bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triptorelin in the Relief of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients: The RESULT Study
Authors: Peltier Alexandre , Aoun Fouad , De Ruyter Vincent , Cabri Patrick , Van Velthoven Roland
Published: January 2015

This prospective, noninterventional, open-label, multicentre, Belgian study assessed the prevalence of moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer scheduled to receive triptorelin therapy and its effects on LUTS were evaluated focusing on symptom relief and changes in quality of life (QOL) related to urinary symptoms (November 2006 to May 2010). Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, histologically confirmed advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, and life expectancy ≥12 months. Exclusion criteria were treatment with any LHRH analogue within the last 6 months or any other investigational agent within the last 3 months before study entry. Patients who received one or more triptorelin doses and had one or more efficacy assessments were evaluated. In total, 325 patients were included with a median age of 74 years (50 to 95 years). Mean age at first diagnosis was73±8years. Moderate (IPSS 8–19) to severe (IPSS ≥ 20) LUTS were observed in 62% of patients. Triptorelin reduced LUTS severity. This improvement was perceived within the first 24 weeks of treatment and was maintained after 48 weeks. A decrease in PSA level was also observed.
Evolution of Cooperation with Moore Neighborhood and Self-Playing Rule
Authors: Yang Yanbing , Ruan Junhu , Liu Bin , Liu Yi , Shi Yan
Published: January 2015

Evolutionary spatial game is a promising way to unravel the mystery of cooperation, and it has been well recognized that spatial structure could enable cooperation to persist. Schweitzer et al.’s lattice model provides an innovative method to solve the problem. In this paper, we conduct simulations using the same von Neumann neighborhood as in Schweitzer et al.’s study (2002) and observe the effect of initial population and lattice size on the evolution of cooperation. Then, we extend the model with a more complicated Moore neighborhood and self-playing rule for each central player. Simulation results not only provide new evidence for the persistence of cooperation in the evolution with spatial structures, but also investigate critical conditions for the spatial coexistence or the invasion of cooperators and defectors with the more complicated neighborhood.
MicroRNA-22 Suppresses DNA Repair and Promotes Genomic Instability through Targeting of MDC1
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Park Seon-Joo , Jeong Seo-Yeon , Kim Min-Ji , Jun Semo , Lee Hyun-Seo , Chang In-Youb , Lim Sung-Chul , Yoon Sang Pil , Yong Jeongsik , You Ho Jin
Published: January 2015

MDC1 is critical component of the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery and orchestrates the ensuring assembly of the DDR protein at the DNA damage sites, and therefore loss of MDC1 results in genomic instability and tumorigenicity. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling MDC1 expression are currently unknown. Here, we show that miR-22 inhibits MDC1 translation via direct binding to its 3′ untranslated region, leading to impaired DNA damage repair and genomic instability. We demonstrated that activated Akt1 and senescence hinder DDR function of MDC1 by upregulating endogenous miR-22. After overexpression of constitutively active Akt1, homologous recombination was inhibited by miR-22–mediated MDC1 repression. In addition, during replicative senescence and stress-induced premature senescence, MDC1 was downregulated by upregulating miR-22 and thereby accumulating DNA damage. Our results demonstrate a central role of miR-22 in the physiologic regulation of MDC1-dependent DDR and suggest a molecular mechanism for how aberrant Akt1 activation and senescence lead to increased genomic instability, fostering an environment that promotes tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1298–310. ©2015 AACR.
Accuracy of Self-Reported Nevus and Pigmentation Phenotype Compared with Clinical Assessment in a Population-Based Study of Young Australian Adults
Authors: Cust Anne E. , Pickles Kristen M. , Goumas Chris , Vu Thao , Schmid Helen , Nagore Eduardo , Kelly John , Aitken Joanne F. , Giles Graham G. , Hopper John L. , Jenkins Mark A. , Mann Graham J.
Published: January 2015

Background: Awareness of individual risk may encourage improved prevention and early detection of melanoma.

Methods: We evaluated the accuracy of self-reported pigmentation and nevus phenotype compared with clinical assessment, and examined agreement between nevus counts from selected anatomical regions. The sample included 456 cases with invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between ages 18 to 39 years and 538 controls from the population-based Australian Melanoma Family Study. Participants completed a questionnaire about their pigmentation and nevus phenotype, and attended a dermatologic skin examination.

Results: There was strong agreement between self-reported and clinical assessment of eye color [κ, = 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74–0.81]; and moderate agreement for hair color (κ = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.42–0.50). Agreement between self-reported skin color and spectrophotometer-derived measurements was poor (κ = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.08–0.16) to moderate (Spearman correlation rs = −0.37; 95% CI, −0.32 to −0.42). Participants tended to underestimate their nevus counts and pigmentation; men were more likely to underreport their skin color. The rs was 0.43 (95% CI, 0.38–0.49) comparing clinical total body nevus counts with self-reported nevus categories. There was good agreement between total body nevus counts and site-specific nevus counts, particularly on both arms.

Conclusions: Young adults have suboptimal accuracy when assessing important risk characteristics including nevus numbers and pigmentation. Measuring nevus count on the arms is a good predictor of full body nevus count.

Impact: These results have implications for the likely success of targeted public health programs that rely on self-assessment of these factors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 736–43. ©2015 AACR.
Renal Oxygenation Characteristics in Healthy Native Kidneys: Assessment with Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zheng Zhenfeng , Shi Huilan , Ma Hui , Li Fengtan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yunting
Published: January 2015

Objective: To explore the characteristics of blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) in healthy native kidneys. Methods: Seventy-nine patients without chronic kidney disease underwent BOLD-MRI with T2* spoiled gradient recalled echo sequences. BOLD images were analyzed using R2*map software to produce an R2* pseudo-color map. Cortical and medullary R2* values were analyzed in both kidneys and in both sexes. Different regional R2* values in the cortex and medulla were also analyzed. Physiological indices including age, height, weight, body mass index, body surface area, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were recorded. Correlations between R2* value and physiological indices were determined. Results: Renal cortical R2* values were lower than values in the medulla (p < 0.001). Female and male cortical R2* values were also lower than the corresponding values in the medulla (p < 0.001). Renal medullary R2* values in the lower renal pole were lower than values in the middle and upper poles (p = 0.001). Age was positively correlated with R2* values in the medulla (r = 0.32, p = 0.004). eGFR was negatively correlated with both cortical R2* values (r = -0.26, p = 0.02) and medullary R2* values (r = -0.29, p = 0.009). Conclusions: BOLD-MRI can directly visualize renal oxygenation. There was variation in the oxygenation of different regions of the kidney. Renal cortical and medullary oxygenation in healthy kidneys decreased with patient age. eGFR also decreased with patient age.
Effects of Sleepiness on Survival in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients: J-DOPPS Study
Authors: Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Kanda Eiichiro , Nomura Takanobu , Hirakata Hideki
Published: January 2015

Sleep disorder and poor sleep quality are common in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. They have been claimed as a cause of morbidity and mortality. The relationship between the degree of sleepiness and survival has not been studied. We studied the degree of sleepiness in 1,252 adult HD patients (age ≥20 years) recruited into the Dialysis Outcomes Practice Pattern Study in Japan (J-DOPPS III), using the Japanese version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (JESS) questionnaire. Demographic data were presented for three subgroups: low, intermediate, and high JESS score. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to estimate the independent effect of several variables on survival. The hazard ratio for mortality was 2.312 (95% CI 1.267-4.220; p = 0.006) for those with a high JESS score (vs. those with a low JESS score) after adjusting for age, vintage (length of time on HD), sex, diabetes, body mass index, cardiovascular disease, HD treatment regimen (time, frequency, and single-pool Kt/V), laboratory data (serum albumin, creatinine, and total cholesterol), and medication (antihypertensive drugs, erythropoietin, vitamin D, and phosphate binders). Patients ≥70 years of age with comorbid conditions (congestive heart failure, stroke, and diabetes) showed a significantly higher JESS score (≥16). The JESS score did not show interaction by age. Results showed that the degree of sleepiness is related to survival in Japanese HD patients, particularly in elderly patients.
Lower Plasma Sodium Is Associated with a Microinflammatory State among Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ortega Olimpia , Cobo Gabriela , Rodríguez Isabel , Camacho Rosa , Gallar Paloma , Mon Carmen , Herrero Juan Carlos , Ortiz Milagros , Oliet Aniana , Di Gioia Cristina , Vigil Ana
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Lower serum sodium levels have been associated with increased mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our aim was to analyze the independent factors associated with lower sodium levels among nondialysis patients with advanced CKD and to evaluate the evolution of these patients in comparison to those with higher plasma sodium over a 1-year period. Methods: We included 72 patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 without clinically evident cardiopathy or liver disease. Bioelectrical impedance and echocardiography were performed to analyze the possible relation between plasma sodium and volume status and subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. During follow-up, we compared the evolution of patients with lower baseline plasma sodium (low quartile: <138 mEq/l) with that of patients with higher levels over a 1-year period. Results: At baseline, the independent predictors of lower plasma sodium were C-reactive protein (CRP; OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.91-0.99) and body mass index (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.78-0.99). An inverse correlation between plasma sodium and CRP was observed (r = -0.32; p = 0.01). Plasma sodium did not correlate with extracellular water and was not different between patients with or without echocardiographic data of LV dysfunction (p = 0.7). During follow-up, patients with lower sodium at baseline showed persistently lower sodium values (p = 0.04), higher CRP (p = 0.05), lower serum albumin (p < 0.01) and higher erythropoietin-stimulating agent resistance index (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between lower plasma sodium and a microinflammatory state among patients with advanced CKD. Inflammation could be an underlying confounding factor explaining the increased mortality in these patients.
Rituximab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Beckwith Hannah , Lightstone Liz
Published: January 2015

Treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) have high associated morbidity and mortality. Side effects, particularly from long-term corticosteroid usage, limit patient adherence, with subsequent impacts on treatment efficacy. In addition, a subset of patients with SLE/LN fails to respond to current standard immunotherapy. There is an urgent need to develop steroid-sparing treatment regimens as well as novel therapies for the management of refractory disease. Rituximab is a chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody directed against the B cell CD20 receptor. It has been used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for over 30 years and has an excellent safety profile. Recent work has demonstrated a role for B cell depletion therapy in the management of autoimmune disease, and the efficacy of rituximab in many observational studies in SLE and LN has been noted. Unfortunately, two large randomised controlled trials evaluating rituximab for the treatment of renal and non-renal lupus failed to meet their primary endpoints. Reasons for this have been discussed extensively within the medical community with a general consensus that trial design (steroid use, trial size and endpoints used) was the principal reason for the failures. Despite the lack of trial evidence, clinical experience means many physicians firmly believe in the value of rituximab in SLE/LN treatment and have continued to use it in their clinical practice. Recent work has demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab as a steroid-sparing agent and as an alternative therapeutic option for refractory SLE/LN. There are two further rituximab randomised controlled trials planned/started in LN - one using a steroid-minimising regimen with rituximab for induction and one evaluating rituximab for LN refractory to 6 months standard of care treatment. Rituximab remains a problematic drug in lupus and LN - it is a biologically plausible agent with a huge amount of supportive anecdotal clinical data. Yet the completed trials have been negative to date despite clinical experience strongly suggesting efficacy. It is hoped that the two new trials will determine the role for rituximab, at least in LN.
Stimulation of Cyclooxygenase 2 Expression in Rat Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Ullian Michael E. , Luttrell Louis M. , Lee Mi-Hye , Morinelli Thomas A.
Published: January 2015

Objective: Since peritoneal dialysis causes peritoneal fibrosis, we examined how glucose (osmotic factor), mannitol (osmotic control), and angiotensin II (AngII) regulate proinflammatory cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in primary rat peritoneal mesothelial cells. Materials and Methods: For this study, we used the following material (n = 4-8 cell lines): cells, passages 1-2; 125I-AngII receptor surface binding (AT1R antagonist losartan, AT2R antagonist PD123319; both 10 µM); intracellular calcium probe calcium-5; COX-2 immunoblotting (ß-actin normalized); real-time PCR of COX-2 gene PTGS2, and NF-κB inhibitor Ro-1069920 (5 µM). Results: AngII surface receptors were predominantly AT1R (minimally AT2R). AngII and glucose increased COX-2 protein expression concentration dependently; mannitol also increased COX-2 expression. Maximal COX-2 protein expression was observed after 6 h (AngII) and 24 h (glucose, mannitol). The time course of increases in PTGS2 mRNA levels reflected that of COX-2 protein expression. At optimal exposure conditions (time/concentration), glucose was 5-fold more efficacious in stimulating COX-2 protein expression than AngII or mannitol. Losartan fully inhibited COX-2 protein responses to AngII and mannitol, but minimally inhibited responses to glucose. Ro-1069920 fully inhibited COX-2 protein responses to each effector. Conclusion: AngII, glucose, and osmotic stress (mannitol) activate COX-2; NF-κB may be an ideal site for COX-2 blockade, and COX-2 activation by osmotic stress requires AT1R, but activation by glucose is more robust and mechanistically complex.
Beneficial Effects of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Agonists in Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion: Autophagy and Cellular Stress Markers
Authors: Declèves Anne-Emilie , Sharma Kumar , Satriano Joseph
Published: January 2015

Background: Kidney ischemia-reperfusion is a form of acute kidney injury resulting in a cascade of cellular events prompting rapid cellular damage and suppression of kidney function. A cellular response to ischemic stress is the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), where AMPK induces a number of homeostatic and renoprotective mechanisms, including autophagy. However, whether autophagy is beneficial or detrimental in ischemia-reperfusion remains controversial. We investigated the effects of agonist induction of AMPK activity on autophagy and cell stress proteins in the model of kidney ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: AMPK agonists, AICAR (0.1 g/kg) and metformin (0.3 g/kg), were administered 24 h prior to ischemia, with kidneys harvested at 24 h of reperfusion. Results: We observed a paradoxical decrease in AMPK activity accompanied by increases in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 activity and p62/SQSTM1 expression. These results led us to propose that AMPK and autophagy are insufficient to properly counter the cellular insults in ischemia-reperfusion. Agonist induction of AMPK activity with AICAR or metformin increased macroautophagy protein LC3 and normalized p62/SQSTM1 expression and mTOR activity. Ischemia-reperfusion increases in Beclin-1 and PINK1 expressions, consistent with increased mitophagy, were also mitigated with AMPK agonists. Stress-responsive and apoptotic marker expressions increase in ischemia-reperfusion and are significantly attenuated with agonist administration, as are early indicators of fibrosis. Conclusions: Our data suggest that levels of renoprotective AMPK activity and canonical autophagy are insufficient to maintain cellular homeostasis, contributing to the progression of ischemia-reperfusion injury. We further demonstrate that induction of AMPK activity can provide beneficial cellular effects in containing injury in ischemia-reperfusion.
Complete Low-Intensity Endurance Training Programme in Haemodialysis Patients: Improving the Care of Renal Patients
Authors: Esteve Simó Vicent , Junqué Anna , Fulquet Miquel , Duarte Verónica , Saurina Anna , Pou Mónica , Moreno Fátima , Carneiro Jose , Ramírez de Arellano Manel
Published: January 2015

Background: Patients on haemodialysis (HD) have a decreased physical and functional capacity. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of exercise on the physical, functional and psychological functioning of HD patients. Despite these results, exercise programmes on HD are not commonplace. Objective: To analyse the effect of an intradialysis endurance training programme on muscular strength and functional capacity in our HD patients. Material and Methods: A 6-month single-centre prospective study. HD patients were non-randomly assigned to an exercise group (group E) or a control group (group C). Exercise training included complete endurance training using balls, weights and elastic bands in the first 2 h of an HD session; group C received standard HD care. Analysed data: (1) biochemical parameters; (2) biceps and quadriceps muscle tone, maximum quadriceps length strength (MQLS) and dominant hand grip (HG); (3) functional capacity tests: sit-to-stand-to-sit (STS10) and 6-min walking test (6MWT). Results: Forty patients were included, 55% were men; their mean age was 68.4 years; the patients were 61.6 months on HD; 16 patients were in group E and 24 in group C. In group E, muscular strength showed a significant improvement in MQLS (15.6 ± 10.7 vs. 17.7 ± 12.5 kg, p < 0.05) and HG (22.1 ± 13.2 vs. 24.1 ± 15.8 kg, p < 0.05) at the end of the programme, while a global decrease was reported in group C (MQLS 20.9 ± 9.3 vs. 16.2 ± 8.4 kg, p < 0.05; HG 25.1 ± 10.3 vs. 24.1 ± 11.1 kg). 6MWT significantly improved in group E (20%, 293.1 vs. 368 m, p < 0.001) and decreased in group C (10%, 350 vs. 315 m, p < 0.004). At the end of the programme, STS10 time was reduced in group E (2.1 ± 18.5 vs. 28.7 ± 20.6 s), while it rose in group C (31.5 ± 17.9 vs. 36.4 ± 19.8 s), though significant differences were not found. Conclusions: (1) The intradialysis training programme improved muscular strength and functional capacity in our HD patients. (2) These results support the benefits of exercise training for HD patients. (3) Nephrologists should consider exercise training as a standard practice for the care of HD patients.
Development of a Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Detection Model
Authors: van der Geer Simone , Kleingeld P. Ad M. , Snijders Chris C.P. , Rinkens Frank J.C.H. , Jansen Geert A.E. , Neumann H.A. Martino , Krekels Gertruud A.M.
Published: January 2015

Background: The incidence and prevalence of skin cancer is rising. A detection model could support the (screening) process of diagnosing non-melanoma skin cancer. Methods: A questionnaire was developed containing potential actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) characteristics. Three nurses diagnosed 204 patients with a lesion suspicious of skin (pre)malignancy and filled in the questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses generated prediction models for AK and BCC. Results: A prediction model containing nine characteristics correctly predicted the presence or absence of AK in 83.2% of the cases. BCC was predicted correctly in 91.4% of the cases by a model containing eight characteristics. The nurses correctly diagnosed AK in 88.3% and BCC in 90.9% of the cases. Conclusions: Detection or screening models for AK and BCC could be made with a limited number of variables. Nurses also diagnosed skin lesions correctly in a high percentage of cases. Further research is necessary to investigate the robustness of these findings, whether the percentage of correct diagnoses can be improved and how best to implement model-based prediction in the diagnostic process.
The Type of Injury Dictates the Mode of Repair in Neonatal and Adult Heart
Authors: Konfino Tal , Landa Natalie , Ben‐Mordechai Tammy , Leor Jonathan
Published: January 2015

Background

The neonatal heart possesses the unique power to regenerate in response to resection of the left ventricular apex. We sought to determine whether the type of injury affects the mode of repair and regeneration.

Methods and Results

Apical resection, or permanent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, was induced in neonatal 1‐day‐old mice. Echocardiography was used to confirm and monitor cardiac injury and remodeling. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the resected and infarcted neonatal hearts revealed inflammation and granulation tissue formation. From day 3, early regeneration was identified at the injured sites and was characterized by dedifferentiation and proliferation of cardiomyocytes around the injured areas. The young cardiomyocytes infiltrated the granulation tissue and replaced it with a new myocardium. The ability of neonatal cardiomyocytes to proliferate was confirmed in neonatal heart organ cultures. Notably, myocardial infarction in neonatal mouse produced incomplete regeneration with a residual small infarct and, sometimes, aneurysm at 28 days after myocardial infarction. We then repeated the same experiments in the adult heart. Remarkably, myocardial infarction in the adult mouse heart produced a typical thin scar, whereas apical resection revealed an abnormal, epicardial, hemorrhagic scar 21 days after injury.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the type of injury, resection, or infarction affects the mode of repair in both neonatal and adult mouse hearts. Identifying the differences in the mechanisms or repair of these 2 types of injuries could help to develop novel regenerative therapies relevant to human patients.
The species of Colletinae (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais
Authors: FERRARI RAFAEL R. , SILVEIRA FERNANDO A.
Published: January 2015

The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is a species-rich territory about as large as France, which houses the headwaters of some of the most important rivers in Brazil, as well as a variety of phytogeographic domains, with a poorly known insect fauna. Here, a synopsis of the bee species included in the genera Colletes Latreille, 1802 and Rhynchocolletes Moure, 1943 (Colletidae: Colletinae) occurring in this state is presented, including synonymies, diagnoses, redescriptions and identification keys to females and males of the eight recognized species, including one described as new. These species are Rhynchocolletes albicinctus Moure, 1943; Colletes altimontanus Ferrari & Silveira sp. nov.; C. argentinus Friese, 1908 stat. rev., C. meridionalis Schrottky, 1902; C. ornatus Schrottky, 1902; C. petropolitanus Dalla Torre, 1896; C. rufipes Smith, 1879; and C. rugicollis Friese, 1900. Colletes extensicornis Vachal, 1909 is here proposed to be a junior synonym of C. meridionalis.
On three new species of non-marine ostracods (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from Northeast Thailand
Authors: SAVATENALINTON SUKONTHIP
Published: January 2015

Three new species of non-marine ostracods, Strandesia martensi n. sp., Strandesia pholpunthini n. sp. and Oncocypris rostrata n. sp., are here described from the Northeastern part of Thailand. Strandesia martensi n. sp. is similar to Strandesia perakensis Victor & Fernando, 1981 and to Strandesia sanoamuangae Savatenalinton & Martens, 2010. It can be distinguished from these two species by the presence of a large dorsal hump on both valves, large anterior overlapping, the general shape of valve, the ornamentation of valve surface and the markedly long proximal seta of caudal ramus. The main distinguishing characters of Strandesia pholpunthini n. sp. are the compression on the right valve at the posterior extremity and the fact that left valve overlaps right valve anteriorly, while right valve overlaps left valve posteriorly. This results in unequal anterior and posterior extremities, which can be seen clearly in the dorsal view. Oncocypris rostrata n. sp. is the first record of this genus in Thailand. It obviously differs from others in the beak-like anterior extremity in dorsal view, the valve structure in interior view, the valve ornamentation comprising of large pustules and large pits and the                 morphology of male reproductive organ, especially the first segment of the right prehensile-palp bearing a long apical spine and a large protrusion on the distal margin toward the second segment. A note on morphology, chorology and a key to the species of Oncocypris are given.
Two new species of Eleutherodactylus (subgenus Syrrhophus) from western Mexico
Authors: REYES-VELASCO JACOBO , AHUMADA-CARRILLO IVAN , BURKHARDT TIMOTHY R. , DEVITT THOMAS J.
Published: January 2015

We describe two new species of Eleutherodactylus, subgenus Syrrhophus, from two separate mountain ranges in western Mexico. Eleutherodactylus grunwaldi sp. nov. inhabits the Sierra de Manantlán in Colima and Jalisco from 1300 to 2200 m, whereas E. wixarika sp. nov. is known from a single locality in the Sierra Huichola of northern Jalisco at 2400 m, but is probably more widespread. Eleutherodactylus grunwaldi is readily distinguishable from most members of mainland Syrrhophus by a combination of its large size, broad, truncate digital pads more than three times the narrowest part of the digit, and a black and green marbled color pattern. This species is saxicolous, inhabiting limestone outcrops, and has been found in caves during the dry season. Eleutherodactylus wixarika is a moderate sized species, most similar to E. teretistes, E. pallidus and E. modestus. It is distinguished from all other members of the subgenus by the combination a tuberculate, reddish dorsum, lack of compact lumbar glands, and expanded digital pads less than twice the width of the narrowest part of the digit. This species inhabits areas with secondary vegetation in pine forest. Males of both species call at night during the rainy season. The advertisement call of both species consists of a short, narrow band, pure-tone note organized into a discrete train at a rate of about six times per minute. Spectral and temporal acoustic properties differ between species. The subgenus Syrrhophus of the genus Eleutherodactylus is one of the most poorly studied groups of frogs in Mexico but probably one of the most diverse.
A description of the new Egira species from the Russian Far East (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae: Orthosiini)
Authors: BENEDEK BALÁZS , BABICS JÁNOS , KONONENKO VLADIMIR
Published: January 2015

The Holarctic Noctudae genus Egira Duponchel, 1845 (type-species Phalaena conspicillaris Linnaeus, 1758) enumerates 32 species in the Old and New World. According to the modern classification it belongs to the tribe Orthosiini of the subfamily Noctuinae. The genus is represented in the Old World by fifteen species, distributed from the West Palaearctic to Sino-Himalayan region, where some species have recently been described from Nepal and Thailand (Hreblay 1994; Hreblay & Ronkay 1999). One species, E. saxea (Leech, 1889) is known from Japan.
A Case Study of the Nocturnal Boundary Layer Evolution on a Slope at the Foot of a Desert Mountain
Authors: Lehner Manuela , Whiteman C. David , Hoch Sebastian W. , Jensen Derek , Pardyjak Eric R. , Leo Laura S. , Di Sabatino Silvana , Fernando Harindra J. S.
Published: January 2015

Observations were taken on an east-facing sidewall at the foot of a desert mountain that borders a large valley, as part of the Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modeling and Observations (MATERHORN) field program at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah. A case study of nocturnal boundary layer development is presented for a night in mid-May when tethered-balloon measurements were taken to supplement other MATERHORN field measurements. The boundary layer development over the slope could be divided into three distinct phases during this night: 1) The evening transition from daytime upslope/up-valley winds to nighttime downslope winds was governed by the propagation of the shadow front. Because of the combination of complex topography at the site and the solar angle at this time of year, the shadow moved down the sidewall from approximately northwest to southeast, with the flow transition closely following the shadow front. 2) The flow transition was followed by a 3–4-h period of almost steady-state boundary layer conditions, with a shallow slope-parallel surface inversion and a pronounced downslope flow with a jet maximum located within the surface-based inversion. The shallow slope boundary layer was very sensitive to ambient flows, resulting in several small disturbances. 3) After approximately 2300 mountain standard time, the inversion that had formed over the adjacent valley repeatedly sloshed up the mountain sidewall, disturbing local downslope flows and causing rapid temperature drops.
Diagnosing Neglected Soil Moisture Source–Sink Processes via a Thermal Infrared–Based Two-Source Energy Balance Model
Authors: Hain Christopher R. , Crow Wade T. , Anderson Martha C. , Yilmaz M. Tugrul
Published: January 2015

In recent years, increased attention has been paid to the role of previously neglected water source (e.g., irrigation, direct groundwater extraction, and inland water bodies) and sink (e.g., tile drainage) processes on the surface energy balance. However, efforts to parameterize these processes within land surface models (LSMs) have generally been hampered by a lack of appropriate observational tools for directly observing the impact(s) of such processes on surface energy fluxes. One potential strategy for quantifying these impacts are direct comparisons between bottom-up surface energy flux predictions from a one-dimensional, free-drainage LSM with top-down energy flux estimates derived via thermal infrared remote sensing. The neglect of water source (and/or sink) processes in the bottom-up LSM can be potentially diagnosed through the presence of systematic energy flux biases relative to the top-down remote sensing retrieval. Based on this concept, the authors introduce the Atmosphere–Land Exchange Inverse (ALEXI) Source–Sink for Evapotranspiration (ASSET) index derived from comparisons between ALEXI remote sensing latent heat flux retrievals and comparable estimates obtained from the Noah LSM, version 3.2. Comparisons between ASSET index values and known spatial variations of groundwater depth, irrigation extent, inland water bodies, and tile drainage density within the contiguous United States verify the ability of ASSET to identify regions where neglected soil water source–sink processes may be impacting modeled surface energy fluxes. Consequently, ASSET appears to provide valuable information for ongoing efforts to improve the parameterization of new water source–sink processes within modern LSMs.
Geometric Decomposition of Eddy Feedbacks in Barotropic Systems
Authors: Waterman Stephanie , Lilly Jonathan M.
Published: January 2015

In oceanic and atmospheric flows, the eddy vorticity flux divergence—denoted “F” herein—emerges as a key dynamical quantity, capturing the average effect of fluctuations on the time-mean circulation. For a barotropic system, F is derived from the horizontal velocity covariance matrix, which itself can be represented geometrically in terms of the so-called variance ellipse. This study proves that F may be decomposed into two different components, with distinct geometric interpretations. The first arises from variations in variance ellipse orientation, and the second arises from variations in the kinetic energy of the anisotropic part of the velocity fluctuations, which can be seen as a function of variance ellipse size and shape. Application of the divergence theorem shows that F integrated over a closed region is explained entirely by separate variations in these two quantities around the region periphery. A further decomposition into four terms shows that only four specific spatial patterns of ellipse variability can give rise to a nonzero eddy vorticity flux divergence. The geometric decomposition offers a new tool for the study of eddy–mean flow interactions, as is illustrated with application to an unstable eastward jet on a beta plane.
Projected Changes in Greater St. Louis Summer Heat Stress in NARCCAP Simulations
Authors: Steinweg Claire , Gutowski William J.
Published: January 2015

A matrix of four GCM–RCM combinations from the NARCCAP project is examined for changes in heat stress between contemporary and future scenario climates in the greater St. Louis region in Missouri. The analysis also compares the contemporary simulations with observation-based results from the North American Regional Reanalysis. The character of heat-stress days in one of the RCMs, the CRCM, tends to be like that of heat-stress days in the North American Regional Reanalysis, with high temperatures accompanied by high humidity. In contrast, heat-stress days in the other RCM, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Grell-Devenyi Cumulus Scheme (WRFG), have high temperature, but typically the humidity is similar to or even slightly drier than climatological values.

Although specific magnitudes of change differ between the simulations, all show a marked increase in projected heat stress, from a variety of perspectives. Increases in temperature contribute more to these increases than do increases in humidity, though both are relevant. All simulations agree that the frequency of excessive heat advisories and excessive heat warnings as defined by the National Weather Service could increase by midcentury, with multiple excessive heat advisories occurring every year. The day of first heat stress each summer could occur 3–4 weeks earlier as part of a more prolonged period when the region might experience heat stress each year. Although St. Louis has adopted measures to reduce health threats during heat-stress events, the measures consume human and economic resources; much more frequent and longer-lasting heat-stress events in the future have the potential to impose substantial costs on the region.
Narrow‐Band Imaging of Laryngeal Images and Endoscopically Proven Reflux Esophagitis
Authors: Wang Wen‐Hung , Tsai Kai‐Yu
Published: January 2015

Objective

To compare the difference between white light (WL) and narrow‐band imaging (NBI) endoscopy in evaluating patients who had reflux laryngitis and esophagitis.

Study Design

Retrospective review of medical records and endoscopic images.

Setting

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects and Methods

There were 102 consecutive patients with reflux esophagitis (mean age, 48 ± 11 years) who had office‐based transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) with WL and NBI views, including 60 men (59%) and 42 women (41%). We compared WL and NBI endoscopy in observing the laryngeal and esophageal epithelium. The nasopharynx, base of the tongue, epiglottis, hypopharynx, larynx, esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and stomach were examined, and all procedures were digitally recorded. All patients were evaluated with WL and NBI views to determine the reflux finding score (RFS) in the larynx and Los Angeles (LA) classification grade in the esophagus.

Results

The NBI views were more sensitive than the WL views in the erythema/hyperemia, vocal cord edema, and global RFS scores. The NBI view facilitated the identification of the erythema/hyperemia change representing dilation or proliferation of microvessels caused by epithelial inflammation. The global RFS score was significantly associated with severity of LA grade only with the NBI view.

Conclusion

The endoscopic findings with the NBI view permit an easier identification of the RFS parameters of laryngeal erythema/vocal cord edema, which have a stronger correlation with the severity of reflux esophagitis, than the WL view. The importance of NBI in the evaluation of reflux laryngitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease deserves further study.
A Standardized Lingual Tonsil Grading System
Authors: Friedman Michael , Yalamanchali Sreeya , Gorelick Gleb , Joseph Ninos J. , Hwang Michelle S.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Comparisons among studies involving the tongue base are limited by lack of a universal system for grading lingual tonsils. The authors propose a new standardized clinical grading system for lingual tonsil hypertrophy (LTH). Validation was assessed via an interexaminer agreement study.

Study Design

Kappa interrater agreement study.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Subjects and Methods

Video assessment: The proposed grading system consists of a 0‐to‐4 scale: 0 = complete absence of lymphoid tissue; 1 = lymphoid tissue scattered over tongue base; 2 = lymphoid tissue covering entirety of tongue base with limited vertical thickness; 3 = significantly raised lymphoid tissue covering entirety of the tongue base, approximately 5 to 10 mm in thickness; 4 = lymphoid tissue rising above the tip of the epiglottis, ≥1 cm in thickness. The vertical height of the tonsils is a clinical approximate. A teaching video demonstrated identification of this grading system. Fourteen trained otolaryngologists graded 20 video clips of the tongue base, recorded during flexible laryngoscopy. Live assessment: A second study was performed by 2 examiners directly examining the tongue base of 23 patients using flexible laryngoscopy.

Results

Video assessment: The overall Fleiss kappa statistic was 0.775 (P <. 0001). This denotes substantial agreement. Live assessment: The overall kappa for nominal data was 0.8665 (P <. 0001). This denotes near perfect agreement.

Conclusion

The substantial interexaminer correlation demonstrated during video assessment and perfect interexaminer correlation in live assessment indicate that the proposed grading system may be a valuable and useful tool in creating a common language to describe lingual tonsils.
Geriatric assessment predicts survival and toxicities in elderly myeloma patients: an International Myeloma Working Group report
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Bringhen Sara , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Larocca Alessandra , Facon Thierry , Kumar Shaji K. , Offidani Massimo , McCarthy Philip , Evangelista Andrea , Lonial Sagar , Zweegman Sonja , Musto Pellegrino , Terpos Evangelos , Belch Andrew , Hajek Roman , Ludwig Heinz , Stewart A. Keith , Moreau Philippe , Anderson Kenneth , Einsele Hermann , Durie Brian G. M. , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Landgren Ola , San Miguel Jesus F. , Richardson Paul , Sonneveld Pieter , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: January 2015

Key Points

Elderly patients with myeloma are heterogeneous and assessment strategies are needed to define the frailty profile. The proposed frailty score aims to better assess patients and provide them with more suitable therapies.
Using the canary genome to decipher the evolution of hormone-sensitive gene regulation in seasonal singing birds
Authors: Frankl-Vilches Carolina , Kuhl Heiner , Werber Martin , Klages Sven , Kerick Martin , Bakker Antje , de Oliveira Edivaldo HC , Reusch Christina , Capuano Floriana , Vowinckel Jakob , Leitner Stefan , Ralser Markus , Timmermann Bernd , Gahr Manfred
Published: January 2015

Background

While the song of all songbirds is controlled by the same neural circuit, the hormone dependence of singing behavior varies greatly between species. For this reason, songbirds are ideal organisms to study ultimate and proximate mechanisms of hormone-dependent behavior and neuronal plasticity.

Results

We present the high quality assembly and annotation of a female 1.2-Gbp canary genome. Whole genome alignments between the canary and 13 genomes throughout the bird taxa show a much-conserved synteny, whereas at the single-base resolution there are considerable species differences. These differences impact small sequence motifs like transcription factor binding sites such as estrogen response elements and androgen response elements. To relate these species-specific response elements to the hormone-sensitivity of the canary singing behavior, we identify seasonal testosterone-sensitive transcriptomes of major song-related brain regions, HVC and RA, and find the seasonal gene networks related to neuronal differentiation only in the HVC. Testosterone-sensitive up-regulated gene networks of HVC of singing males concerned neuronal differentiation. Among the testosterone-regulated genes of canary HVC, 20% lack estrogen response elements and 4 to 8% lack androgen response elements in orthologous promoters in the zebra finch.

Conclusions

The canary genome sequence and complementary expression analysis reveal intra-regional evolutionary changes in a multi-regional neural circuit controlling seasonal singing behavior and identify gene evolution related to the hormone-sensitivity of this seasonal singing behavior. Such genes that are testosterone- and estrogen-sensitive specifically in the canary and that are involved in rewiring of neurons might be crucial for seasonal re-differentiation of HVC underlying seasonal song patterning.
Age-related differences of tooth enamel morphochemistry in health and dental caries
Authors: Kunin Anatoly A , Evdokimova Anna Yu , Moiseeva Natalia S
Published: January 2015

Currently, dental caries is the main reason of patient visits to dentists. A great deal of scientific work is dedicated to the study of enamel caries. The reason for this is the necessity for more detailed study of the pathogenesis of dental caries and other pathological processes occurring in tooth enamel. The application of modern high-technological methods of research has made it possible to study enamel structure in detail. Hard dental tissues are composed of organic and inorganic components and water. The organic substance consists of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. At different ages, caries intensity may vary. The carious process often develops during the first months after the tooth eruption but much less in adulthood and old age. These processes are mainly associated with the mechanisms of ionic exchange between the oral cavity and hard dental tissues. Different groups of teeth are differently affected by the carious process. Previous studies have revealed that age is an important factor influencing on the structure and chemical composition of hard dental tissues. Various recent works at the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry of Voronezh N.N. Burdenko State Medical Academy (VSMA) have studied not only the structural-morphological features of the enamel in children and adults but also the level of metabolic processes inside it. As a result of aging, teeth change both the enamel structure and the level of its ionic processes, but unfortunately, these changes have not been well characterized in teeth with conventional age-specific differences.
An optimizing pipeline stall reduction algorithm for power and performance on multi-core CPUs
Authors: Saravanan Vijayalakshmi , Pralhaddas Kothari Dwarkadas , Kothari Dwarkadas Pralhaddas , Woungang Isaac
Published: January 2015

The power-performance trade-off is one of the major considerations in micro-architecture design. Pipelined architecture has brought a radical change in the design to capitalize on the parallel operation of various functional blocks involved in the instruction execution process, which is widely used in all modern processors. Pipeline introduces the instruction level parallelism (ILP) because of the potential overlap of instructions, and it does have drawbacks in the form of hazards, which is a result of data dependencies and resource conflicts. To overcome these hazards, stalls were introduced, which are basically delayed execution of instructions to diffuse the problematic situation. Out-of-order (OOO) execution is a ramification of the stall approach since it executes the instruction in an order governed by the availability of the input data rather than by their original order in the program. This paper presents a new algorithm called Left-Right (LR) for reducing stalls in pipelined processors. This algorithm is built by combining the traditional in-order and the out-of-order (OOO) instruction execution, resulting in the best of both approaches. As instruction input, we take the Tomasulo’s algorithm for scheduling out-of-order and the in-order instruction execution and we compare the proposed algorithm’s efficiency against both in terms of power-performance gain. Experimental simulations are conducted using Sim-Panalyzer, an instruction level simulator, showing that our proposed algorithm optimizes the power-performance with an effective increase of 30% in terms of energy consumption benefits compared to the Tomasulo’s algorithm and 3% compared to the in-order algorithm.
Alternative food chains as a way to embed mountain agriculture in the urban market: the case of Trentino
Authors: Blasi Emanuele , Cicatiello Clara , Pancino Barbara , Franco Silvio
Published: January 2015

Peri-urban agriculture is exposed to multiple pressures, which push to diversification and multifunctionality. However, the urban-rural link develops in different ways according to the features of the territories. A very interesting case is that of mountain areas, where the proportion among urban and rural domain is very skewed towards the latter and, at the same time, farms face major environmental problems that in most cases jeopardize their competitiveness in the mainstream market. Alternative food chains may play a key role in these contexts, especially for their ability to put farms in touch with the demand of consumers living in the urban areas located in the valley. In this paper we study the case of Trentino, an Italian Alpine region where alternative food chains are quickly developing, by comparing the development of alternative markets in this context with other Italian peri-urban areas. The mountain environment makes it very difficult for farms to standardize their products according to the requirement of the large retailers. Through alternative food chains, the typicality of products and the savoir faire of the farmers – representing the two main factors of products’ added value – are endorsed and more easily communicated to the market. Data from a survey conducted on short food chain consumers show that they are inherently more careful to these particular cues of the products, as a result of a lifestyle that makes them more attached to identity and origins, as well as being more proud of their territory. These evidences confirm that in the Trentino area, for its structural and cultural traits, alternative food markets are meaningful for the survival and development of the local agricultural sector.