bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Hirt Marc N. , Hansen Arne , Eschenhagen Thomas
Published: January 2014

The engineering of 3-dimensional (3D) heart muscles has undergone exciting progress for the past decade. Profound advances in human stem cell biology and technology, tissue engineering and material sciences, as well as prevascularization and in vitro assay technologies make the first clinical application of engineered cardiac tissues a realistic option and predict that cardiac tissue engineering techniques will find widespread use in the preclinical research and drug development in the near future. Tasks that need to be solved for this purpose include standardization of human myocyte production protocols, establishment of simple methods for the in vitro vascularization of 3D constructs and better maturation of myocytes, and, finally, thorough definition of the predictive value of these methods for preclinical safety pharmacology. The present article gives an overview of the present state of the art, bottlenecks, and perspectives of cardiac tissue engineering for cardiac repair and in vitro testing.
Pulmonary Lymphangiectasia Resulting From Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C Overexpression During a Critical Period
Authors: Yao Li-Chin , Testini Chiara , Tvorogov Denis , Anisimov Andrey , Vargas Sara O. , Baluk Peter , Pytowski Bronislaw , Claesson-Welsh Lena , Alitalo Kari , McDonald Donald M.
Published: January 2014

Rationale:

Lymphatic vessels in the respiratory tract normally mature into a functional network during the neonatal period, but under some pathological conditions they can grow as enlarged, dilated sacs that result in the potentially lethal condition of pulmonary lymphangiectasia.

Objective:

We sought to determine whether overexpression of the lymphangiogenic growth factor (vascular endothelial growth factor-C [VEGF-C]) can promote lymphatic growth and maturation in the respiratory tract. Unexpectedly, perinatal overexpression of VEGF-C in the respiratory epithelium led to a condition resembling human pulmonary lymphangiectasia, a life-threatening disorder of the newborn characterized by respiratory distress and the presence of widely dilated lymphatics.

Methods and Results:

Administration of doxycycline to Clara cell secretory protein-reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator/tetracycline operator-VEGF-C double-transgenic mice during a critical period from embryonic day 15.5 to postnatal day 14 was accompanied by respiratory distress, chylothorax, pulmonary lymphangiectasia, and high mortality. Enlarged sac-like lymphatics were abundant near major airways, pulmonary vessels, and visceral pleura. Side-by-side comparison revealed morphological features similar to pulmonary lymphangiectasia in humans. The condition was milder in mice given doxycycline after age postnatal day 14 and did not develop after postnatal day 35. Mechanistic studies revealed that VEGF recptor (VEGFR)-3 alone drove lymphatic growth in adult mice, but both VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 were required for the development of lymphangiectasia in neonates. VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 heterodimers were more abundant in the dilated lymphatics, consistent with the involvement of both receptors. Despite the dependence of lymphangiectasia on VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3, the condition was not reversed by blocking both receptors together or by withdrawing VEGF-C.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that VEGF-C overexpression can induce pulmonary lymphangiectasia during a critical period in perinatal development.
Deep RNA Sequencing Reveals Dynamic Regulation of Myocardial Noncoding RNAs in Failing Human Heart and Remodeling With Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Yang Kai-Chien , Yamada Kathryn A. , Patel Akshar Y. , Topkara Veli K. , George Isaac , Cheema Faisal H. , Ewald Gregory A. , Mann Douglas L. , Nerbonne Jeanne M.
Published: January 2014

Background—

Microarrays have been used extensively to profile transcriptome remodeling in failing human heart, although the genomic coverage provided is limited and fails to provide a detailed picture of the myocardial transcriptome landscape. Here, we describe sequencing-based transcriptome profiling, providing comprehensive analysis of myocardial mRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression in failing human heart before and after mechanical support with a left ventricular (LV) assist device (LVAD).

Methods and Results—

Deep sequencing of RNA isolated from paired nonischemic (NICM; n=8) and ischemic (ICM; n=8) human failing LV samples collected before and after LVAD and from nonfailing human LV (n=8) was conducted. These analyses revealed high abundance of mRNA (37%) and lncRNA (71%) of mitochondrial origin. miRNASeq revealed 160 and 147 differentially expressed miRNAs in ICM and NICM, respectively, compared with nonfailing LV. Among these, only 2 (ICM) and 5 (NICM) miRNAs are normalized with LVAD. RNASeq detected 18 480, including 113 novel, lncRNAs in human LV. Among the 679 (ICM) and 570 (NICM) lncRNAs differentially expressed with heart failure, ≈10% are improved or normalized with LVAD. In addition, the expression signature of lncRNAs, but not miRNAs or mRNAs, distinguishes ICM from NICM. Further analysis suggests that
cis
-gene regulation represents a major mechanism of action of human cardiac lncRNAs.

Conclusions—

The myocardial transcriptome is dynamically regulated in advanced heart failure and after LVAD support. The expression profiles of lncRNAs, but not mRNAs or miRNAs, can discriminate failing hearts of different pathologies and are markedly altered in response to LVAD support. These results suggest an important role for lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of heart failure and in reverse remodeling observed with mechanical support.
New and rare diatom (Bacillariophyta) species from a mountain lake in Eastern Siberia
Authors: Potapova Marina , Hamilton Paul , Kopyrina Lyubov , Sosina Nadezhda
Published: January 2014

The examination of a moss sample collected from a lake in a remote mountainous region of Eastern Siberia revealed a diverse diatom flora that included four new species: Eunotia frigida, Brachysira subtile, Encyonopsis vasilievae, and Neidium rugosum. N. rugosum has been previously illustrated from several locations in the arctic and subarctic and is widely distributed across the circumpolar Arctic. The distribution of three other species is likely more limited. Besides these species, a number of rare diatoms were also found in the moss community. These include Neidium boyeri and Stauroneis crassula previously known only from North America; Encyonema sibericum so far only reported from Western Siberia, Encyonema lunatum var. borealis earlier found in Finland, and Eunotia ferefalcata, Pinnularia angustarea, and Naviculadicta mongolica so far reported only from Mongolia. This study contributes to the understanding of biogeographic patterns of diatom distribution.
Persicaria wugongshanensis (Polygonaceae: Persicarieae), an odoriferous and distylous new species from Jiangxi, eastern China
Authors: Li Bo
Published: January 2014

Persicaria wugongshanensis, a new species from Wugongshan Mountain, Jiangxi Province in eastern China, is described and illustrated. The new species is a distinctively odoriferous herb characterized by having glandular leaves and tepals, stout inflorescences, dimorphic flowers, extraordinarily long pedicels and densely pitted achenes. A morphological comparison among the new species and its putative relatives, P. hydropiper, P. japonica, P. jucunda and P. odorata, is presented. Comparative micromorphological characters of achenes, leaves, pollen grains and tepals of the new species and its closest relative P. odorata were also presented. Distyly and its ancillary dimorphism were observed and described. The somatic chromosome number (2n = 20) and karyotype formula (2n = 14 m + 6 sm) of the new species were reported.
Surirella subrotunda sp. nov. and Surirella parahelvetica sp. nov., two new diatom (Bacillariophyta) species from Lake Prespa, Macedonia
Authors: CVETKOSKA ALEKSANDRA , LEVKOV ZLATKO , HAMILTON PAUL B.
Published: January 2014

The genus Surirella is highly diverse and many taxa are reported as endemic, especially from ancient lakes and tropical continental regions. In ancient Lake Ohrid, 25 different Surirella species have been identified by different authors, five are considered to be endemic for the lake. In contrast, research on its sister Lake Prespa has been less rigorous and data for recent and fossil species of Surirella is very sparse. The number of Surirella taxa reported from Lake Prespa is 11; only one is considered an endemic for both lakes, Ohrid and Prespa. In this study, taxa from the genus Surirella were observed in a number of recent and fossil samples from Lake Prespa. Two taxa possess unique characters that distinguish them from known species. Their formal descriptions, based on detailed LM and SEM observations, are presented here. Surirella subrotunda sp. nov. is differentiated from other similar species by its valve outline, size, and shape of median area; it has been observed only in fossil diatom samples from core Co1215 recovered from Lake Prespa. Surirella parahelvetica sp. nov. is distinguished by its size, valve outline, number of alar canals and stria density.
Towards a monophyletic classification of Lejeuneaceae I: subtribe Leptolejeuneinae subtr. nov.
Authors: HEINRICHS JOCHEN , SCHÄFER-VERWIMP ALFONS , CZUMAY ALEKSANDRA , DONG SHANSHAN , SCHEBEN ARMIN , FELDBERG KATHRIN , SCHNEIDER HARALD
Published: January 2014

We employed sequences of two chloroplast regions (trnL-trnF, rbcL) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS region of seven accessions of Leptolejeunea to explore its phylogenetic position. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses led to similar topologies but deeper nodes received good bootstrap support only with maximum likelihood methods. Leptolejeunea formed an early diverging, robust monophyletic lineage within Lejeuneaceae tribe Lejeuneeae. Contrary to earlier belief, it is not closely related to Drepanolejeunea. To amend the current classification of Lejeuneeae into subtribes, we propose Leptolejeuneinae, subtr. nov.
Amphipoda (Crustacea) from the Chagos Archipelago
Authors: MYERS A. A.
Published: January 2014

Thirteen species of amphipods are recorded from the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Of these, six species are new to science. A further four families (and four species) are represented, but were too incomplete to identify.
A revision of the Pediacus Shuckard 1839 (Coleoptera: Cucujidae) of Asia and Australasia
Authors: MARRIS JOHN W. M. , ŚLIPIŃSKI ADAM
Published: January 2014

The Pediacus Shuckard fauna of Asia and Australasia is revised. Eighteen species are recorded, described and illustrated from the regions and a key to species is provided. Nine new species are described: Pediacus australis sp. nov. (Australia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand), P. carinatus sp. nov. (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand), P. fujianensis sp. nov. (China), P. japonicoides sp. nov. (Taiwan); P. leei sp. nov. (Taiwan), P. pendleburyi sp. nov. (Malaysia), P. sinensis sp. nov. (China), P. taiwanensis sp. nov. (Taiwan) and P. thomasi sp. nov. (Taiwan). A checklist of the Pediacus fauna of the world is given, listing a total of 31 species.
Co-authorship networks (and other contextual factors) behind the growth of taxonomy of South American Ephemeroptera: A scientometric approach
Authors: DOMÍNGUEZ EDUARDO , SANTOS DANIEL ANDRÉS DOS
Published: January 2014

Science carried out in South America has experienced a major rise in the levels of productivity and impact during the last decade. The continuity of this process depends upon strong policy decisions of personnel training and of increasing investments. We study the effects of a new regional paradigm, specifically, an increasing international visibility through knowledge support, using the particular case of taxonomy of an ancient group of insects (Ephemeroptera) in South America. We tracked the number of new species described in scholarly papers along a period of two centuries. We have also mined patterns of connections from the respective co-authorship network. A quantitative framework to analyze historical sequences of scientific output is also proposed. Our results point out three stages of taxonomic development: (i) a pioneering stage (1800’s–1970’s) where foreign authors coming from Europe and North America account for almost the totality of described species, (ii) a transitional stage (1980’s–1990’s) where new species are described by both foreign and regional authors, and (iii) an autonomous stage (1999–present) where the bulk of scientific output is performed by regional authors. Remarkably, the transitional stage coincides with the advent of democracy in the region. We hypothesize that conjunction of funding and interactions between researchers act synergistically to foster an autochthonous taxonomy in South America.
A new species of Nemacerota Hampson, [1893] (Lepidoptera, Thyatiridae) from Tibet, China
Authors: PAN ZHAO-HUI , RONKAY GÁBOR , RONKAY LÁSZLÓ , HAN HUI-LIN
Published: January 2014

The genus Nemacerota Hampson, [1893] includes 14 species worldwide, which are mainly distributed from Pakistan along the main Himalayan chain, the eastern frontier of the Tibetan plateau and the Central Chinese mountains to the northern Pacific regions. Ten species have been recorded from China. Among them, only N. tancrei (Graeser, 1888) occurs in NE China, whereas all other taxa inhabit mountainous areas in Central China, the eastern frontier of the Tibetan plateau or Tibet. N. igorkostjuki Laszlo, Ronkay, Ronkay & Witt, 2007 is found only in the southern edge of Tibet (Nyalam = Nielamu); N. mandibulata Laszlo, Ronkay, Ronkay & Witt, 2007, N. taurina Laszlo, Ronkay, Ronkay & Witt, 2007, N. stueningi Laszlo, Ronkay, Ronkay & Witt, 2007, N. pectinata (Houlbert, 1921), N. inouei Laszlo, Ronkay, Ronkay & Witt, 2007 and N. owadai Laszlo, Ronkay, Ronkay & Witt, 2007 are known from Mt. Taibaishan, Shaanxi Province; N. griseobasalis (Sick, 1941), N. decorata (Sick, 1941) and N. pectinata (Houlbert, 1921) occur in the northwestern parts of Yunnan Province (and, possibly, also in southern Sichuan).        Here we describe a new species from the Linzhi area, Autonomous Region Xizang (Tibet), China. Specimens were dissected and examined using standard methods; adult photographs were photographed with a Nikon D700; genitalic slides were photographed using the Qcapture pro system, and processed in Adobe Photoshop CS5 software.
Revision of African Neaspasia Diakonoff, 1989 and the related Conaspasia, n. gen. (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae)
Authors: AARVIK LEIF , AGASSIZ DAVID J.L.
Published: January 2014

The six species of Neaspasia Diakonoff present in mainland Africa are described and illustrated. Niphadophylax albonigra Razowski & Wojtusiak and N. sophrona Razowski & Wojtusiak are transferred to Conaspasia, new genus. Four new species are described: Neaspasia coronana Aarvik, new species, N. karischi Aarvik, new species, N. malamigambo Aarvik, new species, and Conaspasia congolana Aarvik, new species. Argyroploce orthacta Meyrick, Argyroploce brevisecta Meyrick, and Penthina brevibasana Walsingham are transferred to Neaspasia. Neaspasia rhodesiae Razowski & Brown is a junior synonym of Neaspasia orthacta (Meyrick), new combination. Genetancylis homalota Razowski and Rhopobota cornuta Razowski, both described from Oman, are transferred to Neaspasia. Genetancylis Razowski is synonymised with Neaspasia.
Katianna maryae n. sp. (Collembola: Katiannidae), a southern Appalachian species of a Gondwanan genus
Authors: BERNARD ERNEST C.
Published: January 2014

Katianna maryae n. sp. is described from turf and grassy fields in eastern Tennessee, USA. This species is the first of its genus to be noted from temperate North America. It is distinguished from other described Katianna spp. by a combination of the following characters: color pattern of body an intricate mosaic of purple-brown, yellow-orange and white; copper-brown median stripe between eye patches; fourth antennal segment annuliform but not subsegmented; region between interantennal and clypeal region devoid of setae, clypeal region with six rows of setae; fore and middle feet with 8 clavate tenent hairs, hind foot with 6; apical filament of unguiculus long on fore and middle tibiotarsi, short on hind tibiotarsus; unguis with intricate multidentate pseudonychia; posterior face of dens with one proximal seta and a pair of subapical setae.
Three new species of the genus Scaphoideus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) with notes on the female of Scaphoideus varna from India
Authors: MESHRAM NARESH M.
Published: January 2014

Three new species of leafhoppers, Scaphoideus ramamurthyi sp. nov. (from Meghalaya: Barapani), Scaphoideus menoni sp. nov. (from Kerala: Valluvady) and Scaphoideus viraktamathi sp. nov. (from Kerala: Kannavam) from India, are described and illustrated. Also, the female of S. varna Viraktamath & Mohan, previously known only from Myanmar is described with a new record for India. Taxonomic notes on the few cryptic species of Scaphoideus also provided.
Study of the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Southern Iran with description of a new species
Authors: AMERI ALI , TALEBI ALI ASGHAR , BEYARSLAN AHMET , KAMALI KARIM , RAKHSHANI EHSAN
Published: January 2014

A survey on the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 was conducted in Hormozgan province, Southern Iran, during February 2011–July 2012. In all, 19 species belonging to seven subgenera were collected and identified, of which seven species and the subgenus Asiabracon Tobias, 1957 are recorded for first time from Iran. Bracon (Orthobracon) persiangulfensis Ameri, Beyarslan & Talebi sp. n. is newly described and illustrated from the Queshm island of Persian Gulf. Morphological characters of the new species were compared with the congeneric species. The newly recorded species from Iran were as follow: B. (Asiabracon) quardrimaculatus Telenga, 1936; B. (Bracon) kozak Telenga, 1936; B. (Glabrobracon) immutator Nees; B. (Habrobracon) telengai (Mulyarskaya, 1955); B. (Habrobracon) variegator Spinola, 1808; B. (Orthobracon) epitriptus Marshall, 1885 and B. (Orthobracon) exhilarator Nees, 1834. A key is presented for identification of Bracon species collected in Hormozgan province as well as an updated checklist of all Bracon species occurring in Iran.
A new Loewia Egger (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Turkey, with taxonomic and nomenclatural remarks on congeners
Authors: CERRETTI PIERFILIPPO , GIUDICE GIUSEPPE LO , O’HARA JAMES E.
Published: January 2014

The new species Loewia papei sp. nov. from southern Anatolia (Turkey) is described, illustrated and compared with congeners. A brief diagnosis of Loewia Egger is provided and the systematics of the genus are discussed. Loewia nudigena Mesnil, 1972 is fixed as the type species of Fortisia Rondani, 1861 (junior synonym of Loewia). A full list of previously known valid species of Loewia is provided along with information on primary types, type repositories (where known), and type localities. A lectotype is designated for Thrychogena brevifrons Rondani, 1856 (= Loewia brevifrons (Rondani, 1856)).
Periclimenaeus species (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pontoniinae) from Hawaii
Authors: BRUCE A. J.
Published: January 2014

Two specimens of an undescribed species of pontoniine shrimp of the genus Periclimenaeus Borradaile 1915 from Maui Island, Hawaiian Islands, are described and illustrated, raising to three the number of species known from the Hawaiian Islands. The new species is remarkable for the greatly reduced molar process and sharp lateral cutting edge on the major second pereiopod dactyl and most closely resembles P. tchesunovi Ďuriš, 1990. Host animals not identified. Periclimenaeus devaneyi Bruce, 2010 also has its colouration described for the first time.
Variations of the North Pacific Subtropical Mode Water from Direct Observations
Authors: Rainville Luc , Jayne Steven R. , Cronin Meghan F.
Published: January 2014

Mooring measurements from the Kuroshio Extension System Study (June 2004–June 2006) and from the ongoing Kuroshio Extension Observatory (June 2004–present) are combined with float measurements of the Argo network to study the variability of the North Pacific Subtropical Mode Water (STMW) across the entire gyre, on time scales from days, to seasons, to a decade. The top of the STMW follows a seasonal cycle, although observations reveal that it primarily varies in discrete steps associated with episodic wind events. The variations of the STMW bottom depth are tightly related to the sea surface height (SSH), reflecting mesoscale eddies and large-scale variations of the Kuroshio Extension and recirculation gyre systems. Using the observed relationship between SSH and STMW, gridded SSH products and in situ estimates from floats are used to construct weekly maps of STMW thickness, providing nonbiased estimates of STMW total volume, annual formation and erosion volumes, and seasonal and interannual variability for the past decade. Year-to-year variations are detected, particularly a significant decrease of STMW volume in 2007–10 primarily attributable to a smaller volume formed. Variability of the heat content in the mode water region is dominated by the seasonal cycle and mesoscale eddies; there is only a weak link to STMW on interannual time scales, and no long-term trends in heat content and STMW thickness between 2002 and 2011 are detected. Weak lagged correlations among air–sea fluxes, oceanic heat content, and STMW thickness are found when averaged over the northwestern Pacific recirculation gyre region.
Millennial Variability in an Idealized Ocean Model: Predicting the AMOC Regime Shifts
Authors: Sévellec Florian , Fedorov Alexey V.
Published: January 2014

A salient feature of paleorecords of the last glacial interval in the North Atlantic is pronounced millennial variability, commonly known as Dansgaard–Oeschger events. It is believed that these events are related to variations in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and heat transport. Here, the authors formulate a new low-order model, based on the Howard–Malkus loop representation of ocean circulation, capable of reproducing millennial variability and its chaotic dynamics realistically. It is shown that even in this chaotic model changes in the state of the meridional overturning circulation are predictable. Accordingly, the authors define two predictive indices which give accurate predictions for the time the circulation should remain in the on phase and then stay in the subsequent off phase. These indices depend mainly on ocean stratification and describe the linear growth of small perturbations in the system. Thus, monitoring particular indices of the ocean state could help predict a potential shutdown of the overturning circulation.
Influence of Kuroshio Path Variation South of Japan on Formation of Subtropical Mode Water
Authors: Sugimoto Shusaku , Hanawa Kimio
Published: January 2014

Distributions of subtropical mode water (STMW) in the northwestern part of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre were investigated, using temperature–salinity profiles from 2005 to 2011, with particular reference to the Kuroshio meander and non-meander path states, south of Japan. In spring of meander years, warm STMW with a potential temperature of 19°–20°C (potential density anomaly of 24.6–24.9 kg m−3) was found in the Shikoku Basin, whereas cold STMW below 19°C was distributed throughout the southern region of Japan in non-meander years. The warm STMW was formed in a spatially isolated and warm winter mixed layer (ML) in the Shikoku Basin, where a local recirculation developed in association with the Kuroshio meander path; both the absence of horizontal mixing with a cold ML south of the Kuroshio Extension because of the spatially isolated ML and an increase in horizontal heat advection due to the westward flow associated with this local recirculation caused the ML warming in the Shikoku Basin. After the spring shoaling of the ML, the warm STMW was preserved under the seasonal pycnocline until midsummer at a depth of 100–250 dbar; its thickness was approximately half that of the cold STMW in the Shikoku Basin in non-meander years. The warm STMW was rapidly eroded between the late summer and the following winter.
Atmosphere and Ocean Modeling on Grids of Variable Resolution—A 2D Case Study
Authors: Düben Peter D. , Korn Peter
Published: January 2014

Grids of variable resolution are of great interest in atmosphere and ocean modeling as they offer a route to higher local resolution and improved solutions. On the other hand there are changes in grid resolution considered to be problematic because of the errors they create between coarse and fine parts of a grid due to reflection and scattering of waves. On complex multidimensional domains these errors resist theoretical investigation and demand numerical experiments. With a low-order hybrid continuous/discontinuous finite-element model of the inviscid and viscous shallow-water equations a numerical study is carried out that investigates the influence of grid refinement on critical features such as wave propagation, turbulent cascades, and the representation of geostrophic balance. The refinement technique the authors use is static h refinement, where additional grid cells are inserted in regions of interest known a priori. The numerical tests include planar and spherical geometry as well as flows with boundaries and are chosen to address the impact of abrupt changes in resolution or the influence of the shape of the transition zone. For the specific finite-element model under investigation, the simulations suggest that grid refinement does not deteriorate geostrophic balance and turbulent cascades and the shape of mesh transition zones appears to be less important than expected. However, the results show that the static local refinement is able to reduce the local error, but not necessarily the global error and convergence properties with resolution are changed. The relatively simple tests already illustrate that grid refinement has to go along with a simultaneous change of the parameterization schemes.
The Impact of Increased Frequency of Rawinsonde Observations on Forecast Skill Investigated with an Observing System Simulation Experiment
Authors: Privé N. C. , Errico R. M. , Tai K.-S.
Published: January 2014

Most rawinsondes are launched once or twice daily, at 0000 and/or 1200 UTC; only a small number of the total rawinsonde observations are taken at 0600 and 1800 UTC (“off hour” cycle times). In this study, the variations of forecast and analysis quality between cycle times and the potential improvement of skill due to supplemental rawinsonde measurements at 0600 and 1800 UTC are tested in the framework of an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (NASA GMAO) Goddard Earth Observing System Model, version 5 (GEOS-5), is used with the GMAO OSSE setup for an experiment emulating the months of July and August with the 2011 observational network. The OSSE is run with and without supplemental rawinsonde observations at 0600 and 1800 UTC, and the differences in analysis error and forecast skill are quantified. The addition of supplemental rawinsonde observations results in significant improvement of analysis quality in the Northern Hemisphere for both the 0000/1200 and 0600/1800 UTC cycle times, with greater improvement for the off-hour times. Reduction of root-mean-square errors on the order of 1%–3% for wind and temperature is found at the 24- and 48-h forecast times. There is a slight improvement in Northern Hemisphere anomaly correlations at the 120-h forecast time.
Religion, friendship networks and home visits of immigrant and native children
Authors: Windzio Michael , Wingens Matthias
Published: January 2014

Using data from a school survey of N=1190 children at the age of 10 in N=20590 directed dyads and p* models for network data, we investigate the impact of religion on migrant and native children’s friendships and visits at home. Deriving hypotheses from the formation of religious in-groups, our analyses show that having the same or a different religious affiliation as well as regularly attending worship has an impact on having a tie in friendship networks. Visiting alter’s home depends more on similarity in worship attendance. These results indicate that religious diversity can be an additional factor increasing actual levels of immigrant–native segregation in social networks.
Theology from the City
Authors: Vincent John J.
Published: January 2014

Some conclusions from the author’s forty years of “Urban Theologising” are set beside contributions to the October 2013 Expository Times special Issue on “The Church and the City”. The demand of Anthony Harvey for “Theology From” rather than “Theology For” is affirmed, and illustrations from the author’s current Christ in the City are given for three alternative orientations – 1. Contextual Theology, 2. Theologising from the Bottom, and 3. Practice Interpretation.
Partisan Heterogeneity and International Cooperation
Authors: Schneider Christina J. , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: January 2014

This article analyzes the relationship between partisan heterogeneity and cooperation in international organizations. We argue that partisan heterogeneity increases distributional conflict among states during intergovernmental negotiations, thereby increasing the costs of cooperation. This decreases governments’ willingness to contribute to cooperative efforts. We test the theory against data on governments’ financial contributions to the European Development Fund. The empirical analyses robustly demonstrate that partisan heterogeneity reduces governments’ incentives to contribute to European cooperation on international development. On a more general level, we offer new perspective on the role of domestic politics in international cooperation.
The Prices and Incomes Accord: Its significance, impact and legacy
Authors: Wright Chris F
Published: January 2014

This thematic section of the Journal of Industrial Relations commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Prices and Incomes Accord between the Hawke–Keating government and the Australian Council of Trade Unions. The Accord remains a landmark by the standards of Australian industrial relations history and given the international context in which it emerged. It achieved its initial objective of addressing the problem of ‘stagflation’ and helped to facilitate structural reform in the Australian economy. In gaining cooperation from unions and by providing a social wage to cushion workers from the adverse effects of economic and wages policy reform, the Accord represented a more equitable alternative to neoliberal approaches adopted elsewhere. However, negative unintended consequences of the Accord years remain features of the contemporary labour market, which casts some doubt on its legacy.
A retrospective study of murder–suicide at the Forensic Institute of Ghent University, Belgium: 1935–2010
Authors: De Koning Eva , Piette Michel HA
Published: January 2014

Murder followed by suicide (M–S) is a rare phenomenon that has been studied in several countries. Previous studies show that offenders of M–S are predominately men who live in an intimate relationship. Amorous jealousy is often the trigger to commit M–S. Shooting is the most common way to kill a partner and/or children. In general, women are likely to become victims. The aim of this study was to identify M–S and detect patterns of M–S in the district of Ghent and the surrounding areas, since no research on this event was conducted in Belgium. Over a period of 75 years, a total of 80 M–S incidents was recorded involving 176 individuals. Eighty-six percent of the offenders were males and 14% were females. Murder–suicides were mostly completed with firearms. The main motive for offenders to execute M–S is amorous jealousy (56%), followed by familial, financial, or social stressors (27%). In addition, three types of M–S were selected (e.g., spousal murder–suicides, filicide–suicides, and familicides–suicides). Our results suggest differences in these types of M–S in which younger couples’ intentions were amorous jealousy; as for older couples the prominent motive was mercy killing; most likely women killed their children and only men committed familicides. Finally a study of the evolution during this period was carried out.
The Relationship Between HRM Practices and Turnover Intentions
Authors: Watty-Benjamin Wynant , Udechukwu Ikwukananne
Published: January 2014

A cross-sectional study of the Virgin Island’s public sector was conducted to ascertain whether its human resource management (HRM) practices were related to the employees’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and intentions to leave. A quantitative approach was taken to evaluate employees’ perception of the organization’s HRM practices. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the following demographics: residence, gender, human resource (HR) staff, and supervisory/managerial positions were determining factors in the relationship. Residence correlated to turnover intentions (TIs); gender and supervisor/manager correlated to OCB, while being an HR staff correlated to the HRM factor, employee skill/organizational structure. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that HRM practices did not predict OCB or TIs.
Glass Ceiling in Korean Civil Service
Authors: Choi Sungjoo , Park Chun-Oh
Published: January 2014

The increasing female employment has become one of the most remarkable social transformations across countries. Along with the global trend, respecting gender differences and treating women fairly in the workplace have been increasingly important to accomplish social equity and justice for women. Gender equity in employment, nevertheless, appears to be less salient in Korea than in Western industrialized countries (e.g., the United States). This study analyzes the gender representation and barriers of women’s career advancement in the Korean government in comparison to the U.S. government. We collected the employment data from the Korean government and conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews with female public employees. The statistical data reveal that women are less represented in the Korean government especially in upper ranks than in the U.S. government. The results from interviews suggest that Korean female public employees share similar experiences with U.S. female employees in terms of limited access to upper level ranks and obstacles of women’s career advancement. Cultural differences such as strong influence from Confucian tradition and collectivism in Korean society may be more challenging to female public employees in Korea than in the United States.
Comparative Anatomy, Physiology, and Mechanisms of Disease Production of the Esophagus, Stomach, and Small Intestine
Authors: Gelberg Howard B.
Published: January 2014

The alimentary system may be thought of as an open-ended tube within a tube that begins at the oral cavity and ends at the anus. Gastrointestinal lumens are potential spaces that accommodate ingested substances and are lined by polarized epithelium that is smooth and shiny (with the exception of the rumen) when healthy and intact. Because xenobiotics most frequently enter the body via ingestion, the gastrointestinal system and its ancillary glands are the first line of defense against foreign materials and pathogens of all types. The anatomic, biochemical, physical, secretory, and endocrinologic properties of the epithelium, resident, and blood-borne effector cells, microbiota, genetic polymorphisms, and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (which comprises one-quarter of the body’s total) must be physically or functionally altered for diarrhea to occur. The average person ingests 700 tons of antigens in their lifetime. That enteritis does not occur more often than it does is testimony to the efficacy of gastrointestinal protective systems.
Evaluation of a principled approach to vocabulary learning in mainstream classes
Authors: St. John Pip , Vance Maggie
Published: January 2014

Research indicates that a significant number of children enter primary school with insufficient vocabulary knowledge. This study investigates whether a small group daily word learning programme delivered by the class teacher can improve word learning in young children.

Eighteen children, aged five to six years, with English as an additional language or poor language development, attending three schools in an area of social deprivation, participated in the study. Class teachers implemented a principled approach for teaching and learning vocabulary that included the development of word-learning strategies. Vocabulary knowledge was assessed pre- and post-intervention using a non-standardized, study-specific measure that compared taught and untaught vocabulary. Receptive vocabulary was also measured using standardized assessment. Pupil and teacher questionnaires were presented before and after the intervention. There were significant changes in children’s knowledge of both taught and untaught words, with more change in knowledge of taught words. Some children also showed significant change on standardized measurement of vocabulary. Class teachers reported changes in their practice and some children reported using a wider range of strategies to learn words.
Video modeling and word identification in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Morlock Larissa , Reynolds Jennifer L , Fisher Sycarah , Comer Ronald J
Published: January 2014

Video modeling involves the learner viewing videos of a model demonstrating a target skill. According to the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (2011), video modeling is an evidenced-based intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in elementary through middle school. Little research exists evaluating video modeling for individuals with ASD in high school. This study examined the effectiveness of video modeling to facilitate the development of word recognition and pronunciation in three male high school students with ASD. A single-case multiple baseline experimental design across participants (i.e. video modeling sequentially implemented across three students) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of video modeling. Results indicate that video modeling was effective in facilitating word recognition and pronunciation. Findings suggest that video modeling may be a viable intervention to foster the reading development of adolescents with ASD.
Plantar vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
Authors: Barros MVL , Nascimento IS , Barros TLS , Labropoulos N
Published: January 2014

Plantar vein thrombosis is an unusual and under-diagnosed condition that affects the plantar deep venous system. Current ultrasound investigation protocols for deep venous thrombosis neglect this entity. To our knowledge, there are only seven reports in the literature of 20 patients with plantar vein thrombosis detected with sonography without an associated pulmonary embolism. We present a case report of a patient with a plantar vein thrombosis associated with pulmonary embolism. Patients who present with pain and/or swelling of the foot should undergo ultrasound examination and careful evaluation for respiratory symptoms.
Clozapine effects on adenylyl cyclase activity and serotonin type 1A receptors in human brain post-mortem
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Baroni Stefano , Palego Lionella , Betti Laura , Giannaccini Gino , Castagna Maura , Naccarato Antonio G , Luccachini Antonio , Catena-Dell’Osso Mario , Dell’Osso Liliana
Published: January 2014

Although the pharmacological profile of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine has been extensively studied in animal models, little information is available on its effects in the human brain. In particular, much interest is focused on the understanding of clozapine activity on serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission, particularly on 5-HT receptor of type 1A (5-HT1A) that seems to play a pivotal role in the control of the 5-HT system.

The present work, therefore, aimed at evaluating the effects of clozapine and its major metabolite, norclozapine, on the modulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) velocity via 5-HT1A receptors in human post-mortem brain regions, in particular the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and raphe nuclei. Concomitantly, the ability of the two compounds to displace the specific binding of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist [3H]-8-hydroxy-(2-di-N-propylamino) tetralin ([3H]-8-OH-DPAT) was evaluated in the same brain areas. The results showed that both clozapine and norclozapine, although with a 20-fold lower affinity, displaced [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding in all of the brain regions analysed, suggesting their interaction with 5-HT1A receptors. At the same time, clozapine and, to a lesser extent, norclozapine were found to inhibit the forskolin (FK)-stimulated AC system, while decreasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations in the hippocampus only. The receptor characterisation of the clozapine effect on AC observed in the hippocampus by the use of antagonists showed a mixed profile, involving not only the 5-HT1A receptor but also a muscarinic (M) receptor subtype, most likely the M4 one. These findings, while considering all the limitations due to the use of post-mortem tissues, are strongly suggestive of a region-dependent pharmacological action of clozapine in the human brain that may explain its peculiar clinical effects and open up research towards novel targets for future antipsychotic drugs.
Early improvement as a predictor of treatment response and remission in patients with schizophrenia: A pooled, post-hoc analysis from the asenapine development program
Authors: Leucht Stefan , Zhao Jun
Published: January 2014

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess whether early symptom improvement predicts later treatment outcome in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods:

Data were pooled from intent-to-treat (ITT) populations of three six-week randomized controlled studies with fixed doses of asenapine (ASE; n=470), olanzapine (OLA; n=95), risperidone (RIS; n=56), haloperidol (HAL; n=112), or placebo (PLA; n=275). Early improvement was defined as a 20% reduction of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score at week 2, compared to baseline (primary criterion). Treatment outcome at week 6 was defined as response (PANSS: ≥50% score reduction) or remission (PANSS item score ≤3 on selected items at week 6). Odds ratios (ORs) and predictive performance statistics were calculated.

Results:

Statistically significant associations between early improvement (at week 2) and treatment outcome (at week 6) were observed for all treatment groups except OLA; as evidenced by increased ORs for response. Analysis of associations between early improvement and remission, as defined by Andreasen et al. (2005), revealed a statistically significant relationship for ASE and PLA-treated patients only. Predictive performance statistics revealed higher negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity rates, and comparably lower positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity rates across treatment groups for both response and remission.

Conclusion:

It is suggested that absence of improvement within two weeks of treatment may predict the unlikely success of subsequent pharmacological intervention.
Comparison of gastric vascular anatomy by monochromatic and polychromatic dual-energy spectral computed tomography imaging
Authors: Wan Yamin , Li Zhizhen , Ji Nina , Gao Jianbo
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate the use of monochromatic and polychromatic dual-energy spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging for preoperative assessment of gastric vascular anatomy.

Methods

Patients with suspected gastric cancer underwent spectral CT to generate conventional 140 kVp polychromatic and monochromatic images with energy levels ranging from 40 to 140 keV during the late arterial and portal venous phases. Optimal monochromatic images were selected according to the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the gastric artery. Image quality was subjectively assessed. Display rates of the arteries were recorded.

Results

The study included 64 patients. Monochromatic images at 53 ± 3 keV provided the optimum CNR. At this energy level, subjective image scores were significantly higher for monochromatic images than polychromatic images. There were no significant differences in the display rates of arteries between polychromatic and optimal monochromatic images.

Conclusions

Monochromatic images obtained with spectral CT can improve the visualization of gastric arteries.
Postoperative Imaging of Bioabsorbable Anchors in Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Kim Sae Hoon , Oh Joo Han , Lee O-Sung , Lee Hwa-Ryeong , Hargens Alan R.
Published: January 2014

Background:

Bioabsorbable anchors may lead to osteolysis and cyst formation. However, the prevalence of these outcomes is not known for rotator cuff repairs.

Purpose:

To evaluate cyst formation after placement of bioabsorbable anchors for rotator cuff repairs and to verify whether bioabsorbable anchors degraded as intended and preserved bone stock for possible revision compared with metal anchors. The null hypothesis was that the rate and severity of cyst formation around the anchor are negligible.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between April 2008 and November 2011, a total of 209 patients (85 men, 124 women) underwent rotator cuff repair with bioabsorbable suture anchors (113 with polylactic acid enantiomers [PLLA] and 96 with poly-D,L-lactide from L-lactide and D-lactide [PLDLA]); the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation more than 10 months after surgery. The fluid signal around the anchor on T2-weighted MRI scans was graded as follows: grade 0, no fluid around anchor; grade 1, minimal fluid around anchor; grade 2, local fluid around anchor; grade 3, fluid collection around entire length of anchor with cyst diameter less than twice the anchor diameter; and grade 4, cyst diameter larger than grade 3. The integrity of repairs was also evaluated.

Results:

Cysts were observed in 97 instances (46.4%). There were 41 grade 1 cases (19.6%), 16 grade 2 (7.7%), 22 grade 3 (10.5%), and 18 grade 4 (8.6%). Healing of repaired tendon was observed in 131 patients (62.7%). There was no statistical difference in healing rate between patients with and without cyst formation (66.1% vs 58.8%; P = .276). Altered anchor shape and absorption were not observed in most of the patients. However, in 12 patients (6 with PLLA and 6 with PLDLA anchors), T2-weighted scans showed that the signal intensity of anchors had changed since surgery, which could indicate that absorption had taken place; nonetheless, even in these 12 patients, anchors were clearly visible on T1-weighted scans.

Conclusion:

Osteolysis and cyst formation are common complications following the use of bioabsorbable anchors in rotator cuff repairs. Considering that adequate absorption of anchors and preservation of bone stock are the reasons for using bioabsorbable anchors, use of these anchors should be reconsidered because of possible interference with revision surgery.