bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial respiration and H2O2 emission in saponin-permeabilized murine diaphragm fibers: optimization of fiber separation and comparison to limb muscle
Authors: Hahn Dongwoo , Kumar Ravi A. , Ryan Terence E. , Ferreira Leonardo F.
Published: July 2019

Diaphragm abnormalities in aging or chronic diseases include impaired mitochondrial respiration and H2O2 emission, which can be measured using saponin-permeabilized muscle fibers. Mouse diaphragm presents a challenge for isolation of fibers due to relatively high abundance of connective tissue in healthy muscle that is exacerbated in disease states. We tested a new approach to process mouse diaphragm for assessment of intact mitochondria respiration and ROS emission in saponin-permeabilized fibers. We used the red gastrocnemius (RG) as “standard” limb muscle. Markers of mitochondrial content were two– to fourfold higher in diaphragm (Dia) than in RG ( P < 0.05). Maximal O2 consumption ( JO2: pmol·s−1·mg−1) in Dia was higher with glutamate, malate, and succinate (Dia 399 ± 127, RG 148 ± 60; P < 0.05) and palmitoyl-CoA + carnitine (Dia 15 ± 5, RG 7 ± 1; P < 0.05) than in RG, but not different between muscles when JO2 was normalized to citrate synthase activity. Absolute JO2 for Dia was two– to fourfold higher than reported in previous studies. Mitochondrial JH2O2 was higher in Dia than in RG ( P < 0.05), but lower in Dia than in RG when JH2O2 was normalized to citrate synthase activity. Our findings are consistent with an optimized diaphragm preparation for assessment of intact mitochondria in permeabilized fiber bundles. The data also suggest that higher mitochondrial content potentially makes the diaphragm more susceptible to “mitochondrial onset” myopathy. Overall, the new approach will facilitate testing and understanding of diaphragm mitochondrial function in mouse models that are used to advance biomedical research and human health.
Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes cease to beat following exposure to monochromatic light: association with increased ROS and loss of calcium transients
Authors: Singh Gurbind , Sridharan Divya , Khan Mahmood , Seshagiri Polani B.
Published: July 2019

We earlier established the mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell “GS-2” line expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and have been routinely using it to understand the molecular regulation of differentiation into cardiomyocytes. During such studies, we made a serendipitous discovery that functional cardiomyocytes derived from ES cells stopped beating when exposed to blue light. We observed a gradual cessation of contractility within a few minutes, regardless of wavelength (nm) ranges tested: blue (~420–495), green (~510–575), and red (~600–700), with green light manifesting the strongest impact. Following shifting of cultures back into the incubator (darkness), cardiac clusters regained beatings within a few hours. The observed light-induced contractility-inhibition effect was intrinsic to cardiomyocytes and not due to interference from other cell types. Also, this was not influenced by any physicochemical parameters or intracellular EGFP expression. Interestingly, the light-induced cardiomyocyte contractility inhibition was accompanied by increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be abolished in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (ROS quencher). Besides, the increased intracardiomyocyte ROS levels were incidental to the inhibition of calcium transients and suppression of mitochondrial activity, both being essential for sarcomere function. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first report to demonstrate the monochromatic light-mediated inhibition of contractions of cardiomyocytes with no apparent loss of cell viability and contractility. Our findings have implications in cardiac cell biology context in terms of 1) mechanistic insights into light impact on cardiomyocyte contraction, 2) potential use in laser beam-guided (cardiac) microsurgery, photo-optics-dependent medical diagnostics, 3) transient cessation of hearts during coronary artery bypass grafting, and 4) functional preservation of hearts for transplantation.
Systemic Factors Related to Intraocular Levels of Interleukin-6 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Jung Byung Ju , Lee Mee Yon , Jeon Sohee
Published: July 2019

This study is for identifying systemic factors correlating with intraocular levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic retinopathy. Forty-two consecutive patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for PDR were included in this cross-sectional study. The aqueous humor was sampled just prior to PPV for assay of IL-6 and VEGF. One day before PPV, patient characteristics were recorded and a number of systemic markers were amassed, including fasting and postprandial glucose, homeostasis model assessment- (HOMA-) IR, HOMA-beta, C-peptide, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein- (Apo-) A, Apo-B, and lipoprotein A (Lp-A). Relationships between systemic determinants and intraocular cytokine levels were analyzed by regression analysis. Mean levels of IL-6 and VEGF were 15.3 pg/mL (range, 2.4–10124.5 pg/mL) and 21.1 pg/mL (range, 3.2–766.1 pg/mL), respectively. After adjustment for age, gender, duration of diabetes, and BMI, multivariate analysis showed significant association of smoking (p=0.002) and HOMA-IR (p=0.003) with intraocular IL-6 levels, while intraocular VEGF and systemic Lp-A levels correlated significantly (p=0.032). Insulin resistance and smoking status impacted intraocular levels of IL-6, while intraocular VEGF levels were influenced by Lp-A. An appreciation for the relationship between systemic factors and intraocular cytokines may help elucidate the complex pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.
Application of Infrared Spectroscopy for Functional Compounds Evaluation in Olive Oil: A Current Snapshot
Authors: Mahesar Sarfaraz Ahmed , Lucarini Massimo , Durazzo Alessandra , Santini Antonello , Lampe Anja I. , Kiefer Johannes
Published: July 2019

Olive oil is a liquid fat obtained from the fruit ofOlea europaea, a plant belonging to theOleaceaefamily, which is widely cultivated and diffused in the Mediterranean area. It is largely produced and used since antiquity. It is mainly used and consumed as food but also as key ingredient in a wide variety of cosmetic products, e.g., to moisturize and nourish dry skin. In the last few decades, olive oil has received much attention as compared to the other seed-obtained oils as well as to the animal fats due to many functional compounds with positive effects on health. To maintain the genuine picture of olive oil, it is essential to assure its authenticity and quality. The presence of bioactive compounds, which characterize the olive oil owing to their antioxidant properties, can be assessed by spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. Currently, spectroscopic techniques combined with chemometric data analysis represent one of the most promising detection methods in the food sector. They offer rapid, versatile, and inexpensive data collection and analyses. The main advantages include the limited and simple sample preparation and the possibility to get spectra directly from the production line. Infrared spectroscopy (mid- and near-infrared) coupled to chemometrics is considered as powerful, fast, accurate, and nondestructive analytical tool for rapid and precise determination of the bioactive compounds content, as well of their bioactivities, i.e., antioxidant properties. These techniques represent a valid alternative to the existing conventional methods of analysis, e.g., based on chromatography and mass spectrometry. Indeed, the present review focuses on the application of infrared spectroscopy for functional compounds evaluation in olive oil.
Varicella Retinal Vasculopathy: Unilateral Cilioretinal Artery Occlusion Despite Acyclovir Therapy Caught Using Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography (OCTA)
Authors: Khatri Anadi , Timalsena Satish , Gautam Sudhir , Kharel Muna
Published: July 2019

Varicella zoster is known to be associated with vaso-occlusive pathologies, vasculitis, or optic neuritis, leading to profound visual loss. We report a case where a 13-year-old boy who initially presented to us with on and off diminution of vision in his right eye since 3 days and had normal ocular and OCT angiography findings followed up in 5 days with sudden painless diminution of vision in the same eye since one day this time revealing a pale macular region with rest of the retina being normal. Repeated OCT angiography showed loss of the capillary network around the perifoveal region suggesting cilioretinal artery occlusion.
Complications in a Young Adult Attributable to a Retained Pediatric Dynamic Hip Screw
Authors: Bryant Jonathan , Butler Leroy , Green Brandon , Krenk Daniel
Published: July 2019

Introduction. Orthopedic implants are used for many different conditions in the pediatric population. The literature on hardware removal is controversial and vague.Case Report. We highlight a young adult male who underwent a dynamic hip screw (DHS) due to a motor vehicle accident at 11 years old. He healed the fracture and did well for years. He was lost to follow-up and the hardware was never removed. The patient presented to our facility with a periprosthetic subtrochanteric proximal femur fracture just distal to the retained hardware. The DHS was removed and the fracture fixed with an intramedullary nail. The patient healed the fracture and did well.Discussion. A literature review was performed to highlight the benefits and complications of hardware removal vs. retention. We hope to equip the orthopedic surgeon with the reasons for or against hardware removal to optimize treatment to each patient. In this instance, we recommend hardware removal due to the serious consequences of retained hardware in the adolescent/young adult population.
Patient Experience with Rechargeable Implantable Pulse Generator Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders
Authors: Mitchell Kyle T. , Volz Monica , Lee Aaron , San Luciano Marta , Wang Sarah , Starr Philip A. , Larson Paul , Galifianakis Nicholas B. , Ostrem Jill L.
Published: July 2019

Background/Aims: Nonrechargeable deep brain stimulation implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for movement disorders require surgical replacement every few years due to battery depletion. Rechargeable IPGs reduce frequency of replacement surgeries and inherent risks of complications but require frequent recharging. Here, we evaluate patient experience with rechargeable IPGs and define predictive characteristics for higher satisfaction. Methods: We contacted all patients implanted with rechargeable IPGs at a single center in a survey-based study. We analyzed patient satisfaction with respect to age, diagnosis, target, charging duration, and body mass index. We tabulated hardware-related adverse events. Results: Dystonia patients had significantly higher satisfaction than Parkinson’s disease patients in recharging, display, programmer, and training domains. Common positive responses were “fewer surgeries” and “small size.” Common negative responses were “difficulty finding the right position to recharge” and “need to recharge every day.” Hardware-related adverse events occurred in 21 of 59 participants. Conclusion: Patient experience with rechargeable IPGs was largely positive; however, frustrations with recharging and adverse events were common. Dystonia diagnosis was most predictive of high satisfaction across multiple categories, potentially related to expected long disease duration with need for numerous IPG replacements.
DNA Damage Repair and DNA Methylation in the Kidney
Authors: Hayashi Kaori , Hishikawa Akihito , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

The DNA repair system is essential for the maintenance of genome integrity and is mainly investigated in the areas of aging and cancer. The DNA repair system is strikingly cell-type specific, depending on the expression of DNA repair factors; therefore, different DNA repair systems may exist in each type of kidney cell. Importance of DNA repair in the kidney is suggested by renal phenotypes caused by both genetic mutations in the DNA repair pathway and increased stimuli of DNA damage. Recently, we reported the importance of DNA double-strand break repair in glomerular podocytes and its involvement in the alteration of DNA methylation status, which regulates podocyte phenotypes. In this review, we summarize the roles of the DNA repair system in the kidneys and possible associations with altered kidney DNA methylation, which have been infrequently reported together. Investigations of DNA damage repair and epigenetic changes in the kidneys may achieve a profound understanding of kidney aging and diseases.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Increased Sporadic Breast Carcinoma Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jin Qing’e , Su Jianrong , Yan Donghui , Wu Shanna
Published: July 2019

Objective: An association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with breast carcinoma (BC) risk has so far been disputed in the literature. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify this relationship. Materials and Methods: An electronic database search for eligible case-control studies was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Data until May 17, 2018. The pooled OR and 95% CI were used to estimate the relationship between EBV infection and BC risk using a fixed or random-effects model depending on heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s and Harbord’s tests. Results: A total of 16 studies with 1,279 patients and 814 controls were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, EBV infection had a significant association with BC risk (OR 4.75, 95% CI 2.53–8.92, p < 0.01) with significant heterogeneity observed (I2 = 65.3%). The subgroup analysis revealed that region and tissue type might explain potential sources of heterogeneity. The sensitivity analyses yielded stable results. No significant publication bias was observed. Conclusion: The current results suggest that EBV infection is significantly associated with increased risk of BC.
Frequência de escovação e fatores associados em adolescentes: novas abordagens
Authors: Michel-Crosato Edgard , Biazevic Maria Gabriela Haye , Mota Jaqueline Montoril Sampaio , Silva Paulo Roberto da
Published: July 2019

Objetivos: verificar a relação entre frequência de escovação e fatores associados utilizando novas perspectivas de análise de dados em saúde. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um estudo transversal, com dados coletados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar 2015 (PeNSE), foi utilizada a regressão de Poisson Multinível e Multivariada e técnica de mineração de dados utilizando a técnica de Árvore de Classificação. Resultados: participaram do estudo 10.231 escolares, sendo 51,3% dos escolares do gênero feminino com idades entre 13 a 18 anos. Na análise multivariada e multinível foi verificada associação entre frequência de escovação e não morar em capitais (RP=1.03); ser do gênero feminino (RP=1.06); ser branco (RP=1.02); idade; e morar em casas com até 4 pessoas (RP=1.03). Na análise de árvore de classificação o gênero foi a variável com maior peso de discriminação. Conclusões: vários fatores foram associados à frequência de escovação e espera-se que os dados subsidiem políticas públicas sobre a questão.
Relação entre lesões periapicais e espessamento mucoso dos seios maxilares por meio de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico
Authors: Raitz Ricardo , Traiano Ana Paula , Silva Milena Bortolotto Felippe e
Published: July 2019

Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo relacionar a presença de espessamento mucoso no assoalho dos seios maxilares a lesões periapicais em dentes posteriores tratados endodonticamente, em função do sexo, idade, elemento e raiz dental. Materiais e métodos: A pesquisa foi constituída por uma amostra com 50 exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), e 74 elementos dentários. As análises foram realizadas a partir de cortes axial e coronal no software i-CAT® Vision, e as imagens classificadas em quatro grupos: G1: lesões de características difusas; G2: lesões de características circunscritas; G3: lesões de características císticas; e G4: espessamento mucoso do assoalho dos seios maxilares. A distribuição em função do sexo, da presença de espessamento mucoso e das lesões periapicais foram submetidas ao teste do Qui-quadrado ou ao teste Exato de Fisher quando necessário. A idade dos pacientes em função da presença de espessamento mucoso foi analisada pelo teste de Mann-Whitney e, em função das lesões periapicais, foi analisada pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn. Resultados: Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes (Qui-quadrado, p=0.5279) entre os sexos, considerando os elementos dentais observados no estudo, nem entre as lesões periapicais em relação à idade (Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.7836). A raiz palatina foi a parte que esteve mais envolvida com lesões periapicais e/ou espessamento mucoso (55,8%). As lesões com características difusas (47.3%) foram mais comuns que as demais. Conclusões: Não houve relação entre espessamento mucoso e lesões periapicais e vice-versa (teste exato de fisher, p=0.0678).
Fotobiomodulação no tratamento de desordens temporomandibulares
Authors: Rodrigues Fernanda Cristina Nogueira , Araújo Júlia Gomes Lúcio de , Araújo Erika Michele dos Santos , Lago Andréa Dias Neves
Published: July 2019

Objetivo: Relatar um caso clínico utilizando a terapia de fotobiomodulação no tratamento da disfunção temporomandibular proporcionando analgesia e maior abertura bucal. Relato de caso: Paciente, gênero feminino, 24 anos e portadora de disfunção temporomandibular, foi atendida para tratamento no projeto de extensão “Laserterapia em Odontologia” da Universidade Federal do Maranhão. O diagnóstico foi feito através de uma anamnese criteriosa, exame clínico e aplicação de questionário. O aparelho de laser utilizado no tratamento foi o de baixa potência cujo meio ativo é composto por um diodo semicondutor de Arseneto de Gálio e Alumínio (GaAlAs). O protocolo utilizado para o tratamento foi de comprimento de onda 808 nm, 60 s, 6 J de energia por ponto, em um total de dez sessões. Já na segunda sessão, durante a avaliação, a paciente relatou melhora significativa do grau de dor e a medida de abertura bucal variou de 25 mm a 40 mm. Conclusão: A fotobiomodulação se mostrou uma modalidade eficaz para o tratamento desta desordem.
Increased Activated Protein C Response Rates Reduce the Thrombotic Risk of Factor V Leiden Carriers But Not of Prothrombin 20210G>A Carriers
Authors: Rühl Heiko , Berens Christina , Winterhagen Franziska I. , Reda Sara , Müller Jens , Oldenburg Johannes , Pötzsch Bernd
Published: July 2019

Rationale:

Carriers of the most common prothrombotic mutations FVL (factor V Leiden) and FII (prothrombin) 20210G>A show a highly variable clinical phenotype. Using standardized in vivo coagulation activation followed by activity pattern analysis we have recently shown, that the FVL mutation accelerates thrombin and APC (activated protein C) formation in carriers without a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Objective:

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate, if the FII 20210G>A mutation induces a similar reaction pattern, and if the response rates differ in FVL and FII 20210G>A mutation carriers with prior VTE (VTE+).

Methods and Results:

We comparatively analyzed 30 FVL carriers, 28 FII 20210G>A carriers (thereof 13 VTE+ each) and 15 healthy controls. Changes in plasma levels of thrombin, prothrombin activation fragment 1+2 (F1+2), TAT (thrombin-antithrombin complex), APC, and D-dimer were monitored over 8 hours after infusion of recombinant factor VIIa (15 µg/kg). An increase of F1+2 and TAT levels was observed, that did neither differ between FVL and FII 20210G>A carriers nor between asymptomatic and VTE+ carriers of these mutations. Median plasma levels of APC increased more (
P
=0.008) in FVL carriers (from 1.39 to 7.79 pmol/L) than in FII 20210G>A carriers (from 1.03 to 5.79 pmol/L), and more in FII 20210G>A carriers (
P
=2×10
–4
) than in healthy controls (from 0.86 to 3.00 pmol/L). Most importantly, however, the APC response was greater (
P
=0.015) in asymptomatic (n=13) than in VTE+ (n=12) heterozygous FVL carriers, with an increase of APC levels from 1.44 to 8.11 pmol/L versus 1.27 to 5.62 pmol/L.

Conclusions:

These in vivo data demonstrate that the FII 20210G>A and FVL mutations share an intermediate phenotype that is characterized by increased thrombin formation after coagulation activation. Furthermore, our data support the conclusion that the APC activating capacity of FVL carriers modifies the thrombotic risk of this common prothrombotic mutation.
Magnitude of Benefit of Combined Endovascular Thrombectomy and Intravenous Fibrinolysis in Large Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Young-Saver Dashiell F. , Gornbein Jeffrey , Starkman Sidney , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—

Quantifying the benefit magnitude of combined endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) versus nonreperfusion care in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion would aid organization of regional stroke care systems.

Methods—

NINDS rt-PA Study (National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator) and SWIFT PRIME trial (Solitaire With the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment) patients were matched for prognosis (based on age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and definite/likely anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (based on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale total score and item pattern), using optimal inverse variance matching, to determine comparative outcomes with nonreperfusion care alone, IVT alone, and IVT+EVT.

Results—

Matching yielded 240 patients, including 80 each treated with nonreperfusion care, IVT alone, and IVT+EVT, with, respectively, mean age 67.1, 67.1, and 66.9 and presenting deficit severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) mean 15.8, 15.9, and 15.9. Outcomes at 3 months for IVT+EVT versus nonreperfusion care included freedom from disability (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–1) 48.1% versus 21.3%,
P
=0.0004; functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) 62.9% versus 32.6,
P
=0.0001; and reduced disability over all 7 modified Rankin Scale levels, common odds ratio 3.34,
P
<0.0001. Outcomes for IVT alone versus nonreperfusion care included: freedom from disability 30.0% versus 21.3%,
P
=0.28 and reduced disability over all 7 modified Rankin Scale levels, common odds ratio 1.14,
P
=0.65. Compared with nonreperfusion care, the number needed to treat with EVT+IVT for 1 more patient to have reduced disability was 1.8.

Conclusions—

Matched patient analysis across randomized trials provides evidence that the strategy of combined IVT and mechanical thrombectomy is a highly beneficial treatment strategy for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion patients. A reasonable effect magnitude estimate is that, among every 100 patients treated, combined IVT+EVT reperfusion therapy, compared with no reperfusion therapy, reduces long-term disability in 57, including conferring functional independence upon 30.
Hallmarks of senescence and aging
Authors: Dodig Slavica , Čepelak Ivana , Pavić Ivan
Published: July 2019

The complex process of biological aging, as an intrinsic feature of living beings, is the result of genetic and, to a greater extent, environmental factors and time. For many of the changes taking place in the body during aging, three factors are important: inflammation, immune aging and senescence (cellular aging, biological aging). Senescence is an irreversible form of long-term cell-cycle arrest, caused by excessive intracellular or extracellular stress or damage. The purpose of this cell-cycles arrest is to limit the proliferation of damaged cells, to eliminate accumulated harmful factors and to disable potential malignant cell transformation. As the biological age does not have to be in accordance with the chronological age, it is important to find specific hallmarks and biomarkers that could objectively determine the rate of age of a person. These biomarkers might be a valuable measure of physiological, i.e. biological age. Biomarkers should meet several criteria. For example, they have to predict the rate of aging, monitor a basic process
that underlies the aging process, be able to be tested repeatedly without harming the person. In addition, biomarkers have to be indicators of biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to therapeutic intervention. It is considered that the telomere length is the weak biomarker (with poor predictive accuracy), and there is currently no reliable biomarker that meets all the necessary criteria.
Assessment of the degree of adherence of medical laboratories to KDIGO 2012 guideline for evaluation and management of CKD in Czechia and Slovakia
Authors: Tomáš Šálek , Bedřich Friedecký , Josef Kratochvíla , Květa Pelinková , Marek Budina
Published: July 2019

Introduction: The aim of the study is to assess the degree of adherence of medical laboratories to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes
(KDIGO) 2012 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in laboratory practice in Czechia and
Slovakia.
Materials and methods: An electronic questionnaire on adherence to KDIGO 2012 guideline was designed by an external quality assessment (EQA)
provider SEKK spol. s.r.o. The questionnaire was placed and distributed through website to all medical biochemistry laboratories in Czechia and Slovakia
(N = 396).
Results: A total of 212 out of 396 laboratories responded to the questions, though some laboratories only answered some questions, those applicable
to their practice. A total of 48 out of 212 laboratories adopted the KDIGO 2012 guideline in full extent. The metrological traceability of creatinine
measurement to standard reference material of SRM 967 was declared by 180 out of 210 laboratories (two of the responding laboratories did not
measure creatinine). Thirty laboratories are not well educated on traceability of creatinine measurement and seven laboratories do not calculate
estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Both urinary albumin concentration and albumin to creatinine ratio are reported by 144 out of 175 laboratories
(37 of the responding laboratories did not measure urinary albumin).
Conclusion: Majority of laboratories in Czechia and Slovakia adopted some parts of the KDIGO 2012 guideline in their practice, but only 23% of the
laboratories apply them completely. Thus, further education and action should be conducted to improve its implementation.
Women Journalists’ Careers in Spain: the Case of War Correspondents
Authors: García-Mingo Elisa
Published: July 2019

Gender inequalities persist in the journalism profession in Spain, even though some have celebrated that it has become a feminized job. In fact, the journalistic profession in Spain has a severe gender divide: many women leave the profession; there are few women in the highest echelons of news organizations; there is an under-studied wage gap; and newsrooms continue to be gender-blind. This article explores these issues through the case of war reporting. War reporting has traditionally been considered a “man’s job,” but there are around forty women working for the Spanish media covering violence and armed conflicts. Based on in-depth interviews with women war correspondents and using the concept of typical career types, this article analyses the barriers that female reporters have to face and reflects on how gendered these barriers are.
The Contribution of the Case Law of the cjeu to the Judicial Enforcement of EU Environmental Law in the UK
Authors: Kokott Juliane , Sobotta Christoph
Published: July 2019

The enforcement of EU environmental law is of particular relevance because EU law provides most of the framework of environmental law in the Member States, including the UK. Supervision by the EU Commission ensures a certain general standard of compliance, especially as regards transposition of directives and conformity of transposing legislation. The practice of domestic courts is an essential complement to Commission action. In this respect the Luxembourg jurisprudence has in particular strengthened the judicial powers of UK courts and provided some protection against excessive costs of judicial proceedings. After brexit much of this contribution could continue to be relevant, in particular if the agreement that was negotiated with the EU should be ratified.
Urgenda – World Rescue by Court Order? The “Climate Justice”-Movement Tests the Limits of Legal Protection
Authors: Wegener Bernhard W.
Published: July 2019

The Gerechtshof in The Hague has condemned the Netherlands to take measures to ensure a reduction of at least 25% of Dutch greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2020. The court thus confirms the first-instance Urgenda decision, which had attracted much attention worldwide and which serves as a model for a whole series of other climate change litigations, some of which have since failed, some are still pending or planned. Even bearing in mind the urgency of the climate protection goal pursued by these lawsuits, the idea of a world rescue through court decisions is ultimately misleading. It overestimates the power of the judicial branch and risks being lost in mere symbolism. Worse still, it shifts responsibilities and creates expectations that tend to further de-legitimize the constitutional democratic systems of the world and their concept of a separation of powers. Even from a solely environmental point of view, this constitutes a high risk, because there are no better alternatives of responsible government. Keeping this risk in mind, the fact that the specific “Urgenda”-decision is legally not convincing seems an almost minor aspect.
A Syro-Turkic Poem on Divine Economy Ascribed to Khāmīs
Authors: Pritula Anton , Zieme Peter
Published: July 2019

The text being discussed is found in many manuscripts of the Divan (collection of poems) of an East Syriac poet Khāmīs bar Qardāḥē (late 13th century). The edition demonstrates the discrepancies in rendering glosses in the Turkish stanzas, in contrast to a relative unity of readings in the Syriac ones. To explain these discrepancies, the following pages discuss the lack of consistency in the Turkic Garshuni tradition. In addition, the poem is one of the earliest texts of this group. It should be dated to the period close to the life of Khāmīs, but was not necessarily composed by this poet, since it is absent from the earliest surviving copies. All the Syriac stanzas use quatrains in a 7-7-8-8 meter. Each of them has its own internal rhyme that follows a constant scheme, i.e. in every first, second and and fourth lines of each verse (ааха). In the Turkic stanzas, the verses have an irregular meter that varies from eight to ten syllables. In the Turkic translation of the Syriac original, one finds many syriacisms, such as bar Maryam (the Son of Mary), a stable combination used in the texts. Such a broad use of borrowings, both in vocabulary and syntax, is common for translated religious texts, especially liturgical ones, in which the proximity to the original might have a great importance.
Dual Script Mixed Code Literary Sources from the Cairo Genizah
Authors: Polliack Meira
Published: July 2019

This article complements my article on “Single-Script Mixed-Code Literary Sources from the Cairo Genizah” (2018). It begins with introductory comments on the phenomenon of mixed code in Judeo-Arabic, as a continuously spoken and written Jewish language from medieval to modern times. While the documentary sources in the Cairo Genizah (a Jewish medieval archive found in the loft of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo) have drawn scholars’ attention to this phenomenon, there are few discussions of code switching in dual script Judeo-Arabic literary sources. The article presents and discusses two Genizah sources of this kind (as well as one new documentary source), which feature both Hebrew and Arabic scripts in the space of the same fragment. It argues that the haphazard appearance of code switching in such fragments is misleading. The analysis shows there are specific conditions that govern the mixing of Hebrew and Arabic scripts, and highlights its sociolinguistic background. Code switching is a dominant feature of single script Judeo-Arabic literary sources as well, meaning, those penned solely in Hebrew or Arabic script, which lie beyond the scope of the present study. A systematic survey and study of the Genizah literary sources relevant to both categories (single and dual scripts) is therefore a desideratum, and is bound to lead to a better understanding of the sociolinguistic functions of mixed code in Judeo-Arabic writings and culture.
Two new cane-like species of Begonia L. (Begoniaceae) from central Vietnam
Authors: SHUI YU-MIN , VU CHINH TIEN , LE TUAN ANH , PHAM THI THANH DAT , NGUYEN VAN DAT , DUONG THI MINH HOANG , LEI LI-GONG
Published: July 2019

Two new cane-like species of Begonia from central Vietnam, Begonia bachmaensis and B. saolaensis, are described and illustrated. Begonia bachmaensis is similar to B. boisiana and does not fit within any of the current sections. Begonia saolaensis is similar to B. rubrosetosa and is assigned to Begonia sect. Petermannia. Begonia bachmaensis is classified as Data Deficient (DD) and B. saolaensis is assigned in the Endangered (EN) category according to IUCN criteria.
Notoraja sapphira sp. nov. (Rajoidei: Arhynchobatidae), a new deepwater skate from the slopes of the Norfolk Ridge (South-West Pacific)
Authors: SÉRET BERNARD , LAST PETER R.
Published: July 2019

A new arhynchobatid skate of the genus Notoraja is described from five specimens collected on the slopes of the Norfolk Ridge between 1195 and 1313 m depth. The new species is distinct from its sibling species from southern Australian waters, the Blue Skate (N. azurea), by its smaller size, several morphometric and meristic characters, thorn pattern and dorsal and ventral coloration.
Revision of Selatium Serène & Soh, 1970 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Sesarmidae), with description of a new genus and two new species
Authors: SCHUBART CHRISTOPH D. , LIU HUNG-CHANG , NG PETER K. L.
Published: July 2019

The Indo-West Pacific sesarmid genus Selatium Serène & Soh, 1970, is revised, and two wide-ranging species are recognized, S. brockii (De Man, 1887) and S. elongatum (A. Milne-Edwards, 1869). A new genus, Lithoselatium, which superficially resembles Selatium, is described, and two new species are recognized: L. pulchrum n. sp. from Taiwan, and L. kusu n. sp. from Singapore and nearby areas. Their relationship is discussed using both morphological and molecular datasets.
First described Patu spiders (Araneae, Symphytognathidae) from Asia
Authors: LIN YUCHENG , LI SHUQIANG
Published: July 2019

Five new species of the spider family Symphytognathidae (Araneae) are described and illustrated from southern China: Patu bicorniventris spec. nov., P. nigeri spec. nov., P. quadriventris spec. nov., P. shiluensis spec. nov. and P. spinathoraxi spec. nov. These spiders were collected in the leaf litter and tree canopy of tropical rainforests by sieving and fogging. The genus Patu Marples, 1951, known from Colombia, Hispaniola, Oceania, and African Seychelles Islands, except that web structure and web-building behavior of undescribed Patu species were reported before, is described from Asia for the first time.
A new species of Acantothereva Séguy, 1935, from Tunisia (Diptera: Therevidae: Therevinae): taxonomic consequences and phylogenetic implications
Authors: HOLSTON KEVIN C.
Published: July 2019

A new Tunisian species of Acantothereva Séguy is described, reducing several diagnostic characters for this North African genus to interspecific differences among the three included species. An expanded vertex and frons were formerly considered diagnostic for the genus, but the new species, A. oblata, sp. nov., has a vertex lower than the dorsal eye margin and a non-dilated ocellar tubercle. Previously recognized male genitalic characters, however, support the hypothesis that Acantothereva is a monophyletic group. The ability to recognize Acantothereva using external characters is marginally reduced with respect to therevine genera due to the inclusion of the new species, notably relative to Neotherevella Lyneborg. The apparent close phylogenetic relationship among Acantothereva, Acrosathe Irwin & Lyneborg, Irwiniella Lyneborg, and Neotherevella Lyneborg species are discussed herein, based on recent molecular phylogenetic analyses and the morphology of the Tunisian Acantothereva species. A key to the North African therevine genera is included; head and genitalia illustrations and a key to the three Acantothereva species are also presented.
Four species of the genus Seba from Japan, with descriptions of two new species (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Sebidae)
Authors: ARIYAMA HIROYUKI
Published: July 2019

Four species of the genus Seba Bate, 1862 were collected from coastal areas in western Japan. Among them, two species were revealed to be new to science. Species collected are Seba chiltoni Moore, 1987, S. ekepuu J.L. Barnard, 1970, S. latiquinta sp. nov., and S. latisexta sp. nov. All of them are described in both sexes, and keys to species of Seba in Japan are provided. Each species is distinguishable from one another by the shapes of gnathopods, pereopods 5–7 and uropods 1 and 2. The genus Caribseba Shaw, 1989 is synonymized with Seba.
Gastro-intestinal invasion in Hemidactylus flaviviridis with a new species of Parapharyngodon (Oxyuroidea : Pharyngodonidae)
Authors: GUPTA NEELIMA , BHASKAR MANJU , GUPTA DILEEP KUMAR
Published: July 2019

Parapharyngodon hemidactylii n. sp. (Nematoda : Oxyuridae) from the rectum of the Indian wall lizard Hemidactylus flaviviridis (n=359) is described. The parasite occurred at 79.10% (Prevalence) and 5 par/host (Mean intensity). It is compared critically with the earlier reported species based on its taxo-metric assessment. The differences in smaller size of male and female worm [male : 0.755 (0.47–0.96); female : 3.47 (2.47–4.05)], position of vulva [1.44 (1.20–1.7), tail measurements [male : 0.065 (0.01–0.09); female : 0.11 x 0.063 (0.075–0.135 x 0.045–0.10)], absence of caudal papillae and oval shaped eggs of the nematode from H. flaviviridis merits new species status.
Redescription of Betta anabatoides Bleeker, and a new species of Betta from West Kalimantan, Borneo (Teleostei: Osphronemidae)
Authors: TAN HEOK HUI
Published: July 2019

Betta anabatoides is redescribed based on fresh material from Kalimantan Selatan and Kalimantan Tengah, in Indonesian Borneo; a neotype is designated. Betta midas, new species, is described from the lower Kapuas basin in West Kalimantan. It differs from B. anabatoides in being more slender and having a greater number of gold scales.
Reassessing the Effect of Cloud Type on Earth’s Energy Balance in the Age of Active Spaceborne Observations. Part II: Atmospheric Heating
Authors: Hang Yun , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Henderson David S. , Matus Alexander V. , Wang Zhien
Published: July 2019

The role of clouds in modulating vertically integrated atmospheric heating is investigated using CloudSat’s multisensor radiative flux dataset. On the global mean, clouds are found to induce a net atmospheric heating of 0.07 ± 0.08 K day−1 that derives largely from 0.06 ± 0.07 K day−1 of enhanced shortwave absorption and a small, 0.01 ± 0.04 K day−1 reduction of longwave cooling. However, this small global average longwave effect results from the near cancellation of much larger regional warming by multilayered cloud systems in the tropics and cooling from stratocumulus clouds in subtropical oceans. Clouds are observed to warm the tropical atmosphere by 0.23 K day−1 and cool the polar atmosphere by −0.13 K day−1 enhancing required zonal heat redistribution by the meridional overturning circulation. Zonal asymmetries in the occurrence of multilayered clouds that are more frequent in the Northern Hemisphere and stratocumulus that occur more frequently over the southern oceans also leads to 3 times as much cloud heating in the Northern Hemisphere (0.1 K day−1) than the Southern Hemisphere (0.04 K day−1). These findings suggest that clouds very likely make the strongest contribution to the annual mean atmospheric energy imbalance between the hemispheres (2.0 ± 3.5 PW).
The deterioration of foamed silicone rubber in humid and hot environments
Authors: Huang Yijie , Wang Zixi , Gao Lingfei , Ke Yuchao , Jia Xiaohong , Guo Fei
Published: July 2019

The mechanical properties of foamed silicone rubber are outstanding: it can show better high-temperature resistance and ageing resistance than other compact materials in practical application. To characterise the changes in foamed silicone rubber performance in humid and hot environments, we expound the influence of ageing time, temperature and humidity on foamed silicone rubber through physical performance testing under different ageing conditions. A method of measuring lateral strain is proposed according to the compressibility of such a material. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy energy spectral analysis and crosslinking density tests, the changes in foamed silicone rubber’s physical properties are explained, and the ageing mechanism of foamed silicone rubber is described. The mechanical simulation model of the sealing strip used in a lithium battery shell was established to verify the variation of its mechanical properties with increased ageing time, temperature and humidity, and the combination of mechanical simulation and physical performance test data can provide guidance for future research into the use of the material in static sealing mechanisms.
A Lyapunov optimization approach to energy-efficient content delivery networks
Authors: Goudarzi Pejman , Mousavinejad Mahmoud
Published: July 2019

A content delivery network (CDN) supports fast growing services (such as streaming media) for end users and uses request a routing algorithm to enhance the users’ perceived quality of experience (QoE). This working process can increase the power consumption and eventually the operational cost of the CDN system substantially. In addition, a smart grid facilitates real-time electricity pricing for the consumers as well as the integration of green energy resources into the electrical grid for improving the system efficiency. In this paper, we first take into account these key functionalities of a smart grid to propose a real-time energy management algorithm for reducing the operational cost within a CDN cluster. We then define the proposed stochastic optimization algorithm for jointly optimizing the energy cost and perceived quality within a CDN system based on the popular Lyapunov-drift methodology. Numerical results are presented to evaluate and validate the aforementioned solution. The obtained results indicate large operational and energy cost savings for a single CDN or more than one CDN providers over a conventional method that only optimizes the users’ perceived QoE.
Frontal pyomucocoele as forehead swelling in a five-year-old girl
Authors: Williams Vijai , Iyer Rajalakshmi , Reshma Aramanadka , Jayashree Muralidharan , Mohindra Satyawati , Verma Sanjay
Published: July 2019

Mucocoeles are slow-growing, locally aggressive, mucus-containing cysts, lined by epithelium, which, when infected, are called pyomucocoeles. We present the case of a five-year-old girl who presented with a frontal pyomucocoele requiring decompression and adequate antibiotics.
When and Why Being Ostracized Affects Veracity Judgments
Authors: Eck Jennifer , Schoel Christiane , Reinhard Marc-André , Greifeneder Rainer
Published: July 2019

Ostracism—being ignored and excluded by others—is a ubiquitous experience with adverse effects on well-being. To prevent further exclusion and regain belonging, ostracized individuals are well advised to identify affiliation partners who are sincerely well-disposed. Humans’ ability to detect lies, however, is generally not very high. Yet, veracity judgments can become more accurate with decreasing reliance on common stereotypic beliefs about the nonverbal behavior of liars and truth-tellers. We hypothesize that ostracized (vs. included) individuals base their veracity judgments less on such stereotypical nonverbal cues if message content is affiliation-relevant. In line with this hypothesis, Experiment 1 shows that ostracized (vs. included) individuals are better at discriminating affiliation-relevant lies from truths. Experiments 2 and 3 further show that ostracized (vs. included) individuals base their veracity judgments less on stereotypical nonverbal cues if messages are of high (but not low) affiliation relevance.
Music-search behaviour on a social Q&A site: A cross-gender comparison
Authors: Deng Shengli , Zhao Anqi , Fu Shaoxiong , Liu Yong , Fan Wenjie , Jiang Yuting
Published: July 2019

While there have been numerous studies of music-search behaviour, little is known about gendered aspects of how it is carried out on social question and answer sites. The article examines gender differences manifested on one such site with regard to (a) the motivations of the person posing the question, (b) intervening variables that influence music-search behaviour and (c) the formulation of the questions. Results from manual categorisation and other analysis of 17,380 music-relevant questions collected from the site show that males who asked questions did so more often, provided more answers and had more followers than female question-posters. Males tended to include music context information in questions asking for ready reference, whereas females often asked questions in a second-person pronoun aiming for promoting discussion. Such research results add to the current understanding of music-search behaviour and contribute new insights that can inform development of better music services/systems.
Real-time feedback query expansion technique for supporting scholarly search using citation network analysis
Authors: Khalid Shah , Wu Shengli , Alam Aftab , Ullah Irfan
Published: July 2019

Scholars routinely search relevant papers to discover and put a new idea into proper context. Despite ongoing advances in scholarly retrieval technologies, locating relevant papers through keyword queries is still quite challenging due to the massive expansion in the size of the research paper repository. To tackle this problem, we propose a novel real-time feedback query expansion technique, which is a two-stage interactive scholarly search process. Upon receiving the initial search query, the retrieval system provides a ranked list of results. In the second stage, a user selects a few relevant papers, from which useful terms are extracted for query expansion. The newly expanded query is run against the index in real time to generate the final list of research papers. In both stages, citation analysis is involved in further improving the quality of the results. The novelty of the approach lies in the combined exploitation of query expansion and citation analysis that may bring the most relevant papers to the top of the search results list. The experimental results on the Association of Computational Linguistics (ACL) Anthology Network data set demonstrate that this technique is effective and robust for locating relevant papers regarding normalised discounted cumulative gain (nDCG), precision and recall rates than several state-of-the-art approaches.