bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escherichia fergusonii Associated with Pneumonia in a Beef Cow
Authors: Rimoldi Guillermo M. , Moeller Robert B.
Published: December 2013

An adult Angus cow developed hyperthermia, prostration, and respiratory distress, dying 36 hours after the onset of clinical signs. The main finding during postmortem examination was a severe focally extensive pneumonia. Icterus and a chronic mastitis were also noticed. Histologic examination of the lungs detected fibrinonecrotic pneumonia, with large number of oat cells and intralesional Gram-negative bacterial colonies. Samples from lung lesions were collected, and a pure growth of Escherichia fergusonii was obtained. E. fergusonii is a member of Enterobacteriaceae, related to Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. In veterinary medicine, E. fergusonii has been reported in calves and sheep with clinical cases suggestive of salmonellosis; in a horse and a goat with enteritis and septicemia; and in ostriches with fibrinonecrotic typhlitis. To our knowledge, this report represents the first description of E. fergusonii associated with an acute pneumonia in cattle.
Nonadherence Factors and Sociodemographic Characteristics of HIV-Infected Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
Authors: Okoronkwo Ijeoma , Okeke Uchenna , Chinweuba Anthonia , Iheanacho Peace
Published: November 2013

Adherence to treatment instructions with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is very crucial for successful treatment outcome. However, sticking to treatment instructions pose-great challenges to HIV/AIDS patients. This cross-sectional study was on HIV infected adults attending ART clinic in Nigeria to explore nonadherence factors in relation to their socioeconomic characteristics. Validated structured questionnaire was administered to 221 participants. Results showed a high nonadherence rate of 85.1%. The commonest occurring factors of non-adherence were forgetfulness (53.8%), busy schedule (38.8%), side effects of drugs (31.9%), and stigma (31.9%). Males were more likely to complain from busy schedule, feeling healthy, fear of partner disclosure, long waiting period, and long term regimen. Patients with no formal education were more likely to attribute non-adherence to poor communication, side effects of drugs, and stigma. Employed patients seemed to miss their drugs more than the unemployed and artisans. The high non-adherence rate has serious implications for the control of HIV in infected individuals and management of HIV in general. Nurses should intensify efforts on patient education and counseling.
Compensatory Functions and Interdependency of the DNA-Binding Domain of BRCA2 with the BRCA1–PALB2–BRCA2 Complex
Authors: Al Abo Muthana , Dejsuphong Donniphat , Hirota Kouji , Yonetani Yasukazu , Yamazoe Mitsuyoshi , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Takeda Shunichi
Published: November 2013

BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 are key players in cellular tolerance to chemotherapeutic agents, including camptothecin, cisplatin, and PARP inhibitor. The N-terminal segment of BRCA2 interacts with PALB2, thus contributing to the formation of the BRCA1–PALB2–BRCA2 complex. To understand the role played by BRCA2 in this complex, we deleted its N-terminal segment and generated BRCA2ΔN mutant cells. Although previous studies have suggested that BRCA1–PALB2 plays a role in the recruitment of BRCA2 to DNA-damage sites, BRCA2ΔN mutant cells displayed a considerably milder phenotype than did BRCA2−/− null-deficient cells. We hypothesized that the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of BRCA2 might compensate for a defect in BRCA2ΔN that prevented stable interaction with PALB2. To test this hypothesis, we disrupted the DBD of BRCA2 in wild-type and BRCA2ΔN cells. Remarkably, although the resulting BRCA2ΔDBD cells displayed a moderate phenotype, the BRCA2ΔN+ΔDBD cells displayed a very severe phenotype, as did the BRCA2−/− cells, suggesting that the N-terminal segment and the DBD play a substantially overlapping role in the functionality of BRCA2. We also showed that the formation of both the BRCA1–PALB2–BRCA2 complex and the DBD is required for efficient recruitment of BRCA2 to DNA-damage sites. Our study revealed the essential role played by both the BRCA1–PALB2–BRCA2 complex and the DBD in the functionality of BRCA2, as each can compensate for the other in the recruitment of BRCA2 to DNA-damage sites. This knowledge adds to our ability to accurately predict the efficacy of antimalignant therapies for patients carrying mutations in the BRCA2 gene. Cancer Res; 74(3); 797–807. ©2013 AACR.
Increased Rate of Phenocopies in All Age Groups in BRCA1/BRCA2 Mutation Kindred, but Increased Prospective Breast Cancer Risk Is Confined to BRCA2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Evans D. Gareth R. , Ingham Sarah L. , Buchan Iain , Woodward Emma R. , Byers Helen , Howell Anthony , Maher Eamonn R. , Newman William G. , Lalloo Fiona
Published: November 2013

Background: To establish, if among unaffected noncarrier relatives in a family with an established BRCA1/2 mutation, there is an increased risk of breast cancer.

Methods: We identified 49 women with breast cancer who were first-degree relatives of a pathogenic mutation carrier among 807 BRCA1/2 families but who tested negative for the specific mutation. A prospective analysis of breast cancer from date of family ascertainment was performed for first-degree relatives of proven BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and compared with population-expected incidence rates.

Results: Women who prospectively test negative for BRCA1/2 mutations showed excess risk of breast cancer to be confined to BRCA2 noncarriers with an observed:expected (O/E) ratio of 4.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.50–7.67; P < 0.0001; O/E in BRCA1 noncarriers, 1.77]; this dropped to 2.01 for BRCA2 [relative risk (RR), 1.99; 95% CI, 0.54–5.10] from date of predictive test. Genotyping of 18 breast cancer susceptibility single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) defined an RR of 1.31 for BRCA2 breast cancer phenocopies with a breast cancer diagnosis at age less than 60 years.

Conclusion: Noncarriers remain at risk in the prospective follow-up of women who tested negative for BRCA1/2. Women testing negative in BRCA2 families may have increased risk of breast cancer compared with population levels, particularly with strong breast cancer history in close relatives. Any increased risk in BRCA1 families is likely to be insufficient to recommend additional interventions.

Impact: Our work can help with counseling women from BRCA1/2 families who have tested negative, and could impact on how individual breast cancer risk is related back to these women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(12); 2269–76. ©2013 AACR.
Identification of a Subset of Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with High PI3Kβ and Low PTEN Expression, More Prevalent in Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cumberbatch Marie , Tang Ximing , Beran Garry , Eckersley Sonia , Wang Xin , Ellston Rebecca P.A. , Dearden Simon , Cosulich Sabina , Smith Paul D. , Behrens Carmen , Kim Edward S. , Su Xinying , Fan Shuqiong , Gray Neil , Blowers David P. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Womack Chris
Published: November 2013

Purpose: The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is a major oncogenic signaling pathway and an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Signaling through the PI3K pathway is moderated by the tumor suppressor PTEN, which is deficient or mutated in many human cancers. Molecular characterization of the PI3K signaling network has not been well defined in lung cancer; in particular, the role of PI3Kβ and its relation to PTEN in non–small cell lung cancer NSCLC remain unclear.

Experimental Design: Antibodies directed against PI3Kβ and PTEN were validated and used to examine, by immunohistochemistry, expression in 240 NSCLC resection tissues [tissue microarray (TMA) set 1]. Preliminary observations were extended to an independent set of tissues (TMA set 2) comprising 820 NSCLC patient samples analyzed in a separate laboratory applying the same validated antibodies and staining protocols. The staining intensities for PI3Kβ and PTEN were explored and colocalization of these markers in individual tumor cores were correlated.

Results: PI3Kβ expression was elevated significantly in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared with adenocarcinomas. In contrast, PTEN loss was greater in SCC than in adenocarcinoma. Detailed correlative analyses of individual patient samples revealed a significantly greater proportion of SCC in TMA set 1 with higher PI3Kβ and lower PTEN expression when compared with adenocarcinoma. These findings were reinforced following independent analyses of TMA set 2.

Conclusions: We identify for the first time a subset of NSCLC more prevalent in SCC, with elevated expression of PI3Kβ accompanied by a reduction/loss of PTEN, for whom selective PI3Kβ inhibitors may be predicted to achieve greater clinical benefit. Clin Cancer Res; 20(3); 595–603. ©2013 AACR.
Optimization of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure by Volumetric Capnography Variables in Lavage-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Yang Yi , Huang Yingzi , Tang Rui , Chen Qiuhua , Hui Xia , Li Yang , Yu Qing , Zhao Hongjie , Qiu Haibo
Published: November 2013

Background: In the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung-protective ventilation strategies combine the delivery of small tidal volumes (VT) with sufficient positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). However, an optimal approach guiding the setting of PEEP has not been defined. Monitoring volumetric capnography is useful to detect changes in lung aeration. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether volumetric capnography may be a useful method to determine the optimal PEEP in ARDS. Methods: In 8 lung-lavaged piglets, PEEP was reduced from 20 to 4 cm H2O in steps of 4 cm H2O every 10 min followed by full lung recruitment. Volumetric capnography, respiratory mechanics, blood gas analysis, hemodynamic data and whole-lung computed tomography scans were obtained at each PEEP level. Results: After lung recruitment, end-expiratory lung volume progressively decreased from 1,160 ± 273 ml at PEEP 20 cm H2O to 314 ± 86 ml at PEEP 4 cm H2O. The ratio of alveolar dead space (VDalv) to alveolar VT (VTalv) and the phase III slope of volumetric capnography (SIII) reached a minimum at PEEP 16 cm H2O. At this PEEP level, overaerated lung regions were significantly reduced, nonaerated lung regions did not increase, and partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) and static respiratory system compliance (Crs) reached a maximum. At PEEP levels <16 cm H2O, nonaerated lung regions significantly increased, P/F and Crs deteriorated, and VDalv/VTalv and SIII began to increase. Conclusions: In this surfactant-depleted model, PEEP at the lowest VDalv/VTalv and SIII allows an optimal balance between lung overinflation and collapse. Hence, volumetric capnography is a useful bedside approach to identify the optimal PEEP.
Visual Eyes: A Quantitative Analysis of the Photoreceptor Layer in Deep-Sea Sharks
Authors: Newman Amy S. , Marshall Justin N. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: December 2013

The marine environment presents unique visual challenges for a range of organisms, particularly those dwelling at great depths, where sunlight may either be absent or drop to very low levels. Under these environmental conditions, the visual system must maximise light absorption in order to enhance the detection of prey, predators and potential mates. Using stereological analysis of retinal wholemounts, the distribution and number of photoreceptors (rods) was determined for 5 deep-sea shark species from a range of depths (46-1,500 m). All species possessed areas of increased photoreceptor density (with peaks between 41,000 and 82,000 rods/mm2) within discrete regions of the retina. The total number of rods in the photoreceptor layer also varied between 17 × 106 and 63 × 106. It is evident that increasing sensitivity of the retina is an important adaptation to life in the deep sea. The location of discrete areas of high cell density within the photoreceptor layer of the retina corresponds to discrete areas of the visual field that are sampled at a higher intensity, hence increasing sensitivity. The location of these areas of increased sensitivity differed between the species of this study. The disparity of areas of increased sensitivity seen between species is thought to reflect distinctive predator avoidance and prey capture strategies. This study reveals that the visual demands of deep-sea sharks vary interspecifically and that sampling of each species' visual field is not solely determined by its habitat.
Association Analysis of Ten Candidate Genes in a Large Multinational Cohort of Small for Gestational Age Children and Children with Idiopathic Short Stature (NESTEGG study)
Authors: de Graaff L.C.G. , Clark A.J.L. , Tauber M. , Ranke M.B. , Johnston L.B. , Caliebe J. , Molinas C. , Amin N. , van Duijn C. , Wollmann H. , Wallaschofski H. , Savage M.O. , Hokken-Koelega A.C.S. ,   on behalf of the NESTEGG group
Published: December 2013

Background: Fetal growth failure has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adulthood. Exploring the mechanisms underlying this association should improve our understanding of these common adult diseases. Patients and Methods: We investigated 225 SNPs in 10 genes involved in growth and glucose metabolism (GH1, GHR, IGF1, IGF1R, STAT5A, STAT5B, MAPK1, MAPK3, PPARγ and INS) in 1,437 children from the multinational NESTEGG consortium: 345 patients born small for gestational age who remained short (SGA-S), 288 who showed catch-up growth (SGA-Cu), 410 idiopathic short stature (ISS) and 394 controls. We related genotype to pre- and/or postnatal growth parameters, response to growth hormone (if applicable) and blood pressure. Results: We found several clinical associations for GH1, GHR, IGF1, IGF1R, PPARγ and MAPK1. One SNP remained significant after Bonferroni's correction: IGF1R SNP rs4966035's minor allele A was significantly more prevalent among SGA and associated with smaller birth length (p = 0.000378) and birth weight (weaker association), independent of gestational age. Conclusion:IGF1R SNP rs4966035 is significantly associated with birth length, independent of gestational age. This and other associations suggest that polymorphisms in these genes might partly explain the phenotype of short children born SGA and children with ISS.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Incidental Atrial Septal Openings in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Lee Chungho , Lim Gina , Kim Won Seop , Han Heon Seok
Published: November 2013

Background: Atrial septal openings (ASOs) are very common in premature infants. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and natural course of ASOs in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants diagnosed in the first week of life and the association of ASOs with various clinical factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 217 infants born with a weight of <1,500 g between January 2007 and December 2011. Echocardiography was conducted within the first week of life in all infants. Clinical factors were compared between infants with ASO and those with an intact atrial septum. ASO closure was confirmed by echocardiography at the 3-month follow-up and subsequently every 6 months. Results: The incidence of ASOs was 40.3% in VLBW infants. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was associated with a higher incidence of ASO in a multivariate analysis (OR 4.005, 95% CI 2.015-7.960, p < 0.001), and PDA was a predictor of early ASO closure. The rate of oxygen requirement for at least 28 days was higher in infants with ASO, whereas oxygen dependency at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age did not differ between the infant groups. The mean time of closure was 5.8 ± 7.1 months of age (range 0-36). All followed infants showed spontaneous closure within 3 years. Conclusions: ASOs occur at a relatively high incidence in VLBW infants, but most of these close spontaneously within 3 years. PDA was predictive of ASO at the first echocardiography but did not delay ASO closure. The ASOs in VLBW infants were not a significant cause of concern.
Cannabis Extract Treatment for Terminal Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with a Philadelphia Chromosome Mutation
Authors: Singh Yadvinder , Bali Chamandeep
Published: December 2013

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the white blood cells and is typically well treated with combination chemotherapy, with a remission state after 5 years of 94% in children and 30-40% in adults. To establish how aggressive the disease is, further chromosome testing is required to determine whether the cancer is myeloblastic and involves neutrophils, eosinophils or basophils, or lymphoblastic involving B or T lymphocytes. This case study is on a 14-year-old patient diagnosed with a very aggressive form of ALL (positive for the Philadelphia chromosome mutation). A standard bone marrow transplant, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation therapy were revoked, with treatment being deemed a failure after 34 months. Without any other solutions provided by conventional approaches aside from palliation, the family administered cannabinoid extracts orally to the patient. Cannabinoid resin extract is used as an effective treatment for ALL with a positive Philadelphia chromosome mutation and indications of dose-dependent disease control. The clinical observation in this study revealed a rapid dose-dependent correlation.
Role of Endobronchial and Endoscopic Ultrasound in Pulmonary Medicine
Authors: Gompelmann D. , Herth F.J.F.
Published: November 2013

In the last decade, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has evolved into an important tool for diagnostic bronchoscopy in daily practice. EBUS has established as a standard for the diagnosis of hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy, as a guidance technique for peripheral pulmonary lesions and for the evaluation of tumor involvement of the tracheobronchial wall or mediastinum. In the meantime, EBUS has also taken a significant role in mediastinal staging in lung cancer patients. However, EBUS plays not only a role in the diagnosis of malignancies, it is also important for the diagnosis of benign disorders.
Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among the Indigenous and Immigrant Pakistani Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Raza Qaisar , Doak Colleen M. , Khan Aroosa , Nicolaou Mary , Seidell Jaap C.
Published: December 2013

Aim: The aim of this study was to systematically describe the gender and ethnic differences regarding the prevalence of general/central obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia among the indigenous and immigrant Pakistani communities. Methods: The search engine used was PubMed, supplemented with regional data from the Medical Institutes of Pakistan. The focus was on the adult Pakistani population (18 years and older). Results: We found only 7 studies among the immigrant Pakistani community and 24 studies among the indigenous Pakistani community. The studies had limitations such as low participation rates and use of self-reported data. There is a higher prevalence of central obesity among women (42.2%) than among men (14.7%) (National Health Survey of Pakistan). Certain ethnicities such as Muhajir and Baluchis showed a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors when compared to other ethnicities in the indigenous Pakistani population. The results also indicate that the prevalence of obesity is 10-20% higher among the immigrant Pakistanis than in the indigenous Pakistanis. Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of obesity and associated CVD risk factors (especially in women) among both indigenous and immigrant Pakistani populations require the attention of the healthcare professionals and policy makers, both inside and outside Pakistan.
Anticoagulant effects of statins and their clinical implications
Authors: Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen E. , Mann Kenneth G. , Undas Anetta
Published: November 2013

There is evidence indicating that statins (3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) may produce several cholesterol-independent antithrombotic effects. In this review, we provide an update on the current understanding of the interactions between statins and blood coagulation and their potential relevance to the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Anticoagulant properties of statins reported in experimental and clinical studies involve decreased tissue factor expression resulting in reduced thrombin generation and attenuation of pro-coagulant reactions catalysed by thrombin, such as fibrinogen cleavage, factor V and factor XIII activation, as well as enhanced endothelial thrombomodulin expression, resulting in increased protein C activation and factor Va inactivation. Observational studies and one randomized trial have shown reduced VTE risk in subjects receiving statins, although their findings still generate much controversy and suggest that the most potent statin rosuvastatin exerts the largest effect.
A taxonomic revision of Anisophyllea (Anisophylleaceae) from Madagascar
Authors: Chen Xin , He Hai , Zhang Libing
Published: November 2013

A taxonomic revision of Anisophyllea (Anisophylleaceae) from Madagascar was carried out. Five species of the genus are recognized, of which four are described as new. The five species include Anisophyllea fallax, A. madagascarensis sp. nov., A. masoalensis sp. nov., A. parafallax sp. nov., and A. schatzii sp. nov. A key to the Malagasy species of Anisophyllea is provided. All species are described and illustrated. Information on their distribution and habitat is given. Taxonomic issues are discussed. The IUCN Red List categories are assessed.
Phylogenetic relationships of Tectoribates: nymphal characters of new North American species place the genus in Tegoribatidae (Acari, Oribatida)
Authors: BEHAN-PELLETIER VALERIE M. , WALTER DAVID E.
Published: November 2013

Species in the oribatid mite genus Tectoribates are primarily Palaearctic and Neotropical, with scattered, unidentified records from North America. Herein, we describe 3 new Tectoribates species from dry forest and prairie habitats in North America: T. alcecampestris sp. nov., from Alberta, T. borealis sp. nov., from southern Alberta and Ontario, both on the basis of adults and nymphs, and T. campestris sp. nov., from dry grassland habitats in Ontario and Kansas, on the basis of adults. We provide a revised and expanded diagnosis for adults of Tectoribates. We assess relationships of Tectoribates, using characters of adults and newly discovered apheredermous, plicate immatures. We include observations on Pseudotectoribates which is closely related to Tectoribates. The closest relatives of these genera are hypothesised to be among the Tegoribatidae (Achipterioidea) rather than among the Achipteriidae (Achipterioidea), Oribatellidae (Oribatelloidea), or Ceratozetoidea, as suggested in previous classifications. Finally, we give a key to adults of the world fauna of Tectoribates.
Description of larvae of two closely related species Cassida palaestina Reiche, 1858 and Cassida rubiginosa Müller, 1776 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)
Authors: ŚWIĘTOJAŃSKA JOLANTA , MORADIAN HOSSEIN , BOROWIEC LECH , OSTOVAN HADI
Published: November 2013

Larvae of two closely related species Cassida palaestina Reiche, 1858 and Cassida rubiginosa Müller, 1776 are described in detail including SEM microstructures. First instars are extremely similar with no clear diagnostic characters, larvae of Cassida palaestina are slightly more contrastingly coloured than larvae of C. rubiginosa, the latter having darker scoli, basal part of supra-anal processes and legs. Last instars differ in very subtle but constant characters: lateral scoli of                C. palaestina are slightly shorter than those of C. rubiginosa, in C. palaestina tops of the lateral branches are armed apically with an elongate cauliflower-shaped sensillum while in C. rubiginosa tops of the lateral branches are more often armed with a pointed seta than with an elongate cauliflower-shaped sensillum, and cauliflower-shaped sensilla on tergites are less elongate in C. palaestina than in C. rubiginosa. These differences accompanied by distinguishing characters of adults and their distribution range indicate that both taxa are probably vicariant species with partial parapatric occurrence. Centaurea behen is a new host plant for C. palaestina.
Eviota santanai, a new Dwarfgoby from Timor-Leste (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: Greenfield David W. , ERDMANN MARK V.
Published: November 2013

Eviota santanai is described based on four specimens from Timor-Leste, taken in 5–8 m depth.  In general coloration pattern, the species is most similar to E. latifasciata, but differs in the cephalic sensory-pore system pattern, the absence of an occipital spot, and live color including pinkish-mauve bars.  Eviota santanai has a dorsal/anal fin-ray formula of 8/8, 5th pelvic-fin ray absent, some lower pectoral-fin rays branched, and IT and PITO pores absent.
Systematic review of diplommatinid land snails (Caenogastropoda, Diplommatinidae) endemic to the Palau Islands. (1) Generic classification and revision of Hungerfordia
species with highly developed axial ribs
Authors: YAMAZAKI KAZUNORI , YAMAZAKI MIDORI , UESHIMA REI
Published: December 2013

Diplommatinidae is a family of terrestrial caenogastropod snails that shows extensive species diversity and endemic radiation within the Palau (Belau) Islands. In this paper, we revised the taxonomy of Palauan endemic diplommatinids based on the comparative morphology of shell, operculum, radula, and genitalia. Although the generic classification of Palauan diplommatinids has been confusing, they are currently classified into two genera, Hungerfordia Beddome, 1889 and Palaina Semper, 1865. Palauan diplommatinids of these two genera are primarily distinguished by the radular, genital and operculum morphology. However, shell morphology, on which taxonomy has traditionally been based, does not provide definitive characters for generic identification, because shell shape and sculpture are highly variable within each genus. Although Hungerfordia has long been known as a monotypic genus, the current study redefines the endemic genus to include a wider range of species that were formerly placed in Diplommatina or Palaina. Following species are transferred to Hungerfordia: H. alata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. lamellata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. pyramis (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. ringens (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. polymorpha (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. inflatula (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov.; H. lutea (Beddome, 1889) comb. nov.; H. aurea (Beddome, 1889) comb. nov.; H. gibboni (Beddome, 1889) comb. nov.; H. crassilabris (Beddome, 1889) comb. nov. Pseudopalaina Moellendorff in Kobelt & Moellendorff, 1898 (synonym nov.) is demoted as a junior synonym of Hungerfordia. Palaina is also redefined based on the internal shell features and operculum morphology, in addition to the external shell characters. Furthermore, Eupalaina Kobelt & Moellendorff, 1898 is restored as a subgenus of Palaina for Palauan species on the basis of a genital character. The taxonomy of Hungerfordia species with highly developed axial ribs is revised. H. pelewensis Beddome, 1889, H. lamellata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov., and H. alata (Crosse, 1866) comb. nov. are redescribed with new morphological data. Following new taxa are described: H. triplochilus sp. nov., H. expansilabris sp. nov., H. nudicollum sp. nov., H. echinata echinata sp. et subsp. nov., H. echinata tubulispina subsp. nov., H. elegantissima sp. nov., H. goniobasis goniobasis sp. et subsp. nov., H. goniobasis dmasechensis subsp. nov., H. subalata sp. nov., H. pteropurpuroides sp. nov., H. papilio papilio sp. et subsp. nov., H. papilio stenoptera subsp. nov..
Estimation of Subsurface Temperatures in the Tattapani Geothermal Field, Central India, from Limited Volume of Magnetotelluric Data and Borehole Thermograms Using a Constructive Back-Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Akpan Anthony E. , Narayanan Mahesh , Harinarayana T.
Published: December 2013

A constructive back-propagation code that was designed to run as a single-hidden-layer, feed-forward neural network (SLFFNN) has been adapted and used to estimate subsurface temperature from a small volume of magnetotelluric (MT)-derived electrical resistivity data and borehole thermograms. The code was adapted to use a looping procedure in searching for better initialization conditions that can optimally solve nonlinear problems using the random weight initialization approach. Available one-dimensional (1D) MT-derived resistivity data and borehole temperature records from the Tattapani geothermal field, central India, were collated and digitized at 10-m intervals. The two datasets were paired to form a set of input–output pairs. The paired data were randomized, standardized, and partitioned into three mutually exclusive subsets. The various subsets had 52% (later increased to 61%), 30%, and 18% (later reduced to 9%) for training, validation, and testing, respectively, in the first and second training phases. The second training phase was meant to assess the influence of the training data volume on network performance. Standard statistical techniques including adjusted coefficient of determination (R2a), relative error (ɛ), absolute average deviation (AAD), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and regression analysis were used to quantitatively rate network performance. A manually designed two-hidden-layer, feed-forward network with 20 and 15 neurons in the first and second layers was also adopted in solving the same problem. Performance ratings were observed to be 0.97, 3.75, 4.09, 1.41, 1.18, and 1.08 for R2a, AAD, ɛ, RMSE, slope, and intercept, respectively, compared to an ɛ of 20.33 observed with the manually designed network. The SLFFNN is thus a structurally flexible network that performs better in spite of the small volume of data used in testing the network. The network needs to be tested further.
An Assessment of Atmospheric Water Budget Components over Tropical Oceans
Authors: Brown Paula J. , Kummerow Christian D.
Published: December 2013

Balancing global moisture budgets is a difficult task that is even more challenging at regional scales. Atmospheric water budget components are investigated within five tropical (15°S–15°N) ocean regions, including the Indian Ocean, three Pacific regions, and one Atlantic region, to determine how well data products balance these budgets. Initially, a selection of independent observations and a reanalysis product are evaluated to determine overall closure, between 1998 and 2007. Satellite-based observations from SeaFlux evaporation and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) precipitation, together with Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data products, were chosen. Freshwater flux (evaporation minus precipitation) observations and reanalysis atmospheric moisture divergence regional averages are assessed for closure. Moisture budgets show the best closure over the Indian Ocean with a correlation of 89% and an overall imbalance of −3.0% of the anomalies. Of the five regions, the western Pacific Ocean region produces the worst atmospheric moisture budget closure of −21.1%, despite a high correlation of 93%. Average closure over the five regions is within 8.1%, and anomalies are correlated at 83%. ERA-Interim and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) evaporation rates are 29 and 19 mm month−1 greater than SeaFlux, respectively. To diagnose the differences, wind speed and humidity gradients of the three products are compared utilizing the bulk formula for evaporation. SeaFlux wind speeds are higher, but sea–air humidity gradients are lower. Higher humidity gradients in the reanalyses are due to much dryer near-surface air in ERA-Interim, and the same to a lesser degree in MERRA. These differences counteract each other somewhat, but overall humidity biases exceed wind biases. This is consistent with buoy observations.
Urban Traffic Simulators for Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Haas Olivier , Kamran Shoaib , Jaworski Pawel , Gheorghe Ionut
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the intelligent transportation systems technologies, methods and components and their application to traffic simulation and management. Examples of an agent-based intelligent transportation systems mesoscopic simulator and a cloud-based microscopic simulator are used to illustrate urban traffic management and incident response applications.
Active Buckling Control for Future Lightweight Vehicle Body Structures
Authors: Trollope James E , Burnham Keith J
Published: December 2013

This paper provides a premise and the motivation for making a case for lightweight vehicle body structures, with embedded functionality, using actively controlled materials. Such active materials have the ability to change the structural properties in the event of varying conditions, including dynamic loading and vibrations, with the extreme scenario being that of a collision. Prompted by ever stringent legislation concerning crashworthiness and CO2 emissions, coupled with the fact that all new vehicles in the future will be fully equipped with advanced driver-assisted systems, including on-board active safety systems, the paper proposes a strategy for actively controlling the energy absorption of the vehicle body structure. The concept of an active buckling control approach, while still in its early development stage, is described. Encouraging results have been obtained via simulation, and the potential control approach for specifying a buckling load, related to the smallest positive buckling eigenvalue, hence onset of energy absorption, is discussed. It is conjectured that an active buckling control approach may become part of future legislation for testing vehicle body structures, where the issues of compatibility and reduced aggressivity are deemed to become compulsory.
Effects of Age of Learning on Voice Onset Time: Categorical Perception of Swedish Stops by Near-native L2 Speakers
Authors: Stölten Katrin , Abrahamsson Niclas , Hyltenstam Kenneth
Published: November 2013

This study examined the effects of age of onset (AO) of L2 acquisition on the categorical perception of the voicing contrast in Swedish word-initial stops varying in voice onset time (VOT). Three voicing continua created on the basis of natural Swedish word pairs with /p-b/, /t-d/, /k-/ in initial position were presented to 41 Spanish early (AO < 12) and late (AO > 12) near-native speakers of L2 Swedish. Fifteen native speakers of Swedish served as controls. Categorizations were influenced by AO and listener status as L1/L2 speaker, in that the late learners deviated the most from native-speaker perception. In addition, only a small minority of the late learners perceived the voicing contrast in a way comparable to native-speaker categorization, while most early L2 learners demonstrated nativelike categorization patterns. However, when the results were combined with the L2 learners’ production of Swedish voiceless stops (Stölten, 2005; Stölten, Abrahamsson & Hyltenstam, in press), nativelike production and perception was never found among the late learners, while a majority of the early learners still exhibited nativelike production and perception. It is concluded that, despite their being perceived as mother-tongue speakers of Swedish by native listeners, the late learners do not, after detailed phonetic scrutiny, exhibit a fully nativelike command of Swedish VOT. Consequently, being near-native rather than nativelike speakers of their second language, these individuals do not constitute the evidence necessary to reject the hypothesis of one or several critical (or sensitive) periods for language acquisition.
Taking Milosevic seriously: Imperialism, law, and the politics of global justice
Authors: Graubart Jonathan , Varadarajan Latha
Published: December 2013

Notwithstanding his premature death, the trial of Slobodan Milosevic is widely hailed as a landmark moment in the development of international criminal law. To many, the trial, in conjunction with the broader record of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), represents the beginning of a new era of global justice characterized by the impending triumph of law over politics. This article dissents from the prevailing consensus by emphasizing the enduring role of imperialist relations in shaping international relations. Without defending Milosevic, we provide a critical reassessment of the ICTY’s most celebrated trial. We do so to reveal the manner in which seemingly progressive legal institutions - far from furthering an abstract notion of justice – serve to re-inscribe a violent and highly unequal post-Cold War imperialist world order. Because the ICTY is far from a sui generis experience, we argue that it is critical to take Milosevic seriously in making sense of the nature and implications of global tribunals.
The dynamics of Silicon Valley: Creative destruction and the evolution of the innovation habitat
Authors: Henton Doug , Held Kim
Published: December 2013

Understanding the dynamics of Silicon Valley requires a deep appreciation of the impact of creative destruction on a resilient innovation habitat: a complex ecosystem of relationships among entrepreneurs, researchers, venture capitalists, service providers, lawyers, accountants and marketing professionals that is constantly shape-shifting. As a modern Proteus, Silicon Valley has initiated and weathered successive boom–bust cycles by constantly adapting its social and institutional infrastructure to new technologies and market forces, and leveraging these foundations in the next wave. Joseph Schumpeter, who is credited with the notion of ‘creative destruction’, saw capitalism as a ‘process of industrial mutation … that incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one, incessantly creating a new one’ (Schumpeter, 1942: 83). For over half a century, Silicon Valley has been a model for continual creative destruction. Carlota Perez has taken Schumpeter’s theory to the next level by demonstrating how technological revolutions driven by creative destruction result in not only redefined industries but also redefined industrial infrastructures and economic institutions (Perez, 2002). This article provides a framework for analyzing the dynamics of Silicon Valley based on the perspectives of both Schumpeter and Perez, and describes how the region continues to evolve as a social innovation habitat that supports the diversity of changing technologies and converging industry clusters. Whether this can be replicated by other economic regions is discussed, with key lessons learned from the Silicon Valley experience and how they might be applied to other places. We argue that regions must accept creative destruction as a natural process of boom and bust, and adapt and apply technologies during these cycles that are important and vital to the specific region. Each region does not have to strive to be Silicon Valley, but instead should build on its strengths and invest in innovation infrastructure and human capital in order to become its own Silicon Valley.
Overlapping regional security institutions in South America: The case of OAS and UNASUR
Authors: Weiffen Brigitte , Wehner Leslie , Nolte Detlef
Published: December 2013

The Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) has positioned itself as a regional security organization aimed at reducing the influence of the Organization of American States (OAS) in South America. At the same time, the OAS paradoxically serves as a model for UNASUR because of its operational capacity and its legitimacy as a regional organization. This article analyzes the seemingly contradictory tendencies of replication and dissociation that UNASUR exhibits towards the OAS in terms of security conceptions and practices. In the first part of the paper, we will draw on recent debates on international regime complexity to develop a framework to study institutional overlap. The second part analyzes to what extent and in which respects UNASUR, and particularly its Defense Council, overlaps with the OAS in terms of security conceptions and practices, while the third part examines the causes of the emergence of a “competitor” for the OAS in South America.
What are the safety risks for patients undergoing treatment by multiple specialties: a retrospective patient record review study
Authors: Baines Rebecca J , de Bruijne Martine C , Langelaan Maaike , Wagner Cordula
Published: November 2013

Background

If multiple medical specialties are involved in treatment there is a danger of increasing risks to patient safety. This is due to the need for greater co-ordination and communication with other specialties, less emergency cover for individual sub-specialties, and a drop in general care and the overview of care. This study aims to determine if the number of medical specialties treating a patient is associated with the risk of experiencing harm during hospital admission.

Methods

We performed a retrospective patient record review study using a stratified sample of 20 hospitals in the Netherlands. In each hospital 200 patient admissions were included. We related the occurrence of preventable adverse events and non-preventable adverse events to the number of specialties treating a patient through a stepwise multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results

Compared to patients treated by only one specialty, patients treated by three or more specialties had an odds ratio of experiencing an adverse event of 3.01 (95% CI 2.09 to 4.34), and an odds ratio of experiencing a preventable adverse event of 2.78 (95% CI 1.77 to 4.37). After adding characteristics related to the patient and the type of health care, the odds ratio for non-preventable adverse events decreased to 1.46 (95% CI 0.95 to 2.26), and for preventable adverse events to 2.31 (95% CI 1.40 to 3.81). There were no large differences found between the groups relating to the causes of preventable adverse events. However, in patients treated by three or more specialties, the greater number of preventable adverse events was related to the diagnostic process.

Conclusions

The more specialties treating a patient the greater the risk of an adverse event. This finding became more pronounced for preventable adverse events than for non-preventable adverse events after corrections for the characteristics of the patient and their health care. This study highlights the importance of taking the number of specialties treating a patient into account. More research is needed to gain insight into the underlying causes of inadequate care when multiple specialties are required to treat a patient. This could result in appropriate solutions resulting in improvements to care.
Correlation of bevacizumab-induced hypertension and outcomes of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cai Jun , Ma Hong , Huang Fang , Zhu Dichao , Bi Jianping , Ke Yang , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2013

Background

With the wide application of targeted drug therapies, the relevance of prognostic and predictive markers in patient selection has become increasingly important. Bevacizumab is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, there are currently no predictive or prognostic biomarkers for bevacizumab. Several clinical studies have evaluated bevacizumab-induced hypertension in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. This meta-analysis was performed to better determine the association of bevacizumab-induced hypertension with outcome in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, and to assess whether bevacizumab-induced hypertension can be used as a prognostic factor in these patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on seven published studies to investigate the relationship between hypertension and outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab. Our primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR). Hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS were extracted from each trial, and the log of the relative risk ratio (RR) was estimated for ORR.

Results

The occurrence of bevacizumab-induced hypertension in patients was highly associated with improvements in PFS (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.46–0.72; P <0.001), OS (HR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.37–0.68; P <0.001), and ORR (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.07–2.30, P <0.05), as compared to patients without hypertension.

Conclusions

Bevacizumab-induced hypertension may represent a prognostic factor in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
On cell separation with topographically engineered surfaces
Authors: Franco Davide , Klingauf Mirko , Cecchini Marco , Falk Volkmar , Starck Christoph , Poulikakos Dimos , Ferrari Aldo
Published: December 2013

Background

Topographical modifications of the surface influence several cell functions and can be exploited to modulate cellular activities such as adhesion, migration and proliferation. These complex interactions are cell-type specific, therefore engineered substrates featuring patterns of two or more different topographies may be used to obtain the selective separation of different cell lineages. This process has the potential to enhance the performance of biomedical devices promoting, for example, the local coverage with functional tissues while demoting the onset of inflammatory reactions.

Findings & Conclusions

Here we present a computational tool, based on Monte Carlo simulation, which decouples the contribution of cell proliferation and migration and predicts the cell-separation performance of topographically engineered substrates. Additionally, we propose an optimization procedure to shape the topographically engineered areas of a substrate and obtain maximal cell separation.
Pathways systematically associated to Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Fernández Raquel M , Bleda Marta , Luzón-Toro Berta , García-Alonso Luz , Arnold Stacey , Sribudiani Yunia , Besmond Claude , Lantieri Francesca , Doan Betty , Ceccherini Isabella , Lyonnet Stanislas , Hofstra Robert MW , Chakravarti Aravinda , Antiñolo Guillermo , Dopazo Joaquín , Borrego Salud
Published: December 2013

Despite it has been reported that several loci are involved in Hirschsprung’s disease, the molecular basis of the disease remains yet essentially unknown. The study of collective properties of modules of functionally-related genes provides an efficient and sensitive statistical framework that can overcome sample size limitations in the study of rare diseases. Here, we present the extension of a previous study of a Spanish series of HSCR trios to an international cohort of 162 HSCR trios to validate the generality of the underlying functional basis of the Hirschsprung’s disease mechanisms previously found. The Pathway-Based Analysis (PBA) confirms a strong association of gene ontology (GO) modules related to signal transduction and its regulation, enteric nervous system (ENS) formation and other processes related to the disease. In addition, network analysis recovers sub-networks significantly associated to the disease, which contain genes related to the same functionalities, thus providing an independent validation of these findings. The functional profiles of association obtained for patients populations from different countries were compared to each other. While gene associations were different at each series, the main functional associations were identical in all the five populations. These observations would also explain the reported low reproducibility of associations of individual disease genes across populations.