bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scattering from a PEC Slightly Rough Surface in Chiral Media
Authors: Qureshi Haroon Akhtar , Fiaz Muhammad Arshad , Ashraf Muhammad Aqueel
Published: March 2018

The scattering of left circularly polarized wave from a perfectly electric conducting (PEC) rough surface in isotropic chiral media is investigated. Since a slightly rough interface is assumed, the solution is obtained using perturbation method. Zeroth‐order term corresponds to solution for a flat interface which helps in making a comparison with the results reported in the literature. First‐order term gives the contribution from the surface perturbations, and it is used to define incoherent bistatic scattering coefficients for a Gaussian rough surface. Higher order solution is obtained in a recursive manner. Numerical results are reported for different values of chirality, correlation length, and rms height of the surface. Diffraction efficiency is defined for a sinusoidal grating.
Sofosbuvir Plus Daclatasvir in Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4 Infection in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients: An Experiment the Size of Egyptian Village
Authors: Ahmed Ossama Ashraf , Safwat Eslam , Khalifa Mohamed Omar , Elshafie Ahmed I. , Fouad Mohamed Hassan Ahmed , Salama Mohamed Magdy , Naguib Gina Gamal , Eltabbakh Mohamed Mahmoud , Sherief Ahmed Fouad , Abd-Elsalam Sherief
Published: March 2018

Background and Aims. As indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO), Egypt is positioned as the country with the world’s highest prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV is transmitted through unexamined blood transfusions, different employments of syringes, and poor cleansing, as per the WHO. Our study aimed at screening and management of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 infected patients in Bardeen village, Sharkeya Governorate, Egypt, with Sofosbuvir plus Daclatasvir, as well as estimating the safety and efficacy of that regimen. Methods. Screening of adult patients in Bardeen village was done from March 2016 till November 2016 using hepatitis C virus antibodies by third-generation ELISA testing. Positive results were confirmed by PCR. Patients eligible for treatment received Sofosbuvir 400 mg and Daclatasvir 60 mg daily for 12 weeks and were assessed for sustained virologic response at 12 weeks following the end of treatment (SVR 12). Results. Out of 2047 subjects screened for hepatitis C virus, 249 (12.2%) showed positive results. 221 out of those 249 subjects (88.7%) had detectable RNA by PCR. Treatment of eligible patients (183 patients) with Sofosbuvir plus Daclatasvir for 12 weeks resulted in 96% achievement of sustained virologic response at week 12. Adverse events were tolerable. Conclusion. Sofosbuvir plus Daclatasvir regimen is safe and effective for treatment of chronic hepatitis C Genotype 4 infected patients with minimal adverse events. HCV eradication program implemented in Egypt can be a model for other countries with HCV and limited resources. The availability of generic drugs in Egypt will help much in eradication of the virus.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Curcumin‐Mediated Therapeutic Effects in Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer
Authors: Wojcik Marzena , Krawczyk Michal , Wojcik Pawel , Cypryk Katarzyna , Wozniak Lucyna Alicja
Published: March 2018

The growing prevalence of age‐related diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer, has become global health and economic problems. Due to multifactorial nature of both diseases, their pathophysiology is not completely understood so far. Compelling evidence indicates that increased oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their clearance by antioxidant defense mechanisms, as well as the proinflammatory state contributes to the development and progression of the diseases. Curcumin (CUR; diferuloylmethane), a well‐known polyphenol derived from the rhizomes of turmeric Curcuma longa, has attracted a great deal of attention as a natural compound with beneficial antidiabetic and anticancer properties, partly due to its antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory actions. Although this polyphenolic compound is increasingly being recognized for its growing number of protective health effects, the precise molecular mechanisms through which it reduces diabetes‐ and cancer‐related pathological events have not been fully unraveled. Hence, CUR is the subject of intensive research in the fields Diabetology and Oncology as a potential candidate in the treatment of both T2DM and cancer, particularly since current therapeutic options for their treatment are not satisfactory in clinics. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made on the molecular targets and pathways involved in antidiabetic and anticancer activities of CUR that are responsible for its beneficial health effects.
Germline Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) Mutations Confer Susceptibility to Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Wei Xiaomu , Calvo-Vidal M. Nieves , Chen Siwei , Wu Gang , Revuelta Maria V. , Sun Jian , Zhang Jinghui , Walsh Michael F. , Nichols Kim E. , Joseph Vijai , Snyder Carrie , Vachon Celine M. , McKay James D. , Wang Shu-Ping , Jayabalan David S. , Jacobs Lauren M. , Becirovic Dina , Waller Rosalie G. , Artomov Mykyta , Viale Agnes , Patel Jayeshkumar , Phillip Jude , Chen-Kiang Selina , Curtin Karen , Salama Mohamed , Atanackovic Djordje , Niesvizky Ruben , Landgren Ola , Slager Susan L. , Godley Lucy A. , Churpek Jane , Garber Judy E. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Daly Mark J. , Roeder Robert G. , Dumontet Charles , Lynch Henry T. , Mullighan Charles G. , Camp Nicola J. , Offit Kenneth , Klein Robert J. , Yu Haiyuan , Cerchietti Leandro , Lipkin Steven M.
Published: March 2018

Given the frequent and largely incurable occurrence of multiple myeloma, identification of germline genetic mutations that predispose cells to multiple myeloma may provide insight into disease etiology and the developmental mechanisms of its cell of origin, the plasma cell (PC). Here, we identified familial and early-onset multiple myeloma kindreds with truncating mutations in lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A), an epigenetic transcriptional repressor that primarily demethylates histone H3 on lysine 4 and regulates hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. In addition, we found higher rates of germline truncating and predicted deleterious missense KDM1A mutations in patients with multiple myeloma unselected for family history compared with controls. Both monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma cells have significantly lower KDM1A transcript levels compared with normal PCs. Transcriptome analysis of multiple myeloma cells from KDM1A mutation carriers shows enrichment of pathways and MYC target genes previously associated with myeloma pathogenesis. In mice, antigen challenge followed by pharmacologic inhibition of KDM1A promoted PC expansion, enhanced secondary immune response, elicited appearance of serum paraprotein, and mediated upregulation of MYC transcriptional targets. These changes are consistent with the development of MGUS. Collectively, our findings show that KDM1A is the first autosomal-dominant multiple myeloma germline predisposition gene providing new insights into its mechanistic roles as a tumor suppressor during post-germinal center B-cell differentiation.

Significance: KDM1A is the first germline autosomal dominant predisposition gene identified in multiple myeloma and provides new insights into multiple myeloma etiology and the mechanistic role of KDM1A as a tumor suppressor during post-germinal center B-cell differentiation. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2747–59. ©2018 AACR.
Phase I Study of MEDI3617, a Selective Angiopoietin-2 Inhibitor Alone and Combined with Carboplatin/Paclitaxel, Paclitaxel, or Bevacizumab for Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Hyman David M. , Rizvi Naiyer , Natale Ronald , Armstrong Deborah K. , Birrer Michael , Recht Lawrence , Dotan Efrat , Makker Vicky , Kaley Thomas , Kuruvilla Denison , Gribbin Matthew , McDevitt Jennifer , Lai Dominic W. , Dar Mohammed
Published: March 2018

Purpose: This first-in-human study aimed to determine the MTD and safety of MEDI3617, a selective anti–angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) mAb, alone and combined with bevacizumab or cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods: This phase I/Ib, multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation and dose-expansion study evaluated patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients received intravenous MEDI3617 as monotherapy [5–1,500 mg every 3 weeks (Q3W)] or with bevacizumab every 2 weeks (Q2W) or Q3W, weekly paclitaxel, or carboplatin plus paclitaxel Q3W. Dose expansions included a monotherapy cohort in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and a bevacizumab combination cohort in bevacizumab-refractory malignant glioma. Safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical activity were assessed.

Results: We enrolled 116 patients. No formal MTD was identified (monotherapy or combination therapy). MEDI3617 demonstrated linear pharmacokinetics and maximal accumulation of peripheral Ang2 binding at doses above 300 mg Q3W. MEDI3617 monotherapy safety profile was acceptable, except in advanced ovarian cancer [prolonged grade 3 edema-associated adverse events (AE) occurred]. Otherwise, MEDI3617 combined with chemotherapy or bevacizumab was well tolerated. The AE profiles of MEDI3617 and bevacizumab were largely non-overlapping. Overall response rates in ovarian cancer and glioma monotherapy dose-expansion arms were 6% and 0%, respectively.

Conclusions: Recommended MEDI3617 monotherapy dosage is 1,500 mg Q3W or 1,000 mg Q2W, except in ovarian cancer. Although peripheral edema has occurred with other Ang2 inhibitors, the severity and duration seen here in ovarian cancer potentially identifies a new, clinically significant safety signal for this class of agents. On the basis of limited clinical activity, MEDI3617 development was discontinued. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2749–57. ©2018 AACR.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Mutation (ALK F1174C) in Small Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate and Molecular Response to Alectinib
Authors: Carneiro Benedito A. , Pamarthy Sahithi , Shah Ami N. , Sagar Vinay , Unno Kenji , Han HuiYing , Yang Ximing J. , Costa Rubens B. , Nagy Rebecca J. , Lanman Richard B. , Kuzel Timothy M. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Gay Laurie , Elvin Julia A. , Ali Siraj M. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Chae Young K. , Giles Francis J. , Abdulkadir Sarki A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Small cell carcinoma of the prostate (SCCP) is an aggressive disease that can arise de novo or by transdifferentiation from prostate adenocarcinoma. Alterations in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene are involved in neuroblastoma, lung cancer, and other malignancies, but its role in SCCP has not been documented. We describe a patient with refractory de novo SCCP with ALK F1174C–activating mutation who obtained clinical benefit from treatment with ALK inhibitor.

Experimental Design: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze primary and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Prostate cancer databases were queried for alterations in ALK gene, mRNA, and its impact in clinical outcomes. In vitro prostate cell line/organoid models were generated by lentiviral-mediated expression of ALK and ALK F1174C and assessed for response to ALK inhibitors crizotinib and alectinib.

Results: NGS analysis of the primary tumor and ctDNA of a 39-year-old patient with refractory SSCP identified ALK F1174C mutation. Treatment with second-generation ALK inhibitor alectinib resulted in radiographic stable disease for over 6 months, symptomatic improvement, and significant molecular response as reflected by declining ctDNA allele fraction. Analysis of prostate cancer datasets showed that ALK amplification was associated with poor outcome. In prostate cancer cells and organoids, ALK F1174C expression enhanced growth and induced expression of the neuroendocrine marker neuron-specific enolase. Alectinib was more effective than crizotinib in inhibiting ALK F1174C–expressing cell growth.

Conclusions: These findings implicate ALK-activating mutations in SCCP pathogenesis and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting ALK molecular alterations in some patients with SCCP. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2732–9. ©2018 AACR.
Engaging Anaphase Catastrophe Mechanisms to Eradicate Aneuploid Cancers
Authors: Kawakami Masanori , Mustachio Lisa Maria , Liu Xi , Dmitrovsky Ethan
Published: March 2018

Cancer cells often have supernumerary centrosomes that promote genomic instability, a pathognomonic feature of cancer. During mitosis, cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes undergo bipolar cell division by clustering centrosomes into two poles. When supernumerary centrosome clustering is antagonized, cancer cells are forced to undergo multipolar division leading to death of daughter cells. This proapoptotic pathway, called anaphase catastrophe, preferentially eliminates aneuploid cancer cells and malignant tumors in engineered mouse models. Anaphase catastrophe occurs through the loss or inhibition of the centrosomal protein CP110, a direct cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and CDK2 target. Intriguingly, CP110 is repressed by the KRAS oncoprotein. This sensitizes KRAS-driven lung cancers (an unmet medical need) to respond to CDK2 inhibitors. Anaphase catastrophe-inducing agents like CDK1 and CDK2 antagonists are lethal to cancer cells with supernumerary centrosomes, but can relatively spare normal cells with two centrosomes. This mechanism is proposed to provide a therapeutic window in the cancer clinic following treatment with a CDK1 or CDK2 inhibitor. Taken together, anaphase catastrophe is a clinically tractable mechanism that promotes death of neoplastic tumors with aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(4); 724–31. ©2018 AACR.
Effects of Spectral Overlays on Reading Performance of Brazilian Elementary School Children
Authors: Garcia Ana Carla Oliveira , Momensohn-Santos Teresa Maria , Vilhena Douglas de Araújo
Published: March 2018

Objective: To investigate the effects of spectral overlays on reading performance of Brazilian elementary school children. Methods: Sixty-eight children (aged 9–12 years) enrolled in the 5th and 6th grade were included in the study. The Rate of Reading Test (RRT – Brazilian Portuguese version) was used to evaluate reading speed and the Irlen Reading Perceptual Scale was used to allocate the sample according to reading difficulty/discomfort symptoms and to define the optimal spectral overlays. Results: A total of 13% of the children presented an improvement of at least 15% in reading speed with the use of spectral overlays. Pupils with severe reading difficulties tended to have more improvement in RRT with spectral overlays. Children with severe reading discomfort obtained the highest gains in RRT, with an average of 9.6% improvement with intervention, compared to a decrease of –8.2% in the control group. Participants with severe discomfort had an odds ratio of 3.36 to improve reading speed with intervention compared to the control group. Conclusion: The use of spectral overlays can improve reading performance, particularly in those children with severe visual discomfort.
Intentions to Prevent Weight Gain in Older and Younger Adults; The Importance of Perceived Health and Appearance Consequences
Authors: Beeken Rebecca J. , Mahdi Sundus , Johnson Fiona , Meisel Susanne F.
Published: March 2018

Objectives: This study investigates whether health and appearance consequences predict intentions to prevent weight gain and whether these relationships differ in younger versus older adults and in men versus women. Methods: UK adults aged 18-26 years (younger adults; n = 584) or >45 years (older adults; n = 107) participated in an online survey. Logistic regression assessed associations between intentions to avoid gaining weight and age, gender as well as perceived negative consequences of weight gain for health and appearance. Co-variates were ethnicity, education, weight perception and perceived weight gain vulnerability. Interactions between age, gender and perceived health and appearance consequences of weight gain were also tested. Results: Perceived negative appearance consequences of weight gain predicted weight gain prevention intentions (OR = 9.3, p < 0.001). Health concerns were not a significant predictor of intentions overall but were a strong predictor for older adults (age × health concern interaction: OR = 13.6, p > 0.01). Conclusion: Concerns about feeling unattractive predict intentions to prevent weight gain. However, health consequences of weight gain are only important motivators for older adults. Future research should identify ways to shift the focus of young people from appearance concerns towards the health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
Lateral Medullary Infarction with or without Extra-Lateral Medullary Lesions: What Is the Difference?
Authors: Kang Hyun Goo , Kim Bum Joon , Lee Sang Hun , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Jong S.
Published: March 2018

Background: Lateral medullary infarction (LMI) is not an uncommon disease. Although lesions are usually restricted to the lateral medullary area, some patients have additional infarcts in other parts of the brain. The clinical features and prognosis of isolated LMI (pure LMI, LMIpr) have been investigated. However, it remains unclear whether clinical characteristics, prognosis and factors associated with prognosis differ between patients with LMIpr and those with additional lesions (LMI plus, LMIpl). Methods: Patients with LMI identified by MRI were enrolled. The demographic and clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcome (intensive care unit [ICU] admission, pneumonia and modified Rankin scale [mRS] at discharge), and long-term residual symptoms (vertigo/dizziness, sensory disturbances, dysphagia) and outcomes (occurrence of stroke, acute coronary syndrome [ACS], death, and mRS at follow-up) were compared between LMIpr and LMIpl patients. Factors associated with poor functional outcome (mRS 2–6) at the follow-up were analyzed. Results: Among 248 LMI patients, 161 (64.9%) had LMIpr and 87 (35.1%) had LMIpl. During admission, patients with LMIpl more frequently experienced ICU care, pneumonia and had a higher discharge mRS (3 vs. 2; p < 0.001) than LMIpr patients. The occurrence of stroke, ACS, frequency of death and functional outcome was not different during follow-up. However, residual neurologic symptoms such as dizziness (p = 0.002), dysphagia (p = 0.04) and sensory symptoms (p < 0.001) were more frequent in LMIpr than in LMIpl patients. In LMIpr patients, the rostral location of LMI was associated with poor functional outcome (p = 0.041), whereas in LMIpl patients, the presence of medial posterior-inferior cerebellar artery lesion was associated with good functional outcome (p = 0.030). Conclusion: Although the short-term outcome is poorer in LMIpl than LMIpr patients, long-term residual symptoms are more common in LMIpr patients. The location of the LMI and extra-medullary lesion affects the long-term functional outcome of LMIpr and LMIpl patients respectively.
Associations between Uric Acid Level and 3-Month Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with/without Edaravone
Authors: Naganuma Masaki , Inatomi Yuichiro , Nakajima Makoto , Yonehara Toshiro , Ando Yukio
Published: March 2018

Background: Uric acid (UA), an antioxidant with neuroprotective effects, favorably affects stroke outcome. However, the effect has not been examined in patients treated with edaravone, a frequently used free radical scavenger. We investigated whether the use of edaravone affected the relationship between UA levels and outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 1,114 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores <2 admitted within 24 h of onset (mean, 74 years; median UA levels, 333 μmol/L). We divided the patients into 2 groups using the median UA value as a cutoff, a low UA group (≤333 μmol/L; n = 566) and a high UA group (>333 μmol/L; n = 548), and compared their clinical characteristics and favorable outcomes (mRS <2) at 90 days. We investigated the associations between UA levels and 90-day stroke outcome in patients with and without edaravone treatment. Results: The high UA group had a higher proportion of men, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and cardioembolic stroke than the low UA group. The high UA group also had a higher proportion of patients with mRS <2 at 90 days (61.5 vs. 54.1%, p = 0.013), but the significance was diminished in multivariate analysis (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.94–1.71). In subgroup analysis, the high UA group without edaravone exhibited a higher proportion of patients with mRS <2 at 90 days than the low UA group (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.20–7.16). The high UA group with edaravone did not exhibit this difference. Conclusions: In acute ischemic stroke, the favorable association between high UA levels and outcome at 90 days was not evident in patients treated with edaravone.
Extended Half-Life Factor VIII and Factor IX Preparations
Authors: Graf Lukas
Published: March 2018

In the last couple of years, several extended half-life factor VIII and factor IX preparations were intensively studied and gained approval. In order to extend half-lives, techniques like fusion to protein conjugates (Fc part of IgG1 or albumin), chemical modification (PEGylation), and protein sequence modification are implemented. With these techniques, it is possible to extend half-lives of factor IX products 4- to 6- fold, while half-life extension of factor VIII products is limited to 1.5- to 2-fold due to their interaction with von Willebrand factor. Nevertheless, both extended half-life factor VIII and IX products have improved and facilitated prophylactic factor replacement therapy in hemophilia A and B, respectively. Extended half-life factor concentrates pose challenges to coagulation laboratories because accurate therapy monitoring is not possible with all factor activity assays currently used.
What Were the Qualifications for Being a Leader in Ancient Israel? Revelation, Authority, and Philological Issues in Deut 1:13 and 1:15
Authors: Boyd Samuel L.
Published: March 2018

The passive participles from ידע in Deut 1:13 and 1:15 are part of a list of characteristics for being a judge. The translational value of these participles, however, is unclear. This article reviews the main options proposed for understanding וידעים in Deut 1:13 and 1:15 and argues that a syntactic feature in the verses is grounds for understanding them as passive in both form and sense (“known”). Finally, and perhaps more significantly, locating this qualification for being a judge in the larger ideology of revelation and authority in D buttresses this thesis.
The Harklean Syriac and the Development of the Byzantine Text
Authors: Gurry Peter J.
Published: March 2018

The Syriac translation of the New Testament produced by Thomas of Harkel in ad 616 provides a rich source for studying the transmission of the Greek New Testament. In this case, its relationship to the Byzantine text in the Catholic Epistles is used to test the results of the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (cbgm), a new computerized tool being used to edit the standard editions of the Greek New Testament (NA28/UBS5). Against claims that the cbgm is not useful for understanding textual history, this study shows that, when used carefully, it can provide valuable clarity to our understanding. The results of this test have implications for the cbgm, for the textual worth of the Byzantine text, and for how all “texts” are related and evaluated.
Podabrocephalus Pic is the morphologically modified lineage of Ptilodactylinae (Coleoptera: Elateriformia: Ptilodactylidae)
Authors: Kundrata Robin , Ivie Michael A. , Bocak Ladislav
Published: March 2018

A molecular phylogeny of Ptilodactylidae shows that Podabrocephalus
Pic, 1913, the type genus of Podabrocephalidae Pic, 1930 is closely related to Ptilodactyla
Illiger, 1807 and other genera of Ptilodactylinae. Consequently, Podabrocephalidae Pic, 1930
syn. n. is proposed as a junior synonym of Ptilodactylidae Laporte, 1836. Earlier authors used the highly modified morphology of the male to justify a high rank for Podabrocephalus. The molecular phylogeny of Ptilodactylidae further indicates that Paralichas White, 1859 (Cladotominae) does not form a monophylum with remaining ptilodactylids. Ptilodactylinae and an undescribed lineage from Indonesia are sister to the broadly delimited Anchytarsinae. Within Ptilodactylinae, Pherocladus Fairmaire, 1881 is sister to a clade formed by Ptilodactyla spp. and Podabrocephalus. We remove Falsotherius
Pic, 1913 from Ptilodactylinae to Ptilodactylidae incertae sedis, and return Daemon
Laporte, 1836 from Ptilodactylinae to Anchytarsinae. Cross validation of morphology- and DNA-based phylogenies is needed for interpreting phylogenetic inference in morphologically modified lineages.
Informal Economies in the Post-Soviet Space: Post-Soviet Islam and Its Role in Ordering Entrepreneurship in Central Asia
Authors: Turaeva Rano
Published: March 2018

The paper sheds light on informal economies, focusing on transnational entrepreneurs between Central Asia and Russia. Both male and female entrepreneurs from Central Asia live mobile economic lives, traveling between Central Asia and Russia and forming a kind of class. With Islam playing a prominent role in the regulation of informal economies, Islamic belonging has become a stronger marker of identity than ethnicity among Central Asian migrants in Russia, and mosque communities have grown in influence. Mosques have become places to meet and socialize, where contacts are established and maintained.
Cymbidium densiflorum (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Cymbidieae): a new orchid species from China based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: LAN SIREN , CHEN LIJUN , CHEN GUIZHEN , WU XINYI , RAO WENHUI , ZHANG PEIWEN , LIU ZHONGJIAN
Published: March 2018

A new orchid species, Cymbidium densiflorum, from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular analyses. A detailed comparison between the newly discovered orchid and other members of Cymbidium was conducted. The new plant belongs to C. section Cymbidium and has a pendent inflorescence, thick-coriaceous flowers with two pollinia and rigid leaves, and it differs greatly from all other known species of this section by being a large plant bearing leaves with an acute, oblique apex and producing a long inflorescence with more than 30 purplish brown large flowers, in which the lateral sepals are oblique and narrowly elliptic with a tooth at the apex and narrowly ovate-elliptic petals. A molecular study based on the nuclear ribosomal ITS and plastid matK, rbcL, trnG, trnL and atpI DNA sequence data indicated that C. densiflorum is sister to C. paucifolium.
Noccaea birolmutlui, a New Crucifer Species from South West Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: ÖZGİŞİ KURTULUŞ , OCAK ATILLA , ÖZÜDOĞRU BARIŞ
Published: March 2018

Noccaea birolmutlui Özgişi & Özüdoğru is described as a new species from Kızıldağ National Park, Isparta, in SW Anatolia. It resembles N. ochroleuca but can be readily distinguished by several morphological characters including shape and size of basal/stem leaves, fruit shape, style length, ovule number etc. Nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region based phylogeny proved that this species clearly differs than N. ochroleuca and these two species belong to different clades in Noccaea s.str. Diagnostic characters, a description, detailed photos and taxonomic comments on the species are given. Morphological affinities and ITS based phylogenetic relationships of new species are discussed. Furthermore, the IUCN Red List category of N. birolmutlui is proposed as critically endangered (CR) due to its limited distribution.
A new species of Clidicus with asymmetrical parameres (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: March 2018

Clidicus Laporte, 1832 currently comprises 27 species distributed in India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), Sri Lanka, Indonesia (Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra), Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak), Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines (Mindanao), China (Hainan) and Australia (Queensland). Some species have conspicuously large adults reaching 8.5 mm, and they represent the largest known Scydmaeninae. Species of Clidicus were relatively poorly known until recently, when Orousset (2014) revised a large portion of this genus and described several new species. Other major studies include Besuchet (1971), who described Sri Lankan species, Jałoszyński et al. (2003) who recorded four new species from Vietnam and Laos, Jałoszyński (2009) with the first description of a Philippine species, and Zhou & Li (2015), who discovered the first species in China. Another new species, representing the second Clidicus occurring in the Philippines, is described below.
Three new species of Tridentella Richardson, 1905 (Isopoda: Cymothoida: Tridentellidae) from New Caledonia
Authors: BRUCE NIEL L. , SVAVARSSON JÖRUNDUR
Published: March 2018

Three new species of Tridentella Richardson, 1905 are described from the New Caledonia region. All three species are smooth bodied or largely smooth bodied, and all were collected from the shelf around New Caledonia at depths from 150–760 metres. Tridentella palmata sp. nov. is characterised by pereopod 4 having numerous large robust setae on the carpus and an exceptionally long dactylus (7.0 times as long as proximal width); Tridentella katlae sp. nov. is the only species in the genus with medially united eyes that fill the head in dorsal view; Tridentella magna sp. nov. is the largest species in the genus (36 mm) and can be identified by the head having an anterior submarginal ridge and three submarginal tubercles on the poster margin. Tridentella takedai Nunomura 2006 (off Arasaki, Hokusuka-Shi, Kyushu, Japan) is formally transferred to Alcirona Hansen, 1905, forming Alcirona takedai (Nunomura, 2006) comb. nov.
New information on the distribution pattern of Acanthobdella peledina (Annelida, Acanthobdellida) in Eastern Siberia
Authors: KAYGORODOVA IRINA A. , DZYUBA ELENA V.
Published: March 2018

The Acanthobdellida is a group of annelid parasites of fish, which are restricted to subarctic parts of the Northern Hemisphere. These ancient worms arouse the interest of the scientific world due to their mosaic combination of (1) primitive oligochaetous characters (e.g. the presence of setae on the very anterior segments, a lateral nerve system and a metameric coelomic cavity around the intestinal canal) and (2) evolutionarily advanced hirudinean ecological and morphological features (e.g. suckers and parasitic lifestyle), attesting to their intermediate role between Oligochaeta and Euhirudinea (i.e. leeches with setae).
Notes on the taxonomic position of several species of the genus Diphascon (Tardigrada, Hypsibiidae)
Authors: TUMANOV DENIS V.
Published: March 2018

For this paper I analysed the descriptions of all species, attributed to the genus Diphascon Plate, 1889, to ascertain if they fit the diagnosis of this genus, provided by Bertolani et al. 2014. Thirty four species (the majority of the species diversity classified within the genus) fully match its emended diagnosis, while three: Diphascon opisthoglyptum Maucci, 1987, Diphascon procerum Pilato, Sabella & Lisi, 2014 and Diphascon ziliense Lisi, Sabella & Pilato, 2014, demonstrate a combination of characters, typical to the genus Pilatobius Bertolani et al., 2014. I propose the transfer these three species to the genus Pilatobius, thus their new taxonomic positions are as follows: Pilatobius opisthoglyptus (Maucci, 1987) comb. nov., Pilatobius procerus (Pilato, Sabella & Lisi, 2014) comb. nov. and Pilatobius ziliense (Lisi, Sabella & Pilato, 2014) comb. nov. Descriptions of three other Diphascon species (Diphascon mariae (Mihelčič, 1951), Diphascon rivulare (Mihelčič, 1967) and Diphascon punctatum (Iharos, 1962)) contain too little detail to conclude on their taxonomic position. The species Pilatobius halapiense (Iharos, 1964) was erroneously transferred from the genus Diphascon, and here I suggest it is transferred back to Diphascon. The new taxonomic position of this species is: Diphascon halapiense (Iharos, 1964) comb. nov. Emended list of species, attributed to the genus Diphascon is given.
A Paper on the Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillation Published in 1963 in a Chinese Journal
Authors: Li Tim , Wang Lu , Peng Melinda , Wang Bin , Zhang Chidong , Lau William , Kuo Hung-Chi
Published: March 2018

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) identified by Madden and Julian in the early 1970s has been well recognized as the most prominent intraseasonal signal in the tropics. Its discovery and its relationship with other weather phenomena such as tropical cyclones (TCs) are among the most significant advancements in modern meteorology with broad and far-reaching impacts. The original study by Madden and Julian used radiosonde data on Canton Island, and their spectral analysis revealed the signal of a 40–50-day oscillation.

It has come to our attention that an earlier study by Xie et al. published in a Chinese journal documented an oscillatory signal of a 45-day period using radiosonde data from several stations between 70° and 125°E in the tropics. The 40–50-day signal found by Xie et al. is strikingly evident without any filtering. Xie et al. identified that occurrences of TCs are correlated with the 40–50-day variation of low-level westerlies at these stations. The original figures in Xie et al.’s article were hand drawn. Their results are verified using data from a longer period of 1958–70. The 40–50-day oscillation in the monsoon westerlies and its relationship with the occurrence of TCs are confirmed and further expanded upon.

This study serves the purpose of bringing recognition to the community of the identification of a 40–50-day signal published in Chinese in 1963 and the discovery of the correlation between MJO phases and TC genesis three decades earlier than studies on this subject published outside China.
Cold Season Southwest Asia Precipitation Sensitivity to El Niño–Southern Oscillation Events
Authors: Hoell Andrew , Barlow Mathew , Xu Taiyi , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2018

The sensitivity of southwest Asia (25°–40°N, 40°–70°E) precipitation during the November–April rainy season to four types of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) El Niño and La Niña, is assessed using an ensemble of atmospheric model simulations forced by 1979–2015 boundary conditions. Sensitivity is assessed in terms of 1) the spread of precipitation across the ensemble members around the ensemble mean, 2) the probability of precipitation falling into the upper and lower terciles of the historical distribution, and 3) the relationship between the tropical atmosphere and southwest Asia precipitation during ENSO. During CP La Niña, the magnitude of the below-average mean precipitation exceeds the magnitude of the precipitation spread, thereby conditioning the probability of lower-tercile southwest Asia precipitation to greater than 70%. By contrast, EP La Niña does not alter the odds of southwest Asia precipitation terciles, as the magnitude of the near-zero mean precipitation is overwhelmed by the magnitude of the precipitation spread. EP and CP El Niño similarly result in above-average mean precipitation whose magnitude approaches the magnitude of the precipitation spread, thereby conditioning the probability of upper-tercile southwest Asia precipitation to around 50% region-wide. However, the notable effect of the precipitation spread during El Niño allows for a 20%–30% probability that the regional precipitation falls into the lower tercile. ENSO types simultaneously modify the probability of eastern Indian Ocean precipitation and southwest Asia precipitation, supporting the hypothesis that the tropical eastern Indian Ocean atmosphere serves as the medium by which ENSO forcing is communicated to southwest Asia.
Sensitivities of Parcel Trajectories beneath the Lowest Scalar Model Level of a Lorenz Vertical Grid
Authors: Guchte Andrew Vande , Dahl Johannes M. L.
Published: March 2018

Parcel trajectory analysis has become commonplace in the study of simulated severe convection, particularly that which deals with the development and maintenance of near-ground vertical vorticity. However, there are a number of unsolved problems with analyzing simulated trajectories that exist near the ground. One of these unsolved problems is how to deal with parcels that pass beneath the lowest scalar model level. Using the CM1 model, which uses a Lorenz grid, the sensitivity of parcel characteristics such as location or potential temperature to the choice of common extrapolation methods is documented. Using potential temperature as an example, it is explained why unphysical tendencies of scalar variables along trajectories may arise once parcels descend beneath the lowest scalar model level. Given the poorly constrained flow (and scalar) fields beneath the lowest scalar model level, errors such as those documented here appear unavoidable when using free-slip boundary conditions.
Multihazard Weather Risk Perception and Preparedness in Eight Countries
Authors: Keul Alexander G. , Brunner Bernhard , Allen John , Wilson Katie A. , Taszarek Mateusz , Price Colin , Soleiman Gary , Sharma Sanjay , Roy Partha , Aini Mat Said , Elistina Abu Bakar , Abidin Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal , Gomes Chandima
Published: March 2018

Weather risk perception research lacks multihazard and transcultural datasets. This hypothesis-generating study used a cognitive behavioral approach and Brunswik’s lens model for subjective risk parameters across eight countries. In Germany, Poland, Israel, the United States, Brazil, India, Malaysia, and Australia, 812 field interviews took place with a uniform set of 37 questions about weather interest, media access, elementary meteorological knowledge, weather fear, preparedness, loss due to weather, and sociodemography. The local randomized quota samples were strictly tested for sample errors; however, they cannot be considered representative for individual countries due to sample size and methodology. Highly rated subjective risks included flood, heat, tornado, and lightning. Weather fear was most prominent in the Malaysian sample and lowest in the German.

Subjective elements were further explored with bivariate correlations and a multivariate regression analysis. Sociodemography correlated with psychological variables like knowledge, interest, and fear. Fear was related with subjective risk; less educated and informed people were more fearful. A linear regression analysis identified interest, gender, housing type, education, loss due to weather, and local weather access as the significant predictors for preparedness. The level of preparedness was highest in the United States and Australia and lowest in the Malaysian and Brazilian samples. A lack of meteorological training and infrequent loss experiences make media communication important and emphasize the value of repetition for basic information. Elements of this survey can serve to monitor weather-related psychological orientations of vulnerable population groups. Finally, this survey provides a template with which larger representative transcultural multihazard perception studies can be pursued.
Comparison of Balloon Dilation and Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty in Patients with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tang‐Chuan , Lin Chia‐Der , Shih Tzu‐Ching , Chung Hsiung‐Kwang , Wang Ching‐Yuang , Tsou Yung‐An , Huang Ching‐Hsuan , Tsai Ming‐Hsui
Published: March 2018

Objective

We aimed to perform a meta‐analysis examining balloon dilatation and laser tuboplasty for the treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase search up to April 18, 2016, with the following keywords: eustachian, middle‐ear, eustachian tuboplasty, balloon tuboplasty, laser tuboplasty, laser dilatation, and balloon dilatation.

Review Methods

Randomized controlled trials and prospective, retrospective, and 1‐arm studies of patients with ETD treated with balloon dilatation or laser tuboplasty were included. Outcome measures were improvement of eustachian tube score (ETS) and tympanometry and Valsalva maneuver results.

Results

Two retrospective and 11 prospective studies were included (1063 patients; 942 treated with balloon and 121 with laser tuboplasty). Balloon tuboplasty resulted in a significant improvement of ETS (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23‐1.66; P =. 009) and, compared with laser tuboplasty, a greater tympanometry improvement rate (pooled event rate = 73% vs 13%; P =. 001). Valsalva maneuver improvement rate was not different between the group results (pooled event rate = 67% vs 50%; P =. 472). The maximum number of studies that provided outcome data for any one measure was only 4, and sensitivity analysis indicated ETS results may have been overly influenced by 2 studies. No balloon tuboplasty studies reported ETS data, preventing comparison between the 2 procedures.

Conclusion

Both procedures can improve symptoms of ETD; however, because of the limited numbers of studies reporting data of the outcomes of interest, it remains unclear if one procedure provides greater benefits.
Improved Comorbidity Capture Using a Standardized 1‐Step Quality Improvement Documentation Tool
Authors: Morrison Robert J. , Malloy Kelly M. , Bakshi Rishi R.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To assess the impact of implementation of a “1‐step” documentation query system on comorbidity capture and quality outcomes within the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

Methods

Implementation of the 1‐step documentation query system was instituted for all otolaryngology–head and neck surgery faculty at a single institution. Individual query responses and impact metrics were analyzed. Departmental case‐mix index (CMI), risk of mortality (ROM), and severity of illness (SOI) were collated over a 14‐month implementation period and compared to a 12‐month preimplementation period.

Results

A total of 226 documentation queries occurred during the program pilot period, with an 86.7% response rate. Of queries with a response, 91.0% resulted in a significant impact for the hospitalization diagnoses‐related group, ROM, or SOI. Departmental CMI increased from 2.73 to 2.91 over the implementation period, and observed/expected mortality ratio decreased from 0.50 to 0.42 pre‐ to postimplementation.

Discussion

With increasing emphasis on quality metrics outcomes within the United States health care system, there is a need for institutions to accurately capture the complexity and acuity of the patients they care for. There was a positive change in quality outcomes metrics, including ROM, SOI, and CMI over the first year of deployment of the 1‐step documentation query process.

Implications for Practice

Clinical severity metrics are becoming increasingly important to otolaryngologists, as insurers move to severity‐adjusted profiles. The 1‐step documentation query process provides a reproducible and effective way for clinical documentation specialists and physicians to collaborate on improving departmental clinical severity metrics.
Sensitivity and specificity of the Akena Visual Depression Inventory (AViDI-18) in Kampala (Uganda) and Cape Town (South Africa)
Authors: Akena Dickens , Joska John , Stein Dan J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Visual scales may be particularly useful in screening for depression in patients with low literacy. However, few have been validated and none are in common use.

Aim

Modification and validation of a visual scale to screen for depression in low literacy settings.

Method

We assessed the validity, reliability and factor loading of a 28-item visual depression inventory using pictorial items depicting depression signs and symptoms. We validated a revised scale comprised of 18 items known as the Akena Visual Depression Inventory (AViDI-18) against a structured diagnostic interview (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Inventory) in 343 patients in Kampala (Uganda) and Cape Town (South Africa).

Results

The 18 pictorial items had acceptable validity and reliability. The area under the curve (AUC) score of the AViDI-18 was 0.9. AUC scores were not significantly associated with sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion

The AViDI-18 is a valid screen for depression in patients with low literacy.

Declaration of interest

None.
Functional Anaerobic and Strength Training in Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: GILLETT JARRED G. , LICHTWARK GLEN A. , BOYD ROSLYN N. , BARBER LEE A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a 12-wk combined functional anaerobic and strength training program on neuromuscular properties and functional capacity in young adults with spastic-type cerebral palsy.

Methods

A total of 17 young adults (21 ± 4 yr, 9 males, Gross Motor Function Classification System I = 11 and II = 6) were randomized to 12 wk, 3 sessions per week, of high-intensity functional anaerobic and progressive resistance training of the lower limbs (n = 8), or a waitlist control group (n = 9). Pre- and posttraining plantarflexor and tibialis anterior muscle volumes and composition, passive and active plantarflexor muscle properties, and functional capacity outcomes were assessed.

Results

The training group had higher values compared with the control group (adjusted mean difference) at 12 wk for the following: more- and less-impaired total plantarflexor and tibialis anterior muscle volumes, maximum isometric plantarflexion strength, muscle power sprint test peak power, agility shuttle time, composite functional strength score, and 6-min walk test distance. The change in total plantarflexor muscle volume was associated with the change in plantarflexor muscle strength. There were relationships between the change in plantarflexor muscle strength and the change in functional capacity outcomes (functional strength; 6-min walk test).

Conclusions

Combined functional anaerobic and strength training increased muscle size, strength, and functional capacity in young adults with cerebral palsy. The addition of anaerobic training to progressive resistance training programs assists in the transfer to improved functional capacity.
APPLICATION OF THE BENFORD LAW IN ASSESSMENT OF WILDFIRE DATA ACCURACY
Authors: Котельников Роман , Kotelnikov Roman , Мартынюк Алескандр , Martynyuk Aleskandr
Published: March 2018

Timely availability of accurate burned out area data is a key management aspect in forest protection arrange-ments. Special operation multilevel net-work including field surveys of burned out areas has been established now to verify appropriate data accuracy. In the mean time extensive levels of information from various sources accumulated in wildfire databases enable statistical assessment of the data accuracy drastically reducing time and financial costs of verification operations. Mathematically proven that amount of numbers that specify real natural facilities may grow exponentially due to the Benford law. The paper proves applicability of the Benford law provisions in assessment of wildfire area data accuracy through analysis of first figure occurrence in numbers specifying forest covered burned out area in the Russian Federation territory in 2016 and assessed a minimum set of values needed for an adequate result. In addition the paper highlights an opportunity of variously outsourced data accuracy comparative analysis. Taking into consideration that variation of individual figure occurrence frequency in analyzed value packages may have a different sign for various figures it is offered to apply an indicator representing a mean value of appropriate figure occurrence probability variation modules. The offered procedure based on the Benford law application may be a part of a risk-targeted approach to plan control supervisory operations in forest relations.