bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity and False Alarm Rate of a Fall Sensor in Long-Term Fall Detection in the Elderly
Authors: Kangas Maarit , Korpelainen Raija , Vikman Irene , Nyberg Lars , Jämsä Timo
Published: August 2014

Background: About a third of home-dwelling older people fall each year, and institutionalized older people even report a two- or threefold higher rate for falling. Automatic fall detection systems have been developed to support the independent and secure living of the elderly. Even though good fall detection sensitivity and specificity in laboratory settings have been reported, knowledge about the sensitivity and specificity of these systems in real-life conditions is still lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term fall detection sensitivity and false alarm rate of a fall detection prototype in real-life use. Methods: A total of 15,500 h of real-life data from 16 older people, including both fallers and nonfallers, were monitored using an accelerometry-based sensor system with an implemented fall detection algorithm. Results: The fall detection system detected 12 out of 15 real-life falls, having a sensitivity of 80.0%, with a false alarm rate of 0.049 alarms per usage hour with the implemented real-time system. With minor modification of data analysis the false alarm rate was reduced to 0.025 false alarms per hour, equating to 1 false fall alarm per 40 usage hours. Conclusion: These data suggest that automatic accelerometric fall detection systems might offer a tool for improving safety among older people.
‘Prostate Abscess' as the Initial Manifestation of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener's Granulomatosis)
Authors: Tsiodras Sotirios , Poulakou Garyfalia , Leventakos Konstantinos , Panopoulou Helen , Elezoglou Antonia , Manoloudaki Kassiani , Chrisofos Michail , Petrikkos George , Panayiotides Ioannis G.
Published: August 2014

Prostatic involvement in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GWP), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is rare, mostly arising in the context of systemic involvement. Prostatic involvement as the first manifestation of this systemic disease is exceptionally rare. We hereby present the case of a 41-year-old male patient who underwent transurethral prostate resection for what was initially diagnosed as suppurative, focally necrotizing prostatitis. Prolonged postoperative fever that did not respond to various treatments, as well as the subsequent appearance of a left pleural effusion, a left upper pulmonary lobe lesion and cutaneous nodules, led to a reevaluation of histological slides which, along with the determination of serum c-ANCA/anti-PR3 antibody levels, established the diagnosis of GWP. Physicians, and especially urologists and infectious diseases specialists, should be aware of this rare association and consider GWP in the event of nonresolving prostatitis, especially when characteristic symptoms from other systems appear.
M1 and M2 Macrophages: The Chicken and the Egg of Immunity
Authors: Mills Charles D. , Ley Klaus
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this perspective is to describe a critical advance in understanding how immune responses work. Macrophages are required for all animal life: ‘Inhibit' type macrophages in all animals (called M1) can rapidly kill pathogens, and are thus the primary host defense, and ‘Heal' type macrophages (M2) routinely repair and maintain tissue integrity. Macrophages perform these activities in all animals without T cells, and also in T cell-deficient vertebrates. Although adaptive immunity can amplify macrophage polarization, the long-held notion that macrophages need to be ‘activated' or ‘alternatively activated' by T cells is incorrect; indeed, immunology has had it backward. M1/M2-type macrophages necessarily direct T cells toward Th1- or Th2-like activities, respectively. That such macrophage-innate activities are the central directing element in immune responses is a dramatic change in understanding how immune systems operate. Most important, this revelation is opening up whole new approaches to immunotherapy. For example, many modern diseases, such as cancer and atherosclerosis, may not display ‘foreign' antigens. However, there are clear imbalances in M1/M2-type responses. Correcting such innate imbalances can result in better health. Macrophages are the chicken and the egg of immunity.
The Intramuscular Glucagon Stimulation Test Does Not Provide Good Discrimination between Normal and Inadequate ACTH Reserve When Used in the Investigation of Short Healthy Children
Authors: Tenenbaum Ariel , Phillip Moshe , de Vries Liat
Published: August 2014

Background/Aims: Few studies have addressed the role of the glucagon stimulation test (GST) in evaluating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children. We investigated the diagnostic value of the GST in evaluating the adrenocortical response in short healthy children. Methods: The GST was performed in 190 children investigated for short stature. A peak cortisol >500 nmol/l was considered a normal response. In the 45 (23.7%) with subnormal response, a 250-μg ACTH test was done. Results: The rate of subnormal adrenal response to GST was higher among boys (33.9 vs. 8.9%, p < 0.001) and among children ≥6 years than among younger children (32.7 vs. 18.4%, p < 0.02). Both mean basal and peak cortisol levels were higher in girls than in boys: 381 ± 165 vs. 319 ± 151 nmol/l (p = 0.003) and 741 ± 102 vs. 595 ± 208 nmol/l (p < 0.001), respectively. Peak cortisol on GST was associated with basal cortisol (r = 0.45, p < 0.001) but not with glucose nadir (r = -0.31, p = 0.67), peak GH (r = 0.069, p = 0.33) or BMI-SDS (r = -0.08, p = 0.28). Peak cortisol was >500 nmol/l in all the patients undergoing an ACTH stimulation test. Conclusions: Since adrenal response to GST is age- and gender-related and the false-positive rate is high, its routine performance in healthy children warrants reconsideration.
Contemporary Patterns of Discharge Aspirin Dosing After Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States
Authors: Hall Hurst M. , de Lemos James A. , Enriquez Jonathan R. , McGuire Darren K. , Peng S. Andrew , Alexander Karen P. , Roe Matthew T. , Desai Nihar , Wiviott Stephen D. , Das Sandeep R.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Accumulated data suggest that low-dose aspirin after myocardial infarction (MI) may offer similar efficacy to higher dose aspirin with reduced risk of bleeding. Few data are available on contemporary aspirin dosing patterns after MI in the United States

Methods and Results—

Aspirin dosing from 221 199 patients with MI (40.2% ST-segment–elevation MI) from 525 US hospitals enrolled in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry’s (NCDR’s) Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get with the Guidelines were described, overall and in clinically relevant subgroups. High-dose aspirin was defined as 325 mg and low dose as 81 mg. Between January 2007 and March 2011, 60.9% of patients with acute MI were discharged on high-dose aspirin, 35.6% on low-dose aspirin, and 3.5% on other doses. High-dose aspirin was prescribed at discharge to 73.0% of patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and 44.6% of patients managed medically. Among 9075 patients discharged on aspirin, thienopyridine, and warfarin, 44.0% were prescribed high-dose aspirin. Patients with an in-hospital major bleeding event were also frequently discharged on high-dose aspirin (56.7%). A 25-fold variation in the proportion prescribed high-dose aspirin at discharge was observed across participating centers.

Conclusions—

Most US patients with MI continue to be discharged on high-dose aspirin. Although aspirin dosing after percutaneous coronary intervention largely reflected prevailing guidelines before 2012, high-dose aspirin was prescribed with similar frequency in medically managed patients and to those in categories expected to be at high risk for bleeding. Wide variability in the proportional use of high-dose aspirin across centers suggests significant influence from local practice habits and uncertainty about appropriate aspirin dosing.
Antiangiogenic Actions of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A
165
b, an Inhibitory Isoform of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A, in Human Obesity
Authors: Ngo Doan T.M. , Farb Melissa G. , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Karki Shakun , Tiwari Stephanie , Bigornia Sherman J. , Bates David O. , LaValley Michael P. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Vita Joseph A. , Hess Donald T. , Walsh Kenneth , Gokce Noyan
Published: August 2014

Background—

Experimental studies suggest that visceral adiposity and adipose tissue dysfunction play a central role in obesity-related cardiometabolic complications. Impaired angiogenesis in fat has been implicated in the development of adipose tissue hypoxia, capillary rarefaction, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation, but pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we examined the role of a novel antiangiogenic isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), VEGF-A
165
b, in human obesity.

Methods and Results—

We biopsied paired subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue in 40 obese subjects (body mass index, 45±8 kg/m
2
; age, 45±11 years) during bariatric surgery and characterized depot-specific adipose tissue angiogenic capacity using an established ex vivo assay. Visceral adipose tissue exhibited significantly blunted angiogenic growth compared with subcutaneous fat (
P
<0.001) that was associated with marked tissue upregulation of VEGF-A
165
b (
P
=0.004). The extent of VEGF-A
165
b expression correlated negatively with angiogenic growth (
r
=−0.6,
P
=0.006). Although recombinant VEGF-A
165
b significantly impaired angiogenesis, targeted inhibition of VEGF-A
165
b with neutralizing antibody stimulated fat pad neovascularization and restored VEGF receptor activation. Blood levels of VEGF-A
165
b were significantly higher in obese subjects compared with lean control subjects (
P
=0.02), and surgical weight loss induced a marked decline in serumVEGF-A
165
b (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

We demonstrate that impaired adipose tissue angiogenesis is associated with overexpression of a novel antiangiogenic factor, VEGF-A
165
b, that may play a pathogenic role in human adiposopathy. Moreover, systemic upregulation of VEGF-A
165
b in circulating blood may have wider-ranging implications beyond the adipose milieu. VEGF-A
165
b may represent a novel area of investigation to gain further understanding of mechanisms that modulate the cardiometabolic consequences of obesity.
Alternatively Spliced Tissue Factor Promotes Plaque Angiogenesis Through the Activation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling
Authors: Giannarelli Chiara , Alique Matilde , Rodriguez David T. , Yang Dong Kwon , Jeong Dongtak , Calcagno Claudia , Hutter Randolph , Millon Antoine , Kovacic Jason C. , Weber Thomas , Faries Peter L. , Soff Gerald A. , Fayad Zahi A. , Hajjar Roger J. , Fuster Valentin , Badimon Juan J.
Published: August 2014

Background—

Alternatively spliced tissue factor (asTF) is a novel isoform of full-length tissue factor, which exhibits angiogenic activity. Although asTF has been detected in human plaques, it is unknown whether its expression in atherosclerosis causes increased neovascularization and an advanced plaque phenotype.

Methods and Results—

Carotid (n=10) and coronary (n=8) specimens from patients with stable or unstable angina were classified as complicated or uncomplicated on the basis of plaque morphology. Analysis of asTF expression and cell type–specific expression revealed a strong expression and colocalization of asTF with macrophages and neovessels within complicated, but not uncomplicated, human plaques. Our results showed that the angiogenic activity of asTF is mediated via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α upregulation through integrins and activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α upregulation by asTF also was associated with increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression in primary human endothelial cells, and vascular endothelial growth factor–Trap significantly reduced the angiogenic effect of asTF in vivo. Furthermore, asTF gene transfer significantly increased neointima formation and neovascularization after carotid wire injury in ApoE
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—

The results of this study provide strong evidence that asTF promotes neointima formation and angiogenesis in an experimental model of accelerated atherosclerosis. Here, we demonstrate that the angiogenic effect of asTF is mediated via the activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. This mechanism may be relevant to neovascularization and the progression and associated complications of human atherosclerosis as suggested by the increased expression of asTF in complicated versus uncomplicated human carotid and coronary plaques.
Associations Between Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Stroke Outcomes in Diabetic Versus Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Luo Yang , Wang Xianwei , Matsushita Kunihiro , Wang Chunxue , Zhao Xingquan , Hu Bo , Liu Liping , Li Hao , Liu Gaifen , Jia Qian , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is known to be associated with clinical adverse outcomes. However, whether diabetes mellitus influences the association between eGFR and prognosis of stroke is still not elucidated.

Methods—

Prospective cohort of 17 280 (nondiabetic 12 498 and diabetic 4782) Chinese patients with acute stroke from the China National Stroke Registry and from abnormal glucose regulation in patients with acute stroke across China (ACROSS) between 2007 and 2009 were followed-up for 1 year for all-cause mortality, stroke recurrence, and stroke disability related to baseline eGFR in the presence and absence of diabetes mellitus.

Results—

Among nondiabetic patients, as compared with eGFR of 90 to 119 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
, the adjusted odds ratio of lower eGFR of < 45 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
was 2.79 (95% confidence interval, 2.09–3.73) for all-cause mortality, 2.28 (1.74–2.98) for stroke recurrence, and 1.53 (1.16–2.01) for stroke disability; higher eGFR of ≥120 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
was just significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.86) but not with other outcomes. In diabetic patients, the adjusted odds ratios of all-cause mortality, stroke recurrence, and stroke disability in lower eGFR were 2.16 (1.51–3.08), 1.43 (1.02–2.00), and 1.38 (0.98–1.95), respectively; higher eGFR was significantly associated with higher risks of all stroke outcomes.

Conclusions—

Decreased eGFR (<45 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality, stroke recurrence, and stroke disability in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with acute stroke. Increased eGFR (≥120 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) is associated with all of stroke outcomes in diabetic patients and linked to all-cause mortality in nondiabetic patients.
Widening and High Inclination of the Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Are Associated With Presence of Aneurysms
Authors: Baharoglu Merih I. , Lauric Alexandra , Safain Mina G. , Hippelheuser James , Wu Chengyuan , Malek Adel M.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

The middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation is a preferred site for aneurysm formation. Wider bifurcation angles have been correlated with increased risk of aneurysm formation. We hypothesized a link between the presence of MCA aneurysms and the angle morphology of the bifurcation.

Methods—

Three-dimensional rotational angiography volumes of 146 MCA bifurcations (62 aneurysmal) were evaluated for angle morphology: parent–daughter angles (larger daughter Ф
1
, smaller daughter Ф
2
), bifurcation angle (Ф
1
+Ф
2
), and inclination angle (γ) between the parent vessel axis and the plane determined by daughter vessel axes. Statistics were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum analysis and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve.

Results—

Aneurysmal bifurcations had wider inclination angle γ (median 57.8° versus 15.4°;
P
<0.0001). Seventy-five percent of aneurysmal MCAs had γ >10°, compared with 25% nonaneurysmal. Ф
1
and Ф
2
, but especially Ф
1
+Ф
2
, were significantly larger in aneurysmal bifurcations (median 171.3° versus 98.1°;
P
<0.0001). Sixty-seven percent of aneurysmal bifurcations had Ф
1
+Ф
2
>161°, compared with 0% nonaneurysmal MCAs. An optimal threshold of 140° was established for Ф
1
+Ф
2
(area under the curve, 0.98). Sixty-eight percent of aneurysms originated off the daughter branches. Seventy-six percent of them originated off the branch with the largest branching angle, specifically if this was the smaller daughter branch. Wider Ф
1
+Ф
2
correlated with aneurysm neck width, but not dome size.

Conclusions—

MCA bifurcations harboring aneurysms have significantly larger branching angles and more often originate off the branch with the largest angle. Wider inclination angle is strongly correlated with aneurysm presence, a novel finding. The results point to altered wall shear stress regulation as a possible factor in aneurysm development and progression.
Number of Cerebral Microbleeds and Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Dannenberg Steffen , Scheitz Jan F. , Rozanski Michal , Erdur Hebun , Brunecker Peter , Werring David J. , Fiebach Jochen B. , Nolte Christian H.
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are found in a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke eligible for treatment with intravenous thrombolysis. Until now, there is limited data on the impact of multiple CMBs on occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods—

Between 2008 and 2013, all patients receiving MRI-based intravenous thrombolysis were identified within our prospective thrombolysis register. Number of CMBs was rated on pretreatment T2*-weighted MRI by a rater blinded to clinical data and follow-up. Outcomes of interest were occurrence of symptomatic ICH (sICH) and parenchymal hemorrhage (PH).

Results—

Among 326 included patients, 52 patients had a single CMB (16.0%), 19 had 2 to 4 CMBs (5.8%), and 10 had ≥5 CMBs (3.1%). Frequency of sICH/PH was 1.2%/5.7% in patients without CMBs, 3.8%/3.8% in patients with a single CMB, 10.5%/21.1% in patients with 2 to 4 CMBs, and 30.0%/30.0% in patients with ≥5 CMBs, respectively (each
P
for trend <0.01). The unadjusted odds ratio per additional CMB for sICH was 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.33;
P
<0.01) and for PH was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.24;
P
=0.01). Compared with patients without CMBs, both patients with 2 to 4 CMBs (
P
=0.02/
P
=0.02) and patients with ≥5 CMBs (
P
<0.01/
P
<0.01) had significantly increased odds ratios for sICH and PH, whereas in patients with a single CMB, odds ratios were not significantly increased (
P
=0.21/
P
=0.59). The association of CMB burden with sICH/PH remained significant after adjustment for possible confounders (age, age-related white matter changes score, atrial fibrillation, onset-to-treatment time, prior statin use, and systolic blood pressure on admission).

Conclusions—

Our findings indicate a higher risk of sICH and PH after intravenous thrombolysis when multiple CMBs are present, with a graded relationship to increasing baseline CMB number.
The Climate and Environment of Byzantine Anatolia: Integrating Science, History, and Archaeology
Authors: Haldon John , Roberts Neil , Izdebski Adam , Fleitmann Dominik , McCormick Michael , Cassis Marica , Doonan Owen , Eastwood Warren , Elton Hugh , Ladstätter Sabine , Manning Sturt , Newhard James , Nicoll Kathleen , Telelis Ioannes , Xoplaki Elena
Published: August 2014

The integration of high-resolution archaeological, textual, and environmental data with longer-term, low-resolution data affords greater precision in identifying some of the causal relationships underlying societal change. Regional and microregional case studies about the Byzantine world—in particular, Anatolia, which for several centuries was the heart of that world—reveal many of the difficulties that researchers face when attempting to assess the influence of environmental factors on human society. The Anatolian case challenges a number of assumptions about the impact of climatic factors on socio-political organization and medium-term historical evolution, highlighting the importance of further collaboration between historians, archaeologists, and climate scientists.
Early Land Plants Today: Index of Liverworts & Hornworts 2011–2012
Authors: SÖDERSTRÖM LARS , HAGBORG ANDERS , VON KONRAT MATT
Published: August 2014

A widely accessible list of known plant species is a fundamental requirement for plant conservation and has vast applications. An index of published names of liverworts and hornworts between 2011 and 2012 is provided as part of a continued effort in working toward producing a world checklist of this group. The list includes 25 higher taxa, 154 species, 31 infraspecific taxa, and 17 autonyms for 2011 and 2012, 12 of them are fossils. A few taxa not covered by the earlier indices for 2000–2010 are also included. 75 species and 15 infraspecific taxa are new to science.
Rhaponticoides gokceoglui (Asteraceae), a striking new species from Turkey
Authors: ÇİNBİLGEL İLKER , EREN ÖZKAN , DUMAN HAYRİ
Published: August 2014

Rhaponticoides gokceoglui is described as a species new to science. Its affinities within the genus are discussed. The new species is closely related to R. wagenitziana and R. aytachii from which we delimit it. Rhaponticoides gokceoglui is readily distinguished from those species by its entirely leafy stem, lacking a distinct appendage on phyllaries, ovate outer and ovate-oblong to oblong middle phyllaries with a very narrow scarious margin, and inner phyllaries cucullate at apex only. Habitat conditions and conservation status of R. gokceoglui are considered. Finally, a distribution map and a key to the pinkish-flowered species of Rhaponticoides in Turkey are provided.
Agrostis schischkini, a new name for Agrostis trichantha(Schischk.) Tzvelev (Poaceae, Agrostidinae)
Authors: PASZKO BEATA
Published: August 2014

A new name, Agrostis schischkini, is proposed to replace Agrostis trichantha(Schischk.) Tzvelev, a name blocked by A. trichantha Schrank.
A new combination in Mcneillia (Caryophyllaceae) for the Italian flora
Authors: BARTOLUCCI FABRIZIO , CONTI FABIO , IAMONICO DUILIO , GUACCHIO E. DEL
Published: August 2014

On the basis of DNA sequences of nrITS and plastid matK from 160 ingroup and 105 outgroup samples, Dillenberger & Kadereit (2014) reconstructed the phylogeny and the evolution of the relevant morphological characters of the genus Minuartia Linnaeus (1753: 89), to show that this genus is highly polyphyletic. A revised circumscription of Minuartia was proposed with the recognition of Cherleria Linnaeus (1753: 425), Eremogone Fenzl (1833: 13), Facchinia Reichenbach (1841: 63), Mononeuria Reichenbach (1841: 118), Rhodalsine Gay (1845: 25), Sabulina Reichenbach (1832: 24) and Triplateia Bartling (1830: 305), and recognition of new genera Mcneillia Dillenberger & Kadereit (2014: 83), Minuartiella Dillenberger & Kadereit (2014: 84) and Pseudocherleria Dillenberger & Kadereit (2014: 84).
A new tree species of Schinopsis (Anacardiaceae) from Paraguay and Bolivia
Authors: MOGNI Virginia Yanina , OAKLEY Luis Jorge , JIMÉNEZ María VERA , PRADO Darién Eros
Published: August 2014

The new tree species Schinopsis boqueronensis, endemic to the Bolivian-Paraguayan Chaco, is described, illustrated and compared to the related Schinopsis heterophylla. A distribution map and photographs of the new species are also provided.
Emended description and geographical distribution of Sporisorium elegantis (Ustilaginaceae), a species shared between West Africa and India
Authors: Piątek Marcin , Piątek Jolanta , Yorou Nourou S.
Published: August 2014

Sporisorium elegantis, a smut fungus on Thelepogon elegans, is reported for the first time from Benin (West Africa). Based on this collection, an emended description and illustration of this rare species are provided. The geographical distribution of Sporisorium elegantis is documented for Benin, Nigeria and India. The disjunctive occurrence of this species between (western) Africa and India is interesting, though not exceptional in smut fungi. The mechanisms responsible for such a distribution pattern are not known.
Impatiens paramjitiana, a new species of Balsaminaceae from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Gogoi Rajib , BORAH S.
Published: August 2014

A new species Impatiens paramjitiana is described and illustrated from Siang valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This species is similar to I. apsotis Hook. f. in general floral shapes but differs having spirally arranged leaves, shallowly serrate leaf margins, deep purple flowers, lateral sepals purple, capsule turgid at the middle.
Transfer of the Honduran species Calathea carolineae to the genus Goeppertia (Marantaceae)
Authors: Braga Joao Marcelo Alvarenga
Published: August 2014

Calathea carolineae is herein transferred to Goeppertia. This genus has recently been redefined morphologically and, hence, incorporates most species previously described as Calathea.
Synonymization of Calathea subg. Pseudophrynium ser. Polystachyae with a new combination in the genus Maranta (Marantaceae)
Authors: Braga Joao Marcelo Alvarenga
Published: August 2014

Calathea subgenus Pseudophrynium series Polystachyae was proposed to accommodate a single species, Calathea polystachya. This species is herein transferred to Maranta, recognizing the wide morphological re-delimitation of this genus.
Macropelopia nebulosa group (Diptera, Chironomidae, Tanypodinae)—karyotype and morphology of larvae and pupae
Authors: MICHAILOVA PARASKEVA , KOWNACKI ANDRZEJ , WOŹNICKA OLGA , WHITE KEITH , DEAN ANDREW , SZAREK-GWIAZDA EWA
Published: August 2014

The karyotype, larval and pupal morphology of Macropelopia nebulosa group (Tanypodinae) is described. The species is generally identified on the basis of pupal morphology as it is not possible to distinguish the larvae of different Macropelopia species. However, the species has species-specific markers in the salivary gland chromosomes which allow identification at the larval stage. M. nebulosa (Meigen) has a chromosome set 2n = 8, with chromosomes AB CD EF G. Chromosomes AB CD EF are metacentric with large heterochromatin centromeres while chromosome G is acrocentric. For the first time a chromosome map of M. nebulosa has been produced which revealed the divergence of this species from its sibling species M. paranebulosa Fittkau on the basis of fixed homozygous inversions. Specific banding patterns of arms B and E are distinguished from that of M. paranebulosa by two steps of homozygous inversions; arm D—by three steps of homozygous inversions, while arms C and G—by one step of inversion. The significance of the morphology of the salivary gland chromosomes for species identification of subfamily Tanypodinae is emphasized. The first SEM images of pupa are also given.
Morphological and molecular data support the distinctiveness of Pachycheles laevidactylus Ortmann, 1892 and Pachycheles chubutensis Boschi, 1963 (Anomura, Porcellanidae)
Authors: MIRANDA IVANA , SCHUBART CHRISTOPH D. , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L.
Published: August 2014

Pachycheles chubutensis Boschi, 1963 and Pachycheles laevidactylus Ortmann, 1892 are species with a distribution restricted to rocky shores in southeastern America, that share a troubled taxonomic history. Morphological characters overlap and identification can be imprecise, when both species coexist in the same environment. Due to these partly unsolved species demarcations, the present study addresses the taxonomic status of P. chubutensis and P. laevidactylus based on morphological comparisons and on 16S mtDNA and H3 nDNA sequences. We found out that morphological traits of chelipeds (pattern of carapace granulation, number/shape of teeth on the anterior margin of carpus and presence of setae on carpus and propodus) are reliable characters supporting the separation of the species. Molecular data based on two partial gene fragments (16S and H3) show separation among representatives of these species in two different clusters. Our comparative investigation shows that combined evidence distinguishes P. chubutensis from P. laevidactylus, but they remain closely related species. Forthcoming research focused on adding representative taxa for the combination of molecular and morphological information of the genus Pachycheles will investigate the positions of these two species within the Pachycheles group and help to clarify the enigmatic status of this genus in the family Porcellanidae.
A new species of Stilipedidae (Amphipoda: Senticaudata) from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Authors: SEREJO C. S.
Published: August 2014

A new species of Alexandrella is herein described based on material from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge around depths of 4700 m. Samples were collected in the scope of the South MAR ECO (Patterns and Processes of the Ecosystems of the Mid-Atlantic) Project, which was part of the Census of Marine Life (CoML). Until the present study, Alexandrella was restricted to Antarctic and Subantarctic waters, with two species having  extended distributions (Kermadec Trench, Australia and New Zealand). This is the first record of Alexandrella in the deep sea Atlantic, outside the Southern Ocean limits.
Influence of Large-Scale Conductivity Inhomogeneities in the Atmosphere on the Global Electric Circuit
Authors: Slyunyaev Nikolay N. , Mareev Evgeny A. , Kalinin Alexey V. , Zhidkov Artem A.
Published: August 2014

Theoretical estimation of the influence of large-scale conductivity inhomogeneities on the global electric circuit and, in particular, on the ionospheric potential is considered. A well-posed formulation of this problem is presented, on the basis of which an approximate method is developed so as to take account of large-scale conductivity inhomogeneities. Under certain restrictions imposed on the distributions of the conductivity and the external current density, explicit approximate formulas for the ionospheric potential are derived. The approximation developed is shown to be equivalent to that of classical models of atmospheric electricity in which the atmosphere is divided into two or more columns and is replaced by a simple equivalent electric circuit. The effect of conductivity inhomogeneities located inside and outside thunderclouds is discussed and, in particular, it is demonstrated that taking account of the conductivity reduction inside thunderclouds leads to a substantial increase in the ionospheric potential. The results following from the approximate theory are compared with those obtained from direct numerical simulations. It is found that the suggested approximation qualitatively accounts for the dependence of the ionospheric potential on the parameters of the conductivity distribution, although the relative error may be significant, especially in the case of a substantial reduction in the conductivity inside thunderclouds.
A Search for Chaotic Behavior in Stratospheric Variability: Comparison between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Authors: Badin Gualtiero , Domeisen Daniela I.V.
Published: August 2014

Southern Hemisphere (SH) stratospheric variability is investigated with respect to chaotic behavior using time series from three different variables extracted from four different reanalysis products. The results are compared with the same analysis applied to the Northern Hemisphere (NH). The probability density functions (PDFs) for the SH show persistent deviations from a Gaussian distribution. The variability is given by white spectra for low frequencies, a slope of −1 for intermediate frequencies, and −3 slopes for high frequencies. Considering the time series for winter and summer separately, PDFs show a Gaussian distribution and the variability spectra change their slopes, indicating the role of the transition between winter and summer variability in shaping the time series. The correlation (D2) and the Kaplan–Yorke (DKY) dimensions are estimated. A finite value of the dimensions can be computed for each variable and data product, except for the NCEP zonal-mean zonal wind and temperature data, which violate the requirement D2 ≤ DKY, possibly owing to the presence of spurious trends and inconsistencies in the data. The value of D2 ranges between 2.6 and 3.9, while DKY ranges between 3.0 and 4.5. The results show that both D2 and DKY display large variability in their values both for different datasets and for different variables within the same dataset. The variability of the values of D2 and DKY thus leaves open the question about the existence of a low-dimensional attractor or if the finite dimensions of the system are the result of the projection of a larger attractor in a low-dimensional embedding space.
Ensemble-Based Parameter Estimation in a Coupled General Circulation Model
Authors: Liu Y. , Liu Z. , Zhang S. , Jacob R. , Lu F. , Rong X. , Wu S.
Published: August 2014

Parameter estimation provides a potentially powerful approach to reduce model bias for complex climate models. Here, in a twin experiment framework, the authors perform the first parameter estimation in a fully coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model using an ensemble coupled data assimilation system facilitated with parameter estimation. The authors first perform single-parameter estimation and then multiple-parameter estimation. In the case of the single-parameter estimation, the error of the parameter [solar penetration depth (SPD)] is reduced by over 90% after ~40 years of assimilation of the conventional observations of monthly sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS). The results of multiple-parameter estimation are less reliable than those of single-parameter estimation when only the monthly SST and SSS are assimilated. Assimilating additional observations of atmospheric data of temperature and wind improves the reliability of multiple-parameter estimation. The errors of the parameters are reduced by 90% in ~8 years of assimilation. Finally, the improved parameters also improve the model climatology. With the optimized parameters, the bias of the climatology of SST is reduced by ~90%. Overall, this study suggests the feasibility of ensemble-based parameter estimation in a fully coupled general circulation model.
Inability of CMIP5 Models to Simulate Recent Strengthening of the Walker Circulation: Implications for Projections
Authors: Kociuba Greg , Power Scott B.
Published: August 2014

This paper examines changes in the strength of the Walker circulation (WC) using the pressure difference between the western and eastern equatorial Pacific. Changes in observations and in 35 climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 5 (CMIP5) are determined. On the one hand, 78% of the models show a weakening of the WC over the twentieth century, consistent with the observations and previous studies using CMIP phase 3 (CMIP3) models. However, the observations also exhibit a strengthening in the last three decades (i.e., from 1980 to 2012) that is statistically significant at the 95% level. The models, on the other hand, show no consensus on the sign of change, and none of the models shows a statistically significant strengthening over the same period. While the reasons for the inconsistency between models and observations is not fully understood, it is shown that the ability of the models to generate trends as large as the observed from internal variability is reduced because most models have weaker than observed levels of both multidecadal variability and persistence of interannual variability in WC strength.

In the twenty-first-century future projections, the WC weakens in 25 out of 35 models, under representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5, 9 out of 11 models under RCP6.0, 16 out of 18 models under RCP4.5, and 12 out of 15 models under RCP2.6. The projected decrease is also consistent with results obtained previously using models from CMIP3. However, as the reasons for the inconsistency between modeled and observed trends in the last three decades are not fully understood, confidence in the model projections is reduced.
On the Early Response of the Climate System to a Meltwater Input from Greenland
Authors: Agarwal Neeraj , Köhl Armin , Mechoso Carlos Roberto , Stammer Detlaf
Published: August 2014

The early response of the atmosphere–ocean system to meltwater runoff originating from the Greenland ice sheet is studied using a coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM). For this purpose, AOGCM ensemble simulations without and with associated ocean freshening around Greenland are compared. For freshwater perturbations initiated in northern winter, the mean response for the first three months shows the emergence of negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Denmark Strait, in association with enhanced oceanic advection by the East Greenland Current. The response also shows negative SST anomalies in the North Atlantic associated with enhanced westerlies at the ocean surface. Additionally, the baroclinic atmospheric cyclonic circulation east of Greenland intensifies, and anticyclonic circulations with equivalent barotropic structures develop over western Europe and the North Pacific Ocean. Simulations by the atmospheric component of the AOGCM indicate that atmosphere–ocean interactions contribute significantly to enhance the response. The sensitivity of the coupled system response to the timing of freshwater perturbation is also studied. For freshwater perturbations initialized in northern summer, the response during the following winter is similar, but stronger in magnitude. In the Northern Hemisphere, the atmospheric response resembles the Arctic Oscillation (AO) mode of variability. The association between anomalies in the Denmark Strait SSTs and in the atmosphere east of Greenland is consistent with that observed during previous great salinity anomaly (GSA) events. The results obtained highlight the importance of atmosphere–ocean interaction in the early climate response to Greenland melting, the teleconnections with the North Pacific and the contribution of GSA events to North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) variability.
MODIS Consistent Vegetation Parameter Specifications and Their Impacts on Regional Climate Simulations
Authors: Xu Min , Liang Xin-Zhong , Samel Arthur , Gao Wei
Published: August 2014

A consistent set of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation parameters, including leaf and stem area index (LAI and SAI, respectively), land-cover category (LCC), fractional vegetation cover (FVC), and albedo parameterization are developed, and their impacts on North American regional climate are evaluated based on 10-yr Climate–Weather and Research Forecasting Model (CWRF) simulations. As compared with the previous Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) set, MODIS LCC increases grassland and cropland fractions in the central Great Plains and Midwest, respectively. Evergreen needleleaf forest converts to mixed forest in the Southeast, and mixed forest converts to evergreen needleleaf in Canada. FVC decreases by 0.05–0.3 over the central Great Plains but increases by 0.1–0.35 over the northern Rocky Mountains, Canada, and the U.S. Southeast. MODIS LAI is less than AVHRR by 2–6, except in the central Great Plains, eastern Rocky Mountains, and central Mexico. LCC and FVC changes over the central Great Plains reduce CWRF warm biases by 0.71°C and wet biases by 0.36 mm day−1. Large LAI reductions cause latent and sensible heat fluxes to decrease by 0.78–5.81 and 0.91–6.54 W m−2, respectively. They also lessen cold biases over the Gulf States and Southeast and wet biases over the North American monsoon region and Canada during summer. In densely vegetated regions including eastern Canada, the Ohio Valley, and the mid-Atlantic region, spring and summer precipitation decreases and temperature increases result from LAI reductions that cause positive evapotranspiration–precipitation–soil moisture feedbacks. Conversely, precipitation and temperature decreases in sparely vegetated regions, such as the Great Plains, result from FVC reductions that cause negative albedo–evapotranspiration–precipitation–soil moisture feedbacks.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients at High Risk for Nephropathy After Contrast Exposure
Authors: Abaci Okay , Harmankaya Ozlem , Kocas Betul , Kocas Cuneyt , Bostan Cem , Coskun Ugur , Yildiz Ahmet , Ersanli Murat
Published: August 2014

Contrast medium-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is associated with morbidity and mortality, but the long-term outcomes of patients who do not develop CI-AKI remain unknown. We assessed clinical end points during long-term follow-up in patients at high risk for nephropathy who did not develop CI-AKI. Patients (n = 135) with impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate: 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were divided into 2 groups according to contrast media (CM) exposure. The primary end point of this study was a composite outcome measure of death or renal failure requiring dialysis. Multivariate analyses identified CM exposure to be independently associated with major adverse long-term outcomes (hazard ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-6.52; P = .018). Even when CM exposure does not cause CI-AKI in patients with impaired renal function, in the long term, primary end points occur more frequently in patients exposed to CM than in those with no CM exposure.
Il Risorgimento demitizzato di Giuseppe Buttà
Authors: Gallo Cinzia
Published: August 2014

Se numerosi testi letterari dell’Ottocento celebrano il processo risorgimentale, altri lo considerano criticamente. Tra questi, il romanzo di Giuseppe Buttà, Edoardo e Rosolina ovvero le conseguenze del 1861, a lungo trascurato, ci presenta il Risorgimento come un’operazione militare volta a depredare, un’azione condotta con violenza e assoluta indifferenza verso i bisogni e le peculiarità del Meridione d’Italia. Sotto accusa non sono le idee unitarie ma, secondo l’ottica moralistica del nostro autore, l’opportunismo e le ambizioni di chi ha piegato il progetto originario a fini personali di potere e ricchezza. Impietosa è la rievocazione di Garibaldi, accusato di aver esposto tantissimi uomini a pericoli, di avere minato l’importanza della Chiesa, di cui si esalta l’insostituibile ruolo umanitario. Per supportare le sue tesi, Buttà cita vari documenti, mostrando di aderire alla struttura del romanzo storico-contemporaneo, a cui si uniscono, però, caratteri del romanzo d’appendice, della letteratura odeporica, del saggio. Tutto ciò attribuisce al romanzo di Buttà valore documentario ma anche una certa originalità; esso, inoltre, consente di guardare ai mali del presente con maggiore consapevolezza, fornendo, al contempo, uno stimolo ad agire perché il cammino per una vera unità possa finalmente realizzarsi.
In vivo imaging in the rabbit as a model for the study of ovulation-inducing factors
Authors: Cervantes M P , Palomino J M , Adams G P
Published: August 2014

The study of factors responsible for eliciting ovulation in rabbits has been hampered by the lack of a suitable method of monitoring the ovaries in vivo. Ovarian imaging by ultrasound biomicroscopy was used in two experiments designed to determine the effects of seminal plasma on the ovulatory response in rabbits. In Experiment 1, female rabbits were group-housed and treated intramuscularly with saline, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), or seminal plasma of llamas or rabbits ( n = 4 to 6 per group). Rabbits were euthanized eight days later to evaluate the ovarian response by ultrasound biomicroscopy ex situ. No differences among groups were detected in the proportion of rabbits that ovulated or in the number and size of corpora lutea. The high incidence of ovulation in the negative control group was unexpected, and confounded determination of an ovulation-inducing effect of seminal plasma. In Experiment 2, female rabbits were caged individually, and treated as in Experiment 1 ( n = 5 to 7 per group). The ovarian response was evaluated in vivo by transcutaneous ultrasound biomicroscopy. Ovulation and formation of corpora lutea were detected only in rabbits given GnRH. A preovulatory surge in plasma luteinizing hormone concentration and a post-ovulatory rise in plasma progesterone concentration were detected only in rabbits treated with GnRH. Surgical translocation of the ovaries to a subcutaneous position enabled longitudinal assessment of the ovulatory response by ultrasound biomicroscopy. Results clearly documented the effect of physical/social interaction on ovulation in rabbits, and did not support the hypothesis that seminal plasma elicits ovulation in rabbits.
The effect of fabric movement on washing performance in a front-loading washer II: under various physical washing conditions
Authors: Yun Changsang , Park Chung Hee
Published: August 2014

Fabric movements in a front-loading washer were observed at various conditions with respect to the type of fabric, the number of sheets, the fabric size and the wash spin speed in order to examine their effect on washing efficiency. Fabric movements were categorized into sliding, falling and rotating, which were expected to be influenced by the balance among the centrifugal force, the frictional force and the gravitational force. With increasing the number of sheets, the fabric size and the wash spin speed, fabrics had a tendency to move a longer distance along the drum wall, and thus the most frequent movement shifted from sliding or falling to rotating. The fabric movement patterns during the washing process that were varied according to the washing conditions had a direct effect on washing efficiency. The complex movement pattern, which showed the movements of sliding, falling and rotating by turns during the washing process, exhibited higher washing efficiency than the single movement pattern that represented only sliding or rotating repeatedly.
The impact of street network connectivity on pedestrian volume
Authors: Hajrasouliha Amir , Yin Li
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the impact of street network connectivity on pedestrian volume. Street network connectivity measured in most current studies captures only the metric characteristics of streets or physical connectivity. A whole different type of connectivity, visual connectivity, is largely ignored. Described in basic terms, higher physical connectivity means shorter travel time to reach the same number of destinations while higher visual connectivity means fewer turns to see the same number of destinations. Despite the correlation of these two connectivity constructs, studying both physical and visual connectivity is essential to better understand the role of street network on pedestrian activity. Using pedestrian counts of 302 street segments in Buffalo, New York, structural equation modelling highlights the multiple relationships between street network connectivity, built environment characteristics, and pedestrian volumes. Our findings suggest that both the conventional metric-based measure of physical connectivity and geometric-based measure of visual connectivity have significant positive impacts on pedestrian volumes, together with job density and land use mix. This outcome can encourage practitioners to pay attention to both the geometry of street network and its metric characteristics in order to create a pedestrian-friendly environment.