bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale and the Vascular Dementia Assessment Scale in Differentiating Elderly Individuals with Different Degrees of White Matter Changes
Authors: Ylikoski Raija , Jokinen Hanna , Andersen Pia , Salonen Oili , Madureira Sofia , Ferro Jose , Barkhof Frederik , van der Flier Wiesje , Schmidt Reinhold , Fazekas Franz , Scheltens Philip , Waldemar Gunhild , Salvadori Emilia , Pantoni Leonardo , Inzitari Domenico , Erkinjuntti Timo
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) is a widely used rating instrument. The Vascular Dementia Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (VADAS-cog) includes additional tests reflecting mental speed and executive functions. The objective of this study was to compare the results of the two scales among subjects with various degrees of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). Methods:In the multicentre, multinational Leukoaraiosis and Disability in the Elderly (LADIS) study, 616 non-disabled subjects between the ages of 65 and 84 were examined using MRI, the ADAS-cog and VADAS-cog. The WMH rating from the MRI divided the patients into groups of mild (n = 280), moderate (n = 187) and severe (n = 149) degrees of change. Results: Covariance analysis controlling for the effect of age and education revealed that the ADAS-cog differentiated only the mild and severe WMH groups, while the differences between all three groups were highly significant with the VADAS-cog. Conclusions:The VADAS-cog significantly differentiated between all the white matter groups. In comparison, the ADAS-cog differentiated only severe changes. Accordingly, the VADAS-cog may be a more sensitive endpoint in studies of patients with white matter load and vascular burden of the brain.
Variations of Neck Structures after Supracricoid Partial Laryngectomy: A Multislice Computed Tomography Evaluation
Authors: Bruno E. , Napolitano B. , Sciuto F. , Giordani E. , Garaci F.G. , Floris R. , Alessandrini M. , Di Girolamo S. , Ottaviani F.
Published: May 2016

Background: Surgery of laryngeal cancer used to profoundly alter the anatomy of the cervical region. Accurate anatomo-embryologic studies and repeated surgical trials allowed recognition of the cricoarytenoid complex as the smallest anatomofunctional unit able to maintain all the laryngeal functions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether significant variations of neck anatomical parameters exist after partial laryngectomy, and to analyze whether some of these parameters are associated with a positive functional outcome. Methods: Out of 48 patients treated with a surgical technique according to Mayer-Piquet (cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, CHEP) over a 6-year period, 18 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were all males with a mean age of 60 years. Cervical structures and their relationships were measured by computed tomography, and the measurements before and after surgery were compared. Results: Our data showed that hyoid bone is modified, both in morphology and position during CHEP. More specifically the relation of the hyoid bone to other neck structures (identified by the α-angle) is modified. The neolarynx and trachea undergo a caudocranial shift. All diameters of the cricoid cartilage remain unchanged after surgery. The position of the epiglottis after CHEP, in particular its relation with the arytenoid cartilage, is closely related to swallowing function outcome and recovery time. Conclusions: Our study showed that these structures, and more specifically the relations among them, undergo significant variations after CHEP. Our results identify some parameters, i.e. the α-angle, width of the hyoid bone and position of the epiglottis, that may predispose to a positive functional outcome after surgery.
Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice by Topical Application of CpG Phosphodiester-ODN
Authors: Kim Yang-soon , Kim Younghwa , Lee Kang-Jin , Kwon Hyung-Joo , Kim Doo-Sik , Kim Tae-Yoon
Published: May 2016

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with pruritic and eczematous lesions characterized by increased total IgE level, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the elevated expression of Th2 cytokines. Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG dinucleotides are known to have immunostimulatory activities in mice and to convert from Th2 to Th1 immune responses in AD. Previous work has shown clinical effectiveness of CpG phosphorothioate-ODN in AD mice model. However, due to longer in vivo half-life and the possibility of causing unwanted side effects, therapeutic use of CpG phosphorothioate-ODN can be limited. Thus, we investigated the efficacy of CpG phosphodiester-ODN with a novel sequence in NC/Nga mice. Topical application of phosphodiester-ODN penetrated rapidly from epidermis to the lymph nodes, accompanied by reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased number of cells expressing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, the expression of IFN-γ was reduced in the CpG ODNs-treated NC/Nga mice while the expression of IL-12p40 was increased, suggesting stimulation of Th1 immune response. The expression of IL-10 was strongly reduced, which meant the suppression of Th2 immune response in NC/Nga mice, accompanied by reduced level of IgE and IgG1, but increased level of IgG2a in sera. Since phosphodiester-ODN has been shown to cause minimum side effect comparing its phosphorothioate counterpart, it is proposed to become a new therapeutic modality for AD.
Altered Urinary Release of Inositol Phosphoglycan A-Type in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Scioscia Marco , Kunjara Sirilaksana , Gumaa Khalid , Gomez Galan Antonio M. , McLean Patricia , Rodeck Charles H. , Rademacher Thomas W.
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: The mechanisms underlying overgrowth of adipose tissue in fetuses of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are generally unknown. Inositol phosphoglycan A-type (A-IPG), a putative second messenger of insulin, was reported to regulate lipogenesis in adipose tissue. IPGs have recently been shown to increase during normal pregnancy, in maternal and fetal compartments. Methods: 48 women with GDM and 23 healthy pregnant women were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Levels of A-IPG were assessed enzymatically in urinary specimens and correlated with clinical parameters. Results: A-IPG urinary release was lower in GDM patients (p < 0.01) and correlated positively with BMI (p < 0.01) and negatively with glycaemic control in the diabetic group (postprandial glycaemia and glycated haemoglobin, p < 0.01) in addition to a nearly significant correlation with birth weight (p = 0.08). Furthermore, a lower A-IPG urinary release was found in diabetic subjects with normal fasting glycaemia compared with those with poor fasting glycaemic control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: An altered A-IPG urinary excretion occurs in GDM with a negative correlation with poor glycaemic control. Our data suggest an interesting potential role of this molecule in maternal metabolic control during pregnancy and, possibly, in fetal growth.
Effect of Weight Loss by Bariatric Surgery on the Risk of Miscarriage
Authors: Merhi Zaher O. , Pal Lubna
Published: May 2016

The aim of this paper is to appraise the literature with a view to establish whether weight loss by bariatric surgery has a beneficial effect on lowering the risk of miscarriage in morbidly obese women. Literature review revealed that weight loss by bariatric surgery on miscarriage rate has not been studied enough.
Characterization of Integrons and qnr Genes in Proteeae from a Teaching Hospital in China
Authors: Cao Jianming , Li Meimei , Xu Chunquan , Zhou Tieli , Du Jia , Sun Yao , Qin Ling , Xu Jiru
Published: May 2016

Background: Proteeae isolates displaying multidrug-resistance (MDR) are the second most common causes of hospital-associated infections. The aim of this study was to screen class 1-3 integrons and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Proteeae isolates from the First Affiliated Hospital of the Wenzhou Medical University. Materials and Methods: 176 Proteeae isolates were collected from clinical specimens of inpatients between January 2011 and December 2013. Susceptibility testing was determined by the agar dilution method. Class 1-3 integrons and PMQR genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the variable regions of integrons were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Results: 68.2% Proteeae isolates exhibited MDR phenotypes: 46.6 and 10.8% Proteeae isolates were positive for intI1 and intI2, respectively. The resistance rate of integron-positive isolates to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was significantly higher than integron-negative isolates. Sequence analysis revealed that dfrA1-sat2-aadA1, dfrA1-catB2-sat2-aadA1, and sat2-aadA1 were first detected in Morganella morganii strains isolated from China. PMQR was determined by qnrD in 40 strains (22.7%). Conclusion: Our results indicate that class 1 and 2 integrons are common among Proteeae isolates. Meanwhile, qnrD are highly prevalent in Proteeae isolated from our hospital.
Haplotype Study in Argentinean Variegate Porphyria Patients
Authors: Granata Bárbara Xoana , Parera Victoria Estela , Batlle Alcira , Rossetti María Victoria
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: The porphyrias are genetically heterogeneous diseases, and each mutation is exclusive to one or two families. Among the mutations responsible for variegate porphyria in our country, c.1042_1043insT stands out, since it was described only in Argentina and is present in about 40% of genetically diagnosed families. Thus, we hypothesized the possible existence of a common ancestor for the mutation in our population. Methods: We conducted a study based on microsatellite (short tandem repeats) haplotypes. Results: We found a common haplotype in all of the patients carrying the common mutation. The age of the mutation was estimated to be about 375 years. Conclusion: There is a recent founder effect in our population for this particular genetic alteration in variegate porphyria.
Improvement of Microstomia in Scleroderma after Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment
Authors: Bennani Imane , Lopez Raphael , Bonnet Delphine , Prevot Gregoire , Constantin Arnaud , Chauveau Dominique , Paul Carle , Bulai Livideanu Cristina
Published: May 2016

Limited mouth opening (LMO) is a frequent complication of systemic sclerosis (SS). Its management is complex and there are limited treatment options. We report four patients with SS and severe LMO [interincisal distance (IID) <30 mm] treated with pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Pulsed CO2 laser treatment of the white lips was performed after all patients had signed a written informed consent in the absence of alternative treatment. Treatment was carried out under locoregional anaesthesia using a Sharplan 30C CO2 laser in the Silk Touch® resurfacing mode. One to three laser sessions were performed at intervals of 8-12 months between sessions. Assessments were performed at 3 and 12 months with measurement of the IID using a ruler, calculation of the Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) scale and global evaluation by the patients. Adverse events were also reported. In all four patients, an improvement in IID occurred 3 months after the first session with a mean gain of +5 mm (range: 2-7). At 12 months, a mean gain of +8.5 mm (range: 7-10) in IID was observed. The MHISS score decreased by a mean of -14 (range: 11-17). All patients showed improvement of lip flexibility or mouth opening, allowing better phonation and mastication and easier dental care. Adverse effects were transient erythema and/or dyschromia. CO2 laser appears to be effective and well tolerated in the improvement of LMO in SS.
«Nicht von schlechten Eltern!» Effekte einer therapieintegrierten Familienintervention
Authors: Kuschel Annett , Granic Mara , Hahlweg Kurt , Hartung Doreen
Published: May 2016

Hintergrund: Eine psychische Erkrankung bringt viele Belastungen mit sich. Insbesondere die Kinder psychisch kranker Eltern erleben zu den Entwicklungsaufgaben zusätzliche Stressoren, wie vermehrte elterliche Konflikte bis hin zur Scheidung, ein krankheitsbedingtes inkonsequentes und dysfunktionales Erziehungsverhalten und eine meist weniger unterstützende Umgebung. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, zu überprüfen, ob durch die behaviorale Familienintervention «Triple P» die Erziehungskompetenzen gefördert werden können, sodass sich die psychische Symptomatik, aber auch das kindliche Problemverhalten und das dysfunktionale Erziehungsverhalten verbessern. Methodik: Die Stichprobe der Pilotstudie setzte sich aus einer Patientengruppe (n = 22) und einer gesunden Vergleichsgruppe (n = 20) zusammen. Eltern- sowie kindbezogene Variablen wurden vor und nach Abschluss der ambulanten Psychotherapie erhoben und mittels Varianzanalyse mit Messwiederholung analysiert. Ergebnisse: Das dysfunktionale und funktionale Erziehungsverhalten sowie die psychische Befindlichkeit der Eltern und die kindlichen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten aus Elternsicht verbesserten sich signifikant. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Relevanz der Berücksichtigung von Elternschaft und Erziehung in der ambulanten Einzelpsychotherapie, sodass dysfunktionales Erziehungsverhalten und damit auch kindliches und familiäres Problemverhalten verbessert werden können.
Nerve Ultrasound as a Decisive Tool in Nonsystemic Vasculitic Neuropathy: A Case Report
Authors: Leupold Daniela , Felbecker Ansgar , Tettenborn Barbara , Hundsberger Thomas
Published: May 2016

Introduction: The additional value of peripheral nerve ultrasound in acquired immune-mediated neuropathies has recently been reported. Its impact in vasculitic neuropathy is yet to be defined. We report electrophysiological and nerve ultrasound studies in a patient with nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy at first diagnosis and in response to immunosuppression. Case Report: A 44-year-old female presented with painful neuropathy and weakness of the intrinsic hand muscles. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed severe axonal neuropathy of the nerves of the left arm. On nerve ultrasound, massive and patchy swelling of these nerves was detected. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological evidence of nonneuromuscular involvement and systemic vasculitic diseases was absent. Hence, nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy was diagnosed without the possibility of histological verification. After 6 months of systemic immunosuppression with steroids and cyclophosphamide, clinical symptoms improved in parallel with neurosonography. In contrast, electrophysiological studies remained pathological despite clinical improvement. Conclusions: Neurosonography studies in nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy are rare but might be an ancillary technique to guide noninvasive diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Morphological analysis of nerves and changes in response to treatment could be well visualized. Additionally, neurosonography might be useful to target nerve biopsy.
Loss of Chromosome 18 in Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Small Intestine: The Enigma Remains
Authors: Nieser Maike , Henopp Tobias , Brix Joachim , Stoß Laura , Sitek Barbara , Naboulsi Wael , Anlauf Martin , Schlitter Anna M. , Klöppel Günter , Gress Thomas , Moll Roland , Bartsch Detlef K. , Heverhagen Anna E. , Knoefel Wolfram T. , Kaemmerer Daniel , Haybaeck Johannes , Fend Falko , Sperveslage Jan , Sipos Bence
Published: May 2016

Background/Aims: Neuroendocrine tumors of the small intestine (SI-NETs) exhibit an increasing incidence and high mortality rate. Until now, no fundamental molecular event has been linked to the tumorigenesis and progression of these tumors. Only the loss of chromosome 18 (Chr18) has been shown in up to two thirds of SI-NETs, whereby the significance of this alteration is still not understood. We therefore performed the first comprehensive study to identify Chr18-related events at the genetic, epigenetic and gene/protein expression levels. Methods: We did expression analysis of all seven putative Chr18-related tumor suppressors by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Next-generation exome sequencing and SNP array analysis were performed with five SI-NETs with (partial) loss of Chr18. Finally, we analyzed all microRNAs (miRNAs) located on Chr18 by qRT-PCR, comparing Chr18+/- and Chr18+/+ SI-NETs. Results: Only DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) revealed loss of/greatly reduced expression in 6/21 cases (29%). No relevant loss of SMAD2, SMAD4, elongin A3 and CABLES was detected. PMAIP1 and maspin were absent at the protein level. Next-generation sequencing did not reveal relevant recurrent somatic mutations on Chr18 either in an exploratory cohort of five SI-NETs, or in a validation cohort (n = 30). SNP array analysis showed no additional losses. The quantitative analysis of all 27 Chr18-related miRNAs revealed no difference in expression between Chr18+/- and Chr18+/+ SI-NETs. Conclusion: DCC seems to be the only Chr18-related tumor suppressor affected by the monoallelic loss of Chr18 resulting in a loss of DCC protein expression in one third of SI-NETs. No additional genetic or epigenetic alterations were present on Chr18.
Inverted U-Shaped Relation Between the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death and Maximal Left Ventricular Wall Thickness in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: O’Mahony Constantinos , Jichi Fatima , Monserrat Lorenzo , Ortiz-Genga Martin , Anastasakis Aristides , Rapezzi Claudio , Biagini Elena , Gimeno Juan Ramon , Limongelli Giuseppe , McKenna William J. , Omar Rumana Z. , Elliott Perry M.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). Some studies have shown an association between risk of sudden death and left ventricular maximal wall thickness (MWT), but there are few data in patients with extreme hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between MWT and the risk of SCD.

Methods and Results—

This is a multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of 3673 adult (≥16 years) patients, previously used to develop and validate a risk prediction model for SCD (HCM Risk-SCD [hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk-SCD]). There was an inverted U-shaped relation between MWT and the estimated 5-year risk of SCD. In patients with MWT≥35 mm (n=47; mean age, 33 years; 81% men), there was a single SCD end point (annual rate, 0.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.03–1.60) and 3 additional cardiovascular events during a median follow-up of 9.5 years. Compared with patients with MWT≤14 mm, those with MWT≥35 mm did not have a higher risk for SCD (hazard ratio, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.03–1.65), cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–1.67), or all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–1.69).

Conclusions—

The risk of SCD has a complex, nonlinear relationship to MWT. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind this observation require further study but implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation should not be guided solely on the severity of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Protective Roles of Endothelial AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Against Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Mice
Authors: Omura Junichi , Satoh Kimio , Kikuchi Nobuhiro , Satoh Taijyu , Kurosawa Ryo , Nogi Masamichi , Otsuki Tomohiro , Kozu Katsuya , Numano Kazuhiko , Suzuki Kota , Sunamura Shinichiro , Tatebe Shunsuke , Aoki Tatsuo , Sugimura Koichiro , Miyata Satoshi , Hoshikawa Yasushi , Okada Yoshinori , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: May 2016

Rationale:

Endothelial AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role for vascular homeostasis, and its role is impaired by vascular inflammation. However, the role of endothelial AMPK in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains to be elucidated.

Objective:

To determine the role of endothelial AMPK in the development of PAH.

Methods and Results:

Immunostaining showed that endothelial AMPK is downregulated in the pulmonary arteries of patients with PAH and hypoxia mouse model of pulmonary hypertension (PH). To elucidate the role of endothelial AMPK in PH, we used endothelial-specific AMPK-knockout mice (
eAMPK

–/–

), which were exposed to hypoxia. Under normoxic condition,
eAMPK

–/–

mice showed the normal morphology of pulmonary arteries compared with littermate controls (
eAMPK
flox/flox
). In contrast, development of hypoxia-induced PH was accelerated in
eAMPK

–/–

mice compared with controls. Furthermore, the exacerbation of PH in
eAMPK

–/–

mice was accompanied by reduced endothelial function, upregulation of growth factors, and increased proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Importantly, conditioned medium from endothelial cells promoted pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation, which was further enhanced by the treatment with AMPK inhibitor. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were significantly increased in patients with PAH compared with healthy controls. Consistently, endothelial AMPK and cell proliferation were significantly reduced by the treatment with serum from patients with PAH compared with controls. Importantly, long-term treatment with metformin, an AMPK activator, significantly attenuated hypoxia-induced PH in mice.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that endothelial AMPK is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of PAH.
Considerations and Recommendations for the Introduction of Objective Performance Criteria for Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve Device Approval
Authors: Head Stuart J. , Mylotte Darren , Mack Michael J. , Piazza Nicolo , van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Leon Martin B. , Kappetein A. Pieter , Holmes David R.
Published: May 2016

In the United States, new surgical heart valves can be approved on the basis of objective performance criteria (OPC). In contrast, the US Food and Drug Administration traditionally requires stricter criteria for transcatheter heart valve (THV) approval, including randomized, clinical trials. Recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of new-generation THVs based on single-arm studies has generated interest in alternative study approaches for THV device approval. This review evaluates whether THV device approval could follow a pathway analogous to that of surgical heart valves by incorporating OPC and provides several considerations and recommendations. Factors to be taken into account in the construction of OPC include the maturity of THV technology, variability in transcatheter aortic valve replacement practice, end points included as OPC, follow-up terms for specific OPC, patient populations to which these OPC apply, and (statistical) methods for OPC development. We recommend that approval of THV devices in the United States for low- and intermediate-risk patients or for new indications should provisionally rely on data from randomized, clinical trials. However, it is recommended that formal OPC be applied for approval of new-generation THVs for use in high- and extreme-risk patient populations.
Independent and Joint Effect of Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Blood Pressure Control on Incident Stroke in Hypertensive Adults
Authors: Song Yun , Xu Benjamin , Xu Richard , Tung Renee , Frank Eric , Tromble Wayne , Fu Tong , Zhang Weiyi , Yu Tao , Zhang Chunyan , Fan Fangfang , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu , Qin Xianhui , Tang Genfu , Chen Yundai , Yang Tianlun , Sun Ningling , Li Xiaoying , Zhao Lianyou , Hou Fan Fan , Ge Junbo , Dong Qiang , Wang Binyan , Xu Xiping , Huo Yong
Published: May 2016

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been shown to influence the effects of antihypertensive drugs in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Data are limited on whether PWV is an independent predictor of stroke above and beyond hypertension control. This longitudinal analysis examined the independent and joint effect of brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) with hypertension control on the risk of first stroke. This report included 3310 hypertensive adults, a subset of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) with baseline measurements for baPWV. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 111 participants developed first stroke. The risk of stroke was higher among participants with baPWV in the highest quartile than among those in the lower quartiles (6.3% versus 2.4%; hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–2.60). Similarly, the participants with inadequate hypertension control had a higher risk of stroke than those with adequate control (5.1% versus 1.8%; hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.49–3.61). When baPWV and hypertension control were examined jointly, participants in the highest baPWV quartile and with inadequate hypertension control had the highest risk of stroke compared with their counterparts (7.5% versus 1.3%; hazard ratio, 3.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.88–6.77). There was a significant and independent effect of high baPWV on stroke as shown among participants with adequate hypertension control (4.2% versus 1.3%; hazard ratio, 2.29, 95% confidence interval, 1.09–4.81). In summary, among hypertensive patients, baPWV and hypertension control were found to independently and jointly affect the risk of first stroke. Participants with high baPWV and inadequate hypertension control had the highest risk of stroke compared with other groups.
Soil nematode community response to fertilisation in the root-associated and bulk soils of a rice-wheat agroecosystem
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Yong , Shen Qirong , Li Huixin , Whalen Joann K.
Published: May 2016

The practice of growing agricultural crops in rows results in larger soil nematode populations in the root-associated soil than in the bulk soil between the rows. Fertilisers applied to improve grain yield generally increase the abundance of nematode communities in agricultural soils. The objective of this study was to compare total nematode density and four dominant genera in the root-associated and bulk soils of paddy rice and upland wheat receiving organic and mineral fertilisers. Dominant nematode genera accounted for 80% of all nematodes and represented four trophic groups. There was greater total nematode density and a higher enrichment index (EI) but less nematode diversity (H′) and a lower structure index (SI) in the root-associated soil than bulk soil of upland wheat. By contrast, nematode abundance, diversity and ecological indices were similar in the root-associated and bulk soils of the paddy rice. Soil nematode communities were affected significantly and consistently by fertilisation in upland wheat and paddy rice phases. More herbivoreHirschmanniellawere present with mineral fertiliser than in the non-fertilised control. Straw-based organic fertilisers increased the abundance of bacterivoreEucephalobus. The lack of interaction between rhizosphere effect and fertilisation indicated that crop-growing conditions (different species and water regimes) were more influential on nematode communities and not consistently impacted by short-term organic and mineral fertilisation in the rice-wheat agroecosystem.
Nephtyidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Campos Basin, including two new species and a new record
Authors: FRANCO NATÁLIA BIZZO , RIZZO ALEXANDRA E.
Published: May 2016

Members of the marine polychaete family Nephtyidae are commonly found in soft substrates. Their most distinctive characteristic is the presence of interramal branchiae located between the notopodia and neuropodia. In the present study, five species of Nephtyidae: Aglaophamus fabrun sp. nov., Aglaophamus juvenalis (Kinberg, 1866), Inermonephtys inermis (Ehlers, 1887), Inermonephtys soldius sp. nov. and Nephtys squamosa Ehlers, 1887 were found in the Campos Basin, state of Rio de Janeiro, including two new species and a new record for the Brazilian coast. Aglaophamus fabrun sp. nov. has a proboscis with 10 pairs of distal papillae and approximately 20 subdistal papillae in rows, with 3–5 papillae in each row; and lacks an unpaired median papilla; the prostomium has a pair of eyes and a characteristic pigmentation pattern. Inermonephtys soldius sp. nov. has interramal branchiae starting from parapodium 5, and basal papillae starting on chaetiger 6. Inermonephtys inermis is a new record for the Brazilian coast. Descriptions, comments and a key to species of Nephtyidae recorded from Brazil are provided.
Neopetrosia de Laubenfels, 1949 from Brazil: description of a new species and a review of records (Haplosclerida: Demospongiae: Porifera)
Authors: SANTOS GEORGE GARCIA , SANDES JOANA , CABRAL ABIGAIL , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: May 2016

The genus Neopetrosia was characterized by has fine brushes of oxeas issued from subectosomal tracts and compact choanosomal network. We report and describe here specimens collected in the coast of Brazil: Neopetrosia sulcata sp. nov. and Neopetrosia proxima. The first was previously recorded from Brazil as Neopetrosia proxima, but it was found that these specimens corresponded to a new species. Thus, we provide here the characterization of N. proxima from Brazilian coast. A taxonomic study of Brazilian samples is given, including description, illustrations and geographic distribution, combined with the comparison of the new species with all other descriptions of Neopetrosia from Atlantic.
Global Comparisons of Regional Life Cycle Properties and Motion of Multiday Convective Systems: Tropical and Midlatitude Land and Ocean
Authors: Vant-Hull Brian , Rossow William , Pearl Cindy
Published: May 2016

Tracking of convective cloud systems (cloud-top temperature <245 K) in geosynchronous satellite images at 3-h intervals is used to determine life cycle statistics of convective systems in four regimes: tropical land and ocean and midlatitude land and ocean, including seasonal comparisons. The ISCCP tracking dataset covers the period 1984–2006. Only systems with lifetimes greater than or equal to 1 day that were moving predominantly eastward or westward are considered, with splits and merges combined into larger extended convective systems. The life cycle variables are lifetime (duration), maximum area, and minimum cloud-top temperature. These are compared to each other and to the speed of longitudinal motion. Distributions and relationships between the life cycle variables are similar to previous studies based on single-day lifetimes, but the current study is globally extensive (all longitudes at lower and middle latitudes) and multidecadal, which allows extension of such results to rarer, larger, and longer-lived convective systems than previous work. Velocity distributions were monomodal with tails skewed in the direction of the zonal mean wind, being almost purely eastward in the midlatitudes but nearly symmetric in both directions with a small westward bias in the tropics. Representative life cycles for each geographical region are formed by averaging together systems with similar lifetimes. These composite life cycles show that, except for the first and last days, the daily evolution of most system variables exhibits little variation during the average multiday convective life cycle, although the cloud area goes through one cycle of expansion and contraction in a lifetime.
Radiometric Comparison of 1.6-μm CO2 Absorption Band of Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) TANSO-FTS with Suomi-NPP VIIRS SWIR Band
Authors: Uprety Sirish , Cao Changyong
Published: May 2016

An atmospheric CO2 increase has become a progressively important global concern in recent past decades. Since the 1950s, the Keeling curve has documented the atmospheric CO2 increase as well as seasonal variations, which also intrigued scientists to develop new methods for global CO2 measurements from satellites. One of the dedicated satellite missions is the CO2 measurement in the 1.6-μm shortwave infrared spectra by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) Thermal and Near Infrared Sensor for Carbon Observations–Fourier Transform Spectrometer (TANSO-FTS) instrument. While this spectral region has unique advantages in detecting lower-trophosphere CO2, there are many challenges because it relies on accurate measurements of reflected solar radiance from Earth’s surface. Therefore, the calibration of the TANSO-FTS CO2 has a direct impact on the CO2 retrievals and its long-term trends. Coincidently, the Suomi-NPP Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 1.6-μm band spectrally overlaps with the TANSO-FTS CO2 band, and both satellites are in orbit with periodical simultaneous nadir overpass measurements. This study performs an intercomparison of VIIRS and the TANSO-FTS CO2 band in an effort to evaluate and improve the radiometric consistency. Understanding the differences provides feedback on how well the GOSAT TANSO-FTS is performing over time, which is critical to ensure a well-calibrated, stable, and bias-free CO2 product.
Calprotectin is a potential prognostic marker for polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chen Shouzhen , Jiang Mei , Ding Tao , Wang Junmei , Long Ping
Published: May 2016

Background

Calprotectin is an antimicrobial, calcium and zinc-binding heterocomplex protein and has been proposed as a marker to rule out inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of calprotectin in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome and to investigate the association between calprotectin and insulin resistance.

Methods

A total of 41 females with polycystic ovary syndrome and 54 age-matched without polycystic ovary syndrome were eligible for the study. Serum concentration of calprotectin was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical characteristics, hormone and metabolic parameters were evaluated in each subject. The predictive value of serum calprotectin was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Correlations between the serum calprotectin concentrations and insulin resistance were examined using Spearman’s correlation.

Results

We found that the serum calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome compared with the non-polycystic ovary syndrome group ( P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve assay yielded a satisfactory result of 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.81–0.95; P < 0.001). The optimum cut-off was 2.4  µg/mL with a 85.2% specificity and 75.6% sensitivity for polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis. A significant positive correlation was found between the serum calprotectin and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

These results suggest that calprotectin might be a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, especially those with insulin resistance.
The Influence of Sacred Beliefs in Environmental Risk Perception and Attitudes
Authors: Sachdeva Sonya
Published: May 2016

Elements of the natural world, such as mountains, rivers, and forests, are often seen as sacred in many cultural traditions. Recent conservation movements have even begun to draw on spiritual and religious beliefs to promote issues of environmental sustainability. The straightforward assumption in these cases is that sacred beliefs (compared with secular ones) will hold greater sway in alerting people to various environmental perils. However, environmental risk perception is a complex process, and we find that, in some cases, viewing natural resources as sacred may lead to a diminished perception of environmental risks such as pollution. Across three studies, we show that sacred beliefs may inure participants to the harmful effects of pollution in the Ganges River. Implications of these sacred value–based risk perceptions for conservation movements are discussed.
Affirmative Action Debates in American Government Introductory Textbooks
Authors: Wallace Sherri L. , Allen Marcus D.
Published: May 2016

Affirmative action debates remain hotly contested across America. Given how the topic is presented in respective disciplines and core textbooks, students are often misinformed. Introductory textbooks may be one of the few places where students are exposed to significant discussions on affirmative action. In this study, we examine affirmative action policy in American government introductory textbooks published between 2005 and 2014. Our study is modeled on previous, similar analyses of introductory textbooks. We use content analysis to examine the extent to which affirmative action discussions challenge or reinforce affirmative action myths and meritocracy. We conclude that textbook discussions that emphasize the policy intent over policy interpretation tend to debunk affirmative action myths and meritocracy. Meaning, the policy intent focus—presented as the “equality of opportunity” view—challenges historical discrimination and racism while the policy interpretation focus—presented as the “equality of outcome” view—seems to reinforce negative views.
Music Teachers’ Experiences in One-to-One Computing Environments
Authors: Dorfman Jay
Published: May 2016

Ubiquitous computing scenarios such as the one-to-one model, in which every student is issued a device that is to be used across all subjects, have increased in popularity and have shown both positive and negative influences on education. Music teachers in schools that adopt one-to-one models may be inadequately equipped to integrate this kind of technology into their classrooms. The purposes of this study were to observe the behaviors and explore the dominant perceptions and concerns of music teachers in schools with one-to-one technology programs. This four-case study was based on the concerns-based adoption model, which has previously been used to analyze stakeholders’ concerns about adoption of an innovation such as a new technology. Participant teachers expressed their concerns about adoption of one-to-one technology in their schools and classrooms as they related to musical goals, extent of integration, changes that could improve the programs, and other pedagogical factors. Results showed that while the participants used the technologies in distinct ways and to varying extents, they shared concerns about technical support, pedagogical support, and authenticity of integration.
The Validity of the Level of Service Inventory–Revised at the Intersection of Race and Gender
Authors: Ostermann Michael , Salerno Laura M.
Published: May 2016

Although the Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R) has been validated across genders and races, few studies have investigated the validity of the instrument for different combinations of races and genders. Using data from a sample of offenders in New Jersey ( N = 9,454), we measure the LSI-R’s validity in predicting recidivism within 1 year of prison release. Our findings indicate that the LSI-R is a valid predictor of recidivism across different race and gender combinations; however, the instrument performs poorly at distinguishing recidivists from non-recidivists and exhibits the lowest discriminant capacity for Black males. Policy implications are discussed.
Housing Policy in Soviet Russia and Germany between the Two World Wars: Comparative Analysis of Two Systems
Authors: Kholodilin Konstantin A. , Meerovich Mark G.
Published: May 2016

World War I played a key role in shaping modern housing policy. While in the pre-War era, there was virtually no housing policy, hostilities led to an almost immediate and comprehensive state intervention in the housing market, particularly among those engaged in the war. Originally, Russia went the same way as the other countries. However, after the communists seized power in November 1917, they started conducting a different policy reflecting their specific objectives. These differences become apparent when Soviet Russia is compared with Germany—a large European market economy that faced similar challenges: the devastating consequences of World War I, hyperinflation in the early 1920s, and the dictatorship regime of the 1930s. Thus, the diverging characteristics of the housing policy of both countries can to a large extent be attributed to the ideological differences between the centrally planned and the market economies.
Formation control of aerial robots using virtual structure and new fuzzy-based self-tuning synchronization
Authors: Abbasi Y , Moosavian S. Ali A , Novinzadeh Alireza B
Published: May 2016

In this article, a novel guidance law derivation and new synchronization strategy are proposed for a virtual structure-based formation flight. These are designed using both aerodynamic and dynamics equations of aerial robots to facilitate implementation of the guidance and control laws. The guidance commands are derived in the form of acceleration based on a new analytical approach. These acceleration commands are converted to suitable inputs for the control system in the form of velocity, roll and pitch angles by employing an innovative strategy. In addition, a new synchronization strategy for virtual structure formation control is proposed. In this strategy, each agent utilizes the other agents’ actual position rather than their position errors. The proposed strategy is capable of shape formation flight using a passive sensor, such as vision sensors, for position detection of neighbour agents. This ability makes the proposed strategy more reliable than conventional synchronization methods. The mentioned strategy is further improved by self-tuning of the synchronization gain based on a fuzzy inference. The simulation of formation flight for a group of three fixed-wing aerial robots using six degrees of freedom models for each one reveals the merits of the proposed strategy. In fact, this approach significantly decreases the number of oscillations and corresponding amplitudes of position/orientation error for each agent. This is a crucial aspect of the mission performance for formation flight control.
Exploring dyslexics’ phonological deficit II: Phonological grammar
Authors: Szenkovits Gayaneh , Darma Quynliaan , Darcy Isabelle , Ramus Franck
Published: May 2016

Language learners have to acquire the phonological grammar of their native language, and different levels of representations on which the grammar operates. Developmental dyslexia is associated with a phonological deficit, which is commonly assumed to stem from degraded phonological representations. The present study investigates one aspect of the phonological grammar, phonological assimilation rules. Specifically, it examines whether dyslexic adults have acquired phonological rules in speech production normally, and whether they compensate for them in perception. Contrary to the ‘degraded phonological representations hypothesis’, these adults produced phonological assimilations, and perceptually compensated for assimilations to the same extent as control participants. This suggests that individuals with dyslexia have acquired the phonological rules of their native language normally, and implies that they must have well-specified phonological representations, at least with respect to the features tested here. Nevertheless, these dyslexic adults still exhibit the typical phonological deficit as measured by phonological awareness, verbal short-term memory and rapid automatic naming tasks. Thus, it is suggested that the explanation for their phonological deficit must lie elsewhere than in their phonological representations and grammar.
Metaphor, metonymy, and their interaction in the production of semantic approximations by monolingual children: A corpus analysis
Authors: Pérez-Hernández Lorena , Duvignau Karine
Published: May 2016

The present study looks into the largely unexplored territory of the cognitive underpinnings of semantic approximations in child language. The analysis of a corpus of 233 semantic approximations produced by 101 monolingual French-speaking children from 1;8 to 4;2 years of age leads to a classification of a significant number of them as instances of a set of principle-governed cognitive operations, including metaphor and metonymy-based cognitive operations, and conceptual complexes, such as metaphtonymies and double metonymies. The results shed light on cognitive operation preferences and their level of conceptual complexity at this stage of language development. Additionally, it points to the need to expand the inventory of functions traditionally assigned to these cognitive operations.
Improvement of Insulin Injection Technique
Authors: Spollett Geralyn , Edelman Steven V. , Mehner Patricia , Walter Claudia , Penfornis Alfred
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Correct insulin injection technique is a crucial aspect of diabetes management. The purpose of this article is (1) to outline the medical literature, including patient-based studies and surveys, surrounding the type of issues and problems that patients encounter with injectable insulin therapy and the degree to which correct insulin technique is being applied and (2) to review the latest recommendations for insulin injection technique and discuss the key aspects that diabetes educators and other health care professionals should be communicating to their patients to ensure that injection technique is optimized.

Conclusions

Examination of the literature and multiple patient surveys demonstrates that patients continue to have many issues with insulin injection technique, highlighting the pressing need for effective patient education. In addition, many patients are not using insulin pen devices correctly. Widespread lack of injection site rotation and reuse of needles have resulted in high rates of lipohypertrophy. Lipohypertrophy has in turn been associated with significantly increased levels of unexplained hypoglycemia and glycemic variability and significantly increased insulin costs. By providing clear, evidence-based consensus recommendations, initiatives such as the Forum for Injection Technique are helping to address these issues but will be successful only if concerted efforts in patient education and reeducation are made to ensure that these recommendations are implemented consistently. This should involve all stakeholders in insulin therapy—particularly diabetes educators, who are at the forefront of patient education.
Using Data to Individualize a Multicomponent, Technology-Based Self-Monitoring Intervention
Authors: Bruhn Allison Leigh , Vogelgesang Kari , Fernando Josephine , Lugo Wilbeth
Published: May 2016

Technology in schools is abundant as is the call for evidence-based interventions for students who need additional support to be successful. One promising use of technology is for self-monitoring interventions aimed at improving classroom behavior. In this study, two middle school students with disabilities used a multicomponent, self-monitoring app on an iPad during their reading classes. Using a data-based individualization approach, teachers worked with the primary investigator to monitor students’ response to the intervention and adapt the intervention accordingly. A single-subject design was used to test the effects of the intervention, and a functional relation was established for both participants who improved their academic engagement and decreased their disruptive behavior. Additionally, participants indicated the intervention was socially valid. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.