bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and functional properties of the conducting human airways investigated by in vivo computed tomography and in vitro MRI
Authors: Van de Moortele Tristan , Wendt Christine H. , Coletti Filippo
Published: November 2017

The accurate representation of the human airway anatomy is crucial for understanding and modeling the structure-function relationship in both healthy and diseased lungs. The present knowledge in this area is based on morphometric studies of excised lung casts, partially complemented by in vivo studies in which computed tomography (CT) was used on a small number of subjects. In the present study, we analyzed CT scans of a cohort of healthy subjects and obtained comprehensive morphometric information down to the seventh generation of bronchial branching, including airway diameter, length, branching angle, and rotation angle. Although some of the geometric parameters (such as the child-to-parent branch diameter ratio) are found to be in line with accepted values, for others (such as the branch length-to-diameter ratio) our findings challenge the common assumptions. We also evaluated several metrics of self-similarity, including the fractal dimension of the airway tree. Additionally, we used phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain the volumetric flow field in the three-dimensional-printed airway model of one of the subjects during steady inhalation. This is used to relate structural and functional parameters and, in particular, to close the power-law relationship between branch flow rate and diameter. The diameter exponent is found to be significantly lower than in the usually assumed Poiseuille regime, which we attribute to the strong secondary (i.e., transverse) velocity component. The strength of the secondary velocity with respect to the axial component exceeds the levels found in idealized airway models and persists within the first seven generations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We performed a comprehensive computed tomography-based study of the conductive airway morphology in normal human subjects, including branch diameter, length, and mutual angles. We found significant departure from classic homothetic relationships. We also carried out MRI measurements of the three-dimensional inspiratory flow in an anatomy-based model and directly assessed structure-function relationships that have so far been assumed. We found that strong secondary flows (i.e., transverse velocity components) persist through the first seven generations of bronchial branching.
Chronic exposure to electronic cigarettes results in impaired cardiovascular function in mice
Authors: Olfert I. Mark , DeVallance Evan , Hoskinson Hannah , Branyan Kayla W. , Clayton Stuart , Pitzer Christopher R. , Sullivan D. Patrick , Breit Matthew J. , Wu Zhongxin , Klinkhachorn Powsiri , Mandler W. Kyle , Erdreich Brett H. , Ducatman Barbara S. , Bryner Randall W. , Dasgupta Piyali , Chantler Paul D.
Published: November 2017

Proponents for electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) claim that they are a safe alternative to tobacco-based cigarettes; however, little is known about the long-term effects of exposure to E-cig vapor on vascular function. The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular consequences of chronic E-cig exposure. Female mice (C57BL/6 background strain) were randomly assigned to chronic daily exposure to E-cig vapor, standard (3R4F reference) cigarette smoke, or filtered air ( n = 15/group). Respective whole body exposures consisted of four 1-h-exposure time blocks, separated by 30-min intervals of fresh air breaks, resulting in intermittent daily exposure for a total of 4 h/day, 5 days/wk for 8 mo. Noninvasive ultrasonography was used to assess cardiac function and aortic arterial stiffness (AS), measured as pulse wave velocity, at three times points (before, during, and after chronic exposure). Upon completion of the 8-mo exposure, ex vivo wire tension myography and force transduction were used to measure changes in thoracic aortic tension in response to vasoactive-inducing compounds. AS increased 2.5- and 2.8-fold in E-cig- and 3R4F-exposed mice, respectively, compared with air-exposed control mice ( P < 0.05). The maximal aortic relaxation to methacholine was 24% and 33% lower in E-cig- and 3R4F-exposed mice, respectively, than in controls ( P < 0.05). No differences were noted in sodium nitroprusside dilation between the groups. 3R4F exposure altered cardiac function by reducing fractional shortening and ejection fraction after 8 mo ( P < 0.05). A similar, although not statistically significant, tendency was also observed with E-cig exposure ( P < 0.10). Histological and respiratory function data support emphysema-associated changes in 3R4F-exposed, but not E-cig-exposed, mice. Chronic exposure to E-cig vapor accelerates AS, significantly impairs aortic endothelial function, and may lead to impaired cardiac function. The clinical implication from this study is that chronic use of E-cigs, even at relatively low exposure levels, induces cardiovascular dysfunction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) are marketed as safe, but there has been insufficient long-term exposure to humans to justify these claims. This is the first study to report the long-term in vivo vascular consequences of 8 mo of exposure to E-cig vapor in mice (equivalent to ~25 yr of exposure in humans). We report that E-cig exposure increases arterial stiffness and impairs normal vascular reactivity responses, similar to other risk factors, including cigarette smoking, which contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Pancreatic Laceration in a Pediatric Patient: An Unexpected Diagnosis
Authors: Hong Michelle J. , Porter Lauren M. , Esernio-Jenssen Debra D. , Miller Andrew C. , Greenberg Marna Rayl
Published: November 2017

Pediatric pancreatic injuries are rare. We present an atypical case that occurred in a 4-year-old male. The child presented with a twenty-four-hour history of vomiting that had progressed to right lower quadrant abdominal pain on examination in the emergency department. The initial differential was gastroenteritis versus appendicitis. An abnormality on the ultrasonography and an elevated lipase level eventually led to an MRI showing a complete transection through the posterior margin of the pancreas. The patient was admitted to pediatric surgery and underwent a successful distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen. On further inquiry specific to trauma, the child disclosed that his older brother had punched him in his abdomen the night before. The child’s parents were separated due to intimate partner violence, and this older sibling recently had been very stressed. The sibling was referred for mental health evaluation and counseling, and the case reported to the county children and youth investigative services system. A low threshold for considering trauma and child abuse in the pediatric population is recommended when significant intra-abdominal injury is diagnosed.
Characteristics of Nanocrystallite-CdS Produced by Low-Cost Electrochemical Technique for Thin Film Photovoltaic Application: The Influence of Deposition Voltage
Authors: Echendu Obi Kingsley , Dejene Francis Birhanu , Dharmadasa Imyhamy Mudiy , Eze Francis Chukwuemeka
Published: November 2017

Electrochemical deposition and characterization of nanocrystallite-CdS thin films for thin film solar cell application are reported. The two-electrode system used provides a relatively simple and cost-effective approach for large-scale deposition of semiconductors for solar cell and other optoelectronic device application. Five CdS thin films were deposited for 45 minutes each at different cathodic deposition voltages in order to study their properties. X-ray diffraction study reveals that the as-deposited films contain mixed phases of hexagonal and cubic CdS crystallites with large amounts of internal strain and dislocation density. Postdeposition annealing results in phase transformation which leaves the films with only the hexagonal crystal phase and reduced strain and dislocation density while increasing the crystallite sizes from 21.0–42.0 nm to 31.2–63.0 nm. Photoelectrochemical cell study shows that all the CdS films have n-type electrical conductivity. Optical characterization reveals that all samples show similar transmittance and absorbance responses with the transmittance slightly increasing towards higher growth voltages. All the annealed films show energy bandgap of 2.42 eV. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyses show that grains on the surface of the films tend to get cemented together after annealing with prior CdCl2 treatment while all the films are S-rich.
Deletion of Neuropilin 1 from Microglia or Bone Marrow–Derived Macrophages Slows Glioma Progression
Authors: Miyauchi Jeremy Tetsuo , Caponegro Michael D. , Chen Danling , Choi Matthew K. , Li Melvin , Tsirka Stella E.
Published: November 2017

Glioma-associated microglia and macrophages (GAM), which infiltrate high-grade gilomas, constitute a major cellular component of these lesions. GAM behavior is influenced by tumor-derived cytokines that suppress initial antitumorigenic properties, causing them to support tumor growth and to convert and suppress adaptive immune responses to the tumor. Mice that lack the transmembrane receptor neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), which modulates GAM immune polarization, exhibit a decrease in glioma volumes and neoangiogenesis and an increase in antitumorigenic GAM infiltrate. Here we show that replacing the peripheral macrophage populations of wild-type mice with Nrp1-depleted bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) confers resistance to the development of glioma. This resistance occurred in a similar fashion seen in mice in which all macrophages lacked Nrp1 expression. Tumors had decreased volumes, decreased vascularity, increased CTL infiltrate, and Nrp1-depleted BMDM adopted a more antitumorigenic phenotype relative to wild-type GAMs within the tumors. Mice with Nrp1-deficient microglia and wild-type peripheral macrophages showed resistance to glioma development and had higher microglial infiltrate than mice with wild-type GAMs. Our findings show how manipulating Nrp1 in either peripheral macrophages or microglia reprograms their phenotype and their pathogenic roles in tumor neovascularization and immunosuppression.

Significance: This study highlights the proangiogenic receptor neuropilin 1 in macrophages and microglial cells in gliomas as a pivotal modifier of tumor neovascularization and immunosuppression, strengthening emerging evidence of the functional coordination of these two fundamental traits of cancer. Cancer Res; 78(3); 685–94. ©2017 AACR.
Long-Term and Short-Term Antidepressant Use in General Practice: Data from a Large Cohort in the Netherlands
Authors: Huijbregts Klaas M. , Hoogendoorn AdriaanW. , Slottje Paulien , van Balkom Anton J.L.M. , Batelaan Neeltje M.
Published: November 2017

Background: Antidepressant use is highly prevalent. Research has mainly focused on efficacy during short periods of use for depression and anxiety. There is a relative paucity of data regarding the frequency of long-term use. Methods: To determine the prevalence and possible increase of long-term use of antidepressants over recent years, we analyzed routine general practice care data in a large cohort of patients (n = 156,620) in and around Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Additionally, predictors of long-term use were studied. Results: Prevalence of long-term use of antidepressants is substantial, and such use appears to be increasing: 30.3% of use was long-term over the period 1995-2005 compared to 43.7% for the period 2005-2015. Higher age, a registered diagnosis of anxiety or depression, and the use of SSRIs or SNRIs were associated with long-term use in multivariate analysis. In addition, specific antidepressants were differentially associated with long-term use. Conclusions: Long-term antidepressant use is substantial and appears to be on the rise. Awareness of this phenomenon should be increased, such use should be prevented when possible, and reasons for long-term use need to be examined.
Ischemic Stroke: Histological Thrombus Composition and Pre-Interventional CT Attenuation Are Associated with Intervention Time and Rate of Secondary Embolism
Authors: Sporns Peter B. , Hanning Uta , Schwindt Wolfram , Velasco Aglae , Buerke Boris , Cnyrim Christian , Minnerup Jens , Heindel Walter , Jeibmann Astrid , Niederstadt Thomas
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose: The introduction of stent retrievers has made the complete extraction and histological analysis of human thrombi possible. A number of large randomized trials have proven the efficacy of thrombectomy for ischemic stroke; however, thrombus composition could have an impact on the efficacy and risk of the intervention. We therefore investigated the impact of histologic thrombus features on interventional outcome and procedure-related embolisms. For a pre-interventional estimation of histologic features and outcome parameters, we assessed the pre-interventional CT attenuation of the thrombi. Methods: We prospectively included all consecutive patients with occlusion of the middle cerebral artery who underwent thrombectomy between December 2013 and February 2016 at our university medical center. Samples were histologically analyzed (H&E, Elastica van Gieson, Prussian blue); additionally, immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD20, and CD68/KiM1P was performed. Main thrombus components (fibrin, erythrocytes, and white blood cells) were determined and compared to intervention time, frequency of secondary embolisms, as well as additional clinical and interventional parameters. Additionally, we assessed the pre-interventional CT attenuation of the thrombi in relation to the unaffected side (rHU) and their association with histologic features. Results: One hundred eighty patients were included; of these, in 168 patients (93.4%), complete recanalization was achieved and 27 patients (15%) showed secondary embolism in the control angiogram. We observed a significant association of high amounts of fibrin (p < 0.001), low percentage of red blood cells (p < 0.001), and lower rHU (p < 0.001) with secondary embolism. Higher rHU values were significantly associated with higher amounts of fibrin (p ≤ 0.001) and low percentage of red blood cells (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, high amounts of fibrin were associated with longer intervention times (p ≤ 0.001), whereas thrombi with high amounts of erythrocytes correlated with shorter intervention times (p ≤ 0.001). ROC analysis revealed reliable prediction of secondary embolisms for low rHU (AUC = 0.746; p ≤ 0.0001), low amounts of RBC (AUC = 0.764; p ≤ 0.0001), and high amounts of fibrin (AUC = 0.773; p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Fibrin-rich thrombi with low erythrocyte percentage are significantly associated with longer intervention times. Embolisms in the thrombectomy process occur more often in thrombi with a small fraction of red blood cells and a low CT-density, suggesting a higher fragility of these thrombi.
Points of Concern in Post Acute Kidney Injury Management
Authors: Vanmassenhove Jill , Vanholder Raymond , Lameire Norbert
Published: November 2017

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) will in the future remain high, partly due to an increase in comorbidities and other AKI favoring factors such as the rise in high-risk diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. AKI has emerged as a major public health concern with high human and financial costs. It has recently been demonstrated that patients surviving an AKI episode show increased all-cause mortality, chronic kidney disease (CKD), ESRD, cardiovascular events, and reduced quality of life. Although it is important to acknowledge that, after an AKI episode, the risk of dying by far exceeds the risk of developing incident or progressive CKD and/or entering a maintenance renal replacement therapy (RRT) program, currently only a minority of patients are referred for renal follow-up, even after AKI-requiring RRT. On the other hand, renal follow-up for all AKI survivors might not be necessary and would represent an overwhelming work load for the health care system. There are at present no clear guidelines on which patients should be referred and on the elements of post AKI care that may improve non-renal and renal outcomes. In this review, we discuss several points of concern in post-AKI management and propose an algorithm on post-AKI care, mainly based on the renal recovery pattern at discharge from the hospital. Potential opportunities to improve care include appropriate risk stratification, close monitoring of kidney function, management of CKD complications, blood pressure control, medication reconciliation, and education of patients and non-nephrologists on AKI and its downstream complications.
PIWI Proteins and PIWI-Interacting RNA: Emerging Roles in Cancer
Authors: Han Yi-Neng , Li Yuan , Xia Sheng-Qiang , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Zheng Jun-Hua , Li Wei
Published: November 2017

P-Element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a type of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and interact with PIWI proteins. piRNAs were primarily described in the germline, but emerging evidence revealed that piRNAs are expressed in a tissue-specific manner among multiple human somatic tissue types as well and play important roles in transposon silencing, epigenetic regulation, gene and protein regulation, genome rearrangement, spermatogenesis and germ stem-cell maintenance. PIWI proteins were first discovered in Drosophila and they play roles in spermatogenesis, germline stem-cell maintenance, self-renewal, retrotransposons silencing and the male germline mobility control. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that several piRNA and PIWI proteins are aberrantly expressed in various kinds of cancers and may probably serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, their specific mechanisms and functions need further investigation. In this review, we discuss about the biogenesis, functions and the emerging role of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in cancer, providing novel insights into the possible applications of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in cancer diagnosis and clinical treatment.
Elevated Plasma Factor IXa Activity in Premenopausal Women on Hormonal Contraception
Authors: Tanratana Pansakorn , Ellery Paul , Westmark Pamela , Mast Alan E. , Sheehan John P.
Published: November 2017

Objective—

Combined oral contraceptives induce a reversible hypercoagulable state with an enhanced risk of venous thromboembolism, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. Subjects on combined oral contraceptives also demonstrate a characteristic resistance to APC (activated protein C) in the thrombin generation assay. Here, we report the potential role of plasma factor IXa (FIXa) as a mechanism for hormone-induced systemic hypercoagulability.

Approach and Results—

A novel assay was used to determine FIXa activity in plasma samples from volunteer blood donors. Plasma from 36 premenopausal females on hormonal contraception and 35 not on hormonal contraception, 35 postmenopausal females, and 10 males were analyzed for FIXa activity, total PS (protein S), total tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), and TFPI-α antigen. Premenopausal females on hormonal contraception demonstrated significantly increased FIXa activity and decreased TFPI-α compared with the other groups. Remarkably, FIXa values were not normally distributed in the hormonal contraception group, but skewed toward the high end. Plasma FIXa activity inversely correlated with both TFPI-α and total PS antigen. Ex vivo determination of TF-dependent FIX activation in FV-deficient plasma demonstrated that inhibitory anti-TFPI antibodies enhanced FIXa generation by 2- to 3-fold, whereas addition of 75 nmol/L PS reduced FIXa generation by ≈2-fold. Further, increasing FIXa concentration enhanced APC resistance during TF-triggered plasma thrombin generation.

Conclusions—

Elevation of plasma FIXa activity in association with reductions in TFPI-α and PS is a potential mechanism for systemic hypercoagulability and resistance to APC in premenopausal females on hormonal contraception.
Sex Chromosome Complement Defines Diffuse Versus Focal Angiotensin II–Induced Aortic Pathology
Authors: Alsiraj Yasir , Thatcher Sean E. , Blalock Eric , Fleenor Bradley , Daugherty Alan , Cassis Lisa A.
Published: November 2017

Objective—

Aortic pathologies exhibit sexual dimorphism, with aneurysms in both the thoracic and abdominal aorta (ie, abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA]) exhibiting higher male prevalence. Women have lower prevalence of aneurysms, but when they occur, aneurysms progress rapidly. To define mechanisms for these sex differences, we determined the role of sex chromosome complement and testosterone on the location and progression of angiotensin II (AngII)–induced aortic pathologies.

Approach and Results—

We used transgenic male mice expressing
Sry
(sex-determining region Y) on an autosome to create
Ldlr
(low-density lipoprotein receptor)–deficient male mice with an XY or XX sex chromosome complement. Transcriptional profiling was performed on abdominal aortas from XY or XX males, demonstrating 1746 genes influenced by sex chromosomes or sex hormones. Males (XY or XX) were either sham-operated or orchiectomized before AngII infusions. Diffuse aortic aneurysm pathology developed in XY AngII-infused males, whereas XX males developed focal AAAs. Castration reduced all AngII-induced aortic pathologies in XY and XX males. Thoracic aortas from AngII-infused XY males exhibited adventitial thickening that was not present in XX males. We infused male XY and XX mice with either saline or AngII and quantified mRNA abundance of key genes in both thoracic and abdominal aortas. Regional differences in mRNA abundance existed before AngII infusions, which were differentially influenced by AngII between genotypes. Prolonged AngII infusions resulted in aortic wall thickening of AAAs from XY males, whereas XX males had dilated focal AAAs.

Conclusions—

An XY sex chromosome complement mediates diffuse aortic pathology, whereas an XX sex chromosome complement contributes to focal AngII-induced AAAs.
Genetic and Functional Profiling of CD16-Dependent Natural Killer Activation Identifies Patients at Higher Risk of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy
Authors: Paul Pascale , Picard Christophe , Sampol Emmanuelle , Lyonnet Luc , Di Cristofaro Julie , Paul-Delvaux Louise , Lano Guillaume , Nicolino-Brunet Corinne , Ravis Eleonore , Collart Frederic , Dignat-George Francoise , Dussol Bertrand , Sabatier Florence , Mouly-Bandini Annick
Published: November 2017

Background:

Cardiac transplantation is an effective therapy for end-stage heart failure. Because cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is the major cause of late mortality after heart transplant (HT), there is a need to identify markers that reflect inflammatory or cytotoxic immune mechanisms contributing to its onset. Noninvasive and early stratification of patients at risk remains a challenge for adapting individualized therapy. The CD16 (Fc-gamma receptor 3A [FCGR3A]) receptor was recently identified as a major determinant of antibody-mediated natural killer (NK) cell activation in HT biopsies; however, little is known about the role of CD16 in promoting allograft vasculopathy. This study aimed to investigate whether markers that reflect CD16-dependent circulating NK cell activation may identify patients at higher risk of developing CAV after HT.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 103 patients undergoing routine coronarography angiography for CAV diagnosis (median 5 years since HT). Genomic and phenotypic analyses of FCGR3A/CD16 Fc-receptor profiles were compared in CAV-positive (n=52) and CAV-free patients (n=51). The levels of CD16 expression and rituximab-dependent cell cytotoxic activity of peripheral NK cells in HT recipients were evaluated using a noninvasive NK-cellular humoral activation test.

Results:

Enhanced levels of CD16 expression and antibody-dependent NK cell cytotoxic function of HT recipients were associated with the FCGR3A-VV genotype. The frequency of the FCGR3A-VV genotype was significantly higher in the CAV
+
group (odds ratio, 3.9;
P
=0.0317) than in the CAV
-
group. The FCGR3A-VV genotype was identified as an independent marker correlated with the presence of CAV at the time of coronary angiography by using multivariate logistic regression models. The FCGR3A-VV genotype was also identified as a baseline-independent predictor of CAV risk (odds ratio, 4.7;
P
=0.023).

Conclusions:

This study unravels a prominent role for the CD16-dependent NK cell activation pathway in the complex array of factors that favor the progression of transplant arteriosclerosis. It highlights the clinical potential of a noninvasive evaluation of FCGR3A/CD16 in the early stratification of CAV risk. The recognition of CD16 as a major checkpoint that controls immune surveillance may promote the design of individualized NK cell–targeted therapies to limit vascular damage in highly responsive sensitized patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01569334.
Treatment and Outcome of Hemorrhagic Transformation After Intravenous Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Authors: Yaghi Shadi , Willey Joshua Z. , Cucchiara Brett , Goldstein Joshua N. , Gonzales Nicole R. , Khatri Pooja , Kim Louis J. , Mayer Stephan A. , Sheth Kevin N. , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: November 2017

Purpose—

Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is the most feared complication of intravenous thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke. Treatment of sICH is based on expert opinion and small case series, with the efficacy of such treatments not well established. This document aims to provide an overview of sICH with a focus on pathophysiology and treatment.

Methods—

A literature review was performed for randomized trials, prospective and retrospective studies, opinion papers, case series, and case reports on the definitions, epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome of sICH. The document sections were divided among writing group members who performed the literature review, summarized the literature, and provided suggestions on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sICH caused by systemic thrombolysis with alteplase. Several drafts were circulated among writing group members until a consensus was achieved.

Results—

sICH is an uncommon but severe complication of systemic thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke. Prompt diagnosis and early correction of the coagulopathy after alteplase have remained the mainstay of treatment. Further research is required to establish treatments aimed at maintaining integrity of the blood-brain barrier in acute ischemic stroke based on inhibition of the underlying biochemical processes.
Ensemble stacking mitigates biases in inference of synaptic connectivity
Authors: Chambers Brendan , Levy Maayan , Dechery Joseph B. , MacLean Jason N.
Published: November 2017

A promising alternative to directly measuring the anatomical connections in a neuronal population is inferring the connections from the activity. We employ simulated spiking neuronal networks to compare and contrast commonly used inference methods that identify likely excitatory synaptic connections using statistical regularities in spike timing. We find that simple adjustments to standard algorithms improve inference accuracy: A signing procedure improves the power of unsigned mutual-information-based approaches and a correction that accounts for differences in mean and variance of background timing relationships, such as those expected to be induced by heterogeneous firing rates, increases the sensitivity of frequency-based methods. We also find that different inference methods reveal distinct subsets of the synaptic network and each method exhibits different biases in the accurate detection of reciprocity and local clustering. To correct for errors and biases specific to single inference algorithms, we combine methods into an ensemble. Ensemble predictions, generated as a linear combination of multiple inference algorithms, are more sensitive than the best individual measures alone, and are more faithful to ground-truth statistics of connectivity, mitigating biases specific to single inference methods. These weightings generalize across simulated datasets, emphasizing the potential for the broad utility of ensemble-based approaches.
Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. IX. Osmundaceae
Authors: KESSLER MICHAEL , SMITH ALAN R.
Published: November 2017

We provide a synopsis of the family Osmundaceae in Bolivia, comprising two genera with one species each.
Coeliccia rolandorum sp. nov. from eastern Cambodia and southern Vietnam, the eastern relative of C. kazukoae Asahina, 1984 (Odonata: Platycnemididae)
Authors: KOSTERIN OLEG E. , KOMPIER TOM
Published: November 2017

Coeliccia rolandorum sp. nov. is described from the eastern Cambodia (holotype: Cambodia, Mondulkiri Province, Buu Sraa Waterfall environs, 12°34' N 107°24' E, ~780 m a.s.l., 16 June 2014, RMNH) and southern and central Vietnam. It is related to C. kazukoae, which is known from the Cardamom and Sankamphaeng Mts., and replaces it in eastern Indochina. New distributional data on C. kazukoae are presented and its characters are discussed with respect to their change with age.
Tricorythodes tragoedia sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae), a new species from Rio Doce and surrounding areas, southeastern Brazil
Authors: SOUTO PAULA MALAQUIAS , ANGELI KAMILA BATISTA , SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO
Published: November 2017

A new species of Tricorythodes Ulmer (Ephemeroptera: Leptohyphidae) is described and illustrated based on nymphs and adults from the Doce River and surrounding areas in southeastern Brazil. Tricorythodes tragoedia sp. nov. is related to T. arequita Traver, T. mirca Molineri and T. sallesi Dias, Cabette & De Sousa, but its nymphs can be distinguished from these species by having a three-segmented maxillary palp with apical seta and one pair of submarginal denticles on the tarsal claws. Nymphs were collected from small to large rivers at altitudes of less than 100 m where they inhabit submersed substrates in areas with slow current. Nymphs and adults were found throughout the year.
A new skipper from China: Notocrypta ariannae n. sp. (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae)
Authors: GALLO ENRICO , BOZANO GIAN CRISTOFORO
Published: November 2017

A new skipper species, Notocrypta ariannae n. sp., is described from C Sichuan, illustrated with its male genitalia and compared with the four other Notocrypta species found in China.
Mechanism of Daytime Strong Winds on the Northern Slopes of Himalayas, near Mount Everest: Observation and Simulation
Authors: Sun Fanglin , Ma Yaoming , Hu Zeyong , Li Maoshan , Tartari Gianni , Salerno Franco , Gerken Tobias , Bonasoni Paolo , Cristofanelli Paolo , Vuillermoz Elisa
Published: November 2017

The seasonal variability of strong afternoon winds in a northern Himalayan valley and their relationship with the synoptic circulation were examined using in situ meteorological data from March 2006 to February 2007 and numerical simulations. Meteorological observations were focused on the lower Rongbuk valley, on the north side of the Himalayas (4270 m MSL), where a wind profile radar was available. In the monsoon season (21 May–4 October), the strong afternoon wind was southeasterly, whereas it was southwesterly in the nonmonsoon season. Numerical simulations were performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to investigate the mechanism causing these afternoon strong winds. The study found that during the nonmonsoon season the strong winds are produced by downward momentum transport from the westerly winds aloft, whereas those during the monsoon season are driven by the inflow into the Arun Valley east of Mount Everest. The air in the Arun Valley was found to be colder than that of the surroundings during the daytime, and there was a horizontal pressure gradient from the Arun Valley to Qomolangma Station (QOMS), China Academy of Sciences, at the 5200-m level. This explains the formation of the strong afternoon southeasterly wind over QOMS in the monsoon season. In the nonmonsoon season, the colder air from Arun Valley is confined below the ridge by westerly winds associated with the subtropical jet.
Crowd Equity Investors: An Underutilized Asset for Open Innovation in Startups
Authors: Di Pietro Francesca , Prencipe Andrea , Majchrzak Ann
Published: November 2017

Collaborating with investor networks generated in the course of equity-based crowdfunding campaigns can contribute to the success of startup firms. Through a qualitative study of 60 European startups, this article identifies the type of inputs provided by equity investors, how these inputs are related to startups’ and founders’ characteristics, and startups’ later performance. Startups exploiting crowd network are more likely to be successful two years later compared with startups that do not exploit the crowd, or acquire from the crowd product, strategy, or market knowledge. The findings extend existing research on the relationships between open innovation and startups by identifying the inputs provided by the crowd and how the use of crowd equity investors in open innovation platforms is related to later success.
The Intersectional Origins of Women’s “Substance Abuse” Treatment
Authors: Travis Trysh
Published: November 2017

The WOMAN Center was a women’s drug treatment program focused on heroin that existed in Detroit’s Cass Corridor neighborhood between 1971 and 1985. During this period, successful advocacy by the Modern Alcoholism Movement was establishing the “disease model” as the norm in the expanding alcoholism treatment realm; therapeutic communities and methadone maintenance vied for similar prominence in the world of drug treatment. The WOMAN Center approached drug dependence quite differently. Its founders’ allegiance to ideas about grassroots organizing led them to see drug use and related problems as predictable responses to community chaos and blight. Their treatment program hinged on linking individual and community empowerment, achieved through drug cessation but also through consciousness-raising and leadership training. This theory was difficult to operationalize and the WOMAN Center’s tenure was short-lived. This article argues that it is nevertheless an important moment in the theorization of women’s alcohol and other drug problems: WOMAN’s intersectional analysis of gender, which drew special attention to the ways that capitalism and racism affect women’s decisions to use drugs, is a road not taken for women’s treatment. Attention to such a politicized vision of recovery is important as the U.S. grapples with the present wave of narcotics use in rural and rust-belt communities.
Immunophenotyping: Application to Safety Assessment
Authors: Wang Xiaoting , Lebrec Hervé
Published: November 2017

A continuing education course entitled “What You Always Wanted to Know About Immunotoxicology in Pharmaceutical Development…But Were Afraid to Ask” was offered at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) 36th annual symposium in Montreal. This article summarizes some key points made during the presentation dedicated to immunophenotyping. It describes how clusters of differentiation (CDs) are well-defined antigens used to characterize cell subsets, and how lymphocyte subsets in humans and different rodent and nonrodent species can be defined by detection of various combinations of CDs. It provides an overview of immunophenotyping study design considerations and applications to safety assessment.
When less is more: ‘Negative resources’ and the performance of presidents and prime ministers
Authors: Helms Ludger
Published: November 2017

From the perspective of resource-oriented approaches to political leadership, leaders are powerful and likely to be seen as eminent if they command a decent set of resources and are able to use these resources adroitly. Constraints are usually conceptualized as the exact opposite to resources and considered to shackle leaders, limit their capacity, and make them less eminent. This article launches two related criticisms of this widely held view: First, many constraints, usually conceptualized as the opposite to resources, tend to be ambiguous in character; some of them may even provide opportunities to demonstrate an actor’s particular leadership qualities. Getting hold of this phenomenon is facilitated by reconceptualising constraints as potential ‘negative resources’. Second, while leaders commanding limited resources and facing major constraints may, after all, be still less predominant than resource-rich ‘strong leaders’, the ongoing transformation of contemporary notions of ‘good leadership’, which values collaboration and exchange over domination and control, looks set to benefit this type of leaders in terms of recognition and perceived performance. Empirically, the focus of this article is on political chief executives, that is, presidents and prime ministers.
What I’d Tell My 16-Year-Old Self: Criminal Desistance, Young Adults, and Psychosocial Maturation
Authors: Mizel Matthew L. , Abrams Laura S.
Published: November 2017

This study qualitatively explored how young adult men on probation or parole view the components of psychosocial maturation that contribute to criminal desistance. The authors conducted nine focus groups with 40 men on probation or parole, including seven groups with men aged 18 to 25 years. Two additional focus groups were conducted with older men (ages 29-60 years) to refine our evolving understanding. According to the participants, psychosocial maturation processes of personal growth, learning from mistakes, considering consequences before acting, developing and executing long-range plans, improving peer associations, and recognizing and responding to a motivating event all contributed to their desire to change their course of criminal offending. These components map well onto existing theories of psychosocial maturation and criminal desistance and lend further insight into how young adult men perceive the psychological, emotional, and cognitive factors that can support their desistance goals.
‘A Street of Butchers’. An Economic and Social Profile of Hercules Place and Hercules Street, Belfast 1860–90
Authors: Donaldson Lesley E. E.
Published: November 2017

Hercules Street and Hercules Place were two of Belfast’s oldest streets and, by the mid-nineteenth century, they were in the town centre. These streets always had a large concentration of butchers (a cluster). This cluster was broken up in 1880 when the area was cleared to create a new, modern street and did not reform. The clearance was to improve traffic flow but also for reasons of civic pride; despite the unpleasant nature of the butchery trade neither that, nor public health were stated reasons for this clearance. This article examines the economy and society of these streets and the effects of the dislocation caused by the clearance of this area.
Development and validation of a methodology for closed loop simulations of the driveline in railway vehicles
Authors: Kuka Naim , Ariaudo Caterina , Verardi Riccardo , Dolcini Andrea
Published: November 2017

The optimisation of the dynamic behaviour of an electric railway vehicle cannot disregard the effects of the driveline in the traction and braking phases when the electrical and mechanical systems mutually exchange excitations and loads. To this end, complex and reliable models for the simulation of the whole chain, from the power collector to the wheel–rail contact including control algorithms, are necessary. Using detailed and validated standalone models of the electrical and mechanical systems, developed in Simulink and in SIMPACK, respectively, the authors have studied, tuned and validated a closed loop simulation methodology. While the standalone simulation models for different rolling stock solutions have been dealt in other papers and conferences, in this paper, the readers will find a description of the steps necessary to obtain realistic co-simulations based on Simulink and SIMPACK models operating in a closed loop and the definition of an opportune interface that guarantees modularity and ease of use. The paper analyses a synthesis of Alstom's experiences on driveline modelling followed by an overview of the new methodology and the of main development phases at the vehicle system or the sub-systems level. The model validation process, the results obtained and the range of applications of the methodology are also discussed.
Extensive cerebrovascular disease and stroke with prolonged prodromal symptoms as first presentation of perinatally-acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection in a young adult
Authors: Chigonda TG , Chatora GT , Ngwende GW , Miller RF , Ferrand RA
Published: November 2017

A 26-year-old black African woman presented with an acute onset of hemiparesis and visual symptoms. This had been preceded several months by symptoms which were apparently psychiatric in nature. She had no apparent risk for cerebrovascular disease. Neurological evaluation revealed a striking burden of cerebrovascular disease for her age, including the rare stroke syndrome of basilar artery occlusion. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was identified during clinical assessment. This was judged to be perinatally acquired, as there was no history of sexual debut or blood transfusion; her mother was taking antiretroviral therapy and she had facial planar warts and underlying bronchiectasis. Therefore, it has been concluded that presentation of stroke should prompt HIV testing in young people and perinatally-acquired infection can present in adulthood.
Evaluation of a Fast-Track Postgraduate Social Work Program in England Using Simulated Practice
Authors: Scourfield Jonathan , Maxwell Nina , Zhang Meng Le , de Villiers Teresa , Pithouse Andrew , Kinnersley Paul , Metcalf Elizabeth , Tayyaba Sadia
Published: November 2017

Objective:

Using data from our evaluation of the Frontline fast-track social work training program, introduced by the Government in England, we compare the performance of the first cohort of Frontline trainees with students from regular social work programs using simulated practice.

Method:

Forty-nine Frontline trainees were compared with 36 postgraduate students in high-tariff universities and 30 students from a range of other regular programs. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the performance of the three groups in interviews and written reflections.

Results:

Frontline trainees were rated significantly higher than comparison groups for the quality of their interviewing and written reflection. Despite these higher ratings for practice quality, the Frontline trainees’ rating of their own confidence in their abilities was lower than their counterparts on regular programs.

Conclusions:

The practice quality of Frontline graduates is promising. Longitudinal research is needed in real practice settings.
Direct Enantiomeric Resolution of Betaxolol with Application to Analysis of Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Hefnawy Mohamed M. , Sultan Maha A. , Al-Shehri Mona M.
Published: November 2017

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the separation and determination of S- and R-enantiomers of betaxolol in tablets and ophthalmic preparations. Baseline resolution was achieved by using teicoplanin macrocyclic antibiotic chiral stationary phase (CSP) known as Chirobiotic T with fluorescence detection at excitation/emission wavelengths 275/305 nm. The polar ionic mobile phase (PIM) consists of methanol-glacial acetic acid-triethylamine, (100:0.020:0.025, v/v/v) has been used at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. All analytes with S-(-)-atenolol as internal standard were conducted at ambient temperature. The method is highly specific where another coformulated compounds did not interfere. The stability of betaxolol enantiomers under different degree of temperature also studied. The results showed that it is stable for at least 7 days at 70°C. The method validated for its linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness. Experimental design was used during validation to evaluate method robustness. Using the chromatographic conditions described, S- and R-betaxolol were well resolved with mean retention times of 11.3 and 12.6 min, respectively. Linear response (r > 0.997) was observed over the range of 10-500 ng/ml of betaxolol enantiomers, with detection limit of 5 ng/ml. The recoveries of S- and R-betaxolol from tablets and ophthalmic preparation ranged from 97.4 to 101.4% and 98.0 to 102.0%, respectively. The mean relative standard deviation (R.S.D.%) for both enantiomers were 1.1-1.4% and 1.3-1.7% in tablets and ophthalmic solution, respectively.
Skull Meningioma Associated with Intradural Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Mouri Genshin , Suzuki Hidenori , Hatazaki Seiji , Matsubara Toshio , Taki Waro
Published: November 2017

We present the first report of intraosseous meningioma accompanied by intradural cyst formation. A 76-year-old woman had previously undergone breast cancer treatment, so the preoperative diagnosis was metastatic breast cancer. This case reminds us that the possibility of meningioma should be kept in mind in patients with breast cancer, irrespective of neuroimaging findings.
Article Commentary: Increased Mitochondrial Activity in Anthrax-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Li Chi
Published: November 2017

Pathogenesis of anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is attributed to its ability to cause death of infected cells. New work has demonstrated that increase of mitochondrial F1F0 ATPase activity and subsequent depletion of cellular ATP level are critical early events during LT-induced cell death.
Journalism Education in New Zealand: Its History, Current Challenges and Possible Futures
Authors: Hannis Grant
Published: November 2017

Vocational journalism education in New Zealand is facing the twin challenges of declining student numbers and increasing industry expectations that graduates should have strong multimedia skills. The main reason for both is the digital revolution, which has created a public perception that there are no longer jobs for new journalists and increased demand from industry for recruits proficient in convergent journalism. Some journalism schools, unable to meet these challenges, have closed. This article considers what the remaining schools are doing to meet the challenges. The article also reports the results of a survey of graduates of the oldest continuously operating journalism school in the country. The results reveal how the nature of journalism education in New Zealand has changed over the past 50 years, the experience of the graduates since leaving the school and the advice they offer today’s aspiring journalists.
Ahead of the e-Curve in Fact Checking and Verification Education: The University of Hong Kong’s Cyber News Verification Lab Leads Verification Education in Asia
Authors: Kruger Anne
Published: November 2017

The University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) ‘Cyber News Verification Lab’ was founded in June 2016, as a focused, experiential project developing undergraduates’ online verification skills. It has been hailed as ‘ahead of the curve’ in online and social media fact-checking education by the industry’s pioneering social media open source technologists and verification experts. In September 2016, Meedan (a founding partner of First Draft News including Google News Labs) joined the experiment by providing access and technical support to their open source verification platform called ‘Check’. The project led to a significant increase in the quality of verification techniques and critical thinking actions by students. This article discusses the curriculum design and initial findings from the Cyber News Verification Lab implemented into news literacy courses at HKU in Semester 2, 2016–2017. The article also outlines current developments towards a news literacy verification rating scale—that arose from measures created by the instructor to assess student outcomes from the experiential project.