bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polybenzimidazole and Phosphonic Acid Groups-Functionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Composite Electrolyte for High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane
Authors: Kim Sung-Kon
Published: October 2016

Here, we report composite membrane consisting of poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-(bibenzimidazole)] (PBI) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane functionalized with phosphonic acid groups (PO(OH)2-POSS) for high temperature proton exchange membrane. ~7 phosphonic acid groups are incorporated into the phenyl rings of POSS via bromination in a high yield (~93%), followed by substitution of the bromine elements by phosphonate ester groupsviaa Pd(0) catalyzed P–C coupling reaction. Phosphonic acid groups are formed by the hydrolysis of the phosphonate ester groups in hydrobromic acid solution. At a 50 wt% of PA content in the membranes, PBI/PO(OH)2-POSS composite membrane shows larger proton conductivity of 3.2 × 10−3 S cm−1than 2.8 × 10−3 S cm−1of PBI membrane at 150°C and anhydrous conditions, owing to the multiple phosphonic acid groups of PO(OH)2-POSS that can function as proton transport medium at high temperature and low humidity conditions.
Electroacupuncture at ST37 Enhances Jejunal Motility via Excitation of the Parasympathetic System in Rats and Mice
Authors: Yuan Mengqian , Li Yuqin , Wang Yidan , Zhang Na , Hu XuanMing , Yin Yin , Zhu Bing , Yu Zhi , Xu Bin
Published: October 2016

Background. The roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in mediating the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST37 on jejunal motility have yet to be demonstrated. Aim. We used rats and mice to investigate the effect and mechanism of action of EA at ST37 on jejunal motility. Methods. Jejunal motility was recorded by a balloon placed in the jejunum and connected to a biological signal collection system through a transducer. The effects of EA (3 mA) at ST37 were evaluated in Sprague‐Dawley rats without drugs and with the administration of clenbuterol, propranolol, acetylcholine, and atropine. Further, the efficacy of EA at different intensities (1/2/4/6/8 mA) was measured in wild‐type mice and mice and mice. Results. In Sprague‐Dawley rats, the excitatory effect of EA at ST37 on jejunal motility disappeared in the presence of the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine. EA at ST37 was less effective in mice than in wild‐type mice. Furthermore, to a certain extent, there existed “intensity‐response” relationship between jejunal motility and EA. Conclusions. EA at ST37 can enhance jejunal motility in rats and mice mainly via excitation of the parasympathetic pathway. There is an “intensity‐response” relationship between EA and effect on jejunal motility.
Missed Opportunities for Vaccination in the Dominican Republic: Results of an Operational Investigation
Authors: Garib Zacarías , Vargas Aida Lucía , Trumbo Silas P. , Anthony Kathleen , Diaz-Ortega Jose Luis , Bravo-Alcántara Pamela , Leal Irene , Danovaro-Holliday M. Carolina , Velandia-González Martha
Published: October 2016

Background. Despite the success of the Dominican Republic’s National Immunization Program, homogenous vaccine coverage has not been achieved. In October 2012, the country implemented a study on missed opportunities for vaccination (MOVs) in children aged <5 years.Methods. A cross-sectional study of 102 healthcare facilities was implemented in 30 high-risk municipalities. Overall, 1500 parents and guardians of children aged <5 years were interviewed. A MOV is defined as when a person who is eligible for vaccination and with no contraindications visits a health facility and does not receive a required vaccine. We evaluated the causes of MOVs and identified risk factors associated with MOVs in the Dominican Republic.Results. Of the 514 children with available and reliable vaccination histories, 293 (57.0%) were undervaccinated after contact with a health provider. Undervaccinated children had 836 opportunities to receive a needed vaccine. Of these, 358 (42.8%) qualified as MOVs, with at least one MOV observed in 225 children (43.7%). Factors associated with MOVs included urban geographic area (OR = 1.80;p=0.02), age 1–4 years (OR = 3.63;p≤0.0001), and the purpose of the health visit being a sick visit (OR = 1.65;p=0.02).Conclusions. MOVs were associated primarily with health workers failing to request and review patients’ immunization cards.
VEGF +936 C/T Genetic Polymorphism in Patients with Cervical Dysplasia
Authors: Rotar Ioana Cristina , Dumitras Diana Elena , Popp Radu Anghel , Petrisor Felicia Maria , Cotutiu Paul , Stamatian Florin , Muresan Daniel
Published: October 2016

Aim. The present study aims to analyze the potential role of VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.Material and Method. One hundred and eighty-six patients were included in the study: 75 cases (patients diagnosed with CIN) and 111 controls (negative for both HPV testing and cytology). For each patient a single visit was scheduled when colposcopy was performed. From cervical specimen, cytology and HPV testing were performed and from peripheral blood VEGF +936 genotyping was determined. For statistical analysis purposes OR and chi-square were used at a level of significance of <0.05.Results. No link has been found in the detection of CT genotype in cases versus controls, OR = 0.8295, [0.42, 1.62]. An inverse correlation has been found between T allele and HSIL, OR = 0.2121, [0.0473, 0.9517],p=0.0866.Conclusion. No link has been found between VEGF +936 C/T and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
A Case of Aripiprazole-Induced Tardive Dyskinesia with Dramatic Evolution
Authors: Heitzmann Edwige , Javelot Hervé , Weiner Luisa , Michel Bruno
Published: October 2016

Aripiprazole is reported to be a good clinical safety profile antipsychotic. However, recent data suggest that the risk of tardive dyskinesia could be higher than initially thought. We report the case of aripiprazole-induced tardive dyskinesia with dramatic evolution in a patient with several risk factors, including older age and exposure to antipsychotic over a period longer than six months. This case and its dramatic evolution, associated with other cases recently published, suggest reconsidering the real risk of tardive dyskinesia associated with aripiprazole, particularly in the elderly.
Noise Parameter Analysis of SiGe HBTs for Different Sizes in the Breakdown Region
Authors: Lee Chie-In , Lin Yan-Ting , Lin Wei-Cheng
Published: October 2016

Noise parameters of silicon germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) for different sizes are investigated in the breakdown region for the first time. When the emitter length of SiGe HBTs shortens, minimum noise figure at breakdown decreases. In addition, narrower emitter width also decreases noise figure of SiGe HBTs in the avalanche region. Reduction of noise performance for smaller emitter length and width of SiGe HBTs at breakdown resulted from the lower noise spectral density resulting from the breakdown mechanism. Good agreement between experimental and simulated noise performance at breakdown is achieved for different sized SiGe HBTs. The presented analysis can benefit the RF circuits operating in the breakdown region.
A Trust-Based Model for Security Cooperating in Vehicular Cloud Computing
Authors: Tang Zhipeng , Liu Anfeng , Li Zhetao , Choi Young-june , Sekiya Hiroo , Li Jie
Published: October 2016

VCC is a computing paradigm which consists of vehicles cooperating with each other to realize a lot of practical applications, such as delivering packages. Security cooperation is a fundamental research topic in Vehicular Cloud Computing (VCC). Because of the existence of malicious vehicles, the security cooperation has become a challenging issue in VCC. In this paper, a trust-based model for security cooperating, named DBTEC, is proposed to promote vehicles’ security cooperation in VCC. DBTEC combines the indirect trust estimation in Public board and the direct trust estimation in Private board to compute the trust value of vehicles when choosing cooperative partners; a trustworthy cooperation path generating scheme is proposed to ensure the safety of cooperation and increase the cooperation completion rates in VCC. Extensive experiments show that our scheme improves the overall cooperation completion rates by 6~7%.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and a Wireless Sensors Network for Radiological Accidents
Authors: Reyes-Muñoz A. , Guerrero-Ibáñez J. , Pastor E. , Gasull M. , Barrado C.
Published: October 2016

In critical radiological situations, the real time information that we could get from the disaster area becomes of great importance. However, communication systems could be affected after a radiological accident. The proposed network in this research consists of distributed sensors in charge of collecting radiological data and ground vehicles that are sent to the nuclear plant at the moment of the accident to sense environmental and radiological information. Afterwards, data would be analyzed in the control center. Collected data by sensors and ground vehicles would be delivered to a control center using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) as a message carrier. We analyze the pairwise contacts, as well as visiting times, data collection, capacity of the links, size of the transmission window of the sensors, and so forth. All this calculus was made analytically and compared via network simulations.
PET and MRI: Is the Whole Greater than the Sum of Its Parts?
Authors: Gillies Robert J. , Beyer Thomas
Published: October 2016

Over the past decades, imaging in oncology has been undergoing a “quiet” revolution to treat images as data, not as pictures. This revolution has been sparked by technological advances that enable capture of images that reflect not only anatomy, but also of tissue metabolism and physiology in situ. Important advances along this path have been the increasing power of MRI, which can be used to measure spatially dependent differences in cell density, tissue organization, perfusion, and metabolism. In parallel, PET imaging allows quantitative assessment of the spatial localization of positron-emitting compounds, and it has also been constantly improving in the number of imageable tracers to measure metabolism and expression of macromolecules. Recent years have witnessed another technological advance, wherein these two powerful modalities have been physically merged into combined PET/MRI systems, appropriate for both preclinical or clinical imaging. As with all new enabling technologies driven by engineering physics, the full extent of potential applications is rarely known at the outset. In the work of Schmitz and colleagues, the authors have combined multiparametric MRI and PET imaging to address the important issue of intratumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer using both preclinical and clinical data. With combined PET and MRI and sophisticated machine-learning tools, they have been able identify multiple coexisting regions (“habitats”) within living tumors and, in some cases, have been able to assign these habitats to known histologies. This work addresses an issue of fundamental importance to both cancer biology and cancer care. As with most new paradigm-shifting applications, it is not the last word on the subject and introduces a number of new avenues of investigation to pursue. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6163–6. ©2016 AACR.
The Neocortex of Indian River Dolphins (Genus Platanista): Comparative, Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Knopf Julian P. , Hof Patrick R. , Oelschläger Helmut H.A.
Published: October 2016

We investigated the morphology of four primary neocortical projection areas (somatomotor, somatosensory, auditory, visual) qualitatively and quantitatively in the Indian river dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica, P. gangetica minor) with histological and stereological methods. For comparison, we included brains of other toothed whale species. Design-based stereology was applied to the primary neocortical areas (M1, S1, A1, V1) of the Indian river dolphins and compared to those of the bottlenose dolphin with respect to layers III and V. These neocortical fields were identified using existing electrophysiological and morphological data from marine dolphins as to their topography and histological structure, including the characteristics of the neuron populations concerned. In contrast to other toothed whales, the visual area (V1) of the ‘blind' river dolphins seems to be rather small. M1 is displaced laterally and the auditory area (A1) is larger than in marine species with respect to total brain size. The layering is similar in the cortices of all the toothed whale brains investigated; a layer IV could not be identified. Cell density in layer III is always higher than in layer V. The maximal neuron density in P. gangetica gangetica is found in layer III of A1, followed by layers III in V1, S1, and M1. The cell density in layer V is at a similar level in all primary areas. There are, however, some differences in neuron density between the two subspecies of Indian river dolphins. Taken as a whole, it appears that the neocortex of platanistids exhibits a considerable expansion of the auditory field. Even more than other toothed whales, they seem to depend on their biosonar abilities for navigation, hunting, and communication in their riverine habitat.
ABO-Incompatible Living Kidney Transplant Recipients from Spousal Donors Receiving Rituximab
Authors: Uchida Junji , Iwai Tomoaki , Kabei Kazuya , Nishide Shunji , Yamasaki Takeshi , Kuwabara Nobuyuki , Naganuma Toshihide , Kumada Norihiko , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Nakatanti Tatsuya
Published: October 2016

Introduction: We summarized our experience with ABO-incompatible living kidney transplant recipients from spousal donors receiving rituximab. Patients and Methods: Between June 2006 and December 2014, 82 patients with end-stage renal disease underwent living donor kidney transplantation at Osaka City University Hospital, of which 23 cases were ABO-incompatible transplantation between spouses with rituximab induction. We analyzed these recipients, focusing on their immunosuppressive protocols, frequency of acute rejections, and patient/graft survivals. Results: Patient and graft survival rates were 100%. The incidence of acute cellular rejection (ACR) was 30.4%. One patient experienced antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and intractable ACR, 2 had AMR, and 2 had intractable ACR episodes that were treated using thymoglobulin. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation between spouses using rituximab is a radical but effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. However, this procedure could be immunologically high risk due to ABO-incompatibility and poor histocompatibility.
Primary Leiomyosarcoma in the Inferior Vena Cava Extended to the Right Atrium: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fujita Shuichi , Takahashi Hideaki , Kanzaki Yumiko , Fujisaka Tomohiro , Takeda Yoshihiro , Ozawa Hideki , Kuwabara Hiroko , Katsumata Takahiro , Ishizaka Nobukazu
Published: October 2016

A 38-year-old woman had developed an abdominal distention, lower extremity edema, and dyspnea. Imaging examination revealed a large mass in the right atrium which was connected to lesions within the inferior vena cava. Although complete resection of the mass was not possible, partial surgical tumor resection was performed to avoid pulmonary embolization and circulatory collapse. Leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed histologically, and chemotherapy (doxorubicin) followed by radiotherapy was started. By reviewing papers published in the past 10 years that included 322 patients, we also discuss the clinical presentations and prognosis of leiomyosarcoma in the inferior vena cava.
Adaptive Radiotherapy for an Uncommon Chloroma
Authors: Majdoul Soufya , Colson-Durand Laurianne , To Nu Hanh , Belkacemi Yazid
Published: October 2016

Granulocytic sarcomas, also referred to as chloromas or myeloid sarcomas, are extramedullary neoplasms that are composed of immature myeloid cells. This uncommon disease is known to be radiosensitive. However, the total dose and dose per fraction are not standardized. In addition, during the course of radiation therapy, significant reduction of the tumor is usually obtained. Thus, target volume reduction may require an intermediate radiotherapy plan evaluation for an adaptive treatment. A second plan at mid-dose is highly recommended.
Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Adolescents with Pubertal Gynecomastia
Authors: Pehlivantürk Kızılkan Melis , Akgül Sinem , Akbıyık Filiz , Derman Orhan , Kanbur Nuray
Published: October 2016

Background: Since vitamin D has an inhibitory function on ductal morphogenesis of the pubertal mammary gland, it may have a role in the development of gynecomastia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the development of pubertal gynecomastia. Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) levels in 50 adolescents with pubertal gynecomastia and 54 healthy controls between the ages of 11 and 17 years were compared. Results: Mean 25D level was 14.03 ± 6.38 (5.0-32.5) ng/ml in the pubertal gynecomastia group and 15.19 ± 6.49 (5.0-33.2) ng/ml in the control group (p = 0.361). According to the vitamin D status classification of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 66% of the pubertal gynecomastia group was found to be deficient and 14% were insufficient. In the control group these values were 53.7% and 29.6%, respectively (p = 0.158). Conclusion: From our results we hypothesize that, rather than low serum levels of 25D, a dysregulation of the vitamin D signal pathway, vitamin D metabolism or vitamin D storage within the mammary tissue might be the contributing factors to the development of gynecomastia.
Validation of the Preoperative Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in a European Cohort of Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Dalpiaz Orietta , Krieger Daniel , Ehrlich Georg C. , Pohlmann Kristof , Stojakovic Tatjana , Pummer Karl , Zigeuner Richard , Pichler Martin , Hutterer Georg C.
Published: October 2016

Introduction: This study is aimed at investigating the potential prognostic impact of the preoperatively assessed platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in a European cohort of patients with non-metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Materials and Methods: Clinicopathological data from 180 consecutive non-metastatic UTUC patients, operated between 1990 and 2012 at a single tertiary academic center, were evaluated retrospectively. The preoperative PLR was assessed one day before surgery. Patients were categorized using a PLR cut-off value according to receiver-operating curve analysis. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Additionally, multivariate proportional Cox regression models were applied. Results: In multivariate analyses, age at the date of surgery (<65 vs. ≥65 years, hazard ratio (HR) 1.827, 95% CI 1.051-3.175, p = 0.033), pathologic T-stage (pT1 vs. pT2-4, HR 1.873, 95% CI 1.066-3.292, p = 0.029), and pretreatment PLR (<150.0 vs. ≥150.0, HR 1.782, 95% CI 1.041-3.050, p = 0.035) were independent predictors of OS. Regarding CSS, pathologic T-stage (pT1 vs. pT2-4, HR 2.176, 95% CI 1.062-4.460, p = 0.034) and pretreatment PLR (<150.0 vs. ≥150.0, HR 2.026, 95% CI 1.045-3.930, p = 0.037) were considered independent predictors. Conclusions: In the cohort studied, patients with an elevated (≥150.0) preoperative PLR had a higher cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality after radical surgery for UTUC, compared with those with a low pretreatment PLR.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients Initially Diagnosed With Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Visser Marloes , van der Heijden Jeroen F. , van der Smagt Jasper J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Wilde Arthur A. , Loh Peter , Hassink Rutger J.
Published: October 2016

Background—

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a rare cause of sudden cardiac arrest. Limited data are available on the long-term outcome of IVF patients.

Methods and Results—

In this retrospective cohort study, 107 consecutive patients with an initial diagnosis of IVF were analyzed (age at index event 40.4 years, 60% male). Missing diagnostic data were acquired during follow-up, including genetic testing, to exclude underlying disease. A specific diagnosis was revealed in 22 of 107 patients (21%) during a median follow-up of 10.2 years. Mortality rate was 9% in IVF patients (8/85). Appropriate implantable cardioverter–defibrillator therapy was delivered in 23 patients (29%) of 78 IVF patients with an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator, with a median of 3 appropriate shocks per patient.

Conclusions—

One fifth of the patients initially diagnosed with IVF reveal a specific diagnosis during long-term follow-up. Additional diagnostic testing, including genetic testing, contributes to the detection of specific diseases. The recurrence rate of ventricular arrhythmias in IVF patients is high. Our data show the importance of thorough follow-up and reassessment of diagnosis in IVF patients.
Impact of Statin Use After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Vallakati Ajay , Reddy Siddharth , Dunlap Mark E. , Taylor David O.
Published: October 2016

Background—

Although various studies revealed the beneficial effects of statins in post–cardiac transplant patients, these were relatively small and low-powered studies. We performed a meta-analysis of published studies to evaluate the role of statins in post–cardiac transplant patients, specifically examining the effects on hemodynamically significant/fatal graft rejection, coronary vasculopathy, terminal cancer, and overall survival.

Methods and Results—

We searched PubMed, Cochran CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases using the search terms “cardiac transplant” or “heart transplant,” and “statin” for a literature search. A random-effects model with Mantel–Haenszel method was used to pool the data. We identified 10 studies, 4 randomized controlled trials, and 6 nonrandomized studies, which compared outcomes in heart transplant recipients undergoing statin therapy to statin-naive patients. A pooled analysis of 9 studies reporting mortality revealed that the use of statins was associated with significant reduction in all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.35;
P
<0.0001). Statins also decreased the odds of hemodynamically significant/fatal rejection (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.65;
P
=0.0005), incidence of coronary vasculopathy (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.68;
P
=0.003), and terminal cancer (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.63;
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

The evidence from a pooled analysis suggests that statins improve survival in heart transplant recipients. Statins may prevent fatal rejection episodes, decrease terminal cancer risk, and reduce the incidence of coronary vasculopathy. Additional prospective studies are needed to further investigate and explain this association.
Multimodality Cardiac Imaging for the Assessment of Left Atrial Function and the Association With Atrial Arrhythmias
Authors: Olsen Flemming Javier , Bertelsen Litten , de Knegt Martina Chantal , Christensen Thomas Emil , Vejlstrup Niels , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Jensen Jan Skov , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: October 2016

Several cardiac imaging modalities are able to visualize the left atrium (LA) and, therefore, allow for quantification of both structural and functional properties of this cardiac chamber. In echocardiography, only the maximal LA volume is included in the assessment of diastolic function at the current moment. Numerous studies, however, have shown that functional measures may be superior to the maximal LA volume in several aspects and to possess clinical value even in the absence of structural abnormalities. Such functional measures could prove particularly useful in the setting of predicting atrial fibrillation, which will be a point of focus in this review. Pivotal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies have revealed high correlation between LA fibrosis and risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation, and subsequent multimodality imaging studies have uncovered an inverse relationship between LA reservoir function and degree of LA fibrosis. This has sparked an increased interest into the application of advanced imaging modalities, including both speckle tracking echocardiography and tissue tracking by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Even though increasing evidence has supported the use of functional measures and proven its superiority to the maximal LA volume, they have still not been adopted in clinical guidelines. The reason for this discrepancy may rely on the fact that there is little to no agreement on how to technically perform deformation analysis of the LA. Such technical considerations, limitations, and alternate imaging prospects will be addressed in this review.
Association of Impaired Glucose Regulation and Insulin Resistance With Cardiac Structure and Function
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Allison Matthew A. , Cai Jianwen , Kaplan Robert C. , Desai Ankit A. , Hurwitz Barry E. , Newman Jill C. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Swett Katrina , Talavera Gregory A. , Thai Ashley , Youngblood Marston E. , Rodriguez Carlos J.
Published: October 2016

Background—

We examined the relationship between glucose homeostasis and comprehensive measures of cardiac structure and function among a representative sample of US Hispanics.

Methods and Results—

ECHO-SOL (Echocardiographic Study of Latinos), an echocardiographic ancillary study of the HCHS/SOL (Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos), enrolled 1818 Hispanic/Latino men (43%) and women (57%) aged ≥45 years (mean=56). Glucose intolerance was defined as follows: (1) prediabetes: hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥5.7 and <6.5% and (2) diabetes mellitus: fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour postload glucose ≥200 mg/dL, HbA1c ≥6.5%, or hypoglycemic agent use. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus was defined as HbA1c ≥7.0%. Insulin resistance was defined using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. Echocardiography examinations assessed left ventricular structure and systolic/diastolic function. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used. Prediabetes prevalence was 42%, and diabetes mellitus prevalence was 28% (47% uncontrolled). Glucose intolerance was associated with increased left ventricular posterior wall and interventricular septal and relative wall thicknesses (all
P
<0.05), reduced ejection fraction (
P
<0.01), reduced stroke and end-diastolic volumes (both
P
<0.001), decreased peak E′ velocity (lateral and septal
P
<0.001), and increased E/E′ ratio (lateral and septal
P
<0.01). The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for diastolic dysfunction among individuals with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus (versus diabetes mellitus free) were 1.36 (0.96–1.9) and 1.90 (1.3–2.8), respectively(
P
=0.006). Results were consistent for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus versus diabetes mellitus. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance was associated with increased E/E′ (
P
<0.001), and greater relative wall thickness and septal thickness (both
P
<0.05); lower stroke volume (
P
<0.0001); and lower peak lateral and septal E′ velocities (both
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance are associated with unfavorable cardiac structure and function, particularly worsened measures of diastolic function, even before the development of diabetes mellitus.
Association of Retinopathy and Retinal Microvascular Abnormalities With Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Hughes Alun D. , Falaschetti Emanuela , Witt Nicholas , Wijetunge Sumangali , Thom Simon A. McG. , Tillin Therese , Aldington Steve J. , Chaturvedi Nish
Published: October 2016

Background and Purpose—

Abnormalities of the retinal circulation may be associated with cerebrovascular disease. We investigated associations between retinal microvascular abnormalities and (1) strokes and subclinical cerebral infarcts and (2) cerebral white matter lesions in a UK-based triethnic population-based cohort.

Methods—

A total of 1185 participants (age, 68.8±6.1 years; 77% men) underwent retinal imaging and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral infarcts and white matter hyperintensities were identified on magnetic resonance imaging, retinopathy was graded, and retinal vessels were measured.

Results—

Higher retinopathy grade (odds ratio [OR], 1.40 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.16–1.70]), narrower arteriolar diameter (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97–0.99]), fewer symmetrical arteriolar bifurcations (OR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.75–0.95]), higher arteriolar optimality deviation (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.00–1.34]), and more tortuous venules (OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09–1.32]) were associated with strokes/infarcts and white matter hyperintensities. Associations with quantitative retinal microvascular measures were independent of retinopathy.

Conclusions—

Abnormalities of the retinal microvasculature are independently associated with stroke, cerebral infarcts, and white matter lesions.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of cercosporoid fungi (Mycosphaerellaceae) from China 1
Authors: LIU ZUCHEN , BRAUN UWE , CROUS PEDRO W. , SI JING , ZHANG YING
Published: October 2016

Cercosporoid fungi include a large number of mostly plant pathogenic fungi with a wide geographic distribution, being usually associated with leaf spots on a broad range of plant hosts. Here we initiate a series of studies on Chinese cercosporoid fungi, focussing on the identification of some common, rare and new plant diseases caused by these leaf-spotting ascomycetes. The aim of the series is to resolve the taxonomy and DNA phylogeny of this important group of phytopathogens in China. In this study, nine isolates of cercosporoid fungi were collected from five host species. Partial nucleotide sequence data of four gene loci (ITS, LSU, TUB and tef1-α rDNA) were generated for all isolates. Based on morphological characters in vivo and in vitro and phylogenetic data, a new species, Pseudocercospora pauciseptata (on living leaves of Pyracantha fortuneana), is introduced including a detailed description, illustration and comparison with similar species. In addition, Passalora circumscissa, Pseudocercospora cercidis-chinensis, P. lindericola, and P. prunicola are described, illustrated and phylogenetically characterized. Cerasus pseudocerasus represents a new host record for Passalora circumscissa in China, while Lindera reflexa is a new host for P. lindericola.
Lactifluus rajendrae sp. nov. (Russulaceae) from India
Authors: UNIYAL PRIYANKA , DAS KANAD , ADHIKARI SINCHAN , SINGH UPENDRA , MEHMOOD TAHIR
Published: October 2016

Lactifluus rajendrae (L. sect. Albati), growing under Pinus in coniferous forest of Uttarakhand is presented in this communication as a new species. It is characterized by a white pileus with greenish tinge, crowded lamellae, white acrid latex and occurrence under Pinus roxburghii. A detailed morphological description coupled with the illustrations for this novel species, ITS-based phylogenetic support, and a provisional key to the species of Lactifluus sect. Albati are provided.
The taxonomic status and sister group relationship of the cardinalfish species Jaydia striatodes (Percomorphaceae: Apogonidae)
Authors: YU ZHENGSEN , SONG NA , HAN ZHIQIANG , GAO TIANXIANG , SHUI BONIAN , GON OFER
Published: October 2016

Two similar cardinalfish species, Jaydia striatodes and J. striata, were compared morphologically and genetically, using the fragment of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of the mitochondrial DNA. The results confirmed the validity of both species and their sister group relationship. The species formed well-supported monophyletic clades that were distinctly separate with mean sequence divergence of 12.2%. Jaydia striatodes is distinct in having 4–5 + 12–13 gill rakers; 3 + 11–12 developed gill rakers; 9 gill rakers on the first ceratobranchial; 3–9 weak serration at the angle of preopercular edge; and a usually blackish distal half of anal fin. Jaydia striatodes was recorded for the first time from Beibu Gulf, China, and from Vietnam.
A new member of the greater double-collared sunbird complex (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Africa
Authors: BOWIE RAURI C. K. , FJELDSÅ JON , KIURE JACOB , KRISTENSEN JAN BOLDING
Published: October 2016

We document the discovery of the first population of greater double-collared sunbird (Cinnyris afer complex) from the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. We assessed phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic rank based on mtDNA sequence data, nine microsatellite loci and morphology. This new taxon, locally distributed in the Rubeho and Udzungwa Highlands, has close affinities (< 1% uncorrected sequence divergence) with C. whytei (split here from C. ludovicensis) of the Nyika Plateau in Malawi, but differs in having longer tarsi and in subtle plumage details. Although the birds from Nyika and Udzungwa-Rubeho are reciprocally monophyletic for mitochondrial DNA, coalescent analyses of the microsatellite data and the total molecular dataset could not reject the possibility of continued gene flow between the two populations. Thus, although we favour the phylogenetic species concept, we adopt a cautious approach and formally describe the Rubeho and Udzungwa greater double-collared sunbird population as a subspecies of Cinnyris whytei. This new sunbird taxon has been recorded only above 1700 m in scrub on the forest/grassland ecotone in a very restricted area in the Rubeho and Udzungwa Highlands of Tanzania. The effects of human settlement and agriculture threaten this taxon.
The larvae of Micropterna coiffaiti Décamps 1963, Micropterna taurica Martynov 1917, and Potamophylax goulandriorum Malicky 1974 (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae), including a key to the hitherto known Stenophylacini larvae of the Hellenic western Balkan region
Authors: WARINGER JOHANN , MALICKY HANS
Published: October 2016

The paper gives a description of the hitherto unknown larvae of Micropterna coiffaiti, Micropterna taurica, and Potamophylax goulandriorum (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae). Information on the morphology of the larvae is given and the most important diagnostic features are illustrated. In the context of published keys, the larva of Micropterna coiffaiti keys together with Micropterna sequax, Stenophylax mitis, and Stenophylax permistus. Species can be easily diagnosed by presence/absence and the structure of posterior sclerites at the lateral protuberances, by the extent of head spinule fields, and by the number of posterolateral setae on abdominal dorsum IX. Micropterna taurica keys together with Micropterna nycterobia. This pair can be separated by the setae posterior of the dorsal protuberance which are lacking in M. nycterobia but present in M. taurica. Finally, Potamophylax goulandriorum keys together with P. cingulatus, P. latipennis, and P. luctuosus. Currently it is not possible to separate this species quartet morphologically. With respect to distribution, M. coiffaiti which has been reported from the Eastern Aegean islands in Greece, the Levant, Turkey, and Cyprus, whereas M. taurica ranges from Bulgaria and Greece (Crete, Karpathos, mainland Greece) to Cyprus and Turkey. Potamophylax goulandriorum is known from mainland Greece and Macedonia only. In addition, ecological characteristics are briefly discussed, and a key to the hitherto known Stenophylacini larvae of European Ecoregion 6 (= Hellenic western Balkan region) is included.
Oxynoemacheilus karunensis, a new species from the Persian Gulf basin Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: October 2016

Nemacheilid loaches of the genus Oxynoemacheilus are common fishes all over the Middle East (Freyhof et al. 2011). From Iran, Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. (2015) recognised 12 species from Iran (O. angorae (Steindachner), O. araxensis (Bănărescu & Nalbant), O. bergianus (Derjavin), O. brandtii (Kessler), O. chomanicus (Kamangar, Prokofiev, Ghaderi & Nalbant), O. frenatus (Heckel), O. kermanshahensis (Bănărescu & Nalbant), O. kiabii (Golzarianpour, Abdoli & Freyhof), O. kurdistanicus (Kamangar, Prokofiev, Ghaderi & Nalban)t, O. persa (Heckel), O. tongiorgii (Nalbant & Bianco), O. zagrosensis (Kamangar, Prokofiev, Ghaderi & Nalbant). From these, O. angorae (endemic to the western and Central Anatolian Black Sea basin), O. araxensis (endemic to the uppermost Euphrates drainage) and O. frenatus (endemic to the upper Tigris drainage) have never been confirmed from the territory of Iran and are unlikely to be found there in the future. Oxynoemacheilus kermanshahensis has recently been transferred to the genus Sasanidus (Freyhof et al. 2016). From the remaining eight Iranian species listed by Jouladeh-Roudbar et al. (2015), O. brandtii is found in the Kura and Arax River drainages and in the Lake Urmia basin, O. persa is known from the Mond River drainage and the endorheic Kor River drainage and O. tongiorgii is endemic to the Kor River drainage. Five species occur in the Tigris drainage (O. bergianus, O. chomanicus, O. kiabii, O. kurdistanicus and O. zagrozensis) and O. bergianus is much more widespread in Iran, the Caucasus and Turkey. Freyhof et al. (2016) transferred Ilamnoemacheilus longipinnis, from the Tigris drainage, to Oxynoemacheilus raising the number is Iranian Oxynoemacheilus species to nine.
Minority Achievement Gaps in STEM
Authors: Olszewski-Kubilius Paula , Steenbergen-Hu Saiying , Thomson Dana , Rosen Rhoda
Published: October 2016

This longitudinal study examined the outcomes of Project Excite on reducing minority students’ achievement gaps in STEM over 14 years. Project Excite was designed to provide intensive supplemental enrichment and accelerated programming for high-potential, underrepresented minority students from third through eighth grades to better prepare them for advanced math and science courses in high school. This study compared the performance of Project Excite participants with that of students from their local school districts and the state on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, the Explore test, the Measures of Academic Progress, and on rates of placement in above-grade-level math courses in ninth grade. Project Excite participants consistently outperformed their Black, Latino, and low-income peers, and they came close to the performance levels of White, Asian, and non-low-income students. They were more likely to be placed in above-grade-level math courses than their minority peers in ninth grade.
Urbanisation and the geographic concentration of industrial SO2 emissions in China
Authors: He Zekai , Shi Xiuzhen , Wang Xinhao , Xu Yuwei
Published: October 2016

This paper studies the mechanisms linking urbanisation and industrial SO2 emissions using panel data that enable us to trace the environmental impact of the urban transformation of China’s economy from a rural to a largely urban society. We provide evidence of stylised facts on spatial patterns and temporal changes of industrial SO2 emissions in China. Over time, industrial SO2 emissions show increasing levels in small and medium-sized cities but slightly decreasing levels in some large cities. The results show that urbanisation is one of the main driving forces behind emissions and the increase in the urbanisation level is likely to exacerbate emissions. Emissions are more sensitive to industrialisation than urbanisation, indicating that industrialisation remains a key industrial SO2 pollution contributor in China. Industrial emissions abatement policies in China should be designed by considering the spatial differences of emissions and the pace of urbanisation, although the increase of urbanisation is associated with benefits such as poverty reduction and economic growth. The reduction of industrial SO2 emissions requires coordinated approaches by adjusting the pace of urbanisation.
Disruptive politics
Authors: Dikeç Mustafa
Published: October 2016

The strand of political theory that emphasises disruption of existing orders has generated a great deal of praise and criticism in geography and urban studies in the past few years. In this article, I address some conflicting interpretations of this strand, and describe what I see as its potential contribution. I emphasise how this strand of disruptive politics opens up new domains of inquiry by highlighting the contingency of established ways of engaging with and making sense of the world, and how it introduces a broadened, rather than limited, understanding of politics. The potential of this strand does not lie in its prescriptive or diagnostic uses, but in this opening up of politics by including practices that elude established institutions and routines.
Interrupting Constructions of a Criminalized Other through a Revised Criminal Activities Checklist Classroom Exercise
Authors: Woodall Denise
Published: October 2016

A self-report questionnaire about past criminal behavior is presented here as a useful pedagogical tool to demonstrate the invalidity of crime rates, challenge stereotypes about criminals, exemplify policy problems, and personalize the ways in which race, gender, and class operate to disadvantage and advantage people in the administration of justice. Philip Reichel’s 1975 criminal activities checklist exercise, first published in Teaching Sociology, is updated pursuant to the Georgia 2016 criminal code. Additions include new laws around technology use (i.e., sexting, privacy, and piracy laws), substance use (pharmaceuticals and minor alcohol possession), criminalized driving offenses (aggressive driving and DUIs), and sex offenses. I found that most students in my classroom have violated a law. These findings, the findings of others who have administered similar checklists, and growing research suggest that crime commission is more the norm rather than the exception, and this gives instructors great opportunities to challenge student assumptions.
Practical Considerations in Clinical Pathology Data Interpretation and Description
Authors: Hall Robert L.
Published: October 2016

Although interpretation and description of clinical pathology test results for any preclinical safety assessment study should employ a consistent standard approach, companies differ regarding that approach and the appearance of the end product. Some rely heavily on statistical analysis, others do not. Some believe reference intervals are important, most do not. Some prefer severity of effects be described by percentage differences from, or multiples of, baseline or control, others prefer only word modifiers. Some expect a definitive decision for every potential effect, others accept uncertainty. This commentary addresses these differences and underscores the need for flexibility in a “consistent standard approach” because the conditions of every study are unique. This article constitutes an overview of material originally presented at Session 2 of the 2016 Society of Toxicologic Pathology Annual Symposium.
Integrative Medicine in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Matovina Chloe , Birkeland Andrew C. , Zick Suzanna , Shuman Andrew G.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Complementary and alternative medicine, or integrative medicine, has become increasingly popular among patients with head and neck cancer. Despite its increasing prevalence, many patients feel uncomfortable discussing such therapies with their physicians, and many physicians are unaware and underequipped to evaluate or discuss their use with patients. The aim of this article is to use recent data to outline the decision making inherent to integrative medicine utilization among patients with head and neck cancer, to discuss the ethical implications inherent to balancing integrative and conventional approaches to treatment, and to highlight available resources to enhance head and neck cancer providers’ understanding of integrative medicine.

Data Sources

Randomized controlled trials involving integrative medicine or complementary and alternative medicine treatment for cancer patients.

Review Methods

Trials were drawn from a systematic PubMed database search categorized into cancer prevention, treatment, and symptom management.

Conclusions

Integrative medicine is gaining popularity for the management of cancer and is most commonly used for symptom management. A number of randomized controlled trials provide data to support integrative therapies, yet physicians who treat head and neck cancer may be faced with ethical dilemmas and practical barriers surrounding incorporation of integrative medicine.

Implications for Practice

In the management of head and neck cancer, there is an increasing demand for awareness of, dialogue about, and research evaluating integrative medicine therapies. It is important for otolaryngologists to become aware of integrative therapy options, their risks and benefits, and resources for further information to effectively counsel their patients.
Swertisin ameliorates pre-pulse inhibition deficits and cognitive impairment induced by MK-801 in mice
Authors: Oh Hee Kyong , Jeon Se Jin , Lee Sunhee , Lee Hyung Eun , Kim Eunji , Park Se Jin , Kim Ha Neul , Jung Won Yong , Cheong Jae Hoon , Jang Dae Sik , Ryu Jong Hoon
Published: October 2016

Swertisin, a plant-derived C-glucosylflavone, is known to have antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In the present study, we investigated in mice the effects of swertisin on glutamatergic dysfunction induced by dizocilpine (MK-801), a non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. In the Acoustic Startle Response test, their MK-801-induced (given 0.2 mg/kg i.p.) pre-pulse inhibition deficit was significantly attenuated by the administration of swertisin (30 mg/kg p.o.). In the Novel Object Recognition Test, the recognition memory impairments that were induced by MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg, given i.p.) were also reversed by administration of swertisin (30 mg/kg p.o.). In addition, swertisin normalized the MK-801-induced elevation of phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3β signaling molecules in the prefrontal cortex. These results indicated that swertisin may be useful in managing the symptoms of schizophrenia, including sensorimotor gating disruption and cognitive impairment, and that these behavioral outcomes may be related to Akt-GSK-3β signaling in the prefrontal cortex.
A numerical investigation of thermal property effects on melt pool characteristics in powder-bed electron beam additive manufacturing
Authors: Cheng Bo , Chou Kevin
Published: October 2016

Powder-bed electron beam additive manufacturing has the potential to be a cost-effective alternative in producing complex-shaped, custom-designed metal parts using various alloys. Material thermal properties have a rather sophisticated effect on the thermal characteristics such as the melt pool geometry in fabrications, impacting the build part quality. The objective of this study is to achieve a quantitative relationship that can correlate the material thermal properties and the melt pool geometric characteristics in the electron beam additive manufacturing process. The motivation is to understand the interactions of material property effect since testing individual properties is insufficient because of the change of almost all thermal properties when switching from one to the other material. In this research, a full-factorial simulation experiment was conducted to include a wide range of the thermal properties and their combinations. A developed finite element thermal model was applied to perform electron beam additive manufacturing process thermal simulations incorporating tested thermal properties. The analysis of variance method was utilized to evaluate different thermal property effects on the simulated melt pool geometry. The major results are summarized as follows. (1) The material melting point is the most dominant factor to the melt pool size. (2) The role of the material thermal conductivity may outweigh the melting point and strongly affects the melt pool size, if the thermal conductivity is very high. (3) Regression equations to correlate the material properties and the melt pool dimension and shape have been established, and the regression-predicted results show a reasonable agreement with the simulation results for tested real-world materials. However, errors still exist for materials with a small melt pool such as copper.