bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retention and Functional Effect of Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Administered in Alginate Hydrogel in a Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Follin Bjarke , Ghotbi Adam Ali , Clemmensen Andreas Ettrup , Bentsen Simon , Juhl Morten , Søndergaard Rebekka Harary , Lund Lisbeth Drozd , Haack-Sørensen Mandana , Hasbak Philip , Cohen Smadar , Ripa Rasmus Sejersten , Kastrup Jens , Ekblond Annette , Kjær Andreas
Published: March 2018

Background. Cell therapy for heart disease has been proven safe and efficacious, despite poor cell retention in the injected area. Improving cell retention is hypothesized to increase the treatment effect. In the present study, human adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) were delivered in an in situ forming alginate hydrogel following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats. Methods. ASCs were transduced with luciferase and tested for ASC phenotype. AMI was inducted in nude rats, with subsequent injection of saline (controls), 1 × 106 ASCs in saline or 1 × 106 ASCs in 1% (w/v) alginate hydrogel. ASCs were tracked by bioluminescence and functional measurements were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 82rubidium positron emission tomography (PET). Results. ASCs in both saline and alginate hydrogel significantly increased the ejection fraction (7.2% and 7.8% at 14 days and 7.2% and 8.0% at 28 days, resp.). After 28 days, there was a tendency for decreased infarct area and increased perfusion, compared to controls. No significant differences were observed between ASCs in saline or alginate hydrogel, in terms of retention and functional salvage. Conclusion. ASCs improved the myocardial function after AMI, but administration in the alginate hydrogel did not further improve retention of the cells or myocardial function.
Oleuropein Aglycone Protects against MAO‐A‐Induced Autophagy Impairment and Cardiomyocyte Death through Activation of TFEB
Authors: Miceli Caterina , Santin Yohan , Manzella Nicola , Coppini Raffaele , Berti Andrea , Stefani Massimo , Parini Angelo , Mialet-Perez Jeanne , Nediani Chiara
Published: March 2018

Age‐associated diseases such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders are characterized by increased oxidative stress associated with autophagy dysfunction. Oleuropein aglycone (OA), the main polyphenol found in olive oil, was recently characterized as an autophagy inducer and a promising agent against neurodegeneration. It is presently unknown whether OA can have beneficial effects in a model of cardiac stress characterized by autophagy dysfunction. Here, we explored the effects of OA in cardiomyocytes with overexpression of monoamine oxidase‐A (MAO‐A). This enzyme, by degrading catecholamine and serotonin, produces hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which causes oxidative stress, autophagic flux blockade, and cell necrosis. We observed that OA treatment counteracted the cytotoxic effects of MAO‐A through autophagy activation, as displayed by the increase of autophagic vacuoles and autophagy‐specific markers (Beclin1 and LC3‐II). Moreover, the decrease in autophagosomes and the increase in autolysosomes, indicative of autophagosome‐lysosome fusion, suggested a restoration of the defective autophagic flux. Most interestingly, we found that the ability of OA to confer cardioprotection through autophagy induction involved nuclear translocation and activation of the transcriptional factor EB (TFEB). Our data provide strong evidence of the beneficial effects of OA, suggesting its potential use as a nutraceutical agent against age‐related pathologies involving autophagy dysfunction, including cardiovascular diseases.
A Rare Case of Penile Metastases as a Harbinger of Primary Pulmonary Adenosquamous Carcinoma
Authors: Hota Partha , Patel Tejas N. , Zhao Xiaofeng , Schneider Carrie , Agosto Omar
Published: March 2018

Although lung cancer has a high propensity for distant metastatic disease, penile metastases from primary lung neoplasms are considered particularly rare. A 71-year-old male presented to our hospital with a rapidly enlarging hard palpable penile mass. MR imaging demonstrated two penile masses centered in the left and right corpus cavernosa. Subsequent CT imaging revealed a spiculated pulmonary mass in the right upper lobe with PET/CT, MRI, and surgical exploration, demonstrating evidence of metastases to the left adrenal gland, right subscapularis muscle, brain, and small bowel. Tissue sampling of lesions in the small bowel, right subscapularis muscle, and penis demonstrated histopathology consistent with an adenosquamous carcinoma which in combination with the appearance of the right upper lobe mass on PET/CT imaging suggested the patient’s lung cancer as the primary lesion. Prior to our case, pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma metastasizing to the penis has only been reported once in the literature. Herein, we report a rare case of penile metastases as the presenting sign of metastatic pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma characterized with PET/CT and MR imaging.
Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Advances and Future Expectations
Authors: Xie Yingjun , Xiang Yien , Sheng Jiyao , Zhang Dan , Yao Xiaoxiao , Yang Yongsheng , Zhang Xuewen
Published: March 2018

Primary liver cancer is a common kind of digestive cancers with high malignancy, causing 745,500 deaths each year. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the major pathological type of primary liver cancer. Traditional treatment methods for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have shown poor efficacy in killing residual cancer cells for a long time. In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has emerged as a promising method owing to its safety and efficacy with respect to delaying the progression of advanced tumors and protecting postoperative patients against tumor relapse and metastasis. Immune tolerance and suppression in tumor microenvironments are the theoretical basis of immunotherapy. Adoptive cell therapy functions by stimulating and cultivating autologous lymphocytes ex vivo and then reinfusing them into the patient to kill cancer cells. Cancer vaccination is performed using antigenic substances to activate tumor-specific immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can reactivate tumor-specific T cells and develop an antitumor effect by suppressing checkpoint-mediated signaling. Oncolytic viruses may selectively replicate in tumor cells and cause lysis without harming normal tissues. Here, we briefly introduce the mechanism of immunosuppression in hepatocellular carcinoma and summarize the rationale of the four major immunotherapeutic approaches with their current advances.
A Position-Level Global Optimization Inverse Kinematic Solution Algorithm for Dual Redundant Robots Based on Motion Characteristics
Authors: He Jingjie
Published: March 2018

Camera robot is an important tool for realizing and reproducing complex camera motion path in modern special film effects. This paper proposed an inverse kinematics optimization algorithm for PRRPR-S redundant degrees of freedom (DoF) camera robot. This paper analyzed the motion characteristics, in Genetic Mix (GM) method, from the idea of movement boundary composed of part robot axis. Then proposed Simplify Mix (SM) method which can stably converge to the global optimal solution in a shorter time.
The Influence of Video Game Training with and without Subpatelar Bandage in Mobility and Gait Speed on Elderly Female Fallers
Authors: Carvalho Isabela Feitosa de , Leme Gianluca Loyolla Montanari , Scheicher Marcos Eduardo
Published: March 2018

Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of balance training with Nintendo Wii technology, with and without the use of additional sensory information (subpatellar bandage), in the functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers.Methods. Twenty elderly women were divided into two groups: group I: trained with the use of the Nintendo Wii; group II: trained using the Nintendo Wii and the addition of sensory information (subpatellar bandage). The functional mobility was assessed with theTimed up and Gotest (TUG) and gait speed with the 10 m test. The tests were carried out with and without the use of the subpatellar bandage. The training was carried out within sessions of 30 minutes, twice a week, using three different games (Penguin Slide,Table Tilt, andTightrope).Results. There was an increase in the gait speed and a decrease in the TUG time in both groups, independently of the sensory condition used (p<0.05). In the short term, the subpatellar bandage improved the TUG time (p<0.05) and the gait speed (p<0.01).Conclusion. The training for postural balance with virtual reality was effective for improving functional mobility and gait speed of elderly female fallers. The subpatellar bandage did not maximize the effect of training.
Biomarker Discovery from We to Me: Is Learning from Each Patient a New Approach?
Authors: Lheureux Stephanie
Published: March 2018

The immune response is a dynamic multistep process with a complex system regulation. Identification of predictive biomarkers is therefore challenging. Deep investigation of an exceptional responder to pembrolizumab in ovarian cancer identifies a new mechanism of response and highlights the interest of individualized medicine strategy. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3233–5. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Bellone et al., p. 3282
Direito das águas - trajetória legal, conflitos e participação social
Authors: Rocha Julio Cesar de Sá da , Khoury Luciana Espinheira da Costa , Damasceno Ângela Patrícia Deiró
Published: March 2018

O presente artigo faz uma breve análise da gestão brasileira de recursos hídricos a partir da política nacional de gestão das águas, transitando por aspectos referentes à previsão normativa, à implementação dos instrumentos de gestão, a alguns dos principais conflitos e à participação social realizada por meio de comitês de bacia hidrográfica, que são os parlamentos das águas, conforme indicado no arcabouço legal. Para tanto, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica que inclui autores clássicos e contemporâneos, leis e resoluções, bem como atas de reuniões de organismos de bacia hidrográfica. Os resultados obtidos destacam que a gestão compartilhada das águas, conforme preconizado no marco legal, ainda precisa superar obstáculos de diferentes naturezas para que, de fato, seja efetivada, visto que a equação entre descentralização do poder e participação social ainda demanda ajustes para um equilíbrio de forças.
O Direito Administrativo do risco: a nova intervenção estatal sob o enfoque da segurança alimentar
Authors: Baptista Patrícia , Dionisio Pedro de Hollanda
Published: March 2018

Obra de Cíntia Morgado, Editora Gramma, Rio de Janeiro, 2017
O programa de controle de infecção relacionada à assistência à saúde em meio ambiente hospitalar e o dever de fiscalização da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária
Authors: Gomes Magno Federici , Moraes Vivian Lacerda
Published: March 2018

O presente artigo estuda a função de fiscalização da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária nos casos de infecção hospitalar e, em especial, no que tange ao programa de Controle deInfecção relacionada à assistência à saúde, utilizado pelos estabelecimentos de saúde para minimizar os riscos de infecção por patógenos. Trata-se de artigo teórico-documental, com a análise da legislação pertinente e os riscos existentes para pacientes e profissionais da saúde no ambiente hospitalar. O estudo traz como proposta uma reflexão sobre a necessidade de fiscalização efetiva por parte da agência nos estabelecimentos de saúde e esboça formas de buscar a efetivação do poder de polícia.
A mediação como meio de resolução de conflitos na área de saúde
Authors: Ribeiro Wesllay Carlos
Published: March 2018

O estudo aborda a utilização institucional da mediação na área de saúde. A mediação tem sido utilizada em vários países e se apresentado como uma tendência mundial em diferentes temas, entre eles o acesso à saúde. No Brasil, se têm notícias de algumas iniciativas com a finalidade de utilizar a mediação como meio de resolução de controvérsias na área de saúde, todavia é necessário cuidado e debate sobre essas técnicas a fim de que não se tornem meios de aumento da desigualdade social.
O eterno conflito entre liberdade e controle: o caso da vacinação obrigatória
Authors: Dallari Sueli Gandolfi
Published: March 2018

Ninguém e ingênuo a ponto de imaginar que, no século XXI, seja possível encontrar qualquer governo imune à força política diretamente derivada da força econômica das grandes empresas globais. Com efeito, os governantes têm o orgulho de se descreverem como parceiros/agentes de marketing das empresas que têm seus respectivos Estados como sede social. Do mesmo modo, essa ingenuidade não é mais possível quando se trata da fronteira entre o jurídico e o político. O caso brasileiro é exemplar, mas, para fugir da acusação de subjetividade, convém examinar o que se deu na regulação do consumo de tabaco na Áustria: o Partido da Liberdade (FPO) exigiu, para aderir a coalisão que permitisse a formação de um governo, a retirada da interdição total de fumar nos bares, restaurantes e discotecas, prevista na legislação de 2015 e que deveria entrar em vigor no próximo 1º de maio.
Pternopetalum latipinnulatum (Apiaceae), a new record for the flora of India
Authors: Jeri Licha , Bhat Nazir Ahmad , Kumar Yogendra
Published: March 2018

Pternopetalum latipinnulatum (Shan) J.B. Tan & X.J. He, previously known as an endemic species of China is now reported for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh. Detailed information about its description along with photographic illustration and a species key to related species of Pternopetalum Franch. in India are provided.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Heterogeneity of Obesity
Authors: Neeland Ian J. , Poirier Paul , Després Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2018

The prevalence of obesity has increased globally over the last 2 decades. Although the body mass index has been a convenient and simple index of obesity at the population level, studies have shown that obesity defined by body mass index alone is a remarkably heterogeneous condition with varying cardiovascular and metabolic manifestations across individuals. Adipose tissue is an exquisitely active metabolic organ engaged in cross-talk between various systems; perturbation of adipose tissue results in a pathological response to positive caloric balance in susceptible individuals that directly and indirectly contributes to cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Inadequate subcutaneous adipose tissue expansion in the face of dietary triglycerides leads to visceral and ectopic fat deposition, inflammatory/adipokine dysregulation, and insulin resistance. Conversely, preferential fat storage in the lower body depot may act as a metabolic buffer and protect other tissues from lipotoxicity caused by lipid overflow and ectopic fat. Translational, epidemiological, and clinical studies over the past 30 years have clearly demonstrated a strong link between visceral and ectopic fat and the development of a clinical syndrome characterized by atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia/glucose intolerance, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and adverse cardiac remodeling/heart failure. This relationship is even more nuanced when clinical entities such as metabolically healthy obesity phenotype and the obesity paradox are considered. Although it is clear that the accumulation of visceral/ectopic fat is a major contributor to cardiovascular and metabolic risk above and beyond the body mass index, implementation of fat distribution assessment into clinical practice remains a challenge. Anthropometric indexes of obesity are easily implemented, but newer imaging-based methods offer improved sensitivity and specificity for measuring specific depots. Lifestyle, pharmacological, and surgical interventions allow a multidisciplinary approach to overweight/obesity that may improve outcomes and align with a public health message to combat the growing epidemic of obesity worldwide and to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases.
Effect of Lowering Diastolic Pressure in Patients With and Without Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Khan Nadia A. , Rabkin Simon W. , Zhao Yinshan , McAlister Finlay A. , Park Julie E. , Guan Meijiao , Chan Sammy , Humphries Karin H.
Published: March 2018

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure thresholds, below which cardiovascular events increase, are widely debated. Using data from the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), we evaluated the relation between systolic and diastolic pressure and cardiovascular events among 1519 participants with or 7574 without prior cardiovascular disease. Using Cox regression, we examined the composite risk of myocardial infarction, other acute coronary syndrome, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death, and follow-up systolic and diastolic pressure were analyzed as time-dependent covariates for a median of 3.1 years. Models were adjusted for age, sex, baseline systolic pressure, body mass index, 10-year Framingham risk score, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. A J-shaped relationship with diastolic pressure was observed in both treatment arms in patients with or without cardiovascular disease (
P
nonlinearity≤0.002). When diastolic pressure fell <55 mm Hg, the hazards were at least 25% higher relative to 70 mm Hg (
P
=0.29). The hazard ratios (95% CI) of diastolic pressure <55 mm Hg versus 55 to 90 mm Hg were 1.68 (1.16–2.43),
P
value 0.006 and 1.52 (0.99–2.34),
P
value 0.06 in patients without and with prior cardiovascular disease, respectively. After adjusting for follow-up diastolic pressure, follow-up systolic pressure was not associated with the outcome in those without prior cardiovascular disease (
P
=0.64). In those with cardiovascular disease, adjusting for diastolic pressure, follow-up systolic pressure was associated with the risk in the intensive arm (hazard ratio per 10 mm Hg decrease, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75–0.99;
P
interaction=0.02). Although the observed J-shaped relationship may be because of reverse causality in the SPRINT population, we advise caution in aggressively lowering diastolic pressure.
Vascular Cognitive Impairment Linked to Brain Endothelium Inflammation in Early Stages of Heart Failure in Mice
Authors: Adamski Mateusz G. , Sternak Magdalena , Mohaissen Tasnim , Kaczor Dawid , Wierońska Joanna M. , Malinowska Monika , Czaban Iwona , Byk Katarzyna , Lyngsø Kristina S. , Przyborowski Kamil , Hansen Pernille B.L. , Wilczyński Grzegorz , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: March 2018

Background

Although advanced heart failure (
HF
) is a clinically documented risk factor for vascular cognitive impairment, the occurrence and pathomechanisms of vascular cognitive impairment in early stages of
HF
are equivocal. Here, we characterize vascular cognitive impairment in the early stages of
HF
development and assess whether cerebral hypoperfusion or prothrombotic conditions are involved.

Methods and Results

Tgαq*44 mice with slowly developing isolated
HF
triggered by cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression of G‐αq*44 protein were studied before the end‐stage
HF
, at the ages of 3, 6, and 10 months: before left ventricle dysfunction; at the stage of early left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (with preserved ejection fraction); and left ventricle diastolic/systolic dysfunction, respectively. In 6‐ to 10‐month‐old but not in 3‐month‐old Tgαq*44 mice, behavioral and cognitive impairment was identified with compromised blood‐brain barrier permeability, most significantly in brain cortex, that was associated with myelin sheet loss and changes in astrocytes and microglia. Brain endothelial cells displayed increased E‐selectin immunoreactivity, which was accompanied by increased amyloid‐β
1‐42
accumulation in piriform cortex and increased cortical oxidative stress (8‐
OH
dG immunoreactivity). Resting cerebral blood flow measured by magnetic resonance imaging in vivo was preserved, but ex vivo
NO
‐dependent cortical arteriole flow regulation was impaired. Platelet hyperreactivity was present in 3‐ to 10‐month‐old Tgαq*44 mice, but it was not associated with increased platelet‐dependent thrombogenicity.

Conclusions

We report for the first time that vascular cognitive impairment is already present in the early stage of
HF
development, even before left ventricle systolic dysfunction. The underlying pathomechanism, independent of brain hypoperfusion, involves preceding platelet hyperreactivity and brain endothelium inflammatory activation.
RIPHeart (Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for Heart Surgery) Study: Myocardial Dysfunction, Postoperative Neurocognitive Dysfunction, and 1 Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Meybohm Patrick , Kohlhaas Madeline , Stoppe Christian , Gruenewald Matthias , Renner Jochen , Bein Berthold , Albrecht Martin , Cremer Jochen , Coburn Mark , Schaelte Gereon , Boening Andreas , Niemann Bernd , Sander Michael , Roesner Jan , Kletzin Frank , Mutlak Haitham , Westphal Sabine , Laufenberg‐Feldmann Rita , Ferner Marion , Brandes Ivo F. , Bauer Martin , Stehr Sebastian N. , Kortgen Andreas , Wittmann Maria , Baumgarten Georg , Meyer‐Treschan Tanja , Kienbaum Peter , Heringlake Matthias , Schoen Julika , Treskatsch Sascha , Smul Thorsten , Wolwender Ewa , Schilling Thomas , Fuernau Georg , Bogatsch Holger , Brosteanu Oana , Hasenclever Dirk , Zacharowski Kai , Stevanovic Ana , Rossaint Rolf , Felzen Marc , Goetzenich Andreas , Moormann Tobias , Chalk Katharina , Knuefermann Pascal , Recht Thomas , Hoeft Andreas , Winterhalter Michael , Iken Sonja , Wiedenbeck Carolin , Schwarzmann Gerhard , Lindau Simone , Zierer Andreas , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Goerlach Gerold , Wollbrueck Matthias , Boening Ursula , Weigand Markus , Strauchmann Julia , Morsbach Kai U. , Paxian Markus , Reinhard Konrad , Scholz Jens , Renner Jochen , Broch Ole , Francksen Helga , Kuhr Bernd , Heinze Hermann , Paarmann Hauke , Sievers Hans‐Hinrich , Klotz Stefan , Hachenberg Thomas , Werner Christian , Mauff Susanne , Alms Angela , Bergt Stefan , Roewer Norbert
Published: March 2018

Background

Remote ischemic preconditioning (
RIPC
) has been suggested to protect against certain forms of organ injury after cardiac surgery. Previously, we reported the main results of RIPHeart (Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for Heart Surgery) Study, a multicenter trial randomizing 1403 cardiac surgery patients receiving either
RIPC
or sham‐
RIPC
.

Methods and Results

In this follow‐up paper, we present 1‐year follow‐up of the composite primary end point and its individual components (all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and acute renal failure), in a sub‐group of patients, intraoperative myocardial dysfunction assessed by transesophageal echocardiography and the incidence of postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction 5 to 7 days and 3 months after surgery.
RIPC
neither showed any beneficial effect on the 1‐year composite primary end point (
RIPC
versus sham‐
RIPC
16.4% versus 16.9%) and its individual components (all‐cause mortality [3.4% versus 2.5%], myocardial infarction [7.0% versus 9.4%], stroke [2.2% versus 3.1%], acute renal failure [7.0% versus 5.7%]) nor improved intraoperative myocardial dysfunction or incidence of postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction 5 to 7 days (67 [47.5%] versus 71 [53.8%] patients) and 3 months after surgery (17 [27.9%] versus 18 [27.7%] patients), respectively.

Conclusions

Similar to our main study,
RIPC
had no effect on intraoperative myocardial dysfunction, neurocognitive function and long‐term outcome in cardiac surgery patients undergoing propofol anesthesia.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01067703.
A Stark Choice: Domestic Violence or Deportation?
Authors: Stoyanova Vladislava
Published: March 2018

The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) is a relatively recent treaty that has the objective to protect women against all forms of violence and to design a comprehensive framework of measures for achieving this aim. Migrant women are of special concern given the awareness that when their migration status is dependent on that of their sponsoring spouse, they might be faced with a stark choice between staying in an abusive relationship or risking being deported. Article 59 (residence status) of the Convention is intended to respond to this problem by providing an immigration relief to migrant women victims of violence by carving out exceptions in the immigration control prerogatives of host states. Article 59 raises two interrelated questions: under what conditions are these exceptions triggered and what is their transformative potential in the light of the immigration rights that Article 59 extends to migrant women. This article argues that while the Istanbul Convention will generate some positive changes, the overall advancement triggered by the treaty in the area of protection of migrant women suffers from significant limitations.
Ctrl-Alt-Revolt?
Authors: Nugent Elizabeth R. , Berman Chantal E.
Published: March 2018

Analyses of the 2011 Egyptian uprising assign a significant mobilizing role to the interpersonal networks created through Facebook and Twitter. However, these studies fail to investigate online networks in comparison with more traditional “offline” networks, which are similarly theorized to mobilize members to protest participation. In this paper, we analyze nationally representative Arab Barometer survey data from Egypt 2011 to compare the mobilizing effects of memberships in four different types of networks: online, union, community, and religious. We test whether these networks were distinct and operated in competition, or overlapping and operated in tandem to mobilize Egyptians to protest. We demonstrate that different networks mobilized different segments of the population, consistent with theories about the negative revolutionary coalition necessary for successful uprisings. We also show that multiple network membership increases protest propensity, and that individuals at the intersection of online networks and community group networks, such as those formed through membership in charity groups or sports clubs, are most likely to engage in revolutionary protest. These results speak to an important interactive effect between online and offline networks in terms of facilitating successful revolutionary uprisings.
Between Europe and Asia
Authors: Khodarkovsky Michael
Published: March 2018

This essay addresses an unusual knot of the Russian historiography: was Russia a colonial empire and if so, why did he authorities consistently refuse to identify the empire as such? I am providing some answers by examining the Russian empire in a broad comparative perspective of both European and Asian empires. In the end, the goal of this essay is to re-open a discussion on the nature of the Russian empire.
Was There a Riurikid Dynasty in Early Rus’?
Authors: Ostrowski Donald
Published: March 2018

This article explores the gap between the scholarly literature, which touts a Riurikid dynasty in Rus’ before the sixteenth century, and the primary sources of the time, which seem to be unaware of such a dynasty. The appeals to legitimacy in the primary sources for particular kniazi to rule in a town never resort to claiming descent from Riurik. Instead, such claims are based on whether one’s father ruled in that town. All others are izgoi, that is, outside the line of succession to any particular throne. The chronologies of the Povest’ vremennykh let and the Novgorod I Chronicle that declare Igor’ to be Riurik’s son are faulty and most likely derive from a single source. In the sixteenth century, Rus’ churchmen in an effort to shore up the legitimacy of the Daniilovichi, who should have been considered izgoi according to the Rus’ succession system, to rule in Moscow claimed descent of the Rus’ grand prince from Riurik and beyond him to Prus, a supposed kinsman of Augustus Caesar. Historians have accepted the dynastic claim of the sixteenth-century Rus’ churchmen to Rus’ kniazi being descended from Riurik (although not from Prus) and thus perpetuate the view that such a dynasty, and thereby a state, existed in early Rus’.
The Syrian-Ottoman Home Front in Buenos Aires and Rosario during the First World War
Authors: Steven Hyland
Published: March 2018

The commencement of hostilities in Europe in late summer 1914 transformed the southern Atlantic cities of Buenos Aires and Rosario into diasporic home fronts for many belligerent nations. These cities became at once contested terrains between and among émigré colonies and a source of financial and material aid for warring nations. Buenos Aires’ policy of neutrality further permitted activist immigrants to partner with like-minded individuals and their respective diplomatic representatives to organise civic associations, arrange public demonstrations, and host charity events. The Syrian-Ottoman colonies mirrored the efforts of other immigrant groups, but diverged in distinct ways as novel nationalist sentiments circulated among them. The increased social tension from penury and competing political agendas led to multiple violent confrontations among Syrian Ottomans. Thus, nations that did not directly fight in the European conflagration were indeed party to the First World War and warring states’ home fronts extended beyond national boundaries.
Diversity and distribution of Udotea genus J.V. Lamouroux (Chlorophyta, Udoteaceae) in the Yucatan peninsula littoral, Mexico
Authors: ACOSTA-CALDERON JULIO ADULFO , HERNÁNDEZ-RODRÍGUEZ CÉSAR , MENDOZA-GONZÁLEZ ÁNGELA CATALINA , MATEO-CID LUZ ELENA
Published: March 2018

A survey of the diversity, distribution, and taxonomy of the genus Udotea from the Yucatan peninsula littoral, Mexico, is presented. The results are based on a review of herbarium specimens, bibliographic data, and collections made by the authors during 2012–2016 at 34 localities along the study area. Macro and microscopic characteristics, relevant photographs, and descriptions are provided for each taxon. A total of 17 taxa of Udotea were recognized. One new record is cited for Quintana Roo, two for Yucatan, and five for Campeche coasts. The Quintana Roo littoral presents the highest number of Udotea species (17), followed by Campeche (13), and finally Yucatan (9). The Udotea taxa could be segregate by the presence of lateral appendages in the blade siphons and, the shape of the lateral appendages of the blade and stipe siphons.
Reinterpretation of the nomenclatural type of Archimedea pyramidalis (Balanophoraceae) with new combination to Lophophytum
Authors: CARDOSO LEANDRO JORGE TELLES , SMIDT ERIC DE CAMARGO , BRAGA JOÃO MARCELO ALVARENGA
Published: March 2018

We present the reinterpretation of the nomenclatural type of Archimedea pyramidalis (Balanophoraceae), resulting in the synonymization of Lophophytum leandrii. It is also designated a lectotype and an epitype. Additionally, the new combination Lophophytum pyramidale is proposed.
The nomenclatural types of four names in Lonicera (Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , LAGUNA EMILIO
Published: March 2018

The nomenclatural types of Lonicera implexa, L. implexa var. longifolia, L. maialis and L. valentina are discussed. L. implexa was described from cultivated plants in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and it is neotypified using a specimen preserved at BM. The names L. maialis, currently included as a synonym of L. implexa var. valentina, and L. implexa var. longifolia are lectotypified from specimens preserved at BC and PAL herbaria, respectively. The protologue of the name L. valentina included a gathering that comprises only one specimen preserved at MA, and therefore it is considered as the holotype. This plant is currently accepted as a variety of L. implexa.
WUDAPT: An Urban Weather, Climate, and Environmental Modeling Infrastructure for the Anthropocene
Authors: Ching J. , Mills G. , Bechtel B. , See L. , Feddema J. , Wang X. , Ren C. , Brousse O. , Martilli A. , Neophytou M. , Mouzourides P. , Stewart I. , Hanna A. , Ng E. , Foley M. , Alexander P. , Aliaga D. , Niyogi D. , Shreevastava A. , Bhalachandran P. , Masson V. , Hidalgo J. , Fung J. , Andrade M. , Baklanov A. , Dai W. , Milcinski G. , Demuzere M. , Brunsell N. , Pesaresi M. , Miao S. , Mu Q. , Chen F. , Theeuwes N.
Published: March 2018

The World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT) is an international community-based initiative to acquire and disseminate climate relevant data on the physical geographies of cities for modeling and analysis purposes. The current lacuna of globally consistent information on cities is a major impediment to urban climate science toward informing and developing climate mitigation and adaptation strategies at urban scales. WUDAPT consists of a database and a portal system; its database is structured into a hierarchy representing different levels of detail, and the data are acquired using innovative protocols that utilize crowdsourcing approaches, Geowiki tools, freely accessible data, and building typology archetypes. The base level of information (L0) consists of local climate zone (LCZ) maps of cities; each LCZ category is associated with a range of values for model-relevant surface descriptors (roughness, impervious surface cover, roof area, building heights, etc.). Levels 1 (L1) and 2 (L2) will provide specific intra-urban values for other relevant descriptors at greater precision, such as data morphological forms, material composition data, and energy usage. This article describes the status of the WUDAPT project and demonstrates its potential value using observations and models. As a community-based project, other researchers are encouraged to participate to help create a global urban database of value to urban climate scientists.
Quantifying the Contribution of Different Cloud Types to the Radiation Budget in Southern West Africa
Authors: Hill Peter G. , Allan Richard P. , Chiu J. Christine , Bodas-Salcedo Alejandro , Knippertz Peter
Published: March 2018

The contribution of cloud to the radiation budget of southern West Africa (SWA) is poorly understood and yet it is important for understanding regional monsoon evolution and for evaluating and improving climate models, which have large biases in this region. Radiative transfer calculations applied to atmospheric profiles obtained from the CERES– CloudSat–CALIPSO–MODIS (CCCM) dataset are used to investigate the effects of 12 different cloud types (defined by their vertical structure) on the regional energy budget of SWA (5°–10°N, 8°W–8°E) during June–September. We show that the large regional mean cloud radiative effect in SWA is due to nonnegligible contributions from many different cloud types; eight cloud types have a cloud fraction larger than 5% and contribute at least 5% of the regional mean shortwave cloud radiative effect at the top of the atmosphere. Low clouds, which are poorly observed by passive satellite measurements, were found to cause net radiative cooling of the atmosphere, which reduces the heating from other cloud types by approximately 10%. The sensitivity of the radiation budget to underestimating low-cloud cover is also investigated. The radiative effect of missing low cloud is found to be up to approximately −25 W m−2 for upwelling shortwave irradiance at the top of the atmosphere and 35 W m−2 for downwelling shortwave irradiance at the surface.
How Well Do We Know ENSO’s Climate Impacts over North America, and How Do We Evaluate Models Accordingly?
Authors: Deser Clara , Simpson Isla R. , Phillips Adam. S. , McKinnon Karen A.
Published: March 2018

The role of sampling variability in ENSO composites of winter surface air temperature and precipitation over North America during the period 1920–2013 is assessed for observations and ensembles of coupled model simulations in which sea surface temperature anomalies in the tropical eastern Pacific are nudged to those of the real world. The individual members of each model ensemble show a surprising amount of diversity in their ENSO composites, despite being constructed from the same observed set of 18 El Niño and 14 La Niña events. For a given model, this ensemble spread can only be due to sampling variability, that is, aliasing of internal variability that is unrelated to ENSO, which in turn is shown to arise from internal atmospheric dynamics rather than coupled ocean–atmosphere processes. Analogous ensemble spread is evident in 2000 synthetic ENSO composites based on observations using random sampling techniques. These synthetic composites provide information on the range of spatial patterns and amplitudes associated with imperfect estimation of the forced ENSO signal in the observational record. In some locations, the amplitude of the estimated ENSO signal can vary by more than a factor of two. This observational uncertainty necessitates an approach to model assessment that considers not only the model’s forced response to ENSO, given by its ensemble-mean ENSO composite, but also its representation of internal variability unrelated to ENSO. Such an approach is used to reveal fidelities and shortcomings in the Community Earth System Model, version 1.
Energetics and Dynamics of Subtropical Australian East Coast Cyclones: Two Contrasting Cases
Authors: Cavicchia Leone , Dowdy Andrew , Walsh Kevin
Published: March 2018

The subtropical east coast region of Australia is characterized by the frequent occurrence of low pressure systems, known as east coast lows (ECLs). The more intense ECLs can cause severe damage and disruptions to this region. While the term “east coast low” refers to a broad classification of events, it has been argued that different ECLs can have substantial differences in their nature, being dominated by baroclinic and barotropic processes in different degrees. Here we reexamine two well-known historical ECL case studies under this perspective: the Duck storm of March 2001 and the Pasha Bulker storm of June 2007. Exploiting the cyclone phase space analysis to study the storms’ full three-dimensional structure, we show that one storm has features similar to a typical extratropical frontal cyclone, while the other has hybrid tropical–extratropical characteristics. Furthermore, we examine the energetics of the atmosphere in a limited area including both systems for the ECL occurrence times, and show that the two cyclones are associated with different signatures in the energy conversion terms. We argue that the systematic use of the phase space and energetics diagnostics can form the basis for a physically based classification of ECLs, which is important to advance the understanding of ECL risk in a changing climate.
The Deadliest Tornado (EF4) in the Past 40 Years in China
Authors: Meng Zhiyong , Bai Lanqiang , Zhang Murong , Wu Zhifang , Li Zhaohui , Pu Meijuan , Zheng Yongguang , Wang Xiaohua , Yao Dan , Xue Ming , Zhao Kun , Li Zhaoming , Peng Siqi , Li Liye
Published: March 2018

An EF4 supercellular tornado hit Funing County, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China, from about 1410 to 1500 local standard time 23 June 2016, causing 98 fatalities and 846 injuries. It was the deadliest tornado in the past 40 years in China. This paper documents the storm environment, evolution of the radar signatures, real-time operational tornado warning services, and the damage distribution during this event. The tornado was spawned from a supercell that developed ahead of an upper-level trough extending southwestward from a low pressure vortex in northeast China and dissipated following the occlusion of the tornado vortex. The radar-based rotational velocity of the mesocyclone peaked at 42.2 m s−1. The strength of the tornado vortex signature (gate-to-gate azimuthal radial velocity difference) peaked at 84.5 m s−1. Surface observations at 1-min intervals from a mesoscale network of in situ surface weather stations revealed the surface wind pattern associated with the mesocyclone, such as convergent and rotational flows. The tornado formed after the peak updraft strength of the supercell, producing a damage swath that was 34.5 km long and with a maximum width of 4.1 km. The review of the tornado warning process for this event reveals that there is much work to be done to develop operational tornado forecast and warning services for China.
Korea’s Foreign Direct Investment in the Automotive Industry in China
Authors: Lee Jungmin , Mah Jai S.
Published: March 2018

This article examines the impact of foreign-invested enterprises in the development of China’s automotive industry. It particularly focuses on the case of foreign direct investment (FDI) by a Korean firm, namely, the Hyundai Motor Company, in China. The Chinese government’s policy regarding the automotive industry allowed China’s domestic manufacturers to benefit from technology transfer, as foreign firms were not allowed to invest exclusively in China without a partnership. The contribution of Korea’s investment in China’s automotive industry would comprise the creation of job opportunities, technology transfer and the development of the automobile parts industry. Korea’s investment in the automotive industry of China has policy implications for China and other developing countries trying to expand their technology-intensive industries.
Looking to China and Back
Authors: van Dongen Els
Published: March 2018

Against the background of the rise of ‘diaspora institutions’ since the early 2000s, this commentary reflects on China’s diaspora engagement and India’s interest in it in the context of its own institutionalisation of diaspora engagement since the early 2000s. It argues that notwithstanding historical and political differences, some lessons could be learned from China. These pertain to the importance of recognising the various segments of the diaspora; the role of community organisations; the centrality of diaspora research; and the connection between diaspora policies and shifting national priorities. However, both in China and in India, some principal limits remain in terms of diaspora engagement due to the prioritising of the socio-economically advantaged; the tension among cultural, ethnic and territorial understandings of the nation; and because political inclusion lags behind the focus on economic and knowledge contributions. These limits lead us to reconsider some of the shared ideas, assumptions and practices behind the rise of ‘diaspora institutions’ in a broader sense.
Auditory Task Irrelevance: A Basis for Inattentional Deafness
Authors: Scheer Menja , Bülthoff Heinrich H. , Chuang Lewis L.
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study investigates the neural basis of inattentional deafness, which could result from task irrelevance in the auditory modality.

Background

Humans can fail to respond to auditory alarms under high workload situations. This failure, termed inattentional deafness, is often attributed to high workload in the visual modality, which reduces one’s capacity for information processing. Besides this, our capacity for processing auditory information could also be selectively diminished if there is no obvious task relevance in the auditory channel. This could be another contributing factor given the rarity of auditory warnings.

Method

Forty-eight participants performed a visuomotor tracking task while auditory stimuli were presented: a frequent pure tone, an infrequent pure tone, and infrequent environmental sounds. Participants were required either to respond to the presentation of the infrequent pure tone (auditory task-relevant) or not (auditory task-irrelevant). We recorded and compared the event-related potentials (ERPs) that were generated by environmental sounds, which were always task-irrelevant for both groups. These ERPs served as an index for our participants’ awareness of the task-irrelevant auditory scene.

Results

Manipulation of auditory task relevance influenced the brain’s response to task-irrelevant environmental sounds. Specifically, the late novelty-P3 to irrelevant environmental sounds, which underlies working memory updating, was found to be selectively enhanced by auditory task relevance independent of visuomotor workload.

Conclusion

Task irrelevance in the auditory modality selectively reduces our brain’s responses to unexpected and irrelevant sounds regardless of visuomotor workload.

Application

Presenting relevant auditory information more often could mitigate the risk of inattentional deafness.
Informal creative labour practices: A relational work perspective
Authors: Alacovska Ana
Published: March 2018

The informal nature of creative work is routinely acknowledged in the studies of creative labour. However, informality of creative work has been so far treated dualistically: firstly, as the informal governance of creative labour markets and secondly, as the ever-increasing informalization of creative workplaces. In contrast, this article argues for the importance of focusing on informal labour practices as infused in relational contexts so as to understand how creative workers uphold career sustainability and cope daily with contingent, insecure and underpaid work. Drawing on the relational work perspective from economic sociology, I contend that creative workers’ informal labour practices and economic activities are constituted by the meanings and quality workers attach to interpersonal relations. The more socially and spatially intimate and closer the interpersonal relationship, the less the economic benefit. The more socially and spatially distant the relationship, the greater the pecuniary motivation. The article maps relational work dynamics in: (1) informal paid labour practices, comprising work under-the-radar of state authorities, such as cash-in-hand work including online crowd-work, tips-based work, and paid favours and (2) informal unpaid labour practices, practices happening in webs of reciprocity that are not directly compensated with money, such as barter, favour-swapping and voluntary work.
Professional image under threat: Dealing with learning–credibility tension
Authors: Bourgoin Alaric , Harvey Jean-François
Published: March 2018

How does one learn and build credibility simultaneously? Such is the challenge faced by an increasing number of professionals, who must quickly get to grips with new assignments while displaying sufficient knowledge to be regarded as experts. If they do not, they will be unable to exert influence over the situation. To address this puzzle, we draw on data from 21 months of participant observation during consulting assignments, and interviews with 79 management consultants. Building on Goffman’s notion of face, we identify ‘learning–credibility tension’ – a discrepancy between a newcomer position that requires professionals to learn, and a role-based image that requires credibility – as a salient and costly issue during organizational entry. Specifically, we find that consultants experience threats to their face during interactions with clients. They deal with these threats by performing individual tactics that help them reduce the anxiety associated with learning–credibility tension, and support their relationship with clients. Our study builds theory in socialization by revealing tactics that allow professionals to keep face while seeking the information they require to adjust to new settings. We also contribute to substantive debates on management consulting by relating insights from the sociology of professions to contemporary knowledge workers.