bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Follow-Up of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments in Paracentral Keratoconus with Coincident Corneal Keratometric, Comatic, and Refractive Axes: Stability of the Procedure
Authors: Cueto Luis Fernández-Vega , Lisa Carlos , Madrid-Costa David , Merayo-Lloves Jesús , Alfonso José F.
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To assess the long-term outcomes of implanting intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) in paracentral keratoconic eyes. Methods. 58 eyes with paracentral keratoconus with coincident refractive, keratometric, and comatic axes were evaluated. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity and refractive errors were recorded before and at all follow-up visits. The postoperative follow-up was 5 years. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (30 years old or younger) and group II (more than 30 years old). Results. The mean UDVA (logMAR) rose from a preoperative 0.83 ± 0.31 to a five-year postoperative 0.42 ± 0.33 (P<0.0001). The mean CDVA varied from 0.16 ± 0.17 to 0.11 ± 0.18 (P=0.0003). Both the UDVA and CDVA were stable over the postoperative period in both groups (P>0.05). The spherical equivalent and the refractive cylinder declined steeply after ICRS implantation in both groups (P<0.001), and were stable over the postoperative period (P>0.05). The keratometric values were also stable over the postoperative follow-up. Conclusion. Ferrara-type ICRS implantation in keratoconus that meets the characteristics of the sample under study reduces the refractive error at the same time as it improves postoperative UDVA and CDVA six months after surgery and that these results remain stable over five years of follow-up.
Predictive Factors of the Standard Cross-linking Outcomes in Adult Keratoconus: One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Badawi Amani E. , Abou Samra Waleed Ali , El ghafar Ayman Abd
Published: August 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of preoperative presumed predictor factors on clinical and topographic outcomes in adult keratoconus (KC) 1 year after the standard corneal cross-linking (CXL). Design. Retrospective cohort study. Methods. The study included 84 KC patients (136 eyes) who were treated with conventional CXL. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and K max were considered the main predicted variables. The entire participants were divided into subgroups with cutoff values in accordance with the predictive variables. The predicted postoperative outcomes at one year were compared between the subgroups. Next, the predictive variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results. In respect to the BCVA, univariate analysis showed that the worse BCVA, the higher K max, and the relative thinner corneas were relatively good predictors of improvement, while multivariate evaluation revealed a strong interrelation with preoperative BCVA only. Regarding the postoperative flattening, univariate analysis found that the cone location and worse preoperative BCVA were the pronounced predictors, whereas the multivariate evaluation focused on the impact of the cone location only. Conclusions. The multivariate analysis disclosed a significant negative association between the baseline BCVA and postoperative BCVA and a positive relationship between the cone eccentricity and postoperative K max.
Use of Exogenous Testosterone for the Treatment of Male Factor Infertility: A Survey of Nigerian Doctors
Authors: Omisanjo Olufunmilade Akinfolarin , Ikuerowo Stephen Odunayo , Abdulsalam Moruf Adekunle , Ajenifuja Sheriff Olabode , Shittu Khadijah Adebisi
Published: August 2017

Background. Though exogenous testosterone is known for its contraceptive effects in men, it is sometimes prescribed by medical practitioners for the treatment of male factor infertility in the mistaken belief that exogenous testosterone improves sperm count. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scope of testosterone use in the treatment of male factor infertility by medical practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods. A survey using a structured questionnaire was carried out amongst doctors attending a regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme in Lagos, Nigeria.Results. There were 225 respondents. Most of the respondents (69.8%,n=157) indicated that exogenous testosterone increases sperm count. Only 22 respondents (9.8%) indicated (correctly) that exogenous testosterone decreases sperm count. Seventy-seven respondents (34.2%) had prescribed some form of exogenous testosterone in the treatment of male factor infertility. The vast majority of respondents who had prescribed testosterone (81.8%,n=63) thought exogenous testosterone increases sperm count. There was no statistically significant difference in the pattern of prescription across the respondents’ specialty (p=0.859) or practice type (p=0.747).Conclusion. The misuse of exogenous testosterone for the treatment of male infertility was common amongst the respondents, with most of them wrongly believing that exogenous testosterone increases sperm count.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on the Gas-Solid Coupling of the Aerostatic Thrust Bearing with Elastic Equalizing Pressure Groove
Authors: Xiao-long Zhao , Jun-an Zhang , Hao Dong , Zhou Fang , Jun-ning Li
Published: August 2017

Aiming at the problem of low stiffness of aerostatic bearing, according to the principle of gas-solid coupling, this paper designs a kind of aerostatic thrust bearing with elastic equalizing pressure groove (EEPG) and investigates the effect of elastic equalizing pressure groove (EEPG) on the stiffness of aerostatic bearing. According to the physical model of the bearing, one deduces the deformation control equation of the elastic equalizing pressure groove and the control equation of gas lubrication, using finite difference method to derive the control equations and coupling calculation. The bearing capacity and stiffness of aerostatic bearing with EEPG in different gas film clearance are obtained. The calculation results show that the stiffness increased by 59%. The results of numerical calculation and experimental results have good consistency, proving the gas-solid coupling method can improve the bearing stiffness.
Establishing a Porcine Model of Small for Size Syndrome following Liver Resection
Authors: Golriz Mohammad , Ashrafi Maryam , Khajeh Elias , Majlesara Ali , Flechtenmacher Christa , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: August 2017

Background. Small for size syndrome (SFSS) is responsible for a high proportion of mortalities and morbidities following extended liver resection. Aim. The aim of this study was to establish a porcine model of SFSS. Methods. Twenty-four Landrace pigs underwent liver resection with a remnant liver volume of 50% (group A, n=8), 25% (group B, n=8), and 15% (group C, n=8). After resection, the animals were followed up for 8 days and clinical, laboratory, and histopathological outcomes were evaluated. Results. The survival rate was significantly lower in group C compared with the other groups (p<0.001). The international normalized ratio, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase levels increased shortly after surgery in groups B and C, but no change was observed in group A (p<0.05 for all analyses). The histopathological findings in group A were mainly mild mitoses, in group B severe mitoses and hepatocyte ballooning, moderate congestion, and hemorrhage, along with mild necrosis, and in group C extended tissue damage with severe necrosis, hemorrhage, and congestion. Conclusions. Combination of clinical, laboratory, and histopathological evaluations is needed to confirm the diagnosis of SFSS. 75% liver resection in porcine model results in SFSS. 85% liver resection causes irreversible liver failure.
Mechanical Circulatory Support as a Bridge to Lung Transplantation: A Single Canadian Institution Review
Authors: Kinaschuk Katie , Bozso Sabin J. , Halloran Kieran , Kapasi Ali , Jackson Kathy , Nagendran Jayan
Published: August 2017

Background. Lung transplant (LTx) waitlists continue to grow internationally. Consequently, more patients are progressing to require mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a bridge to transplantation (BTT). MCS strategies include interventional lung assist (iLA) and venovenous (VV) and venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We review our series of patients bridged with MCS while listed for LTx. Methods. All consecutive patients, listed for LTx requiring MCS as a BTT at the University of Alberta from 2004 to 2015, were included. Patient demographics and outcomes were compared for the 3 groups (iLA, VV-ECMO, and VA-ECMO). Results. Of the 24 patients supported with MCS devices, 17 were successfully transplanted and 7 died waiting. In total, 25% (n=6) were bridged with VA-ECMO, 54% (n=13) with VV-ECMO, and 21% (n=5) with iLA. Overall, 71% of patients were bridged successfully to LTx. The 1-year survival posttransplantation was 88%. Conclusion. We have demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing the MCS modalities of VA-ECMO, VV-ECMO, and most recently iLA, as a BTT. MCS is a viable strategy for BTT, offering improved survival outcomes for decompensating adult patients awaiting LTx, resulting in excellent survival posttransplantation.
Effect of IRAK-M on Airway Inflammation Induced by Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Gong Haihong , Liu Tao , Chen Wei , Zhou Weixun , Gao Jinming
Published: August 2017

Background. IRAK-M, negatively regulating Toll-like receptor, is shown the dual properties in the varied disease contexts. We studied the effect of IRAK-M deficiency on cigarette smoking- (CS-) induced airway inflammation under acute or subacute conditions in a mouse model.Methods. A number of cellular and molecular techniques were used to detect the differences between IRAK-M knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice exposed to 3-day or 7-week CS.Results. Airway inflammation was comparable between IRAK-M KO and WT mice under 3-day CS exposure. Upon short-term CS exposure and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation, IRAK-M KO mice demonstrated worse airway inflammation, significantly higher percentage of Th17 cells and concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs, and significantly elevated expression of costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 by lung dendritic cells (DCs) or macrophages. Conversely, 7-week CS exposed IRAK-M KO mice demonstrated significantly attenuated airway inflammation, significantly lower concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs, significantly increased percentage of Tregs, and lower expression of CD11b and CD86 by lung DCs or macrophages.Conclusions. IRAK-M plays distinctive effect on CS-induced airway inflammation, and influences Treg/Th17 balance and expression of costimulatory molecules by DCs and macrophages, depending on duration and intensity of stimulus.
Efficacy of Difenoconazole Emulsifiable Concentrate with Ionic Liquids against Cucumbers Powdery Mildew
Authors: Peng Qingrong , Liu Fengmao , Zhang Chunrong
Published: August 2017

Among eight ionic liquids (ILs) examined, 1-n-butyl-4-methyl-pyridinium bromide (BMPyBr,  5) was used in this study as an appropriate alternative to benzene homologs and derivatives to be used in 10 wt% water-insoluble difenoconazole emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Moreover, 10 wt% difenoconazole EC with BMPyBr (5) exhibited the same efficacy as 10 wt% difenoconazole wettable powder (WP) against powdery mildew on cucumbers under field conditions. The results revealed that difenoconazole EC with BMPyBr (5) had excellent stability at 268 K and 327 K after 14 days through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Therefore, ILs can be considered as promising environment-friendly adjuvants for pesticides that are commercially processed as EC formulation.
Incidence and Mortality Rates and Clinical Characteristics of Type 1 Diabetes among Children and Young Adults in Cochabamba, Bolivia
Authors: Duarte Gómez Elizabeth , Gregory Gabriel Andrew , Castrati Nostas Miriam , Middlehurst Angela Christine , Jenkins Alicia Josephine , Ogle Graham David
Published: August 2017

Objectives. To determine incidence, mortality, and clinical status of youth with diabetes at the Centro Vivir con Diabetes, Cochabamba, Bolivia, with support from International Diabetes Federation Life for a Child Program.Methods. Incidence/mortality data analysis of all cases (<25 year (y)) diagnosed January 2005–February 2017 and cross-sectional data (December 2015).Results. Over 12.2 years, 144 cases with type 1 diabetes (T1D) were diagnosed; 43.1% were male. Diagnosis age was 0.3–22.2 y; peak was 11-12 y. 11.1% were <5 y; 29.2%, 5–<10 y; 43.1%, 10–<15 y; 13.2%, 15–<20 y; and 3.5%, 20–<25 y. The youngest is being investigated for monogenic diabetes. Measured incidence in Cercado Province (Cochabamba Department) was 2.2/100,000 children < 15 y/y, with ≈80% ascertainment, giving total incidence of 2.7/100,000 children < 15 y/y. Two had died. Crude mortality rate was 2.3/1000 patient years. Clinical data on 141 cases <35 y: mean/median HbA1c was 8.5/8.2% (69/62 mmol/mol), levels higher in adolescents. Three were on renal replacement therapy; four others had substantial renal impairment. Elevated BMI, triglycerides, and cholesterol were common: 19.1%, 18.3%, and 39.1%, respectively.Conclusions. Bolivia has low T1D incidence. Reasonable glycemic control is being achieved despite limited resources; however, some have serious complications and adverse cardiovascular risk factor profiles. Further attention is needed for complications.
A SMARCA2 Mutation in the First Case Report of Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome in Latin America: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation
Authors: Sánchez Ana Isabel , Rojas Jorge Armando
Published: August 2017

Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is a rare and well-recognized entity that was first described in 1993, with a prevalence that is currently not known. It is recognized as a distinctive entity, with some variability in its signs and symptoms. The most important characteristics include intellectual disability, peculiar facial features including sparse scalp hair, coarse facial features, low frontal hairline, and microcephaly, and seizures. Additional features may include epicanthic folds, thin upper lip vermilion with thick lower lip vermilion, skeletal abnormalities, and severe language impairment. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner caused by de novo mutations in the SMARCA2 gene, with most being missense mutations. We report a young adult patient with NCBRS and, to our knowledge, the first case report of the syndrome in Latin America with a confirmed molecular diagnosis and a mild-to-moderate phenotype.
Modulation of Dendritic Cell Apoptosis and CD8+Cytotoxicity by Histamine: Role of Protein Kinase C
Authors: Alcain Julieta , Podaza Enrique , Gori María Soledad , Salamone Gabriela , Vermeulen Mónica
Published: August 2017

Dendritic cells (DC) are able to present extracellular antigens associated with the molecules of the major histocompatibility complex class I. In a previous work, we demonstrated that the histamine (HIS), acting through H1/H4 receptors, increases the cross-presentation of soluble ovalbumin by murine DC and can enhance the recruitment of specific CD8+T lymphocytes during the development of chronic inflammatory responses. Here, we studied in more depth the mechanisms underlying this enhancement. We showed that the cytotoxicity of specific CD8+lymphocytes is increased in HIS-treated DC and it is lost by inhibition of vacuolar-ATPase that prevents endosome acidification. It is known that HIS acts through G protein-coupled receptors. The H1/H4 receptors are associated with a Gqsubunit, which involves PKC signaling, a pathway related to the apoptotic process. Interestingly, we demonstrated for the first time that HIS prevents DC apoptosis induced by heat shock through the inhibition of caspase-3, a mechanism dependent on PKC activation, since it is reversed by its inhibition. By contrast, cytolytic activity of T lymphocytes induced by HIS-stimulated DC was independent of PKC pathway.
Finite‐Time Tracking Control for a Class of MIMO Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Asymmetric Saturations
Authors: Mingyu Fu , Yujie Xu
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the problem of finite‐time tracking control for multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with asymmetric saturations. A systematic approach is proposed to eliminate the effects of unmeasured external disturbances and unknown asymmetric saturations. In the proposed control strategy, a terminal sliding mode disturbance observer is provided to estimate the augmented disturbance (which contains the unknown asymmetric input saturation and external disturbance). The approximation error of the augmented disturbance can converge to zero in a fixed finite‐time interval. Furthermore, a novel finite‐time tracking control algorithm is developed to guarantee fast convergence of the tracking error. Compared with the existing results on finite‐time tracking control, the chattering problem and the input saturation problem can be solved in a unified framework. Several simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Concurrent PD-1 Blockade Negates the Effects of OX40 Agonist Antibody in Combination Immunotherapy through Inducing T-cell Apoptosis
Authors: Shrimali Rajeev K. , Ahmad Shamim , Verma Vivek , Zeng Peng , Ananth Sudha , Gaur Pankaj , Gittelman Rachel M. , Yusko Erik , Sanders Catherine , Robins Harlan , Hammond Scott A. , Janik John E. , Mkrtichyan Mikayel , Gupta Seema , Khleif Samir N.
Published: August 2017

Combination therapies that depend on checkpoint inhibitor antibodies (Abs) such as for PD-1 or its ligand (PD-L1) together with immune stimulatory agonist Abs like anti-OX40 are being tested in the clinic to achieve improved antitumor effects. Here, we studied the potential therapeutic and immune effects of one such combination: Ab to PD-1 with agonist Ab to OX40/vaccine. We tested the antitumor effects of different treatment sequencing of this combination. We report that simultaneous addition of anti–PD-1 to anti-OX40 negated the antitumor effects of OX40 Ab. Antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the tumor was diminished, the resultant antitumor response weakened, and survival reduced. Although we observed an increase in IFNγ-producing E7-specifc CD8+ T cells in the spleens of mice treated with the combination of PD-1 blockade with anti-OX40/vaccine, these cells underwent apoptosis both in the periphery and the tumor. These results indicate that anti–PD-1 added at the initiation of therapy exhibits a detrimental effect on the positive outcome of anti-OX40 agonist Ab. These findings have important implications on the design of combination immunotherapy for cancer, demonstrating the need to test treatment combination and sequencing before moving to the clinic. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(9); 755–66. ©2017 AACR.
Vergleich der deutschen und britischen Leitlinien zur Langzeit-Sauerstofftherapie: Grundlagen zu Verordnungskriterien für LTOT bleiben ungeklärt
Authors: Haidl Peter
Published: August 2017

Hintergrund: Die deutschen Leitlinien zur Langzeit-Sauerstofftherapie (LTOT) wurden im Jahr 2008 von der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie (DGP) veröffentlicht, während die British Thoracic Society (BTS) ihre jüngste Leitlinie 2015 publiziert hat. Ziele: Mit dem vorliegenden Artikel soll verdeutlicht werden, in welchen wichtigen Bereichen Konsens bzw. Dissens zwischen den kürzlich veröffentlichten BTS- und DGP-Leitlinien zur LTOT besteht. Methoden: Es wurde ein direkter Vergleich der BTS- und DGP-Leitlinien in Bezug auf Kongruenzen und Differenzen durchgeführt. Im Anschluss wurde eine kritische Bewertung vorgenommen, und die Vorschläge der Autoren wurden vorgestellt. Ergebnisse: Die beiden Leitlinien sind in zwei Hauptbereichen nahezu deckungsgleich, nämlich (1) bei den Indikationskriterien für LTOT bei Patienten mit chronisch obstruktiver Lungenerkrankung (COPD) im Ruhezustand, und (2) bei der empfohlenen Dauer der LTOT über einen Zeitraum von 24 h. Es wurden jedoch acht Hauptbereiche festgestellt, in denen sich die Leitlinien erheblich unterscheiden: (1) Verfahren zur Blutgasanalyse; (2) zeitlicher Ablauf der LTOT bei stabilen Patienten; (3) LTOT bei COPD-Patienten nach einer Exazerbation; (4) ambulante Sauerstofftherapie; (5) nächtliche Sauerstofftherapie; (6) Dosierung der Sauerstoffdurchflussraten; (7) Nachsorgetermine; und (8) LTOT für Patienten, die noch rauchen. Darüber hinaus ist die BTS-Leitlinie viel detailreicher als die DGP-Leitlinie, enthält mehr Literaturhinweise (161 vs. 71) und ist aktueller. Schlussfolgerung: Es gibt große Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Leitlinien. Viele der in der BTS-Leitlinie aufgeworfenen Aspekte erscheinen sinnvoll im Hinblick auf die aktuelle Literatur, klinische Erfahrung und Verschreibungspraxis. Allerdings fehlt ein internationaler Konsens über LTOT.
Cognitive Deficits in Chronic Stroke Patients: Neuropsychological Assessment, Depression, and Self-Reports
Authors: Nakling Arne E. , Aarsland Dag , Næss Halvor , Wollschlaeger Daniel , Fladby Tormod , Hofstad Håkon  , Wehling Eike
Published: August 2017

Background: Following stroke, clinicians are challenged to detect and untangle symptoms of cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders. Additionally, they need to evaluate the informative value of self-reports to identify patients in need of further attendance. Aims: To examine the association between neuropsychological measures, symptoms of depression, and self-reported cognitive function. Methods: One-hundred and five chronic stroke patients underwent assessment covering 6 cognitive domains and answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Memory and Thinking Scale from the Stroke Impact Scale 1 year after stroke. Age and gender difference in cognitive impairment were examined; linear regression was used to predict depression scores. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were used to validate self-reported functioning against performance on cognitive tests. Results: Cognitive impairment was observed in 60% of the patients in at least 1 cognitive domain. Cognitive performance was associated with symptoms of depression as well as with self-reported cognitive function. The final analyses revealed low sensitivity and specificity for the Memory and Thinking subscale from the Stroke Impact Scale. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment occurs frequently even in patients in a chronic phase after stroke and predicts symptoms of depression. Using the Stroke Impact Scale, clinicians should be aware of low sensitivity of self-reported cognitive function.
Unerkannte Schlafapnoe als Risikofaktor für postoperative Komplikationen: Differenzierung statt Pauschalisierung
Authors: Herkenrath Simon-Dominik , Randerath Winfried J.
Published: August 2017

Hintergrund: Die Prävalenz einer bisher unerkannten obstruktiven Schlafapnoe (OSA) in der präoperativen Evaluation ist ebenso ungeklärt wie die beste Vorgehensweise zur Erkennung von OSA und deren Assoziation mit postoperativen Komplikationen. Ziele: Bestimmung der Prävalenz einer unerkannten OSA bei präoperativen indischen Patienten, die sich einer nicht-kardialen Operation unterziehen; Vergleich der diagnostischen Güte des STOP-BANG-Fragebogens mit der einer präoperativen Schlafuntersuchung vom Typ 3; Untersuchung der Assoziation von OSA mit postoperativen Komplikationen. Methoden: Untersucht wurde eine prospektive Kohorte von 245 konsekutiven erwachsenen Patienten mit ≥2 Risikofaktoren für OSA, die sich zwischen Juli 2011 und Februar 2013 einer nicht-kardialen Operation unterzogen. Der STOP-BANG-Fragebogen wurde bei allen Patienten erhoben; bei 182/245 Patienten (74,2%) wurde präoperativ eine Schlafuntersuchung vom Typ 3 durchgeführt. Die Patienten wurden auf postoperative Komplikationen stationär nachbeobachtet und 30 Tage nach der Operation kontaktiert. Ergebnisse: Bei 70/182 (38,5%) wurde die Diagnose OSA neu gestellt; bei 11/182 (6%) war dies eine OSA von mittlerem bis hohem Schweregrad (Apnoe-Hypopnoe-Index ≥15/h). In logistischen Regressionsanalysen war das Vorliegen von OSA unabhängig assoziiert mit postoperativer Sauerstoffentsättigung (OR 5,96; 95-%-KI 2,35-15,1; p < 0,01) sowie mit einer postoperativen Komplikation innerhalb von 7 Tagen (OR 3,63; 95-%-KI 1,77-7,45, p < 0,01) und innerhalb von 30 Tagen (OR 3,5; 95-%-KI 1,74-7,1; p < 0,01). Mit dem STOP-BANG-Fragebogen wurde bei 12/70 Patienten (17%) eine diagnostizierte OSA nicht erkannt, und 28% der Kohorte wurden als OSA-Patienten eingestuft, obwohl die Typ-3-Schlafuntersuchung negativ war. Schlussfolgerungen: Bei präoperativen Patienten liegt häufig eine bisher unerkannte OSA vor, und OSA ist unabhängig mit postoperativen Komplikationen assoziiert. Der STOP-BANG-Fragebogen zeigte bei einer südindischen Population eine schlechtere Performance in der Diagnose von OSA als die Schlafuntersuchung vom Typ 3.
Importance of Serum Testicular Protein Hormone Measurement in the Assessment of Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: Freire Analía V. , Grinspon Romina P. , Rey Rodolfo A.
Published: August 2017

Commonly known for testosterone secretion, the testes also produce the protein hormones anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin B, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3). AMH and inhibin B are secreted by Sertoli cells, whereas INSL3 is a Leydig cell product. AMH is involved in fetal sex differentiation and induces the regression of the anlagen of the uterus and fallopian tubes. INSL3 participates in fetal testicular descent. Serum testicular protein hormone assessment can be very useful and complementary to testosterone measurements in patients with DSD. AMH and inhibin B determination is extremely helpful during childhood, when basal testosterone is normally low. Serum AMH and inhibin B above the female range are indicative of the presence of testicular tissue, and their circulating levels reflect the amount of functional Sertoli cells. In DSD patients with normal male levels of AMH and inhibin B, the diagnosis of gonadal dysgenesis can be ruled out, and isolated androgen secretion deficiency or androgen insensitivity should be suspected. In externally virilized XY patients with persistent müllerian ducts, serum AMH levels determine the diagnosis to AMH deficiency or resistance. At pubertal age, inhibin B levels serve to predict spermatogenic development.
Biochemical Screening for Nonadherence Is Associated With Blood Pressure Reduction and Improvement in Adherence
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Patel Prashanth , Štrauch Branislav , Lai Florence Y. , Akbarov Artur , Gulsin Gaurav S. , Beech Alison , Marešová Věra , Topham Peter S. , Stanley Adrian , Thurston Herbert , Smith Paul R. , Horne Robert , Widimský Jiří , Keavney Bernard , Heagerty Anthony , Samani Nilesh J. , Williams Bryan , Tomaszewski Maciej
Published: August 2017

We hypothesized that screening for nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry–based biochemical analysis of urine/serum has therapeutic applications in nonadherent hypertensive patients. A retrospective analysis of hypertensive patients attending specialist tertiary care centers was conducted in 2 European countries (United Kingdom and Czech Republic). Nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment was diagnosed using biochemical analysis of urine (United Kingdom) or serum (Czech Republic). These results were subsequently discussed with each patient, and data on follow-up clinic blood pressure (BP) measurements were collected from clinical files. Of 238 UK patients who underwent biochemical urine analysis, 73 were nonadherent to antihypertensive treatment. Their initial urinary adherence ratio (the ratio of detected to prescribed antihypertensive medications) increased from 0.33 (0–0.67) to 1 (0.67–1) between the first and the last clinic appointments. The observed increase in the urinary adherence ratio in initially nonadherent UK patients was associated with the improved BP control; by the last clinic appointment, systolic and diastolic BPs were ≈19.5 and 7.5 mm Hg lower than at baseline (
P
=0.001 and 0.009, respectively). These findings were further corroborated in 93 nonadherent hypertensive patients from Czech Republic—their average systolic and diastolic BPs dropped by ≈32.6 and 17.4 mm Hg, respectively (
P
<0.001), on appointments after the biochemical analysis. Our data show that nonadherent hypertensive patients respond to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry-based biochemical analysis with improved adherence and significant BP drop. Such repeated biochemical analyses should be considered as a therapeutic approach in nonadherent hypertensive patients.
Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Cytomegalovirus‐Specific Senescent CD8
+
T Cells
Authors: Yu Hee Tae , Youn Jong‐Chan , Kim Jong Hoon , Seong Yeon‐Jae , Park Su‐Hyung , Kim Hyeon Chang , Lee Won‐Woo , Park Sungha , Shin Eui‐Cheol
Published: August 2017

Background

Arterial stiffness is a well‐known predictor of future cardiovascular events. Search for the underlying mechanism of arterial stiffening is still under way. We investigated the relationship between arterial stiffness and cytomegalovirus infection in terms of T‐cell senescence.

Methods and Results

Arterial stiffness was evaluated using pulse wave velocity measurements in 415 Koreans (age 59±12 years). We also investigated the frequency of
CD
57
+
or
CD
28
null
senescent T cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes and analyzed which immune parameters were correlated with pulse wave velocity. Furthermore, cytomegalovirus‐specific T cells were stimulated with overlapping peptides covering pp65 protein, and T‐cell function was evaluated by intracellular cytokine staining of interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and
CD
107a. In a multivariate analysis, it was found that the frequency of
CD
57
+
cells in the
CD
8
+
T‐cell subset was independently correlated with pulse wave velocity after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus history, smoking history, body mass index, blood pressure, serum creatinine, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Cytomegalovirus pp65‐specific T cells were more frequently observed in the
CD
8
+
CD
57
+
population than in the
CD
8
+
CD
57
−
population, and multivariate analysis revealed that the frequency of cytomegalovirus pp65‐specific interferon‐γ
+
, tumor necrosis factor‐α
+
, or
CD
107a
+
cells in the
CD
8
+
T‐cell subset was independently correlated with pulse wave velocity as well.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that arterial stiffness is associated with senescent
CD
57
+
T cells and
CMV
pp65‐specific T cells in the
CD
8
+
T‐cell subset. The precise role of cytomegalovirus‐specific, senescent T cells in vascular aging needs to be further investigated.
Statistical Learning of Melodic Patterns Influences the Brain's Response to Wrong Notes
Authors: Moldwin Toviah , Schwartz Odelia , Sussman Elyse S.
Published: August 2017

The theory of statistical learning has been influential in providing a framework for how humans learn to segment patterns of regularities from continuous sensory inputs, such as speech and music. This form of learning is based on statistical cues and is thought to underlie the ability to learn to segment patterns of regularities from continuous sensory inputs, such as the transition probabilities in speech and music. However, the connection between statistical learning and brain measurements is not well understood. Here we focus on ERPs in the context of tone sequences that contain statistically cohesive melodic patterns. We hypothesized that implicit learning of statistical regularities would influence what was held in auditory working memory. We predicted that a wrong note occurring within a cohesive pattern (within-pattern deviant) would lead to a significantly larger brain signal than a wrong note occurring between cohesive patterns (between-pattern deviant), even though both deviant types were equally likely to occur with respect to the global tone sequence. We discuss this prediction within a simple Markov model framework that learns the transition probability regularities within the tone sequence. Results show that signal strength was stronger when cohesive patterns were violated and demonstrate that the transitional probability of the sequence influences the memory basis for melodic patterns. Our results thus characterize how informational units are stored in auditory memory trace for deviance detection and provide new evidence about how the brain organizes sequential sound input that is useful for perception.
A Loyalist Who Loved His Country too Much: Thomas Hutchinson, Historian of Colonial Massachusetts
Authors: Riordan Liam
Published: August 2017

A history of the book approach to Thomas Hutchinson's History of Massachusetts Bay (published 1764-1828) recovers his commitment to preserve facts and his place in eighteenth-century historiography. Hutchinson's vilification by patriots still obscures our understanding of his loyalism. The article reassesses late colonial society, the American Revolution, and Anglo-American culture in the British Atlantic World.
Molecular analysis of Sargassum from the northern China seas
Authors: HUANG CHAOHUA , SUN ZHONGMIN , GAO DAHAI , YAO JIANTING , HU ZIMIN , LI YUHANG , WANG YONGQIANG , XU KUIDONG , CHEN WANDONG
Published: August 2017

The species-level taxonomy of the marine brown algal genus Sargassum is problematic. To resolve some of these systematic issues in the northern China seas, a molecular analysis of Sargassum species was carried out using ITS-2, cox3, and rbcL DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed eight species, including: S. confusum, S. fusiforme, S. hemiphyllum var. chinense, S. horneri, S. muticum, S. siliquastrum, S. thunbergii, and S. vachellianum. The previously described S. shandongense and S. qingdaoense, endemic to the Shandong Peninsula, are shown to be synonymous with S. vachellianum. Seven species previously described from the East China Sea were not observed, and require further investigation.
A new species of Mandevilla (Apocynaceae; Apocynoideae) from Mexico
Authors: ALVARADO-CÁRDENAS LEONARDO O. , LOZADA-PÉREZ LUCIO
Published: August 2017

We describe and illustrate a new species of Mandevilla for the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz, Mexico. Mandevilla sherlockii sp. nov. can be separated from the other similar species of the genus by its subcoriaceous leaf blades and inflorescences with a conspicuously curved rachis between each flower. Including this new species, Mexico is a hotspot for the genus with a 24 species, 11 of which are endemic. We provide a distribution map, suggest a conservation status for the new species, and provide a key for the species of Mandevilla found in Mexico and Central America.
New Oriental genera in the family Issidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)
Authors: WANG MENGLIN , BOURGOIN THIERRY , ZHANG YALIN
Published: August 2017

Three new Oriental Issidae genera and two new species identified by a previous molecular phylogeny analysis are described. Two new genera belong to the tribe Kodaianellini: Kodaianellissus gen. nov., type species: K. intorqueus sp. nov. from China and Tetricissus gen. nov., type species: T. philo (Fennah, 1978) from Vietnam. Another new genus representing Sarimini: Longieusarima gen. nov., type species: L. lunulia sp. nov. is described from China.
The spider genus Austrochilus Gertsch & Zapfe, 1955 (Araneae: Austrochilidae)—a new species from Chile and a documentation of the male genitalia of austrochilines
Authors: MICHALIK PETER , WUNDERLICH JOERG
Published: August 2017

The spider genus Austrochilus comprises only six species known from Chile and Argentina. Here, we describe a new species, Austrochilus parwis sp. n., based on a single male and several females. The new species was found in Chile (Region IX) and, based on characters in the male and female genitalia, seems to be closely related to A. forsteri Grismado, Lopardo & Platnick, 2003. The female genitalia were investigated using X-ray microscopy, revealing for the first time the internal organization of austrochiline female genitalia. Furthermore, we provide a comparative documentation of the male genitalia of austrochilines based mainly on type material, and comment on the recently proposed nomenclatorial changes to the family name Austrochilidae.
First data on the bionomics of Brachyodynerus magnificus magnificus (Morawitz, 1867) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae)
Authors: FATERYGA ALEXANDER V. , IVANOV SERGEY P. , BUDASHKIN YURY I.
Published: August 2017

Nesting of Brachyodynerus magnificus magnificus was studied in the Crimea on saline land. The nests were horizontal or inclined burrows excavated by females in lateral walls of soil cracks developed on clay ground substrate. Structure of three nests was examined; they were located in cracks 6–7 cm in depth and 0.5–1.5 cm in width; nest entrances were opened at depths of 2.5–4 cm; they were simple round openings without entrance turrets or any other structures. Two nests were abandoned by females and both had burrows 19 mm long; the third one was complete and had a burrow 33 mm long divided by transverse mud partitions onto three cells 8–10 mm long and a vestibular cell 2 mm long stopped by a final mud plug. The cells were not different from other parts of the nest burrow. Females used a liquid sucked out from succulent leaves of two halophitic plant species of the family Chenopodiaceae during nest building and did not visit any open water sources. Females hunted for caterpillars of a single species of coleophorid moth, Aporiptura ochroflava; 22–27 caterpillars were stored in each cell. Adult feeding was recorded on flowers of eight plant species, but the main nectar source was flowers of Limonium scoparium. Males spent their time feeding on flowers and searching for females at nesting and hunting sites. The species probably has two generations per year and we observed the nesting of the second generation. The distribution of the species is summarized; its presence in East Europe is confirmed. The lectotype of Odynerus magnificus Morawitz, 1867 is designated.
Contributions of the North Pacific Meridional Mode to Ensemble Spread of ENSO Prediction
Authors: Ma Jing , Xie Shang-Ping , Xu Haiming
Published: August 2017

Seasonal prediction of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) employs the ensemble method, which samples the uncertainty in initial conditions. While much attention has been given to the ensemble mean, the ensemble spread limits the reliability of the forecast. Spatiotemporal coevolution of intermember anomalies of sea surface temperature (SST) and low-level winds over the Pacific is examined in ensemble hindcasts. Two types of evolution of intermember SST anomalies in the equatorial Pacific are identified. The first features an apparent southwestward propagation of the SST spread from the subtropical northeastern Pacific southeast of Hawaii to the central equatorial Pacific in boreal winter–spring, indicative of the precursor effect of the North Pacific meridional mode (NPMM) on ENSO variability. Extratropical atmospheric variability generates ensemble spread in ENSO through wind–evaporation–SST (WES) in the subtropical northeastern Pacific and then Bjerknes feedback on the equator. In the second type, ensemble spread grows in the equatorial Pacific with a weak contribution from the subtropical southeastern Pacific in summer. Thus, the extratropical influence on ENSO evolution is much stronger in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. The growth of Niño-4 SST ensemble spread shows a strong seasonality. In hindcasts initialized in September–March, the Niño-4 SST spread grows rapidly in January–April, stabilizes in May–June, and grows again in July–September. The rapid growth of the Niño-4 SST spread in January–April is due to the arrival of NPMM, while the slowdown in May–June and rapid growth in July–September are attributable primarily to the seasonality of equatorial ocean–atmosphere interaction. NPMM contributes to the ensemble spread in equatorial Pacific SST, limiting the reliability of ENSO prediction.
Loop-Type Wave-Generation Method for Generating Wind Waves under Long-Fetch Conditions
Authors: Takagaki Naohisa , Komori Satoru , Ishida Mizuki , Iwano Koji , Kurose Ryoichi , Suzuki Naoya
Published: August 2017

It is important to develop a wave-generation method for extending the fetch in laboratory experiments, because previous laboratory studies were limited to the fetch shorter than several dozen meters. A new wave-generation method is proposed for generating wind waves under long-fetch conditions in a wind-wave tank, using a programmable irregular-wave generator. This new method is named a loop-type wave-generation method (LTWGM), because the waves with wave characteristics close to the wind waves measured at the end of the tank are reproduced at the entrance of the tank by the programmable irregular-wave generator and the mechanical wave generation is repeated at the entrance in order to increase the fetch. Water-level fluctuation is measured at both normal and extremely high wind speeds using resistance-type wave gauges. The results show that, at both wind speeds, LTWGM can produce wind waves with long fetches exceeding the length of the wind-wave tank. It is observed that the spectrum of wind waves with a long fetch reproduced by a wave generator is consistent with that of pure wind-driven waves without a wave generator. The fetch laws between the significant wave height and the peak frequency are also confirmed for the wind waves under long-fetch conditions. This implies that the ideal wind waves under long-fetch conditions can be reproduced using LTWGM with the programmable irregular-wave generator.
Addicted to Hate: Identity Residual among Former White Supremacists
Authors: Simi Pete , Blee Kathleen , DeMichele Matthew , Windisch Steven
Published: August 2017

The process of leaving deeply meaningful and embodied identities can be experienced as a struggle against addiction, with continuing cognitive, emotional, and physiological responses that are involuntary, unwanted, and triggered by environmental factors. Using data derived from a unique set of in-depth life history interviews with 89 former U.S. white supremacists, as well as theories derived from recent advances in cognitive sociology, we examine how a rejected identity can persist despite a desire to change. Disengagement from white supremacy is characterized by substantial lingering effects that subjects describe as addiction. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of identity residual for understanding how people leave and for theories of the self.
What does it take to sustain a productive partnership in education?
Authors: Hammerness Karen , MacPherson Anna , Macdonald Maritza , Roditi Hudson , Curtis-Bey Linda
Published: August 2017

What does it take to sustain a productive partnership between a public school system and local cultural institutions? This article describes the genesis, evolution, and continued success of a long-term partnership between the New York City Department of Education, the American Museum of Natural History, and seven other leading cultural institutions, promoting inquiry-based science instruction in local middle schools.
Improving the Assessment of Differential Item Functioning in Large-Scale Programs With Dual-Scale Purification of Rasch Models: The PISA Example
Authors: Chen Cheng-Te , Hwu Bo-Sien
Published: August 2017

By design, large-scale educational testing programs often have a large proportion of missing data. Since the effect of missing data on differential item functioning (DIF) assessment has been investigated in recent years and it has been found that Type I error rates tend to be inflated, it is of great importance to adapt existing DIF assessment methods to the inflation. The DIF-free-then-DIF (DFTD) strategy, which originally involved one single-scale purification procedure to identify DIF-free items, has been extended to involve another scale purification procedure for the DIF assessment in this study, and this new method is called the dual-scale purification (DSP) procedure. The performance of the DSP procedure in assessing DIF in large-scale programs, such as Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), was compared with the DFTD strategy through a series of simulation studies. Results showed the superiority of the DSP procedure over the DFTD strategy when tests consisted of many DIF items and when data were missing by design as in large-scale programs. Moreover, an empirical study of the PISA 2009 Taiwan sample was provided to show the implications of the DSP procedure. The applications as well as further studies of DSP procedure are also discussed.
Does Financial Reporting Conservatism Mitigate Underinvestment?
Authors: Hong Hyun A. , Kim Yongtae , Lobo Gerald J.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the role of financial reporting conservatism in mitigating underinvestment problems. Recognizing that volatile cash flows increase the need to access external capital markets and that agency conflicts and information asymmetry make external capital costlier than internal capital, which leads managers to forgo valuable investment projects, Minton and Schrand document a negative relation between cash flow volatility and investment. We draw on Minton and Schrand’s framework to isolate underinvestment problems and hypothesize and document that conservatism mitigates the negative relation between cash flow volatility and investment and that this mitigative effect is more pronounced for firms with ex ante more severe agency conflicts. We also document that conservatism mitigates the sensitivity of investment to cash flow volatility by facilitating access to external capital.
Teaching Equivalent Fractions to Secondary Students With Disabilities via the Virtual–Representational–Abstract Instructional Sequence
Authors: Bouck Emily C. , Bassette Laura , Shurr Jordan , Park Jiyoon , Kerr Jackie , Whorley Abbie
Published: August 2017

Fractions are an important mathematical concept; however, fractions are also a struggle for many students with disabilities. This study explored a new framework adapted from the evidence-based concrete–representational–abstract framework: the virtual–representational–abstract (VRA) framework. The VRA framework involves teaching students to solve mathematical problems with virtual manipulative, then representations or drawings, and finally abstractly. A multiple probe across-students single-case design was used to investigate the effectiveness of the VRA framework for finding equivalent fractions for three middle-school students with disabilities. A functional relation was found between the VRA framework and students’ ability to solve equivalent fractions. Implications related to the use of the VRA framework as a mathematics intervention for secondary students with disabilities as well as directions for future research are discussed.