bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Proton Pump Inhibitor-Resistant Nonerosive Reflux Disease by Esophageal Manometry and 24-Hour Esophageal Impedance and pH Monitoring
Authors: Kawamura Osamu , Hosaka Hiroko , Shimoyama Yasuyuki , Kawada Akiyo , Kuribayashi Shiko , Kusano Motoyasu , Yamada Masanobu
Published: January 2015

Background: Patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) include subgroups that have markedly different pathophysiology. This study aimed to clarify the pathophysiology of NERD by esophageal manometry with 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring. Methods: Eighteen consecutive outpatients referred to our expert center for functional gastrointestinal motility with suspected PPI-resistant NERD were enrolled. Manometry was performed to detect esophageal motility disorders. Subsequently, 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring was done while patients were on PPI therapy. Results: Manometry revealed 1 case of achalasia, 1 case of nutcracker esophagus and 3 cases of diffuse esophageal spasm. Three patients had ineffective esophageal motility, with impedance and pH monitoring being performed in 2 of them. Esophageal acid exposure (%time pH <4) was normal in both, but the symptom index (SI) was positive for nonacidic reflux in 1 patient. One of the 10 patients with normal esophageal motility had abnormal esophageal acid exposure. The SI was positive for weakly acidic and nonacidic reflux in 3 of the remaining 9 patients with normal esophageal acid exposure. Five of the other 6 patients seemed to have functional heartburn. Conclusion: A substantial percentage (28%) of patients with suspected PPI-resistant NERD had primary esophageal motility disorders. Both nonacidic reflux and weakly acidic reflux are important contributors to the symptoms of patients with PPI-resistant NERD. Esophageal manometry is required to exclude motility disorders, while 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring is invaluable for assessing symptom-reflux associations and the indications for fundoplication in patients with suspected PPI-resistant NERD.
Direct Spraying of Shakuyakukanzoto onto the Duodenal Papilla: A Novel Method for Preventing Pancreatitis following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Fujinami Haruka , Kajiura Shinya , Ando Takayuki , Mihara Hiroshi , Hosokawa Ayumu , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Topical epinephrine application to the duodenal papilla reduces spasm of the sphincter of Oddi and prevents acute pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Shakuyakukanzoto (TJ-68) has an inhibitory effect on muscle contraction. Therefore, TJ-68 potentially allows the relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi, which can aid in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Methods: Thirty-six patients planned for ERCP were divided into TJ-68 (n = 17) and control groups (n = 19). In the TJ-68 group, the TJ-68 solution was endoscopically sprayed directly onto the duodenal papilla of patients. To assess the effects of TJ-68, serum amylase levels were measured at 1 h and 1 day after ERCP and symptoms were evaluated. Results: The serum amylase levels at 1 h after ERCP were 273.6 ± 212.0 IU/l in the TJ-68 group and 428.7 ± 281.6 IU/l in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.036). The serum amylase levels at 24 h after ERCP were 230.0 ± 182.7 IU/l in the TJ-68 group and 497.4 ± 514.0 IU/l in the control group (p = 0.011). Post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 0 and 4 patients (21.1%) in the TJ-68 and control groups, respectively, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). Conclusion: Direct TJ-68 solution application to the duodenal papilla significantly inhibited the elevation of serum amylase levels. However, the preventive effect regarding post-ERCP pancreatitis was not confirmed in this study.
A Trial of the Use of Patency Capsules in Combination with Overnight Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Imagawa Hiroki , Ikemoto Juri , Kanemitu Kozue , Teraoka Yuji , Izumi Yoshihiro , Nakadoi Koichi , Okazaki Akihiro , Katamura Yoshio , Shinzato Masato , Onogawa Seiji , Hirano Norimiti , Hanada Keiji , Amano Hajime , Hino Fumiaki
Published: January 2015

Background: The PillCam® patency capsule (PPC) was developed to minimize the risk of capsule retention during capsule endoscopy (CE). Typically, the use of patency capsules prior to CE requires patients to be monitored over a period of time. To reduce the need for frequent outpatient visits during PPC examination and CE, we developed the overnight CE (ON-CE) procedure. Methods: Between October 2012 and January 2014, a total of 19 patients (15 males and 4 females, mean age 48.4 years) were administered PPC to assess the patency of the small intestine prior to ON-CE at JA Onomichi General Hospital in Hiroshima, Japan. Results: PPC confirmed patency of the small intestine in 15 of the 19 patients. Of these 15 patients, 14 proceeded to ON-CE. The CE was cancelled in 1 patient and the cecal intubation time exceeded 8 h in another patient. For the remaining 12 patients, the mean small intestine observation coverage was 92.3% and the mean cecal intubation time was 325 min. There were no adverse events and the discharge of the capsule was confirmed in all cases. Conclusion: When patency of the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed with the PPC, ON-CE was performed safely and effectively.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection as Total Excisional Biopsy for Clinical T1 Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Asayama Naoki , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Hayashi Nana , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Only the depth of submucosal invasion can be estimated prior to determining the indications for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a curative treatment for colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Here we evaluated the outcomes of ESD for clinical T1 CRCs. Methods: Of 660 patients who underwent ESD for CRC at the Hiroshima University Hospital between June 2003 and December 2013, we examined the outcomes of 37 (6%; 26 men, 11 women; mean age ± SD, 68 ± 12 years) who underwent ESD as total excisional biopsy for various reasons, in spite of an endoscopic diagnosis of T1 CRC. Results: The mean lesion size was 25 ± 14 mm; 14 lesions were protruding and 23 were superficial. The en bloc resection rate was 100% (37/37). The histological en bloc resection rate was 92% (34/37). ESD resulted in a positive vertical margin in 3 cases. Deep submucosal invasion was seen in 3 cases, 2 of which had severe submucosal fibrosis. Although severe submucosal fibrosis was not found in other cases, pathologic examination of the deepest invasive portion of the tumor revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The rates of post-ESD bleeding and perforation were 8% (3/37) and 5% (2/37), respectively. All patients recovered under conservative therapy. No cases of recurrence were noted in patients without additional surgical resection when the lesions satisfied the curative conditions listed in the 2014 Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum guidelines. Conclusion: En bloc resection by ESD as total excisional biopsy for clinical T1 CRC is a highly effective treatment and establishes a precise histological diagnosis.
Vascular Glycocalyx Sodium Store - Determinant of Salt Sensitivity?
Authors: Oberleithner Hans , Wilhelmi Marianne
Published: January 2015

Smart mechanisms allow frictionless slipping of rather rigid erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBC) through narrow blood vessels. Nature solved this problem in an elegant way coating the moving object (RBC) and the tunnel wall (endothelium) by negative charges (glycocalyx). As long as these surfaces are intact, repulsive forces create a ‘security zone' that keeps the respective surfaces separated from each other. However, damage of either one of these surfaces causes loss of negative charges, allowing an unfavorable physical interaction between the RBC and the endothelium. It has been recently shown that any alteration of the endothelial glycocalyx leaves nasty footprints on the RBC glycocalyx. In this scenario, sodium ions hold a prominent role. Plasma sodium is stored in the glycocalyx partially neutralizing the negative surface charges. A ‘good' glycocalyx has a high sodium store capacity but still maintains sufficient surface negativity at normal plasma sodium. A ‘bad' glycocalyx shows the opposite. This concept was used for the development of the so-called ‘salt blood test' (SBT) that quantitatively measures RBC sodium store capacity of the glycocalyx and thus indirectly evaluates the quality of the inner vessel wall. In an initial step, the applicability of the SBT was tested in eight different medical facilities. The study shows that an increased salt sensitivity, as measured by the SBT, is more frequently found in individuals with a hypertensive history, despite antihypertensive medication. Taken together, preservation of the endothelial glycocalyx appears to be of utmost importance for maintaining a well-balanced function of the vascular system.
Methods and Challenges for the Practical Application of Crit-Line™ Monitor Utilization in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Balter Paul , Artemyev Mikhail , Zabetakis Paul
Published: January 2015

The Crit-Line™ monitor measures relative changes in intravascular blood volume during hemodialysis. The device is also used to monitor hematocrit and oxygen saturation. Using this device to decrease fluid volume has yielded inconsistent results on outcome measures such as hospitalization rates, erythropoietin utilization, and blood pressure reduction. Through a year-long deployment of the Crit-Line™ monitor, the Renal Research Institute (RRI) has shown that outcomes can be improved even in a busy dialysis clinic with attention to the details of how the device is utilized. In this paper, we are proposing areas of focus and methods that if properly implemented should yield improved clinical outcomes. Strong physician approval and enthusiasm coupled with clinical staff support have been shown to be vital to the success of this device in improving clinical outcomes. Even in this setting, inadequately and improperly trained staff have been identified as almost insurmountable impediments to adequate Crit-Line™ use. Our studies have shown that in facilities where staff turnover is high, procedures must be implemented to engage and train new staff immediately upon their arrival on the dialysis floor. Other issues that may lead to improper use of the Crit-Line™ monitor include incorrect target weight assessments, failure of staff to properly monitor patients during the treatment, and the over dependency of saline administration for cramps.
Pumps in Wearable Ultrafiltration Devices: Pumps in Wuf Devices
Authors: Armignacco Paolo , Garzotto Francesco , Bellini Corrado , Neri Mauro , Lorenzin Anna , Sartori Marco , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2015

The wearable artificial kidney (WAK) is a device that is supposed to operate like a real kidney, which permits prolonged, frequent, and continuous dialysis treatments for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Its functioning is mainly related to its pumping system, as well as to its dialysate-generating and alarm/shutoff ones. A pump is defined as a device that moves fluids by mechanical action. In such a context, blood pumps pull blood from the access side of the dialysis catheter and return the blood at the same rate of flow. The main aim of this paper is to review the current literature on blood pumps, describing the way they have been functioning thus far and how they are being engineered, giving details about the most important parameters that define their quality, thus allowing the production of a radar comparative graph, and listing ideal pumps' features.
Back to the Future: Therapies for Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Gibson Keisha L. , Glenn Dorey , Ferris Maria E.
Published: January 2015

Background: Roughly 20-40% of individuals with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome will fail to respond to standard therapies and have a high risk of progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). In the last 50 years, no new therapies have been approved specifically for the treatment of these individuals with recalcitrant disease. Summary: Recent in vitro, translational, and clinical studies have identified novel targets and pathways that not only expand our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of proteinuric disease but also provide an opportunity to challenge the tradition of relying on histologic classification of nephrotic diseases to make treatment decisions. Key Messages: The traditional methods of directing the care of individuals with nephrotic syndrome by histological classification or deciding second line therapies on the basis of steroid-responsiveness may soon yield customizing therapies based on our expanding understanding of molecular targets. Important non-immunologic mechanisms of widely used immunosuppressive therapies may be just as important in palliating proteinuric disease as proposed immunologic functions.
Quantitative Lung Ultrasound Comet Measurement: Method and Initial Clinical Results
Authors: Weitzel William F. , Hamilton James , Wang Xianglong , Bull Joseph L. , Vollmer Alan , Bowman April , Rubin Jonathan , Kruger Grant H. , Gao Jing , Heung Michael , Rao Panduranga
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Recently, ultrasound signals termed ‘lung water comets' associated with pulmonary edema have been correlated with adverse clinical events in dialysis patients. These comets fluctuate substantially during the ultrasound exam highlighting the need for objective quantitative measurement methods. Methods: We developed an image-processing algorithm for the detection and quantification of lung comets. Quantification measures included comet number (comet count) and the fraction of the ultrasound beams with comet findings (comet fraction). We used this algorithm in a pilot study in 20 stable dialysis outpatients to identify associations between ultrasound comets and clinical parameters including blood pressure (BP), percent blood volume reduction on dialysis (%BV), ejection fraction (EF), and ultrafiltration on dialysis (UF). Results: Positive findings included associations with lung comet measurements with pre-dialysis Diastolic BP (r = 0.534, p = 0.015), subject age (r = -0.446, p = 0.049), and a combination of EF and end dialysis %BV reduction (r = -0.585, p = 0.028). Comet fraction and comet count were closely correlated due to the inherent relationship between these two metrics (r = 0.973, p < 0.001). Negative findings included ultrasound comets that did not change from beginning to end of dialysis (p = 0.756), and were not significantly correlated with single dialysis treatment UF (p = 0.522), subject body weight (p = 0.208), or BMI (p = 0.358). Conclusions: Ultrasound signal processing methods may help quantify lung ultrasound comets. Additional findings include algorithmic lung comet measurement that did not change significantly during single dialysis sessions in these stable outpatients, but were associated with cardiovascular and fluid status parameters.
Dietary Sodium Intake: Scientific Basis for Public Policy
Authors: Whelton Paul K.
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: National and international agencies recommend a reduction in dietary sodium intake. However, some have questioned the wisdom of these policies. The goal of this report was to assess the findings and quality of studies that have examined the relationship between dietary sodium and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Methods: Literature review of the available observational studies and randomized controlled trials, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: A large body of evidence from observational studies and clinical trials documents a direct relationship between dietary sodium intake and the level of blood pressure, especially in persons with a higher level of blood pressure, African-Americans, and those who are older or have comorbidity, including chronic kidney disease. A majority of the available observational reports support the presence of a direct relationship between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease but the quality of the evidence according to most studies is poor. The limited information available from clinical trials is consistent with a beneficial effect of reduced sodium intake on incidence of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: The scientific underpinning for policies to reduce the usual intake of dietary sodium is strong. In the United States and many other countries, addition of sodium during food processing has led to a very high average intake of dietary sodium, with almost everyone exceeding the recommended goals. National programs utilizing voluntary and mandatory approaches have resulted in a successful reduction in sodium intake. Even a small reduction in sodium consumption is likely to yield sizable improvement in population health. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at www.karger.com/?doi=368975.
Arteriovenous Access Monitoring with Ultrasound Dilution in a Pediatric Hemodialysis Unit
Authors: Ashoor Isa F. , Hughson Elizabeth A. , Somers Michael J.G.
Published: January 2015

Background: Permanent arteriovenous (AV) access is the preferred access for dialysis delivery in children and adolescents requiring chronic hemodialysis (HD). Ultrasound dilution (UD) monitoring of AV access flow is widely used in adult HD units for the early detection of stenosis but experience in pediatrics is limited. Methods: We monitored all maintenance HD patients with AV access using a noninvasive screening algorithm based on UD access flow. We assessed the effectiveness of this algorithm by comparing it to fistulagrams and its impact on AV access-related morbidity. Results: AV access thrombosis rates fell from 13.5 per 100 patient-months on HD during the baseline period to 3.5 per 100 patient-months on HD during the screening period (p < 0.04). The mean blood flow rate by UD measurement was lower in AV accesses that went on to thrombose compared to those without thrombosis (1,203 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 1,683 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001). When compared to fistulagrams, the screening algorithm was 94% sensitive and 77% specific in detecting hemodynamically significant stenosis, with positive and negative predictive values of 83 and 91% respectively. Conclusions: A noninvasive UD screening algorithm of AV access flow is very sensitive in detecting hemodynamically significant stenosis and can decrease AV access thrombosis rates.
Associations Between Global Population Health Indicators and Dialysis Variables in the Monitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) Consortium
Authors: Calice-Silva Viviane , Hussein Rasha , Yousif Dalia , Zhang Hanjie , Usvyat Len , Campos Ludimila G. , von Gersdorff Gero , Schaller Mathias , Marcelli Danielle , Grassman Aileen , Etter Michael , Xu Xiaoqi , Kotanko Peter , Pecoits-Filho Roberto
Published: January 2015

Background: The number of patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) increases annually and worldwide. Differences in the RRT incidence, prevalence, and modality vary between regions and countries for reasons yet to be clarified. Aims: Gain a better understanding of the association between hemodialysis (HD)-related variables and general population global health indicators. Methods: The present study included prevalent HD patients from 27 countries/regions from the monitoring dialysis outcomes (MONDO) database from 2006-2011. Global population health indicators were obtained from the 2014 World Health Organization report and the Human Development Index from the Human Development Report Office 2014. The Spearman rank test was used to assess the correlations between population social economic indicators and HD variables. Results: A total of 84,796 prevalent HD patients were included. Their mean age was 63 (country mean 52-71), and 60% were males (country mean 52-85%). Significant correlations were found between HD demographic clusters and population education, wealth, mortality, and health indicators. The cluster of nutrition and inflammation variables were also highly correlated with population mortality, wealth, and health indicators. Finally, cardiovascular, fluid management, and dialysis adequacy clusters were associated with education, wealth, and health care resource indicators. Conclusion: We identified socioeconomic indicators that were correlated with dialysis variables. This hypothesis-generating study may be helpful in the analysis of how global health indicators may interfere with access to HD, treatment provision, dialytic treatment characteristics, and outcomes.
Evaluation of Indeterminate Thyroid Cytology by Second-Opinion Diagnosis or Repeat Fine-Needle Aspiration: Which Is the Best Approach?
Authors: Gerhard Rene , Boerner Scott L.
Published: January 2015

Objective: This study investigated a published series evaluating the role of second-opinion diagnosis (SOD) or repeat fine-needle aspiration cytology (RFNA) for indeterminate thyroid aspirates. Study Design: Twenty-three studies were selected and the following parameters were analyzed: disagreement between SOD or RFNA and the original diagnosis (OD), reclassification of OD according to the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology, the rate of definitive diagnosis and the diagnostic performance of SOD and RFNA. Results: 7,154 thyroid FNAs were retrieved from 9 studies that investigated the role of SOD, including 1,048 (14.6%) cases originally reported as indeterminate. The 14 studies that analyzed the role of thyroid RFNA comprised 67,581 FNAs and included 7,246 (10.7%) indeterminate cases. A definitive diagnosis was achieved by SOD in 450 cases (42.9%) and RFNA in 1,645 cases (57.2%, p = 0.0001). Based on cases with histological follow-up, SOD demonstrated significantly higher rates of positive predictive value and accuracy than RFNA (55.8 vs. 37.7%, p = 0.0001; 67.4 vs. 56.0%, p = 0.0034, respectively). Conclusions: Both SOD and RFNA demonstrated an improvement in the diagnosis of initially indeterminate thyroid FNAs. RFNA achieved a definitive diagnosis for the majority of indeterminate cases. Regarding histological follow-up, SOD was shown to be more accurate than RFNA.
It's a Non-Dialysis Day… Do You Know How Your Patient Is Doing? A Case for Research into Interdialytic Activity
Authors: Mendoza Melissa , Han Maggie , Meyring-Wösten Anna , Wilund Kenneth , Kotanko Peter
Published: January 2015

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are less active than their healthy counterparts; this is associated with higher mortality. Healthcare workers observe their patients only during HD, which accounts for about 7% of the week. Knowing more about what occurs in between sessions, particularly with respect to physical activity, may improve patient care and prognosis. Yet without a standard method to measure interdialytic activity, it is difficult to compare the effect of interventions. However, it is unclear how interdialytic activity can be accurately measured. Since activity associated with quality of life is multi-dimensional, objective and subjective tools should be used in conjunction. While commercially available tracking devices can be seamlessly incorporated into everyday life and can increase awareness of user's activity, their validation is needed in the HD population. Fertile topics for research should include the relationship between objective and subjective measures in HD patients, and the investigation of physical activity in non-ambulatory HD patients.
Choroidal Neovascularization Induced by Immunogenic Alteration of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Dengue Fever
Authors: Veloso Carlos Eduardo , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Nehemy Márcio B.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To report the first case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to dengue fever. Case Report: A 54-year-old female was referred to our department with blurred vision and metamorphopsia in her left eye. Two weeks earlier, she had presented all of the classic symptoms of dengue fever including a positive serology. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/150 in the left eye. She underwent a fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FA) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Results: All findings were consistent with CNV secondary to dengue fever. FA revealed a classic CNV associated with focal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) destruction and detachment. Three consecutive monthly injections of intravitreal ranibizumab resulted in functional and anatomical improvement for as long as 6 months with a BCVA of 20/25. However, CNV recurred 2 years later, again with an improvement after ranibizumab therapy, but with persistence of a fibrovascular RPE detachment, highlighting the pathomechanism of a classic CNV formation. Conclusions: Maculopathy in dengue fever may be followed by CNV as a result of the immunologic alteration of the RPE. Physicians should be aware of this manifestation to be able to initiate adequate treatment with excellent functional and anatomical results.
Inappropriate Arginine Vasopressin Levels and Hyponatremia Associated with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Authors: Breinbjerg Anders , Lange Aksel , Rittig Soeren , Kamperis Konstantinos
Published: January 2015

We herein describe two children who presented with attacks of severe cyclic vomiting. The primary case was a 2.5-year-old girl with a history of several admissions with vomiting and altered mental status. She was diagnosed with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). During her attacks she developed significant hyponatremia on several occasions, which prompted us to measure plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels during attacks. We found inappropriately high AVP levels with concomitant hyponatremia. We also measured plasma AVP and plasma sodium in another child with CVS who did not develop manifest hyponatremia but showed inappropriately elevated plasma AVP levels. Since the standard treatment of CVS consists of fluids, high plasma AVP levels may lead to dilutional hyponatremia. We would therefore like to emphasize the importance of close assessment of electrolyte levels in patients with CVS to avoid water intoxication.
A new fish species of the subfamily Serraninae (Perciformes, Serranidae) from the Philippines
Authors: WILLIAMS JEFFREY T. , CARPENTER KENT E.
Published: January 2015

A new species of serranine fish is described from the Philippine Islands. A single specimen of a new species, Chelidoperca santosi, captured by fishermen working in Palawan waters was discovered in the public fish market in Iloilo City, Panay, Philippines. Two additional specimens of the new species, also from the Philippines, were subsequently discovered in the collections of the Museum Victoria, Australia. The new species is currently known only from the Philippines and is characterized by its distinctive coloration with a row of four small dark spots on the snout (two in front of each eye) and two dark spots on the chin (one on each side of the symphysis of the dentaries), a white anal fin with six large yellow spots separated by broad white interspaces and a narrow yellow distal border, caudal fin with narrow yellow bars and a yellowish distal margin and no dark spots, and a combination of meristic and morphological characters.
A critical review of the current taxonomy of the genus Daphnia O. F. Müller, 1785 (Anomopoda, Cladocera)
Authors: KOTOV ALEXEY A.
Published: January 2015

The genus Daphnia O. F. Müller, 1785 (Anomopoda, Cladocera) has become a model genus for ecological, toxicological, and evolutionary studies. At the same time, Daphnia is a well-known example of a genus with a confused taxonomy. This review aims to identify the main sources of confusion (natural and human-caused) for the current taxonomy of Daphnia. A complete check-list of all species-group names of Daphnia was built using the available literature sources. I graphed the total number of taxa and number of valid taxa described during each year, and estimated a curve of accumulation of formal taxa from year to year. Four main periods in the history of Daphnia taxonomy were recognized, with the latest decades showing an increased rate of valid taxa to more than 50%. Overall, only 24 % of 361 known taxa of species rank are valid. A failure to find real, sometimes fine-scale diagnostic characters, led to a tradition of pseudo-taxonomy based mainly on the body shape and other phenotypically plastic characters, e.g. associated with defensive structures. I recommend revising the suite of taxonomically informative characters by emphasizing the anatomical details of males and thoracic limbs of both males and females. Such a revision of global scale, should be conducted in close coordination with phylogenetic studies. But this revision is impossible without accurate redescriptions of all previously described taxa, and a continuous step-by-step resolving of taxonomic problems in each species group.
Ischnomesus harrietae sp. nov., a new benthic asellote (Crustacea: Isopoda: Ischnomesidae) from bathyal bottoms of the southern Bay of Biscay
Authors: KAVANAGH FIONA A. , FRUTOS INMACULADA , SORBE JEAN CLAUDE
Published: January 2015

A new species of Ischnomesidae (Crustacea: Isopoda: Asellota), Ischnomesus harrietae sp. nov. is described from the southern Bay of Biscay. This new species is distinctive due to the presence of numerous pedestal setae arranged in longitudinal rows on pereonite 5. Because of this morphological peculiarity, it can be easily distinguished from the four other Ischnomesus species previously reported from bathyal/abyssal bottoms of the European continental margin. Within its known distributional area, the new species inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms between 619 and 1099 m, with a maximum abundance of 41.8 individuals per 100 m2 recorded at approximately 700 m on the Arcachon Plateau. Another new species is also reported, Ischnomesus sp.1, represented by one specimen only and briefly described. An identification key to European species of Ischnomesus is provided.
The Sri Lankan torrent toads (Bufonidae: Adenominae: Adenomus): species boundaries assessed using multiple criteria
Authors: MEEGASKUMBURA MADHAVA , SENEVIRATHNE GAYANI , WIJAYATHILAKA NAYANA , JAYAWARDENA BENEETA , BANDARA CHAMPIKA , MANAMENDRA-ARACHCHI KELUM , PETHIYAGODA ROHAN
Published: January 2015

The bufonid genus Adenomus, an endemic of the montane and lowland rainforests of central and south-western Sri Lanka, has been considered to comprise of three species, viz. A. kelaartii, A. dasi and A. kandianus, the last of which has been recently highlighted as “the world’s rarest toad”. We conducted a survey across the known range of Adenomus and used multiple criteria to delineate species boundaries within the genus. These include: a molecular phylogeny based on a 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragment; an examination of the external morphology of adults and larvae, and the skeletal morphology of adults; a bioacoustic analysis; and ecological niche modelling. We show that Adenomus is monophyletic and that it comprises only two species: A. kelaartii and A. kandianus, with A. dasi being a junior synonym of the latter. For the two valid species of Adenomus, we provide detailed osteological descriptions; clarify the distribution patterns; and provide genetic data to facilitate their scientific conservation management.
Four new species of Cephennomicrus Reitter (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae) from Malaysia
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: January 2015

Four new species of Cephennomicrus are described from Malaysia: C. curvidens sp. n., C. gentingensis sp. n. (both from the Genting Highlands, West Malaysia), C. santubongensis sp. n. and C. muluensis sp. n. (both from Sarawak, East Malaysia). Male genitalia of all new taxa are illustrated and diagnostic characters are discussed.
A distinctive new species of Genus Neorhegmoclemina Cook (Diptera: Scatopsidae) from Mexico
Authors: HUERTA HERON , DZUL FELIPE
Published: January 2015

A new Neotropical species, Neorhegmoclemina yolotli sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on adult specimens collected in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. This species exhibits features not previously recognized for the genus.
A Comparison between Simulated and Observed Surface Energy Balance at the Svalbard Archipelago
Authors: Aas Kjetil Schanke , Berntsen Terje Koren , Boike Julia , Etzelmüller Bernd , Kristjánsson Jón Egill , Maturilli Marion , Schuler Thomas Vikhamar , Stordal Frode , Westermann Sebastian
Published: January 2015

The surface energy balance at the Svalbard Archipelago has been simulated at high resolution with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and compared with measurements of the individual energy fluxes from a tundra site near Ny-Ålesund (located north of Norway), as well as other near-surface measurements across the region. For surface air temperature, a good agreement between model and observations was found at all locations. High correlations were also found for daily averaged surface energy fluxes within the different seasons at the main site. The four radiation components showed correlations above 0.5 in all seasons (mostly above 0.9), whereas correlations between 0.3 and 0.8 were found for the sensible and latent heat fluxes. Underestimation of cloud cover and cloud optical thickness led to seasonal biases in incoming shortwave and longwave radiation of up to 30%. During summer, this was mainly a result of distinct days on which the model erroneously simulated cloud-free conditions, whereas the incoming radiation biases appeared to be more related to underestimation of cloud optical thickness during winter. The model overestimated both sensible and latent heat fluxes in most seasons. The model also initially overestimated the average Bowen ratio during summer by a factor of 6, but this bias was greatly reduced with two physically based model modifications that are related to frozen-ground hydrology. The seasonally averaged ground/snow heat flux was mostly in agreement with observations but showed too little short-time variability in the presence of thick snow. Overall, the model reproduced average temperatures well but overestimated diurnal cycles and showed considerable biases in the individual energy fluxes on seasonal and shorter time scales.
Effects of Localized Grid Refinement on the General Circulation and Climatology in the Community Atmosphere Model
Authors: Zarzycki Colin M. , Jablonowski Christiane , Thatcher Diana R. , Taylor Mark A.
Published: January 2015

Using the spectral element (SE) dynamical core within the National Center for Atmospheric Research–Department of Energy Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), a regionally refined nest at 0.25° (~28 km) horizontal resolution located over the North Atlantic is embedded within a global 1° (~111 km) grid. A 23-yr simulation using Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) protocols and default CAM, version 5, physics is compared to an identically forced run using the global 1° (~111 km) grid without refinement. The addition of a refined patch over the Atlantic basin does not noticeably affect the global circulation. In the area where the refinement is located, large-scale precipitation increases with the higher resolution. This increase is partly offset by a decrease in precipitation resulting from convective parameterizations, although total precipitation is also slightly higher at finer resolutions. Equatorial waves are not significantly impacted when traversing multiple grid spacings. Despite the grid transition region bisecting northern Africa, local zonal jets and African easterly wave activity are highly similar in both simulations. The frequency of extreme precipitation events increases with resolution, although this increase is restricted to the refined patch. Topography is better resolved in the nest as a result of finer grid spacing. The spatial patterns of variables with strong orographic forcing (such as precipitation, cloud, and precipitable water) are improved with local refinement. Additionally, dynamical features, such as wind patterns, associated with steep terrain are improved in the variable-resolution simulation when compared to the uniform coarser run.
An Object-Oriented Approach to Investigate Impacts of Climate Oscillations on Precipitation: A Western United States Case Study
Authors: Sellars Scott Lee , Gao Xiaogang , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: January 2015

This manuscript introduces a novel computational science approach for studying the impact of climate variability on precipitation. The approach uses an object-oriented connectivity algorithm that segments gridded near-global satellite precipitation data into four-dimensional (4D) objects (longitude, latitude, time, and intensity). These precipitation systems have distinct spatiotemporal properties that are counted, tracked, described, and stored in a searchable database. A case study of western United States precipitation systems is performed, demonstrating the unique properties and capabilities of this object-oriented database. The precipitation dataset used in the case study is the University of California, Irvine, Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) from 1 March 2000 to 1 January 2011. A search of the database for all western United States precipitation systems during this time period returns 626 precipitation systems as objects. By analyzing these systems as segmented objects, joint interactions of the selected climate phenomena 1) Arctic Oscillation (AO), 2) Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), and 3) El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on precipitation can be shown. They directly show the increased/decreased likelihood of having precipitation systems occurring over the western United States (monthly count) during phases of these climate phenomena. It is found that specific climate phenomena impact the monthly count of the events differently, and that the joint interaction of climate phenomena of the AO–MJO and AO–ENSO is important, especially during certain months of the year. It is also found that these interactions impact the physical features of the precipitation systems themselves.
Operational Wave Guidance at the U.S. National Weather Service during Tropical/Post–Tropical Storm Sandy, October 2012*
Authors: Alves Jose-Henrique G. M. , Stripling Scott , Chawla Arun , Tolman Hendrik , van der Westhuysen Andre
Published: January 2015

Waves generated during Hurricane Sandy (October 2012) contributed significantly to life and property losses along the eastern U.S. seaboard. Extreme waves generated by Sandy propagated inland riding high water levels, causing direct destruction of property and infrastructure. High waves also contributed to the observed record-breaking storm surges. Operational wave-model guidance provided by the U.S. National Weather Service, via numerical model predictions made at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), gave decision makers accurate information that helped mitigate the severity of this historical event. The present study provides a comprehensive performance assessment of operational models used by NCEP during Hurricane Sandy, and makes a brief review of reports issued by government agencies, private industry, and universities, indicating the importance of the interplay of waves and surges during the hurricane. Performance of wave models is assessed through validation made relative to western Atlantic NOAA/NDBC buoys that recorded significant wave heights exceeding 6 m (19.7 ft). Bulk validation statistics indicate a high skill of operational wave forecasts up to and beyond the 3-day range. Event-based validation reveals a remarkably high skill of NCEP’s wave ensemble system, with significant added value in its data for longer forecasts beyond the 72-h range. The study concludes with considerations about the extent of severe sea-state footprints during Sandy, the dissemination of real-time wave forecasts, and its impacts to emergency management response, as well as recent upgrades and future developments at NCEP that will improve the skill of its current wave forecasting systems, resulting in more reliable wave forecasts during life-threatening severe storm events in the future.
More important than the contract is the relationship
Authors: Burch Patricia , Good Annalee
Published: January 2015

What should a school district procurement officer ask when he or she sits down with a sales representative from a vendor of digital education products? Who else should be at the table? How do districts and providers become partners in instruction, rather than adversaries in negotiation? These are increasingly critical questions as public school districts in the U.S. are under more pressure than ever to buy digital services and products.
School districts as partners in research efforts
Authors: Muñoz Marco A. , Rodosky Robert J.
Published: January 2015

When researchers are focused on improving teaching-and-learning domains that match the school district’s strategic plan, not only focusing on their own research agenda, they yield powerful results that can be useful for guiding processes of improving student learning.
Firm dynamics and job creation in the United Kingdom: 1998–2013
Authors: Anyadike-Danes Michael , Hart Mark , Du Jun
Published: January 2015

This article is motivated by a very simple question – ‘what types of firms create the most jobs in the UK economy?’ One popular answer to this question has been High-Growth Firms (HGFs). These firms represent only a small minority – the ‘Vital 6%’ – of the UK business population yet, but have a disproportionate impact on job creation and innovation. We re-visit the discussion launched by the 2009 National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) reports, which identified the 6% figure and, using more recent data, confirm the headline conclusion for job creation: a small number of job-creating firms (mostly small firms) are responsible for a significant amount of net job creation in the United Kingdom. Adopting our alternative preferred analytical approach, which involves tracking the growth performance of cohorts of start-ups confirms this conclusion; however, we find an even smaller number of job-creating firms are responsible for a very significant proportion of job creation. We conclude by considering the question – ‘what are the implications for policy choices?’
Barriers to ethnic minority and women’s enterprise: Existing evidence, policy tensions and unsettled questions
Authors: Carter Sara , Mwaura Samuel , Ram Monder , Trehan Kiran , Jones Trevor
Published: January 2015

This article presents an overarching review of the evidence regarding enterprise diversity. It discusses the context of ethnic minorities and women in enterprise and summarises research evidence relating to their relative access to finance, market selection and management skills. Policy within the field of diversity and enterprise is characterised by a number of tensions and unresolved questions including the presence of perceived or actual discrimination, the quantity and quality of ethnic minority and women-led businesses, potential market failure in the support provided to diverse enterprises and the substantive uniqueness of ethnic minority and women-led enterprises. Particular implications for policy and practice as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Entrepreneurial leadership, capabilities and firm growth
Authors: Koryak Oksana , Mole Kevin F , Lockett Andy , Hayton James C , Ucbasaran Deniz , Hodgkinson Gerard P
Published: January 2015

In this article, we review and synthesize extant research on entrepreneurial leadership, capabilities and their influence on the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). First, we begin by examining the processes, routines and resources underlying substantive growth capabilities; these are capabilities that enable a firm to grow by competing in its market(s) on a day-to-day basis. Second, we explore leadership in terms of the cognitions motivations and decisions to invest in growth. Third, we examine the dynamic capabilities, which extend, modify or create new substantive (growth) capabilities, to support the sustained pursuit of new opportunities. In so doing, we explore the interrelationships between substantial capabilities, leadership and dynamic capabilities. We conclude the review by highlighting areas of consensus and contention in the literature, from which we propose fruitful areas for future research.
Microstructure evolution in metals induced by high density electric current pulses
Authors: Guo J. D. , Wang X. L. , Dai W. B.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, microstructure evolution in metals induced by high density electric current pulses (ECPs) treatment, such as grain refinement, formation of oriented microstructure and redistribution of inclusions, is carefully reviewed. The mechanism for these microstructure evolutions is discussed. It is suggested that there are usually several factors working during ECP: Joule heating (including temperature rise, the heating rate and the cooling rate), stress (including thermal compressive stress, skin effect, electron wind force) and free energy change caused by the current. The Joule heat and the stress usually affect the dynamics, enhance the microstructure evolutions rate, while the free energy change affects the thermodynamics and lowers the barrier of the phase transformation or recrystallisation. The experimental results indicate that high current density ECP provides an effective approach to refine the microstructure of polycrystalline materials and to improve the mechanical properties of the materials.
Effects of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide on gastric emptying, glycaemia and insulinaemia during critical illness: a prospective, double blind, randomised, crossover study
Authors: Kar Palash , Cousins Caroline E , Annink Christopher E , Jones Karen L , Chapman Marianne J , Meier Juris J , Nauck Michael A , Horowitz Michael , Deane Adam M
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Insulin is used to treat hyperglycaemia in critically ill patients but can cause hypoglycaemia, which is associated with poorer outcomes. In health glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a potent glucose-lowering peptide that does not cause hypoglycaemia. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of exogenous GIP infusion on blood glucose concentrations, glucose absorption, insulinaemia and gastric emptying in critically ill patients without known diabetes.

Methods

A total of 20 ventilated patients (Median age 61 (range: 22 to 79) years, APACHE II 21.5 (17 to 26), BMI 28 (21 to 40) kg/m2) without known diabetes were studied on two consecutive days in a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, cross-over fashion. Intravenous GIP (4 pmol/kg/min) or placebo (0.9% saline) was infused between T = −60 to 300 minutes. At T0, 100 ml of liquid nutrient (2 kcal/ml) containing 3-O-Methylglucose (3-OMG), 100 mcg of Octanoic acid and 20 MBq Tc-99 m Calcium Phytate, was administered via a nasogastric tube. Blood glucose and serum 3-OMG (an index of glucose absorption) concentrations were measured. Gastric emptying, insulin and glucagon levels and plasma GIP concentrations were also measured.

Results

While administration of GIP increased plasma GIP concentrations three- to four-fold (T = −60 23.9 (16.5 to 36.7) versus T = 0 84.2 (65.3 to 111.1); P <0.001) and plasma glucagon (iAUC300 4217 (1891 to 7715) versus 1232 (293 to 4545) pg/ml.300 minutes; P = 0.04), there were no effects on postprandial blood glucose (AUC300 2843 (2568 to 3338) versus 2819 (2550 to 3497) mmol/L.300 minutes; P = 0.86), gastric emptying (AUC300 15611 (10993 to 18062) versus 15660 (9694 to 22618) %.300 minutes; P = 0.61), glucose absorption (AUC300 50.6 (22.3 to 74.2) versus 64.3 (9.9 to 96.3) mmol/L.300 minutes; P = 0.62) or plasma insulin (AUC300 3945 (2280 to 6731) versus 3479 (2316 to 6081) mU/L.300 minutes; P = 0.76).

Conclusions

In contrast to its profound insulinotropic effect in health, the administration of GIP at pharmacological doses does not appear to affect glycaemia, gastric emptying, glucose absorption or insulinaemia in the critically ill patient.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000488808. Registered 3 May 2012.