bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Shunt‐Type Three‐Phase Active Power Filter with Novel Adaptive Control for Wind Generators
Authors: Chen Ming-Hung
Published: September 2015

This paper proposes a new adaptive filter for wind generators that combines instantaneous reactive power compensation technology and current prediction controller, and therefore this system is characterized by low harmonic distortion, high power factor, and small DC‐link voltage variations during load disturbances. The performance of the system was first simulated using MATLAB/Simulink, and the possibility of an adaptive digital low‐pass filter eliminating current harmonics was confirmed in steady and transient states. Subsequently, a digital signal processor was used to implement an active power filter. The experimental results indicate, that for the rated operation of 2 kVA, the system has a total harmonic distortion of current less than 5.0% and a power factor of 1.0 on the utility side. Thus, the transient performance of the adaptive filter is superior to the traditional digital low‐pass filter and is more economical because of its short computation time compared with other types of adaptive filters.
Job Scheduling with Efficient Resource Monitoring in Cloud Datacenter
Authors: Loganathan Shyamala , Mukherjee Saswati
Published: September 2015

Cloud computing is an on‐demand computing model, which uses virtualization technology to provide cloud resources to users in the form of virtual machines through internet. Being an adaptable technology, cloud computing is an excellent alternative for organizations for forming their own private cloud. Since the resources are limited in these private clouds maximizing the utilization of resources and giving the guaranteed service for the user are the ultimate goal. For that, efficient scheduling is needed. This research reports on an efficient data structure for resource management and resource scheduling technique in a private cloud environment and discusses a cloud model. The proposed scheduling algorithm considers the types of jobs and the resource availability in its scheduling decision. Finally, we conducted simulations using CloudSim and compared our algorithm with other existing methods, like V‐MCT and priority scheduling algorithms.
Src Inhibition Blocks c-Myc Translation and Glucose Metabolism to Prevent the Development of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jain Shalini , Wang Xiao , Chang Chia-Chi , Ibarra-Drendall Catherine , Wang Hai , Zhang Qingling , Brady Samuel W. , Li Ping , Zhao Hong , Dobbs Jessica , Kyrish Matt , Tkaczyk Tomasz S. , Ambrose Adrian , Sistrunk Christopher , Arun Banu K. , Richards-Kortum Rebecca , Jia Wei , Seewaldt Victoria L. , Yu Dihua
Published: September 2015

Preventing breast cancer will require the development of targeted strategies that can effectively block disease progression. Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors are effective in addressing estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer development, but estrogen receptor–negative (ER−) breast cancer remains an unmet challenge due to gaps in pathobiologic understanding. In this study, we used reverse-phase protein array to identify activation of Src kinase as an early signaling alteration in premalignant breast lesions of women who did not respond to tamoxifen, a widely used ER antagonist for hormonal therapy of breast cancer. Src kinase blockade with the small-molecule inhibitor saracatinib prevented the disorganized three-dimensional growth of ER− mammary epithelial cells in vitro and delayed the development of premalignant lesions and tumors in vivo in mouse models developing HER2+ and ER− mammary tumors, extending tumor-free and overall survival. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Src blockade reduced glucose metabolism as a result of an inhibition in ERK1/2–MNK1–eIF4E–mediated cap-dependent translation of c-Myc and transcription of the glucose transporter GLUT1, thereby limiting energy available for cell growth. Taken together, our results provide a sound rationale to target Src pathways in premalignant breast lesions to limit the development of breast cancers. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4863–75. ©2015 AACR.
The MYC–WDR5 Nexus and Cancer
Authors: Thomas Lance R. , Foshage Audra M. , Weissmiller April M. , Tansey William P.
Published: September 2015

The MYC oncogenes encode a family of transcription factors that feature prominently in cancer. MYC proteins are overexpressed or deregulated in a majority of malignancies and drive tumorigenesis by inducing widespread transcriptional reprogramming that promotes cell proliferation, metabolism, and genomic instability. The ability of MYC to regulate transcription depends on its dimerization with MAX, which creates a DNA-binding domain that recognizes specific sequences in the regulatory elements of MYC target genes. Recently, we discovered that recognition of target genes by MYC also depends on its interaction with WDR5, a WD40-repeat protein that exists as part of several chromatin-regulatory complexes. Here, we discuss how interaction of MYC with WDR5 could create an avidity-based chromatin recognition mechanism that allows MYC to select its target genes in response to both genetic and epigenetic determinants. We rationalize how the MYC–WDR5 interaction provides plasticity in target gene selection by MYC and speculate on the biochemical and genomic contexts in which this interaction occurs. Finally, we discuss how properties of the MYC–WDR5 interface make it an attractive point for discovery of small-molecule inhibitors of MYC function in cancer cells. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4012–5. ©2015 AACR.
MEK Inhibitor Selumetinib (AZD6244; ARRY-142886) Prevents Lung Metastasis in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Xenograft Model
Authors: Bartholomeusz Chandra , Xie Xuemei , Pitner Mary Kathryn , Kondo Kimie , Dadbin Ali , Lee Jangsoon , Saso Hitomi , Smith Paul D. , Dalby Kevin N. , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: September 2015

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a poor prognosis because TNBC often metastasizes, leading to death. Among patients with TNBC, those with extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2)-overexpressing tumors were at higher risk of death than those with low-ERK2-expressing tumors (hazard ratio, 2.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–6.41). The MAPK pathway has been shown to be a marker of breast cancer metastasis, but has not been explored as a potential therapeutic target for preventing TNBC metastasis. Interestingly, when we treated TNBC cells with the allosteric MEK inhibitor selumetinib, cell viability was not reduced in two-dimensional culture. However, in three-dimensional culture, selumetinib changed the mesenchymal phenotype of TNBC cells to an epithelial phenotype. Cells that undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are thought to contribute to the metastatic process. EMT leads to generation of mesenchymal-like breast cancer cells with stem cell–like characteristics and a CD44+CD24−/low expression pattern. We tested the hypothesis that targeted inhibition of the MAPK pathway by selumetinib inhibits acquisition of the breast cancer stem cell phenotype and prevents lung metastasis of TNBC. TNBC cells treated with selumetinib showed inhibition of anchorage-independent growth, an indicator of in vivo tumorigenicity (P < 0.005), and decreases in the CD44+CD24−/low fraction, ALDH1 activity, and mammosphere-forming efficiency. Mice treated with selumetinib formed significantly fewer lung metastases than control mice injected with vehicle (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that MEK inhibitors can inhibit breast cancer stem cells and may have clinical potential for the prevention of metastasis in certain cases in which tumors are MAPK dependent. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(12); 2773–81. ©2015 AACR.
A Practical Consensus Guideline for the Integrative Treatment of Parkinson's Disease in Shanghai, China
Authors: Pan Weidong , Liu Jun , Chen Xiangjun , Wang Qiudong , Wu Yuncheng , Bai Yu , Liu Yi , Li Wentao , Li Wenwei , Yuan Canxing , Hou Weiguo , Bi Xiaoying , Zhuang Jianhua , Dong Qin , Cai Dingfang ,   Specialized Committee of Neuroendocrinology and Specialized Committee of Neurology, Shanghai Association of Chinese Integrative Medicine; Subcommittee of Neurology, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Society
Published: September 2015

Integrative medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a new concept in clinical practice for the treatment of neurodegenerative and most chronic diseases. However, integrative consensus or a guideline for the management of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is still lacking. The aim of this paper is to provide a review of experiences in clinical practice from Chinese neurologists and physicians (including TCM doctors) in Shanghai, China, and try to provide a clinical guideline for the treatment of the complex and progressive disease of PD with integrative medicine. We included the following treatments: common Western medication, surgery, TCM decoction and patent medicines, acupuncture and Tui na, Yoga, Tai chi chuan, hyperbaric oxygenation, rehabilitation, and other complementary and alternative medicines for the integrative management of the disease. Neurologists and physicians in Shanghai, China, and all over the world should pay attention to integrative medicine, which may be a good choice of treatment for PD.
Circannual Testis Changes in Seasonally Breeding Mammals
Authors: Jiménez Rafael , Burgos Miguel , Barrionuevo Francisco J.
Published: September 2015

In the non-equatorial zones of the Earth, species concentrate their reproductive effort in the more favorable season. A consequence of seasonal breeding is seasonal testis regression, which implies the depletion of the germinative epithelium, permeation of the blood-testis barrier, and reduced androgenic function. This process has been studied in a number of vertebrates, but the mechanisms controlling it are not yet well understood. Apoptosis was assumed for years to be an important effector of seasonal germ cell depletion in all vertebrates, including mammals, but an alternative mechanism has recently been reported in the Iberian mole as well as in the large hairy armadillo. It is based on the desquamation of meiotic and post-meiotic germ cells as a consequence of altered Sertoli-germ cell adhesion molecule expression and distribution. Desquamated cells are either discarded alive through the epididymis, as in the mole, or subsequently die by apoptosis, as in the armadillo. Also, recent findings on the reproductive cycle of the greater white-toothed shrew at the meridional limits of its distribution area have revealed that the mechanisms controlling seasonal breeding are in fact far more plastic and versatile than initially suspected. Perhaps these higher adaptive capacities place mammals in a better position to face the ongoing climate change.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a Patient with 8q21.11 Deletion and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 2K due to GDAP1 Haploinsufficiency
Authors: Africk Diane
Published: September 2015

Unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements typically cause multiple organ system involvement including neurodevelopmental deficits. It is atypical, however, to experience developmental and neurological regression. We describe a female with intellectual disability, failure to thrive, short stature, multiple congenital anomalies, and dysmorphic features and a previously diagnosed de novo 8q21.11 deletion at the age of 7. However, at the age of 11, she experienced neurological and developmental regression. The GDAP1 gene encoding ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1 was deleted in the patient as a part of the contiguous gene syndrome. We argue that haploinsufficiency of GDAP1 could have contributed to the proband's regression based on its involvement in mitochondrial function and a signal transduction pathway in neuronal development.
How the Target Hemoglobin of Renal Anemia Should Be?
Authors: Mimura Imari , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: September 2015

Renal anemia is caused by the deficiency of endogenous erythropoietin (Epo) due to renal dysfunction. We think that it is possible to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in case we initiate Epo early in pre-dialysis patients, especially in the non-diabetic population. Erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) treatments targeting mild anemia (10-12 g/dl) can decrease the risk of occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure. As the large randomized controlled trials such as Cardiovascular Risk Reduction by Early Anemia Treatment with Epoetin Beta, Correction of Hemoglobin and Outcomes in Renal Insufficiency and Trial to Reduce Cardiovascular Events with Aranesp Thearpy in the Western countries suggested, we do not recommend high doses of ESA to achieve the target hemoglobin (Hb) level. The target Hb of >13 g/dl might lead to increase in the risk of CVD although maintaining a high Hb of >12 g/dl without ESA is not harmful for CKD patients. It is desirable to determine the target Hb in dialysis patients depending on their ages. Renal anemia should be monitored constantly to start ESA and iron replacement therapy at an appropriate time, while avoiding their excess in order to minimize the occurrence of CVD and other complications. Taken all the international guidelines and our clinical experiences together, we should consider administration of ESA when the Hb level becomes <11 g/dl in pre-dialysis patients and <10 g/dl in dialysis patients.
Synthesis of an Endogenous Steroidal Na Pump Inhibitor Marinobufagenin, Implicated in Human Cardiovascular Diseases, Is Initiated by CYP27A1 via Bile Acid Pathway
Authors: Fedorova Olga V. , Zernetkina Valentina I. , Shilova Victoria Y. , Grigorova Yulia N. , Juhasz Ondrej , Wei Wen , Marshall Courtney A. , Lakatta Edward G. , Bagrov Alexei Y.
Published: September 2015

Background—

The bioactive steroid, marinobufagenin, is an endogenous Na/K-ATPase bufadienolide inhibitor that is synthesized by adrenocortical and placental cells. Marinobufagenin binding to Na/K-ATPase initiates profibrotic cell signaling, and heightened marinobufagenin levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, preeclampsia, and chronic kidney disease. Steroids are derived from cholesterol through the traditional steroidogenesis pathway initiated by enzyme CYP11A1, and via the acidic bile acid pathway, which is controlled by enzyme CYP27A1. The mechanism of marinobufagenin biosynthesis in mammals, however, remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

Here, we show that post-transcriptional silencing of the
CYP27A1
gene in human trophoblast and rat adrenocortical cells reduced the expression of CYP27A1 mRNA by 70%, reduced total bile acids 2-fold, and marinobufagenin levels by 67% when compared with nontreated cells or cells transfected with nontargeting siRNA. In contrast, silencing of the
CYP11A1
gene did not affect marinobufagenin production in either cell culture, but suppressed production of progesterone 2-fold in human trophoblast cells and of corticosterone by 90% in rat adrenocortical cells when compared with cells transfected with nontargeting siRNA. In vivo, in a high-salt administration experiment, male and female Dahl salt-sensitive rats became hypertensive after 4 weeks on a high-NaCl diet, their plasma marinobufagenin levels doubled, and adrenocortical CYP27A1 mRNA and protein increased 1.6-fold and 2.0-fold.

Conclusions—

Therefore, the endogenous steroidal Na/K-ATPase inhibitor, marinobufagenin, is synthesized in mammalian placenta and adrenal cortex from cholesterol through the novel acidic bile acid pathway. These findings will help to understand the role of marinobufagenin in highly prevalent human cardiovascular diseases.
Left Ventricular Structure and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Framingham Heart Study Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Tsao Connie W. , Gona Philimon N. , Salton Carol J. , Chuang Michael L. , Levy Daniel , Manning Warren J. , O'Donnell Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Elevated left ventricular mass index (
LVMI
) and concentric left ventricular (
LV
) remodeling are related to adverse cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) events. The predictive utility of
LV
concentric remodeling and
LV
mass in the prediction of
CVD
events is not well characterized.

Methods and Results

Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort members without prevalent
CVD
(n=1715, 50% men, aged 65±9 years) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance for
LVMI
and geometry (2002–2006) and were prospectively followed for incident
CVD
(myocardial infarction, coronary insufficiency, heart failure, stroke) or
CVD
death. Over 13 808 person‐years of follow‐up (median 8.4, range 0.0 to 10.5 years), 85
CVD
events occurred. In multivariable‐adjusted proportional hazards regression models, each 10‐g/m
2
increment in
LVMI
and each 0.1 unit in relative wall thickness was associated with 33% and 59% increased risk for
CVD
, respectively (
P
=0.004 and
P
=0.009, respectively). The association between
LV
mass/
LV
end‐diastolic volume and incident
CVD
was borderline significant (
P
=0.053). Multivariable‐adjusted risk reclassification models showed a modest improvement in
CVD
risk prediction with the incorporation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance
LVMI
and measures of
LV
concentricity (C‐statistic 0.71 [95%
CI
0.65 to 0.78] for the model with traditional risk factors only, improved to 0.74 [95%
CI
0.68 to 0.80] for the risk factor model additionally including
LVMI
and relative wall thickness).

Conclusions

Among adults free of prevalent
CVD
in the community, greater
LVMI
and
LV
concentric hypertrophy are associated with a marked increase in adverse incident
CVD
events. The potential benefit of aggressive primary prevention to modify
LV
mass and geometry in these adults requires further investigation.
Optimizating Clot Retrieval in Acute Stroke
Authors: Haussen Diogo C. , Rebello Leticia C. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of the Push and Fluff technique (PFT) as compared with the standard unsheathing technique for closed-cell stent retrievers in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy database was analyzed (September 2010 to January 2015) with the Trevo Retriever as a primary strategy. The PFT was compared with our internal standard unsheathing technique and with the Trevo Versus Merci Retrievers for Thrombectomy Revascularization of Large Vessel Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke 2 (TREVO2) trial. Additionally, a silicon flow model was used to compare cell size/configuration, wall apposition/device diameter, and degree of foreshortening/device length across the 2 techniques.

Results—

One hundred fifty-one out of 662 patients qualified for the study. The PFT (n=71) was associated with higher rates of first-pass reperfusion (54% versus 35%,
P
=0.03; 54% versus 32.6%,
P
<0.01), lower number of passes (1.3±0.8 versus 1.8±1.0,
P
<0.01; 1.7±1.0 versus 2.4±1.6,
P
<0.01), and higher rates of modified treatment in cerebral ischemia-3 reperfusion (58% versus 40%,
P
=0.03; 58% versus 14%,
P
<0.01) as compared with the standard unsheathing technique (n=81) and the TREVO2 Trevo arm (n=88), respectively. No differences in hemorrhagic complications were observed across the groups. The in vitro model indicated that, compared with standard unsheathing technique, PFT resulted in improved wall apposition (device diameter, 75% larger) and cell size (mean area, 51% larger) at the cost of a mild degree of foreshortening (25% length reduction).

Conclusions—

The PFT is safe and leads to optimization of wall apposition and cell size/configuration, resulting in higher chances of first-pass reperfusion, lower number of passes, and better rates of complete reperfusion.
White Matter Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Egashira Yusuke , Zhao Hao , Hua Ya , Keep Richard F. , Xi Guohua
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

We recently observed early white matter injury after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. This study investigated the potential role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and consequent white matter injury.

Methods—

SAH was induced by endovascular perforation in adult male mice. The following 3 experiments were devised: (1) mice underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 24 h after SAH and were euthanized to determine BBB disruption and MMP-9 activation in white matter; (2) to investigate the role of MMP-9 in BBB disruption, lesion volumes on magnetic resonance imaging were compared between wild-type (WT) and MMP-9 knockout (MMP-9
−/−
) mice at 24 h after SAH; (3) WT and MMP-9
−/−
mice underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 1 and 8 days after SAH to detect time-dependent changes in brain injury. Brains were used to investigate myelin integrity in white matter.

Results—

In WT mice with SAH, white matter showed BBB disruption (albumin leakage) and T2 hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging. MMP-9 activity was elevated at 24 h after SAH. MMP-9
−/−
mice had less white matter T2 hyperintensity after SAH than WT mice. At 8 days after SAH, WT mice had decreased myelin integrity and MMP-9
−/−
mice developed less white matter injury.

Conclusions—

SAH causes BBB disruption and consequent injury in white matter. MMP-9 plays an important role in those pathologies and could be a therapeutic target for SAH-induced white matter injury.
A Multicomponent Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Stroke Risk Factor Behaviors
Authors: Brown Devin L. , Conley Kathleen M. , Sánchez Brisa N. , Resnicow Kenneth , Cowdery Joan E. , Sais Emma , Murphy Jillian , Skolarus Lesli E. , Lisabeth Lynda D. , Morgenstern Lewis B.
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose—

The Stroke Health and Risk Education Project was a cluster-randomized, faith-based, culturally sensitive, theory-based multicomponent behavioral intervention trial to reduce key stroke risk factor behaviors in Hispanics/Latinos and European Americans.

Methods—

Ten Catholic churches were randomized to intervention or control group. The intervention group received a 1-year multicomponent intervention (with poor adherence) that included self-help materials, tailored newsletters, and motivational interviewing counseling calls. Multilevel modeling, accounting for clustering within subject pairs and parishes, was used to test treatment differences in the average change since baseline (ascertained at 6 and 12 months) in dietary sodium, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity, measured using standardized questionnaires. A priori, the trial was considered successful if any one of the 3 outcomes was significant at the 0.05/3 level.

Results—

Of 801 subjects who consented, 760 completed baseline data assessments, and of these, 86% completed at least one outcome assessment. The median age was 53 years; 84% subjects were Hispanic/Latino; and 64% subjects were women. The intervention group had a greater increase in fruit and vegetable intake than the control group (0.25 cups per day [95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.42],
P
=0.002), a greater decrease in sodium intake (−123.17 mg/d [−194.76, −51.59],
P
=0.04), but no difference in change in moderate- or greater-intensity physical activity (−27 metabolic equivalent–minutes per week [−526, 471],
P
=0.56).

Conclusions—

This multicomponent behavioral intervention targeting stroke risk factors in predominantly Hispanics/Latinos was effective in increasing fruit and vegetable intake, reaching its primary end point. The intervention also seemed to lower sodium intake. Church-based health promotions can be successful in primary stroke prevention efforts.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01378780.
A “Sensibility of the Commons” and Climate Change Adaptive Capacity in Haiti
Authors: Bogard Cynthia J.
Published: September 2015

A sensibility of the commons, defined as a community sentiment of shared, responsible decision-making and action-taking concerning a designated resource, is an essential feature of societies likely to adapt effectively to climate change. Impoverished Haiti provides a tragic counter example and instead is likely to be highly vulnerable to climate instability. Vulnerability is defined as likely impacts plus adaptive capacity. Haiti’s degraded environment and dearth of inclusive institutions is in part responsible for its current vulnerability. Its former slave economy has been followed by an oligarchic extractionist economy leaving little room for developing the social prerequisites of high adaptive capacity societies. These are: empowered citizens, inclusive institutions, a generalized morality wherein all have rights, and a sensibility of the commons and its concomitant social capital.
The Missing Link between The Nature and Mission of the Church (2005) and The Church: Towards a Common Vision (2013)
Authors: De Mey Peter
Published: September 2015

This article is an attempt to reconstruct part of the redaction history of the 2013 convergence document, The Church: Towards a Common Vision (ctcv). Within Faith & Order one attaches great importance to the reception process of the interim drafts of important multilateral ecumenical documents. It is my contention that ctcv not only had to cope with a late Inter-Orthodox reaction, but also took the 2008 reaction of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity very seriously. My assessment of the impact of this reaction is at the same time a benevolent commentary on ctcv from a Roman Catholic perspective.
‘Satis est — Necesse est’
Authors: Hellqvist Elina
Published: September 2015

The task of the current paper is to compare two important, ecclesiological documents to each other, namely, the document The Church of Jesus Christ (cjc, 1994) of the Leuenberg Church Fellowship to the Faith and Order document The Church: Towards a Common Vision (ctcv, 2012). The first one, cjc, outlines an ecclesiology of one, specific confessional church family and church fellowship, in a geographical area. ctcv, on the other hand, reflects the global situation, and seeks to express convergence between churches living in very different societies and cultural spheres. By comparing the two documents, this paper explores themes such as church as a community of Saints, the Leuenberg methodology of unity, legitimate diversity, apostolic succession and requirements for unity. The paper argues that the Leuenberg model of ‘reconciled diversity’ could be understood as a step and a practical tool on the way to the full, visible unity, which, according to ctcv, is the ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement.
Epiphyllous Hepaticae of Kowloon Peninsula (Hong Kong)
Authors: But Paul Pui-Hay , Gao Cai-Hua
Published: September 2015

Twenty-eight species of epiphyllous liverworts were identified from twenty-five sites in Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong. Twenty-four of these species are new records to Hong Kong, while four of them are new epiphyllous records to the Chinese mainland. The majority of the sites are located between 30-200 m above sea level, representing the lowest altitude of epiphyllous liverworts found in the Chinese mainland. Characteristics of the host plants bearing epiphyllous liverworts are briefly discussed. The following new combination is proposed: Cololejeunea pseudolatilobula (Chen & Wu) But & Gao comb. nov. (Pedinolejeunea pseudolatilobula Chen & Wu).
Reinstatement and lectotypification of Bridelia fordii (Phyllanthaceae)
Authors: Li Yongquan , Yao Gang
Published: September 2015

Bridelia fordii, originally described from China in 1894, often treated as a synonym of B. retusa. Upon examinating the types and other related specimens, we conclude that the former is easily distinguishable from the latter and the former should be accepted as an independent species. Our previous molecular evidence also supports this conclusion. We further designate the lectotype of B. fordii in this study.
A new species of Bupleurum (Umbelliferae) from Badakhshan, with notes on and a key to the alpine species of High Asia
Authors: Pimenov Michael G , Kljuykov Eugene V
Published: September 2015

A new species of Bupleurum, B. pamiricum Pimenov & Kljuykov, distributed in the Pamirs alpine plateau in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, is here described. Previously collections of this taxon have been attributed to either B. aitchisonii or B. gracillimum, but it differs from  the first in the rootstocks not branching, thin roots, narrower stem leaves 3-6 (not 1-2) and from  the second in the brown stylopods, thin stems, in the leaves almost not broadened at the base, and bracteole number. A taxonomic key to the five alpine species of Bupleurum, growing in High Asia, is also provided.
A new species of Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from Brazil
Authors: FLORIANO CARLA FERNANDA BURGUEZ , MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO
Published: September 2015

Rhagovelia kararao sp. nov., collected in sandstone caves from northern Brazil, is described and compared with similar and related species. Rhagovelia pachymeri Nieser & Melo, 1997 is synonymized with Rhagovelia robusta Gould, 1931. An updated key to the species of the robusta group occurring in Brazil is presented.
A taxonomic guide to the fanworms (Sabellidae, Annelida) of Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, including new species and new records
Authors: CAPA MARÍA , MURRAY ANNA
Published: September 2015

This comprehensive taxonomic work is the result of the study of fan worms (Sabellidae, Annelida) collected over the last 40 years from around the Lizard Island Archipelago, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Some species described herein are commonly found in Lizard Island waters but had not previously been formally reported in the literature. Most species appear to be not particularly abundant, and few specimens have been collected despite the sampling effort in the area over this time period. After this study, the overall sabellid diversity of the archipelago has been greatly increased (by more than 650%). Before this revision, only four sabellid species had been recorded for Lizard Island, and in this paper we report 31 species, 13 of which belong to nominal species, six are formally described as new species (Euchone danieloi n. sp., Euchone glennoi n. sp., Jasmineira gustavoi n. sp., Megalomma jubata n. sp., Myxicola nana n. sp., and Paradialychone ambigua n. sp.), and the identity of 12 species is still unknown (those referred as cf. or sp.). Two species are newly recorded in Australia and two in Queensland. The invasive species Branchiomma bairdi is reported for the first time at Lizard Island. The genus Paradialychone is reported for Australia for the first time. Standardised descriptions, general photographs of live and/or preserved specimens and distribution data are provided for all species. New species descriptions are accompanied by detailed illustrations and exhaustive morphological information. A dichotomous key for sabellid identification is also included.
ENSO-Like Variability: 1900–2013*
Authors: Chen Xianyao , Wallace John M.
Published: September 2015

ENSO-like variability is examined using a set of univariate indices based on unfiltered monthly global sea surface temperature (SST), sea level pressure (SLP), outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), sea level, and the three-dimensional ocean temperature (OT) fields. These indices, many of which correspond to the leading principal components (PCs) of the respective global fields, are highly correlated with each other. In combination with their spatial regression patterns, they provide a comprehensive description of ENSO-like variability in the atmosphere and ocean across time scales ranging from months to decades, from 1950 onward. The SLP and SST indices are highly correlated with one another back to the late nineteenth century. The interdecadal-scale shifts in the prevailing polarity of ENSO that occurred in the 1940s, the 1970s, and around the year 2000 are clearly evident in low-pass-filtered time series of these indices.

On the basis of empirical mode decomposition, ENSO-like variability is partitioned into an interannual “ENSO cycle,” to which equatorial ocean wave dynamics imparts a distinctive equatorial signature, and a red noise background continuum, most prominent on the interdecadal time scale, which resembles the ENSO-like variability in some models in which the atmosphere is coupled to a slab ocean. The background continuum bears the imprint of the Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern, the leading mode of the Northern Hemisphere wintertime variability of the atmospheric circulation over the Pacific sector. The superposition of the ENSO cycle and the background continuum imparts a distinctive frequency dependence to the patterns of ENSO-like climate variability.
Russia as a Euro-Pacific power: Dilemmas of Russian foreign policy decision-making
Authors: Koldunova Ekaterina
Published: September 2015

Russia has a dual self-perception deeply rooted in its historical development. It is represented in two competing traditions of defining Russia’s position in the world. While some parts of society view Russia as a part of Europe, others believe that it is a distinct Eurasian power. An academic view – although one less popular among Moscow foreign policy-making elites – defines Russia as a Euro-Pacific power possessing vital interests in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. This article examines recent developments in Russian foreign policy decision-making with a view to interpreting how contemporary dilemmas have featured in the adaptation and rearticulation of the two predominant identity traditions by Russian foreign policy actors since 1991. It also analyses how the beliefs of the situated agents, namely, political elites and bureaucratic, intellectual and business actors at various levels, have contributed to Russia’s interpretation of recent global power shifts. These are examined with particular reference to the ongoing crisis in Russia’s relations with the West, sharply accented in Ukraine, and the emerging significance of the Asia-Pacific for thinking about the Russian foreign policy and its role in the world.
A remote sensing image enhancement method using mean filter and unsharp masking in non-subsampled contourlet transform domain
Authors: Liu Lu , Jia Zhenhong , Yang Jie , Kasabov Nikola
Published: September 2015

The intelligibility of an image can be influenced by the pseudo-Gibbs phenomenon, a small dynamic range, low-contrast, blurred edge and noise pollution that occurs in the process of image enhancement. A new remote sensing image enhancement method using mean filter and unsharp masking methods based on non-subsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) in the scope for greyscale images is proposed in this paper. First, the initial image is decomposed into the NSCT domain with a low-frequency sub-band and several high-frequency sub-bands. Secondly, linear transformation is adopted for the coefficients of the low-frequency sub-band. The mean filter is used for the coefficients of the first high-frequency sub-band. Then, all sub-bands were reconstructed into spatial domains using the inverse transformation of NSCT. Finally, unsharp masking was used to enhance the details of the reconstructed image. The experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to other methods in improving image definition, image contrast and enhancing image edges.
Faculty Scholarship Has a Profound Positive Association With Student Evaluations of Teaching—Except When It Doesn’t
Authors: Carter Robert E.
Published: September 2015

Conventional wisdom holds that research-productive faculty are also the finest instructors. But, is this commonly held belief correct? In the current study, the notion that faculty scholarship exhibits a positive association with teaching evaluations is investigated. Reflecting the data structure of faculty nested within university, the current study uses hierarchical linear modeling, and finds that scholarship displays a positive correspondence with teaching evaluations, but only for male faculty publishing in elite or top-tier marketing journals. Although this linkage is only found under specific conditions, it stands in contrast to much of the extant literature, which reports little to no correlation between research and teaching evaluations. In addition, significant control variables and interactions, at both the faculty level (i.e., gender, faculty title) and university level (i.e., tuition, entry GPA, flagship university), are identified. In total, the findings suggest that while there is an association between elite publications and student evaluations, the primacy of research in the academy may, nonetheless, not always be in the best interest of students.
The Nutritional Contribution of Foods and Beverages Provided by Government-Sponsored Day Care Centers in Guatemala
Authors: Vossenaar Marieke , Hernández Liza , Montenegro-Bethancourt Gabriela , Soto-Méndez María José , Bermudez Odilia I. , Solomons Noel W.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Meals served at government-run day care centers must be nutritionally adequate to ensure good health and proper development of preschool-aged children. They can provide a controlled opportunity to complement the daily diet of children in vulnerable populations.

Objective:

To determine the nutrient adequacy and leading food sources of nutrients provided by the diet served in government-sponsored day care centers.

Methods:

Estimated daily energy and nutrient intakes of a theoretical 40-day day care center menu were calculated, and the nutrient adequacy was assessed. Nutrient densities and critical nutrient densities of the menu were computed to identify nutrient inadequacies. Furthermore, main sources of nutrients were identified, and energy and nutrient distributions were examined by meal time.

Results:

The menu provides approximately 90% of daily energy requirement and more than 100% of Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), with the exception of vitamin D and calcium. Sugar was the first leading source of energy, whereas milk was the first leading contributor of vitamin D.

Conclusion:

Within an environment of budgetary constraints, the Guatemalan government developed and advocated an exemplary menu offering for children in the vulnerable preschool period. We have demonstrated that, if prepared and served as planned, the items from the official, standard menu would supply most of the nutrients needed. High vitamin A intake related to the mandated national fortification program is a potential problem. From the analysis, it was found that vitamin D emerges as the most prominent candidate for a problem nutrient of deficient intake.
A novel kefir product (PFT) activates dendritic cells to induce CD4+T and CD8+T cell responses in vitro
Authors: Ghoneum Mamdooh , Felo Nouran , Agrawal Sudhanshu , Agrawal Anshu
Published: September 2015

Lactobacilli have been widely studied for their probiotic effects and have been reported to function as antiviral and anticancer agents. However, the underlying mechanisms via immune modulation are poorly understood. PFT is a freeze dried compound of Lactobacillus kefiri P-IF with a unique composition and functionality. In this study, we examined the potential stimulatory effects of two concentrations (50 µg and 100 µg/mL) of PFT on human monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) function in vitro. Results showed that PFT upregulated the expression of DC surface co-stimulatory and maturation markers CD80, CD86, and HLADR in a concentration dependent manner. PFT at 100 µg/mL markedly increased the secretion of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-1β by DCs. This concentration of PFT also stimulated the production of antiviral cytokines, IFN-α and IFN-λ(IL29) in DCs. Additionally, PFT at 100 µg/mL activated moDCs prime CD4+T cells and significantly increased the levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α by 1.7, four, three-fold, respectively. Furthermore PFT-stimulated DCs were also effective in enhancing the cytotoxic potential of CD8+T cells via the induction of Granzyme-B and upregulation of CD107a, and CD103 expression, a marker of resident/regulatory CD8+T cells. These data suggest that PFT functions as a natural adjuvant for DC activation and thus may be used in DC-based vaccine strategies against viral infections and cancer.
Conflicts about water in Lake Chad: Are environmental, vulnerability and security issues linked?
Authors: Okpara Uche T. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Dougill Andrew J. , Bila Mohammed D.
Published: September 2015

This article builds on the growing literature that explores the relationships between environmental change and non-traditional security, defined as non-military threats that challenge the survival and well-being of peoples and states. The Lake Chad basin in Africa is used as a case study for analysis. Focusing on a set of questions that have dominated recent theoretical debates, this article investigates whether conflicts resulting from water scarcity are as much about the broader vulnerability of the Lake Chad region as they are about changes in the lake system and its environment. It argues that conflict is a probable outcome only in locations that are already challenged by a multitude of other context-specific factors besides resource scarcity. In the Lake Chad context, the likelihood of scarcity-driven conflict depends on whether vulnerability increases or decreases in the face of a declining water supply. The article provides perspectives for a nuanced understanding of how the receding Lake Chad has led to conflict and outlines an integrated, forward-looking research agenda for linking environmental change, vulnerability and security issues in integrated human–environment systems.
Dynamics of remittance utilization by Nigerian households
Authors: Fonta William M. , Ayuk Elias T. , Chukwu Jude O. , Onyukwu Onyukwu E. , Agu Cletus C. , Umenwa Innocent O.
Published: September 2015

Nigeria is currently ranked as the world’s top 10 remittance destination country with estimated official inflows of about US$10 billion. However, very little is still known about the end-use dynamics of these large inflows into Nigeria. Understanding these dynamics is central to any attempt to minimize the negative effects of migration, while optimizing its development potentials in the country. Using a new dataset involving 697 end-users of remittances collected at money-operating facilities in the country between March 2011 and December 2012, the study finds that the bulk of remittances flowing into Nigeria are primarily used to subsidize households’ consumption, education and health expenditures (74.3 per cent). However, intriguingly, when sources are disaggregated, the study finds that remittances originating from within Africa are driven by ‘pure altruism’, whereas those originating from the rest of the world are mostly driven by ‘purely selfish’ motives.
Finding the Middle Ground in Violent Video Game Research
Authors: Markey Patrick M.
Published: September 2015

Ferguson’s comprehensive meta-analysis provides convincing data that violent video games have almost no effect on children’s aggression. Although this finding is unlikely to bring unity to a divided field, Ferguson’s article (2015, this issue) provides important rules that should aid all researchers. First, we need to be more accepting of results that are inconsistent with our own theories. Second, extraneous variables are often responsible for the relations previous studies have found between violent media and aggression. Third, we should avoid using unstandardized assessments of important variables whenever possible. Finally, caution is warranted when generalizing laboratory research findings to severe acts of violent in the “real world.” It is hoped that, by accepting these basic rules, researchers and others will adopt less extreme positions concerning the effects of violent video games.
What Is a Good Skeptic to Do? The Case for Skepticism in the Media Violence Discussion
Authors: Gentile Douglas A.
Published: September 2015

The discussion about violent video games tends to engender extreme positions, each of which are deserving of deep skepticism. Ferguson’s (2015, this issue) claim that humans can do something repeatedly with no effect on them should be examined carefully, especially as it violates most established psychological and learning theories. In this commentary, we examine three aspects of Ferguson’s claim. First, it is a typical rhetorical trick to sow doubt, but it is valuable to examine the doubting claims. Second, it is good rhetoric to direct attention in only one direction, but it is valuable to examine that direction within its broader outlook. Third, it is good rhetoric to imply bias on the part of one position, but it is valuable to examine the potential biases on all sides. Good science definitely requires skeptics. The problem with the violent video game debate is perhaps that we have not been skeptical enough.
Young at Heart
Authors: Van Vleet Meredith , Feeney Brooke C.
Published: September 2015

Developmental and animal research has established play as important to well-being, yet little is known about implications of play by human adults, particularly within close relationships, where it is most likely to occur. Although this is an important emerging topic for psychology, several obstacles have impeded research in this area, including definitional issues and the lack of a guiding framework. In this article, we direct attention to this neglected research area and propose a perspective on play in adulthood that provides a definition of the construct (a behavior or activity that is carried out with the goal of amusement and fun, involves an enthusiastic and in-the-moment attitude or approach, and is highly interactive among play partners or with the activity itself) and identifies potential immediate outcomes (e.g., positive affect, feelings of being accepted and valued, reductions in daily stress) and long-term outcomes (e.g., psychological, physical, and relational health) of play in adulthood, with an emphasis on play occurring within the context of close relationships. In doing so, we elucidate important avenues for future research on this topic (e.g., development of standardized measures, examination of biological mechanisms), which is ripe for investigation.
Activated protein C inhibits neutrophil migration in allergic asthma: a randomised trial
Authors: de Boer J. Daan , Berger Marieke , Majoor Christof J. , Kager Liesbeth M. , Meijers Joost C.M. , Terpstra Sanne , Nieuwland Rienk , Boing Anita N. , Lutter René , Wouters Diana , Mierlo Gerard J. van , Zeerleder Sacha S. , Bel Elisabeth H. , Veer Cornelis van't , Vos Alex F. de , Zee Jaring S. van der , Poll Tom van der
Published: September 2015

Asthma patients show evidence of a procoagulant state in their airways, accompanied by an impaired function of the anticoagulant protein C system. We aimed to study the effect of recombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) in allergic asthma patients.

We conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept study in house dust mite (HDM) allergic asthma patients. Patients were randomised to receive intravenous rhAPC (24 µg·kg−1·h−1; n=12) or placebo (n=12) for 11 h. 4 h after the start of infusion, a first bronchoscopy was performed to challenge one lung segment with saline (control) and a contralateral segment with a combination of HDM extract and lipopolysaccharide (HDM+LPS), thereby mimicking environmental house dust exposure. A second bronchoscopy was conducted 8 h after intrabronchial challenge to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).

rhAPC did not influence HDM+LPS induced procoagulant changes in the lung. In contrast, rhAPC reduced BALF leukocyte counts by 43% relative to placebo, caused by an inhibitory effect on neutrophil influx (64% reduction), while leaving eosinophil influx unaltered. rhAPC also reduced neutrophil degranulation products in the airways.

Intravenous rhAPC attenuates HDM+LPS-induced neutrophil migration and protein release in allergic asthma patients by an effect that does not rely on coagulation inhibition.