bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iterative Solutions of Hirota Satsuma Coupled KDV and Modified Coupled KDV Systems
Authors: Jibran Muhammad , Nawaz Rashid , Khan Asfandyar , Afzal Sajjad
Published: December 2018

In this article the approximate solutions of nonlinear Hirota Satsuma coupled Korteweg De- Vries (KDV) and modified coupled KDV equations have been obtained by using reliable algorithm of New Iterative Method (NIM). The results obtained give higher accuracy than that of homotopy analysis method (HAM). The obtained solutions show that NIM is effective, simpler, easier, and explicit and gives a suitable way to control the convergence of the approximate solution.
Food Intake and Core Body Temperature of Pups and Adults in adbMouse Line Deficient in the Long Form of the Leptin Receptor withoutMistyMutation
Authors: Pulong Wijang Pralampita , Ushikai Miharu , Arimura Emi , Abe Masaharu , Kawaguchi Hiroaki , Horiuchi Masahisa
Published: December 2018

Different involvement of leptin signaling in food intake (FI) and body temperature (BT) in pups and adults has been suggested. However, the leptin receptor (Lepr) long-form-deficient (db) mouse line has not been fully examined in pups. In the most availabledbmouse line, wild-type (WT) mice have a mutation in the dedicator of cytokinesis 7 gene, namedmisty, which was recently revealed to be involved in neuronal development. Therefore, we established a line ofdbmice without themistymutation using natural mating. Adult (8 weeks of age) homozygousdb/dbmice displayed significantly higher core body weight (BW) and FI and significantly lower core BT than WT mice. However, postnatal (2 weeks of age)db/dbmice displayed similar BW and milk intake and significantly lower core BT than WT mice. Correspondingly, adult and postnataldb/dbmice exhibited altered mRNA levels of hypothalamic orexigenic and anorexigenic peptide in adults but not in pups. Additionally,db/dbmice displayed significantly lower mRNA levels of brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 at both ages. In conclusion, thedbmouse line without themistymutation clearly showed the different involvements of the Lepr long form in FI and BT in pups and adults.
Stability Analysis of the Bat Algorithm Described as a Stochastic Discrete‐Time State‐Space System
Authors: Paplinski Janusz Piotr
Published: December 2018

The main problem with the soft‐computing algorithms is a determination of their parameters. The tuning rules are very general and need experiments during a trial and error method. The equations describing the bat algorithm have the form of difference equations, and the algorithm can be treated as a stochastic discrete‐time system. The behaviour of this system depends on its dynamic and preservation stability conditions. The paper presents the stability analysis of the bat algorithm described as a stochastic discrete‐time state‐space system. The observability and controllability analyses were made in order to verify the correctness of the model describing the dynamic of BA. Sufficient conditions for stability are derived based on the Lyapunov stability theory. They indicate the recommended areas of the location of the parameters. The analysis of the position of eigenvalues of the state matrix shows how the different values of parameters affect the behaviour of the algorithm. They indicate the recommended area of the location of the parameters. Simulation results confirm the theory‐based analysis.
Immediate Dental Implants Enriched with L-PRF in the Esthetic Zone
Authors: Sehgal Manoti , Puri Lovleen , Yadav Sapna , Malhotra Puja , Phukela Sumit Singh , Yadav Bhupender , Raina Bharti
Published: December 2018

The aim of this article is to present the clinical application of immediate implant placement with L-PRF and immediate prosthetic loading in anterior esthetic region. A 24-year-old healthy female patient reported with a chief complaint of poor esthetics in the upper front tooth region with retained deciduous teeth. On oral examination, there were retained deciduous teeth (52, 53, and 63) with congenitally missing permanent successors. The retained deciduous teeth were extracted, and immediate implant placement was done in the extraction sockets along with L-PRF membranes in one surgical session under local anesthesia. Immediate temporization was performed with composite crowns on immediately placed dental implants. After 3 months of the healing period, the final implant-level impressions were made and the temporary composite crowns were replaced with the final zirconia porcelain crowns. A 12-month follow-up was made, and satisfactory esthetic and functional results were obtained.
Cancer Immunity and Gene Expression Data: A Quick Tool for Immunophenotype Evaluation
Authors: Hirano Masayuki
Published: December 2018

The rapid advancement of next generation sequencing technology has resulted in accumulation of many datasets in cancer clinical and research laboratories, many of which do not have bioinformaticians. Xu and colleagues developed a user-friendly web-based tool to define the tumor immunophenotype among patients with cancer. By uploading user-defined datasets on the web, it can systematically track, analyze, and visualize the status of anticancer immune activity and the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. This tool can help immunologists and clinical researchers to perform quick, efficient, and comprehensive analysis of the tumor immunophenotype.

See related article by Xu et al., p. 6575
Unleashing Blocked Apoptosis in Cancer Cells: New MCL1 Inhibitors Find Their Groove
Authors: Leber Brian , Kale Justin , Andrews David W.
Published: December 2018

Unleashing blocked apoptosis has emerged as an important tool in treating cancer as shown by the recent success of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax. However, MCL1 represents another important target as it is the predominant survival signal in many types of cancers and functions as a resistance mechanism to BCL2 inhibition. Caenepeel and colleagues and Ramsey and colleagues have developed two novel, potent, and selective MCL1 inhibitors that are effective against many hematologic malignancies, and Nangia and colleagues describe how one of these inhibitors can be successfully combined with BCL-xL and MEK inhibition to treat KRAS-mutated lung cancer.

See related article by Ramsey et al., p. 1566.

See related article by Caenepeel et al., p. 1582.

See related article by Nangia et al., p. 1598.
The Balancing Act between Cancer Immunity and Autoimmunity in Response to Immunotherapy
Authors: Young Arabella , Quandt Zoe , Bluestone Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2018

The explosion in novel cancer immunotherapies has resulted in extraordinary clinical successes in the treatment of multiple cancers. Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) that target negative regulatory molecules have become standard of care. However, with the growing use of CPIs, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or other immune modulators, a significant increase in immune-related adverse events (irAEs) has emerged. The wide-ranging and currently unpredictable spectrum of CPI-induced irAEs can lead to profound pathology and, in some cases, death. Growing evidence indicates that many irAEs are a consequence of a breakdown in self-tolerance, but the influence of genetics, the environment, and the mechanisms involved remains unclear. This review explores key questions in this emerging field, summarizing preclinical and clinical experiences with this new generation of cancer drugs, the growing understanding of the role of the immune response in mediating these toxicities, the relationship of CPI-induced autoimmunity to conventional autoimmune diseases, and insights into the mechanism of irAE development and treatment.
Semaphorin Signaling in GnRH Neurons: From Development to Disease
Authors: Oleari Roberto , Lettieri Antonella , Paganoni Alyssa , Zanieri Luca , Cariboni Anna
Published: December 2018

In mammals, fertility critically depends on the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by scattered hypothalamic neurons (GnRH neurons). During development, GnRH neurons originate in the nasal placode and migrate first into the nasal compartment and then through the nasal/forebrain junction, before they reach their final position in the hypothalamus. This neurodevelopmental process, which has been extensively studied in mouse models, is regulated by a plethora of factors that might control GnRH neuron migration or survival as well as the fasciculation/targeting of the olfactory/vomeronasal axons along which the GnRH neurons migrate. Defects in GnRH neuron development or release can lead to isolated GnRH deficiency, with the underlying genetic causes still being partially unknown. Recently, semaphorins and their receptors neuropilins and plexins, a large family of molecules implicated in neuronal development and plasticity, are emerging as key regulators of GnRH neuron biology and deficiency. Specifically, semaphorins have been shown to play different roles in GnRH neuron biology by regulating migration and survival during embryonic development as well as secretion in adulthood.
АНАЛІЗ АКУШЕРСЬКИХ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ І ТА ІІ ТРИМЕСТРІВ ВАГІТНОСТІ В ЖІНОК ІЗ РІЗНИМИ ВИДАМИ МІОМЕКТОМІЇ ТА ЗОВНІШНІМ ГЕНІТАЛЬНИМ ЕНДОМЕТРІОЗОМ В АНАМНЕЗІ
Authors: Gladchuk I. Z. , Zhelezov D. M. , Kossei T. V.
Published: December 2018

Мета дослідження – зниження частоти акушерської патології в жінок із консервативною міомектомією та зовнішнім генітальним ендометріозом в анамнезі.

Матеріали та методи. Вивчено особливості клінічного перебігу вагітності і пологів у 100 жінок, що перенесли до вагітності консервативну міомектомію. Вагітні були розділені на дві групи залежно від методики проведеної операції і тактики ведення вагітності: І група – 50 жінок після консервативної міомектомії без видалення вогнищ ендометріозу; ІІ група – 50 жінок після консервативної міомектомії та з видаленими вогнищами ендометріозу чи ендометріомою в анамнезі. Контрольна група – 50 жінок після кесаревого розтину з міомектомією матки.

Результати дослідження та їх обговорення. Проведено аналіз частоти акушерських ускладнень по триместрах в обстежених пацієнток залежно від проведеного оперативного втручання та використання лікувально-профілактичних заходів.

Висновки. Основним ускладненням була загроза переривання вагітності: 46,0 % – у І групі та 22,0 % – в ІІ групі. Такі відмінності, на нашу думку, обумовлені використанням різних алгоритмів діагностичних і лікувально-профілактичних заходів у пацієнток після міомектомії. В II триместрі найчастішим ускладненням у вагітних основних груп був загрозливий пізній викидень, який в 2,3 раза частіше спостерігався при використанні загальноприйнятих лікувально-профілактичних заходів.
ВИПАДОК СИНДРОМУ ПРАДЕРА – ВІЛЛІ В КЛІНІЧНІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ ПЕДІАТРА
Authors: Kosovska T. M. , Kosovska V. O.
Published: December 2018

Синдром Прадера – Віллі – комплексне мультисистемне генетичне захворювання, яке має аутосомно-рецесивний тип успадкування. В основі розвитку даної патології лежить зміна 15-ї хромосоми (15q11-q13): делеція батьківської копії імпринтованої ділянки проксимального відділу довгого плеча 15-ї хромосоми, рідше – уніпарентна материнська дисомія 15-ї хромосоми або інактивація генетичного матеріалу батьківської 15-ї хромосоми. Синдром має багато специфічних клінічних ознак: інфантильна м’язова гіпотонія, затримка фізичного розвитку та розумова відсталість, гіпогонадотропний гіпогонадизм, поведінкові розлади, характерний вираз обличчя, низький зріст та акромікрія. Патогномонічними ознаками є гіперфагія та прогресивний розвиток ожиріння. Рання діагностика захворювання вже на першому році життя дає можливість провести своєчасну корекцію метаболічних і гормональних розладів та покращити прогноз для кожного окремого пацієнта. На сьогодні розроблено схему діагностичних критеріїв (головні, мінімальні та додаткові). Для уточнення діагнозу з успіхом проводять генетичне тестування, яке включає в себе хромосомний аналіз (молекулярно-цитогенетичне дослідження, каріотипування). Актуальними при даному синдромі є виключення всіх несприятливих факторів у допологовий період розвитку дитини, пренатальна діагностика, проведення медико-генетичного консультування з метою попередження народження дитини зі спадковим захворюванням. Оскільки синдром Прадера – Віллі може виникнути в абсолютно здорових батьків, для своєчасної діагностики необхідно звертати увагу на пренатальну діагностику. Для пренатальної діагностики даного синдрому використовують метод флуоресцентної гібридизації in situ (FISH) під час проведення біопсії ворсин хоріона або амніоцентезу. Ризик народження дитини із синдромом Прадера – Віллі у сім’ї, де вже є один хворий нащадок, залежить від механізму виникнення генетичної хвороби. На жаль, це захворювання не завжди діагностують вчасно, незважаючи на різноманітність діагностичних критеріїв. Недостатньо вивченим залишається питання підтримувальної гормонотерапії соматотропним гормоном, що може запобігти ряду ускладнень, характерних для синдрому, та покращити якість життя дітей із синдромом Прадера – Віллі в майбутньому. Своєчасне встановлення діагнозу синдрому Прадера – Віллі має значний вплив на здоров’я та якість життя осіб із даною патологією.
OBSTETRICIANS’ TACTICS IN THE DELIVERY BY PATIENTS WITH BREECH POSITION OF THE FOETUS AFFECTED BY THE UTERINE MYOMA
Authors: Krupnyk O. M.
Published: December 2018

The aim of the study – improvement of pregnancy outcomes in women with pelvic presentation on the background of uterine myoma by developing optimal obstetric delivery tactics.

Materials and Methods. In order to achieve the stated goal, a prospective analysis of cases of first- and second-time delivering patients with full-term one fetus pregnancy in pelvic presentation (incomplete and complete) amid the uterine myoma – the main group (MG) – (n = 30) was conducted. Into the control group (CG) – (n = 30) were included the first- and second-time bearing women without fetal myoma with full-time pregnancy and the pelvic presentation. Statistical processing of the results was performed using the Microsoft Office Excel 2017 software.

Results and Discussion. The analysis of the presented data shows that among pregnant women with pelvic prevalence of fetuses on the background of uterine fibroids, more frequent cases are registered: clinical manifestations of the threat of interruption of pregnancy MG – 26 (86.7 %), CG – 9 (30 %) and pre-eclampsia MG – 8 (26.7 %), CG – 3 (10 %) (p < 0.05). Raising the risk of complications of pregnancy and the expected birth of the uterine myoma requires pre-planning for the most part the operational method of delivery of MG – 19 (63.3 %). Exception, in the absence of other contraindications, there may be women with single myomatous nodes in sizes up to 5 cm – 11 (36.7 %). Only the extension of the cesarean section requires only pregnant women with uterine myoma 7 (36.8 %), and most of these interventions occur during precarious surgical delivery 4 (20 %).

Conclusion. Consequently, the presented data indicate the expediency and validity of taking into account the presence of uterine myoma at BP in order to develop an optimal obstetric tactic for the delivery of such patients in order to improve their pregnancy outcomes.
Evaluation of sealing between abutment and inner connection of cone morse dental implant
Authors: Gois Filho Derivaldo Moura , Gois-Santos Vanessa Tavares de , Silva Ronaldo Santos , Marqueti Antônio Carlos , Cortes Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez , Trento Cleverson Luciano
Published: December 2018

Introduction: The adaptation of prostheses fixed over implants involves biomechanical aspects that are directly associated with treatment success. Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the presence of microgaps in the abutment/inner connection interface of cone morse dental implants. Materials and methods: Two groups of implants were analyzed. The first group (n = 16) employed single-manufacturer dental implants and abutments, whereas the second group (n = 16) combined multi-manufacturer materials. The sets were analyzed through scanning electron mi­croscopy, wherein microgaps between the implant connection and the abutment were observed. Results: Group 1 had an average microgap of 5.69 μm (SD ± 8.46 μm). Group 2 had an average microgap of 1.24 μm (SD ± 0.44 μm). A significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, results suggest that the group formed by multi-manufacturer implants and abutments (group 2) had smaller microgap values, and, therefore, a higher in vitro adaptation of components.

DESCRIPTORS | Dental Implants; Dental Abutments; Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Accuracy and Internal Fit of 3D printed Occlusal Splint, according to the printing position
Authors: Vasques Mayra Torres , Laganá Dalva Cruz
Published: December 2018

Understanding the importance of 3D printing strategies is a key to obtain predictable, optimized and consistent dental appliances using digital technologies. This study aims to present the influence of printing orientation on the intraoral fit of full arch coverage splints. Splints were designed for two patients using the CAD software and printed in a SLA 3D printer with different orientations (0, 30, and 90 degrees), and the internal fit was checked on patients’ mouth. Differen­ces between the fit of the splints were verified, with the worst results for 90º oriented splints, although more detailed studies are recommended by the authors.

DESCRIPTORS | Three-Dimensional Printing; Accuracy; Dimensional Measurement; Occlusal Splint; Print Orientation.
Dysregulated IL-1β-GM-CSF Axis in Acute Rheumatic Fever That Is Limited by Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Kim Man Lyang , Martin William J. , Minigo Gabriela , Keeble Joanne L. , Garnham Alexandra L. , Pacini Guido , Smyth Gordon K. , Speed Terence P. , Carapetis Jonathan , Wicks Ian P.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease are autoimmune consequences of group A streptococcus infection and remain major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality around the world. Improved treatment has been stymied by gaps in understanding key steps in the immunopathogenesis of ARF and rheumatic heart disease. This study aimed to identify (1) effector T cell cytokine(s) that might be dysregulated in the autoimmune response of patients with ARF by group A streptococcus, and (2) an immunomodulatory agent that suppresses this response and could be clinically translatable to high-risk patients with ARF.

Methods:

The immune response to group A streptococcus was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from an Australian Aboriginal ARF cohort by a combination of multiplex cytokine array, flow cytometric analysis, and global gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing. The immunomodulatory drug hydroxychloroquine was tested for effects on this response.

Results:

We found a dysregulated interleukin-1β-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokine axis in ARF peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to group A streptococcus in vitro, whereby persistent interleukin-1β production is coupled to overproduction of GM-CSF and selective expansion of CXCR3
+
CCR4
−
CCR6
−
CD4 T cells. CXCR3
+
CCR4
−
CCR6
−
CD4 T cells are the major source of GM-CSF in human CD4 T cells and CXCL10, a CXCR3 ligand and potent T helper 1 chemoattractant, was elevated in sera from patients with ARF. GM-CSF has recently emerged as a key T cell-derived effector cytokine in numerous autoimmune diseases, including myocarditis, and the production of CXCL10 may explain selective trafficking of these cells to the heart. We provide evidence that interleukin-1β amplifies the expansion of GM-CSF-expressing CD4 T cells, which is effectively suppressed by hydroxychloroquine. RNA sequencing showed shifts in gene expression profiles and differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from patients at different clinical stages of ARF.

Conclusions:

Given the safety profile of hydroxychloroquine and its clinical pedigree in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, where GM-CSF plays a pivotal role, we propose that hydroxychloroquine could be repurposed to reduce the risk of rheumatic heart disease after ARF.
Impact of Lifelong Exercise Training Dose on Ventricular-Arterial Coupling
Authors: Hieda Michinari , Howden Erin , Shibata Shigeki , Fujimoto Naoki , Bhella Paul S. , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Tarumi Takashi , Sarma Satyam , Fu Qi , Zhang Rong , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: December 2018

Background:

The dynamic Starling mechanism, as assessed by beat-by-beat changes in stroke volume and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, reflects ventricular-arterial coupling. It deteriorates with age, and is preserved in highly trained masters athletes. Currently, it remains unclear how much exercise over a lifetime is necessary to preserve efficient ventricular-arterial coupling. The purpose of this study was to assess the dose-dependent relationship between lifelong exercise training and the dynamic Starling mechanism in healthy seniors.

Methods:

One hundred two seniors were recruited and stratified into 4 groups based on 25 years of exercise training history: sedentary subjects (n=27, <2 sessions/week), casual exercisers (n=25, 2–3 sessions/week), committed exercisers (n=25, 4–5 sessions/week), and competitive Masters Athletes (n=25, 6–7 sessions/week). The dynamic Starling mechanism was estimated by transfer function gain between beat-by-beat changes in diastolic pulmonary artery pressure, a surrogate for left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and stroke volume index.

Results:

The transfer function gain of pulmonary artery pressure–stroke volume index was markedly enhanced in committed and competitive exercisers compared with more sedentary seniors and correlated with higher peak oxygen uptake (V
o
2
) and lower left ventricular stiffness. The power spectral density of pulmonary artery pressure was greater in sedentary adults than in committed and competitive exercisers, whereas the power spectral density of stroke volume index was greater in competitive exercisers than in the other groups.

Conclusions:

There is a graded, dose-dependent improvement in ventricular-arterial coupling with increasing amounts of lifelong regular exercise in healthy older individuals. Our data suggest that the optimal dose of lifelong endurance exercise to preserve ventricular-arterial coupling with age appears to be at least 4 to 5 sessions per week.
First record of Euphorbia pedersenii Subils (Euphorbiaceae) for Brazil
Authors: KÜLKAMP JOSIMAR , DA SILVA OTÁVIO LUIS MARQUES , VALDUGA EDUARDO , IGANCI JOÃO RICARDO VIEIRA , CORDEIRO INÊS , BAUMGRATZ JOSÉ FERNANDO A.
Published: December 2018

We report the first record of Euphorbia pedersenii (Euphorbiaceae) for Brazil, a rare species previously known from a few localities in Argentina. The species belongs to Euphorbia sect. Nummulariopsis and is characterized by its small habit with a well-developed tuberous root system, usually linear leaves, trapezoidal cyathial glands, and pubescent ovary and fruit. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul it grows in open grasslands of the Pampa region, a phytogeographic domain severely impacted by agriculture. We provide an assessment of the conservation status and geographical distribution and habitat of E. pedersenii, along with an identification key to the species of sect. Nummulariopsis occurring in Brazil.
Rediscovery of Lestes nigriceps Fraser, 1924 (Odonata: Lestidae) in eastern Cambodia
Authors: KOSTERIN OLEG E.
Published: December 2018

Lestes nigriceps Fraser, 1924 was described from a male (later the lectotype) and two non-conspecific females collected in 1922 at Pusa, Bihar State, India, and has never been reported since. In June 2018 a population of L. nigriceps was unexpectedly found in eastern Cambodia, Mondulkiri Province. The Cambodian males, their variation and, for the first time, the true female of L. nigriceps is described.
Two new species of Diamphipnoidae (Insecta: Plecoptera) from Chile, with description of adults and eggs
Authors: SÁNCHEZ ALEJANDRO VERA
Published: December 2018

Two new species of the Plecoptera family Diamphipnoidae are described from Chile. Illustrations of the details of the male genitalia, female genitalia, and eggs are provided for these two new taxa. Diamphipnoa fresiae sp. nov. has the lowest latitudinal distribution of the genus in South America and the male is the smallest known for the family and has also unusual wing venation. Diamphipnopsis oncolensis sp. nov., also a small species is known only from the Parque Oncol, south of Valdivia, Chile. This species is characterized by its distinctive abdominal coloration pattern in both sexes of the adult. Additionally, the large diameter of the eggs and the prominent tubercles of the chorion characterize this new species.
Merits of a 108-Member Ensemble System in ENSO and IOD Predictions
Authors: Doi Takeshi , Behera Swadhin K. , Yamagata Toshio
Published: December 2018

This paper explores merits of 100-ensemble simulations from a single dynamical seasonal prediction system by evaluating differences in skill scores between ensembles predictions with few (~10) and many (~100) ensemble members. A 100-ensemble retrospective seasonal forecast experiment for 1983–2015 is beyond current operational capability. Prediction of extremely strong ENSO and the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events is significantly improved in the larger ensemble. It indicates that the ensemble size of 10 members, used in some operational systems, is not adequate for the occurrence of 15% tails of extreme climate events, because only about 1 or 2 members (approximately 15% of 12) will agree with the observations. We also showed an ensemble size of about 50 members may be adequate for the extreme El Niño and positive IOD predictions at least in the present prediction system. Even if running a large-ensemble prediction system is quite costly, improved prediction of disastrous extreme events is useful for minimizing risks of possible human and economic losses.
The British–Baikal Corridor: A Teleconnection Pattern along the Summertime Polar Front Jet over Eurasia
Authors: Xu Peiqiang , Wang Lin , Chen Wen
Published: December 2018

The British–Baikal Corridor (BBC) pattern, a new teleconnection along the summertime upper-tropospheric polar front jet (PFJ), is investigated based on observational and reanalysis datasets. The BBC pattern consists of four geographically fixed centers over the west of the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, western Siberia, and Lake Baikal, respectively. It features a zonally oriented and meridionally confined wavelike structure with a zonal wavenumber 5, and it influences the climate along its route significantly. The BBC pattern forms from the trapped effect of the PFJ waveguide that is characterized by a strong meridional gradient of stratification. As a preferred dynamical mode inherent in the PFJ, it is maintained through the baroclinic energy conversion from the basic flow and the feedback forcing of high-frequency transient eddies. Meanwhile, its geographical location is determined by the barotropic energy conversion, which is sensitive to the configuration of the basic flow. The interannual variability of the BBC pattern is dominated by atmospheric internal dynamics considering its loose relation with immediate atmospheric external forcing. Further analyses suggest that the BBC pattern is excited by the active multiscale interactions among the climatological mean flow, the low-frequency flow, and the synoptic-scale transient eddies in the exit region of the North Atlantic jet, which may also determine the preferential upstream forcing region and anchor the BBC pattern geographically. Budget analyses on vorticity, temperature, and water vapor are performed to interpret the physical nature of the BBC pattern. The possible linkage to the North Atlantic Oscillation is also discussed.
Footprints of Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation in the Low-Frequency Variation of Extreme High Temperature in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Gao Miaoni , Yang Jing , Gong Daoyi , Shi Peijun , Han Zhangang , Kim Seong-Joong
Published: December 2018

The frequency and intensity of extreme high temperature (EHT) in the Northern Hemisphere exhibit remarkable low-frequency (LF) variations (longer than 10 years) in summer during 1951–2017. Five hotspots featuring large LF variations in EHT were identified, including western North America–Mexico, eastern Siberia, Europe, central Asia, and the Mongolian Plateau. The probability density functions show that the higher EHT occurrences over these hotspots in recent decades is consistent with the shifted average and increased variances in daily mean temperature. The common features of the LF variation in EHT frequency over all domains are the remarkable increasing trends and evident decadal to multidecadal variations. The component of decadal to multidecadal variations is the main contribution to the LF variations of temperature in the last century. Further analysis shows that the coherent variability of decadal to multidecadal temperature variations over western North America–Mexico, eastern Siberia, Europe, and the Mongolian Plateau are the footprints of a dominant natural internal signal: the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation. It contributes to the variations in temperature over these hotspots via barotropic circumglobal teleconnection, which imposes striking anomalous pressure over these regions. This study implies that natural internal variability plays an important role in making hotspots more vulnerable to EHT.
The Impact of Tropospheric and Stratospheric Tropical Variability on the Location, Frequency, and Duration of Cool-Season Extratropical Synoptic Events
Authors: Attard Hannah E. , Lang Andrea L.
Published: December 2018

Cool-season occurrences of blocks, extratropical cyclones that undergo explosive cyclogenesis, and tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo extratropical transition (ET) from 1980 to 2015 are analyzed using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2, dataset. These synoptic events are first examined in a climatological analysis that includes identifying consecutive synoptic events, namely, blocks that follow bombs or ET events as well as extratropical cyclones that follow ET events. These synoptic events are then analyzed with respect to three tropical modes of variability: the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), El Niño–Southern Oscillation, and the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). The QBO was considered from both a momentum and thermal point of view, using the equatorial 30-hPa zonal-mean wind and the equatorial zonal wind shear between 30 and 50 hPa, respectively. The results show that in the seven days prior to cool-season blocks and ET events, there is a statistically significant frequency minimum in MJO phases 7 and 3, respectively. With respect to the QBO, there is a statistically significant frequency maximum in neutral QBO conditions during bomb onset and a frequency minimum during ET onset. When stratifying bombs by latitude, there is a significant reduction in Arctic (i.e., poleward of 55°N) bomb onset during easterly QBO conditions. The results show that both tropospheric and stratospheric tropical modes of variability can modulate the frequency of extratropical synoptic events to a similar degree.
Evacuee Perception of Geophysical Hazards for Hurricane Irma
Authors: Senkbeil Jason , Collins Jennifer , Reed Jacob
Published: December 2018

Hurricane Irma was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history before landfall and caused a large evacuation. A total of 155 evacuees at interstate rest areas were asked to rank their concern about damage at their residence for six different geophysical hurricane hazards. Additionally, they were asked about their perceived maximum wind speeds (PMWS) and the wind speeds at which they thought damage would occur (DW) at their residence. These wind speeds were then compared to the actual peak wind gusts (APG) nearest to each resident’s location. Results show a significantly greater concern for wind and storm size, compared to other hazards (tornadoes, rainfall/flooding, storm surge, falling trees). The mean PMWS of evacuees was greater than the mean APG, suggesting widespread misperception of wind speeds. Furthermore, the mean APG was less than the mean DW, and the mean PMWS was also higher than the DW. Additional tests found no significant differences in wind perception between residents with previous storm experiences and no experience, and no significant differences between those who resided in mandatory evacuation zip codes and those who did not. These results suggest that wind speed risk is poorly understood, even though it is a high concern for evacuees from hurricanes. The communication of wind speed risk in forecasts should possibly be modified by placing greater emphasis on postlandfall impacts, wind speed decay after landfall, and wind speeds that cause damage to different types of residences.
Economic Effects of Climate Change in Alaska
Authors: Berman Matthew , Schmidt Jennifer I.
Published: December 2018

We summarize the potential nature and scope of economic effects of climate change in Alaska that have already occurred and are likely to become manifest over the next 30–50 years. We classified potential effects discussed in the literature into categories according to climate driver, type of environmental service affected, certainty and timing of the effects, and potential magnitude of economic consequences. We then described the nature of important economic effects and provided estimates of larger, more certain effects for which data were available. Largest economic effects were associated with costs to prevent damage, relocate, and replace infrastructure threatened by permafrost thaw, sea level rise, and coastal erosion. The costs to infrastructure were offset by a large projected reduction in space heating costs attributable to milder winters. Overall, we estimated that five relatively certain, large effects that could be readily quantified would impose an annual net cost of $340–$700 million, or 0.6%–1.3% of Alaska’s GDP. This significant, but relatively modest, net economic effect for Alaska as a whole obscures large regional disparities, as rural communities face large projected costs while more southerly urban residents experience net gains.
Honey as a Treatment in Otorhinolaryngology: A Review by Subspecialty
Authors: Tharakan Theresa , Bent John , Tavaluc Raluca
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

To provide an up-to-date review of honey’s effectiveness and potential applications in otorhinolaryngology.

Methods:

A literature search of the online databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted.

Results:

Sixty-three studies were identified within head and neck surgery (n = 23, 36%); pediatric otolaryngology (n = 18, 29%); rhinology, sinus, and skull base surgery (n = 11, 17%); otology (n = 6, 10%), facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (n = 3, 5%); and laryngology (n = 2, 3%). Studies included 6 meta-analyses, 44 randomized control trials, 5 case reports, and 8 animal models or in vitro studies. Of 55 clinical studies, 50 reported Level 1 evidence (prospective randomized control trials), and 5 reported Level 4 evidence (case series). The evidence level by subspecialty was: head and neck surgery (Level 1 n = 23), pediatrics (Level 1 n = 18), rhinology (Level 1 n = 7, level 4 n = 1), otology (Level 1 n = 1, Level 4 n = 3), facial plastics and reconstructive surgery (Level 4 n = 1), and laryngology (Level 1 n = 2).

Conclusions:

Honey can be used for a variety of otolaryngology conditions. The highest quality meta-analyses support oral honey for prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients, cough associated with upper respiratory infection in children, and pain control after tonsillectomy. Further research will likely justify broader applications.
Colorectal, cervical and prostate cancer screening in Australians with severe mental illness: Retrospective nation-wide cohort study
Authors: Tuesley Karen M , Jordan Susan J , Siskind Dan J , Kendall Bradley J , Kisely Steve
Published: December 2018

Objective:

People with severe mental illness have similar cancer incidence, but higher mortality than the general population. Participation in cancer screening may be a contributing factor but existing studies are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of colorectal, prostate and cervical cancer screening among people with and without severe mental illness in Australia, who have access to universal health care.

Methods:

We followed three cohorts using de-identified data from a random 10% sample of people registered for Australia’s universal health care system: those aged 50–69 years ( n = 760,058) for colorectal cancer screening; women aged 18–69 years ( n = 918,140) for cervical cancer screening and men aged 50–69 years ( n = 380,238) for prostate cancer screening. We used Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between severe mental illness and rates of faecal occult blood testing, pap smears and prostate-specific antigen testing.

Results:

Having severe mental illness was associated with a 17% reduction in rates of pap smear (incidence rate ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.84) and prostate-specific antigen testing (incidence rate ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.81–0.85), compared to the general population. By contrast, incidence rates of faecal occult blood testing were only lower in people with severe mental illness among the participants who visited their general practitioner less than an average of five times per year (incidence rate ratio = 0.83, 95% confidence interval = [0.73, 0.94]).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that differences in screening frequency may explain some of the mismatch between cancer incidence and mortality in people with severe mental illness and indicate that action is required to improve preventive screening in this very disadvantaged group.
Shared associations between histories of victimisation among people with eating disorder symptoms and higher weight
Authors: Mitchison Deborah , Bussey Kay , Touyz Stephen , Gonzalez-Chica David , Musker Michael , Stocks Nigel , Licinio Julio , Hay Phillipa
Published: December 2018

Background:

The success of integrated prevention initiatives for eating disorders and obesity is hampered by a lack of shared risk factor research. Bullying and sexual abuse are potentially potent shared risk factors for the spectrum of eating and weight disorders.

Methods:

A representative sample of N = 3005 South Australian males and females ≥15 years was interviewed about their height, weight, eating disorder symptoms, lifetime experiences of bullying and sexual abuse and mental and physical health-related quality of life.

Results:

Participants who were currently obese (25.2%) or underweight (2.7%) or who reported current eating disorder symptoms (32.7%) were between 10% and 27% more likely to have experienced bullying, and obese and eating disordered participants were also 47% and 56% more likely to have experienced sexual abuse, respectively. In regard to specific symptoms, a lifetime history of bullying was associated with increased risk of obesity, extreme dieting, purging and overvaluation of body weight and/or shape, whereas a lifetime history of sexual abuse was associated with increased risk of obesity, binge eating and extreme dieting and decreased risk of underweight. Lifetime histories of bullying and sexual abuse were associated with health-related quality of life impairment; however, lifetime bullying was associated with a greater adverse impact among participants with current eating disorder symptoms.

Conclusion:

Self-reported bullying and sexual abuse victimisation have shared associations with eating and weight spectrum problems. Differences in the symptoms associated with bullying versus sexual abuse are discussed, as well as the clinical and public health implications.
Unpacking the Narrative Decontestation of CSR: Aspiration for Change or Defense of the Status Quo?
Authors: Feix Aurélien , Philippe Déborah
Published: December 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has repeatedly been described as an “essentially contested concept,” which means that its signification is subject to continuous struggle. We argue that the “CSR institution” (CSRI; i.e., the set of standards and rules regulating corporate conduct under the banner of CSR) is legitimized by narratives which “decontest” the underlying concept of CSR in a manner that safeguards the CSRI from calls for alternative institutional arrangements. Examining several such narratives from a structuralist perspective, we find them to be permeated with six recurrent ambiguities that we show to be reflective of three deep-set taboos: the taboo of the noncongruency between corporate profit objectives and societal needs, the taboo of multinational firms’ continued contribution to the emergence of global socioenvironmental issues, and the taboo of the CSRI’s moderate results in solving these problems. We contend that the perpetuation of these taboos contributes to inhibiting substantial change in the way of doing business, and we sketch out possibilities for initiating a “recontestation” of CSR’s meaning.
The Effects of Financial Crisis on the Organizational Reputation of Banks: An Empirical Analysis of Newspaper Articles
Authors: Englert Mario R. , Koch Christopher , Wüstemann Jens
Published: December 2018

The recent financial crisis has triggered an intense debate about the role of banks in society, presumably changing the criteria used in the evaluation of organizations. Against this backdrop, we investigate the changing role of banks’ organizational features in shaping different dimensions of banks’ organizational reputation. Using the media as an important evaluator, we measure the reputational dimension of visibility based on the frequency of newspaper articles and the reputational dimension of favorability based on the sentiment of newspaper articles. Drawing on social judgment research for developing our hypotheses, we expect that organizational features such as financial performance and familiarity become more important determinants of organizational reputation in times of crisis. Our results support this expectation, suggesting stronger effects of these organizational features on the visibility and favorability of banks during a crisis. These findings provide novel empirical evidence on how the importance of drivers of organizational reputation changes in times of crisis and highlight areas for managerial attention.
Spontaneous Regression of Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevi, With a Halo Rim in 17 Children With Large Scalp and Trunk Nevi During 45 Years: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Margileth Andrew M.
Published: December 2018

Background. Prior reports on large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN) do not provide a clear management approach to physicians to advise parents or patients. Whether the presence of a halo around the nevus can guide management has not been fully explored. Design. Children born with an LCMN were observed without active intervention. Objectives. (1) To guide physicians, health providers, and parents in the management of CMN. (2) To ascertain the value of the absence or presence of a halo component of the nevi. (3) To reaffirm the diagnostic value of dermoscopy for evaluation of CMN. Materials and Methods. This was a clinical study of 45 children referred to our pediatric dermatology clinics from 1971 to- 2018. Results and Outcome. Of 45 children, 9 were lost to follow-up and 36 were followed for 6 months to 47 years. In follow-up of 17 children with a scalp CMN, spontaneous regression occurred in 6 patients. In follow-up of 5 children with a trunk LCMN, spontaneous regression occurred in 1 patient and excisional surgery was done in 4 patients. Quality of life was excellent in 35 children, but poor in 1 patient during multiple injections and excisions. Conclusions. A conservative approach to management of children with CMN, large and small, is safe, cost-effective, and results in excellent quality of life and cosmetic outcomes. Dermoscopy, a simple in-office procedure, can reassure the examiner that the congenital nevus is benign. A halo rim was present in 12 (80%) of 15 scalp CMN. The presence of a halo rim appears predictive of future regression of a CMN in the scalp or trunk.
Political Ecology and Contours of Vulnerability to Water Insecurity in Semiarid North-Eastern Ghana
Authors: Dinko Dinko Hanaan , Yaro Joseph , Kusimi John
Published: December 2018

Vulnerability to water insecurity in Ghana has often been characterised as a biophysical phenomenon that can be objectively solved using technical and rational approaches to manage water resources use and allocation – thus, making vulnerability to water security discourse politically neutral. Contesting this orthodoxy, this article shows the multiple mechanisms and structures that undergird vulnerability of households to water insecurity in semiarid Ghana. Vulnerability to water insecurity is often veiled in political and economic imbalances that constrain the choices of people in their daily water realities. We argue that a rigid fixation on the biophysical conceptualisation of water insecurity separates nature from society while simultaneously ignoring the lived insecurities resulting from the contours of power. Policy formulation based on this conceptualisation without addressing the access rights and differentiated vulnerabilities could be misleading while yielding minimal impact.
The Devil’s Haircut: Investor–State Disputes over Debt Restructuring
Authors: DiGiuseppe Matthew , Shea Patrick E.
Published: December 2018

When do private creditors versus debtor states accept a greater burden in resolving sovereign debt crises? In this study, we argue that distributive politics helps explain the “haircut”—or losses—private creditors take in debt restructuring cases. Despite the expected convergence of partisan policies in a globalized economy, we argue that right and left leaders extract different settlements in debt negotiations. Left governments, representing constituents most likely to be hurt from higher debt repayment, credibly demonstrate more bargaining power and extract greater concessions from creditors. Distributive politics, however, is an indeterminate factor in explaining states entrance into debt negotiations. We use recently released data on the outcome of sovereign debt restructuring cases between states and private creditors from 1975 to 2013 to test our expectations. Results from a double-hurdle model indicate that creditors receive a larger haircut when negotiating with left governments.
Ethnic and National Attachment in the Rainbow Nation: The Case of the Republic of South Africa
Authors: Sidanius Jim , Brubacher Michael , Silinda Fortunate
Published: December 2018

Previous work concerning the interface between racial and national identification within multiracial states has suggested that dominant racial groups tend to express a firmer grip on ownership of and identification with the nation than is the case for racial minorities. This can occur despite inclusionary political rhetoric to the contrary and within nations regarded as civic rather than ethnic states. In this article, we explored the degree to which there were asymmetries in the interface between racial and national identities within the nation of South Africa, a state whose current political dispensation was founded on the principles of racial pluralism. We examined a large sample of South African citizens from the four officially recognized racial categories: Africans, Whites, Coloreds, and Indian/Asians. The results showed mixed support for the idea of South Africa as a “Rainbow Nation.”