bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of ABCB1 Overcomes Cancer Stem Cell–like Properties and Acquired Resistance to MET Inhibitors in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sugano Teppei , Seike Masahiro , Noro Rintaro , Soeno Chie , Chiba Mika , Zou Fenfei , Nakamichi Shinji , Nishijima Nobuhiko , Matsumoto Masaru , Miyanaga Akihiko , Kubota Kaoru , Gemma Akihiko
Published: September 2015

Patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) EGFR mutations have shown a dramatic response to EGFR inhibitors (EGFR-TKI). EGFR T790M mutation and MET amplification have been recognized as major mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI. Therefore, MET inhibitors have recently been used in NSCLC patients in clinical trials. In this study, we tried to identify the mechanism of acquired resistance to MET inhibitors. We analyzed the antitumor effects of two MET inhibitors, PHA-665752 and crizotinib, in 10 NSCLC cell lines. EBC-1 cells with MET amplification were the only cells that were sensitive to both MET inhibitors. We established PHA-665752–resistant EBC-1 cells, namely EBC-1R cells. Activation of KRAS, EGFR, and FGFR2 signaling was observed in EBC-1R cells by FISH and receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation antibody arrays. EBC-1R cells also showed overexpression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) as well as phosphorylation of MET. EBC-1R cells grew as cell spheres that exhibited cancer stem cell–like (CSC) properties and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The level of miR-138 that targeted ABCB1 was decreased in EBC-1R cells. ABCB1 siRNA and the ABCB1 inhibitor elacridar could reduce sphere numbers and suppress EMT. Elacridar could also reverse resistance to PHA-665752 in EBC-1R cells. Our study demonstrated that ABCB1 overexpression, which was associated with CSC properties and EMT, was involved in the acquired resistance to MET inhibitors. Inhibition of ABCB1 might be a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to MET inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2433–40. ©2015 AACR.
Combined Pan-RAF and MEK Inhibition Overcomes Multiple Resistance Mechanisms to Selective RAF Inhibitors
Authors: Whittaker Steven R. , Cowley Glenn S. , Wagner Steve , Luo Flora , Root David E. , Garraway Levi A.
Published: September 2015

RAF and MEK inhibitors are effective in BRAF-mutant melanoma but not in BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. To gain additional insights into this difference, we performed a genome-scale pooled shRNA enhancer screen in a BRAF-mutant, RAF inhibitor–resistant colorectal cancer cell line exposed to the selective RAF inhibitor PLX4720. We identified multiple genes along the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling axis that, when suppressed, either genetically or pharmacologically, sensitized cells to the selective RAF inhibitor through sustained inhibition of MAPK signaling. Strikingly, CRAF was a key mediator of resistance that could be overcome by the use of pan-RAF inhibitors in combination with a MEK inhibitor. Furthermore, the combination of pan-RAF and MEK inhibitors displayed strong synergy in melanoma and colorectal cancer cell lines with RAS-activating events such as RTK activation, KRAS mutation, or NF1 loss-of-function mutations. Combinations of selective RAF inhibitors, such as PLX4720 or dabrafenib, with MEK inhibitors did not incur such profound synergy, suggesting that inhibition of CRAF by pan-RAF inhibitors plays a key role in determining cellular response. Importantly, in contrast to the modest activity seen with single-agent treatment, dual pan-RAF and MEK inhibition results in the induction of apoptosis, greatly enhancing efficacy. Notably, combined pan-RAF and MEK inhibition can overcome intrinsic and acquired resistance to single-agent RAF/MEK inhibition, supporting dual pan-RAF and MEK inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for BRAF- and KRAS-mutant cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(12); 2700–11. ©2015 AACR.
Tumors with AKT1E17K Mutations Are Rational Targets for Single Agent or Combination Therapy with AKT Inhibitors
Authors: Davies Barry R. , Guan Nin , Logie Armelle , Crafter Claire , Hanson Lyndsey , Jacobs Vivien , James Neil , Dudley Philippa , Jacques Kelly , Ladd Brendon , D'Cruz Celina M. , Zinda Michael , Lindemann Justin , Kodaira Makoto , Tamura Kenji , Jenkins Emma L.
Published: September 2015

AKT1E17K mutations occur at low frequency in a variety of solid tumors, including those of the breast and urinary bladder. Although this mutation has been shown to transform rodent cells in culture, it was found to be less oncogenic than PIK3CA mutations in breast epithelial cells. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of AKT inhibitors in human tumors with an endogenous AKT1E17K mutation is not known. Expression of exogenous copies of AKT1E17K in MCF10A breast epithelial cells increased phosphorylation of AKT and its substrates, induced colony formation in soft agar, and formation of lesions in the mammary fat pad of immunodeficient mice. These effects were inhibited by the allosteric and catalytic AKT inhibitors MK-2206 and AZD5363, respectively. Both AKT inhibitors caused highly significant growth inhibition of breast cancer explant models with AKT1E17K mutation. Furthermore, in a phase I clinical study, the catalytic Akt inhibitor AZD5363 induced partial responses in patients with breast and ovarian cancer with tumors containing AKT1E17K mutations. In MGH-U3 bladder cancer xenografts, which contain both AKT1E17K and FGFR3Y373C mutations, AZD5363 monotherapy did not significantly reduce tumor growth, but tumor regression was observed in combination with the FGFR inhibitor AZD4547. The data show that tumors with AKT1E17K mutations are rational therapeutic targets for AKT inhibitors, although combinations with other targeted agents may be required where activating oncogenic mutations of other proteins are present in the same tumor. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2441–51. ©2015 AACR.
Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase as a Therapeutic Target in Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and Pediatric High-Grade Astrocytoma
Authors: Chornenkyy Yevgen , Agnihotri Sameer , Yu Man , Buczkowicz Pawel , Rakopoulos Patricia , Golbourn Brian , Garzia Livia , Siddaway Robert , Leung Stephie , Rutka James T. , Taylor Michael D. , Dirks Peter B. , Hawkins Cynthia
Published: September 2015

Pediatric high-grade astrocytomas (pHGA) and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are devastating malignancies for which no effective therapies exist. We investigated the therapeutic potential of PARP1 inhibition in preclinical models of pHGA and DIPG. PARP1 levels were characterized in pHGA and DIPG patient samples and tumor-derived cell lines. The effects of PARP inhibitors veliparib, olaparib, and niraparib as monotherapy or as radiosensitizers on cell viability, DNA damage, and PARP1 activity were evaluated in a panel of pHGA and DIPG cell lines. Survival benefit of niraparib was examined in an orthotopic xenograft model of pHGA. About 85% of pHGAs and 76% of DIPG tissue microarray samples expressed PARP1. Six of 8 primary cell lines highly expressed PARP1. Interestingly, across multiple cell lines, some PARP1 protein expression was required for response to PARP inhibition; however, there was no correlation between protein level or PARP1 activity and sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. Niraparib was the most effective at reducing cell viability and proliferation (MTT and Ki67). Niraparib induced DNA damage (γH2AX foci) and induced growth arrest. Pretreatment of pHGA cells with a sublethal dose of niraparib (1 μmol/L) before 2 Gy of ionizing radiation (IR) decreased the rate of DNA damage repair, colony growth, and relative cell number. Niraparib (50 mg/kg) inhibited PARP1 activity in vivo and extended survival of mice with orthotopic pHGA xenografts, when administered before IR (20 Gy, fractionated), relative to control mice (40 vs. 25 days). Our data provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that niraparib may be an effective radiosensitizer for pHGA and DIPG. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2560–8. ©2015 AACR.
No Effect of Different Stimulation Conditions on Verbal Fluency and Visuospatial Orientation in Patients with Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Yilmaz Rezzak , Akbostancı M. Cenk , Mercan F. Nazlı , Sorgun Mine H. , Savaş Ali
Published: September 2015

Background: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation is an effective treatment for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease. Apart from the obvious motor benefits, some cognitive side effects have been reported, particularly in verbal fluency. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the stimulation on verbal fluency and visuospatial orientation with changing stimulation conditions in 35 patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Patients were randomized for their stimulation conditions as ‘both on', ‘both off', ‘right on', and ‘left on' and underwent verbal fluency and visuospatial orientation tasks during their drug-on periods. Letter and categorical fluency tasks and Benton's Judgment of Line Orientation Test were used for assessment. Results: Overall, 6 patients were excluded due to dementia or depression. For verbal fluency, the number of words they produced in 1 min was similar in four stimulation conditions (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between stimulation conditions in the spatial orientation task. Conclusions: We were unable to find any significant changes in verbal fluency and visuospatial orientation task scores with different stimulation conditions. This result suggests that either stimulation has no effect on given domains or the effect is so small that more detailed batteries are required to detect the difference.
Difference in Outcomes of Rectal Foreign Bodies between Males and Females: A Retrospective Analysis of a National Inpatient Database in Japan
Authors: Odagiri Hiroyuki , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Iizuka Toshiro , Kaise Mitsuru
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Almost all previous studies related to rectal foreign bodies were based on bizarre and striking cases, resulting in a reporting bias. Our aim was to clarify the clinico-epidemiological findings of rectal foreign body (RFB) in a general population. Methods: Using a national administrative database in Japan, we identified patients who underwent in-hospital treatment for rectal foreign bodies from 1 July 2007 to 31 March 2013. Results: A total of 648 RFB patients with 666 presentations were identified during the study period. The number of male patients was 526 (81.1%). The incidence of a RFB was most frequently seen in males who were in their 60s and in females who were in their 80s. The overall in-hospital mortality was 1.2%. Compared with males, females had a significantly higher proportion of in-hospital death (0.4 vs. 4.8%, p = 0.001), perforation and peritonitis (5.2 vs. 12.8%, p = 0.004), and sepsis (1.1 vs. 4.0%, p = 0.04). Conclusion: This study showed the clinico-epidemiological findings of rectal foreign bodies in a general population, and established that there was a low mortality rate. It was also found that females were significantly more likely to have a severe outcome following a RFB than males.
Cardiomyocyte Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation Impairs Acute Cardiac Functional Recovery After Ischemic Insult
Authors: Bienvenu Laura A. , Reichelt Melissa E. , Morgan James , Fletcher Elizabeth K. , Bell James R. , Rickard Amanda J. , Delbridge Lea M. , Young Morag J.
Published: September 2015

Loss of mineralocorticoid receptor signaling selectively in cardiomyocytes can ameliorate cardiac fibrotic and inflammatory responses caused by excess mineralocorticoids. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of cardiomyocyte mineralocorticoid receptor signaling in ischemia–reperfusion injury and recovery and to identify a role of mineralocorticoid receptor modulation of cardiac function. Wild-type and cardiomyocyte mineralocorticoid receptor knockout mice (8 weeks) were uninephrectomized and maintained on (1) high salt (0.9% NaCl, 0.4% KCl) or (2) high salt plus deoxycorticosterone pellet (0.3 mg/d, 0.9% NaCl, 0.4% KCl). After 8 weeks of treatment, hearts were isolated and subjected to 20 minutes of global ischemia plus 45 minutes of reperfusion. Mineralocorticoid excess increased peak contracture during ischemia regardless of genotype. Recovery of left ventricular developed pressure and rates of contraction and relaxation post ischemia–reperfusion were greater in knockout versus wild-type hearts. The incidence of arrhythmic activity during early reperfusion was significantly higher in wild-type than in knockout hearts. Levels of autophosphorylated Ca
2+
/calmodulin protein kinase II (Thr287) were elevated in hearts from wild-type versus knockout mice and associated with increased sodium hydrogen exchanger-1 expression. These findings demonstrate that cardiomyocyte-specific mineralocorticoid receptor–dependent signaling contributes to electromechanical vulnerability in acute ischemia–reperfusion via a mechanism involving Ca
2+
/calmodulin protein kinase II activation in association with upstream alteration in expression regulation of the sodium hydrogen exchanger-1.
Syntax in Action Has Priority over Movement Selection in Piano Playing: An ERP Study
Authors: Bianco Roberta , Novembre Giacomo , Keller Peter E. , Scharf Florian , Friederici Angela D. , Villringer Arno , Sammler Daniela
Published: September 2015

Complex human behavior is hierarchically organized. Whether or not syntax plays a role in this organization is currently under debate. The present ERP study uses piano performance to isolate syntactic operations in action planning and to demonstrate their priority over nonsyntactic levels of movement selection. Expert pianists were asked to execute chord progressions on a mute keyboard by copying the posture of a performing model hand shown in sequences of photos. We manipulated the final chord of each sequence in terms of Syntax (congruent/incongruent keys) and Manner (conventional/unconventional fingering), as well as the strength of its predictability by varying the length of the Context (five-chord/two-chord progressions). The production of syntactically incongruent compared to congruent chords showed a response delay that was larger in the long compared to the short context. This behavioral effect was accompanied by a centroparietal negativity in the long but not in the short context, suggesting that a syntax-based motor plan was prepared ahead. Conversely, the execution of the unconventional manner was not delayed as a function of Context and elicited an opposite electrophysiological pattern (a posterior positivity). The current data support the hypothesis that motor plans operate at the level of musical syntax and are incrementally translated to lower levels of movement selection.
Retrieval Goal Modulates Memory for Context
Authors: Elward Rachael L. , Rugg Michael D.
Published: September 2015

fMRI was employed to assess whether the contents of recollection vary according to retrieval goal. At study, visually presented words were superimposed on urban or rural scenes or a gray background. The word–background pairs were presented in one of three spatial locations. During a scanned test phase, studied and unstudied words were presented. Two different source memory tasks were randomly interleaved. In the “background” task, the requirement was to judge whether the word had been presented against one of the two classes of scene, as opposed to the alternate class or the gray background. In the “location” task, discrimination was between words presented in one of the two lateral locations and words presented in either of the alternate locations. In both tasks, unstudied words required a separate response. In the background task, words studied against scenes elicited greater activity in parahippocampal and retrosplenial cortex than did words studied against the gray background, consistent with prior reports of scene reinstatement effects. Reinstatement effects were also evident in the location task. Relative to the background task, however, the effects were attenuated in parahippocampal cortex. In other regions, including medial prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortex, activity elicited in the location task by items associated with scenes was lower than that elicited by items presented on the gray background. The findings are interpreted as evidence that contextual retrieval is partially modulated by retrieval goal.
The Plane Trees of Diomedes: Staging the Islands of the Blessed in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Egeler Matthias
Published: September 2015

Taking its starting point from the current theoretical debate about “religious aesthetics” (Religionsästhetik), this article offers a new interpretation of the landscaping of the Island of Diomedes. On the basis of a survey of the primary sources, it demonstrates that the descriptions of the Island of Diomedes have to be seen in the context of the mythological motif of the Islands of the Blessed. This in turn suggests an explanation for Theophrastus’ statement that in the Adriatic region of his day, the plane tree grew only around the shrine of Diomedes: given the typical associations of the plane tree, the planting of planes on the sanctuary island of Diomedes may have been intended to bring the appearance of the Island of Diomedes in line with contemporary stereotypes about the appearance of the Islands of the Blessed; thus, the plane trees of Diomedes constitute a historical case of direct relevance for the question of “religious aesthetics.” The article goes on to demonstrate that the plane trees of Diomedes constitute conclusive evidence against the identification of the Island of Diomedes with the island of Pelagosa (recently suggested on the basis of archaeological finds). Instead, the Island of Diomedes should be sought among the Isole Tremiti.
How to Do Things with Sanskrit: Speech Act Theory and the Oral Performance of Sacred Texts
Authors: Taylor McComas
Published: September 2015

It is now half a century since J. L. Austin published his seminal workHow to Do Things with Words, in which he first articulated his theory of speech acts. Since thenhis core idea that verbal utterances convey more than what is simply implied by the words alone has become axiomatic. In this paperI will describe the use of Sanskrit verses in an oral tradition known in Hindi as aBhāgavata-kathā(“Divine narrative” or “Stories about God”)as practiced by teachers in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (iskcon)popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement. Verses drawn from the important Hindu texttheBhāgavata-purāṇaform a key component of these eventsyet few if any in the audience are able to understand them directly. As part of an ongoing inquiry into power and authority within a Hindu epistemeI use speech act theory to explore the function of these verses. Bhāgavata performances are compared with qur’anic recitation in the Comoros and the recitation of certain Buddhist texts in MustangNepal. I argue that Sanskrit verses in this event have what Austin terms “perlocutionary” significance: that isthey have a meaning and a function other than that conveyed by the words alone. They enable the exponent to demonstrate publicly his statusto establish his authorityand prove his direct access to the text. The performance of Sanskrit verseseven though it may be semantically inaccessible to the audiencevalidates the oral discourse by tying it directly back to the authority of the original source text. Herespeech act theory is applied not to the semantic content of the utterancebut to the choice of language in which the utterance is made.
“The Problem of the Orthodox Diaspora”: The Orthodox Church between Nationalism, Transnationalism, and Universality
Authors: Thorbjørnsrud Berit
Published: September 2015

In the diaspora, Orthodox Christians do not unite as the canons prescribe; instead, they tend to establish branches of their home churches. Consequently, there are parallel jurisdictions, i.e., congregations belonging to the Russian Church, the Serbian, etc., everywhere. This is what church leaders describe as the problem of the Orthodox diaspora, which they deplore as heresy. Transferring Orthodox ecclesiology to the diaspora has turned out to be difficult, but why? There is a widespread notion that nationalism represents a particularly serious problem in the Orthodox Church, and the problem in the diaspora is likewise often explained as a consequence of nationalism. But is this really the case? In this article I will focus on how the problem is perceived by laypeople. Based on interviews with Orthodox Christians in Norway, I will argue that laypeople’s transnational needs must be taken into account. The majority are immigrants struggling with the double process of settling in a new country while still remaining in touch with their home country. I will argue that religious institutions may serve an important role in such processes, and that the intertwining of religion and ethnic identities may support people’s efforts to adapt. This appears to be the case for the Orthodox Christians in Norway, although at the expense of their canons. The lack of organizational unity does not, however, mean that laypeople are not concerned about the Orthodox Church’s claim to universality.
Óðinn from Lejre — or?
Authors: Sommer Bettina , Warmind Morten
Published: September 2015

A small statuette of a seated person was discovered in Denmark in 2009. According to the accepted interpretation, this is a representation of the Norse god Óðinn, but the authors of the present article propose that it may instead represent a pre-Christian prophetess, avǫlva. Regarding the methodology of the identification of divine images, the authors argue that a particular god is not identified by an attribute, but rather created by the said attribute, as only the presence of a particular attribute can define the god. Caution should be taken when attempting to identify any image or icon with a particular god or goddess, especially in the field of Norse archaeology, as clearly identifying attributes are usually missing.
Protein expression profiling in the gill of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) naturally infected with white spot syndrome virus
Authors: Valentim-Neto P. A. , Fraga A. P. M. , Müller G. A. S. , Marques M. R. F.
Published: September 2015

To better understand the molecular pathogenesis of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) inLitopenaeus vannamei(Boone, 1931), the protein expression profile in gills was characterized. Farmed shrimp WSSV positive were randomly sorted based on nested PCR. The proteomic analysis of gill proteins was performed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), with isofocalisation on an immobilized linear gradient (pH 3-10), followed by separation based on molecular weight using 12.5% denaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The comparative analysis of the 2-DE profile between the two groups revealed eight differentially expressed spots in gills of naturally infected shrimp. The spots were successfully identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry peptide mass fingerprint. The up-regulated proteins unique to infected shrimp were identified as peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, mortality factor 4-like protein 1, calreticulin, recombination activating protein, failed axon connection protein, 40S ribosomal S2 and N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase. The down-regulated protein unique to non-infected shrimp (control group) was identified as an inhibitor of apoptosis. The differentially expressed proteins are involved in several important cellular processes, such as host defence and protein metabolism. The present work contributes to a better understanding of the overall molecular responses elicited by WSSV infection inL. vannamei, as well as to point out potential molecular biomarkers to evaluate the susceptibility to the virus and the sanitary status in farmed shrimp.
Crustacea associated with Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 and Mytilaster minimus (Poli, 1795) (Mollusca, Bivalvia) beds from Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea, Turkey
Authors: Doğan Alper , Bakir Kerem , Katağan Tuncer
Published: September 2015

The crustacean fauna associated with Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mytilaster minimus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) beds from Izmir Bay was investigated spatially in autumn 2014. Samples were collected by means of a quadrate sampler covering 400 cm2 at four intertidal stations from the inner (3 stations) and outer (a single station) parts of the bay. A total of 831 individuals belonging to 16 species of crustaceans, were collected and identified. Among these, the isopod Paradella dianae was the most dominant species represented with 227 individuals. Paradella dianae and the amphipod Hyale crassipes were the most frequent crustacean species on the mussel beds with 58.33% occurrence. The maximum crustacean biomass (306.29 g/m2) was calculated at station 4. The amphipods Stenothoe gallensis and Elasmopus pectenicrus, and the isopod P. dianae were the alien crustaceans encountered in the present study.
Effects of body size, resident status and handedness on fighting behaviour of the fiddler crab, Uca bengali Crane, 1975
Authors: Tina Fahmida Wazed , Jaroensutasinee Mullica , Jaroensutasinee Krisanadej
Published: September 2015

We investigated the effects of body size, resident status, and handedness on fighting success of maleUca bengaliCrane, 1975. We predicted that residents as well as larger males would win more combats, heteroclawed combats would be more common than homoclawed combats, only larger males in the population would engage in combats, and fighting duration would be negatively correlated with body size asymmetry of fighting pairs. We observed 70 pairs of naturally engaged combats between residents and intruders, sampled 80 non-fighting males, and measured their body size, claw size, and handedness. We found that only larger males in the population were involved in combats. Resident status and body size together showed effects on fighting success, but handedness had no effect on fighting behaviour. Fighting duration was negatively correlated with body size asymmetry of fighting pairs.
The Danish East India Company’s War against the Mughal Empire, 1642-1698
Authors: Wellen Kathryn
Published: September 2015

This article examines the violence surrounding a war that the Danish East India Company declared against the Mughal Empire during the mid-seventeenth century. To explain why such a small chartered company would declare war against such a formidable foe, the relationship between trade, violence and statecraft in both societies is discussed at length. The article further describes how the war was waged, including the complex legal situation surrounding it and the various ways in which the opponents tried to hold each other responsible for losses. Using the Danish-Mughal war as a vehicle for exploring relations between European and Asian merchants, the article argues that violence was the contingency plan of even the weakest European companies.
A contribution to the bryoflora of the Chocó region, Colombia. I. Mosses
Authors: Frahm Jan-Peter
Published: September 2015

The Chocó region in Colombia harbours one of the wettest rainforests in the world. Isolated for about 3 million years, it is known for its high rate of endemism in flowering plants, birds and butterflies. Bryologically it is, however, very unsufficiently known. For this reason, a transect was investigated from sea level to 1800 elevation. Ten hectarplots were studied ar different altitudes. 125 species of mosses were identified, of which 45 are new records for the departments of Chocó or Risaralda and 17 are new records for Colombia. Holomitrium aberrands J.-P. Frahm is described as new. The floristic results allow a first evaluation fo the bryogeograpgical rôle of this region. With 3 endemic species, endemism of mosses in the Chocó region is not as high as in other groups of organisms. Bryologically, the special characteristic of the Chocó mossflora seems to be a meso american floristic element, to which 15% fo the species belong. Part of the endemic species of mosses occur also in Panama. It is therefore supposed that the Chocó phytogeographical element is not confined to northern Ecuador and Colombia but continues into the isthmus of Panama.Based on a calculation of floristic discintinuities, three altitudinal belts could be recoginzed between sea level and 1800 m, the tropical lowland forest up to 200 m, the tropicla submontane forest between 300 and 1500 m and the lower tropical montane forest between 1500 and 1800 m. The delimitation of altitudinal belts agrees quite well with altitudinal studies of tropical rainforest based on bryoophytes in other parts of the world.Serval effects could be observed which are probably due to the extreme high humidity: Terrestrial species were found growing on bark or corticolous species on leaves. The cover of epiphytic bryophyytes is higher than elsewhere, especially in the lowland forest which shows usually a low bryophyte cover. The percentage of mosses compared with that of hepatics is much lower than wlsewhere. Mosses form only about 10% of the bryophyte cover in contrast to 40-50% in the according elevation in other rain forest regions.
The structure of the leaf and peristome of Holomitriopsis laevifolia (Broth.) H. Robins. illustrated with scanning electron microscopy

Authors: Newton Angela E. , Robinson Harold
Published: September 2015

The vegetative and sporophytic features of Holomitriopsis that distinguish this genus from Schistomitrium and from Leucobryum are discussed and illustrated using scanning electron microscopy.
Taxonomic Results of the BRYOTROP Expedition to Zaïre and Rwanda 27. Lepidoziaceae, II

Authors: Pócs Tamás
Published: September 2015

The present treatment deals with the genera of Lepidozia and Bazzania in Central Africa, as the rest of the Lepidoziaceae was discussed in details by E. Fischer in the previous volume (Fischer 1993).
El Grupo de Ramalina cochlearis Zahlbr. con especial referencia al trópico americano
Authors: Méndez Vicente Marcano y Antonio Morales
Published: September 2015

The group of Ramalina cochlearis Zahlbr. and its allies in tropical America have been revised. Ramalina cochlearis is reported from four countries: México, Honduras, Colombia and Venezuela. Ramalina escorialensis and R. vareschii, both from the Venezuelan Andes, and R. xalapensis from México are described as new. A key and descriptions are provided.
A boreal bryophyte community in a tropical montane forest of Mexico
Authors: Gradstein S. Rob , Vána Jirí
Published: September 2015

A Nowellia curvifolia community rich in boreal hepatics is reported from rotten logs in a pine forest in the central highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The community is probably limited in the tropics to conifer forests of northern Mesoamerica. Nowellia curvifolia is reported as new to Brazil and the southern hemisphere, Cephalozia catenulata is new to Guatemala and Honduras and Cephalozia lunulifolia is new to Guatemala.
Molecular phylogenetics of species of Bulbophyllum sect. Trias (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Malaxidae) based on nrITS and plastid rbcL and matK
Authors: Wonnapinij Passorn , Sriboonlert Ajaraporn
Published: September 2015

Phylogenetic relationships among species of Bulbophyllum sect. Trias and related taxa in Bulbophyllum has not been previously studied due to scarcity of appropriate samples. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship of these taxa and investigate interspecific relationships of these orchids using DNA sequences from two plastid genes, rbcL and matK, and one nuclear region, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, nrITS. Our results showed that all Bulbophyllum sect. Trias species were embedded among other groups of Bulbophyllum, supporting the already published transfer of Trias to synonymy of Bulbophyllum. All trees revealed that the Indochinese sect. Trias form a monophyletic group that could be divided into three groups coincident with their vegetative characters. This study further shows that nrITS sequences can be sufficient for inferring phylogenetic relationship among Trias species, although this marker and the combination of this plus the plastid genes are not able to distinguish the differences between some closely related species.
Neotypification of Urostachys vorwerkii (Lycopodiaceae)
Authors: Mazumdar Jaideep
Published: September 2015

Nessel (1934) first described the name Urostachys vorwerkii Nessel (1934: 178) (Lycopodiaceae) based on Himalayan specimen from unknown locality in India. But this name is largely overlooked in Indian literature.
Metacordyceps shibinensis sp. nov. from larvae of Lepidoptera in Guizhou Province, southwest China
Authors: Wen Tingchi , ZHA LING-SHENG , XIAO YUAN-PIN , WANG QIANG , KANG JI-CHUAN , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: September 2015

A new entomogenous taxon, Metacordyceps shibinensis sp. nov., associated with a larva of Lepidoptera was found in Yuntai Mountains, Guizhou Province, China. It differs from similar species in its white to faint yellow stromata, short ascomata, and very short asci and ascospores. Combined sequence analyses of 5.8S-ITS rDNA, nrSSU, EF-1α and RPB1 gene-loci also confirmed the distinctiveness of this new species.
Impatiens elianae (Balsaminaceae), a new species from central Madagascar, with notes on the taxonomic relationship of I. lyallii and I. trichoceras
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Fischer Eberhard
Published: September 2015

The new species Impatiens elianae is described from cultivated plants said to have been collected in central Madagascar. It is part of the I. lyallii complex and closely related to I. trichoceras from eastern central Madagascar, but differs in having a glossy lamina with silvery part in the centre, linear extrafloral nectaries, 2-flowered inflorescences, relatively long hairs (0.8–1.2 mm) on the sepals, larger size and shape of the broad ovate crest at the dorsal side of the dorsal petal, shorter spur, and (3–) 5 rows of pink hairs on the ovary and fruit. Impatiens trichoceras is taken from the synonymy of Impatiens lyallii and is considered as a species of its own.
Taxonomy of recent Adeonidae (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata) from Brazil, with the description of four new species
Authors: ALMEIDA ANA C.S. , SOUZA FACELUCIA B.C. , SANNER JOANN , VIEIRA LEANDRO M.
Published: September 2015

Here we present the taxonomy of the cheilostome genera Adeonellopsis MacGillivray, 1886 and Reptadeonella Busk, 1884 in Brazil. Of the six species previously reported in Brazilian waters, we include redescriptions of Adeonellopsis     subsulcata (Smitt, 1873), Reptadeonella bipartita (Canu & Bassler, 1928) and Reptadeonella costulata (Canu & Bassler, 1928). Four new species of Reptadeonella are described: Reptadeonella aspera n. sp., Reptadeonella brasiliensis n. sp. (previously misidentified as Reptadeonella violacea), Reptadeonella cucullata n. sp. and Reptadeonella leilae n. sp. Reptadeonella aspera n. sp., from Bahia State, is characterized by rugose frontal calcification, a tubular peristome, small suboral avicularium and elliptical spiramen. Reptadeonella brasiliensis n. sp. is the commonest intertidal species in NE Brazil; it is distinguished from other Brazilian Reptadeonella in having a nodular peristome, large subperistomial areolar pore and zooids with one or two frontal pores frequently replaced by a suboral avicularium and crescentic spiramen. Reptadeonella cucullata n. sp., from Espírito Santo and Bahia states, has a hood-like peristome, large subperistomial areolar pore, suboral avicularium with curved mandible and denticulate spiramen. Reptadeonella leilae n. sp., described from Bahia State, has a frontal shield with small granules, tubular peristome, semilunar to semicircular subperistomial areolar pore and circular spiramen. Diagnostic characters of Reptadeonella species are discussed.
New records of two species of the coral reef shrimp genus Thor Kingsley, 1878 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Thoridae) from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , OKUNO JUNJI , MINEMIZU RYO
Published: September 2015

The caridean shrimp genus Thor Kingsley, 1878 (Thoridae) is currently represented by 14 species distributed in shallow tropical to subtropical waters in the Indo-Pacific, East Pacific and West Atlantic oceans. In this study, two species of the genus are reported on the basis of material from Okinawa and Kume islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago, southern Japan. Thor leptochelus (Xu & Li, 2015) n. comb., recently described from Xisha Islands, China and originally assigned to Thinora Bruce, 1997, is transferred to Thor. Relationship of the species to three congeneric species (T. cordelli Wicksten, 1996, T. spinipes Bruce, 1983 and T. spinosus Boone, 1935) is discussed. The second is T. marguitae Bruce, 1973, representing the rediscovery since the original description and new record for Japanese waters. The four specimens of T. leptochelus were all free-living, whereas the single specimen of T. marguitae was found to be associated with a solitary fungiid coral, as previously reported.
Review of the Iranian Pteromalinae with spiculated antennae, and description of a new species of Norbanus Walker (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae)
Authors: LOTFALIZADEH HOSSEIN
Published: September 2015

Based on recently collected Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), 13 species were identified from genera of Pteromalinae that are characterized in part by the female clava being distinctly acuminate or apically bearing a narrow spicula. Included are two species of Callitula Spinola, three species of Homoporus Thomson, seven species of Norbanus Walker, and one species of Rhaphitelus Walker. One new species, Norbanus rasplusi n. sp., is described and six species are newly recorded from Iran: Homoporus subniger (Walker), Norbanus calabrus (Masi), N. cerasiops (Masi), N. meridionalis (Masi), N. obscurus (Masi) and N. scabriculus (Nees).
A new species of Amusurgus (Usgmona) Furukawa from China (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Trigonidiinae)
Authors: LIU HAO-YU , CHI LI-CHENG , SHI FU-MING , ZHOU HAN-TAO
Published: September 2015

Amusurgus (Usgmona) excavatus Liu, Shi et Zhou, sp. nov. (China, Fujian) is described and illustrated with the male genitalia. Photos of habitus and ecological habitat are also included.
Scydmoraphes rothangensis Franz, a misplaced Himalayan species of Cyrtoscydmini (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: September 2015

Based on examination of the type series, Scydmoraphes rothangensis Franz is transferred to Stenichnus Thomson, resulting in Stenichnus (s. str.) rothangensis (Franz) comb. n. Structural details of this intriguing Himalayan species are illustrated in detail and compared with those of allied genera, and a redescription is given.
Linking Phytoplankton Activity in Polynyas and Sulfur Aerosols over Zhongshan Station, East Antarctica
Authors: Zhang Miming , Chen Liqi , Xu Guojie , Lin Qi , Liang Minyi
Published: September 2015

Multiple year-round aerosol samplings were conducted from February 2005 to October 2008 at Zhongshan Station, a research base in East Antarctica, to study methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO42−). The concentrations of atmospheric sulfur species exhibited a seasonal cycle; the maximum and minimum concentrations occurred in austral summer and austral winter, respectively. Significant correlations between chlorophyll a (Chl a) in offshore polynyas and both MSA (r = 0.726, n = 52, and p < 0.01) and nss-SO42− (r = 0.724, n = 48, and p < 0.01) were found, indicating that the phytoplankton activity had a crucial effect on the sulfur aerosols. The sea ice dynamics in the polynyas and the variations in the polynya area may indirectly influence the sulfur aerosols in austral spring and summer. In austral winter, the sulfur compounds in the atmosphere are primarily originating in long-range transported by-products from remote regions because nearly no phytoplankton activity occurred in the offshore polynyas.
Atmospheric Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Loss in a Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Simulation*
Authors: Petrie Ruth E. , Shaffrey Len C. , Sutton Rowan T.
Published: September 2015

The atmospheric response to an idealized decline in Arctic sea ice is investigated in a novel fully coupled climate model experiment. In this experiment two ensembles of single-year model integrations are performed starting on 1 April, the approximate start of the ice melt season. By perturbing the initial conditions of sea ice thickness (SIT), declines in both sea ice concentration and SIT, which result in sea ice distributions that are similar to the recent sea ice minima of 2007 and 2012, are induced. In the ice loss regions there are strong (~3 K) local increases in sea surface temperature (SST); additionally, there are remote increases in SST in the central North Pacific and subpolar gyre in the North Atlantic. Over the central Arctic there are increases in surface air temperature (SAT) of ~8 K due to increases in ocean–atmosphere heat fluxes. There are increases in SAT over continental North America that are in good agreement with recent changes as seen by reanalysis data. It is estimated that up to two-thirds of the observed increase in SAT in this region could be related to Arctic sea ice loss. In early summer there is a significant but weak atmospheric circulation response that projects onto the summer North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). In early summer and early autumn there is an equatorward shift of the eddy-driven jet over the North Atlantic as a result of a reduction in the meridional temperature gradients. In winter there is no projection onto a particular phase of the NAO.
Drought Adaptation and Climate Change Beliefs among Working Ranchers in Montana
Authors: Yung Laurie , Phear Nicky , DuPont Alayna , Montag Jess , Murphy Daniel
Published: September 2015

Agricultural producers may be particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, such as drought. To better understand how ranchers respond to ongoing drought and the relationship between climate change beliefs and drought adaptation, in-depth interviews with working ranchers were conducted. Ranchers described drought conditions as unprecedented and detailed the interacting impacts of drought and nonclimatic stressors. They viewed adaptation as critical and employed a wide range of responses to drought, but lack of financial resources, risks associated with change, local social norms, and optimism about future moisture created barriers to change. Most ranchers attributed drought to natural cycles and were skeptical about anthropogenic climate change. Many ranchers likened current drought conditions to past droughts, concluding that conditions would return to “normal.” A belief in natural cycles provided a sense of hope for some ranchers but felt immutable to others, reducing their sense of agency and efficacy. Taken together, climate skepticism, optimism about future conditions, lack of financial resources, and a limited sense of agency might be reducing investments in long-term adaptation. However, the relationship between climate change beliefs and adaptation action was not entirely clear, since the handful of ranchers adapting in anticipation of long-term drought were skeptical or uncertain about anthropogenic climate change. Further, most ranchers characterized adaptation as an individual endeavor and resisted government involvement in drought adaptation. In the context of climate skepticism and antigovernment sentiment, strategies to scale up adaptation efforts beyond the household will only succeed to the extent that they build on local norms and ideologies.
Trends in Oral Antibiotic, Proton Pump Inhibitor, and Histamine 2 Receptor Blocker Prescription Patterns for Children Compared With Adults
Authors: Faden Howard S. , Ma Chan-Xing
Published: September 2015

The use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and histamine 2 receptor blocker (H2B) was compared between children and adults in the community from 2005 through 2011. Antibiotic prescription rates remained stable for children, but increased significantly for adults, P = .03. PPI prescription rates increased for children, P = .02 and for adults, P = .009. H2B prescription rates increased for children, P = .03, but not for adults. Antibiotic prescription rates were significantly higher in children than adults in all 7 years, P < .0001. In contrast, PPI prescription rates were significantly higher in adults than children in all 7 years, P < .0001. H2B prescription rates were significantly higher in adults than children 1 to 18 years old P < .0001; however, H2B prescription rates were highest in children <1 year old, P = .0001. The high use of oral antibiotics, PPI, and H2B among outpatients may be a contributing factor to the rise of Clostridium difficile infection in the community.
Power of Knowledge
Authors: Sagor Rachel S. , Golding Jeremy , Giorgio Margaret M. , Blake Diane R.
Published: September 2015

We compared ( a) the effectiveness of print versus digital educational media for communicating information about Chlamydia trachomatis to adolescents and young adults and ( b) the influence of media type on readiness for Chlamydia screening. Young men and women (n = 103), aged 15 to 24 years, were recruited from a youth center and university campus and randomized to receive the print or digital Chlamydia educational intervention. Participant mean knowledge score improved postintervention, but there was no association with type of intervention medium. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of sexually active participants endorsed an increased postintervention stage of readiness for screening; however, there was no association with type of intervention medium. Learning about Chlamydia infection may have positive effects on willingness to be screened. Further study is needed to evaluate the efficacy of educational interventions for increasing actual screening rates.
Dual Role of Cyanidin-3-glucoside on the Differentiation of Bone Cells
Authors: Park K.H. , Gu D.R. , So H.S. , Kim K.J. , Lee S.H.
Published: September 2015

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is one of the major components of anthocyanin, a water-soluble phytochemical. Recent studies demonstrated the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of C3G in various conditions, including cancer, although the precise effects of C3G on osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of C3G in the differentiation of bone-associated cells and its underlying mechanism. C3G inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)–mediated osteoclast differentiation and formation in a dose-dependent manner and downregulated the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes. Pretreatment with C3G considerably reduced the induction of extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated kinases activation by RANKL in osteoclast precursor cells. Furthermore, C3G dramatically inhibited the expression of c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1, which are important transcription factors for osteoclast differentiation and activation. The formation of osteoclasts in coculture of bone marrow cells and calvaria-derived osteoblasts was also inhibited by C3G treatment, although the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor and RANKL (master factors for osteoclast differentiation and formation) and osteoprotegerin (a decoy receptor for RANKL) on osteoblasts was unaffected. The inhibitory effect of C3G on osteoclastogenesis is therefore targeted specifically to osteoclasts but not osteoblasts. Moreover, analysis of the expression levels of osteoblast differentiation marker genes and alizarin red staining showed that osteoblast differentiation and matrix formation increased after C3G treatment. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that C3G has a dual role in bone metabolism, as an effective inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation but also as an activator of osteoblast differentiation. Therefore, C3G may be used as a potent preventive or therapeutic agent for bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.