bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Understanding and Management of Organism Toxicity in Septic Shock
Authors: Genga Kelly Roveran , Shimada Tadanaga , Boyd John H. , Walley Keith R. , Russell James A.
Published: May 2018

The toxicity caused by different organisms in septic shock is substantially complex and characterized by an intricate pathogenicity that involves several systems and pathways. Immune cells’ pattern recognition receptors initiate the host response to pathogens after the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In essence, the subsequent activation of downstream pathways may progress to infection resolution or to a dysregulated host response that represents the hallmark of organ injury in septic shock. Likewise, the management of organism toxicity in septic shock is complicated and comprises a multiplicity of suitable targets. In this review, the classic immune responses to pathogens are discussed as well as other factors that are relevant in the pathogenicity of septic shock, including sepsis-induced immune suppression, inflammasome activation, intestinal permeability, and the role of lipids and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Current therapies aiming to eliminate the organisms causing septic shock, recent and ongoing trials in septic shock treatment, and potential new therapeutic strategies are also explored.
A Succinate Ether Derivative of Tocotrienol Enhances Dickkopf-1 Gene Expression through Epigenetic Alterations in Malignant Mesothelioma Cells
Authors: Sato Ayami , Ueno Haruka , Fusegi Momoka , Kaneko Saki , Kohno Kakeru , Virgona Nantiga , Ando Akira , Sekine Yuko , Yano Tomohiro
Published: May 2018

Background: Wnt signaling plays an essential role in tumor cell growth, including the development of malignant mesothelioma (MM). Epigenetic silencing of negative Wnt regulators leading to constitutive Wnt signaling has been observed in various cancers and warrants further attention. We have reported that a succinate ether derivative of α-tocotrienol (T3E) has potent cytotoxic effects in MM cells. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether the anti-MM effect of T3E could be mediated via the epigenetic alteration of the Wnt antagonist gene, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1). Methods: WST-1 and cell analyzers were employed to analyze the effects of T3E on cell viability and apoptosis of human MM cell lines (H2452, H28). Real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to evaluate the expression at mRNA and protein levels. Methylation status and epigenetic modifications of DKK1’s promoter regions after T3E treatment in MM cells were studied using methylation-specific PCR and Chromatin immunoprecipitation. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown ­(siRNA), and specific inhibitors, were used to validate DKK1 as a target of T3E. Results: T3E markedly impaired MM cell viability, increased the expression of phosphorylated-JNK and DKK1 and suppressed cyclin D, a downstream target gene of Wnt signaling. Knockdown of DKK1 expression by siRNA or a specific JNK inhibitor confirmed the contribution of DKK1 and JNK to T3E-induced cytotoxicity in MM cells. On the other hand, cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) expression, which promotes cell proliferation as a Wnt-independent DKK1 receptor was inhibited by T3E. Silencing CKAP4 by ­siRNA did not appear to directly affect MM cell viability, thereby indicating that expression of both DKK1 and CKAP4 is required. Furthermore, T3E-mediated inhibition of both DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, 3A, and 3B) and histone deacetylases (HDAC1, 2, 3, and 8) in MM cells leads to increased DKK1 expression, thereby promoting tumor growth inhibition. MM cells treated with Zebularine (a DNMT inhibitor) and sodium butyrate (an HDAC inhibitor) exhibited cytotoxic effects, which may explain the inhibitory action of T3E on MM cells. In addition, an enhanced expression of DKK1 in MM cells following T3E treatment is positively correlated with the methylation status of its promoter; T3E decreased DNA methylation and increased histone acetylation. Moreover, T3E specifically increased histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation activity, whereas no effects were observed on histone H3K9 and H3K27. Conclusions: Targeting the epigenetic induction of DKK1 may lead to effective treatment of MM, and T3E has great potential to induce anti-MM activity.
Clinical Stage IIA-IIC Seminoma: Radiation Therapy versus Systemic Chemotherapy versus Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: von Amsberg Gunhild , Hamilton Robert , Papachristofilou Alexandros
Published: May 2018

Background: Clinical stage II (CSII) seminoma is defined by the presence of pure seminoma accompanied by retroperitoneal lymph node metastases. In patients with bulky disease (lymph nodes > 5 cm in diameter), platinum-based chemotherapy is the widely accepted standard of care. However, the optimal choice of treatment for CSIIA and IIB is more controversial. Methods: We performed a PubMed search using the key words stage II seminoma, BEP (cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin), hockey-stick radiotherapy, dog-leg radiotherapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Most relevant publications were summarized for this review. Results: To date, no randomized trials have prospectively compared radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy (CT) and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RLND) for CSII seminoma. Because of the predominantly retrospective analyses and only few prospective trials data interpretation is complex. In CSIIA with lymph nodes of < 2 cm, RT and CT seem to be equally effective, while in CSIIB, a decreased number of relapses were observed in CT-treated patients. In addition, RT seems to be associated with a higher incidence of long-term sequelae when compared with CT. Conclusion: Prospective clinical trials are needed to systematically compare the different treatment modalities. De-escalation of treatment intensity without loss of efficacy is required to improve long-term outcome for this young patient population.
Beyond Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Efficacy of the Low Fodmap Diet for Improving Symptoms in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Celiac Disease
Authors: Testa Anna , Imperatore Nicola , Rispo Antonio , Rea Matilde , Tortora Raffaella , Nardone Olga Maria , Lucci Lucia , Accarino Grazia , Caporaso Nicola , Castiglione Fabiana
Published: May 2018

Background and Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of a low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) diet on patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), non-active inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and celiac disease (CD) on a gluten-free diet (GFD). Methods: Dietetic interventional prospective study. IBS, IBD, and CD subjects were evaluated to check if they fulfilled the Rome III criteria. Each subject was educated to follow a low FODMAP diet after being evaluated by filling out questionnaires that assessed the quality of life (QoL) and symptoms experienced (IBS-SSS and SF-36), and was reevaluated after 1 and 3 months. Results: One hundred twenty-seven subjects were enrolled: 56 with IBS, 30 with IBD, and 41 with CD. IBS-SSS showed that abdominal symptoms improved after 1 and 3 months of diet in all subjects, with significant difference among the 3 groups at T0 (average scores IBS: 293 ± 137, IBD: 206 ± 86, CD: 222 ± 65, p < 0.001), but no difference at T3 (IBS: 88 ± 54, IBD: 73 ± 45, CD: 77 ± 49, p = ns). By analyzing the SF-36 questionnaire, we did not observe any difference between the 3 groups, in terms of response to diet (p = ns), we observed a clinical improvement from T0 to T3 for most of the questionnaire’s domains. Conclusions: A low FODMAP diet could be a valid option to counter ­abdominal symptoms in patients with IBS, non-active IBD, or CD on a GFD, and thus, improve their QoL and social ­relations.
Rotigotine Improves Abnormal Circadian Rhythm of Blood Pressure in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Oka Hisayoshi , Nakahara Atuso , Umehara Tadashi
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Cardiovascular autonomic failure is commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), affecting the daily lives of patients. Rotigotine was recently reported not to influence cardiovascular autonomic responses in contrast to other dopaminergic drugs. The effect of rotigotine on daily blood pressure (BP) fluctuations might reflect autonomic failure in patients with PD. Methods: Twenty-five PD patients who were receiving rotigotine and 12 patients not receiving rotigotine were recruited. Systolic BP during the daytime and nighttime was measured by 24-h BP monitoring at an interval of 2 years. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the BP fluctuation type: dippers (nocturnal fall in BP ≥10%), non-dippers (0–10%), and risers (< 0%). The time course of BP was compared between the patients given rotigotine and those not given rotigotine. Results: Among the 25 patients who received rotigotine, the BP type worsened in 2 patients, was unchanged in 16 patients, and improved in 7 patients. Among the 12 patients who were not receiving rotigotine, the BP type worsened in 5 patients, was unchanged in 4 patients, and improved only in 3 patients (p = 0.042). Conclusion: Rotigotine improves the abnormal circadian rhythm of BP in patients with PD. Rotigotine was suggested to have favorable effects on cardiovascular autonomic responses and circadian rhythm in patients with PD.
The Therapeutic Effect of ICAM-1-Overexpressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Tang Bo , Li Xue , Liu Yuanlin , Chen Xiuhui , Li Ximei , Chu Yanan , Zhu Heng , Liu Weijiang , Xu Fenfen , Zhou Fan , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) do not readily migrate to appropriate sites, and this creates a major obstacle for their use in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) can guide the homing of various immune cells to the proper anatomical location within secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), which are the major niches for generating immune responses or tolerance. MSCs rarely migrate to SLOs after intravenous infusion, and are constitutively low expression of ICAM-1. So in our previous work, ICAM-1 was engineered into a murine MSC line C3H10T1/2 by retrovirus transfection system (ICAM-1MSCs). Here, we hypothesized that ICAM-1highMSCs may significantly improve their immunomodulatory effect. Methods: We used different co-culture methods combined with real-time PCR and flow cytometry to evaluate ICAM-1highMSCs immunomodulatory effect on dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells in vitro and in vivo. MSCs were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidylester (CFSE) to detect its distribution in mouse model. Results: Our in vitro analyses revealed ICAM-1 MSCs could suppress DCs maturation according to co-culture methods and suppress the T cell immune response according to the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) and lymphoblast transformation test (LTT) tests. We found that infusion of ICAM-1highMSCs potently prolonged the survival of GVHD mouse model. The infused ICAM-1highMSCs migrate to SLOs in vivo, and suppressed DCs maturation, suppressed CD4+ T cell differentiation to Th1 cells, and increased the ratios of Treg cells. Conclusions: Taken together, these data demonstrate that ICAM-1highMSCs had an enhanced immunosuppressive effect on DCs and T cells, which may help explain the protective effect in a GVHD model. This exciting therapeutic strategy may improve the clinical efficacy of MSC-based therapy for GVHD.
Clinical Correlates of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Phenotypes at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Turkey
Authors: Erdogmus Siyar , Kutlay Sim , Celebi Zeynep Kendi , Aydın Tolga , Ors Sendogan Damla , Kumru Gizem , Keven Kenan , Nergizoglu Gokhan , Erturk Sehsuvar , Sengul Sule
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Hypertension and its complications are major public health issues worldwide due to their association with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite significant progress in health, the prevalence of hypertension is increasing. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is becoming increasingly important for the management of hypertension. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory correlates of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) phenotypes at a tertiary care hospital in Turkey. Methods: The characteristics of 1053 patients were retrospectively obtained from the hospital database. Hypertension was defined as patients with office blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg and/or previously diagnosed hypertension and/or the use of antihypertensive medication. According to the office BP and ABPM results patients were identified namely: (1) sustained normotensive (SNT) patients (both office BP and ABPM were normal), (2) sustained hypertensive (SHT) patients (both office BP and ABPM were high), (3) masked hypertensive (MHT) patients (office BP were normal, but ABPM were high), (4) white coat hypertensive (WCHT) patients (office BP were above limits, but ABPM were normal). Results: A total of 1053 patients were included to the study (female/male: 608/445 and mean age 55 ± 15 years). The mean age of patients with hypertension was significantly higher than without hypertension (p< 0.0001). Hypertension was more frequent in females (p=0.009). The rates of history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia (HL), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were higher in patients with hypertension (p< 0.0001). Among patients with hypertension (n=853, 81%), ABPM results showed that 388 (45%) of patients had SHT, 92 (11%) had MHT, and 144 (17%) had WCHT, whereas 229 (27%) had SNT. Patients with MHT were significantly older than patients with SNT (p=0.025). The prevalence of SHT was higher in men than in women, whereas the prevalence of WCHT was higher in women than in men (p< 0.0001). There was no significant difference between 4 groups with regard to body mass index (p=0.142), a history of DM (p=0.189) and smoking status (self-reported) (p=0.306). Patients with SHT had the highest prevalence of history of hypertension, HL and CKD (p< 0.0001). Among patients without hypertension, 26 (13%) of patients had MHT and none of those patients was on antihypertensive treatment. Conclusion: Potential usages of ABPM in Turkey may include screening of high risk individuals who have traditional cardiovascular risk factors. It also provides clinicians valuable information on abnormal ABP phenotypes. Future studies are needed to clarify the risk factors of different ABP phenotypes and to evaluate the role of ABPM on detection and control of hypertension.
Intraventricular Injection of LKB1 Inhibits the Formation of Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats by Activating the AMPK-POMC Neurons-Sympathetic Nervous System Axis
Authors: Xi Pengjiao , Du Jianying , Liang Huimin , Han Jie , Wu Zhaoxia , Wang Haomin , He Lu , Wang Qiming , Ge Haize , Li Yongmei , Xue Jie , Tian Derun
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Obesity is increasingly becoming a major public health problem worldwide. Peripheral LKB1 inhibits white fat generation, but the effect of central LKB1 on diet-induced obesity (DIO) is unknown. Therefore, we examined whether LKB1 over-expression in the hypothalamus can inhibit the development of obesity. Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. LKB1-AAV-EGFP (2.0 × 108 or 2.0 × 1010 vector genomes) or Control-AAV-EGFP (2.0 × 108 vector genomes) was injected into the third ventricle. After administration, the rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks to induce obesity. Rats fed a chow fat diet were used as normal controls. Results: LKB1 delivery decreased body weight, energy intake, fat mass, and serum lipid levels. LKB1 also improved HFD-induced hepatic fatty degeneration. Interestingly, LKB1 over-expression in the hypothalamus activated the AMPK-POMC neurons-sympathetic nervous system (SNS) axis, which can release epinephrine to promote white fat browning. Conversely, the elevated expression of MC3R/MC4R inhibited food intake. These two factors worked together to inhibit the development of obesity. Conclusions: LKB1 in the hypothalamus may have therapeutic potential for DIO through the activation of the AMPK-POMC neurons-SNS axis.
Perfusion Computer Tomography Assessment of the Effect of Angiotensin II On Blood Flow Distribution in Rabbits with Intrarenal VX2 Tumors
Authors: Xu Ying-Jin , Wu Song-Hong , Liu Huai-Jun , Niu Pei , Shen Wen-Zeng , Xu Ying-Jie , Yin Xiao-Ping , Zhang Tian-Le , Li Xue-Zhao , Guo Fei , Niu Xiao-Long , Zhu Jin-Song
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Unlike other organs, which only have one set of capillary network, the renal microvasculature consists of two sets of capillary network series connected by efferent arterioles. Angiotensin II constricts the efferent glomerular artery. Hence, renal tumor blood flow (BF) distribution may be different from tumors in other organs. This study aims to investigate the effects of angiotensin II on the hemodynamics of intrarenal VX2 tumors using perfusion computed tomography(CT). Methods: Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: groups A (blank controls), group B (negative controls), and group C (angiotensin II-treated animals). Group B and C were established to the model of intrarenal VX2 tumors. Furthermore, perfusion CT of the kidney was performed in each group. Prior to perfusion CT scan in group C, the mean arterial blood was elevated to 150-160 mmHg by angiotensin II. The BF, blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), capillary permeability-surface area product (PS), and relative permeability-surface area product (RPS) of tumors and renal tissues were calculated. Results: Compared with normal renal cortex tissues in group A, the BF, BV and PS values of tumors in group B were significantly lower, MTT was prolonged and RPS increased. Compared with group B, only the RPS of these tumors increased from 83.23 ± 29.17% to 120.94 ± 31.84% by angiotensin II infusion. Angiotensin II significantly increased the RPS value of the renal cortex distant from the tumor (CDT) and the right renal cortex (RRC). Conclusions: Perfusion CT can accurately observe the influence of angiotensin II on normal and tumor BF in kidneys. This clarifies the effect of angiotensin II on intrarenal tumor hemodynamics.
Cardiac Ablation of SOCS3 Aggravates DOCA-Salt-Induced Hypertrophic Remodeling by Activation of Gp130-Dependent Signaling in Mice
Authors: Liu Shuang , Liu Li-Xin , Zhang Yun-Long , Lai Song , Xie Yun-Peng , Li Nan-Nan , Wang Hong-Xia , Xia Yun-Long , Liu Ying , Li Hui-Hua
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: Cardiac remodeling is a critical pathogenetic process leading to heart failure. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) is demonstrated as a key negative regulator of the gp130 receptor to inhibit cardiac hypertrophy. However, the role of SOCS3 in deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Methods: Cardiac-specific SOCS3 knockout (SOCS3cKO) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice were subjected to uninephrectomy and DOCA-salt for 3 weeks. The effect of SOCS3 on cardiac remodeling and inflammation was evaluated by histological analysis. Gene and protein levels were measured by real-time PCR and immunoblotting analysis. Results: After DOCA-salt treatment, the expression of SOCS3, activation of gp130/JAK/STAT3, cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis in DOCA-salt mice were significantly elevated, which were markedly attenuated by eplerenone, a specific mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker. Moreover, DOCA-salt-induced cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation were aggravated in SOCS3cKO mice, but were significantly reduced in AAV9-SOCS3-injected mice. These effects were mostly associated with activation of gp130/STAT3/AKT/ERK1/2, TGF-β/Smad2/3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that loss of SOCS3 in cardiomyocytes promotes DOCA-salt-induced cardiac remodeling and inflammation, and it may be a novel potential therapeutic target for hypertensive heart disease.
O épico, o perspectivismo, a miscigenação e a malandragem nas fricções entre o artista-pesquisador e o pesquisador-artista
Authors: Frin Luiz Eduardo
Published: May 2018

Neste trabalho, apresento resumidamente elementos da minha tese de doutorado Épica, em perspectiva, miscigenada e malandra: mergulhos em processos criativos da Cia. Livre e da Cia. Teatro Balagan trazem à tona forma de produção do sujeito teatro de grupo paulistano, em que defendi que a forma de produção desenvolvida pelo sujeito histórico teatro de grupo paulistano é predominantemente épica e comporta elementos fundantes do denominado povo brasileiro: a miscigenação, o perspectivismo e a malandragem. Além disso, relato neste artigo algumas fricções ocorridas no processo de pesquisa, concernentes às relações estabelecidas entre o sujeito pesquisador e o objeto de pesquisa, fricções estas que foram determinantes para a forma final ensaística do trabalho.
Diagnostic Yield of Genetic Testing in Young Athletes With T-Wave Inversion
Authors: Sheikh Nabeel , Papadakis Michael , Wilson Mathew , Malhotra Aneil , Adamuz Carmen , Homfray Tessa , Monserrat Lorenzo , Behr Elijah R. , Sharma Sanjay
Published: May 2018

Background:

T-wave inversion (TWI) is common in patients with cardiomyopathy. However, up to 25% of athletes of African/Afro-Caribbean descent (black athletes) and 5% of white athletes also have TWI of unclear clinical significance despite comprehensive clinical evaluation and long-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield from genetic testing, beyond clinical evaluation, when investigating athletes with TWI.

Methods:

We investigated 50 consecutive asymptomatic black and 50 white athletes 14 to 35 years of age with TWI and a normal echocardiogram who were referred to a UK tertiary center for cardiomyopathy and sports cardiology. Subjects underwent exercise testing, 24-hour ambulatory ECG, signal-averaged ECG, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and a blood-based analysis of a comprehensive 311-gene panel for cardiomyopathies and ion channel disorders associated with TWI, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular noncompaction, long-QT syndrome, and Brugada syndrome.

Results:

In total, 21 athletes (21%) were diagnosed with cardiac disease on the basis of comprehensive clinical investigations. Of these, 8 (38.1%) were gene positive (myosin binding protein C[
MYBPC3
], myosin heavy chain 7 [
MYH7
], galactosidase alpha [
GLA
], and actin alpha, cardiac muscle 1 [
ACTC1
] genes) and 13 (61.9%) were gene negative. Of the remaining 79 athletes (79%), 2 (2.5%) were gene positive (transthyretin [
TTR
] and sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 5 [
SCN5A
] genes) in the absence of a clinical phenotype. The prevalence of newly diagnosed cardiomyopathy was higher in white athletes compared with black athletes (30.0% versus 12%;
P=0
.027). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy accounted for 90.5% of all clinical diagnoses. All black athletes and 93.3% of white athletes with a clinical diagnosis of cardiomyopathy or a genetic mutation capable of causing cardiomyopathy exhibited lateral TWI as opposed to isolated anterior or inferior TWI; the genetic yield of diagnoses from lateral TWI was 12.3%.

Conclusions:

Up to 10% of athletes with TWI revealed mutations capable of causing cardiac disease. Despite the substantial cost, the positive diagnostic yield from genetic testing was one half that from clinical evaluation (10% versus 21%) and contributed to additional diagnoses in only 2.5% of athletes with TWI in the absence of a clear clinical phenotype, making it of negligible use in routine clinical practice.
Top–Down Control of Alpha Phase Adjustment in Anticipation of Temporally Predictable Visual Stimuli
Authors: Solís-Vivanco Rodolfo , Jensen Ole , Bonnefond Mathilde
Published: May 2018

Alpha oscillations (8–14 Hz) are proposed to represent an active mechanism of functional inhibition of neuronal processing. Specifically, alpha oscillations are associated with pulses of inhibition repeating every ∼100 msec. Whether alpha phase, similar to alpha power, is under top–down control remains unclear. Moreover, the sources of such putative top–down phase control are unknown. We designed a cross-modal (visual/auditory) attention study in which we used magnetoencephalography to record the brain activity from 34 healthy participants. In each trial, a somatosensory cue indicated whether to attend to either the visual or auditory domain. The timing of the stimulus onset was predictable across trials. We found that, when visual information was attended, anticipatory alpha power was reduced in visual areas, whereas the phase adjusted just before the stimulus onset. Performance in each modality was predicted by the phase of the alpha oscillations previous to stimulus onset. Alpha oscillations in the left pFC appeared to lead the adjustment of alpha phase in visual areas. Finally, alpha phase modulated stimulus-induced gamma activity. Our results confirm that alpha phase can be top–down adjusted in anticipation of predictable stimuli and improve performance. Phase adjustment of the alpha rhythm might serve as a neurophysiological resource for optimizing visual processing when temporal predictions are possible and there is considerable competition between target and distracting stimuli.
Critical Mass and Insecurity in Minority Language Policy
Authors: Huws C.F.
Published: May 2018

This article will discuss the extent to which legislation is effective in terms of changing individual and group behaviours. The specific focus of this article will be to argue that legislation pertaining to the use of the Welsh language in Wales, despite having expanded the domains of language use in an important way, has not shifted the cycle of language non-use that may be identified.
Morning, Paramin
Authors: Fumagalli Maria Cristina
Published: May 2018

In Morning, Paramin (2016), 51 new poems by Derek Walcott are in dialogue with 51 paintings by Peter Doig. Walcott, also an accomplished painter, has often engaged with the visual arts, but this is the first volume in which every poem “cor-responds” to a painting, offering unique opportunities to examine Walcott’s ekphrastic practices and the way in which they might offer alternatives to current paradigms. Rejecting the paradigm of a paragonal struggle for dominance, I will argue that Morning, Paramin is shaped by an ekphrasis of Relation (resonating with Glissant’s poetics of Relation) in which the verbal and the visual interact in complex ways, exercising mutual reclaimings of agency and transformative dialogues that engender new composite works of art governed by a noncompetitive, nonexploitative approach; as otherness is reconfigured, the right to “opacity” is upheld, and each image and word contribute to a whole bigger than the sum of its parts.
Further Jewish Neo-Aramaic Innovations
Authors: Mutzafi Hezy
Published: May 2018

The present article presents new findings related to Jewish Neo-Aramaic (JNA) innovations in the framework of North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic (NENA). The dialectal spectrum of JNA is so wide and variegated, that some geographically distant JNA varieties are markedly different from each other on all levels of language structure. Despite this great heterogeneity, the JNA dialects share supra-regional features that bind these varieties together to the exclusion of all, or the vast majority of, the Christian NENA (C.NENA) dialects. There appear to be no grounds, however, for a genetic classification of NENA into two principal branches, JNA and C.NENA. Distinct Jewish versus Christian NENA isoglosses have, rather, most plausibly emerged by gradual diffusion of innovations throughout NENA-speaking communities of the same confession (Jewish or Christian), while skipping geographically adjacent, but religiously distinct, NENA-speaking communities.
On the identity of Schistidium malacophyllum Herzog (Grimmiacaea, Bryophyta)
Authors: SUÁREZ GUILLERMO M. , FLORES JORGE R. , MUÑOZ JESÚS
Published: May 2018

Schistidium Bruch & Schimper (in Bruch et al. 1845: 93) is one of the most complex and difficult moss genera, and is still poorly known and understudied taxonomically in South America. In the Neotropics, there are around twenty names for this genus without a real status acknowledged (Churchill et al., 2000) as no taxonomical or nomenclatural revision was ever conducted.
Dahlia tamaulipana (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae), a new species from the Sierra Madre Oriental biogeographic province in Mexico
Authors: REYES-SANTIAGO JERÓNIMO , ISLAS-LUNA MARÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES , MACÍAS-FLORES RAFAEL GUADALUPE , CASTRO-CASTRO ARTURO
Published: May 2018

Dahlia tamaulipana (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) a new species from Sierra Madre Oriental in Tamaulipas, Mexico, is described. The new species is morphologically similar to D. tubulata, but differs by developing stems evidently hexagonal and villous in the upper portion of the nodes and the base of the petioles, the internodes reach 3–5.5 × 1–1.5 cm, the stipels are present from the first to the third pair of leaflets, the synflorescence develops (1–)15–25 heads, the heads reach 6.5–10 cm wide across the extended rays, and clavate cypsela with crown-shaped pappus. Both species inhabit the northern portion of the Sierra Madre Oriental, however they are not sympatric and do not share ecological preferences and phenological behavior. The description of the new species is accompanied with photographs, a chromosome count, and a distributions map and a key for Dahlia in Sierra Madre Oriental.
Twelve new records of Melastomataceae from northern Peru
Authors: PAREDES-BURNEO DIEGO , MICHELANGELI FABIÁN A. , CANO ASUNCIÓN
Published: May 2018

We present a distribution extension for 12 species of Melastomataceae: all of them consisting in new reports for Peru. These belong to Axinaea (one species), Brachyotum (one species), Meriania (two species), and Miconia (eight species), occurring both in western and eastern-slopes forests, as well as in paramo and jalca. Nine of them have been previously reported as endemics to Ecuador. Only two species occur both north and south of Huancabamba deflection and seven are restricted to the Andes between the Girón-Paute valley in southern Ecuador and north of the Huancabamba deflection—the core of the already identified Huancabamba region.
A revised concept of Rhipidoglossum (Angraecinae, Orchidaceae)
Authors: FARMINHÃO JOÃO N. M. , MEERTS PIERRE , DESCOURVIÈRES PASCAL , DROISSART VINCENT , SIMO-DROISSART MURIELLE , STÉVART TARIQ
Published: May 2018

Following the production of a near-comprehensive generic phylogenetic analysis of African angraecoid orchids, paraphyly of the genus Rhipidoglossum relative to Cribbia, Margelliantha and Rhaesteria was in need of being resolved by integrating morphological observations into this newly available molecular framework. Accordingly, we critically revised the diagnostic traits of each genus by examining about 700 herbarium specimens ascribable to 50 species of Rhipidoglossum and its satellite genera. Cribbia, Margelliantha and Rhaesteria are here lumped with Rhipidoglossum, along with Angraecopsis pusilla and Diaphananthe millarii. The presence of pollinaria with two separate disk-shaped viscidia, a trilobed, non-papillate rostellum with midlobe more prominent than lateral lobes and an undivided lip are diagnostic of this more inclusive concept of Rhipidoglossum. In line with this new taxonomic arrangement, 11 new combinations in Rhipidoglossum are made, and Margelliantha lebelii is moved to Diaphananthe and first reported for Uganda.
First record of the rare Dyckia racemosa Baker (Bromeliaceae) in Maranhão state (northeastern Brazil), with an update on the species description, geographic distribution, and conservation status
Authors: GUARÇONI ELIDIO A.E. , BASTIAN REGIS E. , SILVA EDUARDO O. , FERREIRA ALESSANDRO W. C.
Published: May 2018

Dyckia racemosa is a Bromeliaceae species known from only three collections near Serra Geral, Central Brazil. In this study, the area of occurrence of the species is reported to extend to a Cerrado area in Maranhão state, northeastern Brazil. Digital collections from Brazilian and international herbaria were consulted. The species original description is complemented herein with illustrations and information on the species phenology, ecology, and conservation status. The discovery of D. racemosa in Maranhão demonstrates the importance of floristic studies and the need for further research of this nature in that Brazilian state.
Taxonomic study of the genus Evergestis Hübner, 1825 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Glaphyriinae) in Iran with description of a new species
Authors: ALIPANAH HELEN , KHODADAD MASOUMEH , RAJAEI HOSSEIN , HASELI MOHAMMAD
Published: May 2018

The Iranian species of the genus Evergestis were reviewed taxonomically and as a result, Evergestis pazukii sp. n. is described as a new species, E. comealis Amsel stat. n. is raised to species level from the subspecies E. caesialis comealis, and four species, namely E. flavifuscalis Rebel, E. limbata (Linnaeus), E. pechi (Bethune-Baker), and E. serratalis Staudinger are newly reported from Iran. Furthermore, the females of Evergestis africalis (Guenée), and E. nomadalis (Lederer), and the male of E. elbursalis Amsel are described and illustrated for the first time. A redescription of the male of E. hyrcanalis Amsel is provided mainly based on the genital structure, and the male and female genitalia of E. boursini Amsel and E. flavifuscalis Rebel are redescribed, respectively due to their poor descriptions. Additional remarks on the previousely reported species and new data on their distribution in Iran are also provided.
One hundred years of solitude ended: A second species of Marmasoma White, 1916 (Diptera, Bombyliidae, Bombyliinae, Eclimini) from Australia
Authors: LI XUANKUN , YEATES DAVID K.
Published: May 2018

Known as a monotypic genus for over a century, Marmasoma White, 1916 is an endemic Australian bee fly genus belonging to the tribe Eclimini of the subfamily Bombyliinae. A new species: Marmasoma hortorum sp. nov. is described based on a series of specimens from Western Australia and South Australia. This new species can be easily distinguished from the congener by the inconspicuous pale wing markings and mostly white to pale yellow scales on the body, as well as characters of both male and female genitalia. M. sumptuosum is found in south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania, and some specimens have been collected on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. M. hortorum sp. nov. occurs in south Western Australia, and a pair of specimens has been taken just north of Port Augusta in South Australia. A key to species of Marmasoma is provided.
Marine tardigrades of the Bahamas with the description of two new species and updated keys to the species of Anisonyches and Archechiniscus
Authors: BARTELS PAUL J. , FONTOURA PAULO , NELSON DIANE R.
Published: May 2018

This is the first survey of subtidal marine tardigrades from the Bahamas, and we compare our results with earlier studies of Bahamian intertidal habitats. In 2011 and 2014 we collected 60 subtidal sand samples from Bimini, the Berry Islands, New Providence, Eleuthera, and the Exumas. We found 11 species only one of which, Dipodarctus subterraneus (Renaud-Debyser, 1959), had been found in the previous intertidal Bahamian collections. Thus, 10 species are new records for the Bahamas, and four of these are new to science. We describe two of the new species (Archechiniscus bahamensis sp. nov. and Anisonyches eleutherensis sp. nov.). Additional material is needed for a conclusive identification of the undescribed species of Batillipes and Florarctus. Based on examination of the holotype of Anisonyches diakidius Pollock, 1975, we redescribe this species and give an emended diagnosis of the genus and the species. We also provide new keys to the species in the genera Archechiniscus and Anisonyches. A Chao2 species richness estimate indicated that our sampling effort was extensive and probably recovered most common species. Correlations of abundance and diversity indices with regard to depth, distance to nearest shore, and sediment grain size were not significant.
A new species of myrmecophilous lady beetle in the genus Diomus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Diomini) from Chiapas, Mexico that feeds on green coffee scale, Coccus viridis (Green) (Hemiptera: Coccidae)
Authors: VANDENBERG NATALIA J. , IVERSON AARON , LIERE HEIDI
Published: May 2018

A new species of myrmecophilous lady beetle, Diomus lupusapudoves, sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Diomini), is described from a coffee agroecosystem in Chiapas, Mexico. The new species was found preying on the green coffee scale pest, Coccus viridis (Green), tended primarily by Azteca sericeasur Longino and Pheidole synanthropica Longino ants. The larval, pupal, and adult stages of the new species are described and habitus illustrations or photos provided along with anatomical details of the adult male and female genitalia. The species is most similar to Diomus thoracicus Fabricius         (=type species of Diomus), another myrmecophile, which inhabits ant nests and feeds on ant brood. The new species has a peculiar onisciform larva that lacks dorsal setae, features that it shares with D. thoracicus. The new species is only the second species in the genus reported as a myrmecophile, although the life histories of most species have been poorly documented.
S-Pol’s Polarimetric Data Reveal Detailed Storm Features (and Insect Behavior)
Authors: Hubbert John C. , Wilson James W. , Weckwerth Tammy M. , Ellis Scott M. , Dixon Mike , Loew Eric
Published: May 2018

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) operates a state-of-the-art S-band dual-polarization Doppler radar (S-Pol) for the National Science Foundation (NSF). This radar has some similar and some distinguishing characteristics to the National Weather Service (NWS) operational Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler Polarimetric (WSR-88DP). One key difference is that the WSR-88DP is used for operational purposes where rapid 360° volumetric scanning is required to monitor rapid changes in storm characteristics for nowcasting and issuing severe storm warnings. Since S-Pol is used to support the NSF research community, it usually scans at much slower rates than operational radars. This results in higher resolution and higher data quality suitable for many research studies. An important difference between S-Pol and the WSR-88DP is S-Pol’s ability to use customized scan strategies including scanning on vertical surfaces ([range–height indicators (RHIs)], which are presently not done by WSR-88DPs. RHIs provide high-resolution microphysical structures of convective storms, which are central to many research studies. Another important difference is that the WSR-88DP simultaneously transmits horizontal (H) and vertical (V) polarized pulses. In contrast, S-Pol typically transmits alternating H and V pulses, which results in not only higher data quality for research but also allows for the cross-polar signal to be measured. The cross-polar signal provides estimates of the linear depolarization ratio (LDR) and the co- to cross-correlation coefficient that give additional microphysical information. This paper presents plots and interpretations of high-quality, high-resolution polarimetric data that demonstrate the value of S-Pol’s polarimetric measurements for atmospheric research.
Radar-Derived Structural and Precipitation Characteristics of ZDR Columns within Warm-Season Convection over the United Kingdom
Authors: Plummer David M. , French Jeffrey R. , Leon David C. , Blyth Alan M. , Lasher-Trapp Sonia , Bennett Lindsay J. , Dufton David R. L. , Jackson Robert C. , Neely Ryan R.
Published: May 2018

Analyses of the radar-observed structure and derived rainfall statistics of warm-season convection developing columns of enhanced positive differential reflectivity ZDR over England’s southwest peninsula are presented here. Previous observations of ZDR columns in developing cumulonimbus clouds over England were rare. The observations presented herein suggest otherwise, at least in the southwesterly winds over the peninsula. The results are the most extensive of their kind in the United Kingdom; the data were collected using the National Centre for Atmospheric Science dual-polarization X-band radar (NXPol) during the Convective Precipitation Experiment (COPE). In contrast to recent studies of ZDR columns focused on deep clouds that developed in high-instability environments, the COPE measurements show relatively frequent ZDR columns in shallower clouds, many only 4–5 km deep. The presence of ZDR columns is used to infer that an active warm rain process has contributed to precipitation evolution in convection deep enough for liquid and ice growth to take place. Clouds with ZDR columns were identified objectively in three COPE deployments, with both discrete convection and clouds embedded in larger convective complexes developing columns. Positive ZDR values typically extended to 1–1.25 km above 0°C in the columns, with ZDR ≥ 1 dB sometimes extending nearly 4 km above 0°C. Values above 3 dB typically occurred in the lowest 500 m above 0°C, with coincident airborne measurements confirming the presence of supercooled raindrops. Statistical analyses indicated that the convection that produced ZDR columns was consistently associated with the larger derived rainfall rates when compared with the overall convective population sampled by the NXPol during COPE.
Vehicle speed measurement by on-board acoustic signal processing
Authors: Göksu Hüseyin
Published: May 2018

Estimation of vehicle speed by analysis of drive-by noise is a known technique. The methods used in this kind of practice generally estimate the velocity of the vehicle with respect to the microphone(s), so they rely on the relative motion of the vehicle to the microphone(s). There are also other methods that do not rely on this technique. For example, recent research has shown that there is a statistical correlation between vehicle speed and drive-by noise emissions spectra. This does not rely on the relative motion of the vehicle with respect to the microphone(s) so it inspires us to consider the possibility of predicting velocity of the vehicle using an on-board microphone. This has the potential for the development of a new kind of speed sensor. For this purpose we record sound signal from a vehicle under speed variation using an on-board microphone. Sound emissions from a vehicle are very complex, which is from the engine, the exhaust, the air conditioner, other mechanical parts, tires, and air resistance. These emissions carry both stationary and non-stationary information. We propose to make the analysis by wavelet packet analysis, rather than traditional time or frequency domain methods. Wavelet packet analysis, by providing arbitrary time-frequency resolution, enables analyzing signals of stationary and non-stationary nature. It has better time representation than Fourier analysis and better high-frequency resolution than Wavelet analysis. Subsignals from the wavelet packet analysis are analyzed further by Norm Entropy, Log Energy Entropy, and Energy. These features are evaluated by feeding them into a multilayer perceptron. Norm entropy achieves the best prediction with 97.89% average accuracy with 1.11 km/h mean absolute error which corresponds to 2.11% relative error. Time sensitivity is ±0.453 s and is open to improvement by varying the window width. The results indicate that, with further tests at other speed ranges, with other vehicles and under dynamic conditions, this method can be extended to the design of a new kind of vehicle speed sensor.
Study of the ablative properties of phenolic/carbon composites modified with mesoporous silica particles
Authors: Asaro L , Manfredi LB , Rodríguez ES
Published: May 2018

Mesoporous silica particles and carbon black were selected as fillers for a resol-type phenolic resin, to be used as a matrix for ablative materials. Composites were processed with the modified polymer and carbon fibers were used as continuous reinforcement. The ablative properties of the materials obtained were studied by the oxyacetylene torch test and the ablated samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Composites with 30 wt. % of carbon black achieved the lowest linear erosion rate and the highest insulation index, denoting the ability of the char produced to protect the virgin material. Considering that such composite has 44% by volume of carbon fibers, it could be inferred that its properties could be improved by increasing the fiber content and maintaining the amount of carbon black. The composite with 20 wt. % of mesoporous silica particles exhibited the lowest mass erosion rate, indicating a better stabilization of the char. Regarding dynamic-mechanical properties, the addition of particles induced a decrease in the modulus and glass transition temperature of all the systems studied.
Music Program Alumni’s Perceptions of Professional Skills, Abilities, and Job Satisfaction: A Secondary Analysis of the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP) Survey
Authors: Blackwell Jennifer
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study is to compare music studio teachers’ ( n = 622) and K–12 music teachers’ ( n = 976) perceptions of the extent to which their postsecondary education helped them develop selected professional skills and abilities, perceptions of how important those same selected skills and abilities are for teaching, and job satisfaction. Data are from the 2011, 2012, and 2013 administrations of the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project survey. Respondents indicated the following skills were very important to their work: relationship building (Studio: 81.3%; K–12: 75.7%), leadership skills (Studio: 71.6%; K–12: 89.3%), project management (Studio: 65.1%; K–12: 74.8%), persuasive speaking (Studio: 63.4%; K–12: 74.2%), clear writing (Studio: 51.5%; K–12: 63.4%), creative thinking (Studio: 88.7%; K–12: 91.4%), taking feedback (Studio: 78.8%; K–12: 81.2%), broad knowledge and education (Studio: 80.1%; K–12: 91.0%), and critical thinking (Studio: 64.3%; K–12: 76.4%). Fewer than 50% of respondents felt their institutions had helped them develop project management, persuasive speaking, clear writing, and critical thinking skills. The most substantial differences were financial, business, and entrepreneurial skills, indicating that studio teachers perceive these skills as important to their work. Studio teachers were less satisfied with job security but more satisfied with work-life balance than K–12 teachers.