bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2D Efficient Unconditionally Stable Meshless FDTD Algorithm
Authors: Luo Kang , Yi Yun , Duan Yantao , Xu Boao , Chen Bin
Published: November 2016

This paper presents an efficient weighted Laguerre polynomials based meshless finite-difference time domain (WLP-MFDTD). By decomposing the coefficients of the system matrix and adding a perturbation term, a factorization-splitting scheme is introduced. The huge sparse matrix is transformed into two N×N matrices with 9 unknown elements in each row regardless of the duplicated ones. Consequently, compared with the conventional implementation, the CPU time and memory requirement can be saved greatly. The perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary condition is also extended to this approach. A numerical example demonstrates the capability and efficiency of the proposed method.
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in the Only Hearing Ear: Large Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome
Authors: Bal Kemal Koray , Ismi Onur , Bucioglu Helen , Vayısoğlu Yusuf , Gorur Kemal
Published: November 2016

Sudden hearing loss in the only hearing ear cases are rarely published in the English literature; most of the cases are idiopathic. It is an otologic emergency needing urgent treatment. Delayed diagnosis can interfere with patient’s social life with interrupting the verbal communication. In this case report we presented a 33-year-old female patient having sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the only hearing ear diagnosed as bilateral large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.
Early-Phase Recovery of Cardiorespiratory Measurements after Maximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Bellefleur Marie , Debeaumont David , Boutry Alain , Netchitailo Marie , Cuvelier Antoine , Muir Jean-François , Tardif Catherine , Coquart Jérémy
Published: November 2016

Background. This study investigated respiratory gas exchanges and heart rate (HR) kinetics during early-phase recovery after a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) grouped according to airflow limitation.Methods. Thirty control individuals (control group: CG) and 81 COPD patients (45 with “mild” or “moderate” airflow limitation,COPDI-II, versus 36 with “severe” or “very severe” COPD,COPDIII-IV) performed a maximal CPET. The first 3 min of recovery kinetics was investigated for oxygen uptake (V˙O2), minute ventilation (V˙E), respiratory equivalence, and HR. The time forV˙O2to reach 25% (T1/4V˙O2) of peak value was also determined and compared.Results. TheV˙O2,V˙E, and HR recovery kinetics were significantly slower in both COPD groups than CG (p<0.05). Moreover,COPDIII-IVgroup had significantly higherV˙O2andV˙Eduring recovery thanCOPDI-IIgroup (p<0.05). T1/4V˙O2significantly differed between groups (p<0.01;58±18 s in CG,79±26 s inCOPDI-IIgroup, and121±34 s inCOPDIII-IV) and was significantly correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second in COPD patients (p<0.001,r=0.53) and with peak power output (p<0.001,r=0.59).Conclusion. The COPD groups showed slower kinetics in the early recovery period than CG, and the kinetics varied with severity of airflow obstruction.
The Synergistic Effect of Leukocyte Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Micrometer/Nanometer Surface Texturing on Bone Healing around Immediately Placed Implants: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Neiva Rodrigo F. , Gil Luiz Fernando , Tovar Nick , Janal Malvin N. , Marao Heloisa Fonseca , Bonfante Estevam Augusto , Pinto Nelson , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: November 2016

Aims. This study evaluated the effects of L-PRF presence and implant surface texture on bone healing around immediately placed implants.Methods. The first mandibular molars of 8 beagle dogs were bilaterally extracted, and implants (Blossom™, Intra-Lock International, Boca Raton, FL) were placed in the mesial or distal extraction sockets in an interpolated fashion per animal. Two implant surfaces were distributed per sockets: (1) dual acid-etched (DAE, micrometer scale textured) and (2) micrometer/nanometer scale textured (Ossean™ surface). L-PRF (Intraspin system, Intra-Lock International) was placed in a split-mouth design to fill the macrogap between implant and socket walls on one side of the mandible. The contralateral side received implants without L-PRF. A mixed-model ANOVA (atα=0.05) evaluated the effect of implant surface, presence of L-PRF, and socket position (mesial or distal), individually or in combination on bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO).Results. BAFO values were significantly higher for the Ossean relative to the DAE surface on the larger mesial socket. The presence of L-PRF resulted in higher BAFO. The Ossean surface and L-PRF presence resulted in significantly higher BAFO.Conclusion.L-PRF and the micro-/nanometer scale textured surface resulted in increased bone formation around immediately placed implants.
Tai Chi Can Improve Postural Stability as Measured by Resistance to Perturbation Related to Upper Limb Movement among Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Pan Jiahao , Liu Cuixian , Zhang Shuqi , Li Li
Published: November 2016

Purpose. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi (TC) training on postural control when upright standing was perturbed by upper limb movement. Methods. Three groups, TC, Brisk walk (BW), and sedentary (SE), of thirty‐six participants aged from 65 to 75 years were recruited from local community centers. Participants performed static balance task (quiet standing for 30 s with eyes open and closed) and fitting task (two different reaching distances X three different opening sizes to fit objects through). During tasks, the COP data was recorded while standing on the force plate. Criteria measures calculated from COP data were the maximum displacement in anterior‐posterior (AP) and medial‐lateral (ML) directions, the 95% confidence ellipse area (95% area), and the mean velocity. Results. No significant effect was observed in the static balance task. For fitting tasks, the group effect was observed in all directions on COP 95% area (p < 0.05) and the TC group showed reduced area. The tests of subject contrasts showed significant trends for reaching different distances and fitting different openings conditions in all directions, the 95% area, and the mean velocity (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Compared to the other two groups, long‐term TC exercise helps in reducing the effects of upper body perturbation as measured by posture sway.
The Emerging Role of MicroRNA-155 in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Cao Richard Y. , Li Qing , Miao Yi , Zhang Ying , Yuan Wenchao , Fan Li , Liu Gongliang , Mi Qiongyao , Yang Jian
Published: November 2016

MicroRNAs have been demonstrated to be involved in human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Growing evidences suggest that microRNA-155, a typical multifunctional microRNA, plays a crucial role in hematopoietic lineage differentiation, immunity, inflammation, viral infections, and vascular remodeling, which is linked to cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, heart failure, and diabetic heart disease. The effects of microRNA-155 in different cell types through different target genes result in different mechanisms in diseases. MicroRNA-155 has been intensively studied in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Contradictory results of microRNA-155 either promoting or preventing the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis illustrate the complexity of this pleiotropic molecule. Therefore, more comprehensive studies of the underlying mechanisms of microRNA-155 involvement in cardiovascular diseases are required. Furthermore, a recent clinical trial of Miravirsen targeting microRNA-122 sheds light on exploiting microRNA-155 as a novel target to develop effective therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases in the near future.
Transcriptional Regulator CNOT3 Defines an Aggressive Colorectal Cancer Subtype
Authors: Cejas Paloma , Cavazza Alessia , Yandava C.N. , Moreno Victor , Horst David , Moreno-Rubio Juan , Burgos Emilio , Mendiola Marta , Taing Len , Goel Ajay , Feliu Jaime , Shivdasani Ramesh A.
Published: November 2016

Cancer cells exhibit dramatic alterations of chromatin organization at cis-regulatory elements, but the molecular basis, extent, and impact of these alterations are still being unraveled. Here, we identify extensive genome-wide modification of sites bearing the active histone mark H3K4me2 in primary human colorectal cancers, as compared with corresponding benign precursor adenomas. Modification of certain colorectal cancer sites highlighted the activity of the transcription factor CNOT3, which is known to control self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESC). In primary colorectal cancer cells, we observed a scattered pattern of CNOT3 expression, as might be expected for a tumor-initiating cell marker. Colorectal cancer cells exhibited nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of CNOT3, suggesting possible roles in both transcription and mRNA stability. We found that CNOT3 was bound primarily to genes whose expression was affected by CNOT3 loss, and also at sites modulated in certain types of colorectal cancers. These target genes were implicated in ESC and cancer self-renewal and fell into two distinct groups: those dependent on CNOT3 and MYC for optimal transcription and those repressed by CNOT3 binding and promoter hypermethylation. Silencing CNOT3 in colorectal cancer cells resulted in replication arrest. In clinical specimens, early-stage tumors that included >5% CNOT3+ cells exhibited a correlation to worse clinical outcomes compared with tumors with little to no CNOT3 expression. Together, our findings implicate CNOT3 in the coordination of colonic epithelial cell self-renewal, suggesting this factor as a new biomarker for molecular and prognostic classification of early-stage colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 77(3); 766–79. ©2016 AACR.
High-Risk HPV, Biomarkers, and Outcome in Matched Cohorts of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Positive and Negative for HIV
Authors: Walline Heather M. , Carey Thomas E. , Goudsmit Christine M. , Bellile Emily L. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Peterson Lisa A. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Pai Sara I. , Lee J. Jack , Shin Dong M. , Ferris Robert L.
Published: November 2016

In this study, high-risk HPV (hrHPV) incidence, prognostic biomarkers, and outcome were assessed in HIV-positive (case) and HIV-negative (control) patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). HIV-positive cases were matched to controls by tumor site, sex, and age at cancer diagnosis. A tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed and DNA isolated from tumor tissue. MultiPlex-PCR MassArray, L1-PCR, and in situ hybridization were used to assess hrHPV. TMA sections were stained for p16ink4a, TP53, RB, CCND1, EGFR, and scored for intensity and proportion of positive tumor cells. The HNSCC cohort included 41 HIV-positive cases and 41 HIV-negative controls. Tumors from 11 of 40 (28%) cases, and 10 of 41 (24%) controls contained hrHPV. p16 expression, indicative of E7 oncogene activity, was present in 10 of 11 HPV-positive cases and 7 of 10 HPV-positive controls. Low p16 and high TP53 expression in some HPV-positive tumors suggested HPV-independent tumorigenesis. Survival did not differ in cases and controls. RB expression was significantly associated with poor survival (P = 0.01). High TP53 expression exhibited a trend for poorer survival (P = 0.12), but among cases, association with poor survival reached statistical significance (P = 0.04). The proportion of HPV-positive tumors was similar, but the heterogeneity of HPV types was higher in the HIV-positive cases than in HIV-negative controls. High RB expression predicted poor survival, and high TP53 expression was associated with poorer survival in the HIV-positive cases but not HIV-negative controls.

Implications: HIV infection did not increase risk of death from HNSCC, and HPV-positive tumors continued to be associated with a significantly improved survival, independent of HIV status. Mol Cancer Res; 15(2); 179–88. ©2016 AACR.
Stress-Activated Kinase Mitogen-Activated Kinase Kinase-7 Governs Epigenetics of Cardiac Repolarization for Arrhythmia Prevention
Authors: Chowdhury Sanjoy K. , Liu Wei , Zi Min , Li Yatong , Wang Shunyao , Tsui Hoyee , Prehar Sukhpal , Castro Simon , Zhang Henggui , Ji Yong , Zhang Xiuqin , Xiao Ruiping , Zhang Rongli , Lei Ming , Cyganek Lukas , Guan Kaomei , Millar Catherine B. , Liao Xudong , Jain Mukesh K. , Boyett Mark R. , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Shiels Holly A. , Wang Xin
Published: November 2016

Background:

Ventricular arrhythmia is a leading cause of cardiac mortality. Most antiarrhythmics present paradoxical proarrhythmic side effects, culminating in a greater risk of sudden death.

Methods:

We describe a new regulatory mechanism linking mitogen-activated kinase kinase-7 deficiency with increased arrhythmia vulnerability in hypertrophied and failing hearts using mouse models harboring mitogen-activated kinase kinase-7 knockout or overexpression. The human relevance of this arrhythmogenic mechanism is evaluated in human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. Therapeutic potentials by targeting this mechanism are explored in the mouse models and human-induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes.

Results:

Mechanistically, hypertrophic stress dampens expression and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated kinase kinase-7. Such mitogen-activated kinase kinase-7 deficiency leaves histone deacetylase-2 unphosphorylated and filamin-A accumulated in the nucleus to form a complex with Krüppel-like factor-4. This complex leads to Krüppel-like factor-4 disassociation from the promoter regions of multiple key potassium channel genes (Kv4.2, KChIP2, Kv1.5, ERG1, and Kir6.2) and reduction of their transcript levels. Consequent repolarization delays result in ventricular arrhythmias. Therapeutically, targeting the repressive function of the Krüppel-like factor-4/histone deacetylase-2/filamin-A complex with the histone deacetylase-2 inhibitor valproic acid restores K
+
channel expression and alleviates ventricular arrhythmias in pathologically remodeled hearts.

Conclusions:

Our findings unveil this new gene regulatory avenue as a new antiarrhythmic target where repurposing of the antiepileptic drug valproic acid as an antiarrhythmic is supported.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers of Stenosis Progression in Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Dolz Sandra , Górriz David , Tembl José Ignacio , Sánchez Dolors , Fortea Gerardo , Parkhutik Vera , Lago Aida
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

Progression of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) in patients with >50% luminal narrowing is considered a potential risk factor for ischemic stroke; however, subclinical molecular biomarkers of ACAS progression are lacking. Recent studies suggest a regulatory function for several microRNAs (miRNAs) on the evolution of carotid plaque, but its role in ACAS progression is mostly unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate a wide miRNA panel in peripheral blood exosomes from patients with ACAS to associate circulating miRNA expression profiles with stenosis progression.

Methods—

The study included 60 patients with ACAS carrying >50% luminal narrowing. First, miRNA expression profiles of circulating exosomes were determined by Affymetrix microarrays from plasma samples of 16 patients from the cohort. Second, those miRNAs among the most differentially expressed in patients with ACAS progression were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction in a separate replication cohort of 39 subjects within the patient sample.

Results—

Our results showed that ACAS progression was associated with development of stroke. MiR-199b-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-130a-3p, miR-221-3p, and miR-24-3p presented significant higher expression in those patients with ACAS progression.

Conclusions—

In conclusion, our study supports that specific circulating miRNA expression profiles could provide a new tool that complements the monitoring of ACAS progression, improving therapeutic approaches to prevent ischemic stroke.
Estimating the Risks of Adverse Radiation Effects After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Kano Hideyuki , Flickinger John C. , Tonetti Daniel , Hsu Alan , Yang Huai-che , Flannery Thomas J. , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

We evaluated risk factors associated with the development of adverse radiation effects (ARE) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods—

We evaluated 755 patients with AVM who underwent a single Gamma Knife SRS procedure with at least a 2-year minimum follow-up. Eighty-seven patients (12%) underwent previous resection and 128 (17%) had previous embolization. The median target volume was 3.6 mL (range, 0.1–26.3 mL). The median margin dose was 20 Gy (range, 13–27 Gy).

Results—

Fifty-five patients (7%) developed symptomatic ARE at a median follow-up of 75 months. The cumulative rates of symptomatic ARE were 3.2%, 5.8%, 6.7%, and 7.5% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Factors associated with a higher rate of developing symptomatic ARE included larger AVM volume, higher margin dose, larger 12-Gy volume, higher Spetzler–Martin grade, and higher radiosurgery-based score. The rates of developing symptomatic ARE were higher in the brain stem (22%) or thalamus (16%), compared with AVMs located in other brain locations (4%–8%). Nineteen patients (3%) sustained irreversible new neurological deficits related to ARE, and 1 patient died. The rates of irreversible symptomatic ARE were 0.8%, 1.9%, 2.1%, and 2.8% at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The 5-year cumulative rates of irreversible symptomatic ARE were 9.1% in thalamus, 12.1% in brain stem, and 1.4% in other locations.

Conclusions—

The knowledge of ARE risk rates after AVM radiosurgery can assist informed consent for patients with AVM, their families, and healthcare providers.
A new Stictis species from China based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: LI ZHIJIE , HOU CHENGLIN
Published: November 2016

A non-lichenized fungus, Stictis anhuiensis sp. nov., on Cunninghamia lanceolata from Anhui Province, China, is described and illustrated. Stictis anhuiensis differs from two similar species that it has a more prominent marginal wall, smaller asci and ascospores than S. pusilla, and possesses smaller ascomata, asci, and ascospores than S. sarothamni in addition to lacking a thick layer of wall tissue and prominent periphysoids. The phylogenetic position of S. anhuiensis was determined by sequences analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA large subunit and mitochondrial DNA small subunit. Stictis anhuiensis formed an independent terminal branch.
A new species of the genus Philothermus Aubé (Coleoptera: Cerylonidae) from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A.
Authors: GIMMEL MATTHEW L. , SLIPINSKI ADAM
Published: November 2016

A new species of cerylonid with reduced eyes from the Great Smoky Mountains, Philothermus stephani sp. n., is described and illustrated. A revised key to the North American species of Philothermus is presented.
Three new species of Icaia Linnavuori (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Peru and distinction of the genus from Athysanella Baker
Authors: ZAHNISER JAMES N. , HICKS ANDREW
Published: November 2016

Four undescribed species of Icaia Linnavuori were identified from collections in montane grasslands of Peru. Three of these are illustrated and described as new species, and the remaining species, known only from one female, is illustrated. The new species are I. straminea sp. nov., I. laoroya sp. nov., and I. cygnus sp. nov. A comparative study of 18 morphological characters for 14 species of Icaia and Athysanella Baker was undertaken to reassess their current circumscriptions. Parsimony analysis of these characters recovered each genus as a monophyletic group and the strict consensus tree is presented to provide a preliminary view of the generic and subgeneric phylogeny of this New World group of Chiasmini. Several derived characters of the male genitalia were found that unite most of the species currently placed in Athysanella. However, three species currently placed in A. (Diphipyga) retain the plesiomorphic states for these characters. A. (Diphipyga) is reinterpreted to contain only these three species, A. (D.) mexicana Johnson, A. (D.) nimbata Ball & Beamer, and A. (D.) secunda Blocker & Wesley. Athysanella rubicunda Ball & Beamer and A. triodana Ball & Beamer are reinstated in Athysanella (Amphipyga). No uniquely identifying and universally shared characters were found that unite all species of Icaia, but a combination of similarities in external morphology and male genitalia to described species of Icaia, a lack of characters that define other genera of Chiasmini, and their South American distribution allow placement of the new species into Icaia.
Discovery of two new species of Alucitidae (Lepidoptera) from Vietnam
Authors: BYUN BONG-KYU , PARK KYU-TEK
Published: November 2016

Two new species of Alucitidae, Pterotopteryx nigrifasciata sp. nov. and P. vietana sp. nov., are described from Vietnam. Photographs of the facies and genitalia are presented.
The status of three little known names proposed by Miranda-Ribeiro (1926) and the synonymization of Pyrrhura snethlageae Joseph & Bates, 2002 (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae: Arinae)
Authors: GABAN-LIMA RENATO , RAPOSO MARCOS A.
Published: November 2016

The presence of complex geographic variation among species allied to the absence of clear morphological breaks among populations has led to many poorly defined taxa in the genus Pyrrhura (Psittacidae: Arinae: Arini). This article addresses nomenclature of the Pyrrhura picta species complex, particularly the identity of three little-known names introduced by Miranda-Ribeiro (1926): Pyrrhura luciani ochrotis, P. l. pallescens and P. l. melanoides. We show that these names represent subjective synonyms of Pyrrhura snethlageae Joseph & Bates, 2002. Furthermore, we argue that Pyrrhura pallescens (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926) n. comb. should be considered as the valid senior name because: (1) there is no doubt about the type locality (near the type locality of P. snethlageae) and, as a consequence, it “will best serve stability and universality of nomenclature” as recommended by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclatural, and; (2) it corresponds to the most common phenotype usually referred to as P. snethlageae, the species name that has been used for bird specimens from this region. Those considering P. snethlageae lucida Arndt, 2008 as a valid taxon should refer to this population as Pyrrhura pallescens lucida (Arndt, 2008) n. comb. In a near future P. pallescens melanoides (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926) n. comb. is likely to be considered the best senior synonym of P. p. lucida given its type locality (Teles Pires River, MT).
Biogeography and taxonomy of racket-tail hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae: Ocreatus): evidence for species delimitation from morphology and display behavior
Authors: SCHUCHMANN KARL-L. , WELLER ANDRÉ-A. , JÜRGENS DIETMAR
Published: November 2016

We analyzed geographic variation, biogeography, and intrageneric relationships of racket-tail hummingbirds Ocreatus (Aves, Trochilidae). Presently, the genus is usually considered monospecific, with O. underwoodii including eight subspecies (polystictus, discifer, underwoodii, incommodus, melanantherus, peruanus, annae, addae), although up to three species have been recognized by some authors. In order to evaluate the current taxonomy we studied geographic variation in coloration, mensural characters, and behavioral data of all Ocreatus taxa. We briefly review the taxonomic history of the genus. Applying the Biological Species Concept, species delimitation was based on a qualitative-quantitative criteria analysis including an evaluation of character states. Our results indicate that the genus should be considered a superspecies with four species, the monotypic Ocreatus addae, O. annae, and O. peruanus, and the polytypic O. underwoodii (including the subspecies underwoodii, discifer, incommodus, melanantherus, polystictus). In this taxonomic treatment, O. annae becomes an endemic species to Peru and O. addae is endemic to Bolivia. We recommend additional sampling of distributional, ethological, and molecular data for an improved resolution of the evolutionary history of Ocreatus.
Copepods (Cyclopoida) associated with top shells (Vestigastropoda: Trochoidea: Tegulidae) from coastal waters in southern Japan, with descriptions of three new species
Authors: UYENO DAISUKE
Published: November 2016

Four species of copepods are described based on specimens of both sexes from tegulid top shells (Vestigastropoda) caught from coastal waters of southern Japan. Three species, including two undescribed and one known of the genus Panaietis (Copepoda: Cyclopoida: Anthessiidae) were found in the pharynx and esophagus of gastropods. Panaietis incamerata Stebbing, 1900, P. doraconis n. sp., and P. satsuma n. sp. are distinguished from its congeners by the dorsal plates on the first pedigerous somite, the genital somite, the shape of the spines on legs, the number of setae on legs 1 and 2, and the position and shape of leg 5. Pseudanthessius imo n. sp. (Cyclopoida: Pseudanthessiidae) was found in the mantle cavity of the host. This copepod differs from its congeners in the proportions of the caudal ramus, the armature and proportion of the antenna, the armature of the exopod and general shape of the endopod of leg 4, and the presence of a post-rostral process.
DNA barcoding and morphological studies confirm the occurrence of three Atarbolana (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cirolanidae) species along the coastal zone of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
Authors: KHALAJI-PIRBALOUTY VALIALLAH , RAUPACH MICHAEL J.
Published: November 2016

Two species of Atarbolana (Cirolanidae: Isopoda) from the intertidal zone of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf were studied and redescribed. The known distribution of this small genus is limited to the northern areas of the Indian Ocean, from the Pakistan coasts to the Persian Gulf. The analyses of DNA barcodes as well as detailed morphological studies clearly support the existence of three distinct Atarbolana species along the coastal zone of the Persian Gulf and northern Arabian Sea. Furthermore, A. dasycolus Yasmeen, 2004 is synonymized with A. setosa Javed and Yasmeen, 1989.
Future Climate Change Impacts on Snow and Water Resources of the Fraser River Basin, British Columbia
Authors: Islam Siraj ul , Déry Stephen J. , Werner Arelia T.
Published: November 2016

Changes in air temperature and precipitation can modify snowmelt-driven runoff in snowmelt-dominated regimes. This study focuses on climate change impacts on the snow hydrology of the Fraser River basin (FRB) of British Columbia (BC), Canada, using the Variable Infiltration Capacity model (VIC). Statistically downscaled forcing datasets based on 12 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are used to drive VIC for two 30-yr time periods, a historical baseline (1980–2009) and future projections (2040–69: 2050s), under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5. The ensemble-based VIC simulations reveal widespread and regionally coherent spatial changes in snowfall, snow water equivalent (SWE), and snow cover over the FRB by the 2050s. While the mean precipitation is projected to increase slightly, the fraction of precipitation falling as snow is projected to decrease by nearly 50% in the 2050s compared to the baseline. Snow accumulation and snow-covered area are projected to decline substantially across the FRB, particularly in the Rocky Mountains. Onset of springtime snowmelt in the 2050s is projected to be nearly 25 days earlier than historically, yielding more runoff in the winter and spring for the Fraser River at Hope, BC, and earlier recession to low-flow volumes in summer. The ratio of snowmelt contribution to runoff decreases by nearly 20% in the Stuart and Nautley subbasins of the FRB in the 2050s. The decrease in SWE and loss of snow cover is greater from low to midelevations than in high elevations, where temperatures remain sufficiently cold for precipitation to fall as snow.
On the Dynamical Relationship between Equatorial Pacific Surface Currents, Zonally Averaged Equatorial Sea Level, and El Niño Prediction
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Clarke Allan J.
Published: November 2016

Previous work has shown that for large zonal scales and low frequencies, wind-forced sea level, even near the equator, can be described by wind-forced long Rossby waves. In the eastern equatorial Pacific where the interannual wind forcing is small, these waves are essentially locally unforced and propagate westward from the boundary. At the boundary the waves’ sea level is in phase because of geostrophy and no normal flow to the boundary. However, because the waves propagate more slowly with increasing latitude, west of the boundary lag increases as latitude increases. Consequently a northward sea level gradient is like a time derivative, and the zonal geostrophic flow is like a time derivative of the sea level. This implies that the equatorial flow should lead the equatorial sea level by about 9 months on El Niño time scales. However, analysis shows that when dissipation of the large-scale flow is taken into account, this lead is reduced to about 3 months. This lead time is approximately the dissipation time scale of the second vertical mode, which dominates the zonal surface flow. Since the eastern equatorial Pacific sea level ηE is proportional to eastern equatorial thermocline displacement and El Niño, the zonal equatorial flow leads El Niño indices. Analysis also shows that the zonally averaged equatorial Pacific sea level leads El Niño and that this lead is associated with the geostrophic zonal velocity and the long Rossby wave physics.
Corporate Political Transparency
Authors: Mithani Murad A.
Published: November 2016

Corporations are facing a growing demand for the transparency of political contributions. In the United States, this demand has largely focused on the implementation of a mandatory disclosure law. It rests on the assumption that legal enforcement can make it easier to observe the ties between corporations and political parties. In this study, I challenge this assumption. I build my case by first developing a conceptual foundation of corporate political transparency (CPT). I argue that in the absence of economic benefits, legal enforcement has a limited effect on CPT. Instead of encouraging transparency, mandatory disclosure can lead to the concealment of corporate political contributions. To develop a model of concealment, I borrow the characterizations of disguise from theatrical drama. Using the context of Indian firms, I show the limitation of mandatory disclosure and the efficacy of regulatory incentive. My study highlights the need for a broader debate on CPT to understand the relative implications of regulatory policies.
Didacticism and Edification: Herbert’s Poems in Three Restoration Manuscripts
Authors: Thorley David
Published: November 2016

This article seeks to illuminate the ways in which the didactic qualities of Herbert’s verse were realized by three Restoration readers. Examining manuscript notebooks kept by Marmaduke Rawdon, Thomas Sparrow and Oliver Heywood, I investigate these three figures’ copying of Herbert’s verse (especially “The Church Porch”) and the ways in which that material interacts with other texts, both within and beyond their personal manuscripts. I make a case for Herbert as a critical figure to the self-pattering these books performed and the rules of conduct they prescribed for their compilers.
Writing Wisdom: George Herbert’s Synesthetic Poetics
Authors: Dyck Denae
Published: November 2016

Using synesthesia as an organizing principle, the present study analyzes George Herbert’s representations of wisdom, particularly in the poems “Submission,” “The Agonie,” “Divinitie,” and “Charms and Knots.” The trope of synesthesia reflects Herbert’s participation in both Hellenic and Hebraic traditions, for it brings together the rhetorical dexterity celebrated in Hellenic models of oration and the physical dexterity integral to Hebraic ideas of wisdom. Herbert’s synesthetic poetics, then, works not only to gather that which is Hellenic and Hebraic or classical and Christian but also to bridge word and world, spirit and flesh.
The Art of Divine Meditation in George Herbert’s The Temple
Authors: Faber Ben
Published: November 2016

George Herbert’s The Temple exemplifies the principles of Protestant meditation described by Joseph Hall in The Art of Divine Meditation (1606). Shaped by Catholic and Protestant traditions, Hall’s approach to meditation combines deliberate and extemporary reflection on natural and artificial objects. Like Hall, Herbert in The Temple practices the Augustinian habit of reading mundane signs as emblems with spiritual signification. More particularly Hallian are the stages—from the preparation of the subject for meditation through the dynamic concentration on the object of meditation to the transformation of the subject—that the reader of Herbert’s poems follows. Taken individually, in sets, and in the whole three-part collection, the sacred poems and private ejaculations of The Temple are spiritual exercises that bear the hallmarks of Anglican meditation.
Favorable Swallowing Outcomes following Vagus Nerve Sacrifice for Vagal Schwannoma Resection
Authors: Patel Mira A. , Eytan Danielle F. , Bishop Justin , Califano Joseph A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

To determine the impact of unilateral vagal sacrifice for vagal schwannoma on postoperative swallowing function.

Study Design

Case series, chart review.

Setting

Academic medical institution.

Subjects and Methods

Ten patients underwent vagus nerve sacrifice for vagal schwannoma resection. Archived pathology records dating from 1985 through 2012 at our institution were retrospectively queried for cases of vagal schwannoma with vagus nerve sacrifice. Medical records were abstracted for demographic and disease information as well as cranial nerve and swallowing function. Preoperative and postoperative cranial nerve function, subjective and objective measures of swallowing function, Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) level, and need for vocal fold medialization were variables collected. Data were analyzed with summary statistics.

Results

The patients who underwent vagal sacrifice for vagal schwannoma at our institution had a mean age of 42.3 years (median, 44 years; range, 15‐63 years) and follow‐up of 35.6 months (median, 9 months; range, 1‐115 months). Most presented with no preoperative cranial nerve deficit or difficulty swallowing. Immediately postoperatively, 90% had a vagus nerve deficit, but 50% had no subjective difficulty swallowing, and 70% had a FOIS level of 7 at postoperative hospital discharge. Within 1 month after surgery, 70% had normal swallowing function according to a modified barium swallow study. A full diet was tolerated by mouth within an average of 2.7 days (median, 2 days; range, 1‐6 days) after surgery in this cohort. Seventy percent required vocal fold medialization postoperatively for incomplete glottic closure.

Conclusion

Vagal nerve sacrifice during resection of vagal schwannoma can be performed with normal postoperative swallowing function.
Immigration Status, Visa Types, and Body Weight Among New Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Yeh Ming-Chin , Parikh Nina S. , Megliola Alison E. , Kelvin Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between immigration-related factors and body mass index (BMI) among immigrants.

Design:

Secondary analyses of cross-sectional survey data.

Setting:

The New Immigrant Survey (NIS-2003) contains data from in-person or telephone interviews between May and November 2003, with a probability sample of immigrants granted legal permanent residency in the United States.

Participants:

A total of 8573 US immigrants.

Measures:

The NIS-2003 provided data on sociobehavioral domains, including migration history, education, employment, marital history, language, and health-related behaviors. The visa classifications are as follows: (1) family reunification, (2) employment, (3) diversity, (4) refugee, and (5) legalization.

Analysis:

Nested multivariable linear regression analysis was used to estimate the independent relationships between BMI and the variables of interest.

Results:

Overall, 32.6% of participants were overweight and 11.3% were obese (mean BMI = 25). Participants who were admitted to the United States with employment, refugee, or legalization visas compared with those who came with family reunion visas had a significantly higher BMI ( P < .001, P < .001, P < .01, respectively). Duration in the United States predicted BMI, with those immigrants in the United States longer having a higher BMI ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that immigrants who obtain particular visa categorizations and immigration status might have a higher risk of being overweight or obese. Immigrants need to be targeted along with the rest of the US population for weight management interventions.
Mixed hidden Markov quantile regression models for longitudinal data with possibly incomplete sequences
Authors: Marino Maria Francesca , Tzavidis Nikos , Alfò Marco
Published: November 2016

Quantile regression provides a detailed and robust picture of the distribution of a response variable, conditional on a set of observed covariates. Recently, it has be been extended to the analysis of longitudinal continuous outcomes using either time-constant or time-varying random parameters. However, in real-life data, we frequently observe both temporal shocks in the overall trend and individual-specific heterogeneity in model parameters. A benchmark dataset on HIV progression gives a clear example. Here, the evolution of the CD4 log counts exhibits both sudden temporal changes in the overall trend and heterogeneity in the effect of the time since seroconversion on the response dynamics. To accommodate such situations, we propose a quantile regression model, where time-varying and time-constant random coefficients are jointly considered. Since observed data may be incomplete due to early drop-out, we also extend the proposed model in a pattern mixture perspective. We assess the performance of the proposals via a large-scale simulation study and the analysis of the CD4 count data.
Behavioral and emotional problems in high-functioning girls and boys with autism spectrum disorders: Parents’ reports and adolescents’ self-reports
Authors: Pisula Ewa , Pudło Monika , Słowińska Monika , Kawa Rafał , Strząska Magdalena , Banasiak Anna , Wolańczyk Tomasz
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate sex differences in behavioral and emotional problems in high-functioning girls and boys with autism spectrum disorder. The results obtained by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder were compared with those of typically developing girls and boys. Correlations between parents’ and adolescents’ ratings were also analyzed. Participants were 35 girls and 35 boys with autism spectrum disorder, aged 11–18 years, matched for chronological age and full-scale IQ. The control group consisted of 24 typically developing girls and 24 boys of the same age and IQ. The parents of adolescent participants were also included in the study. The measures used were the Child Behavior Checklist (4–18) completed by parents and Youth Self-Report (11–18) completed by adolescents. The adolescents with autism spectrum disorder presented higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems than the control group, according to both the parents’ reports and the adolescents’ self-reports. No sex differences were found in that respect. More differences between the assessments of adolescents and their parents occurred in the control group, and the effect size was larger.
Major involvement of bacterial components in rheumatoid arthritis and its accompanying oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability
Authors: Pretorius Etheresia , Akeredolu Oore-Ofe , Soma Prashilla , Kell Douglas B
Published: November 2016

We review the evidence that infectious agents, including those that become dormant within the host, have a major role to play in much of the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis and the inflammation that is its hallmark. This occurs in particular because they can produce cross-reactive (auto-)antigens, as well as potent inflammagens such as lipopolysaccharide that can themselves catalyze further inflammagenesis, including via β-amyloid formation. A series of observables coexist in many chronic, inflammatory diseases as well as rheumatoid arthritis. They include iron dysregulation, hypercoagulability, anomalous morphologies of host erythrocytes, and microparticle formation. Iron dysregulation may be responsible for the periodic regrowth and resuscitation of the dormant bacteria, with concomitant inflammagen production. The present systems biology analysis benefits from the philosophical idea of “coherence,” that reflects the principle that if a series of ostensibly unrelated findings are brought together into a self-consistent narrative, that narrative is thereby strengthened. As such, we provide a coherent and testable narrative for the major involvement of (often dormant) bacteria in rheumatoid arthritis.

Impact statement

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is accompanied by long-term inflammation that is mediated by cytokines and cross-reactive (auto-)antigens. Here we suggest one explanation is the presence of a (dormant) microbiome in RA that sheds the highly potent inflammagen, lipopolysaccharide lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to catalyze inflammagenesis, including via β-amyloid formation. We discuss various co-existing features in RA, including iron dysregulation, hypercoagulability, anomalous morphologies of host erythrocytes, and microparticle formation. We review literature and provide coherent evidence that an aberrant blood microbiome in RA has a major involvement in the development, progression, and therefore over-all etiology of the disease.
Advances in 3D Modeling: Preoperative Templating for Revision Wrist Surgery
Authors: Osagie Liza , Shaunak Shalin , Murtaza Aasim , Cerovac Sonja , Umarji Shamim
Published: November 2016

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a computer-directed process leading to the layered synthesis of scaled models. The popularity and availability of the technique has exponentially increased over the last decade, and as such is seeing a greater number of medical and surgical applications. Methods: We report 3 cases involving the use of 3D printing as an aid to operative planning in the revision of wrist surgery. Results: All patients underwent successful operative interventions with a £34 average cost of model creation. Conclusions: A growing number of reports are emerging in reconstructive surgical specialities including maxillofacial, orthopedic, and plastic surgery; from our experience, we advocate the economically viable use of 3D printing for preoperative templating.
Crystallization of nanostructured cobalt hydroxide carbonate at ambient conditions: a key precursor of Co3O4
Authors: González-López J. , Fernández-González Á. , Jiménez A.
Published: November 2016

Crystals of Co2CO3(OH)2 have been synthesized under ambient conditions, in contrast to hydrothermal methods reported previously. We have developed a simple but efficient methodology to obtain an initial amorphous phase that evolves to a crystalline cobalt hydroxide carbonate after one week of maturation. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that this phase crystallizes in the space group P21/a (a = 12.886(6), b = 9.346(3), c = 3.156(1) Å, β = 110.358(6)°). The platelet morphology of Co2CO3(OH)2 agrees with its lamellar crystal structure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals that each individual platelet is comprised of nanodomains disoriented with respect to their neighbours. The kinetics and the activation energy (Ea = 6.26 kJ mol–1) of the transformation process have been estimated using the rate constant method. The precipitation of solids leads to a decrease in the cobalt concentration in the solution (∼88%) reaching values of ∼150 ppm, which can be considered a successful reduction from the perspective of water quality. The calcination in air of the synthetized platelets produced exclusively Co3O4. The thermo-X-ray difraction results confirm that Co2CO3(OH)2 is transformed over a small range of temperatures (225–235°C) into pure Co3O4. HRTEM images show that the lamellar nanomorphology is preserved in the Co3O4 phase. Therefore, understanding the crystallization behaviour of Co2CO3(OH)2 can help to minimize environmental problems caused by cobalt pollution and may facilitate the management of methods to obtain phases with specific nanomorphologies used widely in material sciences.
The creation of neotypes for hydrotalcite
Authors: Mills Stuart J. , Christy Andrew G. , Schmitt Ralf T.
Published: November 2016

Two samples of hydrotalcite, probably worked on by Carl Christian Hochstetter, have been discovered in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin and given neotype status by the IMA CNMNC (proposal 15-J). The two samples from Snarum, Norway, have been reanalysed and give Mg5.84Al2.07Fe0.09(OH)16(CO3)1.08·4H2O and Mg5.75Al2.21Fe0.04(OH)16(CO3)1.12·4H2O. Both samples have a mix of the two polytypes 3R/2H in the ratio of 69.2/30.8 and 69.5/30.5%. A discussion of hydrotalcite and hydrotalcite-like phase occurrences in the literature is also presented.
The crystal structure of uytenbogaardtite, Ag3AuS2, and its relationships with gold and silver sulfides-selenides
Authors: Bindi Luca , Stanley Christopher J. , Seryotkin Yurii V. , Bakakin Vladimir V. , Pal'yanova Galina A. , Kokh Konstantin A.
Published: November 2016

The crystal structure of the mineral uytenbogaardtite, a rare silver-gold sulfide, was solved using intensity data collected for a crystal from the type locality, the Comstock lode, Storey County, Nevada (USA). The study revealed that the structure is trigonal, space group R3̄c, with cell parametersa= 13.6952(5),c= 17.0912(8) Å andV= 2776.1(2) Å3. The refinement of an anisotropic model led to an R index of 0.0140 for 1099 independent reflections. The structure consists of a sub-lattice of sulfur atoms forming a distorted body-centred cubic arrangement. The structure contains distinct tri-atomic linear groups (S–Au–S) and Ag atoms bonded to four S atoms (from four different linear groups) in a distorted tetrahedral arrangement. On the basis of information gained from this characterization, uytenbogaardtite is here definitively proved to be structurally different from petzite, Ag3AuTe2and fischesserite, Ag3AuSe2. By use of high-quality single-crystal diffraction data, the symmetry of the mineral was found to be trigonal, and not tetragonal as erroneously supposed. A revaluation of the powder diffraction data listed in the scientific literature for uytenbogaardtite according to the structural results obtained here leads to an excellent agreement. Crystal-chemical features of uytenbogaardtite, Au2S, petrovskaite AgAuS, uytenbogaardtite–fischesserite series Ag3Au(S2–xSex) and acanthite–naummanite series Ag2(S1–xSex) are compared.