bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte Macrophage‐Colony Stimulating Factor (GM‐CSF) Downregulates the Expression of Protumor Factors Cyclooxygenase‐2 and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in a GM‐CSF Receptor‐Independent Manner in Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Jiang Nanyan , Tian Zhiqiang , Tang Jun , Ou Rongying , Xu Yunsheng
Published: July 2015

Enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is associated with the pathogenic processes of various tumor types. COX‐2 and iNOS expression in the immunomodulatory dendritic cells is mediated by the granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), which is also expressed by cervical cancer cells; however, whether and how GM‐CSF regulates COX‐2 and iNOS expression in clinical cervical cancer cells remain unknown. In this study, we found that the COX‐2 and iNOS expression was upregulated in the cervical cancer tissues and positively correlated with cancer metastasis and stage. About one‐half of the cervical cancer tissues showed strong/moderate GM‐CSF expression, while the normal cervical tissues showed >80% positive rate; no GM‐CSFR protein was detectable on the cervical cancer cells. The GM‐CSF expression was negatively correlated with the COX‐2 and iNOS expression in the cervical cancer tissues and the functional negative regulatory effect of GM‐CSF on COX‐2/iNOS expression was demonstrated in various cervical cancer cell lines. Therefore, in cervical cancer cells, GM‐CSF might contribute an antitumor response by inhibiting iNOS and COX‐2 expression in a GM‐CSFR independent manner.
A Novel Orange-Red Emitting ZnB4O7:Eu3+Phosphor with Urchin-Like Nanostructure
Authors: Luitel Hom Nath , Chand Rumi , Watari Takanori
Published: July 2015

A novel phosphor, ZnB4O7:Eu3+, with urchin-like structure consisting of radially arranged high density nanorods was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal process at 150°C for 24 h. The nanorods were measured from 200 to 400 nm in diameter and severalµm in length. The urchins were fewµm to 40 µm in diameter. The ZnB4O7:Eu3+phosphors were efficiently excited by ultraviolet (UV ~ 254 nm) to visible light of ~ 220 to 450 nm and exhibited intense orange-red emission consisting of main peaks at 590, 615, and 695 nm due to the charge transfer in the host andf→ftransitions (5D0to7F1,2,4) of the Eu3+ions. Effect of the Eu3+ions concentration on the photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity was investigated and it was found that 5 at% Eu3+is the optimum concentration. Meanwhile, the concentration quenching mechanism was discussed. The key parameters, such as temperature dependent PL and CIE values of ZnB4O7:Eu3+phosphors, were studied. The ZnB4O7:Eu3+phosphor exhibited good thermal stability and better absorption cross section compared to the commercial Y2O2S:Eu3+phosphor. All these characteristics indicate that the phosphor will be a potential candidate for the UV based white LEDs.
Periodic Solutions of Certain Differential Equations with Piecewise Constant Argument
Authors: Guyker James
Published: July 2015

Existence criteria are derived for the eventually periodic solutions of a class of differential equations with piecewise constant argument whose solutions at consecutive integers satisfy nonlinear recurrence relations. The proof characterizes the initial values of periodic solutions in terms of the coefficients of the resulting difference equations. Sufficient conditions for the unboundedness, boundedness, and symmetry of general solutions also follow from the corresponding properties of the difference equations.
Nonexistence of Harberger-Laursen-Metzler Effect with Endogenous Time Preference in an Imperfect Capital Market
Authors: Wang Deng-Shan , Jin Miao
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the spending and current-account effects of a permanent terms-of-trade change in a dynamic small open economy facing an imperfect world capital market, where the households’ subjective discount rate is a function of savings. Under the assumption that the bond holdings are measured in terms of home goods, it is shown that when the discount rate is a decreasing function of savings, there does not necessarily exist a stable state; however, when the discount rate is an increasing function of savings, a saddle-path stable steady state comes into existence and the Harberger-Laursen-Metzler effect does not exist unambiguously; that is, an unanticipated permanent terms-of-trade deterioration leads to a cut in aggregate expenditure and a current-account surplus. The short-run effects obtained by the technique by Judd (1985, 1987) and Zou (1997) are consistent with the results from the long-run analysis and diagrammatic analysis.
Novel Synthesis of Vegetable Oil Derived Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Rostron Paul , Kasshanna Sonia
Published: July 2015

Two different naturally occurring vegetable oils, Cress seed oil, and Linseed oil were chemically modified via novel one pot synthesis to produce fatty acid derived amides. These were characterized by their ability to prevent corrosion of carbon steel in vigorously stirred, aerated seawater, one of the most corrosive naturally occurring environments. Corrosion inhibitor efficiencies of up to 99.6% or a corrosion rate reduction factor of 250 in this medium is reported. The one pot synthetic strategy means that the corrosion inhibitors can be made at very low cost.
Consensus Analysis for Third-Order Multiagent Systems in Directed Networks
Authors: Cao Yanfen , Sun Yuangong
Published: July 2015

We investigate consensus problem for third-order multiagent dynamical systems in directed graph. Necessary and sufficient conditions to consensus of third-order multiagent systems have been established under three different protocols. Compared with existing results, we focus on the relationship between the scaling strengths and the eigenvalues of the involved Laplacian matrix, which guarantees consensus of third-order multiagent systems. Finally, some simulation examples are given to illustrate the theoretical results.
A Revised Genome Assembly of the Region 5′ to Canine SOX9 Includes the RevSex Orthologous Region
Authors: Rossi Elena , Radi Orietta , De Lorenzi Lisa , Iannuzzi Alessandra , Camerino Giovanna , Zuffardi Orsetta , Parma Pietro
Published: July 2015

The SOX gene family includes many genes that play a determinant role in several developmental pathways. The SOX9 gene has been identified as a major factor in testis development in mammals after it is activated by the SRY gene. However, duplication of the gene itself in some mammalian species, or of a well-delimited upstream ‘RevSex' region in humans, has been shown to result in testis development in the absence of the SRY gene. In the current study, we present an accurate analysis of the genomic organization of the SOX9 locus in dogs by both in silico and FISH approaches. Contrary to what is observed in the current dog genome assembly, we found that the genomic organization is quite similar to that reported in humans and other mammalian species, including the position of the RevSex region in respect to SOX9. The analysis of the conserved sequences within this region in 7 mammalian species facilitated the highlighting of a consensus sequence for SRY binding. This new information could help in the identification of evolutionarily conserved elements relevant for SOX9 gene regulation, and could provide valid targets for mutation analysis in XY DSD patients.
Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Short-Term Risk of Stroke
Authors: Turakhia Mintu P. , Ziegler Paul D. , Schmitt Susan K. , Chang Yuchiao , Fan Jun , Than Claire T. , Keung Edmund K. , Singer Daniel E.
Published: July 2015

Background—

The temporal relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke risk is controversial. We evaluated this relationship via a case-crossover analysis of ischemic strokes in a large cohort of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Methods and Results—

We identified 9850 patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices remotely monitored in the Veterans Administration Health Care System between 2002 and 2012. There were 187 patients with acute ischemic stroke and continuous heart rhythm monitoring for 120 days before the stroke (age, 69±8.4 years; 98% with an implantable defibrillator). We compared each patient’s daily AF burden in the 30 days before stroke (case period) with their AF burden during days 91 to 120 pre stroke (control period). Defining positive AF burden as ≥5.5 hours of AF on any given day, 156 patients (83%) had no positive AF burden in both periods and, in fact, had little to no AF; 15 (8%) patients had positive AF burden in both periods. Among the discordant (informative) patients, 13 exceeded 5.5 hours of AF in the case period but not in the control period, whereas 3 had positive AF burden in the control but not in the case period (warfarin-adjusted odds ratio for stroke, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.5–13.4). Odds ratio for stroke was highest (17.4; 95% confidence interval, 5.39–73.1) in the 5 days immediately after a qualifying occurrence of AF and decreased toward 1.0 as the period after the AF occurrence increased beyond 30 days.

Conclusions—

In this population with continuous heart rhythm recording, multiple hours of AF had a strong but transient effect raising stroke risk.
Preclinical Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunctions in Metabolically Healthy and Unhealthy Obese Individuals
Authors: Wang Yi-Chih , Liang Chang-seng , Gopal Deepa M. , Ayalon Nir , Donohue Courtney , Santhanakrishnan Rajalakshmi , Sandhu Harpaul , Perez Alejandro J. , Downing Jill , Gokce Noyan , Colucci Wilson S. , Ho Jennifer E.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Despite the substantial overlap of obesity and metabolic disease, there is heterogeneity with respect to cardiovascular risk. We sought to investigate preclinical differences in systolic and diastolic function in obesity, and specifically compare obese individuals with and without metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods and Results—

Obese individuals without cardiac disease with (OB/MS+, n=124) and without (OB/MS−, n=37) MS were compared with nonobese controls (n=29). Diastolic function was assessed by transmitral and tissue Doppler. Global longitudinal strain (LS) and time-based dyssynchrony were assessed by speckle tracking. Both OB/MS− and OB/MS+ groups had similar ejection fraction but worse systolic mechanics as assessed by LS and dyssynchrony when compared with nonobese controls. Specifically, OB/MS− had 2.5% lower LS (SE, 0.7%;
P
=0.001 in multivariable-adjusted analyses) and 10.8 ms greater dyssynchrony (SE, 3.3 ms;
P
=0.002), and OB/MS+ had 1.0% lower LS (SE, 0.3%;
P
<0.001) and 7.8 ms greater dyssynchrony (SE, 1.5 ms;
P
<0.001) when compared with controls. Obesity was associated with impaired diastolic function regardless of MS status, as evidenced by greater left atrial diameter and left ventricular mass although diastolic dysfunction was more pronounced in OB/MS+ than in OB/MS− individuals.

Conclusions—

Obesity is associated with subclinical differences in both systolic and diastolic function regardless of the presence or absence of MS although MS seems to be associated with worse diastolic dysfunction. When compared with controls, metabolically healthy obese had lower LS, greater dyssynchrony, and early diastolic dysfunction, supporting the notion that obesity per se may have adverse cardiovascular effects regardless of metabolic disease.
Is Aspiration Thrombectomy Beneficial in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention?
Authors: Elgendy Islam Y. , Huo Tianyao , Bhatt Deepak L. , Bavry Anthony A.
Published: July 2015

Background—

It is unclear whether intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or ischemic time might modify any clinical benefits observed with aspiration thrombectomy before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Electronic databases were searched for trials that randomized ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients to aspiration thrombectomy before PCI versus conventional PCI. Summary estimates were constructed using a DerSimonian-Laird model. Seventeen trials with 20 960 patients were available for analysis. When compared with conventional PCI, aspiration thrombectomy was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of mortality 2.8% versus 3.2% (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.04;
P
=0.13), reinfarction 1.3% versus 1.4% (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.73–1.17;
P
=0.52), the combined outcome of mortality or reinfarction 4.1% versus 4.6% (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79–1.02;
P
=0.11), or stent thrombosis 0.9% versus 1.2% (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.62–1.08;
P
=0.15). Aspiration thrombectomy was associated with a nonsignificant increase in the risk of stroke 0.6% versus 0.4% (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.96–2.21;
P
=0.08). Meta-regression analysis did not identify a difference for the log RR of mortality, reinfarction, and the combined outcome of mortality or reinfarction with intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (
P
=0.17, 0.70, and 0.50, respectively) or with ischemic time (
P
=0.29, 0.66, and 0.58, respectively).

Conclusions—

Aspiration thrombectomy before primary PCI is not associated with any benefit on clinical end points and might increase the risk of stroke. Concomitant administration of intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and ischemic time did not seem to influence any potential benefits observed with aspiration thrombectomy.
Trends in Gender Differences in Cardiac Care and Outcome After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Western Sweden: A Report From the Swedish Web System for Enhancement of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART)
Authors: Redfors Björn , Angerås Oskar , Råmunddal Truls , Petursson Petur , Haraldsson Inger , Dworeck Christian , Odenstedt Jacob , Ioaness Dan , Ravn‐Fischer Annika , Wellin Peder , Sjöland Helen , Tokgozoglu Lale , Tygesen Hans , Frick Erik , Roupe Rickard , Albertsson Per , Omerovic Elmir
Published: July 2015

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death for both genders. Debates are ongoing as to whether gender‐specific differences in clinical course, diagnosis, and management of acute myocardial infarction (MI) exist.

Methods and Results

We compared all men and women who were treated for acute MI at cardiac care units in Västra Götaland, Sweden, between January 1995 and October 2014 by obtaining data from the prospective SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web‐System for Enhancement of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) registry. We performed unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses on complete case data and on imputed data sets. Overall, 48 118 patients (35.4% women) were diagnosed with acute MI. Women as a group had better age‐adjusted prognosis than men, but this survival benefit was absent for younger women (aged <60 years) and for women with ST‐segment elevation MI. Compared with men, younger women and women with ST‐segment elevation MI were more likely to develop prehospital cardiogenic shock (adjusted odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.16,
P
<0.001 and adjusted odds ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.48,
P
<0.001) and were less likely to be prescribed evidence‐based treatment at discharge (
P
<0.001 for β‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, and P2Y
12
antagonists). Differences in treatment between the genders did not decrease over the study period (
P
>0.1 for all treatments).

Conclusions

Women on average have better adjusted prognosis than men after acute MI; however, younger women and women with ST‐segment elevation MI have disproportionately poor prognosis and are less likely to be prescribed evidence‐based treatment.
Temporal Changes in Periprocedural Events in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial
Authors: Howard George , Hopkins L. Nelson , Moore Wesley S. , Katzen Barry T. , Chakhtoura Elie , Morrish William F. , Ferguson Robert D. , Hye Robert J. , Shawl Fayaz A. , Harrigan Mark R. , Voeks Jenifer H. , Howard Virginia J. , Lal Brajesh K. , Meschia James F. , Brott Thomas G.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Post-hoc, we hypothesized that over the recruitment period of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial (CREST), increasing experience and improved patient selection with carotid stenting, and to a lesser extent, carotid endarterectomy would contribute to lower periprocedural event rates.

Methods—

Three study periods with approximately the same number of patients were defined to span recruitment. Composite and individual rates of periprocedural stroke, myocardial infarction, and death rate were calculated separately by treatment assignment (carotid stenting/carotid endarterectomy). Temporal changes in unadjusted event rates, and rates after adjustment for temporal changes in patient characteristics, were assessed.

Results—

For patients randomized to carotid stenting, there was no significant temporal change in the unadjusted composite rates that declined from 6.2% in the first period, to 4.9% in the second, and 4.6% in the third (
P
=0.28). Adjustment for patient characteristics attenuated the rates to 6.0%, 5.9%, and 5.6% (
P
=0.85). For carotid endarterectomy–randomized patients, both the composite and the combined stroke and death outcome decreased between periods 1 and 2 and then increased in period 3.

Conclusions—

The hypothesized temporal reduction of stroke+death events for carotid stenting–treated patients was not observed. Further adjustment for changes in patient characteristics between periods, including the addition of asymptomatic patients and a >50% decrease in proportion of octogenarians enrolled, resulted in practically identical rates.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00004732.
White Matter Hyperintensities Relate to Clinical Progression in Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: Benedictus Marije R. , van Harten Argonde C. , Leeuwis Annebet E. , Koene Teddy , Scheltens Philip , Barkhof Frederik , Prins Niels D. , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

In patients with subjective cognitive decline, we assessed whether small vessel disease was associated with clinical progression and cognitive decline.

Methods—

We included 334 patients with subjective cognitive decline. Follow-up was 3±2 years.

Results—

Fifty-three (16%) patients progressed clinically to mild cognitive impairment or dementia. White matter hyperintensities were associated with clinical progression and with annual decline on memory, attention, executive functioning, and global cognition. Microbleeds and lacunes were not associated with clinical progression or cognitive decline.

Conclusions—

In patients with subjective cognitive decline, patients with white matter hyperintensities are at increased risk of clinical progression and cognitive decline.
Effects of Electrical Stimulation in Spastic Muscles After Stroke
Authors: Stein Cinara , Fritsch Carolina Gassen , Robinson Caroline , Sbruzzi Graciele , Plentz Rodrigo Della Méa
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) has been used to reduce spasticity and improve range of motion in patients with stroke. However, contradictory results have been reported by clinical trials. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was conducted to assess the effect of treatment with NMES with or without association to another therapy on spastic muscles after stroke compared with placebo or another intervention.

Methods—

We searched the following electronic databases (from inception to February 2015): Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies based on predefined inclusion criteria (application of electric stimulation on the lower or upper extremities, regardless of NMES dosage, and comparison with a control group which was not exposed to electric stimulation), excluding studies with <3 days of intervention. The primary outcome extracted was spasticity, assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the secondary outcome extracted was range of motion, assessed by Goniometer.

Results—

Of the total of 5066 titles, 29 randomized clinical trials were included with 940 subjects. NMES provided reductions in spasticity (−0.30 [95% confidence interval, −0.58 to −0.03], n=14 randomized clinical trials) and increase in range of motion when compared with control group (2.87 [95% confidence interval, 1.18–4.56], n=13 randomized clinical trials) after stroke.

Conclusions—

NMES combined with other intervention modalities can be considered as a treatment option that provides improvements in spasticity and range of motion in patients after stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO
. Unique identifier: CRD42014008946.
Hypotension During Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke Is a Risk Factor for Poor Neurological Outcome
Authors: Löwhagen Hendén Pia , Rentzos Alexandros , Karlsson Jan-Erik , Rosengren Lars , Sundeman Henrik , Reinsfelt Björn , Ricksten Sven-Erik
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

In retrospective studies, patients receiving general anesthesia for endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke have worse neurological outcome compared with patients receiving conscious sedation. It has been suggested that this is caused by general anesthesia–associated hypotension. We investigated the effect of intraprocedural hypotension on neurological outcome.

Methods—

One hundred eight patients with acute ischemic stroke, who underwent endovascular treatment in general anesthesia between 2007 and 2012, were included. Analyzed predictors of neurological outcome were age, sex, comorbidities, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, intraprocedural relative changes in mean arterial blood pressure from baseline, blood glucose, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, and elapsed time from stroke to computed tomography, groin puncture, and recanalization/end of procedure.

Results—

A fall in mean arterial blood pressure of >40% was an independent predictor for poor neurological outcome (
P
=0.032), as were higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (
P
=0.008) and lack of recanalization (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

Profound intraprocedural hypotension is an independent predictor for poor neurological outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy in general anesthesia.
Safety of Statin Pretreatment in Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Kadlecová Pavla , Kobayashi Adam , Czlonkowska Anna , Brozman Miroslav , Švigelj Viktor , Csiba Laszlo , Kõrv Janika , Demarin Vida , Vilionskis Aleksandras , Jatuzis Dalius , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Rudolf Jobst , Krespi Yakup , Mikulik Robert
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

A recent meta-analysis investigating the association between statins and early outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) indicated that prestroke statin treatment was associated with increased risk of 90-day mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. We investigated the potential association of statin pretreatment with early outcomes in a large, international registry of AIS patients treated with IVT.

Methods—

We analyzed prospectively collected data from the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke-East registry (SITS-EAST) registry on consecutive AIS patients treated with IVT during an 8-year period. Early clinical recovery within 24 hours was defined as reduction in baseline
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
score of ≥10 points. Favorable functional outcome at 3 months was defined as modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 1. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was diagnosed using National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, European-Australasian Acute Stroke Study-II and SITS definitions.

Results—

A total of 1660 AIS patients treated with IVT fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Patients with statin pretreatment (23%) had higher baseline stroke severity compared with cases who had not received any statin at symptom onset. After adjusting for potential confounders, statin pretreatment was not associated with a higher likelihood of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage defined by any of the 3 definitions. Statin pretreatment was not related to 3-month all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–1.49;
P
=0.741) or 3-month favorable functional outcome (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–1.27;
P
=0.364). Statin pretreatment was independently associated with a higher odds of early clinical recovery (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–2.92;
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

Statin pretreatment seems not to be associated with adverse outcomes in AIS patients treated with IVT. The effect of statin pretreatment on early functional outcomes in thrombolysed AIS patients deserves further investigation.
Dating Medical Translations
Authors: Vagelpohl Uwe
Published: July 2015

The third/ninth-century translator Ḥunayn b. Isḥāq and his associates produced more than a hundred mostly medical translations from Greek into Syriac and then into Arabic. We know little about the chronology of these translations, except for a few scattered remarks in Ḥunayn’sRisāla(Epistle). This article attempts to reconstruct the chronology based on Hippocratic quotations in the Arabic translation of Galen’s works. Hippocratic writings were usually not translated independently but embedded in Galen’s commentaries, so a comparison between this “embedded” Hippocrates and quotations from the same Hippocratic text elsewhere in the Arabic Galen might reveal chronological relationships. The findings of this collation are thought-provoking, but they need to be weighed against the uncertainties surrounding translation methods and potential interference by well-meaning later scholars and scribes.
The phylogenetic affinities of Pellaea connectens, a rare endemic Chinese fern
Authors: WANG WAN , YANG WENLI , MAO XINGXING , ZHAO RANRAN , DOU PING , ZHANG GANGMIN
Published: July 2015

Using DNA sequences from five chloroplast makers (rbcL/ trnL–trnF/ rps4/ rps4–trnS/ trnG–trnR), we addressed the phylogenetic affinities of Pellaea connectens, a rare endemic Chinese cheilanthoid fern belonging to Pteridaceae. Our results confirmed that the species was a member of the newly segregated genus Argyrochosma, which was formerly considered as native to America, showing that the treatment of Pellaea connectens by Ching nor Tryon & Lugardon was supported. Moreover, its morphology, distribution, ecology, co-existing species, as well voucher specimens were also presented in this paper.
Review of the genus Ceratovacuna (Hemiptera: Aphididae) with descriptions of five new species from China
Authors: JIANG LIYUN , CHEN JING , GUO KUN , QIAO GEXIA
Published: July 2015

The genus Ceratovacuna Zehntner, 1897 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae) is reviewed for the first time in China, with the descriptions of five new species, C. angusticorna Qiao sp. n., C. beijingensis Qiao sp. n., C. imperata Qiao sp. n., C. multiglandula Qiao sp. n., C. separata Qiao sp. n. and four new records for China, C. graminum (van der Goot, 1917), C. keduensis Noordam, 1991, C. panici (van der Goot, 1917) and C. uscare (Tao, 1964). The molecular analyses based on COI and Cytb sequences both supported the status of these new species.
An annotated list of the type specimens of Tortricidae (Lepidoptera) in
the collection of Zoological Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia. 1. Types of species described by O. Bremer, A. M. Djakonov, N. G. Erschoff, and A. M. Gerasimov
Authors: NEDOSHIVINA SVETLANA V.
Published: July 2015

The primary types of 15 tortricid species described by O. Bremer, A. M. Djakonov, N. G. Erschoff, and A. M. Gerasimov deposited in the collection of Zoological Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia (ZISP) are listed and discussed. Lectotypes are designated for eight of these: Lazotaenia [sic.] aurichalcana Bremer, 1864; Ptycholoma plumbeolana Bremer, 1864; Tortrix euxina Djakonov, 1929; Diceratura rhodograpta Djakonov, 1929; Penthina enervana Erschoff, 1877; Tortrix (Idiographis) excentricana Erschoff, 1877; Conchylis nomadana Erschoff, 1874; Cochylis pistrinana Erschoff, 1877. Descriptions of the labels and photographs of adults are given for each species. Type specimens of two other species presumed to be deposited in ZISP, Bactra griseana Djakonov, 1929 and Lazotaenia [sic.] quinquemaculana Bremer, 1864, were not found in the collection and presumably are lost.
A remarkable new species of Chalcosyrphus Curran from the Oriental Region (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: HAUSER Martin , HIPPA HEIKKI
Published: July 2015

Chalcosyrphus blanki sp. nov. is described from material collected in China, Thailand and Burma. The new species is outstanding because of its size and metallic blue coloration. It is remarkable that only a few specimens have been found so far, all from different countries and only with Malaise traps. The species was only collected at altitudes above 2500 m. It fits very well in the genus Chalcosyrphus, but cannot be placed in any existing subgenus.
The Role of Moisture in Summertime Low-Level Jet Formation and Associated Rainfall over the East Asian Monsoon Region
Authors: Chen Ruidan , Tomassini Lorenzo
Published: July 2015

The southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ) located to the east of the Tibetan Plateau in southern China plays an important role in summertime convective initiation over north China. This study adopts a novel perspective and uses hindcast experiments in order to investigate the role of moisture in LLJ and associated heavy rainfall formation, employing a global atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). In the sensitivity experiments, an increase of humidity in the inflow region leads to a weaker LLJ but stronger diurnal wind oscillations. The weaker LLJ is due to a decreased lower-tropospheric east–west pressure gradient resulting from a low pressure anomaly over southeastern China induced by deep convection and related condensational heating. On the other hand, the stronger diurnal variation of the LLJ originates from stronger day-and-night thermal differences over the sloping terrain, which is related to drier conditions over the mountain range. Moreover, the increased humidity and decreased LLJ counteract one another to impact precipitation in the outflow region. The change of precipitation is mainly determined by the altered moisture flux divergence. If the increase in humidity dominates, then the moisture flux convergence is enhanced and favors more precipitation over north China. Otherwise, if the decreased LLJ dominates, then the moisture flux convergence is reduced, which constrains precipitation. It is highlighted that the moist diabatic and dynamic processes are intimately coupled, and that a correct simulation of moisture flux convergence is vital for AGCMs to reproduce the LLJ-related precipitation, particularly the nocturnal precipitation peak, which is a deficiency in many current models.
Comparison of push-in and push-out tests for measuring interfacial shear strength in nano-reinforced composite materials
Authors: Medina M Carlos , Molina-Aldareguía Jon M , González Carlos , Melendrez Manuel F , Flores Paulo , LLorca Javier
Published: July 2015

The influence of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) content on the fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength (IFSS) in glass/fiber epoxy composites was measured by means of push-in and push-out tests. Both experimental methodologies provided equivalent values of the IFSS for each material. It was found that the dispersion of CNTs increased in IFSS by 19% in average with respect to the composite without CNTs. This improvement was reached with 0.3 wt.% of CNTs and increasing the CNT content up to 0.8 wt.% did not improve the interface strength.
Experimental analysis of single-lap composite joints with two different adhesives at various conditions
Authors: Ghanbari Esmaeil , Sayman Onur , Pekbey Yeliz , Ozdemir Okan
Published: July 2015

Composite materials have been used in the transport industry in the recent years. The assembly of composite materials has been performed with either adhesive joints or other mechanical fasteners. Adhesive joints are more preferred because of their easy usages, lightness and the stress concentration, which is very important in the design, occurs less than the other type joints. In this study, load-carrying capacity of single-lap joints bonded with different adhesives was found, experimentally. Woven glass fibre–epoxy composites manufactured by using vacuum assisted resin infusion method (VARIM) were used as adherends. FM73 epoxy film adhesive and DP-460 paste adhesive were used as adhesive materials. Several loading conditions, 5, 10 and 15 J, that possibly happen in the operation life were considered. The tests were carried out room temperature (25℃), 50℃ and 80℃. From the results, it is observed that the load-carrying capacity of single-lap joints significantly varies with adhesive types and temperature.
Does melatonin treatment change emotional processing? Implications for understanding the antidepressant mechanism of agomelatine
Authors: Pringle Abbie , Bogdanovskaya Maria , Waskett Poppy , Zacharia Sophie , Cowen Philip J , Harmer Catherine J
Published: July 2015

The antidepressant, agomelatine, has a novel pharmacological profile, with agonist properties at M1 and M2 receptors and antagonist properties at 5HT2C receptors. Whether the antidepressant effects of this treatment are mediated by the drug’s effects at the M1 and M2 receptors or the 5HT2C receptor or a synergy between these actions remains unclear. In the present study, a healthy volunteer model of emotional processing, which discriminates between effective and non-effective antidepressant compounds, was used to assess the contribution of melatonin agonism to the efficacy of agomelatine. Fifty-eight healthy volunteers were randomised to receive 7 days of once daily treatment with either 1 mg melatonin, 3 mg melatonin or placebo. Seven days treatment with 3 mg melatonin resulted in earlier bedtimes consistent with a phase advance in circadian rhythm. Some marginal effects of melatonin were observed on emotional processing; however, these were neither consistent with nor comparable to those seen following conventional antidepressant treatment or with agomelatine itself. These data suggest that the antidepressant action of agomelatine cannot be accounted for solely by its action at the M1 and M2 receptors.
Differentiated effects of the multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine on sleep architecture: Part 2, pharmacological interactions in rodents suggest a role of serotonin-3 receptor antagonism
Authors: Leiser Steven C , Iglesias-Bregna Deborah , Westrich Ligia , Pehrson Alan L , Sanchez Connie
Published: July 2015

Antidepressants often disrupt sleep. Vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant acting through serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) inhibition, 5-HT3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT1D receptor antagonism, 5-HT1B receptor partial agonism, and 5-HT1A receptor agonism, had fewer incidences of sleep-related adverse events reported in depressed patients. In the accompanying paper a polysomnographic electroencephalography (sleep-EEG) study of vortioxetine and paroxetine in healthy subjects indicated that at low/intermediate levels of SERT occupancy, vortioxetine affected rapid eye movement (REM) sleep differently than paroxetine. Here we investigated clinically meaningful doses (80–90% SERT occupancy) of vortioxetine and paroxetine on sleep-EEG in rats to further elucidate the serotoninergic receptor mechanisms mediating this difference. Cortical EEG, electromyography (EMG), and locomotion were recorded telemetrically for 10 days, following an acute dose, from rats receiving vortioxetine-infused chow or paroxetine-infused water and respective controls. Sleep stages were manually scored into active wake, quiet wake, and non-REM or REM sleep. Acute paroxetine or vortioxetine delayed REM onset latency (ROL) and decreased REM episodes. After repeated administration, vortioxetine yielded normal sleep-wake rhythms while paroxetine continued to suppress REM. Paroxetine, unlike vortioxetine, increased transitions from non-REM to wake, suggesting fragmented sleep. Next, we investigated the role of 5-HT3 receptors in eliciting these differences. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron significantly reduced paroxetine’s acute effects on ROL, while the 5-HT3 receptor agonist SR57227A significantly increased vortioxetine’s acute effect on ROL. Overall, our data are consistent with the clinical findings that vortioxetine impacts REM sleep differently than paroxetine, and suggests a role for 5-HT3 receptor antagonism in mitigating these differences.
Continuous-Time Semi-Markov Models in Health Economic Decision Making
Authors: Cao Qi , Buskens Erik , Feenstra Talitha , Jaarsma Tiny , Hillege Hans , Postmus Douwe
Published: July 2015

Continuous-time state transition models may end up having large unwieldy structures when trying to represent all relevant stages of clinical disease processes by means of a standard Markov model. In such situations, a more parsimonious, and therefore easier-to-grasp, model of a patient’s disease progression can often be obtained by assuming that the future state transitions do not depend only on the present state (Markov assumption) but also on the past through time since entry in the present state. Despite that these so-called semi-Markov models are still relatively straightforward to specify and implement, they are not yet routinely applied in health economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of alternative interventions. To facilitate a better understanding of this type of model among applied health economic analysts, the first part of this article provides a detailed discussion of what the semi-Markov model entails and how such models can be specified in an intuitive way by adopting an approach called vertical modeling. In the second part of the article, we use this approach to construct a semi-Markov model for assessing the long-term cost-effectiveness of 3 disease management programs for heart failure. Compared with a standard Markov model with the same disease states, our proposed semi-Markov model fitted the observed data much better. When subsequently extrapolating beyond the clinical trial period, these relatively large differences in goodness-of-fit translated into almost a doubling in mean total cost and a 60-d decrease in mean survival time when using the Markov model instead of the semi-Markov model. For the disease process considered in our case study, the semi-Markov model thus provided a sensible balance between model parsimoniousness and computational complexity.
Update Status
Authors: Muñoz Caroline Lego , Wood Natalie T.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this research is to examine how the topic of social media has been integrated and executed within academic institutions and marketing courses. An exploratory survey of marketing educators that taught social media in their course(s) was undertaken. The survey addressed how social media was embedded within an institute’s curriculum, the amount of coverage given to social media, teaching approach taken, what specific topics were covered, instructional materials, type(s) of assessment, and unique pedagogical challenges the topic posed. Recommendations are provided to assist faculty in their social media curriculum development.
Multiple Histiocytic Foam Cell Nodules in the Tongue of Miniature Dachshund Dogs
Authors: Katou-Ichikawa C. , Izawa T. , Sasai H. , Kuwamura M. , Yamate J.
Published: July 2015

Miniature dachshund dogs are a common breed in Japan and are known to be predisposed to granulomatous diseases. Here we report the pathologic features of multiple lingual nodules in 7 miniature dachshunds. Seven dogs had multiple nodules of variable sizes mainly on the ventral and lateral surface of the tongue. In addition, 1 dog also had masses on the left oral mucosa. Three cases had recurrence after surgical resection. Histologically, the lingual nodules were composed of aggregates of foam cells with clear vacuolated cytoplasm that were negative for oil red O, PAS, and alcian blue. They stained positively for CD204 (macrophage scavenger receptor) and MHC class II and negatively for Iba-1, E-cadherin, adipophilin, cytokeratins, S-100, and nestin. These findings indicate that the multiple lingual nodules in miniature dachshunds are an unusual, unique lesion consisting of macrophage-derived foam cells, which does not correspond to canine lingual diseases reported to date.
Occupational choice of youth in a disadvantaged community
Authors: Gallagher MaryBeth , Pettigrew Judith , Muldoon Orla
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The ability to make daily autonomous occupational choices has been identified as a human right and positively linked to wellbeing. Those marginalized from choice are considered at risk of occupational injustice. Disadvantaged young people are one group who may be marginalized from making such choices. Occupational choice is largely assumed to be an internal, individual process based on abilities and motivation, within environmental boundaries. From an external, contextual standpoint, this process has been scantly explored. This research, underpinned by an occupational justice perspective, sought understanding of disadvantaged young peoples’ daily choices.

Method

Qualitative and participative methods were used. Nine young people, aged 11–14 participated in Photovoice and photo elicitation interviews. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Occupational choices are contextually informed and constrained, as illustrated by three themes: a limited perception of choices, choices informed by a need to stay connected to others and choices as a vehicle for social positioning.

Conclusion

Occupational choices do not appear to emanate from internal interests and abilities but rather from necessitated and mandated actions based on socio-cultural expectations. This suggests that occupational therapists must pay closer attention to the social context that informs choices to improve wellbeing of at-risk young people.
Social Bonding to School and Educational Inequality
Authors: Peguero Anthony A. , Ovink Sarah M. , Li Yun Ling
Published: July 2015

Social bond theory suggests that strong bonds to school influence better outcomes on measures of educational progress and success. However, we know little about the relationship between social bonding to school and dropout for racial/ethnic minorities, or how this relationship varies across school settings. We examine how five types of social bonding (attachment, academic and sports involvement, commitment, and belief) influence the likelihood of dropout for racial/ethnic minorities in urban, suburban, and rural schools using national survey data. Results suggest that strong social bonds to school have the potential to mitigate some of the observed racial/ethnic gaps in dropout risk; however, the opportunity to form such bonds, as well as the strength of their protective effects, vary by student race/ethnicity, type of social bond, and school location.
Going Public, Gaining Credibility
Authors: O’Brien Timothy L. , Pizmony-Levy Oren
Published: July 2015

Calls for university and college professors to engage with public issues—for example, by collaborating with community organizations, participating in popular media outreach, and in other ways—are on the rise. However, engaged scholarship blurs conventional boundaries between producers of academic knowledge and the public. To what extent does participation in engaged scholarship affect professors’ credibility as sources of knowledge? We investigate this question using data from an experimental survey of university students ( n = 633). We find that although engaged scholars are perceived to be more liberal, students believe they are more knowledgeable and should be more influential in public policy decisions compared with nonengaged scholars. Open-ended responses indicate that scholarly engagement with the public is seen as an indicator of faculty members’ experiential expertise and personal commitment to public issues. Consequently, scholarly engagement with social problems often strengthens professors’ credibility among students as information sources. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for the engaged scholarship movement and for the sociology of knowledge.
Social Class, Family Formation, and Delinquency in Early Adulthood
Authors: Kuhl Danielle C. , Chavez Jorge M. , Swisher Raymond R. , Wilczak Andrew
Published: July 2015

Recent research suggests increasing heterogeneity in the transition from adolescence to early adulthood. This study considers how this heterogeneity may influence delinquency between these two developmental periods. We focus on the role of family transitions, educational attainment, and employment in predicting risk of nonviolent delinquency and substance use, as well as disparities in transitions across socioeconomic status subgroups. Data are from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). We find that family and neighborhood advantage are negatively associated with transitions into marriage, cohabitation, and parenthood, yet positively associated with educational attainment. In addition, adolescent family and neighborhood advantage are associated with a continuation of delinquent behavior and substance use during early adulthood. In multivariate analyses, accounting for family transitions in early adulthood largely attenuates the relationship between neighborhood advantage in adolescence and delinquency in early adulthood. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for developmental criminology.
“Success Is Relative”
Authors: Oh Christine J. , Kim Nadia Y.
Published: July 2015

Previous studies have pursued whether there is an inverse relationship between levels of achievement and students’ perceptions of their success. We find that these academic paradoxes exist but that they need to be analyzed in a manner that does not look only at structure or culture and that remaps what falls under both of these categories. Comparing in-depth interview data of middle-class Korean American and Mexican American college students who have realized a similar outcome, enrollment in a higher tier University of California school or rough equivalent, this study examines how the interplay of structural dimensions—class and ethnic factors such as social location and social capital—as well as cultural dimensions—ethnic expectations, reference groups, and emotional support—shapes the modes and mechanisms by which students feel “successful.” Our study reveals that meaning-making processes influenced by this structural-cultural interplay yield paradoxical outcomes when analysts move beyond a single or objective focus on academic achievement. We conclude with a discussion of how scholarship on immigration, race/ethnicity, and education can move in this direction of complicating the definitions and measures of academic success.
Implementing ObamaCare
Authors: Lanford Daniel , Quadagno Jill
Published: July 2015

After President Barack Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, 26 states filed lawsuits challenging key provisions. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled in support of most provisions but held that the mandatory Medicaid expansion was unconstitutional, in effect making it optional for the states. Yet Medicaid expansion is critical if the ACA is to achieve its goal of substantially increasing coverage, especially for lower-income adults with health problems, many of whom are racial and ethnic minorities. This article examines the factors explaining state variation in Medicaid expansion from 2012 to 2014. Although partisan power in the states is a key predictor, other relevant factors include the state’s Medicaid policy legacy, providers’ influence, conservative ideology, and racial resentment. We demonstrate that the enactment of legislation is only a part of the policy formation process and that implementation is equally salient, with state dynamics playing a critical role.