bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
South American Fomitiporia (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota) ‘jump on’ exotic living trees revealed by multi-gene phylogenetic analysis
Authors: MORERA GUILLERMO , ROBLEDO GERARDO , FERREIRA-LOPES VALERIA , URCELAY CARLOS
Published: September 2017

Morphological and molecular analyses of Fomitiporia neotropica specimens occurring in different native and exotic tree hosts were performed. For molecular analyses we used three markers (LSU, ITS and tef1-α). The molecular analyses revealed the existence of two morphologically similar species. One of them, Fomitiporia impercepta sp. nov., is described here. The phylogenetic position of these species reveals a South American origin and their occurrence on exotic living tree species hints at their capabilities of new host jump events in evolution. These species do not share same hosts suggesting they are not completely generalist wood-decay fungi.
Aulostemon (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae), a new genus from South Africa
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO , CRESPO MANUEL B. , PINTER MICHAEL , WETSCHNIG WOLFGANG
Published: September 2017

As part of a taxonomic revision of Hyacinthaceae subfamily Urgineoideae (Asparagaceae tribe Urgineeae) based on morphological and genetic data covering numerous samples from its whole range of distribution, we here describe a new genus from south-eastern South Africa. Aulostemon includes Drimia mzimvubuensis, a species recently placed in Sagittanthera. However, distinct morphological character states, especially regarding connation of stamen filaments to form a distinct tube that surrounds the gynoecium, the free anthers, the lack of bracteoles and its isolated phylogenetic position within subfamily Urgineoideae, support the description of the new genus.
New data on Iris pskemensis and its placement in Alatavia (Iridaceae)
Authors: CRESPO MANUEL B. , MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN MARIO , MAVRODIEV EUGENY V.
Published: September 2017

Iris pskemensis Rukšāns (2007: 363) was described on the basis of materials collected near Ihnachsai (Ikhnachsay) in the higher areas of Pskem mountain range (eastern Uzbekistan), which were propagated in Latvia. In the short protologue it was placed in Iris subg. Hermodactyloides Spach (1846: 16) and was briefly compared to I. kolpakowskiana Regel (1878: 263) and I. winkleri Regel (1883: 677), the two known members of I. sect. Monolepis (Rodionenko 1961: 205) Mathew (1989a: 87). However, in the recent comprehensive arrangement of the ‘Iris flower clade’, Crespo et al. (2015) transferred it into Iridodictyum Rodionenko (1961: 201).
Lectotypification of three Linnaean names in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)
Authors: SINGH RAJEEV KUMAR
Published: September 2017

The genus Impatiens Linnaeus (1753: 937) consists of about 1000 species, distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World as well as in the northern temperate regions (Mabberley 2008). In India there are about 215 species of Impatiens recorded so far, of which 142 species are endemic, and the highest diversity occurs in two regions, viz. the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats (Singh 2016a, 2016b, Singh & Garg 2016). During an ongoing study on the systematics of Impatiens in India, a total of 37 binomials have already been lectotypified and one neotypified previously (Singh 2016a, 2016b). Linnaeus (1753) published 7 names under Impatiens [Impatiens balsamina Linnaeus (1753: 938), I chinensis Linnaeus (1753: 937), I. cornuta Linnaeus (1753: 937), I. latifolia Linnaeus (1753: 937), I. oppositifolia Linnaeus (1753: 937), I. triflora Linnaeus (1753: 938) and I. noli-tangere Linnaeus (1753: 938)] in Species Plantarum. The names I. chinensis, I. cornuta and I. latifolia appear to be yet untypified and are investigated here as a part of systematic study of this genus in India. The designation of the nomenclatural type for these names is based on an assessment of Linnaeus’s original materials and the literature cited in protologue. The images of the selected lectotypes specimens at BM and LINN are available online (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/scientific-resources/collections/botanical-collections and http://linnean-online.org/linnaean_herbarium.html).
Coherent Structures in Large-Eddy Simulations of a Nonprecipitating Stratocumulus-Topped Boundary Layer
Authors: Davini Paolo , D’Andrea Fabio , Park Seung-Bu , Gentine Pierre
Published: September 2017

The properties of coherent convective structures are analyzed in a nonprecipitating marine nocturnal stratocumulus-topped boundary layer (STBL) with a series of high-resolution large-eddy simulations (LESs). A new classification method based on octant analysis—using vertical velocity and two passive scalars—is introduced to systematically define convective structures in both the cloudy and the cloud-free regions. It is therefore possible to detect and track updrafts, downdrafts, and their turbulent shells (both ascending and subsiding), together with the entraining air from the inversion layer or the free troposphere. The geometrical and thermodynamical characteristics (e.g., areal fraction, temperature, liquid and total water mixing ratio, buoyancy) of those structures are then accurately described, and particular attention is given to their respective contributions to the turbulent transport of mass, heat, and moisture. It is shown that updrafts, downdrafts, and entrainment are equally important to describe the STBL dynamics. Conversely, it is found that shells, although they partially contribute to the mass transport, have a negligible contribution to the turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture.
Multiscale Variability of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer during DYNAMO
Authors: Johnson Richard H. , Ciesielski Paul E.
Published: September 2017

Properties of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over the central Indian Ocean are investigated using sounding data obtained during the Dynamics of the MJO (DYNAMO) field campaign in 2011/12. Observations from Gan Island on Addu Atoll, the R/V Revelle, and Malé in the Maldives are used to determine the frequency of well-mixed layers and their mean thermodynamic and wind profiles. Well-mixed boundary layers or mixed layers were observed 68% of the time from the three sites, ranging from ~100-m depth in recovering convective downdraft wakes to ~925 m in undisturbed conditions, with a mean depth of 508 m. At Revelle, the site most representative of the open ocean, the ABL displayed a distinct signal of modulation by the October and November MJOs, with mixed-layer depths gradually increasing through the suppressed phases as the sea surface temperature (SST) increased leading up to the active phases, followed by frequent ABL stabilization and shallow mixed layers in recovering wakes. A distinct diurnal cycle of mixed-layer depths and properties was observed during the MJO suppressed phases in response to a diurnal cycle of the SST under the mostly light-wind, clear-sky conditions. The daytime growth of the mixed layer contributed to an afternoon maximum in cumulus cloud development and rainfall during the suppressed periods by allowing more boundary layer thermals to reach their condensation levels. The variability of the ABL on time scales ranging from convective to diurnal to monthly poses significant challenges for numerical simulations of the MJO and the tropical circulation in general.
Sensitivities of Summertime Mesoscale Circulations in the Coastal Carolinas to Modifications of the Kain–Fritsch Cumulus Parameterization
Authors: Sims Aaron P. , Alapaty Kiran , Raman Sethu
Published: September 2017

Two mesoscale circulations, the Sandhills circulation and the sea breeze, influence the initiation of deep convection over the Sandhills and the coast in the Carolinas during the summer months. The interaction of these two circulations causes additional convection in this coastal region. Accurate representation of mesoscale convection is difficult as numerical models have problems with the prediction of the timing, amount, and location of precipitation. To address this issue, the authors have incorporated modifications to the Kain–Fritsch (KF) convective parameterization scheme and evaluated these mesoscale interactions using a high-resolution numerical model. The modifications include changes to the subgrid-scale cloud formulation, the convective turnover time scale, and the formulation of the updraft entrainment rates. The use of a grid-scaling adjustment parameter modulates the impact of the KF scheme as a function of the horizontal grid spacing used in a simulation. Results indicate that the impact of this modified cumulus parameterization scheme is more effective on domains with coarser grid sizes. Other results include a decrease in surface and near-surface temperatures in areas of deep convection (due to the inclusion of the effects of subgrid-scale clouds on the radiation), improvement in the timing of convection, and an increase in the strength of deep convection.
Inadvertent Learning on a Portal Site: A Longitudinal Field Experiment
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuro , Hoshino Takahiro , Suzuki Takahisa
Published: September 2017

Shedding light on an apparent inconsistency between the conditional political learning model, which predicts a widening knowledge gap between news and entertainment seekers in high-choice media environments, and the evidence of inadvertent learning from major online outlets, we conducted a field experiment in a real-world setting that exogenously manipulated the relative proportions of news and entertainment in the headline section of a major portal site. Our 3-month experiment produced clear evidence of inadvertent learning among entertainment seekers. Entertainment seekers do not switch from a portal site to other websites, even when the choice of news is boosted, which in turn facilitates inadvertent learning and narrows the knowledge gap between news and entertainment seekers. Longitudinal analysis using a follow-up survey not only demonstrated that the inadvertent learning effect persisted even after 2 months of the experiment but also suggested that the effect spilled over to new learning opportunities.
Objective Assessment of Technical Skills in Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mercier Érika , Chagnon‐Monarque Ségolène , Lavigne François , Ayad Tareck
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The primary goal is the indexation of validated methods used to assess surgical competency in otorhinolaryngology–head and neck surgery (ORL‐HNS) residents. Secondary goals include assessment of the reliability and validity of these tools, as well as the documentation of specific procedures in ORL‐HNS involved.

Data Sources

MEDBASE, OVID, Medline, CINAHL, and EBM, as well as the printed references, available through the Université de Montréal library.

Review Methods

The PRISMA method was used to review digital and printed databases. Publications were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers, and selected articles were fully analyzed to classify evaluation methods and categorize them by procedure and subspecialty of ORL‐HNS involved. Reliability and validity were assessed and scored for each assessment tool.

Results

Through the review of 30 studies, 5 evaluation methods were described and validated to assess the surgical competency of ORL‐HNS residents. The evaluation method most often described was the combined Global Rating Scale and Task‐Specific Checklist tool. Reliability and validity for this tool were overall high; however, considerable data were unavailable. Eleven distinctive surgical procedures were studied, encompassing many subspecialties of ORL‐HNS: facial plastics, general ear‐nose‐throat, laryngology, otology, pediatrics, and rhinology.

Conclusions

Although assessment tools have been developed for an array of surgical procedures, involving most ORL‐HNS subspecialties, the use of combined checklists has been repeatedly validated in the literature and shown to be easily applicable in practice. It has been applied to many ORL‐HNS procedures but not in oncologic surgery to date.
Single‐Blinded Prospective Implementation of a Preoperative Imaging Checklist for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Error Marc , Ashby Shaelene , Orlandi Richard R. , Alt Jeremiah A.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine if the introduction of a systematic preoperative sinus computed tomography (CT) checklist improves identification of critical anatomic variations in sinus anatomy among patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design

Single‐blinded prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Otolaryngology residents were asked to identify critical surgical sinus anatomy on preoperative CT scans before and after introduction of a systematic approach to reviewing sinus CT scans. The percentage of correctly identified structures was documented and compared with a 2‐sample t test.

Results

A total of 57 scans were reviewed: 28 preimplementation and 29 postimplementation. Implementation of the sinus CT checklist improved identification of critical sinus anatomy from 24% to 84% correct (P <. 001). All residents, junior and senior, demonstrated significant improvement in identification of sinus anatomic variants, including those not directly included in the systematic review implemented.

Conclusion

The implementation of a preoperative endoscopic sinus surgery radiographic checklist improves identification of critical anatomic sinus variations in a training population.
Assessing syntactic sophistication in L2 writing: A usage-based approach
Authors: Kyle Kristopher , Crossley Scott
Published: September 2017

Over the past 45 years, the construct of syntactic sophistication has been assessed in L2 writing using what Bulté and Housen (2012) refer to as absolute complexity (Lu, 2011; Ortega, 2003; Wolfe-Quintero, Inagaki, & Kim, 1998). However, it has been argued that making inferences about learners based on absolute complexity indices (e.g., mean length of t-unit and mean length of clause) may be difficult, both from practical and theoretical perspectives (Norris & Ortega, 2009). Furthermore, indices of absolute complexity may not align with some prominent theories of language learning such as usage-based theories (e.g., Ellis, 2002a,b). This study introduces a corpus-based approach for measuring syntactic sophistication in L2 writing using a usage-based, frequency-driven perspective. Specifically, novel computational indices related to the frequency of verb argument constructions (VACs) and the strength of association between VACs and the verbs that fill them (i.e., verb–VAC combinations) are developed. These indices are then compared against traditional indices of syntactic complexity (e.g., mean length of T-unit and mean length of clause) with regard to their ability to model one aspect of holistic scores of writing quality in Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) independent essays. Indices related to usage-based theories of syntactic development explained greater variance (R2 = .142) in holistic scores of writing quality than traditional methods of assessing syntactic complexity (R2 = .058). The results have important implications for modeling syntactic sophistication, L2 writing assessment, and AES systems.
Dopamine supersensitivity psychosis in schizophrenia: Concepts and implications in clinical practice
Authors: Nakata Yusuke , Kanahara Nobuhisa , Iyo Masaomi
Published: September 2017

Dopamine supersensitivity psychosis (DSP) is observed in patients with schizophrenia under antipsychotic treatment, and it is characterized by rebound psychosis, an uncontrollable psychotic episode following a stable state and tardive dyskinesia. DSP, first described in patients taking typical antipsychotics in the late 1970s, sometimes appears even in patients who are treated with current atypical antipsychotics. It was recently demonstrated that DSP can have a negative impact on the long-term prognosis of schizophrenia patients and that DSP could be involved in the etiology of some cases of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Accumulating evidence suggests that an up-regulation of dopamine D2 receptors (DRD2) in the brain caused by long-term exposure to antipsychotics is related to the DSP phenomenon. The present review describes the clinical characteristics and the etiology of DSP in the era of second-generation antipsychotics for patients with schizophrenia. Based on the mechanism of DSP, several potential treatments for patients presenting with a DSP episode or the dopamine supersensitivity state are also discussed.
Effect of methylphenidate on visual responses in the superior colliculus in the anaesthetised rat: Role of cortical activation
Authors: Hetherington L , Dommett EJ , Turner AC , Riley TB , Haensel JX , Overton PG
Published: September 2017

The mechanism of action of psychostimulant drugs in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is still largely unknown, although recent evidence suggests one possibility is that the drugs affect the superior colliculus (SC). We have previously demonstrated that systemically administered d-amphetamine attenuates/abolishes visual responses to wholefield light flashes in the superficial layers of the SC in anaesthetised rats, and the present study sought to extend this work to methylphenidate (MPH). Anaesthetised rats were administered MPH at a range of doses (or saline) and subjected to monocular wholefield light flashes at two intensities, juxta-threshold and super-threshold. In contrast to d-amphetamine, systemic MPH produced an enhancement of visual activity at both intensities. Methylphenidate was also found to produce activation of the cortical EEG in anaesthetised rats. Furthermore, cortical activation induced by electrical stimulation of the pons was found to enhance visual responses in superficial layers of the SC, and when MPH was paired with pontine-induced cortical activation, the response-enhancing effects of MPH were substantially attenuated. Taken together, the results suggest that the enhancement of visual responses in the superficial layers of the SC by MPH in the anaesthetised rat is an artefact of the drug’s interaction with cortical arousal.
Radiosensitization by CpG ODN7909 in an epidermoid laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cell line
Authors: Wang Shu , Liu Xiaoqun , Qiao Tiankui , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2017

Objective

To evaluate the radiosensitivity effect of CpG oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) 7909 on human epidermoid cancer strain-2 (Hep-2) cells in vitro and discuss the potential for improved radiotherapy treatment in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Toll-like receptor ( TLR) 9 expression was assessed in Hep-2 cells using Western blots and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect Hep-2 cell viability at 24 and 48 h following treatment with different CpG ODN7909 concentrations. Cellular colonization was evaluated using microscopy. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate was determined with flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)-12 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Hep-2 cells were found to express TLR9, and CpG ODN7909 treatment suppressed Hep-2 cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cell survival curve analyses revealed a sensitivity enhancement ratio of the mean death dose of 1.225 for CpG ODN7909 plus irradiation versus irradiation alone. Furthermore, the population of Gap 2/mitotic-phase cells, apoptosis rate and secreted IL-12 and TNF-α levels were significantly increased in Hep-2 cells treated with CpG ODN7909 plus irradiation versus IR alone.

Conclusion

CpG ODN7909 enhanced the radiosensitivity of Hep-2 cells in vitro.
Using multiple classifiers for predicting the risk of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair re-intervention through hybrid feature selection
Authors: Attallah Omneya , Karthikesalingam Alan , Holt Peter JE , Thompson Matthew M , Sayers Rob , Bown Matthew J , Choke Eddie C , Ma Xianghong
Published: September 2017

Feature selection is essential in medical area; however, its process becomes complicated with the presence of censoring which is the unique character of survival analysis. Most survival feature selection methods are based on Cox’s proportional hazard model, though machine learning classifiers are preferred. They are less employed in survival analysis due to censoring which prevents them from directly being used to survival data. Among the few work that employed machine learning classifiers, partial logistic artificial neural network with auto-relevance determination is a well-known method that deals with censoring and perform feature selection for survival data. However, it depends on data replication to handle censoring which leads to unbalanced and biased prediction results especially in highly censored data. Other methods cannot deal with high censoring. Therefore, in this article, a new hybrid feature selection method is proposed which presents a solution to high level censoring. It combines support vector machine, neural network, and K-nearest neighbor classifiers using simple majority voting and a new weighted majority voting method based on survival metric to construct a multiple classifier system. The new hybrid feature selection process uses multiple classifier system as a wrapper method and merges it with iterated feature ranking filter method to further reduce features. Two endovascular aortic repair datasets containing 91% censored patients collected from two centers were used to construct a multicenter study to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The results showed the proposed technique outperformed individual classifiers and variable selection methods based on Cox’s model such as Akaike and Bayesian information criterions and least absolute shrinkage and selector operator in p values of the log-rank test, sensitivity, and concordance index. This indicates that the proposed classifier is more powerful in correctly predicting the risk of re-intervention enabling doctor in selecting patients’ future follow-up plan.
Gay and Lesbian Parents
Authors: Lassiter Pamela S. , Gutierrez Daniel , Dew Brian J. , Abrams Lyndon P.
Published: September 2017

Wellness, outness, and sexual orientation identity were examined across multiple demographic categories in a large sample of gay and lesbian parents. No significant differences were found in terms of wellness. However, gay male parents reported higher need for protection, acceptance, internalized homophobia, and more difficult process of identity formation. Older parents reported a more difficult coming out process. Parents of color were less out to their faith communities, had higher identity confusion, but lower need for privacy.
Determinants of Airbnb demand in Vienna and their implications for the traditional accommodation industry
Authors: Gunter Ulrich , Önder Irem
Published: September 2017

This study identifies key determinants of Airbnb demand and quantifies their marginal contributions in terms of demand elasticities. A comprehensive cross-sectional data set of all Viennese Airbnb listings that were active between July 2015 and June 2016 is examined. Estimation results, which are obtained by cluster-robust ordinary least squares, show that Airbnb demand in Vienna is price-inelastic. Significant positive drivers include listing size, number of photos, and responsiveness of the host. Significant negative drivers include listing price, distance from the city center, and response time of the host. Implications for the traditional accommodation industry are that, on the one hand, it should better communicate its sought-after advantages (e.g. lower average minimum duration of stay). On the other hand, it should increase its offer of bigger and better equipped hotel rooms since hosting more than two guests at a time is one of the major benefits of Airbnb.
Young Indonesian Musicians, Strategic Social Capital, Reflexivity, and Timing
Authors: Rahadianto Sutopo Oki , Threadgold Steven , Nilan Pam
Published: September 2017

In this article, we draw on a study of the transition experiences of young Indonesian musicians to argue that the social capital of creative youth may be productively understood in relation to reflexivity and temporality. This is particularly important if they move to other locations to further their careers. In brief, we offer three key contributions to social capital debates. First, social capital—as defined by Bourdieu—is most important as a valuable form of capital to deal with both actual and anticipated Beckian risk. Second, in fields of creative struggle, the development of social capital is closely related to possession of strategy and reflexivity as a form of cultural capital. Third, social capital cannot be operationalized effectively by youth without the element of timing and the temporal capacity to reflexively recognize and seize opportunities as they arise at critical moments of a creative career.
Blogging With a Mission, Blogging Within a System: Chinese Government-organized NGOs, Corporate-organized NGOs, Grassroots, and Student Organizations on Weibo
Authors: Zhou Huiquan , Pan Quanxiao
Published: September 2017

By analyzing 155 rural education nongovernmental organizations’ posting behavior on one of China’s largest social media platforms, Sina Weibo, we show that organizations with different backgrounds (government, corporate, grassroots, and student) behave differently. While organizational information technology capacity influences update frequency, organizational background influences the preference for informational, dialogic, or promotional posts.
Hysteresis behavior of traditional timber structures by full-scale tests
Authors: Chen Jinyong , Chen Yohchia Frank , Shi Xiwang , Zhao Yanxia , Li Tieying
Published: September 2017

To study the seismic response of a traditional timber structure in China, a full-scale model capturing the main characteristics of a representative ancient Chinese wooden structure in Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) was established and tested considering three different levels of vertical loads, which is one-story sophisticated timber structure consisting of four columns and Dou- gong sets. A swing column was used to apply the synchronous horizontal force. Tests under the low-cyclic loading were performed considering three levels of vertical load to reveal the hysteretic behavior of the historic buildings. Based on the observed characteristics from restoring forces, the ancient wooden structure appears to have a good ductility despite of its low inherent energy dissipation capability. Based on the test results, the following relationships are established: loads versus displacements with key turning points, the loads at the key points versus the roof weights, the displacements at the key points with the column diameter, and structural stiffness versus ductility. Finally, a limiting value of drift angle for structural design and the equivalent viscous damping and ductility factor for dynamical response analysis are proposed.
What patients think about choice in healthcare? A study on primary care services in Finland
Authors: Aalto Anna-Mari , Elovainio Marko , Tynkkynen Liina-Kaisa , Reissell Eeva , Vehko Tuulikki , Chydenius Miisa , Sinervo Timo
Published: September 2017

Background: The ongoing Finnish health and social service reform will expand choice by opening the market for competition between public and private service providers. This study examined the attitudes of primary care patients towards choice and which patient-related factors are associated with these attitudes. Methods: A sample of attenders during one week in health centres of 12 big cities and municipal consortiums (including seven outsourced local units) and in primary care units of one private company providing outsourced services for municipalities (aged 18−95, n=8128) was used. The questionnaire included questions on choice-related attitudes, sociodemographic factors, health status, use of health services and patient satisfaction. Results: Of the responders, 77% regarded choice to be important, 49% perceived genuine opportunities to make choices and 35% were satisfied with the choice-relevant information. Higher age, low education, having a chronic illness, frequent use of services, having a personal physician and being satisfied with the physician and with waiting times were related to assigning more importance on choice. Younger patients, those with higher education as well as those with chronic illness regarded their opportunities of choosing the service provider and availability of choice-relevant information poorer. Conclusions: The Finnish primary care patients value choice, but they are critical of the availability of choice-relevant information. Choices of patients with complex health care needs should be supported by developing integrated care alternatives and by increasing the availability of information on existing care alternatives to meet their needs.
Triple-injection strategy for model-based control of premixed charge compression ignition diesel engine combustion
Authors: Korkmaz Metin , Zweigel René , Jochim Bernhard , Beeckmann Joachim , Abel Dirk , Pitsch Heinz
Published: September 2017

Low-temperature combustion concepts are of great interest due to their potential to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and soot simultaneously. However, low-temperature combustion often leads to an increase in total unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Furthermore, combustion sound level becomes a challenge, especially at higher loads. Various studies show that these drawbacks can be compensated by advanced injection strategies, for example, split injections. In this study, a significantly modified triple-injection approach is proposed. First, the corresponding impact on engine performance is evaluated at stationary conditions, and second, its observed advantages are evaluated at transient operation. Stationary results show that NOx, soot, and combustion sound level are simultaneously reduced without losses in fuel efficiency and without any remarkable rise in total unburnt hydrocarbon as well as carbon monoxide emissions, satisfying Euro 6 emission regulations. Under transient conditions, model-based predictive control of the engine, which allows for reliable steady-state measurements and permits validation tests at transient operating points, is successfully demonstrated for single and triple injection. With both injection strategies, control of indicated mean effective pressure, combustion phasing (CA50 (crank angle (CA) when 50% fuel is consumed)), and NOx emissions is achieved. As a result of this work, the identified optimal triple-injection strategy leads to lower total unburnt hydrocarbon emissions and to significantly reduced combustion sound level at the same level for NOx emissions in comparison with the single-injection approach. Thus, the proposed triple-injection strategy combined with sophisticated model-based control is a promising concept for future engine emission control.
Use of Synchrotron Radiation to Accurately Assess Cross-Sectional Area Reduction of the Aortic Branch Ostia Caused by Suprarenal Stent Wires
Authors: Sun Zhonghua , Ng Curtise K. C.
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To compare in vivo the use of synchrotron radiation to computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the measurement of cross-sectional area (CSA) reduction of the aortic branch ostia caused by suprarenal stent-graft wires. Methods: This study was performed with a Zenith stent-graft placed in a phantom of the human aorta to simulate treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Synchrotron radiation scans were performed using beam energies between 40 and 100 keV and spatial resolution of 19.88 μm per pixel. CSA reduction of the aortic branch ostia by suprarenal stent wires was calculated based on these exposure factors and compared with measurements from CTA images acquired on a 64-row scanner with slice thicknesses of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm. Results: Images acquired with synchrotron radiation showed <10% of the CSA occupied by stent wires when a single wire crossed a renal artery ostium and <20% for 2 wires crossing a renovisceral branch ostium. The corresponding areas ranged from 24% to 25% for a single wire and from 40% to 48% for double wires crossing the branch ostia when measured on CT images. The stent wire was accurately assessed on synchrotron radiation with a diameter between 0.38±0.01 and 0.53±0.03 mm, which is close to the actual size of 0.47±0.01 mm. The wire diameter measured on CT images was greatly overestimated (1.15±0.01 to 1.57±0.02 mm). Conclusion: CTA has inferior spatial resolution that hinders accurate assessment of CSA reduction. This experiment demonstrated the superiority of synchrotron radiation over CTA for more accurate assessment of aortic stent wires and CSA reduction of the aortic branch ostia.
Corruption in Latin America
Authors: Ramos Miguel R. , Moriconi Marcelo
Published: September 2017

Latin America has experienced a series of recent corruption scandals, resulting in an unprecedented uncertainty in political leadership across the whole region. Within this context, we have conducted a survey study comprising nine countries in Latin America ( n = 1,250) examining the stereotype content of politicians. We tested a dual effects model in which the stereotypes of politicians were predicted to shape perceptions of justice directly and indirectly through the activation of affect. Our findings revealed that politicians tended to be stereotyped with negative morality traits and with a certain degree of negativity across other stereotype dimensions. Results supported a positive direct effect of morality on perceived justice and a positive indirect effect through the activation of affect. We discuss the implications of these findings for the current political context in Latin America and also for our understanding of perceptions about politicians and their relationship with leader and power legitimacy.
Balloon dilation for the treatment of nasopharyngeal stenosis in seven cats
Authors: Pollack Stefeny Z , Chapman Peter S , Klag Alan
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dilation for the treatment of nasopharyngeal stenosis in cats.

Methods

The medical records of seven cats with nasopharyngeal stenosis treated with balloon dilation were reviewed. The most common presenting clinical signs included upper airway noise, sneezing, nasal and/or ocular discharge. All seven cats were confirmed to have nasopharyngeal stenosis via nasopharyngeal endoscopy and were treated with balloon dilation under endoscopic guidance.

Results

All seven cats had acceptable short-term control (median 14 days) of clinical signs after the procedure. Two of six cats had successful long-term control (median 34 days) of clinical signs after one balloon dilation and an additional 2/6 cats had acceptable long-term control of clinical signs after a second balloon dilation procedure. The most significant complication of balloon dilation was the recurrence of stenosis.

Conclusions and relevance

The findings of this study indicate that balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment option for the relief of clinical signs associated with nasopharyngeal stenosis in cats. Multiple procedures may be necessary for the best chance of long-term success.
Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium species among household cats and pet shop kittens in Japan
Authors: Ito Yoichi , Itoh Naoyuki , Iijima Yuko , Kimura Yuya
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To address the lack of up-to-date published data, the present study evaluates the PCR-based prevalence of Cryptosporidium species infection and molecular characteristics of isolates among household cats and pet shop kittens in Japan.

Methods

A total of 357 and 329 fresh faecal samples were collected from household cats and pet shop kittens, respectively, with or without clinical signs of infection. A nested PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene was employed for the detection of Cryptosporidium species. After specific DNA fragments (approximately 826 base pairs) were confirmed, the amplicons were sequenced to determine species.

Results

Seven (2.0%) household cats and one (0.3%) pet shop kitten tested positive for the presence of Cryptosporidium species. In household cats, there was a significant difference in prevalence between cats aged <1 year (4.6%) and those aged ⩾1 year (0.4%). No significantly different prevalence was observed with regard to faecal condition in either household cats or pet shop kittens. A total of eight Cryptosporidium species isolates, seven from household cats and one from a pet shop kitten, were identified as Cryptosporidium felis.

Conclusions and relevance

The present study demonstrates the risk of zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium species from household cats and pet shop kittens to humans is low in Japan.
The impact of comorbidities on the management and prognosis of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Wei-Fan , Yang Yi-Hsin
Published: September 2017

Background:

Comorbidity is often associated with negative outcome of prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and impact of comorbidities in a retrospective nationwide population-based study of patients with oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers in Taiwan.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 4733 oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients diagnosed in the period 2007–2010 were identified through the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) database. By linking this data set to the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and the Death Registry (DR), information on comorbidity and cause of death was obtained and adapted to the Charlson’s comorbidity index (CCI). The influence of comorbidity on overall survival and cancer-related death was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regressions.

Results:

There were 23.5% of patients with comorbidities during the year before cancer diagnosis. Patients with comorbidities are associated with lower survival rates for stage 3 and for oropharynx. Although there was a tendency that patients with comorbidities received less curative treatment within the same cancer stage, the statistical significance was not reached. The data suggest having a co-morbidity condition had a significant effect on all-cause death (age and gender adjusted hazard ratios = 0.68-0.40) but no significance in cancer-related deaths.

Conclusion:

The cancer management was not significantly different between patients’ comorbidity conditions. However, the larger differences between all-cause and cancer-specific survival rates in certain treatment groups emphasize the importance of managing other medical conditions in cancer patients.
An Unusual Combination of Truncus Arteriosus, Interrupted Aortic Arch, and Hypoplastic Left Ventricle
Authors: Marathe Supreet P. , Naganur Sanjeev H. , Menon Sabarinath , Orr Yishay , Cooper Stephen G. , Winlaw David S.
Published: September 2017

Truncus arteriosus (common arterial trunk) is known to be associated with interrupted aortic arch in 10% to 15% of cases. However, the association of either of these lesions with a hypoplastic left ventricle is rare. The combination of all three of these lesions along with an intact interventricular septum is virtually unknown with only two cases reported in the literature. We report such a case with its anatomical and surgical management aspects.
Entry Characteristics and Participation in a Peer Learning Program as Predictors of First-Year Students’ Achievement, Retention, and Degree Completion
Authors: van der Meer Jacques , Wass Rob , Scott Stephen , Kokaua Jesse
Published: September 2017

Success in the first year of higher education is important for students’ retention beyond their first year and for completion of their undergraduate degree. Institutions therefore typically front-load resources and interventions in the first year. One such intervention is the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) program. This program is known in the United States as Supplemental Instruction. It provides first-year students with an opportunity to learn study skills in the context of a particular unit of study (course/module). In this article, we consider the relationship between students’ prior academic achievement and participation in the PASS program, as well as the impact of participation on first-year students’ first-year grade point average, retention, and degree completion. The findings suggest that PASS does not just attract academically high-achieving students and that participation in it contributes to students’ academic achievement in their first year, retention beyond the first year, and completion of an undergraduate degree.
‘Doc, can I fly to Australia?’ A case report and review of delirium following long-haul flight
Authors: McCabe Thomas
Published: September 2017

Air travel is now a common feature of most of our elderly population's lives. There is little by way of warnings, rules or recommendations for our patients with psychiatric diagnoses, in particular dementia, who intend to travel by plane, in contrast to other specialties. In this article I highlight an adverse outcome of long-haul air travel as a result of delirium and resulting accelerated decline in overall cognitive function. I review literature related to the topic and suggest ways to minimise precipitating factors for stressors prior to and during flights. This article suggests that more thought should be given to the title question.
Capacityin vacuo: An audit of decision-making capacity assessments in a liaison psychiatry service
Authors: Spencer Benjamin W. J. , Wilson Gareth , Okon-Rocha Ewa , Owen Gareth S. , Jones Charlotte Wilson
Published: September 2017

Aims and method

We aimed to audit the documentation of decision-making capacity (DMC) assessments by our liaison psychiatry service against the legal criteria set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We audited 3 months split over a 2-year period occurring before, during and after an educational intervention to staff.

Results

There were 21 assessments of DMC in month 1 (6.9% of all referrals), 27 (9.7%) in month 16, and 24 (6.6%) in month 21. Only during the intervention (month 16) did any meet our gold-standard (n= 2). Severity of consequences of the decision (odds ratio (OR) 24.4) and not agreeing to the intervention (OR = 21.8) were highly likely to result in lacking DMC.

Clinical implications

Our audit demonstrated that DMC assessments were infrequent and poorly documented, with no effect of our legally focused educational intervention demonstrated. Our findings of factors associated with the outcome of the assessment of DMC confirm the anecdotal beliefs in this area. Clinicians and service leads need to carefully consider how to make the legal model of DMC more meaningful to clinicians when striving to improve documentation of DMC assessments.
Preexisting Cardiovascular Risk and Subsequent Heart Failure Among Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors
Authors: Salz Talya , Zabor Emily C. , de Nully Brown Peter , Dalton Susanne Oksberg , Raghunathan Nirupa J. , Matasar Matthew J. , Steingart Richard , Vickers Andrew J. , Svenssen Munksgaard Peter , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Johansen Christoffer
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The use of anthracycline chemotherapy is associated with heart failure (HF) among survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We aimed to understand the contribution of preexisting cardiovascular risk factors to HF risk among NHL survivors.

Methods

Using Danish registries, we identified adults diagnosed with aggressive NHL from 2000 to 2010 and sex- and age-matched general-population controls. We assessed HF from 9 months after diagnosis through 2012. We used Cox regression analysis to assess differences in risk for HF between survivors and general population controls. Among survivors only, preexisting cardiovascular factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes) and preexisting cardiovascular disease were ascertained. We used multivariable Cox regression to model the association of preexisting cardiovascular conditions on subsequent HF.

Results

Among 2,508 survivors of NHL and 7,399 controls, there was a 42% increased risk of HF among survivors compared with general population controls (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.88). Among survivors (median age at diagnosis, 62 years; 56% male), 115 were diagnosed with HF during follow-up (median years of follow-up, 2.5). Before NHL diagnosis, 39% had ≥ 1 cardiovascular risk factor; 92% of survivors were treated with anthracycline-containing regimens. In multivariable analysis, intrinsic heart disease diagnosed before lymphoma was associated with increased risk of HF (HR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.15 to 6.36), whereas preexisting vascular disease had no association with HF ( P > .05). Survivors with cardiovascular risk factors had an increased risk of HF compared with those with none (for 1 v 0 cardiovascular risk factors: HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.47; for ≥ 2 v 0 cardiovascular risk factors: HR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.56 to 5.23; joint P < .01).

Conclusion

In a large, population-based cohort of NHL survivors, preexisting cardiovascular conditions were associated with increased risk of HF. Preventive approaches should take baseline cardiovascular health into account.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial of Selenium in Graves Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Kahaly George J , Riedl Michaela , König Jochem , Diana Tanja , Schomburg Lutz
Published: September 2017

Context

Supplemental selenium (Se) may affect the clinical course of Graves disease (GD).

Objective

Evaluate efficacy of add-on Se on medical treatment in GD.

Design

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized supplementation trial.

Setting

Academic endocrine outpatient clinic.

Patients

Seventy untreated hyperthyroid patients with GD.

Intervention

Additionally to methimazole (MMI), patients received for 24 weeks either sodium selenite 300 µg/d po or placebo. MMI was discontinued at 24 weeks in euthyroid patients.

Main Outcome Measures

Response rate (week 24), recurrence rate (week 36), and safety.

Results

A response was registered in 25 of 31 patients (80%) and in 27 of 33 (82%) at week 24 [odds ratio (OR) 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.26 to 3.25; P = 0.904] in the Se (+MMI) and placebo (+MMI) groups, respectively. During a 12-week follow-up, 11 of 23 (48%) and 12 of 27 (44%) relapsed (OR 1.13; 95% CI, 0.29 to 2.66; P = 0.81) in the Se and placebo groups, respectively. Serum concentrations of Se and selenoprotein P were unrelated to response or recurrence rates. At week 36, 12 of 29 (41%) and 15 of 33 (45%) were responders and still in remission in the Se and placebo groups, respectively (OR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.31 to 2.32; P = 0.80). Serum levels of free triiodothyronine/free tetraiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody, prevalence of moderate to severe Graves orbitopathy, thyroid volume, and MMI starting dose were significantly lower in responders than in nonresponders. A total of 56 and 63 adverse events occurred in the Se and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.164), whereas only one drug-related side effect (2.9%) was noted in 35 patients on placebo + MMI.

Conclusions

Supplemental Se did not affect response or recurrence rates in GD.