bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gallstone Ileus: An Unlikely Cause of Mechanical Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Abich Estela , Glotzer Daniel , Murphy Edward
Published: June 2017

Gallstone ileus is a rare disease that accounts for 1–4% of intestinal obstructions. Almost exclusively a condition in the older female population, it is a difficult diagnosis to make. We report the case of gallstone ileus in a 94-year-old Caucasian female, who presented to the emergency department with acute-onset nausea, coffee-ground emesis, lack of bowel movement, and abdominal distension. On CT scan, the diagnosis of gallstone ileus was made by the presence of a cholecystoduodenal fistula, pneumobilia, and small bowel obstruction. Emergent laparotomy with a one-stage procedure of enterolithotomy and stone removal by milking the bowel distal to the stone were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful until postoperative day 4 when the patient was found tachycardic, lethargic, and unresponsive. We reviewed the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of gallstone ileus.
Electronic Cigarettes in Germany: Patterns of Use and Perceived Health Improvement
Authors: Lehmann Kirsten , Kuhn Silke , Reimer Jens
Published: June 2017

Aims: The aim of the study was to characterize e-cigarette users in terms of their consumption patterns, motives, and the perceived health benefits they experience from using e-cigarettes. Design: The study was a cross-sectional online survey in 2015. A total of 3,320 German e-cigarette users were enrolled. A total of 91.5% were former tobacco smokers, 7.5% used both e-cigarettes and tobacco products, 1.0% were never-smokers. Results: No differences were found between ex-smokers and dual users with regard to sociodemographic and smoking history (mean age 40.8 years, 81% men, 45% with a high school degree or above). Both groups had smoked 26.4 tobacco cigarettes a day for 22 years, had unsuccessfully tried to quit smoking using various other nicotine replacement products, and had used e-cigarettes for an average of 2 years. Ex-smokers consumed lower nicotine strength and more liquid per month, experienced more positive health changes, and had made vaping their hobby. Never-smokers were about 5 years younger, used liquid without nicotine and without tobacco flavor, and had no physical dependency. Conclusions: E-cigarettes were primarily used as an alternative to smoking and a substitute for nicotine. More dual users than ex-smokers used e-cigarettes in places where smoking is forbidden. Positive health changes were more pronounced in ex-smokers than dual users.
Failed Downregulation of Circulating MicroRNA-155 in the Early Phase after ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Is Associated with Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Latet Sam C. , Van Herck Paul L. , Claeys Marc J. , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Haine Steven E. , Vandendriessche Tom R. , Van Hoof Viviane O. , Fransen Erik , De Winter Benedicte Y. , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M. , Heidbuchel Hein , Vrints Christiaan J. , Hoymans Vicky Y.
Published: June 2017

Background: MicroRNA are noncoding RNA that have a significant role in both inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. Aims: We aimed to assess whether the inflammation-related microRNA-155 is associated with the development of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected in the inflammatory (day 2), proliferative (day 5), and maturation phases (6 months) after STEMI (n = 20). Granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes were enumerated with flow cytometry. The changes in LV volumes were assessed with 3-D echocardiography on day 1 and after 6 months. Adverse remodeling was defined as a >20% increase in end-diastolic volume. Healthy subjects were recruited as controls. Results: MicroRNA-155 measured on day 5 correlated positively with the relative change in end-diastolic volume (ρ = 0.490, p = 0.028). MicroRNA-155 (day 5) was significantly higher in patients with compared to patients without adverse LV remodeling. The expression level was similar in healthy subjects (n = 8) and in patients with LV remodeling. There was a positive correlation between microRNA-155 and the amount of monocytes (day 5, ρ = 0.463, p = 0.046). Conclusion: Impaired downregulation of microRNA-155 during the second phase of the post- STEMI inflammatory response is a determinant of the development of adverse LV remodeling.
Prevalence and Physical Distribution of SRY in the Gonads of a Woman with Turner Syndrome: Phenotypic Presentation, Tubal Formation, and Malignancy Risk
Authors: Baer Tamar G. , Freeman Christopher E. , Cujar Claudia , Mansukhani Mahesh , Singh Bahadur  , Chen Xiaowei , Abellar Rosanna , Oberfield Sharon E. , Levy Brynn
Published: June 2017

Although monosomy X is the most common karyotype in patients with Turner syndrome, the presence of Y chromosome material has been observed in about 10% of patients. Y chromosome material in patients with Turner syndrome poses an increased risk of gonadoblastoma and malignant transformation. We report a woman with a diagnosis of Turner syndrome at 12 years of age, without signs of virilization, and karyotype reported as 46,X,del(X)(q13). At 26 years, cytogenetic studies indicated the patient to be mosaic for monosomy X and a cell line that contained a du­plicated Yq chromosome. Bilateral gonadectomy was performed and revealed streak gonads, without evidence of gonadoblastoma. Histological analysis showed ovarian stromal cells with few primordial tubal structures. FISH performed on streak gonadal tissue showed a heterogeneous distribution of SRY, with exclusive localization to the primordial tubal structures. DNA extraction from the gonadal tissue showed a 6.5% prevalence of SRY by microarray analysis, contrasting the 86% prevalence in the peripheral blood sample. This indicates that the overall gonadal sex appears to be determined by the majority gonosome complement in gonadal tissue in cases of sex chromosome mosaicism. This case also raises questions regarding malignancy risk associated with Y prevalence and tubal structures in gonadal tissue.
Urinary RBP and NGAL Levels are Associated with Nephropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wu Jian , Shao Xiaohong , Lu Kan , Zhou Jing , Ren Miaomiao , Xie Xin , Liu Jibo , Xu Yi , Ding Yaqin , Shen Xiaoyu , Zhu Chunling
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: The diagnosis of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) patients is important to prevent the long-term damaging effects of kidney loss in patients with diabetes and is decisive for patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore urine retinol binding protein (RBP) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in T2DN patients with and without albuminuria. Methods: A total of 293 T2DN patients were divided into three groups according to their urine albumin/urine creatinine ratio (UACR): normoalbuminuria group (UACR<30 mg/g, n=100), microalbuminuria group (UACR 30–300 mg/g, n=100) and macroalbuminuria group (UACR>300 mg/g, n=93); 50 non-diabetic subjects were recruited as the control group. The levels of urine RBP, NGAL, TNF-α and IL-18 in T2DN patients and non-diabetic subjects were measured using ELISA assays. Results: We first analyzed the clinical characteristics of the control and T2DN groups and found that urine NGAL, RBP, TNF-α and IL-18 levels were significantly increased and significantly correlated with the degree of albuminuria. In addition, univariate linear regression analysis showed that urine RBP was associated with UACR, BMI, Scr, BUN, TG, disease duration, SBP, NGAL, TNF-α and IL-18 levels, and urine NGAL was positively correlated with UACR, Scr, BUN, RBP, TNF-α and IL-18 levels. Conclusion: The results indicate that urine levels of NGAL and RBP may be independently associated with albuminuria in T2DN and may serve as novel biomarkers for the identification of T2DN.
Prognostic Significance of microRNA-7 and its Roles in the Regulation of Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cheng Mao-Wei , Shen Ze-Tian , Hu Gu-Yu , Luo Li-Guo
Published: June 2017

Background: Previously, microRNA (miR)-7 has been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in human cancers, but the correlations of miR-7 expression with prognosis and cisplatin (CDDP) resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LA) are unclear. Here, our aim is to determine the prognostic significance of miR-7 and its roles in the regulation of CDDP resistance in LA. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was performed to determine miR-7 expression in 108 paired of LA tissues and analyze its correlations with clinicopathological factors of patients. The patient survival data were collected retrospectively by Kaplan-Meier analyses, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model to determine the prognostic significance of miR-7 expression. The effects of miR-7 expression on the chemosensitivity of LA cells to CDDP and its possible mechanisms were evaluated by MTT, flow cytometry, Western blot and luciferase assays. Results: It was observed that the relative expression level of miR-7 in LA tissues was significantly lower than that in the adjacent normal tissues and low miR-7 expression level was closely associated with poorer tumor differentiation, advanced pathological T-factor, higher incidence of lymph node metastasis and advanced p-TNM stage. Also, patients with low miR-7 expression showed a shorter overall survival than those with high miR-7 expression, and multivariate analysis indicated that status of miR-7 expression was an independent molecular biomarker for predicting the overall survival (OS) of LA patients. In addition, upregulation of miR-7 increases the sensitivity of LA cells to CDDP via induction of apoptosis by targeting Bcl-2. Conclusions: Our finding for the first time demonstrates that low miR-7 expression may be an independent poor prognostic factor and targeting miR-7 may be a potential strategy for the reversal of CDDP resistance in LA.
The Impact of Circulating Mitochondrial DNA on Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Myocardial Injury After TLR4 Activation in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis
Authors: Wu Bangwei , Ni Huanchun , Li Jian , Zhuang Xinyu , Zhang Jinjin , Qi Zhiyong , Chen Qiying , Wen Zhichao , Shi Haiming , Luo Xinping , Jin Bo
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), acting as a newly found ‘danger-associated molecular patterns’ (DAMPs), is released into circulation upon tissue injury and performs as a considerable activator of inflammation and immune response. However, the role of circulating mtDNA in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) as well as Toll like receptor4 (TLR4) mediated cardiac inflammation and injury remains unknown. Methods: A model of EAM was established in BALB/c mice by immunization with porcine cardiac myosin. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to stimulate TLR4 activation in EAM mice and H9C2 cells. Results: LPS stimulation significantly aggravated cardiac inflammation and tissue injury in EAM, as demonstrated by increased myocardium inflammatory cell infiltration, and up-regulated inflammatory cytokines and troponin I(TnI) level in serum. Circulating mtDNA level was increased in EAM and TLR4 activation led to a greater elevation, which may be related to Reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress involved mtDNA damage characterized by reduced mtDNA copy number in myocardium tissue. In addition, the expression of Toll like receptor9 (TLR9), a ligand of mtDNA, was significantly up-regulated in the myocardium of EAM and EAM LPS group; meanwhile, TLR9 inhibition by ODN 2088 caused an inhibited apoptosis in LPS treated H9C2 cells. Moreover, in EAM and EAM LPS group, simultaneously giving ODN 2088 treatment significantly ameliorated cardiac inflammation and tissue injury compared with untreated group. Conclusion: Increased circulating mtDNA combined with upregulated TLR9 expression may corporately play a role in EAM as well as TLR4 activation mediated cardiac inflammation and injury.
Burden of Recurrent and Ancestral Mutations in Families With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ross Samantha Barratt , Bagnall Richard D. , Ingles Jodie , Van Tintelen J. Peter , Semsarian Christopher
Published: June 2017

Background—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetically heterogeneous myocardial disease with >1000 causal variants identified. Nonunique variants account for disease in many families. We sought to characterize nonunique variants in Australian families and determine whether they arise from common ancestral mutations or recurrent mutation events.

Methods and Results—

Genetic test results of 467 index patients from apparently unrelated families with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were evaluated. Causal variants were found in 185 of 467 (40%) families. Nonunique variants accounted for 122 of 185 (66%) families. The most common single genetic cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the recurrent
MYBPC3
(myosin-binding protein-C) variant c.1504C>T, p.Arg502Trp, which was found in 13 of 185 (7%) families with a causal variant identified. Thirteen variants in
MYBPC3
and
MYH7
(myosin heavy chain 7) were each identified >3 times and accounted for 78 of 185 (42%) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy families with a causal variant. Haplotype analysis of these 13 variants was performed on 126 individuals from 70 Australian families, and 11 variants arose through recurrent mutation events. Two variants,
MYBPC3
c.1928-2A>G and
MYH7
c.2681A>G, p.Glu894Gly, were found on 1 haplotype in 6 families each, supportive of a single mutation event inherited from a common ancestor.

Conclusions—

The majority of families with a causal variant identified have a nonunique variant. Discovery of the genetic origins of human disease forms a fundamental basis for improved understanding of disease pathogenesis and phenotype development.
Significance of Ischemic Heart Disease in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved, Midrange, and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Vedin Ola , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Koh Angela S. , Benson Lina , Teng Tiew Hwa Katherine , Tay Wan Ting , Braun Oscar Ö. , Savarese Gianluigi , Dahlström Ulf , Lund Lars H.
Published: June 2017

Background—

The pathogenic role of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; EF <40%) is well established, but its pathogenic and prognostic significance in HF with midrange (HFmrEF; EF 40%–50%) and preserved EF (HFpEF; EF ≥50%) has been much less explored.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 42 987 patients from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry with respect to baseline IHD, outcomes (IHD, HF, cardiovascular events, and all-cause death), and EF change during a median follow-up of 2.2 years. Overall, 23% had HFpEF (52% IHD), 21% had HFmrEF (61% IHD), and 55% had HFrEF (60% IHD). After multivariable adjustment, associations with baseline IHD were similar for HFmrEF and HFrEF and lower in HFpEF (risk ratio, 0.91 [0.89–0.93] versus HFmrEF and risk ratio, 0.90 [0.88–0.92] versus HFrEF). The adjusted risk of IHD events was similar for HFmrEF versus HFrEF and lower in HFpEF (hazard ratio, 0.89 [0.84–0.95] versus HFmrEF and hazard ratio, 0.84 [0.80–0.90] versus HFrEF). After adjustment, prevalent IHD was associated with increased risk of IHD events and all other outcomes in all EF categories except all-cause mortality in HFpEF. Those with IHD, particularly new IHD events, were also more likely to change to a lower EF category and less likely to change to a higher EF category over time.

Conclusions—

HFmrEF resembled HFrEF rather than HFpEF with regard to both a higher prevalence of IHD and a greater risk of new IHD events. Established IHD was an important prognostic factor across all HF types.
Safety and Efficacy of Rivaroxaban in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Observations From the ROCKET AF Trial
Authors: Leef George C. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Patel Manesh R. , Becker Richard C. , Berkowitz Scott D. , Breithardt Günter , Halperin Jonathan L. , Hankey Graeme J. , Hacke Werner , Nessel Christopher C. , Singer Daniel E. , Fox Keith A.A. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: June 2017

Background

Although implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (
CIED
s) in patients receiving warfarin is well studied, limited data are available on the use of oral factor Xa inhibitors in this setting.

Methods and Results

Using data from Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) (n=14 264), we compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation randomized to rivaroxaban versus warfarin who did and did not undergo
CIED
implantation or revision. In this post‐hoc, postrandomization, on‐treatment analysis, only the first intervention per patient was analyzed. During a median follow‐up of 2.2 years, 453 patients (242 rivaroxaban group; 211 warfarin group) underwent de novo
CIED
implantation (64.2%) or revision procedures (35.8%). Patients who received
CIED
s were older, more likely to be male, and more likely to have past myocardial infarction, but had similar stroke risk compared to patients who did not receive
CIED
s. Most patients who received a device had study drug interrupted for the procedure and did not receive bridging anticoagulation. During the 30‐day postprocedural period, 11 patients (4.55%) in the rivaroxaban group experienced bleeding complications compared with 15 (7.13%) in the warfarin group. Thromboembolic complications occurred in 3 patients (1.26%) in the rivaroxaban group and 1 (0.48%) in the warfarin group. Event rates were too low for formal hypothesis testing.

Conclusions

Bleeding and thromboembolic events were low in both rivaroxaban‐ and warfarin‐treated patients. Periprocedural use of oral factor Xa inhibitors in
CIED
implantation requires further study in prospective, randomized trials.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00403767.
Experimental and Human Evidence for Lipocalin‐2 (Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin [NGAL]) in the Development of Cardiac Hypertrophy and Heart Failure
Authors: Marques Francine Z. , Prestes Priscilla R. , Byars Sean G. , Ritchie Scott C. , Würtz Peter , Patel Sheila K. , Booth Scott A. , Rana Indrajeetsinh , Minoda Yosuke , Berzins Stuart P. , Curl Claire L. , Bell James R. , Wai Bryan , Srivastava Piyush M. , Kangas Antti J. , Soininen Pasi , Ruohonen Saku , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Raitoharju Emma , Havulinna Aki , Perola Markus , Raitakari Olli , Salomaa Veikko , Ala‐Korpela Mika , Kettunen Johannes , McGlynn Maree , Kelly Jason , Wlodek Mary E. , Lewandowski Paul A. , Delbridge Lea M. , Burrell Louise M. , Inouye Michael , Harrap Stephen B. , Charchar Fadi J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Cardiac hypertrophy increases the risk of developing heart failure and cardiovascular death. The neutrophil inflammatory protein, lipocalin‐2 (
LCN
2/
NGAL
), is elevated in certain forms of cardiac hypertrophy and acute heart failure. However, a specific role for
LCN
2 in predisposition and etiology of hypertrophy and the relevant genetic determinants are unclear. Here, we defined the role of
LCN
2 in concentric cardiac hypertrophy in terms of pathophysiology, inflammatory expression networks, and genomic determinants.

Methods and Results

We used 3 experimental models: a polygenic model of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, a model of intrauterine growth restriction and
Lcn2
‐knockout mouse; cultured cardiomyocytes; and 2 human cohorts: 114 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 2064 healthy subjects of the YFS (Young Finns Study). In hypertrophic heart rats, cardiac and circulating
Lcn2
was significantly overexpressed before, during, and after development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Lcn2
expression was increased in hypertrophic hearts in a model of intrauterine growth restriction, whereas
Lcn2
‐knockout mice had smaller hearts. In cultured cardiomyocytes,
Lcn2
activated molecular hypertrophic pathways and increased cell size, but reduced proliferation and cell numbers. Increased
LCN
2 was associated with cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. In the
YFS
,

LCN
2

expression was associated with body mass index and cardiac mass and with levels of inflammatory markers. The single‐nucleotide polymorphism, rs13297295, located near

LCN
2

defined a significant
cis
‐
eQTL
for

LCN
2

expression.

Conclusions

Direct effects of
LCN
2 on cardiomyocyte size and number and the consistent associations in experimental and human analyses reveal a central role for
LCN
2 in the ontogeny of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Neutralizing Indochina: The 1954 Geneva Conference and China's Efforts to Isolate the United States
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: June 2017

Based on declassified documents from the People's Republic of China (PRC), Vietnam, and the former Soviet Union, this essay examines China's policy toward the 1954 Geneva Conference on Indochina in relation to the United States. The article shows that Chinese leaders wanted to neutralize Indochina in order to forestall U.S. military intervention in the conflict, which, if it occurred, would directly threaten the PRC's southern flank. In pursuit of this objective, Chinese officials sought to exploit differences between the United States and its two main allies, Britain and France, and thereby induce U.S. policymakers to agree to end the first Indochina War between France and Vietnam. Because Chinese leaders worried that the United States might respond by trying to foment splits within the Communist camp, they worked to build a united front with the Soviet Union and North Vietnam, both of which shared Beijing's anxiety about U.S. intervention, and to convince the Viet Minh guerrilla leaders to make necessary concessions for a negotiated settlement at Geneva.
The Cold War and East-Central Europe,1945–1989
Authors: Kraus Michael , Cienciala Anna M. , Gnoinska Margaret K. , Selvage Douglas , Pucci Molly , Kulavig Erik , Pleshakov Constantine , Johnson A. Ross , Kramer Mark , Smetana Vít
Published: June 2017

Eight experts on the history of East-Central Europe offer commentaries about the book Imposing, Maintaining, and Tearing Open the Iron Curtain: The Cold War and East-Central Europe, 1945–1990, edited by Mark Kramer and Vít Smetana. The commentators discuss the main contributions of the book and highlight the important questions it raises as well as the issues requiring further research.
The Fellowship of the Net
Authors: Duff Alistair S.
Published: June 2017

The article revisits the tradition of religious socialism as a potential resource for the information age. It begins with a detailed exposition and defence of the ideas of network society theorist Manuel Castells. However, the article questions Castells’ reliance on contemporary social movements as a response to what he calls the bipolar opposition between the net and the self. Arguing for a more universal and ontological solution, it seeks to reappropriate the nineteenth-century Christian socialism of Maurice, Ludlow and Kingsley, specifically their powerful doctrine of mere brotherhood. Updated as the fellowship of the net, the brotherhood and sisterhood of humankind under the fatherhood of God turns into an attractive and plausible twenty-first century ideal.
Navigation in the South China Sea:Why Still an Issue?
Authors: Keyuan Zou
Published: June 2017

The safety of navigation remains an issue in the sense that navigation through the South China Sea is essential for world seaborne trade and communications, and the lingering territorial and maritime disputes would constitute a threat to the safety of navigation there. In recent years, the term ‘freedom of navigation’ has become a pivotal expression in the rivalry between China and the United States in the South China Sea. This paper starts with addressing the international legal framework concerning navigation, followed by state practice in the South China Sea, including domestic legislation and safety measures. It then discusses the issue of military activities in the exclusive economic zone and their implications for the freedom of navigation. The paper identifies several issues connected to navigation, such as the U-shaped line, law enforcement patrols, and the recent South China Sea Arbitration. A brief conclusion is provided at the end.
The Frisian Substrate beneath the Groningen Dialect
Authors: van Bree Cor
Published: June 2017

Historical linguists agree in assuming that the Low Saxon dialect of the Dutch province of Groningen is underlain by a Frisian substrate. The aim of this contribution is to scrutinise the linguistic arguments for this assumption. The most convincing arguments concern toponymy, but the formation of diminutives and words denoting small plants or animals, children’s games and agricultural or toponymic referents, including emotional adjectives or adverbs, also point in the direction of the supposed substrate. This does not hold for syntax, even though this is a rather stable domain. Many syntactic phenomena of the Groningen dialect have a wide geographical spread and encompass a large part of Germany.
The Manuscript Collection of the Frisian State Historian Simon Abbes Gabbema (1628–1688) from an Old Frisian Perspective
Authors: Nijdam Han , Savelkouls Jorieke
Published: June 2017

The Frisian state historian Simon Abbes Gabbema (1628–1688) actively collected manuscripts and has thus been of tremendous importance for the preservation of medieval Frisian sources. It turns out that he possessed all but one of the Old Frisian law manuscripts from present-day Friesland. Gabbema also borrowed important manuscripts from other scholars in his network and (partly) copied these. His contacts with Franciscus Junius were especially important. Junius copied the archaic Old Frisian law manuscript Codex Unia from Gabbema, which is now lost. In this article, the focus lies on Gabbema’s collection of Old Frisian manuscripts and the study he made of Old Frisian sources. An appendix with an overview of the manuscripts discussed in this article has been added.
Cases as a New Source of Law in China?: Key Features of and Reflections on China’s Case Guidance System
Authors: Guo William Jing
Published: June 2017

In November 2010, the Supreme People’s Court of China introduced a new legal institution called the case guidance system, under which the Supreme People’s Court selects and publishes guiding cases, which are supposed to be followed by all courts when deciding later similar cases. The introduction of the case guidance system is an important step in the quest for better use of cases in China, where cases are formally rejected as a source of law. This paper provides an overview of the general design and functioning of the case guidance system. It also reflects on the limitations of the case guidance system and presents some initial thoughts on possible ways to further enhance the use of cases as a source of law in China.
Sedum danjoense (Crassulaceae), a new species of succulent plants from the Danjo Islands in Japan
Authors: ITO TAKURO , NAKANISHI HIROKI , CHICHIBU YOSHIRO , MINODA KIYOTAKA , KOKUBUGATA GORO
Published: June 2017

We compared Sedum formosanum with related species using morphological traits and molecular phylogenetic analysis of nrITS sequences. Morphological comparisons revealed that the plants historically treated as S. formosanum in the Danjo Islands of Japan had 4-merous flower; 8 stamens; narrow triangular sepals of equal size; horizontal carpels when matured; and an irregular branching form. These traits differed from those of S. formosanum in other regions, which has 5-merous flowers; 10 stamens, thick spatulate sepals of unequal size; erect carpels when matured; and a trichotomous branching form. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that plants known as S. formosanum in the Danjo Islands were sister group to S. tetractinum, which are endemic to China and belong to a different clade than S. formosanum, which are found in other regions. Based on the present morphological comparisons and phylogenetical analyses, we describe plants from the Danjo Islands as a new species, S. danjoense, which is distinct from S. formosanum.
New names, species and synonyms in a changing Velloziaceae world
Authors: MELLO-SILVA RENATO
Published: June 2017

Vellozia leptopetala corresponds to V. epidendroides, a much older name, and its taxonomic history encompass also V. epidendroides var. divaricata and V. epidendroides var. major, which are quite distinct species. For solving this situation, new synonyms of V. epidendroides, a new name, V. ornithophila, and a new status for both varieties of V. epidendroides are here presented. Vellozia virgata corresponds to V. sellowii, also a much older name. For solving this situation, the sinking of V. virgata into V. sellowii, and a new species, V. linearis, based on the isotypes of V. virgata, are presented. Vellozia asperula var. filifolia showed to be a very distinct species from V. asperula. For mending this situation, a new status for V. asperula var. filifolia is proposed.
A new rust species of Diaphanopellis on Rhododendron oreodoxa from Southern China
Authors: CAO JING , TIAN CHENG MING , LIANG YINGMEI , YOU CHONG-JUAN
Published: June 2017

A novel rust species Diaphanopellis purpurea on Rhododendron oreodoxa collected in Southern China was identified and described. Light and scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that this rust species was morphologically distinct from other known Diaphanopellis species and Chrysomyxa species in teliospore morphology and urediniospore surface structure. Diaphanopellis purpurea can be phylogenetically separated from other Chrysomyxa species based on analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) partial gene sequences. The aecial stage of the new species was also confirmed.
Neotypification of the name Atriplex pentandra (Amaranthaceae, Chenopodioideae)
Authors: BRIGNONE NICOLÁS F.
Published: June 2017

Atriplex Linnaeus (1753: 1054) is a genus of about 260 species distributed in arid and semiarid regions of Eurasia, America and Australia (Sukhorukov & Danin 2009, Iamonico 2013, Brignone et al. 2016). Several names (at species, subspecies, variety and form ranks) were described related to the high phenotipic variability of this critical genus (IPNI 2008, Al-Turki et al. 2000). As conseguence, misapplication of names and nomenclatural disorders exist and need clarification (see e.g., Sukhorukov 2010, Iamonico 2012).
A new species of extinct Late Quaternary giant tortoise from Hispaniola
Authors: TURVEY SAMUEL T. , ALMONTE JUAN , HANSFORD JAMES , SCOFIELD R. PAUL , BROCCA JORGE L. , CHAPMAN SANDRA D.
Published: June 2017

Insular giant tortoise diversity has been depleted by Late Quaternary extinctions, but the taxonomic status of many extinct populations remains poorly understood due to limited available fossil or subfossil material, hindering our ability to reconstruct Quaternary island biotas and environments. Giant tortoises are absent from current-day insular Caribbean ecosystems, but tortoise remains from Quaternary deposits indicate the former widespread occurrence of these animals across the northern Caribbean. We report new Quaternary giant tortoise material from several cave sites in Pedernales Province, southern Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, representing at least seven individuals, which we describe as Chelonoidis marcanoi sp. nov. Although giant tortoise material was first reported from the Quaternary record of Hispaniola almost 35 years ago, tortoises are absent from most Quaternary deposits on the island, which has been studied extensively over the past century. The surprising abundance of giant tortoise remains in both vertical and horizontal caves in Hispaniola’s semi-arid ecoregion may indicate that this species was adapted to open dry habitats and became restricted to a habitat refugium in southeastern Hispaniola following climatic-driven environmental change at the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary. Hispaniola’s dry forest ecosystem may therefore have been shaped by giant tortoises for much of its evolutionary history.
A new Schistura from the Pearl River in Guangxi, China (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: ENDRUWEIT MARCO
Published: June 2017

Schistura paraxena, new species, is described from the Pearl River drainage in Laibin, Guangxi Province, China. The new species is easily distinguished from its congeners in having conspicuous peduncular crests along its dorsal and ventral extremities and a plain beige body coloration with crests brownish gray and a pale spot medially at caudal-fin base. Further characters useful to diagnose the species, but not unique to it, are: 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays; 11–12 pectoral-fin and 9 pelvic-fin rays; modally 38 vertebrae; predorsal length 50–52% SL; caudal-peduncle length 17–18% SL (88–92% HL; 5.6–5.8 times SL); lateral line complete; breast naked; predorsal area scaled; and upper lip not notched.
Luciobarbus chelifensis and L. mascarensis, two new species from Algeria (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: BRAHIMI AMINA , FREYHOF JÖRG , HENRARD ARNAUD , LIBOIS ROLAND
Published: June 2017

Cyprinids of the genus Luciobarbus are the most abundant and widespread fishes in most freshwater ecosystems in the Maghreb. In the Mediterranean basin of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, all species of Luciobarbus—with exception of L. guercifensis—are superficially very similar and are distinguished mostly by minor morphometric characters. Molecular characters distinguish all species well and nine species are recognised from the area, two of them described here. Luciobarbus chelifensis, from the Chelif River drainage in Algeria, is distinguished by having 41–43+1–2 lateral line scales and a very short anal fin (18–19% SL). Luciobarbus mascarensis, from the Macta River drainage in Algeria, is distinguished by having usually 41+1–2 lateral line scales, a long anal-fin (19–22%) and a short caudal peduncle (15–17% SL). An identification key is given for all African Mediterranean Luciobarbus species except for L. callensis and L. rifensis, which could not be distinguished.
A new genus and species of the family Symphysanodontidae, Cymatognathus aureolateralis (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) from Indonesia
Authors: KIMURA SEISHI , JOHNSON G. DAVID , PERISTIWADY TEGUH , MATSUURA KEIICHI
Published: June 2017

A new genus and species of the percoid family Symphysanodontidae, Cymatognathus aureolateralis are described based on three specimens collected from North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The new species shares with the confamilial genus Sym-physanodon the unique supraneural and spinous dorsal-fin pterygiophore insertion pattern usually of 0/0/0+2+1/1/, T-shaped first supraneural, foreshortened base of the penultimate ventral procurrent caudal-fin ray, well-developed outer tooth patches at anterior tips of both jaws as well as along the medial surface of most of the length of the coronoid process of the dentary. The new species, however, is distinguishable from members of Symphysanodon by the following diagnostic characters: posterior tip of coronoid process of dentary abruptly depressed, so that teeth on anterior portion appear as an elevated patch, anterior tip of upper jaw not notched, and posterior nostril horizontally slit-like. Although the new species superficially resembles the members of the genus Giganthias (Giganthiidae) and some members of the subfamily Anthiadinae (Serranidae) in the unique characters it shares with Symphysanodon, it differs from Giganthias in having the above-mentioned unique pterygiophore insertion pattern and tips of all dorsal- and pelvic-fin spines smooth (vs. pterygiophore insertion pattern 0/0/2/1+1/1/, and tips of second, third and/or fourth dorsal- and pelvic-fin spines serrated), and from the members of Anthiadinae in having two flat opercular spines (vs. three) and 10 + 15 = 25 vertebrae (vs. 10 + 16–18 = 26–28). A revised diagnosis of the Symphysanodontidae is presented.
A Long-Term WRF Meteorological Archive for Dispersion Simulations: Application to Controlled Tracer Experiments
Authors: Ngan Fong , Stein Ariel F.
Published: June 2017

A long-term archive of meteorological data using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model was created to provide data that are compatible with the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) dispersion model and to serve as initial and boundary conditions for simulations at a finer resolution. On the basis of these WRF data, generated with a variety of planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes and nudging options, the HYSPLIT model was run to simulate four controlled tracer experiments—the Cross Appalachian Tracer Experiment (CAPTEX), the Across North America Tracer Experiment (ANATEX), a 1980 release in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC80), and the Metropolitan Tracer Experiment (METREX)—covering different time periods with diverse durations, including a summer day, several days in autumn, three months during winter, and one full year, respectively. The evaluation of the WRF results utilizing conventional observations showed a similar statistical performance for the different PBL schemes. Given the limited information the meteorological evaluation alone can provide, the authors used the dispersion evaluation with measurements from multiple tracer experiments to gain further insight into the most appropriate WRF configuration to generate reasonable data for dispersion applications. The dispersion simulations that were based on WRF data generated equal or slightly better statistical performance than did those driven by the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) dataset. The statistical comparison showed a mixed impact for the dispersion results driven by the nonnudged and nudged WRF data. The main advantage of the WRF data is the availability of hourly meteorological data from 1980 to the present and the inclusion of additional variables that are relevant to atmospheric dispersion and are not available from NARR. This WRF dataset will be accessible online, providing additional capabilities for using different meteorological inputs and a variety of options to compute the HYSPLIT mixing parameters.
Evaluation of Thunderstorm Predictors for Finland Using Reanalyses and Neural Networks
Authors: Ukkonen Peter , Manzato Agostino , Mäkelä Antti
Published: June 2017

This work evaluates numerous thunderstorm predictors and investigates the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for identifying occurrences of thunderstorms in reanalysis data. Environmental conditions favorable for deep, moist convection are derived from 6-hourly ERA-Interim reanalyses, while thunderstorm occurrence in the following 6 h over Finland is derived from lightning location data. By taking advantage of the consistency and large sample size (14 summers) provided by the reanalysis, complex multivariate models can be trained for a robust estimation of convective weather events from model data. This and other methods are used to yield information on the most effective convective predictors in a multivariate setting, which can also benefit the forecasting community. The best ANN found uses 15 inputs and received a Heidke skill score (HSS) of 0.51 on an independent test sample. This is a substantial improvement over the best predictor when used alone, the most unstable lifted index (MULI) with HSS = 0.40, the multivariate model having fewer false alarms in particular. After MULI, the most important ANN input was relative humidity near 700 hPa. Dry air aloft was associated with significantly lower thunderstorm probability and flash density regardless of convective available potential energy (CAPE). Other important parameters for thunderstorm development were vertical velocity and low-level θe advection. Finally, the Peirce skill score indicates a clear meridional gradient in skill for categorical forecasts, with higher skill in northern Finland. This analysis suggests that the difference in skill is real and associated with a steeper thunderstorm probability curve in the north, but further studies are needed for a physical explanation.
The Impact of Dimensionality on Barotropic Processes during KWAJEX
Authors: Xu Huiyan , Li Xiaofan
Published: June 2017

In this study, the 2D and 3D cloud-resolving model simulations of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX) are compared to study the impact of dimensionality on barotropic processes during tropical convective development. Barotropic conversion of perturbation kinetic energy is associated with vertical transport of horizontal momentum under vertical shear of background horizontal winds. The similarities in both 2D and 3D model simulations show that 1) vertical wind shear is a necessary condition for barotropic conversion, but it does not control the barotropic conversion; 2) the evolution of barotropic conversion is related to that of the vertical transport of horizontal momentum; and 3) the tendency of vertical transport of horizontal momentum is mainly determined by the covariance between horizontal wind and the cloud hydrometeor component of buoyancy. The differences between the 2D and 3D model simulations reveal that 1) the barotropic conversion has shorter time scales and a larger contribution in the 2D model simulation than in the 3D model simulation and 2) kinetic energy is generally converted from the mean circulations to perturbation circulations in the 3D model simulation. In contrast, more kinetic energy is transferred from perturbation circulations to the mean circulations in the 2D model simulation. The same large-scale vertical velocity may account for the similarities, whereas the inclusion of meridional winds in the 3D model simulation may be responsible for the differences in barotropic conversion between the 2D and 3D model simulations.
On the Similarity of Lower-Stratospheric Potential Vorticity Dipoles above Tropical and Midlatitude Deep Convection
Authors: Hitchman Matthew H. , Rowe Shellie M.
Published: June 2017

Simulations of the effects of deep convection on the structure of potential vorticity (PV) in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) have shown that a common signature in the presence of ambient horizontal vorticity is a horizontal PV dipole. Here, the relationship between convection and PV structures in the UTLS in Tropical Cyclone Talas and the extratropical “Super Tuesday” cyclone is investigated with the University of Wisconsin Nonhydrostatic Modeling System (UWNMS). Dipoles of potential temperature in the UTLS are interpreted as an upward deflection of the ambient flow over the updraft (cold), followed by subsidence in its lee (warm), aligned with the wind direction. PV dipoles larger than ±20 PV units (1 PVU = 10−6 K kg−1 m2 s−1) are identified, with typical vertical and horizontal extents of ~3 and ~200 km, respectively, and lifetimes up to 12 h. Confirming the findings of Chagnon and Gray, it is found that horizontal PV dipoles are related to vortex tilting, where horizontally oriented vorticity associated with vertical shear of the ambient wind is bent into a horseshoe shape by the updraft, yielding a PV dipole. This suggests that theta dipoles are perpendicular to PV dipoles and that “low PV lies to the left of the wind shear,” or, in the case of tropical cyclones, “low PV lies radially outward.” Mesoscale jets occur between the dipoles, which oppose the ambient anticyclonic flow. During the extratropical transition of Talas, convective PV anomalies evolved under synoptic-scale deformation into a pair of PV streamers, which modified the midlatitude westerly jet.
Interannual and Decadal Variability in Tropical Pacific Chlorophyll from a Statistical Reconstruction: 1958–2008
Authors: Schollaert Uz Stephanie , Busalacchi Antonio J. , Smith Thomas M. , Evans Michael N. , Brown Christopher W. , Hackert Eric C.
Published: June 2017

Historical understanding of marine biological dynamics has been limited by sparse in situ observations and the fact that dedicated ocean color satellite remote sensing only began in 1997. From these observations, it has become clear that physical oceanography controls biological variability over seasonal to interannual time scales. To quantify how multidecadal, climate-scale patterns impact biological productivity, the strong correlation with sea surface temperature and sea surface height is utilized to reconstruct a retrospective 51-yr time series of surface chlorophyll, the pigment measured by ocean color satellites. The canonical correlation analysis statistical reconstruction demonstrates greatest skill away from land and within about 10° of the equator where chlorophyll variance is greatest and predominantly associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation dynamics. Differences in chlorophyll patterns between east or central Pacific El Niño events are observed, with larger declines east of 180° for east Pacific events and west of 180° for central Pacific events. Additionally, small but significant decadal variations in chlorophyll patterns are observed corresponding to the Pacific decadal oscillation. Decadal changes in chlorophyll west of 180° are consistent with increased stratification, whereas changes between 110°–140°W may be related to long-term shoaling of the nutrient-bearing equatorial undercurrent.
A Mechanistically Credible, Poleward Shift in Warm-Season Precipitation Projected for the U.S. Southern Great Plains?
Authors: Bukovsky Melissa S. , McCrary Rachel R. , Seth Anji , Mearns Linda O.
Published: June 2017

Global and regional climate model ensembles project that the annual cycle of rainfall over the southern Great Plains (SGP) will amplify by midcentury. Models indicate that warm-season precipitation will increase during the early spring wet season but shift north earlier in the season, intensifying late summer drying. Regional climate models (RCMs) project larger precipitation changes than their global climate model (GCM) counterparts. This is particularly true during the dry season. The credibility of the RCM projections is established by exploring the larger-scale dynamical and local land–atmosphere feedback processes that drive future changes in the simulations, that is, the responsible mechanisms or processes. In this case, it is found that out of 12 RCM simulations produced for the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP), the majority are mechanistically credible and consistent in the mean changes they are producing in the SGP. Both larger-scale dynamical processes and local land–atmosphere feedbacks drive an earlier end to the spring wet period and deepening of the summer dry season in the SGP. The midlatitude upper-level jet shifts northward, the monsoon anticyclone expands, and the Great Plains low-level jet increases in strength, all supporting a poleward shift in precipitation in the future. This dynamically forced shift causes land–atmosphere coupling to strengthen earlier in the summer, which in turn leads to earlier evaporation of soil moisture in the summer, resulting in extreme drying later in the summer.