 to 2013. Materials and Methods: Dental records of adult patients with AOMIs and related data were retrieved from the Vilnius University's dental hospital. The LOH was related to several determinants in each of the following domains: outpatient primary care, severity of AOMIs, lifestyle and disease domains. Determinants were also associated with the LOH using multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 285 patients were hospitalized with AOMIs, of which 166 (58.2%) were males and 119 (41.8%) were females. The mean LOH was 8.3 ± 4.9 days. The bivariate analysis did not reveal any statistically significant differences in LOH between patients with AOMIs who received urgent outpatient primary care and those who did not receive such care prior to hospitalization. All AOMI severity-related determinants were associated with the LOH. The LOH was related to coexisting systemic conditions but not to the higher severity of dental or periodontal diseases. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed similar trends, where the most significant determinants of a longer LOH were related to the severity of AOMIs. Conclusion: The most important determinants regarding longer hospitalization were indicators of infection severity such as an extension of the odontogenic infection and the need for an extraoral incision to drain the infection.
Correlation of EEG Slowing with Cognitive Domains in Nondemented Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zimmermann Ronan , Gschwandtner Ute , Hatz Florian , Schindler Christian , Bousleiman Habib , Ahmed Shaheen , Hardmeier Martin , Meyer Antonia , Calabrese Pasquale , Fuhr Peter
Published: January 2015

Background: Cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD) are heterogeneous and can be classified into cognitive domains. Quantitative EEG is related to and predictive of cognitive status in PD. In this cross-sectional study, the relationship of cognitive domains and EEG slowing in PD patients without dementia is investigated. Methods: A total of 48 patients with idiopathic PD were neuropsychologically tested. Cognitive domain scores were calculated combining Z-scores of test variables. Slowing of EEG was measured with median EEG frequency. Linear regression was used for correlational analyses and to control for confounding factors. Results: EEG median frequency was significantly correlated to cognitive performance in most domains (episodic long-term memory, rho = 0.54; overall cognitive score, rho = 0.47; fluency, rho = 0.39; attention, rho = 0.37; executive function, rho = 0.34), but not to visuospatial functions and working memory. Conclusion: Global EEG slowing is a marker for overall cognitive impairment in PD and correlates with impairment in the domains attention, executive function, verbal fluency, and episodic long-term memory, but not with working memory and visuospatial functions. These disparate effects warrant further investigations.
Biochemical and Cellular Changes in Leukocyte-Depleted Red Blood Cells Stored for Transfusion
Authors: Nogueira Diana , Rocha Susana , Abreu Estela , Costa Elísio , Santos-Silva Alice
Published: January 2015

Background: To evaluate biochemical and cellular changes associated with the storage of leukocyte-depleted red blood cells (RBCs). Methods: We investigated 10 leukocyte-depleted RBC units, randomly chosen from volunteer donors. Every week an aliquot was collected for laboratorial evaluation, which included complete cell blood count, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity, extracellular sodium, potassium and pH, membrane-bound hemoglobin (MBH), band 3 profile, and quantification of RBC membrane proteins composition. Results: We observed an increase in mean cell volume (from 91.86 ± 4.65 fl to 98.10 ± 5.80 fl, day 0 vs. day 21; p < 0.05), red cell distribution width, percentage of macrocytic RBCs, reticulocyte hemoglobin content and a decreased percentage of microcytic RBCs, mean cell volume concentration and G6PD activity. The extracellular concentration of sodium decreased, and that of potassium increased significantly over time. RBC membrane composition revealed an increase in spectrin/ankyrin ratio after 21 days (from 4.84 ± 0.99 to 5.27 ± 0.94, day 0 vs. day 21; p < 0.05). At day 35, a decrease in ankyrin (from 6.44 ± 1.70% to 5.49 ± 1.96%, day 0 vs. day 35; p < 0.05), in protein 4.1/band 3, protein 4.2/band 3, and ankyrin/band 3 ratios and in band 5 was observed. Conclusions: Our data show that leukocyte-depleted RBCs present changes in the RBC morphology, membrane protein composition, enzymatic activity, and extracellular electrolyte concentration and pH.
Beta-Chemokine CCL15 Affects the Adhesion and Migration of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells
Authors: Richter Rudolf , Rüster Brigitte , Bistrian Roxana , Forssmann Wolf-Georg , Seifried Erhard , Henschler Reinhard
Published: January 2015

Background: Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HPC) motility is essential for HPC transplantation. The chemokine CXCL12 is key for HPC motility. Further regulators are of interest to improve HPC transplantation and regenerative medicine. Here the impact of the human chemokine CCL15 on HPC motility was investigated. Methods: CCL15 plasma concentrations were determined during HPC mobilization in humans. Activity of CCL15 on HPCs was investigated in murine assays, including chemotaxis, adhesion, and CFU-A assays, and competitive repopulation assays. Results: During HPC mobilization with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, blood plasma contains increased concentrations (1.1 ± 0.1 ng/ml) of activated CCL15(27-92) versus 0.4 ± 0.1 ng/ml in controls (p = 0.02). CCL15(27-92) significantly enhanced CXCL12-induced transwell migration of Lin-/Sca1+ HPCs and strengthened shear stress-dependent adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). CCL15(27-92) dose-dependently reduced the colony size in CFU-A assays performed with murine bone marrow and Lin-/Sca1+ HPCs. CCL15(27-92) did not show a direct impact on cell cycle status of HPCs. In murine repopulation assays, pretreatment of bone marrow with CCL15(27-92) significantly increased competitive repopulation. Conclusion: Our results point to a regulation of HPCs by CCL15 by modulating migratory and adhesive properties of HPCs with the potency to improve HPC short-term engraftment in stem cell transplantation.
Primary Health Care and Public Health: Foundations of Universal Health Systems
Authors: White Franklin
Published: January 2015

The aim of this review is to advocate for more integrated and universally accessible health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care and public health. The perspective outlined identified health systems as the frame of reference, clarified terminology and examined complementary perspectives on health. It explored the prospects for universal and integrated health systems from a global perspective, the role of healthy public policy in achieving population health and the value of the social-ecological model in guiding how best to align the components of an integrated health service. The importance of an ethical private sector in partnership with the public sector is recognized. Most health systems around the world, still heavily focused on illness, are doing relatively little to optimize health and minimize illness burdens, especially for vulnerable groups. This failure to improve the underlying conditions for health is compounded by insufficient allocation of resources to address priority needs with equity (universality, accessibility and affordability). Finally, public health and primary health care are the cornerstones of sustainable health systems, and this should be reflected in the health policies and professional education systems of all nations wishing to achieve a health system that is effective, equitable, efficient and affordable.
Prospective Evaluation of a Transfusion Policy of RhD-Positive Red Blood Cells into DEL Patients in China
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhu Mei , Wang Bao-Long , Su Hong , Wang Min
Published: January 2015

Background: The D antigen is highly immunogenic, requiring only a small quantity of transfused red blood cells (RBCs) to cause alloimmunization in D- immunocompetent recipients. DEL was reported arousing alloimmunization to true Rh- patients. Molecular studies of the RHD gene have revealed that DEL individuals retain a grossly intact RHD gene or have a portion of RHD in their genomes. Avoiding immunization with clinically important antibodies is a primary objective in transfusion medicine. Methods: In order to determine whether pregnant DEL women carrying an RhD+ fetus are at risk of anti-D alloimmunization, 808 Rh- pregnant women with a history of gestations or parturitions who regularly visited hospitals for their prenatal anti-D screening and postpartum care from January 2011 to December 2012 were investigated. Samples were analyzed for DEL by PCR with specific primers, PCR-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP), reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and by gene sequencing to characterize different alleles. Results: Among the 808 Rh- pregnant women of our sample, 178 (22.0%) were typed as DEL; 168 DEL samples were confirmed to have the RHD (1,227 G>A) allele, 8 DEL samples were characterized by one base mutation of the RHD (3G >A) allele, and the remaining two DEL samples were determined to carry RHD-CE(4-9)-D or RHD-CE(2-5)-D. The observation of allo-anti-D in two prominent D epitope loss cases confirmed the partial nature of these DEL phenotypes. Conclusions: In conclusion, evidence is provided that different DEL genotypes code either for partial or complete D antigen expression. It is suggested that the use of RhD+ RBCs in complete D antigen DEL patients does not induce adverse reaction.
A Unique Case Involving a Female Patient with Upshaw-Schulman Syndrome: Low Titers of Antibodies against ADAMTS13 prior to Pregnancy Disappeared after Successful Delivery
Authors: Ogawa Yoshiyuki , Matsumoto Masanori , Sadakata Hisanobu , Isonishi Ayami , Kato Seiji , Nojima Yoshihisa , Fujimura Yoshihiro
Published: January 2015

Background: Upshaw-Schulman syndrome (USS) is usually suspected based on severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity without ADAMTS13 antibody, but the definitive diagnosis is made by ADAMTS13 gene analysis. We present a unique case of USS with low titers of ADAMTS13 antibodies before pregnancy. Interestingly, titers of ADAMTS13 antibodies decreased to almost undetectable levels after delivery. Case Report: In patient LL4, the diagnosis of USS was confirmed at age 27 by ADAMTS13 gene analysis. She became pregnant at age 30. During the pregnancy, she received regular fresh frozen plasma (FFP) infusion. Plasma von Willebrand factor levels increase as pregnancy progresses. To prevent platelet thrombi, much more ADAMTS13 supplementation is necessary during late gestation in patients with USS. Therefore, we shortened the interval between and increased the volume of FFP infusions as pregnancy progressed. At 39 weeks, she delivered a healthy baby girl. Before pregnancy, she had low titers of both neutralizing and binding anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies. Despite frequent FFP infusions, titers of the antibodies did not increase, but rather decreased to almost undetectable levels during pregnancy. Conclusion: Both the neutralizing and binding antibodies against ADAMTS13 decreased to almost undetectable levels after delivery in this patient, which can be caused by an immunological reset.
Molecular Basis of KELnull Phenotype in Brazilians
Authors: Boturão-Neto Edmir , Yamamoto Mihoko , Chiba Akemi Kuroda , Kimura Elisa Yuriko Sugano , Oliveira Maria do Carmo Valgueiro Costa de , Barretto Cláudia Lumack do Monte , Nunes Mércia Maria Alves , Albuquerque Sérgio Roberto Lopes , Santos Marcos Daniel de Deus , Bordin José Orlando
Published: January 2015

Background: KELnull (K₀) persons can produce clinically significant anti-KEL5 antibody after transfusion and/or pregnancy, requiring K₀ blood transfusion when indicated. 37 K₀ alleles have been reported in studies over different populations, but none in Amerindian-Caucasian descendants from South America. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular basis of K₀ phenotype in Brazilians. Methods: We investigated three K₀ samples from different Brazilian blood banks (Recife, Manaus, and Vila Velha) in women with anti-KEL5. KEL antigen typing was performed by serologic techniques, and the K₀ status was confirmed by flow cytometry. PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing of the KEL coding and exon-intron regions were also performed. Results: RBCs of the 3 patients were phenotyped as KEL:-1,-2,-3,-4,-7. The 3 patients had the same KEL*02/02 genotype and were negative for KEL*02.03 and KEL*02.06 alleles. The Recife K₀ patient was homozygous for IVS16 + 1g>a mutation (KEL*02N.31 allele). The flow cytometry with anti-KEL1, anti-KEL2, anti-KEL3, anti-KEL4, and anti-CD238 confirmed the K₀ phenotype. In addition, we found the c.1042C>T mutation (KEL*02N.04 allele) in both the Manaus K₀ and the Vila Velha K₀ patients. Conclusion: This report represents the first study of K₀ molecular basis performed in Amerindian-Caucasian descendants from South America.
Non-Invasive Prenatal RHD Genotyping Using Cell-Free Fetal DNA from Maternal Plasma: An Italian Experience
Authors: Picchiassi Elena , Di Renzo Gian Carlo , Tarquini Federica , Bini Vittorio , Centra Michela , Pennacchi Luana , Galeone Fabiana , Micanti Mara , Coata Giuliana
Published: January 2015

Background: This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of a non-invasive approach to fetal RHD genotyping using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and a combination of methodological strategies. Methods: Real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed on 216 RhD-negative women between weeks 10+0 and 14+6 of gestation (1st qPCR). qPCR was repeated (2nd qPCR) to increase the amount of each sample for analysis, on 95 plasma aliquots that were available from first trimester blood collection (group 1) and on 13 samples that were collected between weeks 18+0 and 25+6 of gestation (group 2). qPCR was specific for exons 5 and 7 of the RHD gene (RHD5 and RHD7). The results were interpreted according to the number of positive replicates of both exons. Results: 1st qPCR: diagnostic accuracy was of 93.3%. Diagnostic accuracy increased from 90.5% (1st qPCR) to 93.7% (2nd qPCR) in group 1 and from 84.6% (1st qPCR) to 92.3% (2nd qPCR) in group 2. These increments were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Our approach to RHD genotyping in early pregnancy yielded high diagnostic accuracy. Increasing the amount of DNA analyzed in each sample did not improve significantly the diagnostic accuracy of the test.
Monitoring of Hematopoietic Chimerism by Real-Time Quantitative PCR of Micro Insertions/Deletions in Samples with Low DNA Quantities
Authors: Bach Christian , Tomova Elmira , Goldmann Katja , Weisbach Volker , Roesler Wolf , Mackensen Andreas , Winkler Julia , Spriewald Bernd M.
Published: January 2015

Background: Sensitive and accurate methods to detect hematopoietic chimerism after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are essential to evaluate engraftment and to monitor response to therapeutic procedures such as donor lymphocyte infusion. Continuous long-term follow up, however, requires large amounts of pre-HSCT samples limiting the application of many widely used techniques for sensitive chimerism monitoring. Methods: DNAs from 42 normal healthy donors and 16 HSCT donor/recipient pairs were employed to validate the use of allele-specific insertion/deletion (indel) quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify chimerism in samples with low amounts of DNA. Consequently, indel-qPCR analyses of samples from 16 HSCT patients were compared to short-tandem repeat (STR) specific PCR analyses. Results: Typing with reduced amounts of input DNA (15 vs. 60 ng) allowed for the reliable distinction of positive (mean threshold cycle (ct) 28.05) and negative (ct >36) signals. The high informativity of primer/probe sets, with 12 out of 19 markers exceeding 20% informativity, was confirmed in our cohort (n = 74). Importantly, a fourfold reduction of input DNA compared to published protocols did not alter PCR efficiencies and allowed for a more sensitive detection of chimerism in 7 of 16 HSCT patients compared to results obtained by STR-PCR. Conclusions: Our data suggest that indel-qPCR is a more sensitive technique for the detection of hematopoietic chimerism compared to STR-PCR and works efficiently for samples with low amounts of DNA.
Cholesterol Loading Reprograms the MicroRNA-143/145–Myocardin Axis to Convert Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells to a Dysfunctional Macrophage-Like Phenotype
Authors: Vengrenyuk Yuliya , Nishi Hitoo , Long Xiaochun , Ouimet Mireille , Savji Nazir , Martinez Fernando O. , Cassella Courtney P. , Moore Kathryn J. , Ramsey Stephen A. , Miano Joseph M. , Fisher Edward A.
Published: January 2015

Objective—

We previously showed that cholesterol loading in vitro converts mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from a contractile state to one resembling macrophages. In human and mouse atherosclerotic plaques, it has become appreciated that ≈40% of cells classified as macrophages by histological markers may be of VSMC origin. Therefore, we sought to gain insight into the molecular regulation of this clinically relevant process.

Approach and Results—

VSMC of mouse (or human) origin were incubated with cyclodextrin–cholesterol complexes for 72 hours, at which time the expression at the protein and mRNA levels of contractile-related proteins was reduced and of macrophage markers increased. Concurrent was downregulation of miR-143/145, which positively regulate the master VSMC differentiation transcription factor myocardin. Mechanisms were further probed in mouse VSMC. Maintaining the expression of myocardin or miR-143/145 prevented and reversed phenotypic changes caused by cholesterol loading. Reversal was also seen when cholesterol efflux was stimulated after loading. Notably, despite expression of macrophage markers, bioinformatic analyses showed that cholesterol-loaded cells remained closer to the VSMC state, consistent with impairment in classical macrophage functions of phagocytosis and efferocytosis. In apoE-deficient atherosclerotic plaques, cells positive for VSMC and macrophage markers were found lining the cholesterol-rich necrotic core.

Conclusions—

Cholesterol loading of VSMC converts them to a macrophage-appearing state by downregulating the miR-143/145–myocardin axis. Although these cells would be classified by immunohistochemistry as macrophages in human and mouse plaques, their transcriptome and functional properties imply that their contributions to atherogenesis would not be those of classical macrophages.
Systems Biology With High-Throughput Sequencing Reveals Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Metabolic Syndrome in the Lyon Hypertensive Rat
Authors: Wang Jinkai , Ma Man Chun John , Mennie Amanda K. , Pettus Janette M. , Xu Yang , Lin Lan , Traxler Matthew G. , Jakoubek Jessica , Atanur Santosh S. , Aitman Timothy J. , Xing Yi , Kwitek Anne E.
Published: January 2015

Background—

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of co-occurring complex disorders including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The Lyon hypertensive and Lyon normotensive rats are models of MetS sensitivity and resistance, respectively. To identify genetic determinants and mechanisms underlying MetS, an F2 intercross between Lyon hypertensive and Lyon normotensive was comprehensively studied.

Methods and Results—

Multidimensional data were obtained including genotypes of 1536 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 23 physiological traits, and >150 billion nucleotides of RNA-seq reads from the livers of F2 intercross offspring and parental rats. Phenotypic and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were mapped. Application of systems biology methods identified 17 candidate MetS genes. Several putative causal
cis
-eQTL were identified corresponding with phenotypic QTL loci. We found an eQTL hotspot on rat chromosome 17 that is causally associated with multiple MetS-related traits and found
RGD1562963
, a gene regulated in
cis
by this eQTL hotspot, as the most likely eQTL driver gene directly affected by genetic variation between Lyon hypertensive and Lyon normotensive rats.

Conclusions—

Our study sheds light on the intricate pathogenesis of MetS and demonstrates that systems biology with high-throughput sequencing is a powerful method to study the pathogenesis of complex genetic diseases.
A new schendylid centipede (Myriapoda: Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha) from the Bolivian Amazon Forest
Authors: PEREIRA LUIS ALBERTO
Published: January 2015

Schendylops grismadoi sp. nov., a new schendylid centipede (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha) from the Amazon forest of east-central Bolivia (Santa Cruz Department, Guarayos Province) is described and illustrated based on the holotype female. The new species is characterized by having an uninterrupted series of ventral pore-fields, from first to penultimate sternite inclusive (undivided on anterior and posterior sternites, divided in two subsymmetrical areas on the intermediate); these combined traits being shared by five other Neotropical species currently included in the genus Schendylops Cook, 1899, i.e., S. tropicus (Brölemann & Ribaut, 1911) (from French Guiana), S. inquilinus Pereira, Uliana & Minelli, 2007 (from Brazil), S. coscaroni (Pereira & Minelli, 2006) (from Brazil), S. demelloi (Verhoeff, 1938) (from Brazil), and S. parahybae (Chamberlin, 1914) (from Brazil). The new taxon is differentiated from all aforementioned species by having the anterior margin of cephalic plate conspicuously notched in the middle, dentate lamellae of mandibles divided in two blocks, and basal internal edge of forcipular tarsungulum with a small pigmented tooth; it is included in a key which will enable the identification of all known Neotropical members having sternal pore-fields all along the trunk (including those with an interrupted series on some mid-body sternites). S. grismadoi is only the fifth species of geophilomorph centipede recorded from Bolivia.
Phaenandrogomphus safei, a new species from Sabah, northern Borneo (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae)
Authors: DOW RORY A. , LUKE SARAH H.
Published: January 2015

Phaenandrogomphus safei is described from a male from the Kalabakan Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It is the first species of Phaenandrogomphus to be recorded from Borneo. Onychogomphus treadawayi, known from Busuanga Island in the Palawan region of the Philippines, is transferred to Phaenandrogomphus.
Redescription of Palaemon antennarius H. Milne Edwards, 1837 and Palaemon migratorius (Heller, 1862) (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) and description of two new species of the genus from the circum-Mediterranean area
Authors: TZOMOS THEODOROS , KOUKOURAS ATHANASIOS
Published: January 2015

Palaemon antennarius H. Milne Edwards, 1837 and Palaemon migratorius (Heller, 1862) are redescribed and differentiated from other circum-Mediterranean members of the genus on the basis of the following characters: (a) lack of mandibular palp, (b) form of first maxilliped endites, (c) form of maxillula palp, (d) number and length of plumose setae at the distal end of telson, and (e) shape of the fifth abdominal pleuron. In addition, two new species of the genus, P. colossus sp. nov. and P. minos sp. nov., are described from Rhodes and Crete, respectively. The new species are distinguished from the hitherto known congeners by the following set of key characters: (a) shape of the fifth abdominal pleuron, (b) number and length of the plumose setae at the distal end of the telson, (c) shape of the endopod of the first pleopod, (d) form of thoracic and abdominal sternal armature and (e) number of the lanceolate setae  on the ventral margins of telson.
Prionospio (Polychaeta, Spionidae) from the Grand Caribbean Region, with the descriptions of five new species and a key to species recorded in the area
Authors: DELGADO-BLAS VÍCTOR HUGO
Published: January 2015

Six species of Prionospio are described from the Southern Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Five of these species, P. austella sp. nov., P. crassumbranchiata sp. nov., P. jonatani sp. nov., P. oligopinnulata sp. nov., and P. rotunda sp. nov. are new to science whereas Prionospio cristata Foster, 1971 has been previously described from the Grand Caribbean region. P. austella sp. nov. has a prostomium with a small medial peak on the anterior margin, low dorsal folds on chaetigers 6–11, rounded and subtriangular neuropodial lamellae on chaetigers 1 and 3, respectively, and all hooks lack a secondary hood. P. crassumbranchiata sp. nov. has a laterally separate peristomium partially fused dorsally with chaetiger 1, digitiform pinnules on the lateral and posterior faces of the first pair of branchiae and rectangular neuropodial lamellae on chaetigers 2–5. Prionospio jonatani sp. nov. has a narrow prostomium, subtriangular notopodial lamellae on chaetigers 6–21, notopodial prechaetal lamellae slightly basally fused with the notopodial postchaetal lamellae and square neuropodial lamellae on chaetiger 3. P. oligopinnulata sp. nov. has a square-shaped prostomium, high dorsal crests on chaetigers 7–8, low dorsal folds on chaetigers 9–14, subtriangular neuropodial lamellae on chaetigers 2–3, and branchial pairs 2 and 3 are triangular. P. rotunda sp. nov. has an anteriorly rounded prostomium, trapezoid neuropodial lamellae on chaetiger 3, high dorsal crests on chaetiger 7, and branchial pairs 2 and 3 are cirriform. A key is provided for all the species known from the Grand Caribbean region in the “steentrupi-group” with four branchial pairs.
Elasmopus thalyae sp. nov. (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Maeridae), a new benthic species from soft and hard bottoms of Arcachon Bay (SE Bay of Biscay)
Authors: GOUILLIEUX BENOIT , SORBE JEAN CLAUDE
Published: January 2015

A new species of Elasmopus is described and figured from specimens collected in different benthic communities of Arcachon Bay. It can be distinguished from its closest relative E. rapax by the palmar ornamentation of male gnathopod 2 propodus (shelf and 2 teeth). It preferentially lives on hard bottoms (in mussel fouling of navigation buoys, Sabellaria spinulosa reefs, algal rocky bottoms, Laminaria and Saccorhiza bulbs and as epibiont on the carapace of Maja brachydactyla) but also less abundantly on naked sandy bottoms. An identification key of Atlantic and Mediterranean European species is also given.
Four new species of the Stegana ornatipes species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from Yunnan, China, with DNA barcoding information
Authors: ZHANG YUAN , CHEN HONG-WEI
Published: January 2015

Fore new species of Stegana (Steganina) ornatipes species group are found from Yunnan, China: S. (S.) angustifoliacea sp. nov., S. (S.) crinata sp. nov., S. (S.) nigripes sp. nov. and S. (S.) polysphyra sp. nov. The DNA sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene with BOLD Process ID and GenBank accession numbers are provided for the Chinese species.
A new species of Bibarba (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) from Guangxi, China
Authors: WU TIE-JUN , YANG JIAN , XIU LI-HUI
Published: January 2015

A new loach species of the genus Bibarba is described from a cave (Hongshuihe River basin) in Guangxi, China. The new species, Bibarba parvoculus, can be distinguished from its only congener Bibarba bibarba by pigmentation patterns on fins and side of the body, shape of snout, counts of fin rays, eye diameter, caudal-peduncle length, and preanal length.
Uncertainties of Temperature Measurements on Snow-Covered Land and Sea Ice from In Situ and MODIS Data during BROMEX
Authors: Hall Dorothy K. , Nghiem Son V. , Rigor Ignatius G. , Miller Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2015

The Bromine, Ozone, and Mercury Experiment (BROMEX) was conducted in March and April of 2012 near Barrow, Alaska, to investigate impacts of Arctic sea ice reduction on chemical processes. During BROMEX, multiple sensors were deployed to measure air and surface temperature. The uncertainties in temperature measurement on snow-covered land and sea ice surfaces were examined using in situ data and temperature measurements that were derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and are part of the Terra and Aqua ice-surface temperature and land-surface temperature (LST) standard data products. Following an ~24-h cross-calibration study, two Thermochrons (small temperature-sensing devices) were deployed at each of three field sites: a sea ice site in the Chukchi Sea, a mixed-cover site, and a homogeneous tundra site. At each site, one Thermochron was shielded from direct sunlight and one was left unshielded, and they were placed on top of the snow or ice. The best agreement between the Thermochron- and MODIS-derived temperatures was found between the shielded Thermochrons and the Aqua MODIS LSTs, with an average agreement of 0.6° ± 2.0°C (sample size of 84) at the homogeneous tundra site. The results highlight some uncertainties associated with obtaining consistent air and surface temperature measurements in the harsh Arctic environment, using both in situ and satellite sensors. It is important to minimize uncertainties that could introduce biases in long-term temperature trends.
Increasing the Skill of Probabilistic Forecasts: Understanding Performance Improvements from Model-Error Representations
Authors: Berner J. , Fossell K. R. , Ha S.-Y. , Hacker J. P. , Snyder C.
Published: January 2015

Four model-error schemes for probabilistic forecasts over the contiguous United States with the WRF-ARW mesoscale ensemble system are evaluated in regard to performance. Including a model-error representation leads to significant increases in forecast skill near the surface as measured by the Brier score. Combining multiple model-error schemes results in the best-performing ensemble systems, indicating that current model error is still too complex to be represented by a single scheme alone.

To understand the reasons for the improved performance, it is examined whether model-error representations increase skill merely by increasing the reliability and reducing the bias—which could also be achieved by postprocessing—or if they have additional benefits.

Removing the bias results overall in the largest skill improvement. Forecasts with model-error schemes continue to have better skill than without, indicating that their benefit goes beyond bias reduction.

Decomposing the Brier score into its components reveals that, in addition to the spread-sensitive reliability, the resolution component is significantly improved. This indicates that the benefits of including a model-error representation go beyond increasing reliability. This is further substantiated when all forecasts are calibrated to have similar spread. The calibrated ensembles with model-error schemes consistently outperform the calibrated control ensemble.

Including a model-error representation remains beneficial even if the ensemble systems are calibrated and/or debiased. This suggests that the merits of model-error representations go beyond increasing spread and removing the mean error and can account for certain aspects of structural model uncertainty.
Predictability of Persistent Thailand Rainfall during the Mature Monsoon Season in 2011 Using Statistical Downscaling of CGCM Seasonal Prediction
Authors: Imada Yukiko , Kanae Shinjiro , Kimoto Masahide , Watanabe Masahiro , Ishii Masayoshi
Published: January 2015

Predictability of above-normal rainfall over Thailand during the rainy season of 2011 was investigated with a one-tier seasonal prediction system based on an atmosphere–ocean coupled general circulation model (CGCM) combined with a statistical downscaling method. The statistical relationship was derived using singular value decomposition analysis (SVDA) between observed regional rainfall and the hindcast of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) from the seasonal prediction system, which has an ability to forecast oceanic variability for lead times up to several months. The downscaled product of 2011 local rainfall was obtained by combining rainfall patterns derived from significant modes of SVDA. This method has the advantage in terms of flexibility that phenomenon-based statistical relationships, such as teleconnections associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), or the newly recognized central Pacific El Niño, are considered separately in each SVDA mode. The downscaled prediction initialized from 1 August 2011 reproduced the anomalously intense precipitation pattern over Indochina including northern Thailand during the latter half of the rainy season, even though the direct hindcast from the CGCM failed to predict the local rainfall distribution and intensity. Further analysis revealed that this method is applicable to the other recent events such as heavy rainfall during the rainy seasons of 2002 and 2008 in Indochina.
The Use of Cryotherapy for Papilloma and Early Laryngeal Cancers
Authors: Benninger Michael S. , Derakhshan Adeeb , Milstein Claudio F.
Published: January 2015

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Objective:

To determine the efficacy of adjuvant cryotherapy in the treatment of early glottic cancer and laryngeal papillomatosis.

Summary of Background Data:

The use of cryotherapy in conjunction with traditional modalities has recently been proposed to improve voice outcomes in patients with early laryngeal cancer as compared to pretreatment conditions. This study investigates its utility in improving oncological outcomes and decreasing recurrences of laryngeal papillomatosis.

Methods:

Patients with either early glottic cancer or laryngeal papillomatosis that received cryotherapy as part of their surgical regimen were investigated. All patients were seen at a large tertiary care center within a 10-year window. Demographic data were collected and all postoperative notes were reviewed. Recurrences of the laryngeal cancer were noted, as was the duration of time between successive papillomatosis operations.

Results:

The charts of 54 glottic cancer and 29 papillomatosis patients that received cryotherapy were reviewed. One patient from the papillomatosis cohort was excluded from statistical analysis due to lack of follow-up. Overall, 16 (30%) of the laryngeal cancer patient experienced a malignant recurrence. The overall 5-year survival of these patients was 98% and the 5-year disease-free survival was 74%. The use of adjuvant cryotherapy in the treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis extended the duration of time between surgeries by an average of 79 days ( P = .23).

Conclusion:

The use of adjuvant cryotherapy in the treatment of early glottic cancer does not improve the rate of carcinoma recurrences. Additionally, cryotherapy does not result in a statistically significant increase in the duration of disease-free period for laryngeal papillomatosis patients, although the observed increase may be clinically important.
The private rate of return to a university degree in Australia
Authors: Daly Anne , Lewis Phil , Corliss Michael , Heaslip Tiffany
Published: January 2015

This article presents estimates of the private monetary benefits in Australia associated with the completion of Bachelor degrees for a range of fields of study under a range of different assumptions. For the average person, results show strong monetary incentives to complete these degrees and the private rate of return compares favourably with the real long-term bond rate. However, differences can be observed in rates of return according to gender and discipline of study with, generally, lower returns for women and for those holding degrees in the humanities. The results are calculated on varying assumptions which provide evidence of the robustness of the conclusions. Finally, implications for policy, such as university financing and increases in university places, are discussed.
Validation of Parent-Reported Injuries to Their Children
Authors: Zonfrillo Mark R. , Myers Rachel K. , Durbin Dennis R. , Curry Allison E.
Published: January 2015

Objective: Injury is a leading cause of emergency department visits, disability, and death in children. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of parental report of children’s specific injuries. Methods: A prospective validation study was conducted in 3 urban pediatric emergency departments from August 2010 to July 2011. Parents of injured children completed a survey at 2-weeks following the emergency department visit, and their responses were compared to injury data that were abstracted from medical records. Results: Parent surveys were completed for 516 injured children. Sensitivities were ≥0.75 for all fractures and ≥0.88 for extremity and skull fractures. Internal organ injuries were generally less accurately reported by parents than fractures. Specificity estimates all exceeded 0.95. Conclusions: This telephone-administered and mailed self-administered survey enabled parents to accurately report specific head and extremity injuries. Practical Applications: This survey may be a useful tool for pediatric injury surveillance activities.
Guideline-Concordant Treatment of Kawasaki Disease With Immunoglobulin and Aspirin and the Incidence of Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Michihata Nobuaki , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: January 2015

Objective: Current guidelines for Kawasaki disease (KD) recommend intravenous immunoglobulin infusion and echocardiography. However, no previous studies have evaluated the relationship between the treating hospital’s concordance with guidelines and the prevention of coronary artery aneurysm in patients with KD. Study Design: KD patients between 2010 and 2013 were identified in a Japanese national inpatient database. Guideline concordance was defined as the proportions of patients who received echocardiography as well as treatment with both immunoglobulin and aspirin, which were divided into quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between the guideline concordance and the occurrence of coronary artery aneurysm with adjustment for patient backgrounds. Results: In sum, 20 156 patients with KD were identified. The very high (>83.3%) concordance group had a lower rate of coronary artery aneurysm than the very low (<59.0%) concordance group (4.9% vs 9.9%; odds ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.74; P = .002). Conclusion: All patients with KD should be treated according to the guidelines.
Adjusting for Unit Non-Response in Surveys Through Weighting
Authors: Carkin Danielle Marie , Tracy Paul E.
Published: January 2015

Unit non-response is a serious problem in survey research. This article validates the necessity of adjusting for unit non-response in disproportionate stratified sampling designs through the use of sample weights. Using data from the 1958 Birth Cohort study, we demonstrate that sample data which are affected by unit non-response can be a poor representation of population parameters. These non-response effects can be addressed through the application of sample weights.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders’ Impact on Pain, Function, and Disability
Authors: Chantaracherd P. , John M.T. , Hodges J.S. , Schiffman E.L.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the association between more advanced stages of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) intra-articular disorders (“TMJ intra-articular status”), representing a transition from normal joint structure to TMJ disc displacement with and without reduction (DDwR and DDwoR) to degenerative joint disease (DJD), and patient-reported outcomes of jaw pain, function, and disability (“TMD impact”). This cross-sectional study included 614 cases from the RDC/TMD Validation Project with at least one temporomandibular disorder (TMD) diagnosis. TMJ intra-articular status was determined by 3 blinded, calibrated radiologists using magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography as one of normal joint structure, DDwR, DDwoR, or DJD, representing the subject’s most advanced TMJ diagnosis. TMD impact was conceptualized as a latent variable consisting of 1) pain intensity (Characteristic Pain Index from the Graded Chronic Pain Scale [GCPS]), 2) jaw function (Jaw Functional Limitation Scale), and 3) disability (Disability Points from GCPS). A structural equation model estimated the association of TMJ intra-articular status with the latent measure TMD impact as a correlation coefficient in all TMD cases ( n = 614) and in cases with a TMD pain diagnosis ( n = 500). The correlations between TMJ intra-articular status and TMD impact were 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.04 to 0.13) for all TMD cases and 0.07 (95% CI, −0.04 to 0.17) for cases with a pain diagnosis, which are neither statistically significant nor clinically relevant. Conceptualizing worsening of TMJ intra-articular disorders as 4 stages and characterizing impact from TMD as a composite of jaw pain, function, and disability, this cross-sectional study found no clinically significant association. Models of TMJ intra-articular status other than ours (normal structure → DDwR → DDwoR → DJD) should be explored.
Protecting Markets from Society
Authors: Gershenson Carl
Published: January 2015

The state incentivizes investors to entrust capital to public corporations by granting shareholders enforceable rights over managers. However, these rights create legal “access points” through which social movements can make nonpecuniary claims on the corporation. I use original historical research on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s administration of federal securities law to show that concern over nonpecuniary claims motivates the state to enact the role of “market protector.” In this role, the commission insulates managers of corporations from shareholders’ claims that it deems illegitimate because they are insufficiently profit-oriented. Thus the inverse of Polanyi’s observation that society protects itself from markets is also true: the state creates market boundaries so that “always embedded” markets function more like autonomous, profit-oriented markets. Accordingly, the extent to which corporate democracy represents general, social interests or narrow, profit-oriented interests is largely a function of political contestation and state policy.
Interior immigration enforcement: The impacts of expanding local law enforcement authority
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thi , Gill Hannah
Published: January 2015

A growing emphasis on interior immigration enforcement in the US has broadened the legal authority of state and local law enforcers to investigate and enforce immigration violations, thereby expanding the federal government’s interior enforcement capabilities. This study investigates how local immigration enforcement programs, such as 287g, alter the operational priorities of local law enforcers and impact communities in two jurisdictions in North Carolina. Our findings show that despite different jurisdictional implementation styles and contexts, the 287g Program led to increasing fear and distrust of law enforcement among immigrants and affected police–community relationships in ways that compromise public safety and security. The unintended negative community consequences found in our study suggest that the federal government should be more cautious about authorising state and local jurisdictions to carry out immigration enforcement.
Is neighbourhood destiny? Exploring the link between neighbourhood mobility and student outcomes
Authors: Cordes Sarah A , Schwartz Amy Ellen , Stiefel Leanna , Zabel Jeffrey
Published: January 2015

The notion that children from ‘good’ neighbourhoods are destined for success while those from ‘bad’ neighbourhoods are destined for failure has considerable popular appeal. Residential location is strongly linked to school quality, access to educated adults, exposure to violence, etc. There is, however, surprisingly little evidence on the link between the neighbourhood in which a child begins school and later schooling outcomes. Understanding early neighbourhood experiences is important for determining whether students are ‘stuck’ in neighbourhoods of disadvantage. It is also critical for determining the extent to which students who begin their schooling careers in disadvantaged neighbourhoods are destined for poor schooling outcomes, and conversely, whether changing neighbourhood context improves student performance. In this study, therefore, we document how students’ early neighbourhood and schooling experiences are related to later success in school, and explore how changing neighbourhood and school contexts explain differences in academic outcomes. Using data from New York City (NYC), we construct a panel containing all students enrolled as first graders in NYC public schools in 1996–1997, following them through academic years 2007–2008, which would be their 12th grade year if they made standard academic progress (annual one-grade promotion). Far from supporting the simplistic story of ‘dead-end’ neighbourhoods, our analyses describe a situation where students from poor neighbourhoods actually move more often than their peers in less disadvantaged neighbourhoods and are more likely to experience changes in neighbourhood and school quality, with 45.7% of neighbourhood moves from the poorest neighbourhoods being made to significantly higher quality neighbourhoods.