bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptions of Apoplexy by Joseph Frank in the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century in Vilnius
Authors: Sakalauskaitė-Juodeikienė Eglė , Jatužis Dalius
Published: May 2017

In the beginning of the 19th century, apoplexy was understood to be a disease of the cerebral blood vessels, manifesting with a sudden weakening or extinction of sensation and the patient's inability to move. In this study, we examined the situation of neurology in the beginning of the 19th century in Vilnius through the perspective of a nervous system disease - apoplexy. Case reports and descriptions of apoplexy in the textbook and memoirs by Joseph Frank (1771-1842), descriptions of patients with apoplexy from the proceedings of Vilnius University Clinic were analysed. It was identified that the main cause of apoplexy was not an imbalance of the four humours but the pathology of cerebral blood vessels. However, following ancient tradition, the principles of recreation and moderation were thought to be important for the prevention of apoplexy, and bloodletting and diet were believed to be essential for the treatment.
Addition of Blood Pressure and Weight Transmissions to Standard Remote Monitoring of Implantable Defibrillators and its Association with Mortality and Rehospitalization
Authors: Al-Chekakie M. Obadah , Bao Haikun , Jones Paul W. , Stein Kenneth M. , Marzec Lucas , Varosy Paul D. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Akar Joseph G.
Published: May 2017

Background—

Among patients with implantable defibrillators (ICD), use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) is associated with lower risk of death and rehospitalization. Standard ICD RPM can be supplemented with weight and blood pressure data. It is not known whether standard RPM plus routine weight and blood pressure transmission (RPM+) is associated with better outcomes.

Methods and Results—

RPM+ patients (n=4106) were compared with patients who only transmitted standard ICD RPM data (n=14 183). Logistic regression models identified patient, physician, and hospital characteristics associated with RPM+ utilization. Mortality and rehospitalization were examined using landmark analyses at 180 days after ICD implant in Medicare fee-for-service patients. In these analyses, we examined the independent association between RPM+ utilization and times to events up to 3 years after device implantation with Cox regression models. We further examined whether the association between RPM+ and outcomes varied by frequency or type of transmissions. Determinants of RPM+ utilization included impaired ejection fraction, cardiac resynchronization therapy, and institutional practice. The risk of mortality of RPM+ patients was similar to standard ICD RPM patients (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.19;
P
=0.34). RPM+ patients also had similar risks of all-cause hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.14;
P
=0.52), cardiovascular hospitalization (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.02;
P
=0.15), or heart failure hospitalizations (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–1.05;
P
=0.18). RPM+ transmission frequency was not associated with outcomes.

Conclusions—

In patients using standard ICD RPM, the added transmission of weight and blood pressure data was not associated with improved outcomes.
Sex Differences in Trajectories of Risk After Rehospitalization for Heart Failure, Acute Myocardial Infarction, or Pneumonia
Authors: Dreyer Rachel P. , Dharmarajan Kumar , Hsieh Angela F. , Welsh John , Qin Li , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: May 2017

Background—

Women have an increased risk of rehospitalization in the immediate postdischarge period; however, few studies have determined how readmission risk dynamically changes on a day-to-day basis over the full year after hospitalization by sex and how these differences compare with the risk for mortality.

Methods and Results—

We identified >3 000 000 hospitalizations of patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia and estimated sex differences in the daily risk of rehospitalization/death 1 year after discharge from a population of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. We calculated the (1) time required for adjusted rehospitalization/mortality risks to decline 50% from maximum values after discharge, (2) time required for the adjusted readmission risk to approach plateau periods of minimal day-to-day change, and (3) extent to which adjusted risks are greater among recently hospitalized patients versus Medicare patients. We identified 1 392 289, 530 771, and 1 125 231 hospitalizations for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia, respectively. The adjusted daily risk of rehospitalization varied by admitting condition (hazard rate ratio for women versus men, 1.10 for acute myocardial infarction; hazard rate ratio, 1.04 for heart failure; and hazard rate ratio, 0.98 for pneumonia). However, for all conditions, the adjusted daily risk of death was higher among men versus women (hazard rate ratio women versus with men, <1). For both sexes, there was a similar timing of peak daily risk, half daily risk, and reaching plateau.

Conclusions—

Although the association of sex with daily risk of rehospitalization varies across conditions, women are at highest risk after discharge for acute myocardial infarction. Future studies should focus on understanding the determinants of sex differences in rehospitalization risk among conditions.
Hypertension-Causing Mutation in Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Impairs Nuclear Export of Nuclear Factor-κB p65 in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: Mukohda Masashi , Lu Ko-Ting , Guo Deng-Fu , Wu Jing , Keen Henry L. , Liu Xuebo , Ketsawatsomkron Pimonrat , Stump Madeliene , Rahmouni Kamal , Quelle Frederick W. , Sigmund Curt D.
Published: May 2017

Selective expression of dominant negative (DN) peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) results in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and increased nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) target gene expression. Mesenteric SMC were cultured from mice designed to conditionally express wild-type (WT) or DN-PPARγ in response to Cre recombinase to determine how SMC PPARγ regulates expression of NF-κB target inflammatory genes. SMC-specific overexpression of WT-PPARγ or agonist-induced activation of endogenous PPARγ blunted tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)–induced NF-κB target gene expression and activity of an NF-κB–responsive promoter. TNF-α–induced gene expression responses were enhanced by DN-PPARγ in SMC. Although expression of NF-κB p65 was unchanged, nuclear export of p65 was accelerated by WT-PPARγ and prevented by DN-PPARγ in SMC. Leptomycin B, a nuclear export inhibitor, blocked p65 nuclear export and inhibited the anti-inflammatory action of PPARγ. Consistent with a role in facilitating p65 nuclear export, WT-PPARγ coimmunoprecipitated with p65, and WT-PPARγ was also exported from the nucleus after TNF-α treatment. Conversely, DN-PPARγ does not bind to p65 and was retained in the nucleus after TNF-α treatment. Transgenic mice expressing WT-PPARγ or DN-PPARγ specifically in SMC (S-WT or S-DN) were bred with mice expressing luciferase controlled by an NF-κB–responsive promoter to assess effects on NF-κB activity in whole tissue. TNF-α–induced NF-κB activity was decreased in aorta and carotid artery from S-WT but was increased in vessels from S-DN mice. We conclude that SMC PPARγ blunts expression of proinflammatory genes by inhibition of NF-κB activity through a mechanism promoting nuclear export of p65, which is abolished by DN mutation in PPARγ.
Hemodynamic and Mechanical Properties of the Proximal Aorta in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Authors: Yano Yuichiro , Neeland Ian J. , Ayers Colby , Peshock Ronald , Berry Jarett D. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Greenland Philip , Mitchell Gary F. , Vongpatanasin Wanpen
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to assess characteristic impedance (Z
c
) of the proximal aorta in young and middle-aged individuals with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Z
c
is an index of aortic stiffness relative to aortic size. In the Dallas Heart Study, 2001 untreated participants 18 to 64 years of age (mean age: 42.3 years; 44% black race) were divided into the following groups based on office blood pressure (BP) measurements: (1) optimal BP (systolic BP [SBP] <120 mm Hg and diastolic BP [DBP] <80 mm Hg; n=837); (2) prehypertension (SBP 120–139 mm Hg and DBP 80–89 mm Hg; n=821); (3) ISH (SBP ≥140 mm Hg and DBP <90 mm Hg; n=121); (4) isolated diastolic hypertension (SBP <140 mm Hg and DBP ≥90 mm Hg; n=44); and (5) systolic–diastolic hypertension (SBP ≥140 mm Hg and DBP ≥90 mm Hg; n=178). Z
c
, aortic arch pulse wave velocity, and minimum ascending aortic size were quantified using cardiovascular magnetic resonance. In multivariable-adjusted linear models, Z
c
was highest in the ISH group compared with the optimal BP, isolated diastolic hypertension, or systolic–diastolic hypertension groups (103.2±4.0 versus 68.3±2.1, 75.4±6.0, and 88.9±4.8 dyne*seconds/cm
5
, respectively; all
P
<0.05). The Z
c
–ISH association did not differ by race. Aortic pulse wave velocity was highest in the ISH group compared with the optimal BP, isolated diastolic hypertension, or systolic–diastolic hypertension groups (6.3±0.3 versus 4.3±0.1, 4.4±0.4 and 5.5±0.3 m/s, respectively; all
P
<0.05), whereas aortic size was similar across groups (all
P
>0.2). Results were similar in a subgroup of 1551 participants 18 to 49 years of age. In a multiracial population-based sample, we found evidence of a mismatch between proximal aortic stiffness and diameter in young and middle-aged adults with ISH.
Change in Physical Activity and Sitting Time After Myocardial Infarction and Mortality Among Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative‐Observational Study
Authors: Gorczyca Anna M. , Eaton Charles B. , LaMonte Michael J. , Manson JoAnn E. , Johnston Jeanne D. , Bidulescu Aurelian , Waring Molly E. , Manini Todd , Martin Lisa W. , Stefanick Marcia L. , He Ka , Chomistek Andrea K. , Rossouw Jacques , Ludlam Shari , Burwen Dale , McGowan Joan , Ford Leslie , Geller Nancy , Anderson Garnet , Prentice Ross , LaCroix Andrea , Kooperberg Charles , Howard Barbara V. , Jackson Rebecca , Thomson Cynthia A. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Limacher Marian , Wallace Robert , Kuller Lewis , Shumaker Sally
Published: May 2017

Background

How physical activity (
PA
) and sitting time may change after first myocardial infarction (
MI
) and the association with mortality in postmenopausal women is unknown.

Methods and Results

Participants included postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative‐Observational Study, aged 50 to 79 years who experienced a clinical
MI
during the study. This analysis included 856 women who had adequate data on
PA
exposure and 533 women for sitting time exposures. Sitting time was self‐reported at baseline, year 3, and year 6. Self‐reported
PA
was reported at baseline through year 8. Change in
PA
and sitting time were calculated as the difference between the cumulative average immediately following
MI
and the cumulative average immediately preceding
MI
. The 4 categories of change were: maintained low, decreased, increased, and maintained high. The cut points were ≥7.5 metabolic equivalent of task hours/week versus <7.5 metabolic equivalent of task hours/week for
PA
and ≥8 h/day versus <8 h/day for sitting time. Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios and 95% CIs for all‐cause, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease mortality. Compared with women who maintained low
PA
(referent), the risk of all‐cause mortality was: 0.54 (0.34–0.86) for increased
PA
and 0.52 (0.36–0.73) for maintained high
PA
. Women who had pre‐
MI
levels of sitting time <8 h/day, every 1 h/day increase in sitting time was associated with a 9% increased risk (hazard ratio=1.09, 95%
CI
: 1.01, 1.19) of all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Meeting the recommended PA guidelines pre‐ and post‐
MI
may have a protective role against mortality in postmenopausal women.
Alogliptin, a Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitor, Alleviates Atrial Remodeling and Improves Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis in Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhao Yungang , Jiang Ning , Qiu Jiuchun , Yang Yajuan , Li Jian , Liang Xue , Wang Xinghua , Tse Gary , Li Guangping , Liu Tong
Published: May 2017

Background

There is increasing evidence implicating atrial mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. In this study, we explored whether alogliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and atrial remodeling in a diabetic rabbit model.

Methods and Results

A total of 90 rabbits were randomized into 3 groups as follows: control group (n=30), alloxan‐induced diabetes mellitus group (n=30), and alogliptin‐treated (12.5 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks) diabetes mellitus group (n=30). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessments were performed in vivo. The serum concentrations of glucagon‐like peptide‐1, insulin, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were measured. Electrophysiological properties of Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts were assessed. Mitochondrial morphology, respiratory function, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species generation rate were assessed. The protein expression of transforming growth factor β1, nuclear factor κB p65, and mitochondrial biogenesis–related proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. Diabetic rabbits exhibited left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial dilation without obvious hemodynamic abnormalities, and all of these changes were attenuated by alogliptin. Compared with the control group, higher atrial fibrillation inducibility in the diabetes mellitus group was observed, and markedly reduced by alogliptin. Alogliptin decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production rate, prevented mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and alleviated mitochondrial swelling in diabetic rabbits. It also improved mitochondrial biogenesis by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1α/nuclear respiratory factor‐1/mitochondrial transcription factor A signaling regulated by adiponectin/AMP‐activated protein kinase.

Conclusions

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors can prevent atrial fibrillation by reversing electrophysiological abnormalities, improving mitochondrial function, and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
Managing for Virtue
Authors: Thompson Andrew R.H.
Published: May 2017

A debate has emerged among ecologists regarding the designation of novel ecosystems, systems so altered by human impacts that restoration to historic conditions is practically impossible. This article considers this debate from the perspective of environmental pragmatism, viewing it as a site where fundamental views about the proper relationships of humans to their environments are being negotiated, albeit implicitly. The challenge, then, is to bring these negotiations to the fore, seeing human relationships as among the relevant characteristics considered in restoration decisions. It is argued that this need not lead to further confrontation; rather, the goal may be a workable moral pluralism, according to which different objectives are appropriate for different systems, but some shared fundamental orientation is assumed. Moreover, such an approach may be useful for a broad range of ecological decisions, beyond the debate over novel ecosystems.
Rejoinder
Authors: Martin Craig
Published: May 2017

Martin provides a rejoinder to the responses by Stephen Bush, Kevin Schilbrack, and Jason Blum, focusing on the theoretical difficulties following from the legacy of phenomenology of religion.
God Belief as an Innate Aspect of Human Nature: A Response to John Shook and Questions for Justin Barrett
Authors: Exline Julie J. , Bradley David F. , Uzdavines Alex , Stauner Nick
Published: May 2017

John Shook’s article “Are People Born to be Believers, or are Gods Born to be Believed?” (this volume) critiques research findings and writings by Justin Barrett suggesting that god beliefs may be innate among human beings. In response to points raised by Shook, we first discuss several complications that need to be balanced when defining and assessing the innateness hypothesis. Second, we address the question of how both god believers and nonbelievers might have both favorable and unfavorable responses to claims of god beliefs being innate. Third, we consider whether certain additional features, besides (vague) god beliefs themselves, might be part of a human predisposition toward religious belief. We agree with Shook’s claims that researchers’ own beliefs may impact their research questions, methods, and interpretations of findings. Given the pervasive risk of blind spots and biases, we conclude by emphasizing the need for accountability, transparency, skepticism, open-mindedness, and collegiality among scholars.
Soups and Sparks Revisited
Authors: Borck Cornelius
Published: May 2017

In the famous debate whether neurons communicate via chemical mediators or electrical signals, Henry Dale and Otto Loewi mounted powerful evidence on the mediation of nervous activity by chemical transmitters, while John Eccles led the campaign for the electrophysiologists. Eventually, Eccles converted to chemical transmission, when he identified excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials initiated by the release of chemical neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This well-known episode from the history of neurophysiology counts as a rare instance of philosophy of science advancing scientific research, because the philosopher Karl Popper had encouraged Eccles to theorize an experiment proving the falsity of his own interpretation – according to Popper’s philosophy of science progressing by falsification. The paper shows how Eccles’ intellectual mobilization was grounded in a series of geographical moves, technological adaptations and re-arrangements of his group. This massive travel of people, ideas, instruments, and techniques mediated between the contradictory views, long before Popper kindled Eccles to reflect about the conflicting paradigms and the new theorizing did hardly change his experimental practice. Popper’s immediate effect was a critical and reflexive distance that enabled Eccles to present his evidence more persuasively, as can be shown from archival sources. The exchanges between Eccles and Popper thus shaped the philosophy of falsification to a powerful strategy for writing science.
Of the Artistic Nude and Technological Behaviorism
Authors: Della Rocca Mattia
Published: May 2017

Neuromorphic technologies lie at the core of 21st century neuroscience, especially in the “big brain science” projects started in 2013 – i.e. the BRAIN Initiative and the Human Brain Project. While neuromorphism and the “reverse engineering” of the brain are often presented as a “methodological revolution” in the brain sciences, these concepts have a long history which is strongly interconnected with the developments in neuroscience and the related field of bioengineering since the end of World War II. In this paper I provide a short review of the first generation of “neuromorphic devices” created in the 1960s, by focusing on the work of Leon Harmon and his “neuromime,” whose material history overlapped in a very interesting sense with the visual and artistic culture of the second half of the 20th century.
A revision of Taraxacum sect. Atrata, a dandelion group centred in the Middle Asia, and the problem of Taraxacum brevirostre
Authors: KIRSCHNER JAN , ŠTĚPÁNEK JAN
Published: May 2017

The two most primitive Taraxacum sections (Asteraceae, Cichorieae-Crepidinae) in high mountains of Middle Asia and adjacent regions are characterized by almost smooth achenes, frequent absence of discernible cone and a thick beak. One of them, a recently recognized T. sect. Atrata was studied, characterized in detail and its members reviewed. The section is centred in Kyrgyzstan and SE. Kazakhstan and extends to NW. Mongolia in the north, to Pakistan and Ladakh in the southeast and W. China in the east. Eighteen species were found to belong to T. sect. Atrata, nine of them are described as new. All taxa were revised nomenclaturally and the names newly interpreted. Taraxacum sect. Atrata is compared with T. subsect. Epyramidata Orazova (= sect. Oligantha auct.), the other primitive group, also with the highest species diversity in Middle Asia. A special analysis was carried out of T. brevirostre; its syntypes studied and the lectotype described in detail and interpreted as a taxon marginal to T. subsect. Epyramidata.
Ingoldian fungi of Brazil: some new records and a review including a checklist and a key
Authors: FIUZA PATRÍCIA O. , PÉREZ TAIMY CANTILLO , GULIS VLADISLAV , GUSMÃO LUÍS F. P.
Published: May 2017

Ingoldian fungi have a worldwide distribution, but the most species have been described from temperate regions. In Brazil, the studies of Ingoldian fungi started in the 1980’s in the Atlantic Forest, the state of São Paulo. Later studies extended to other biomes such as the Cerrado, Caatinga and Amazon. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the occurrence and distribution of Ingoldian fungi in Brazil. Here, we include and discuss several new records for Brazil associated with submerged leaves of Calophyllum brasiliense and provide a checklist, a key and illustrations for all species of the Ingoldian fungi recorded from Brazil, as well as distribution maps. Flagellospora stricta is a new record to the Americas; Dendrosporomyces prolifer and Geniculospora inflata to the Neotropics; Pyramidospora casuarinae and Triscelophorus monosporus are new records to the Caatinga. With the new additions of species associated with submerged leaves of C. brasiliense, a total of 85 taxa of Ingoldian fungi are now recorded in Brazil. Nineteen taxa are reported from the Amazon, 53 from the Atlantic Forest, 39 from the Caatinga and 21 from the Cerrado.
The identity of Lecanorchis flavicans and L. flavicans var. acutiloba (Vanilleae, Vanilloideae, Orchidaceae)
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , HSU TIAN-CHUAN , FUKUNAGA HIROKAZU
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a re-evaluation of the taxonomic relationships of Lecanorchis flavicans and L. flavicans var. acutiloba. Based on the comparative study of morphology and type materials, L. flavicans is lectotypified and reduced to a synonym of L. triloba, while L. flavicans var. acutiloba is treated as a synonym of L. vietnamica.
Three new species of Ulnaria (Bacillariophyta) from the Wuling Mountains Area, China
Authors: LIU BING , WILLIAMS DAVID M. , TAN LIN
Published: May 2017

Three new species of Ulnaria from the Wuling Mountains Area, China, have been studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. All possess at least six closed girdle bands. The pattern of valve striation is not uniform as some do not have a corresponding opposite structure. The cells of Ulnaria sinensis sp. nov. are linked and form colonies with frustules connected by interlocking linking spines. U. sinensis has very long valves (296–512 µm) and uniseriate striae. Both Ulnaria ulnabiseriata sp. nov. and Ulnaria gaowangjiensis sp. nov. have biseriate striae. U. ulnabiseriata differs from U. gaowangjiensis in LM by its more lanceolate valve shape as the valves of U. ulnabiseriata taper towards the pole from one third of the length of the valve, whist U. gaowangjiensis tapers towards the pole from two thirds of the length of the valve, and by its larger valve length (105–229 µm vs 61–108 µm). The three new species are all epilithic and were found in freshwater streams in or near nature reserves.
The genera and species of Comatulidae (Comatulida: Crinoidea): taxonomic revisions and a molecular and morphological guide
Authors: SUMMERS MINDI M. , MESSING CHARLES G. , ROUSE GREG W.
Published: May 2017

We provide a guide for identification of Comatulidae, a family of crinoid echinoderms, incorporating morphological and molecular evidence. A non-dichotomous key for all genera is included, as well as photographs of species most likely to be encountered in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. Based on sequencing of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), and other genes when necessary, we identified four cases where taxonomic revision was needed. We synonymized Comaster nobilis under Comaster schlegelii, and Clarkcomanthus exilis under Clarkcomanthus comanthipinnus, and re-described Clarkcomanthus albinotus. We also showed the variation of COI sequences within and among species, which varies from lineage to lineage. In some cases, specimens with obvious morphological disparity possessed very little intraspecific molecular diversity (<1%). In others, specimens with nearly identical external appearances exhibited quite divergent COI sequences (up to 6%). These results, combined with the non-dichotomous key herein, offer guidelines for identification and discussion of existing and new species of Comatulidae.
Diplocephalus komposchi n. sp., a new species of erigonine spider (Araneae, Linyphiidae) from Austria
Authors: MILASOWSZKY NORBERT , BAUDER JULIA , HEPNER MARTIN
Published: May 2017

The erigonine cladistic analyses of Hormiga (2000) and Miller & Hormiga (2004) demonstrated unambiguous support for a sister-taxon relationship between the genera Diplocephalus and Savignia. These genera, in addition to others, are commonly placed in the Savignia-group. Although the Savignia-group is not monophyletic as it was originally circumscribed by Millidge (1977), it contains a monophyletic core of genera that has been supported in various cladistic analyses, starting with Hormiga (2000). According to the most recent phylogenetic study (Frick et al. 2010), a clade within the Savignia-group included Diplocephalus along with Araeoncus, Dicymbium, Erigonella, Glyphesis and Savignia. Frick et al. (2010) included three Diplocephalus species – cristatus, latifrons and picinus – in their cladistic analyses. While D. latifrons and D. picinus were found to be the most basal species of the Savignia-group, D. cristatus was the most distal one.
A checklist of seed-beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) from Iran
Authors: GHAHARI HASSAN , BOROWIEC LECH
Published: May 2017

The fauna of Iranian Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is summarized in this paper. In total 117 species from 14 genera (Spermophagus Schoenherr, Zabrotes Horn, Acanthobruchidius Borowiec, Acanthoscelides Schilsky, Bruchidius Schilsky, Callosobruchus Pic, Mimosestes Bridwell, Paleoacanthoscelides Borowiec, Palaeobruchidius Egorov, Specularius Bridwell, Stator Bridwell, Bruchus Linnaeus, Caryedon Schoenherr, Rhaebus Fischer von Waldheim) are listed as the fauna of Iran.
Seven new species of the Stenus cirrus group (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) from Guangxi, South China
Authors: LIU SHENG-NAN , TANG LIANG
Published: May 2017

Seven new species of the Stenus cirrus group collected from Guangxi, South China are described and illustrated: S. hujiayaoi Liu and Tang, sp. n., S. bullatus Liu and Tang, sp. n., S. exesus Liu and Tang, sp. n., S. damingshanus Liu and Tang, sp. n., S. jinxiuensis Liu and Tang, sp. n., S. lianhuashanus Liu and Tang, sp. n., S. hechiensis Liu and Tang, sp. n. The diagnostic characters of the new species are illustrated, and a key to species of the group from Guangxi is provided.
Descriptions of two new species of Torodorinae (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae), with three new records of Torodora Meyrick from Laos
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: May 2017

Two new species of Torodorinae: Caveana plenalinea Park, sp. nov. and Antiochtha hemitatos Park, sp. nov., are described from Laos. At the same time, three species of the genus Torodora are reported for the first time from Laos.
Type designations and taxonomic remarks for Nearctic sap beetles in the subfamily Carpophilinae Erichson (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: POWELL GARETH S. , CLINE ANDREW R.
Published: May 2017

The subfamily Carpophilinae, in particular the genus Carpophilus Stephens, represents one of the most speciose lineages within Nitidulidae. The subfamily is comprised of more than 250 described species that are found worldwide in every habitable region, and have been transported by man in stored products to remote islands and archipelagos (Ewing & Cline 2005; Parsons 1943). The ubiquitous Carpophilus dimidiatus (L.) is an example of a cosmopolitan species that has been reported from every continent except Antarctica, but likely has been transported there as well. Members of Carpophilinae are well recognized by their abbreviated elytra, compact bodies, and distinct three-segmented antennal club. Many taxa are present in fermenting food products and dried goods. Some members are also commonly found in flowering plants such as cacti, cycads, and agricultural plants such as atemoya (a hybrid of sugar-apple and cherimoya) (Nagel et al. 1989).
Numerical Study of Novel Ratiometric Sensors Based on Plasmon–Exciton Coupling
Authors: Tang Yuankai , Yu Xiantong , Pan Haifeng , Chen Jinquan , Audit Benjamin , Argoul Françoise , Zhang Sanjun , Xu Jianhua
Published: May 2017

We numerically studied the optical properties of spherical nanostructures made of an emitter core coated by a silver shell through the generalized Mie theory. When there is a strong coupling between the localized surface plasmon in the metallic shell and the emitter exciton in the core, the extinction spectra exhibit two peaks. Upon adsorption of analytes on these core-shell nanostructures, the intensities of the two peaks change with opposite trends. This property makes them potential sensitive ratiometric sensors. Molecule adsorption on these nanostructures can be quantified through a very simple optical configuration likely resulting in a much faster acquisition time compared with systems based on the traditional metal nanoparticle surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors.
Close and Connected: The Effects of Proximity and Social Ties on Citizen Opposition to Electricity Transmission Lines
Authors: Nelson Hal T. , Swanson Brian , Cain Nicholas L.
Published: May 2017

To meet reliability and renewable energy goals, new high-voltage transmission line (HVTL) projects are being built in the United States and worldwide. The siting of HVTLs, often considered a locally unwanted land use (LULU), can be difficult due to the negative externalities they create. Based on a survey of 358 residents of Chino Hills, California, we find that respondents’ main concerns in regard to an HVTL project were health risks and harm to property values. Regression modeling finds that citizens who live close to the project, and are more connected to each other, are more likely to oppose the project. Psychosocial perceptions of project risks are also an important predictor of opposition. A high level of perceived risk moderates the effects of distance on opposition attitudes and behaviors. Trust in the project sponsor is a significant independent predictor of opposition, and moderates the relationship between distance and opposition.
Designing the Learning Context in School for Talent Development
Authors: Hertzog Nancy B.
Published: May 2017

This article explores the learning context for talent development in public schools. Total aspects of the environment from physical space, affective elements, and pedagogical approaches affect learning. How teachers believe and perceive their roles as teachers influence instructional design and decision making. In this article, the optimal environment for developing students’ strengths and talents will be discussed and practical suggestions for “Extreme Classroom Makeovers” will be offered.
From Survivor to Fourth-Generation Memory: Literal and Discursive Sites of Memory in Post-dictatorship Germany and Spain
Authors: Hepworth Andrea
Published: May 2017

The transition of the memory of twentieth-century conflicts from survivor to cultural memory has become inevitable with the passing of the survivor generation. This article examines the role of different generations in the retrieval and commemoration of the traumatic past in Germany and Spain by focusing on two main areas: firstly, it analyzes the debates surrounding the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin and the ongoing review of form and function of existing memorial sites in the city, as well as ongoing vandalism and trivialization of these sites. Secondly, it examines recent debates and protests in Spain surrounding the 1977 Amnesty Law by prominent artists and the wider public. These range from protests against the indictment of Judge Baltasar Garzón in 2010 for opening an investigation into crimes against humanity committed by the Franco regime to demonstrations in November 2015 demanding an annulment of the 1977 Law, and to the recent Argentinean court case of Franco-era human rights crimes. Considering Pierre Nora’s notion that lieux de mémoire can be ‘material or non-material’, this article suggests that debates and demonstrations can act as a virtual space in which memory is viable. It analyzes the role of the ‘generations of postmemory’, in particular the third and fourth generations, in forestalling silence and forgetting and changing existing rigid discursive patterns.
Synthesis and properties of s-triazine di-sulfanilic guar gum as a thickener in reactive printing
Authors: Wang Lili , Wang Xiancheng , Shen Yifeng , Shao Jianzhong , Pei Fuyu
Published: May 2017

S-triazine di-sulfanilic guar gum (TSG) was successfully prepared by monochlorotriazine di-sulfanilic (TS) and guar gum (GG) in order to improve the printing properties in reactive printing. The results showed that the optimized synthesis condition of TSG was at sodium carbonate solution 1.2 g/L at 90℃ for 75 min through the single-factor experiment. Compared to GG, TSG had better flowability, mainly viscous effects and higher viscosity recoverability, which was more appropriate as a thickener in reactive printing. In the cotton printing experiment, TSG had higher paste add-on, color yield, penetration and levelness than GG. Furthermore, the printing effects of TSG on cotton drew near to those of sodium alginate, which could obtain evenly colored large patterns and excellent outline sharpness.
Does the Timing of Middle Turbinate Resection Influence Quality‐of‐Life Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Scangas George A. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Holbrook Eric H. , Gray Stacey T. , Metson Ralph B.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the impact of bilateral middle turbinate resection (BMTR) on patient‐reported quality of life following primary and revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients with CRS who were recruited from 11 otolaryngologic practices completed the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test–22, Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and EuroQol 5‐Dimension questionnaires at baseline, as well as 3 and 12 months after ESS. In the primary ESS cohort (n = 406), patients who underwent BMTR (n = 78) at the time of surgery were compared with patients (n = 328) whose middle turbinates were preserved. In the revision ESS cohort (n = 363), a similar comparison was made between patients who did (n = 64) and did not (n = 299) undergo BMTR.

Results

Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test–22, Chronic Sinusitis Survey, and EuroQol 5‐Dimension scores showed similar improvements for both the turbinate resection and preservation cohorts at 3 months (P <. 001) and 12 months (P <. 001) after surgery. For patients who underwent revision surgery, the performance of BMTR resulted in greater improvement in Chronic Sinusitis Survey scores at 1 year as compared with the turbinate preservation group (change from baseline: 28.1 vs 20.7, respectively; P =. 026). History of tobacco use and the presence of nasal polyps did not affect clinical outcomes at any time point.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent BMTR during primary and revision sinus surgery reported similar benefits in quality‐of‐life outcomes 1 year after surgery. In select patients undergoing revision sinus surgery, the performance of BMTR results in improved disease‐specific quality of life.
Data and Reporting Quality in Tympanoplasty and Ossiculoplasty Studies
Authors: Lailach Susen , Zahnert Thomas , Neudert Marcus
Published: May 2017

Objective

The objective of our study was to check the documentation of hearing outcome parameters and influencing factors (surgical, pathological, and methodological) in published literature evaluating hearing outcome after tympanoplasty. We aimed to assess how effectively the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) 1995 guidelines were applied.

Study Design

Retrospective noncontrolled study.

Setting

Ear research center.

Subjects and Methods

This study was based on a PubMed research, including peer‐reviewed English‐speaking original studies published from January 2005 to December 2015. In total, 169 studies were checked for correct description of study population, surgical methodology, study design, and documentation of the hearing outcome. In addition, the correct application of AAO‐HNS 1995 criteria was checked.

Results

Pre‐ and postoperative air‐bone gap were shown as mean ± standard deviation in half of all series (52% vs 56%). The recommended frequency spectrum (0.5‐3 kHz) was used in 46%, while a documentation of frequency spectrum was available in 85%. Whereas a statement on presence of stapes suprastructure (81%) and initial pathology was usually available, mucosa status (17%) and aeration (8%) were only shown in few series. Revision cases, staged cases, and myringoplasty graft material were documented in 46% to 57%. Type and material of prosthesis were represented in 74% to 82%. None of the publications analyzed fulfilled all 10 AAO‐HNS criteria. In 10%, 7 to 9 criteria were used correctly.

Conclusion

A heterogeneous description of surgical and pathological findings and the application of minimal reporting standards are essential preconditions to enable comparisons between different studies and to generate meta‐analysis.
Understanding the Influence of Self-Critical, Self-Managing, and Social-Assessing Self-Talk on Performance Outcomes in a Public Speaking Context
Authors: Shi Xiaowei , Brinthaupt Thomas , McCree Margaret
Published: May 2017

This study examines how different types of self-talk (self-reinforcing, self-critical, self-managing, and social-assessing) influence speakers’ emotional experience of public speaking anxiety and actual performance outcomes. A total of 152 participants reported their speech-specific self-talk frequencies and emotional states of anxiety at two time periods. External raters scored each participant’s video-recorded speech. Results revealed that different types of self-talk exert influence on performance outcomes through distinct pathways. For example, self-managing self-talk had a direct positive impact on speakers’ performance qualities, whereas social assessing self-talk had both a direct and an indirect effect but with opposite operating mechanisms. The study found that self-reinforcing self-talk provides little benefit in overcoming anxiety. It appears that the frequent engagement of self-critical self-talk that contributes substantially to the experience of speech-related anxiety. Theoretical and practical implications for self-talk monitoring and public speaking interventions are discussed.
3LP: A linear 3D-walking model including torso and swing dynamics
Authors: Faraji Salman , Ijspeert Auke J
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we present a new mechanical model for biped locomotion, composed of three linear pendulums (one per leg and one for the whole upper body) to describe stance, swing and torso dynamics. In addition to a double support phase, this model has different actuation possibilities in the swing hip and stance ankle which produce a broad range of walking gaits. Without the need for numerical time-integration, closed form solutions help to find periodic gaits which could simply scale in certain dimensions to modulate the motion online. Thanks to linearity properties, the proposed model can potentially provide a computationally fast platform for model predictive controllers to predict the future and consider meaningful inequality constraints to ensure feasibility of the motion. Such a property comes from describing dynamics with joint torques directly and therefore, reflecting hardware limitations more precisely, even in the very abstract template space. The proposed model produces human-like torque and ground reaction force profiles, and thus, compared to point-mass models, it is more promising for the generation of dynamic walking trajectories. Despite being linear and lacking many features of human walking like center of mass excursion, knee flexion and ground clearance, we show that the proposed model can explain one of the main optimality trends in human walking, i.e. the nonlinear speed-frequency relationship. In this paper, we mainly focus on describing the model and its capabilities, comparing it with human data and calculating optimal human gait variables. Setting up control problems and advanced biomechanical analysis remains for future works.
Early evaluation of radiation-induced parotid damage with diffusion kurtosis imaging: a preliminary study
Authors: Zhou Nan , Chen Weibo , Pan Xia , He Jian , Yan Jing , Zhou Zhengyang , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2017

Background

Radiation-induced parotid gland damage is a common complication of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which always causes xerostomia, dysphagia, dental caries, and even sleep disorders. Early evaluation of radiation-induced parotid damage is required to facilitate early interventions.

Purpose

To early-evaluate radiation-induced parotid damage using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in patients with NPC undergoing RT.

Material and Methods

Thirty-two patients with NPC underwent DKI for parotid glands pre-RT (two weeks before RT), mid-RT (five weeks after RT began), and post-RT (four weeks after RT). Parotid volume, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), corrected diffusion coefficient (D), excess diffusion kurtosis coefficient (K) values, mean radiation dose, and xerostomia degrees were recorded and analyzed.

Results

During RT, parotid ADC (change rates = 41.3 ± 25.2% at mid-RT, 70.8 ± 34.3% at post-RT) and D (change rates = 41.9 ± 25.2% at mid-RT, 63.2 ± 30.2% at post-RT) increased, while parotid volume (atrophy rates = 31.5 ± 7.9% at mid-RT, 30.6 ± 10.3% at post-RT) and K (change rates = –17.8 ± 11.0% at mid-RT, –29.8 ± 9.0% at post-RT) decreased significantly (all P < 0.001). At post-RT, the change rate of parotid D values was significantly positively correlated with the mean radiation dose ( r = 0.455, P < 0.001). Parotid ADC, D, and K values showed excellent intra- and inter-observer agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.946-0.985).

Conclusion

Radiation-induced parotid damage in patients with NPC undergoing RT could be effectively evaluated by DKI in the early stage.
Two-Tunnel Transtibial Repair of Radial Meniscus Tears Produces Comparable Results to Inside-Out Repair of Vertical Meniscus Tears
Authors: Cinque Mark E. , Geeslin Andrew G. , Chahla Jorge , Dornan Grant J. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Radial meniscus tears disrupt the circumferential fibers and thereby compromise meniscus integrity. Historically, radial tears were often treated with meniscectomy because of an incomplete understanding of the biomechanical consequences of these tears, limited information regarding the biomechanical performance of repair, and the technical difficulty associated with repair. There is a paucity of studies on the outcomes of the repair of radial meniscus tears.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to determine the outcomes of 2-tunnel transtibial repair of radial meniscus tears and compare these results to the outcomes of patients who underwent the repair of vertical meniscus tears with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The hypothesis was that radial and vertical meniscus tear repair outcomes were comparable.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who underwent 2-tunnel transtibial pullout repair for a radial meniscus tear were included in this study and compared with patients who underwent inside-out repair for a vertical meniscus tear. Subjective questionnaires were administered preoperatively and at a minimum of 2-year follow-up, including the Lysholm score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Short Form–12 (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS), the Tegner activity scale, and patient satisfaction. Analysis of covariance was used to compare postoperative outcome scores between the meniscus repair groups while accounting for baseline scores. Adjusted mean effects relative to the radial repair group were reported with 95% CIs.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients who underwent 2-tunnel transtibial pullout repair for radial meniscus tears and 33 patients who underwent inside-out repair for vertical meniscus tears were available for follow-up at a mean of 3.5 years (range, 2.0-5.4 years). No preoperative outcome score significantly differed between the groups. There were no significant group differences for any of the 2-year postoperative outcome scores. Relative to the vertical repair group, the radial repair group exhibited an adjusted mean of −0.2 (95% CI, −5.4 to 4.9), −0.6 (95% CI, −6.6 to 5.5), and 5.1 (95% CI, −3.9 to 14.0) points on the SF-12 PCS, WOMAC, and Lysholm scores, respectively.

Conclusion:

The 2-tunnel transtibial pullout technique for the repair of radial meniscus tears produces similar clinical outcomes when compared with the repair of vertical meniscus tears at a mean 3.5 years’ follow-up.
Housing and the Grassroots: Using Local and Expert Knowledge to Preserve Affordable Housing
Authors: Howell Kathryn L.
Published: May 2017

Planning practice has had to balance the adversarial relationships necessary to challenge existing and dysfunctional or unjust policies and the collaborations necessary to solve problems and create new policies. However, the complexity of urban planning problems suggests a need for a space in which to build trust, foster collaborative learning, and share data between stakeholders. This article explores the case of the DC Preservation Network, a collaborative process to address the preservation of affordable housing in Washington. It is through this collaboration that disparate stakeholders can navigate complex processes and create avenues to negotiate and advocate outside the group.