bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some growth properties of composite p-adic entire functions on the basis of their relative order and relative lower order
Authors: Biswas Tanmay
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a complete ultrametric algebraically closed field and [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-algebra of entire functions on [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], we wish to introduce the notions of relative order and relative lower order of [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text]. Hence, after proving some basic results, in this paper, we estimate some growth rates of composite p-adic entire functions on the basis of their relative orders and relative lower orders.
The order of appearance of the sum and difference between two Fibonacci numbers
Authors: Trojovský Pavel
Published: April 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]th Fibonacci number and [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]th Lucas number. The order of appearance [Formula: see text] of a natural number [Formula: see text] is defined as the smallest natural number [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text]. For instance, [Formula: see text], for all [Formula: see text]. In this paper, among other things, we prove that [Formula: see text] depends on [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the greatest common divisor of numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which fulfill the condition [Formula: see text].
Aerodynamic Performance of the Three-Dimensional Lumped Flexibility Bionic Hovering Wing
Authors: Jianyang Zhu , Lin Jiang , Yu Hou
Published: April 2018

Understanding the effect of flexibility on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing is one of the most important considerations for successfully designing a flapping wing micro aero vehicle (FMAV). This paper aims at providing a systematic synthesis on the flexibility effects on the hovering performance of the bionic wing based on the numerical analysis approach. We construct a novel three-dimensional bionic wing, which has lumped flexibility at the root, and develop an iterative coupling program to simulate the interaction between the flexible wing and fluid. The effects of flexibility on the hovering performance of the three-dimensional flapping wing are investigated, and the results indicate that the best performance of the wing is achieved when the wing flaps at resonance and has the density close to the natural insect wing. The feasibility of using lumped flexibility wings driven by a simple harmonic flapping for designing efficient FMAV is also concluded in this study.
An Extended Newmark-FDTD Method for Complex Dispersive Media
Authors: Zhang Yu-Qiang , Yang Peng-Ju
Published: April 2018

Based on polarizability in the form of a complex quadratic rational function, a novel finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) approach combined with the Newmark algorithm is presented for dealing with a complex dispersive medium. In this paper, the time-stepping equation of the polarization vector is derived by applying simultaneously the Newmark algorithm to the two sides of a second-order time-domain differential equation obtained from the relation between the polarization vector and electric field intensity in the frequency domain by the inverse Fourier transform. Then, its accuracy and stability are discussed from the two aspects of theoretical analysis and numerical computation. It is observed that this method possesses the advantages of high accuracy, high stability, and a wide application scope and can thus be applied to the treatment of many complex dispersion models, including the complex conjugate pole residue model, critical point model, modified Lorentz model, and complex quadratic rational function.
R(+)‐Thioctic Acid Effects on Oxidative Stress and Peripheral Neuropathy in Type II Diabetic Patients: Preliminary Results by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Electroneurography
Authors: Mrakic-Sposta Simona , Vezzoli Alessandra , Maderna Luca , Gregorini Francesca , Montorsi Michela , Moretti Sarah , Greco Fulvia , Cova Emanuela , Gussoni Maristella
Published: April 2018

Objectives. Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes. The idea of alterations in energy metabolism in diabetes is emerging. The biogenic antioxidant R(+)‐thioctic acid has been successfully used in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathic (DPN) patients. Methods. The effects of R(+)‐thioctic acid (1 tablet, 1.6 g) administration were evaluated in 12 DPN patients at baseline and at 15, 30, 60, and 120 administration days throughout the assessment of oxidative stress (OxS); ROS production rate by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique; and oxidative damage biomarkers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (PC)), electroneurography (ENG) and visual analogue scale. Results. Supplementation induced significant changes (p < 0.05) at 30 and 60 days. ROS production rate up to −16%; TBARS (−31%), PC (−38%), and TAC up to +48%. Motor nerve conduction velocity in SPE and ulnar nerves (+22% and +16%) and sensor conduction velocity in sural and median nerves (+22% and +5%). Patients reported a general wellness sensation improvement (+35%) at 30 days: lower limb pain sensation (−40%) and upper limbs (−23%). Conclusion. The results strongly indicate that an increased antioxidant capacity plays an important role in OxS, nerve conduction velocity, pain, and general wellness improvement. Nevertheless, the effects of the antioxidant compound were found positive up to 60 days. Then, a hormesis effect was observed. Novelty of the research would be a challenge for investigators to carefully address issues, including dose range factors, appropriate administration time, and targeting population to counteract possible “boomerang effects.” The great number of monitored parameters would firmly stress these conclusions.
Asymptomatic HIV People Present Different Profiles of sCD14, sRAGE, DNA Damage, and Vitamins, according to the Use of cART and CD4+T Cell Restoration
Authors: Tasca Karen Ingrid , Correa Camila Renata , Caleffi Juliana Trindade , Mendes Monica Banwart , Gatto Mariana , Manfio Vanessa Martinez , de Camargo Caio Cavassan , Tavares Francilene Capel , Biasin Mara , de Souza Lenice do Rosário
Published: April 2018

We aimed to analyze markers of immune activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in 92 asymptomatic HIV-infected patients according to the adequate (AR, >500 cells/mm3) or inadequate (IR, <500 cells/mm3) CD4+T recovery and the presence or absence of antiretroviral treatment (cART). In relation to those newly diagnosed, they were divided into two groups, cART-naïve IR (nIR) and cART-naïve AR (nAR). Among those diagnosed more than five years ago, the following division was made: the cART-naïve long-term nonprogressors (LTNP); patient under cART and AR (tAR); and patients under cART and IR (tIR). We investigated the expression of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), high-mobility group-box protein −1 (HMGB1), soluble CD14 (sCD14), IL-8, IL-10, 8-isoprostane, vitamins, and DNA damage. We observed higher levels of sRAGE in tAR as compared to nIR, nAR, LTNP, and more sCD14 than in nIR and nAR. As for IL-10 levels, we found nIR > nAR > LTNP > tAR > tIR. Higher levels of 8-isoprostane were observed in nIR. LTNP presented a higher retinol dosage than tAR and less genotoxic damage induced by oxidative stress than the other groups. We suggest that the therapy, despite being related to lesser immune activation and inflammation, alters the vitamin profile and consequently increases the oxidative stress of patients. In addition, the lowest genotoxic index for LTNP indicates that both VL and cART could be responsible for the increased DNA damage. More studies are needed to understand the influence of cART on persistent immune activation and inflammation.
Boosting the Motor Outcome of the Untrained Hand by Action Observation: Mirror Visual Feedback, Video Therapy, or Both Combined—What Is More Effective?
Authors: Bähr Florian , Ritter Alexander , Seidel Gundula , Puta Christian , Gabriel Holger H. W. , Hamzei Farsin
Published: April 2018

Action observation (AO) allows access to a network that processes visuomotor and sensorimotor inputs and is believed to be involved in observational learning of motor skills. We conducted three consecutive experiments to examine the boosting effect of AO on the motor outcome of the untrained hand by either mirror visual feedback (MVF), video therapy (VT), or a combination of both. In thefirstexperiment, healthy participants trained either with MVF or without mirror feedback while in thesecondexperiment, participants either trained with VT or observed animal videos. In thethirdexperiment, participants first observed video clips that were followed by either training with MVF or training without mirror feedback. The outcomes for the untrained hand were quantified by scores from five motor tasks. The results demonstrated that MVF and VT significantly increase the motor performance of the untrained hand by the use of AO. We found that MVF was the most effective approach to increase the performance of the target effector. On the contrary, the combination of MVF and VT turns out to be less effective looking from clinical perspective. The gathered results suggest that action-related motor competence with the untrained hand is acquired by both mirror-based and video-based AO.
p‐Coumaric Acid Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells against Oxidative Stress‐Induced Apoptosis by MAPK Signaling
Authors: Peng Jiao , Zheng Ting-ting , Liang Yue , Duan Li-fang , Zhang Yao-dong , Wang Li-Jun , He Guang-ming , Xiao Hai-tao
Published: April 2018

To protect against oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis in lens epithelial cells is a potential strategy in preventing cataract formation. The present study aimed at studying the protective effect and underlying mechanisms of p‐coumaric acid (p‐CA) on hydrogen peroxide‐ (H2O2‐) induced apoptosis in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells (SRA 01–04). Cells were pretreated with p‐CA at a concentration of 3, 10, and 30 μM before the treatment of H2O2 (275 μM). Results showed that pretreatment with p‐CA significantly protected against H2O2‐induced cell death in a dose‐dependent manner, as well as downregulating the expressions of both cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9 in HLE cells. Moreover, p‐CA also greatly suppressed H2O2‐induced intracellular ROS production and mitochondrial membrane potential loss and elevated the activities of T‐SOD, CAT, and GSH‐Px of H2O2‐treated cells. As well, in vitro study showed that p‐CA also suppressed H2O2‐induced phosphorylation of p‐38, ERK, and JNK in HLE cells. These findings demonstrate that p‐CA suppresses H2O2‐induced HLE cell apoptosis through modulating MAPK signaling pathways and suggest that p‐CA has a potential therapeutic role in the prevention of cataract.
Antenatal Spontaneous Renal Forniceal Rupture Presenting as an Acute Abdomen
Authors: Travieso Jennifer , Young Omar M.
Published: April 2018

Background. Renal forniceal rupture is a lesser-known cause of acute abdomen in pregnancy. The ureteral compression by the gravid uterus places pregnant women at a higher risk. Sequelae in pregnancy could include intractable pain, acute kidney injury, and preterm birth.Case. A 22-year-old primigravida with no prior medical history presented with an acute abdomen in her second trimester. The diagnosis of renal forniceal rupture was made by a radiologist using MRI. A percutaneous nephrostomy catheter was placed, and the patient’s pain was relieved. She subsequently delivered at term.Conclusion. Upon presentation of an acute abdomen in pregnancy, providers may not include renal forniceal rupture in their differential as readily as obstetric or gynecologic causes, resulting in delayed diagnosis, unnecessary invasive interventions, and potentially adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Increasing provider awareness could result in improved outcomes.
Stromal Caveolin-1 and Caveolin-2 Expression in Primary Tumors and Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Gerstenberger Wladimir , Wrage Michaela , Kettunen Eeva , Pantel Klaus , Anttila Sisko , Steurer Stefan , Wikman Harriet
Published: April 2018

The expression of caveolin-1 (CAV1) in both tumor cell and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) has been found to correlate with tumor aggressiveness in different epithelial tumor entities, whereas less is known for caveolin-2 (CAV2). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of stromal CAV1 and CAV2 expression in lung cancer. The expression of these two genes was investigated at protein level on a tissue microarray (TMA) consisting of 161 primary tumor samples. 50.7% of squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) tumors showed strong expression of CAV1 in the tumor-associated stromal cells, whereas only 15.1% of adenocarcinomas (AC) showed a strong CAV1 expression (p<0.01). A strong CAV2 stromal expression was found in 46.0% of the lung tumor specimens, with no significant difference between the subtypes. Neither CAV1 nor CAV2 stromal expression was associated with any other clinicopathological factor including survival. When the stromal expression in matched primary tumors and lymph node metastases was compared, both CAV1 and CAV2 expressions were frequently found lost in the corresponding stroma of the lymph node metastasis (40.6%, p=0.003 and 38.4%, p=0.001, resp.). Loss of stromal CAV2 in the lymph node metastases was also significantly associated with earlier death (p=0.011). In conclusion, in contrast to the expression patterns in the tumor tissue of lung cancer, stromal expression of CAV1 in primary tumors was not associated with clinical outcome whereas the stromal expression of especially CAV2 in the metastatic lymph nodes could be associated with lung cancer pathogenesis.
Fat Intake and Risk of Skin Cancer in U.S. Adults
Authors: Park Min Kyung , Li Wen-Qing , Qureshi Abrar A. , Cho Eunyoung
Published: April 2018

Background: Fat intake has been associated with certain cancers, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. However, literature on dietary fat and skin cancer has been limited.

Methods: We examined the association between fat intake and risk of skin cancer including cutaneous malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) within two prospective studies: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). Dietary information on total, saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, omega-6, and omega-3 fat and cholesterol was repeatedly assessed generally every 4 years. Incident cases were identified by self-report. Diagnosis on melanoma and SCC was confirmed by pathologic records.

Results: A total of 794 melanoma, 2,223 SCC, and 17,556 BCC in the NHS (1984–2012) and 736 melanoma, 1,756 SCC, and 13,092 BCC in the HPFS (1986–2012) were documented. Higher polyunsaturated fat intake was associated with risk of SCC [pooled HR for highest vs. lowest quintiles, 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.28; Ptrend=0.001] and BCC (pooled HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11; Ptrend=0.01). Higher omega-6 fat intake was associated with risks of SCC, BCC, and melanoma. Omega-3 fat intake was associated with risk of BCC, but not with SCC or melanoma. No other fats were associated with melanoma risk. The associations were similar in women and men and by other skin cancer risk factors.

Conclusions: Polyunsaturated fat intake was modestly associated with skin cancer risk.

Impact: Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to identify relevant biological mechanisms. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 776–82. ©2018 AACR.
Circadian Misalignment and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence in the United States
Authors: VoPham Trang , Weaver Matthew D. , Vetter Céline , Hart Jaime E. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Laden Francine , Bertrand Kimberly A.
Published: April 2018

Background: Circadian misalignment may increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to examine the association between distance from time zone meridian, a proxy for circadian misalignment, and HCC risk in the United States adjusting for known HCC risk factors.

Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) provided information on 56,347 HCC cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2014 from 16 population-based cancer registries in the United States. Distance from time zone meridian was estimated using the location of each SEER county's Center of Population in a geographic information system. Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between distance from time zone meridian and HCC risk adjusting for individual-level age at diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, year of diagnosis, SEER registry, and county-level prevalence of health conditions, lifestyle factors, shift work occupation, socioeconomic status, and demographic and environmental factors.

Results: A 5-degree increase in longitude moving east to west within a time zone was associated with a statistically significant increased risk for HCC (IRR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.14, P = 0.03). A statistically significant positive association was observed among those <65 years old, while no association was observed among individuals ≥65 years old (Pfor interaction < 0.01).

Conclusions: Circadian misalignment from residing in the western region of a time zone may impact hepatocarcinogenesis.

Impact: Circadian misalignment may be an independent risk factor for HCC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 719–27. ©2018 AACR.
The Double Burden of Malnutrition in Countries Passing through the Economic Transition
Authors: Prentice Andrew M.
Published: April 2018

Undernutrition in both its acute and chronic forms (wasting and stunting) is strongly inversely correlated with the wealth of nations. Consequently, as many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) achieve economic advancement and pass through the so-called “nutrition transition,” their rates of undernutrition decline. Many countries successfully achieved the Millennium Development Goal of halving undernutrition and whole continents have been transformed in recent decades. The exception is Africa where the slower rates of decline in the prevalence of undernutrition has been overtaken by population growth so that the absolute number of stunted children is rising. In many regions, economic transition is causing a rapid increase in the number of overweight and obese people. The rapidity of this rise is such that many nations bear the simultaneous burdens of under- and overnutrition; termed the “double burden” of malnutrition. This double burden, accompanied as it is by the unfinished agenda of high levels of infectious diseases, is crippling the health systems of many LMICs and thus requires urgent attention. Although the prognosis looks threatening for many poor countries, they have the advantage of being able to learn from the mistakes made by other nations that have passed through the transition before them. Concerted action across many arms of government would achieve huge future dividends in health and wealth for any nations that can grasp the challenge.
Eventos adversos de vacinas e as consequências da não vacinação: uma análise crítica
Authors: Aps Luana Raposo de Melo Moraes , Piantola Marco Aurélio Floriano , Pereira Sara Araujo , Castro Julia Tavares de , Santos Fernanda Ayane de Oliveira , Ferreira Luís Carlos de Souza
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Analisar os riscos relacionados às vacinas e os impactos da não vacinação para a população mundial. MÉTODOS: Revisão narrativa que considerou informações contidas nas bases de dados bibliográficos NCBI-PubMed, Medline, Lilacs e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), no período compreendido entre novembro de 2015 e novembro de 2016. Para a análise de surtos ocasionados pela não vacinação foram considerados os trabalhos publicados entre 2010 e 2016. RESULTADOS: Foram descritos os principais componentes das vacinas oferecidas pelo sistema público de saúde brasileiro e eventos adversos associados a esses elementos. Com exceção de reações inflamatórias locais e efeitos raros como exacerbação de doenças autoimunes e alergias, não foi demonstrada relação causal entre a administração de vacinas e autismo, mal de Alzheimer ou narcolepsia. Por outro lado, a falta de informações e a divulgação de informações não científicas têm contribuído para a reemergência de doenças infecciosas em diversos países no mundo e põe em risco planos globais para a erradicação de doenças infecciosas. CONCLUSÕES: A população deve estar bem informada quanto aos benefícios da vacinação e os profissionais da saúde devem assumir o papel de divulgar informações verídicas e com respaldo científico sobre o tema, como compromisso ético e profissional junto à sociedade.
Cumprimento do esquema vacinal em crianças internadas por pneumonia e fatores associados
Authors: Silva Amanda Tabosa Pereira da , Lima Eduardo Jorge da Fonseca , Caminha Maria de Fátima Costa , Silva Andresa Tabosa Pereira da , Rodrigues Filho Edil de Albuquerque , Santos Carmina Silva dos
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Verificar a adequação e os fatores associados ao cumprimento do esquema vacinal (BCG, DTP-Hib, SCR, VCP-10) em crianças internadas com pneumonia em um hospital de referência pediátrica no Nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo com componente analítico, composto por 452 crianças hospitalizadas por pneumonia no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, entre 2010 e 2013. Critérios de inclusão: idade de um mês a menores de cinco anos; com comprovação do cartão vacinal. Critérios de exclusão: pneumonia hospitalar ou doença de base concomitante. Avaliamos a adequação do esquema vacinal da BCG, tetravalente, tríplice viral e pneumocócica conjugada 10 valente (VPC-10). Foram utilizados os testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher seguidos de regressão multivariada de Poisson, estimando-se as razões de prevalência brutas, ajustadas e os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Participaram da análise multivariada as variáveis que na análise univariada apresentaram valor p < 0,20. RESULTADOS: Houve boa adequação no calendário vacinal, exceto a vacina VPC-10, que apresentou percentual inferior a 85%. Observou-se associação entre o adequado cumprimento do esquema vacinal e escolaridade materna (89,9% ensino médio completo), sexo da criança (87,2% feminino), idade da criança (94,2% menor que seis meses) e aleitamento materno (84,3% amamentaram). CONCLUSÕES: Pela elevada taxa na escolaridade materna e pelo elevado percentual de alimentação por leite materno, pode-se entender que há uma melhor compreensão no cuidado da saúde da criança pelas genitoras estudadas nesta pesquisa, apresentando a eficácia das políticas públicas de alimentação infantil. Porém, as crianças não tiveram uma boa adequação do esquema vacinal da VPC-10, uma das principais vacinas contra a pneumonia, podendo ser esse um dos principais fatores nas causas do internamento, não apresentando influência com a classificação da gravidade da doença. Enfatiza-se dessa maneira que as causas de morbidade por pneumonia não são associadas a um único fator.
Notificação da infecção pelo HIV em gestantes: estimativas a partir de um estudo nacional
Authors: Domingues Rosa Maria Soares Madeira , Saraceni Valéria , Leal Maria do Carmo
Published: April 2018

OBJETIVO: Estimar a cobertura de notificação de casos de infecção pelo HIV em gestantes, o aumento na cobertura de notificação a ser obtido pela busca rotineira de dados em outros sistemas de informação nacionais, e identificar oportunidades perdidas de identificação de gestantes HIV+ em maternidades brasileiras. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, de relacionamento de base de dados de estudo nacional com coleta primária de dados (estudo “Nascer no Brasil”), e de base de dados secundários de sistemas de informação nacionais. O estudo “Nascer no Brasil” é um estudo de base nacional, realizado em 2011–2012, com 23.894 puérperas, que identificou gestantes infectadas pelo HIV, utilizando registros em cartão de pré-natal e prontuário. Casos de gestantes com infecção pelo HIV identificadas no estudo “Nascer no Brasil” foram pesquisadas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, Sistema de Controle de Exames Laboratoriais da Rede Nacional de Contagem de Linfócitos CD4+/CD8+ e Carga Viral, e Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos. Utilizou-se o software OpenRecLink para relacionamento das bases de dados. Foi estimada a cobertura de notificação, com respectivo intervalo de confiança, dos sistemas de informação nacionais avaliados. RESULTADOS: A cobertura de notificação de HIV em gestantes no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação foi estimada em 57,1% (IC95% 42,9–70,2), e 89,3% das gestantes HIV+ (IC95% 81,2–94,2) foram localizadas em algum dos sistemas de informação nacionais pesquisados. A busca em outros sistemas de informação nacionais resultaria em aumento de 57,1% dos casos notificados. Não foram identificadas oportunidades perdidas de diagnóstico de gestantes HIV+ nas maternidades avaliadas pelo estudo “Nascer no Brasil”. CONCLUSÕES: A busca rotineira de informação em outros sistemas de informação nacionais, procedimento utilizado pelo Ministério da Saúde para casos de Aids em adultos e em crianças, deve ser adotado para os casos de infecção pelo HIV na gestação.
Light Dance
Authors: Riskin Seth
Published: April 2018

The author discusses the origin and meaning of his Light Dance artwork. The simple approach—placing a source of light on the body and thereby manipulating the illumination of the surrounding space through body movements—alters the viewer’s perception of space and time. Architecture appears malleable as the performer affects the size, shape and speed of light forms that reach from the body to the boundaries of the room. Light, in this perceptual environment, is not a mere transmitter of information between the invariant material surroundings and the eye of the viewer; light is a space-defining extension of the performer’s body that transposes movement expression from the individual body to the shared space. An inversion of subjective and objective “spaces” is realized in the experience of Light Dance wherein the prevailing conceptual hierarchy of light and vision is overcome.
Species of Stachybotryaceae in China
Authors: FENG JIN-RONG , WANG YONG , YANG BIN , BHAT D. JAYARAMA , CHEN YUN , RAN SHUANG-FEI , XU YING , JIANG YU-LAN
Published: April 2018

Two Paramyrothecium and seven Albifimbria strains belonging to Stachybotryaceae were isolated from soil samples in Guizhou Province, China. The Paramyrothecium strains produced smaller conidia with rounded apices at both ends. Morphological description and comparison based on combined ITS+tub2+CAL gene phylogenetic analysis for Paramyrothecium group and ITS+tub2+CAL+rpb2 combined analysis for the Albifimbria group were used to identify these fungi. The results indicate that Paramyrothecium hydei is new to science, while Albifimbria terrestris and A. verrucaria are new records for China.
Five new Brazilian species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae)
Authors: SOBRAL MARCOS , FARIA JAIR E.Q. , COUTINHO KAROLINE
Published: April 2018

Five species of Eugenia are described, illustrated and compared with related species. Eugenia anisomischa, from the state of Bahia, is morphologically related to Eugenia candolleana, from which it differs by the pilose leaves and flowers; Eugenia cerradensis, from the states of Goiás and Mato Grosso, E. pantanalensis, from the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, and E. tingui, from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, are morphologically related to E. stictopetala, differing largely by its indumentum, larger flowers and wider leaves, respectively; E. zigzag, from the state of Bahia, is distinct from all other Brazilian species by its zigzag branching pattern.
Redescription of Phonotimpus separatus Gertsch & Davis, 1940 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) and description of two new species of Phonotimpus from Mexico
Authors: CHAMÉ-VÁZQUEZ DAVID , IBARRA-NÚÑEZ GUILLERMO , JIMÉNEZ MARIA LUISA
Published: April 2018

The female of Phonotimpus separatus Gertsch & Davis (the type species of the genus) is redescribed from a specimen collected at the type locality, and two new species of Phonotimpus from Mexico are described: P. pennimani sp. nov. and P. talquian sp. nov. A more detailed description of P. separatus is provided to better distinguish them from related taxa. The two new species are closely related; males and females of both species share several somatic and genitalic characters not found in P. separatus. The resemblance of both new species to P. separatus is discussed.
Anophtalmic and epigean? Description of an intriguing new species of Hyalella (Amphipoda, Hyalellidae) from Brazil
Authors: BASTOS-PEREIRA RAFAELA , DE OLIVEIRA MARCUS PAULO ALVES , FERREIRA RODRIGO L.
Published: April 2018

The absence of eyes in Hyalella (Hyalellidae, Amphipoda) is typical of obligate groundwater-dwelling species. However, a new intriguing blind amphipod of this genus was found in epigean streams from the Iron Quadrangle (state of Minas Gerais, Brazil). Hyalella troglofugia sp nov. presents antenna 1 shorter than antenna 2, gnathopod 1 propodus inner face with four setae, gnathopod 2 propodus posterior margin longer than palm, dactylus slightly longer than palm, pereopod 5 shorter than others and uropod 3 shorter than telson. The absence of eyes and presence of reduced U3 and pereopods of H. troglofugia sp nov. may suggest that such species also inhabits interstitial subterranean spaces. Moreover, the presence of the new species on streams associated to distinct hydrological zones indicates that this species may be present in different types of subterranean habitats of the region. We hypothesize that at least part of the population of this species may have left the subterranean environment looking for food and when out of this habitat it preferentially inhabits high water flow stretches of the stream in function of predation avoidance.
Baltileuctra gen. nov., a new genus of Leuctridae (Insecta: Plecoptera) in Baltic amber
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG
Published: April 2018

A new genus and species of the stonefly family Leuctridae, Baltileuctra foraminis gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a well-preserved male specimen from the Eocene Baltic amber. The new genus possesses typical characters of Leuctridae but has diagnostic characters of the thoracic sclerites and terminalia. The relationship between the new genus and other leuctrids is briefly discussed.
Intercomparison of Surface Temperatures from AIRS, MERRA, and MERRA-2 with NOAA and GC-Net Weather Stations at Summit, Greenland
Authors: Hearty Thomas J. , Lee Jae N. , Wu Dong L. , Cullather Richard , Blaisdell John M. , Susskind Joel , Nowicki Sophie M. J.
Published: April 2018

The surface skin and air temperatures reported by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AIRS/AMSU-A), the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), and MERRA-2 at Summit, Greenland, are compared with near-surface air temperatures measured at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Greenland Climate Network (GC-Net) weather stations. The AIRS/AMSU-A surface skin temperature (TS) is best correlated with the NOAA 2-m air temperature (T2M) but tends to be colder than the station measurements. The difference may be the result of the frequent near-surface temperature inversions in the region. The AIRS/AMSU-A surface air temperature (SAT) is also correlated with the NOAA T2M but has a warm bias during the cold season and a larger standard error than the surface temperature. The extrapolation of the temperature profile to calculate the AIRS SAT may not be valid for the strongest inversions. The GC-Net temperature sensors are not held at fixed heights throughout the year; however, they are typically closer to the surface than the NOAA station sensors. Comparing the lapse rates at the two stations shows that it is larger closer to the surface. The difference between the AIRS/AMSU-A SAT and TS is sensitive to near-surface inversions and tends to measure stronger inversions than both stations. The AIRS/AMSU-A may be sampling a thicker layer than either station. The MERRA-2 surface and near-surface temperatures show improvements over MERRA but little sensitivity to near-surface temperature inversions.
Interannual to Decadal Variability of the Upper-Ocean Heat Content in the Western North Pacific and Its Relationship to Oceanic and Atmospheric Variability
Authors: Na Hanna , Kim Kwang-Yul , Minobe Shoshiro , Sasaki Yoshi N.
Published: April 2018

Three-dimensional oceanic thermal structures and variability in the western North Pacific (NP) are examined on the interannual to decadal time scales and their relationship to oceanic and atmospheric variability is discussed by analyzing observation and reanalysis data for 45 years (1964–2008), which is much longer than the satellite-altimetry period. It is shown that the meridional shift of the Kuroshio Extension (KE) and subarctic frontal zone (SAFZ) is associated with the overall cooling/warming over the KE and SAFZ region (KE–SAFZ mode). It appears, however, that changes in KE strength induce different signs of thermal anomalies to the south and north of the KE, not extended to the SAFZ (KE mode), possibly contributing to noncoherent variability between the KE and SAFZ. Thus, the KE and SAFZ are dependent on each other in the context of the KE–SAFZ mode, while the KE is independent of the SAFZ in terms of the KE mode. This intricate relationship is associated with different linkages to atmospheric variability; the KE–SAFZ mode exhibits a relatively fast response to the large-scale wind stress curl forcing in the NP, whereas the KE mode is related to a delayed response to the atmospheric forcing via jet-trapped baroclinic Rossby wave propagation. It is suggested that further knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of the two modes would contribute to understanding ocean–atmosphere feedback as well as potential predictability over the western boundary current region in the NP.
Understanding the Interdecadal Variability of East Asian Summer Monsoon Precipitation: Joint Influence of Three Oceanic Signals
Authors: Zhang Zhiqi , Sun Xuguang , Yang Xiu-Qun
Published: April 2018

East Asian summer monsoon precipitation (EASMP) features complicated interdecadal variability with multiple time periods and spatial patterns. Using century-long datasets of HadISST, CRU precipitation, and the ECMWF twentieth-century reanalysis (ERA-20C), this study examines the joint influence of three oceanic interdecadal signals [i.e., Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO), and Indian Ocean Basin mode (IOBM)] on the EASMP, which, however, is found not to be simply a linear combination of their individual effects. When PDO and AMO are out of phase, the same-sign SST anomalies occur in the North Pacific and North Atlantic, and a zonally orientated teleconnection wave train appears across the Eurasian mid-to-high latitudes, propagating from the North Atlantic to northern East Asia along the Asian westerly jet waveguide. Correspondingly, the interdecadal precipitation anomalies are characterized by a meridional tripole mode over eastern China. When PDO and AMO are in phase, with opposite sign SST anomalies in the North Pacific and North Atlantic, the sandwich pattern of anomalous stationary Rossby wavenumber tends to reduce the effect of the waveguide in the eastern Mediterranean region, and the teleconnection wave train from the North Atlantic travels only to western central Asia along a great circle route, causing Indian summer monsoon precipitation (ISMP) anomalies. The ISMP anomalies, in turn, interact with the teleconnection wave train induced by the PDO and AMO, leading to a meridional dipole mode of interdecadal precipitation anomalies over eastern China. Through the impact on the ISMP, the IOBM exerts significantly linear modulation on the combined impacts of PDO and AMO, especially over northern East Asia.
Evaluation of Bronchodilator Use During Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation Inpatient Admissions
Authors: Petite Sarah E. , Murphy Julie A.
Published: April 2018

Background: It is unknown whether the timing of initiation of a long-acting bronchodilator (LABD) during a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation or the method of short-acting bronchodilator (SABD) delivery may aid in improving patient outcomes. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine the impact of bronchodilator management in the hospital setting on clinical outcomes in patients with COPD exacerbation. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study evaluated patients admitted to the non-intensive care unit setting with a COPD exacerbation as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. The primary outcome was difference in 30-day readmission rates for early LABD therapy (<24 hours from hospital admission) versus late/no LABD therapy (>24 hours from hospital admission or not during hospitalization). Secondary objectives included length of stay (LOS) for this group, and 30-day readmission rates and LOS for the SABD via inhaler versus nebulizer groups. Results: Two hundred twenty patients were included. There was no difference in 30-day readmission rate (15.2% vs 18.2%, P = .6) and LOS (median 4 [interquartile range, IQR 3-6]) days for both groups, P = .34) between early versus late/no LABD therapy initiation, respectively. No difference was observed in 30-day readmission rate (16.7% vs 16.6%) and LOS (median 2.5 [IQR 1.1-3.9] days vs median 4 [IQR 2-6] days) between inhaler and nebulizer SABD therapy groups. Conclusions: No difference was observed in 30-day readmission rates or LOS when utilizing early LABD compared with late/no LABD therapy or comparing inhaler and nebulizer SABD delivery methods during COPD exacerbation.
Doing the Will of the Father: Jesus’ Freedom and the Beatific Vision
Authors: Ormerod Neil
Published: April 2018

Popular conceptions of ‘doing God’s will’ often draw upon images of some pre-existing plan, which we need to follow even though its details are not clear to us. Equally similarly popular conceptions of Jesus’ knowing, informed by his beatific vision, entail Jesus knowing his life-plan as mapped out by God from the beginning, with him simply having to do what has been pre-ordained. What is not clear for us is taken to be transparent for him. This position robs the human Jesus of any creativity or originality, since his only degree of freedom is to do what has been pre-determined. This paper will compare two approaches, one by Thomas Joseph White in his work on Christology, the other by Bernard Lonergan, in his recently published and translated work on Christology. The question which drives the investigation is whether and in what ways Jesus is the creative agent of his life’s mission.
The Impact of Electoral Context on the Electoral Effectiveness of District-Level Campaigning: Popularity Equilibrium and the Case of the 2015 British General Election
Authors: Fisher Justin , Cutts David , Fieldhouse Edward , Rottweiler Bettina
Published: April 2018

Campaigning at the district level can deliver electoral payoffs in a range of countries despite variations in electoral systems. However, effects may not be consistent. Campaigns do not occur in a vacuum, and contextual factors, exogenous to the campaign activity itself, may have a significant effect on the level of their electoral impact. The 2015 General Election in Britain is a particularly interesting case as there was a key contextual factor which could impact significantly on the effectiveness of the parties’ campaigns; the electoral unpopularity of the Liberal Democrats. Using a unique new dataset, this article assesses the contextual impact of party equilibrium at both national and district levels on campaign effectiveness. It represents the first attempt on a large scale to systematically assess the impact of party popularity on campaign effectiveness and demonstrates at both national and district levels the importance of contextual effects on election campaigns.
Community and Conviviality? Informal Social Life in Multicultural Places
Authors: Neal Sarah , Bennett Katy , Cochrane Allan , Mohan Giles
Published: April 2018

This article contributes to understandings of the conviviality which has dominated recent sociological approaches to urban multiculture. The article argues for conviviality’s conceptual extension by reference to recent rethinking of community as a profound sociality of ‘being with’ and a culture of urban practice. The article draws from a qualitative dataset examining sustained encounters of cultural difference and the relationships within social leisure organizations in three different English urban geographies. The article explores how the elective coming together of often ethnically diverse others, over time, in places, to do leisure ‘things’ meant these organizations could work as generative spaces of social interaction and shared practice through and in contexts of urban difference. The article concludes that putting conviviality as ‘connective interdependencies’ into dialogue with community as ‘being in common’ develops their sociological and explanatory power and counters the reductions and limitations that are associated with both concepts.
Pragmatism and Practicality: Rethinking U.S. Civil–Military Relations Models for a Turbulent Era
Authors: Popescu Ionut
Published: April 2018

In his recent article Saving Samuel Huntington and the Need for Pragmatic Civil–Military Relations, Travis proposes a model of civil–military relations based on “pragmatic civilian control.” This model has three main shortcomings. First, it does not adequately answer the question of “professional supremacy” versus “civilian supremacy” in making crucial decisions during wartime. Second, the distinctions between “wars of choice” and “wars of necessity,” and about the “kind of war” being fought, key theoretical variables mentioned by the author, are hard to judge objectively. And third, the new model would likely exacerbate rather than diminish the problem of military leaders getting involved in political and even partisan controversies; this is particularly problematic, given the unusual situation of many military leaders in the Trump administration occupying civilian positions of authority. If it is to be of practical use to policy makers, future scholarship on pragmatism and civil–military relations must address these weaknesses.
Unruly fidelity
Authors: Cetera-Włodarczyk Anna
Published: April 2018

This article offers a discussion of the competing strategies of retranslating Shakespeare for the stage in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It presents a variety of translation policies used to legitimize the new translations of Shakespeare’s canon, with some special emphasis on the proliferation of theatrical rewritings, transpositions, tradaptations and cultural hybrids. The issues at stake include the ever-tantalizing concept of ‘translation for the stage’, the translators’ claims to authority, the multicultural dimension of the theatre, the increasing role of in-house dramaturges and the possible (if ominous) decline of the logocentric approaches to drama translation.
Getting Away with Murder: Political Violence on Trial in Interwar France
Authors: Millington Chris
Published: April 2018

This article examines the trial and punishment of men and women involved in violence in a political context in interwar France. The law courts offered parties and leagues a staging ground to further expose the brutality of their enemy and skewer the alleged partiality of the democratic Third Republic. The investigation and punishment of such crimes encountered important obstacles, from the reluctance of witnesses to speak to the police to the practice of trial by jury, which contemporaries recognized frequently led to unsatisfactory verdicts. Acquittals, such as those of the killers at the rue Damrémont in 1925 and at Hénin-Liétard in 1934, provoked outrage in the partisan press. Yet juries brought with them to the courtroom an understanding that, in certain circumstances, extreme violence was legitimate. Analysis of the cases of those French who ‘got away with murder’ thus reveals broader attitudes to politically motivated violence in interwar France.
The Life and Death of North American Rail Freight Electrification
Authors: Allen John G. , Newmark Gregory L.
Published: April 2018

Although completely dieselized today aside from certain commuter and intercity passenger routes, U.S. railroads were world leaders in electrification in the early 20th century. The Pennsylvania Railroad and the Milwaukee Road had the most extensive electrifications, but several other railroads electrified largely for freight service. This paper explores the decisions to electrify freight railroads in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (largely for short tunnels where steam locomotives were not practicable, mountain grades, and busy traffic districts), and why electrifications were discontinued (underpowered installations, aging electric infrastructure, and changes in ownership that made electrification geographically obsolete). Energy shortfalls and price spikes since the 1970s have provoked interest in electrification from freight railroads, but this interest has subsided whenever fuel prices decline. Although it is possible that environmental considerations may lead to electrification in some contexts, as long as fossil fuel prices remain low, electrification is unlikely to play a major role on North American railroads.
Game of Seats: Electoral Rules, Revolutions, and Affiliation Switching in Ukraine, 1990–2014
Authors: Sadowski Ireneusz , Pohorila Nataliia
Published: April 2018

Since gaining its independence in 1990, Ukraine has experienced two revolutions and a war in the east of the country. Meanwhile, it has sampled all three major electoral systems (majoritarian, proportional, and mixed) and has created dozens of major parties and political blocs. Such a volatile context has consequences for such crucial political issues as accountability and circulation of the political class. At the same time, it allows researchers to address questions concerning the sources of change and stability in the politics of countries in transition. In particular, the case of Ukraine allows us to pinpoint the effects of popular upheavals and changing institutional arrangements on the stability of a political scene and the population of politicians. Data limitations of previous studies have prevented such a necessarily detailed temporal accounting. We analyze it for all Ukrainian MP hopefuls during the 1990–2014 period using the East European Parliamentarian and Candidate data (EAST PaC). The issue of political stability was approached by examining affiliation switching and dropping out in all consecutive elections to the Verkhovna Rada. The results reveal that revolutionary events had relatively minor immediate effects on the circulation of the political class, while individual strategies were highly dependent on the electoral rules working in conjunction with other traits of the political system.
Political Constraints and the Limited Effect of Electoral System Change on Personal Vote-Seeking in Hungary
Authors: Papp Zsófia , Zorigt Burtejin
Published: April 2018

This article aims at capturing how the recent changes in Hungary’s mixed-member electoral system altered the candidates’ personal vote-seeking strategies. Based on the literature, one might expect that strengthening the role of the Single-Member District (SMD) tier increases the incentives for personalisation. By utilizing the data from two consecutive waves of the Comparative Candidate Survey, we show that contrary to these expectations the average level of campaign personalisation decreased from 2010 to 2014. Semi-structured interviews with nine campaign staff members confirm that the political constraints were more important in determining campaign strategies than the institutional setting. Our findings challenge the dominating effect of electoral rules on personal vote-seeking.