bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of China’s Primary Energy Structure and Emissions Reduction Targets by 2030 Based on Multiobjective Programming
Authors: Ren Feng , Xia Long
Published: March 2017

China’s energy issues and carbon emissions have become important global concerns. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the fulfillment of China’s commitment to carbon emissions reduction by 2030. We establish the Markov chain model to analyze the transition of primary energy structure and carbon emissions in China by 2030 without artificial intervention and build three multiobjective optimization models to analyze China’s energy structure and emissions reduction targets by 2030 under three scenarios (scenario of energy structure optimization, scenario of energy intensity optimization, and scenario of energy structure‐intensity optimization). The findings show that the proportions of coal, oil, natural gas, and nonfossil energy will reach 17.89%, 11.52%, 49.43%, and 21.16%, respectively; the total decreases in CO2 intensity reach 43.11%, 61.78%, and 60.64%, respectively; the CO2 emissions under these three scenarios are 25.092, 16.859, and 17.359 billion tons. In other words, China’s emissions reduction targets cannot be easily achieved. In order to keep pace with China’s overall mitigation agenda, we put forward the policy recommendations. Through these analyses and discussions, we hope to make contributions to policy stimulation in energy, carbon emissions, and ecological protection.
Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Ultrasound Evaluation in Intensive Care Unit: Possible Role and Clinical Aspects in Neurological Critical Patients’ Daily Monitoring
Authors: Toscano M. , Spadetta G. , Pulitano P. , Rocco M. , Di Piero V. , Mecarelli O. , Vicenzini E.
Published: March 2017

Background. The increase of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a reliable, noninvasive sonographic marker of intracranial hypertension. Aim of the study was to demonstrate the efficacy of ONSD evaluation, when monitoring neurocritical patients, to early identify malignant intracranial hypertension in patients with brain death (BD).Methods. Data from ultrasound ONSD evaluation have been retrospectively analyzed in 21 sedated critical patients with neurological diseases who, during their clinical course, developed BD. 31 nonneurological controls were used for standard ONSD reference.Results. Patients with neurological diseases, before BD, showed higher ONSD values than control group (CTRL: RT0.45±0.03 cm; LT0.45±0.02 cm; pre-BD: RT0.54±0.02 cm; LT0.55±0.02 cm;p<0.000) even without intracranial hypertension, evaluated with invasive monitoring. ONSD was further significantly markedly increased in respect to the pre-BD evaluation in neurocritical patients after BD, with mean values above 0.7 cm (RT0.7±0.02 cm; LT0.71±0.02 cm;p<0.000), with a corresponding dramatic raise in intracranial pressure. Logistic regression analysis showed a strong correlation between ONSD and ICP (R0,895,p<0.001).Conclusions. ONSD is a reliable marker of intracranial hypertension, easy to be performed with a minimal training. Routine ONSD daily monitoring could be of help in Intensive Care Units when invasive intracranial pressure monitoring is not available, to early recognize intracranial hypertension and to suspect BD in neurocritical patients.
A New Method to Extract CSP Gather of Topography for Scattered Wave Imaging
Authors: Pan Zhao , Mei-gen Zhang
Published: March 2017

The seismic method is one of the major geophysical tools to study the structure of the earth. The extraction of the common scatter point (CSP) gather is a critical step to accomplish the seismic imaging with a scattered wave. Conventionally, the CSP gather is obtained with the assumption that the earth surface is horizontal. However, errors are introduced to the final imaging result if the seismic traces obtained at the rugged surface are processed using the conventional method. Hence, we propose the method of the extraction of the CSP gather for the seismic data collected at the rugged surface. The proposed method is validated by two numerical examples and expected to reduce the effect of the topography on the scattered wave imaging.
Availability, Pharmaceutics, Security, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacological Activities of Patchouli Alcohol
Authors: Hu Guanying , Peng Cheng , Xie Xiaofang , Zhang Sanyin , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: March 2017

Patchouli alcohol (PA), a tricyclic sesquiterpene, is one of the critical bioactive ingredients and is mainly isolated from aerial part of Pogostemon cablin (known as guanghuoxiang in China) belonging to Labiatae. So far, PA has been widely applied in perfume industries. This review was written with the use of reliable information published between 1974 and 2016 from libraries and electronic researches including NCKI, PubMed, Reaxys, ACS, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Wiley‐Blackwell, aiming at presenting comprehensive outline of security, pharmacokinetics, and bioactivities of PA and at further providing a potential guide in exploring the PA and its use in various medical fields. We found that PA maybe was a low toxic drug that was acquired numerously through vegetable oil isolation and chemical synthesis and its stability and low water dissolution were improved in pharmaceutics. It also possessed specific pharmacokinetic characteristics, such as two‐compartment open model, first‐order kinetic elimination, and certain biometabolism and biotransformation process, and was shown to have multiple biological activities, that is, immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiatherogenic, antiemetic, whitening, and sedative activity. However, the systematic evaluations of preparation, pharmaceutics, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and bioactivities underlying molecular mechanisms of action also required further investigation prior to practices of PA in clinic.
Oxalic Acid-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis and Luminescent of Hexagonal NaYF4:Ln3+ (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb/Er) Micro/Nanoplates
Authors: Tao Feng , Shen Zhishun , Wang Zhijun , Shu Da , Liu Qi , Sun Yufeng
Published: March 2017

Hexagonal NaYF4:Ln3+ micro/nanoplates were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method using oxalic acid as a shape modifier. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) have been used to study the morphologies and crystal structure of the products. The effects of the pH values and the molar ratio of oxalic acid to NaOH on the crystal growth have been investigated in detail. The time-dependent experiments have been conducted to investigate the morphology evolution process, and based on the results, a possible growth mechanism was proposed. The photoluminescence properties of 5 mol% Eu3+ and 3 mol% Sm3+ doped NaYF4 and 20 mol% Yb3+/2 mol% Er3+ codoped NaYF4 micro/nanoplates were investigated. The experimental results showed that NaYF4:Ln3+ micro/nanoplates have excellent luminescence and can be potential application in the field of light display systems, lasers, and optoelectronic devices.
Using Agent-Based Models to Develop Public Policy about Food Behaviours: Future Directions and Recommendations
Authors: Giabbanelli Philippe J. , Crutzen Rik
Published: March 2017

Most adults are overweight or obese in many western countries. Several population-level interventions on the physical, economical, political, or sociocultural environment have thus attempted to achieve a healthier weight. These interventions have involved different weight-related behaviours, such as food behaviours. Agent-based models (ABMs) have the potential to help policymakers evaluate food behaviour interventions from a systems perspective. However, fully realizing this potential involves a complex procedure starting with obtaining and analyzing data to populate the model and eventually identifying more efficient cross-sectoral policies. Current procedures for ABMs of food behaviours are mostly rooted in one technique, often ignore the food environment beyond home and work, and underutilize rich datasets. In this paper, we address some of these limitations to better support policymakers through two contributions. First, via a scoping review, we highlight readily available datasets and techniques to deal with these limitations independently. Second, we propose a three steps’ process to tackle all limitations together and discuss its use to develop future models for food behaviours. We acknowledge that this integrated process is a leap forward in ABMs. However, this long-term objective is well-worth addressing as it can generate robust findings to effectively inform the design of food behaviour interventions.
Comparative Simulation Analysis of Process Parameter Variations in 20 nm Triangular FinFET
Authors: Shukla Satyam , Gill Sandeep Singh , Kaur Navneet , Jatana H. S. , Nehru Varun
Published: March 2017

Technology scaling below 22 nm has brought several detrimental effects such as increased short channel effects (SCEs) and leakage currents. In deep submicron technology further scaling in gate length and oxide thickness can be achieved by changing the device structure of MOSFET. For 10–30 nm channel length multigate MOSFETs have been considered as most promising devices and FinFETs are the leading multigate MOSFET devices. Process parameters can be varied to obtain the desired performance of the FinFET device. In this paper, evaluation of on-off current ratio (Ion/Ioff), subthreshold swing (SS) and Drain Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL) for different process parameters, that is, doping concentration (1015/cm3 to 1018/cm3), oxide thickness (0.5 nm and 1 nm), and fin height (10 nm to 40 nm), has been presented for 20 nm triangular FinFET device. Density gradient model used in design simulation incorporates the considerable quantum effects and provides more practical environment for device simulation. Simulation result shows that fin shape has great impact on FinFET performance and triangular fin shape leads to reduction in leakage current and SCEs. Comparative analysis of simulation results has been investigated to observe the impact of process parameters on the performance of designed FinFET.
Removal of Zinc from Aqueous Solution by Optimized Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches Biochar as Low Cost Adsorbent
Authors: Zamani Seyed Ali , Yunus Robiah , Samsuri A. W. , Salleh M. A. Mohd , Asady Bahareh
Published: March 2017

This study aims to produce optimized biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), as a green, low cost adsorbent for uptake of zinc from aqueous solution. The impact of pyrolysis conditions, namely, highest treatment temperature (HTT), heating rate (HR), and residence time (RT) on biochar yield and adsorption capacity towards zinc, was investigated. Mathematical modeling and optimization of independent variables were performed employing response surface methodology (RSM). HTT was found to be the most influential variable, followed by residence time and heating rate. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two quadratic models were developed to correlate three independent variables to responses. The optimum production condition for OPEFB biochar was found as follows: HTT of 615°C, HR of 8°C/min, and RT of 128 minutes. The optimum biochar showed 15.18 mg/g adsorption capacity for zinc and 25.49% of yield which was in agreement with the predicted values, satisfactory. Results of the characterization of optimum product illustrated well-developed BET surface area and porous structure in optimum product which favored its sorptive ability.
Simulation Based Investigation of the Impact of Information Sharing on the Offshore Wind Farm Installation Process
Authors: Quandt Moritz , Beinke Thies , Ait-Alla Abderrahim , Freitag Michael
Published: March 2017

In the recent decades, the introduction of a sustainable and green energy infrastructure, and, by this, the reduction of emissions caused by fossil energy generation, has been focused on by industry-oriented nations worldwide. Among the technologies of renewable energy generation, wind energy has the highest deployment rate, due to the high wind resource availability and the high technology maturity reached mainly by the onshore installation of wind turbines. However, the planning and the installation of offshore wind farms are a challenging task, because of harsh weather conditions and limited resource availability. Due to the current practice of decentralised information acquisition by the supply chain partners, we investigate the impact of sharing information on the installation process of offshore wind farms by means of a simulation model. Therefore, relevant information items will be identified in order to improve the installation process.
Liquid-Based Endometrial Cytology Using SurePath™ Is Not Inferior to Suction Endometrial Tissue Biopsy in Clinical Performance for Detecting Endometrial Cancer Including Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia
Authors: Yanaki Fumiko , Hirai Yasuo , Hanada Azusa , Ishitani Ken , Matsui Hideo
Published: March 2017

Objective: We evaluated the clinical performance of liquid-based endometrial cytology (SurePath™) for detecting endometrial malignancies by comparison with the performance of suction endometrial tissue biopsy. Study Design: From November 2011 to May 2013, we consecutively collected 1,118 liquid-based endometrial cytology specimens and 674 suction endometrial tissue biopsy specimens. Results: The rate of nonpositive final histology in nonpositive liquid-based endometrial cytology (98.2%) was higher than the rate of nonpositive final histology in nonpositive suction endometrial tissue biopsy (97.0%). None of the clinical performance values of liquid-based endometrial cytology for detecting the endometrial malignancies were statistically inferior to those of the suction endometrial tissue biopsy. When the positivity threshold was more than “atypical endometrial cells of undetermined significance,” the rate of positive liquid-based endometrial cytology from cases with a positive final histology (84.5%) was higher than the rate of positive suction endometrial tissue biopsy from cases with a positive final histology (69.8%). However, there were still no significant differences among all the performance values. Conclusions: Our liquid-based endometrial cytology would be more appropriate in various clinical situations as the initial detection tool for endometrial malignancies, rather than suction endometrial tissue biopsy. In addition, it could be used in screening for endometrial malignancies on a broader scale.
Development and Improvement of Simple Colonic Mucosal Ulcer during Treatment of Severe Ulcerative Colitis with Tacrolimus
Authors: Ito Ayumi , Iizuka Bunei , Omori Teppei , Nakamura Shinichi , Tokushige Katsutoshi
Published: March 2017

Diarrhea, melena, and lower abdominal pain developed in a male in his 20s and colonoscopy showed pancolitis-type severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Treatment was initiated with 4,000 mg of 5-aminosalicylic acid and 60 mg/day of prednisolone, but the symptoms and inflammatory reaction worsened with prednisolone dose reduction. Tacrolimus was added to the treatment, which subsequently induced remission. Serial colonoscopies during the treatment showed improvement in ulcer and mucosal edema throughout the entire large intestine, but a new solitary round ulcer appeared at the end of the ileum. Since no signs of Behçet’s disease were noted, it was considered as a simple ulcer, a complication of UC. Tacrolimus treatment was continued based on continued improvement in clinical features and colonic mucosa, excluding the end of the ileum. Colonoscopy at 6 months after initiation of tacrolimus showed healing of the large intestinal mucosa, although mild congestion was still noted. The solitary round ulcer at the end of the ileum improved to a small erosion. We report the improvement of a simple ulcer that developed during tacrolimus treatment.
Expression of Novel CD44st and MMP2 in NSCLC Tissues and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Ning , Yan Hai Cui , Jiang Hua , Fang Xin Jian
Published: March 2017

Background: Abnormal expression of some CD44 molecules in tumor tissues can induce the degradation of the extracellular matrix, and is closely associated with axillary lymph node metastasis, angiogenesis, cancer progression, and drug resistance. Patients and Methods: We measured and confirmed the expression of CD44st and MMP2 mRNAs and proteins in the cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues of postoperative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with either adenocarcinoma (n = 72) or squamous cell carcinoma (n = 53) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, gene sequencing, and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: CD44st and MMP2 expression were closely associated with the histopathological classification, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage of the tumors, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median overall survival (OS) for the high CD44st expression group was 30.52 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.02-36.15); for the low expression group it was 43.23 months (95% CI 31.81-52.02) (p = 0.020). The median OS for the high MMP-2 expression group was 30.53 months (95% CI 26.69-33.31); for the low expression group it was 40.06 months (95% CI 33.55-46.45) (p = 0.022). Conclusion: The rates of CD44st and MMP2 expression were higher in squamous cell carcinomas than in adenocarcinomas, were closely associated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage, and affected patients' prognoses.
MET Amplification and Response to MET Inhibitors in Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Suryavanshi Moushumi , Shah Aekta , Kumar Dushyant , Panigrahi Manoj K. , Metha Anurag , Batra Ullas
Published: March 2017

Background: Non-small-cell lung cancers with MET amplification may respond to c-MET inhibitors. Methods: We examined lung adenocarcinoma patients for mutations and amplification status of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), ROS, MET. The clinical characteristics of patients with MET amplification and their responses to MET inhibitor therapy were studied. Results: Of the 76 patients analyzed, 5 were positive for c-MET gene amplification and 4 cases showed an intermediate result. For 12 patients who were EGFR positive, a c-MET analysis on secondary biopsy tissue was performed following disease progression. All 5 c-MET-positive patients were men. The age range in the study was 34-83 years. 4 of the 5 patients were started on crizotinib. 2 of these cases were positive following tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. 3 patients showed a response. 1 patient showed no response and was later found to have a concurrent T790M mutation. Conclusions: There are 2 categories of MET gene amplification in lung cancer patients, de novo and that secondary to TKI therapy. These patients can benefit from MET inhibitor therapy. Dual mechanisms of resistance, EGFR T790M mutation and c-MET amplification after TKI therapy, may suggest a poor prognosis.
Changing Trends and Practices in Cytopathology
Authors: Gonzalez Maria F. , Akhtar Israh , Manucha Varsha
Published: March 2017

Objective: To explore the current and anticipated changes in the practice of cytopathology. Study Design: The present review is based on a review of recent literature and an evaluation of the authors' personal experiences. Results and Conclusion: In recent years the practice of cytopathology, nationwide and in our institute, has witnessed a major change affecting gynecologic and nongynecologic cytology. There has been a decline in the number of Papanicolaou tests which has affected the utilization of cytotechnologists and provoked a reorganization of their work flow. The “need to do more with less” in the era of targeted therapy/personalized medicine has resulted in an increasing preference for needle core biopsy when performing a rapid on-site evaluation. We feel that this change is unavoidable. It is pertinent that cytopathologists as a group recognize this change and prepare themselves and the trainees not only to become adapt but also to use this as an opportunity to discover the yet unexplored world of cytology.
Implementation of PI Controller for 4ф Srm Drive Using TMS320F28335
Authors: N Mekala , C Muniraj
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the experimental investigation of DSP based 4Ф Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) Drive. SRM is a doubly-salient, singly-excited machine and having very simple construction, has a low inertia and allows an extremely high-speed operation. The control system of SRM is highly complex due to non linear nature. In such a system for implementing control algorithm needs high speed processor. In this work TMS320F28335 DSP processor is used to implement the inner loop PI current controller and outer loop PI speed controller. The TMS320F28335 is highly integrated, high performance solution for challenging control applications. The various experimental tests are carried out in 1 HP 4Ф SRM. The experimental results are reported in order to verify the steady state, transient and robustness performance of the controller.
Performance Analysis of a DTC and SVM Based Field-Orientation Control Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Islam Md. Rashedul , Islam Md. Maruful , Hossain Md. Kamal , Sadhu Pintu Kumar
Published: March 2017

This study presents a performance analysis of two most popular control strategies for Induction Motor (IM) drives: direct torque control (DTC) and space vector modulation (SVM) strategies. The performance analysis is done by applying field-orientation control (FOC) technique because of its good dynamic response. The theoretical principle, simulation results are discussed to study the dynamic performances of the drive system for individual control strategies using actual parameters of induction motor. A closed loop PI controller scheme has been used. The main purpose of this study is to minimize ripple in torque response curve and to achieve quick speed response as well as to investigate the condition for optimum performance of induction motor drive. Depending on the simulation results this study also presents a detailed comparison between direct torque control and space vector modulation based field-orientation control method for the induction motor drive.
Modelling and Analysis of Induction Motor using LabVIEW
Authors: Ramprasath E. , Manojkumar P.
Published: March 2017

Induction motor characteristics became complex to study, after the invention of drives where the motor incorporated with power electronic switches such as thyristor, diodes, GTO, and MOSFET. Induction motor characteristics can be studied and modelled with software such as Finite Element Analysis and Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench. Finite Element Analysis is used to study and model the motor might be complex and the time taken to compute was unreliable. In this paper induction motor was modeled with the help of LabVIEW software this allows us to model and simulate the motor in order to analyze the performance. The induction motor modelled here was based on the mathematical equations.
Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in opossums caught in urban areas of Bauru, state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Lucheis Simone Baldini , Silva Daniela Barbosa da , Guiraldi Lívia Maísa , Santos Wesley José Dos , Paixão Mirian Dos Santos , Alves-Martin Maria Fernanda , Lemos Fábio Almeida , Sánchez Gabriela Pacheco , Santiago Maria Emília Bodini
Published: March 2017

A toxoplasmose é uma das zoonoses mais comuns no mundo, tendo sido descrita inicialmente em roedores e em coelhos. Todavia, poucos são os dados sobre morbidade e mortalidade da toxoplasmose nos marsupiais da fauna brasileira, como os gambás, sendo de grande importância na epidemiologia da doença, como presas para felídeos e outros carnívoros. Com o objetivo de verificar a resposta sorológica para Toxoplasma gondii em marsupiais (Didelphis spp.), foram avaliados 38 animais capturados em 14 regiões da área urbana do município de Bauru-SP. Foi encontrada uma frequência, de acordo com o teste de aglutinação modificada (MAT), de 26,3% (10/38) nas amostras analisadas. Pode-se sugerir que o comportamento dos gambás e sua permanência próxima a habitações humanas resultam em contato com gatos e infecção por T. gondii, tendo em vista a frequência encontrada neste estudo. Este é o primeiro estudo de soroprevalência de T. gondii em gambás capturados na área urbana do município de Bauru-SP, alertando-se para a necessidade do monitoramento desta zoonose pelas autoridades de vigilância ambiental e sanitária do município.
Histological aspects of the mucosa of the spermaceti chamber of a dwarf sperm whale
Authors: Costa-Silva Samira , Sacristán Carlos , Groch Kátia regina , Sánchez-Sarmiento Angélica María , Reisfeld Laura , Dutra Gustavo , Lassálvia Cristiane , Catão-Dias José Luiz
Published: March 2017

O sistema de produção sonora do cachalote-anão (Kogia sima) apresenta uma complexa estrutura anatômica composta por melão, espermacete, lábios fônicos, “vocal cap”, “case”, papilas, câmara do espermacete e outros espaços aéreos, além de músculos faciais envolvidos na produção sonora. A câmara do espermacete localiza-se na porção caudal da pré-maxila, apresentando parte de sua mucosa recoberta por estruturas esférico-ovaladas de aproximadamente 1 a 2 mm de diâmetro, compatíveis com vesículas (previamente denominadas “papilas”). Ao exame macroscópico de um espécime de K. sima encalhado no litoral de Santos (sudeste da costa brasileira), foi identificada mucosa esbranquiçada e firme ao corte, ampla e irregularmente distribuída na porção pré-maxilar da câmara do espermacete. Ao exame microscópico foram observadas vesículas compostas por abundante tecido conectivo de colágeno tipo I, dando origem a um espaço interno ou cavidade, contendo pequena quantidade de substância eosinófila, compatível com fluido mucoprotêico. Estruturas glandulares foram observadas em tecido conjuntivo na base das vesículas, provavelmente responsáveis pela produção do fluido observado no interior das mesmas. Esse estudo caracteriza histologicamente a mucosa da câmara do espermacete de um espécime de K. sima e as glândulas relacionadas a sua produção secretória.
Ticks and fleas in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) of Pernambuco state, Brazil
Authors: Santos Edna Michelly de Sá , Cunha Ricardo César De Souza Carneiro da , Farias Márcia Paula Oliveira , Fonseca Cristina Farias da , Oliveira Jaqueline Bianque de , Carvalho Renata Ribeiro Novais de , Alves Leucio Câmara
Published: March 2017

Objetivou-se identificar as espécies de pulgas e carrapatos de Cerdocyon thous provenientes do estado Pernambuco. Foram examinados 20 animais, estando 30% (6/20) ectoparasitados. Foram coletadas 16 pulgas e 17 carrapatos em cachorros-do-mato de vida livre e de cativeiro no estado de Pernambuco. As pulgas foram identificadas como: Pulex irritans e Ctenocephalides felis; e os carrapatos foram: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato e Amblyomma ovale. A presença de ectoparasitos de animais domésticos parasitando C. thous, sugere a aproximação de indivíduos desta espécie ao peridomicílio. Além disso, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência de A. ovale em C. thous no nordeste brasileiro.
Salt Sensitivity of Angiogenesis Inhibition–Induced Blood Pressure Rise
Authors: Lankhorst Stephanie , Severs David , Markó Lajos , Rakova Natalia , Titze Jens , Müller Dominik N. , Danser A.H. Jan , van den Meiracker Anton H.
Published: March 2017

In response to salt loading, Na
+
and Cl
−
accumulate in the skin in excess of water, stimulating skin lymphangiogenesis via activation of the mononuclear phagocyte system cell-derived vascular endothelial growth factor-C–vascular endothelial growth factor type 3 receptor signaling pathway. Inhibition of this pathway results in salt-sensitive hypertension. Sunitinib is an antiangiogenic, anticancer agent that blocks all 3 vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and increases blood pressure. We explored the salt dependency of sunitinib-induced hypertension and whether impairment of skin lymphangiogenesis is an underlying mechanism. Normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats were exposed to a normal or high salt with or without sunitinib administration. Sunitinib induced a 15 mm Hg rise in telemetrically measured blood pressure, which was aggravated by a high-salt diet (HSD), resulting in a decline of the slope of the pressure–natriuresis curve. Without affecting body weight, plasma Na
+
concentration or renal function, Na
+
and Cl
−
skin content increased by 31% and 32% with the high salt and by 49% and 50% with the HSD plus sunitinib, whereas skin water increased by 17% and 24%, respectively. Skin mononuclear phagocyte system cell density increased both during sunitinib and a HSD, but no further increment was seen when HSD and sunitinib were combined. HSD increased skin lymphangiogenesis, while sunitinib tended to decrease lymphangiogenesis, both during a normal-salt diet and HSD. We conclude that sunitinib induces hypertension that is aggravated by high salt intake and not accompanied by impaired skin lymphangiogenesis.
Sustained Reduction of Blood Pressure With Baroreceptor Activation Therapy
Authors: de Leeuw Peter W. , Bisognano John D. , Bakris George L. , Nadim Mitra K. , Haller Hermann , Kroon Abraham A.
Published: March 2017

Baroreflex activation therapy is a novel technique for treating patients with resistant hypertension. Although short-term studies have demonstrated that it lowers blood pressure, long-term results have not yet been reported. The aim of the present study is to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of baroreflex activation therapy. Long-term follow-up data were analyzed from all patients who had been included in 1 of the 3 trials that focused on treatment-resistant hypertensive patients. Altogether, 383 patients were available for analysis: 143 of these had completed 5 years of follow-up and 48 patients had completed 6 years of follow-up. In the entire cohort, office systolic blood pressure fell from 179±24 mm Hg to 144±28 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001), whereas office diastolic pressure dropped from 103±16 mm Hg to 85±18 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001). Heart rate fell from 74±15 beats per minute to 71±13 beats per minute (
P
<0.02). The effect of baroreflex activation therapy is greater than average in patients with signs of heart failure and less than average in patients with isolated systolic hypertension. In ≈25% of patients, it was possible to reduce the number of medications from a median of 6 to a median of 3. Temporary side effects, related to either the surgical procedure or the cardiovascular instability, do occur, but they do not require specific measures and resolve over time.

After a follow-up of 6 years, baroreflex activation therapy maintains its efficacy for persistent reduction of office blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension without major safety issues.
Statin Use and the Risk of Cataracts: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yu Shandong , Chu Yanpeng , Li Gang , Ren Lu , Zhang Qing , Wu Lin
Published: March 2017

Background

Cataracts are the main cause of poor vision and blindness worldwide. The effects of statin administration on cataracts remain debated. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether statin use affects the risk of cataracts.

Methods and Results

We performed a systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed,
EMBASE
, and the Cochrane Library through January 2016. Weighted averages were reported as relative risk values with 95%
CI
s. Statistical heterogeneity scores were assessed with the standard Cochran's Q test and the I
2
statistic. A total of 6 cohort studies, 6 case–control studies, and 5 randomized controlled trials, together involving more than 313 200 patients, were included in our study. The pooled estimates of cohort studies indicated that the use of statins moderately increases the risk of cataracts (relative risk, 1.13; 95%
CI
, 1.01–1.25). The pooled estimates of case–control studies (relative risk=1.10, 95%
CI
, 0.99–1.23) and randomized controlled trials (relative risk, 0.89; 95%
CI
, 0.72–1.10) indicated that the use of statins does not increase the risk of cataracts. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results. Heterogeneity was found among the cohort and case–control studies.

Conclusions

Based on the present meta‐analysis of these studies, we could only conclude that there is no clear evidence showing that statin use increases the risk of cataracts. The most likely case is that there is no association between statin use and cataracts. Because of the considerable benefits of statins in cardiovascular patients, this issue should not deter their use.
Sex Differences in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention—Insights From the Coronary Angiography and PCI Registry of the German Society of Cardiology
Authors: Heer Tobias , Hochadel Matthias , Schmidt Karin , Mehilli Julinda , Zahn Ralf , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Hamm Christian , Böhm Michael , Ertl Georg , Hoffmeister Hans Martin , Sack Stefan , Senges Jochen , Massberg Steffen , Gitt Anselm K. , Zeymer Uwe
Published: March 2017

Background

Several studies have suggested sex‐related differences in diagnostic and invasive therapeutic coronary procedures.

Methods and Results

Data from consecutive patients who were enrolled in the Coronary Angiography and
PCI
Registry of the German Society of Cardiology were analyzed. We aimed to compare sex‐related differences in in‐hospital outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) for stable coronary artery disease, non‐
ST
elevation acute coronary syndromes,
ST
elevation myocardial infarction, and cardiogenic shock. From 2007 until the end of 2009 data from 185 312
PCI
s were prospectively registered: 27.9% of the
PCI
s were performed in women. Primary
PCI
success rate was identical between the sexes (94%). There were no sex‐related differences in hospital mortality among patients undergoing
PCI
for stable coronary artery disease, non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndromes, or cardiogenic shock except among
ST
elevation myocardial infarction patients. Compared to men, women undergoing primary
PCI
for
ST
elevation myocardial infarction have a higher risk of in‐hospital death, age‐adjusted odds ratio (1.19, 95% CI 1.06‐1.33), and risk of ischemic cardiac and cerebrovascular events (death, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack/stroke), (age‐adjusted odds ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.16‐1.29). Furthermore, access‐related complications were twice as high in women, irrespective of the indication.

Conclusions

Despite identical technical success rates of
PCI
between the 2 sexes, women with
PCI
for
ST
elevation myocardial infarction have a 20% higher age‐adjusted risk of death and of ischemic cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for these differences.
Quantifying Selection Pressure
Authors: Haasdijk Evert , Heinerman Jacqueline
Published: March 2017

Selection is an essential component of any evolutionary system and analysing this fundamental force in evolution can provide relevant insights into the evolutionary development of a population. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a substantial number of publications that investigated selection pressure through methods such as takeover time and Markov chain analysis. Over the last decade, however, interest in the analysis of selection in evolutionary computing has waned. The established methods for analysis of selection pressure provide little insight when selection is based on more than comparison-of-fitness values. This can, for instance, be the case in coevolutionary systems, when measures unrelated to fitness affect the selection process (e.g., niching) or in systems that lack a crisply defined objective function. This article proposes two metrics that holistically consider the statistics of the evolutionary process to quantify selection pressure in evolutionary systems and so can be applied where traditionally used methods fall short. The metrics are based on a statistical analysis of the relation between reproductive success and a quantifiable trait: one method builds on an estimate of the probability that this relation is random; the other uses a correlation measure. These metrics provide convenient tools to analyse selection pressure and so allow researchers to better understand this crucial component of evolutionary systems. Both metrics are straightforward to implement and can be used in post-hoc analyses as well as during the evolutionary process, for example, to inform parameter control mechanisms. A number of case studies and a critical analysis show that the proposed metrics provide relevant and reliable measures of selection pressure.
Twenty-ninth Annual Margaret Mann Phillips Lecture
Authors: Vessey Mark
Published: March 2017

The progress of modern editions of Erasmus’ works has brought us to a point where we can begin to reassess the significance of the turn in his career marked by the Novum instrumentum in 1516. When the insights of recent research on Erasmus’ New Testament are combined with scholarship on early modern literary and print culture and in the cognitive history of neo-Latin discourse, the radical novelty of his biblical enterprise appears more clearly.
The Ethics of Typography in the Erasmian Festina Lente
Authors: Gulizia Stefano
Published: March 2017

This essay proposes an exercise of detailed and contextual reading of the Erasmian adage Festina lente, which contains a cultural diagnosis of Aldus Manutius as a prominent historical actor within a motley Venetian cohort of printing personae ranging from humanists to street peddlers. While the central sections are taken, successively, by Roman antiquarian themes, bibliophilic assessment, and the epistemic problem of marginalia in a Byzantine lexicon consulted by Erasmus while in Venice, the introduction and conclusion further expand the results of this localized inquiry by raising the early modern problem of expertise and following the idea of Herculean printing in Erasmus as a pedagogical and philosophical model.
The “Erasmian” Pronunciation of Greek
Authors: Barnard Jody A.
Published: March 2017

In 1635 the Dutch scholar Gerardus Vossius (1577–1649) published a work on the Art of Grammar where he makes reference to the circumstances in which Erasmus wrote his Dialogue on the Correct Way of Pronouncing Latin and Greek (1528). Vossius quotes an account from 1569 which explains how Erasmus fell foul of a practical joke by which he was fooled into thinking that a new and more correct pronunciation of Greek had been discovered, and, wanting to appear the inventor of the matter, Erasmus quickly composed and published his Dialogue, only to discover later that the whole story was in fact a hoax. This account of the origins of Erasmus’ Dialogue has largely been taken at face value by those concerned, but I argue that it is a most unlikely explanation with several serious flaws. Although the practical joke could have taken place, it seems that it was subsequently misconstrued as the incentive for Erasmus’ Dialogue. On the contrary, I argue that the Dialogue was intended as a sincere popularization of an ongoing academic inquiry, but that the hypothetical Greek pronunciation therein has been misunderstood as a cue to replace the traditional (native) pronunciation. This article shows that the so-called “Erasmian” pronunciation of Greek at large today is not only un-Greek, but also un-Erasmian, for it has little to do with Erasmus and contradicts his example and counsel.
Hyphodontia zhixiangii sp. nov. (Schizoporaceae, Basidiomycota) from Uzbekistan
Authors: KAN YU-HE , GAFFOROV YUSUFJON , LI TONG , ZHOU LI-WEI
Published: March 2017

Hyphodontia zhixiangii is described as a new species from three Uzbek specimens recently collected on Juniperus. This species is characterized by annual, resupinate basidiocarps with a grandinioid to odontioid hymenophore, a monomitic hyphal system with clamp-connected generative hyphae, frequent lagenocystidia and subcapitate septocystidia, and ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid, thin-walled, smooth basidiospores measuring 4.6–5.5 × 3.3–4 μm. Morphologically, H. zhixiangii resembles H. alutaria and H. arguta. H. alutaria differs mainly in its colliculose hymenophore and slightly smaller basidiospores measuring 4.5–5 × 3–3.5 μm. H. arguta differs in the absence of septocystidia and bearing longer aculei measuring 0.5–2 µm in length. In the ITS-based phylogeny, H. zhixiangii nested within the Hyphodontia clade as a distinct lineage. Three ITS sequences labeled as H. arguta did not cluster together. As it is not known if any of these sequences were obtained from specimens collected in Sweden, the neotype locality, it is impossible to decide which one, if any, represents the genuine H. arguta.
Typification of the name Avena laevigata, the basionym of Avenula pubescens subsp. laevigata (Poaceae)
Authors: NACHYCHKO VIKTOR O. , KOBIV YURIY Y. , SOSNOVSKY YEVHEN V. , HELESH MYROSLAVA B. , PROKOPIV ANDRIY I.
Published: March 2017

Avena laevigata Schur (1860: 72) belongs to the taxonomically difficult group of perennial oats whose phylogenetic relationships, systematics, and nomenclature have been reconsidered many times (Holub 1958, 1962, Gervais 1973, Röser 1989, Lange 1995, Conti et al. 2005, Röser et al. 2009, Romero-Zarco 2011). It is affiliated with the generic name Avenula (Dumortier 1824: 122) Dumortier (1868: 68), a taxon accepted in the worldwide phylogenetic classification of the Poaceae (Soreng et al. 2015) and is the basionym of the accepted subspecies name Avenula pubescens (Hudson 1762: 42) Dumortier (1868: 68) subsp. laevigata (Schur) Holub (1976: 295) (Euro+Med 2006 onwards) distributed in the western and southern Alps as well as the southern and eastern Carpathians (Dixon 1991). The nomenclatural type of Avena laevigata (and so that of Avenula pubescens subsp. laevigata) is unknown, hence typification of this name is necessary (McNeill et al. 2012).
Jiang, Q.Q., Deng, H.P., Wang, Q., Yang, Z.M. & Zhang, H.Y. (2017) Clematis wuxiensis (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Chongqing, China. Phytotaxa 296 (2): 197–200
Authors: JIANG QING-QING , DENG HONG-PING , WANG QIAN , YANG ZHI-MING , ZHANG HUA-YU
Published: March 2017

N/A
Two new genera of pyroglyphid mites, Tuccioglyphus and Marioglyphus, with a key to genera of the World (Acari: Pyroglyphidae)
Authors: HORN TAMARA BIANCA , FERLA JÚLIA JANTSCH , KÖRBES JÚLIA HORN , KÖRBES JÚLIA HORN , GRANICH JULIANA , OCONNOR BARRY , KLIMOV PAVEL , FERLA NOELI JUAREZ
Published: March 2017

We describe Tuccioglyphus setosus gen. et sp. nov. from the litter of commercially reared laying hens as well as wild birds in Brazil. The new genus Tuccioglyphus presents a mixture of character states between the two conventional subfamilies, Pyroglyphinae and Dermatophagoidinae. Based on this new unusual genus, we discuss character states delimiting these and other major subfamilies of the house dust mite family, Pyroglyphidae, as well as its most important and species-rich genus Dermatophagoides. An additional new genus, Marioglyphus gen. n., is proposed for Hughesiella valerioi Vargas and Smiley. Both Tuccioglyphus and Marioglyphus are related to the genus Hughesiella. A key to pyroglyphid genera of the World is presented.
Two new species of Quichuana Knab (Diptera: Syrphidae) from the paramo ecosystems in Colombia
Authors: MONTOYA AUGUSTO L. , RICARTE ANTONIO , WOLFF MARTA
Published: March 2017

Two new species of Quichuana Knab (Diptera: Syrphidae), Quichuana citara Montoya & Wolff sp. n. and Quichuana nigropilosa Montoya & Ricarte sp. n. are described from highlands of the Colombian Andes. Images of type material, including drawings of male genitalia are provided. An adjustment for the latest identification key for the Quichuana species and distribution maps for those species occurring in Colombia are given.
Structural brain changes in schizophrenia at different stages of the illness: A selective review of longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Dietsche Bruno , Kircher Tilo , Falkenberg Irina
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disorder accompanied by aberrant structural brain connectivity. The question whether schizophrenia is a progressive brain disorder is yet to be resolved. Thus, it is not clear when these structural alterations occur and how they develop over time.

Methods:

In our selective review, we summarized recent findings from longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating structural brain alterations and its impact on clinical outcome at different stages of the illness: (1) subjects at ultra-high risk of developing psychosis, (2) patients with a first episode psychosis, and (3) chronically ill patients. Moreover, we reviewed studies examining the longitudinal effects of medication on brain structure in patients with schizophrenia.

Results:

(1) Studies from pre-clinical stages to conversion showed a more pronounced cortical gray matter loss (i.e. superior temporal and inferior frontal regions) in those individuals who later made transition to psychosis. (2) Studies investigating patients with a first episode psychosis revealed a decline in multiple gray matter regions (i.e. frontal regions and thalamus) over time as well as progressive cortical thinning in the superior and inferior frontal cortex. (3) Studies focusing on patients with chronic schizophrenia showed that gray matter decreased to a greater extent (i.e. frontal and temporal areas, thalamus, and cingulate cortices)—especially in poor-outcome patients. Very few studies reported effects on white matter microstructure in the longitudinal course of the illness.

Conclusion:

There is adequate evidence to suggest that schizophrenia is associated with progressive gray matter abnormalities particularly during the initial stages of illness. However, causal relationships between structural changes and illness course—especially in chronically ill patients—should be interpreted with caution. Findings might be confounded by longer periods of treatment and higher doses of antipsychotics or epiphenomena related to the illness.
Video‐Assisted Septoplasty: The Future in Teaching Septal Surgery—A Technical Note
Authors: Rahal Akram , Charron Marie‐Pierre
Published: March 2017

Teaching and learning septoplasty is challenging due to the limited and intermittent visualization of the surgical site by the resident and the mentor. Our objective was to develop and test the surgical tools required to achieve optimal visualization of the surgical field during septal surgery without having to modify the way conventional septoplasty is performed. A flexible high‐definition endoscope is mounted on a modified 50‐mm nasal speculum. This allows real‐time visualization of all steps of the surgery on the video monitor. The residents can follow all intranasal surgical steps on the monitor while the surgeon is operating. In the same way, the mentor can guide the resident through the surgery and provide more appropriate feedback. All steps of the septal surgery can be recorded for later educational use. Video‐assisted septoplasty will help surgeons teach septal surgery more efficiently.