bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photochemistry of Sulfur Dioxide and the Origin of Mass-Independent Isotope Fractionation in Earth's Atmosphere
Authors: Ono Shuhei
Published: June 2017

Archean sulfide and sulfate minerals commonly exhibit anomalous ratios among four stable sulfur isotopes, 32S, 33S, 34S, and 36S. These anomalous relationships, referred to as sulfur mass-independent fractionation (S-MIF), provide strong evidence for an early anoxic atmosphere. Correlated variations among three isotope ratios (δ33S, δ34S, and δ36S) can be observed in rocks throughout the Archean and are a key clue toward identifying the source reaction of S-MIF. Studies to investigate the origin of Archean S-MIF so far have primarily focused on the photochemistry of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Photolysis of SO2 at wavelengths <220 nm and photoexcitation at 240–340 nm both yield large-magnitude S-MIF. Proposed mechanisms of S-MIF include isotopologue-dependent self-shielding, cross-sectional amplitudes, and vibronic coupling during intersystem crossing. This review discusses the emerging picture of the physical origins of S-MIF and their implications for the chemistry of the early Earth's atmosphere.
Recruitment of endosomal signaling mediates the forskolin modulation of guinea pig cardiac neuron excitability
Authors: Hardwick Jean C. , Clason Todd A. , Tompkins John D. , Girard Beatrice M. , Baran Caitlin N. , Merriam Laura A. , May Victor , Parsons Rodney L.
Published: June 2017

Forskolin, a selective activator of adenylyl cyclase (AC), commonly is used to establish actions of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are initiated primarily through activation of AC/cAMP signaling pathways. In the present study, forskolin was used to evaluate the potential role of AC/cAMP, which is a major signaling mechanism for the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-selective PAC1 receptor, in the regulation of guinea pig cardiac neuronal excitability. Forskolin (5–10 µM) increases excitability in ~60% of the cardiac neurons. The forskolin-mediated increase in excitability was considered related to cAMP regulation of a cyclic nucleotide gated channel or via protein kinase A (PKA)/ERK signaling, mechanisms that have been linked to PAC1 receptor activation. However, unlike PACAP mechanisms, forskolin enhancement of excitability was not significantly reduced by treatment with cesium to block currents through hyperpolarization-activated nonselective cation channels ( Ih) or by treatment with PD98059 to block MEK/ERK signaling. In contrast, treatment with the clathrin inhibitor Pitstop2 or the dynamin inhibitor dynasore eliminated the forskolin-induced increase in excitability; treatments with the inactive Pitstop analog or PP2 treatment to inhibit Src-mediated endocytosis mechanisms were ineffective. The PKA inhibitor KT5702 significantly suppressed the forskolin-induced change in excitability; further, KT5702 and Pitstop2 reduced the forskolin-stimulated MEK/ERK activation in cardiac neurons. Collectively, the present results suggest that forskolin activation of AC/cAMP/PKA signaling leads to the recruitment of clathrin/dynamin-dependent endosomal transduction cascades, including MEK/ERK signaling, and that endosomal signaling is the critical mechanism underlying the forskolin-induced increase in cardiac neuron excitability.
Extracting aerobic system dynamics during unsupervised activities of daily living using wearable sensor machine learning models
Authors: Beltrame Thomas , Amelard Robert , Wong Alexander , Hughson Richard L.
Published: June 2017

Physical activity levels are related through algorithms to the energetic demand, with no information regarding the integrity of the multiple physiological systems involved in the energetic supply. Longitudinal analysis of the oxygen uptake (V̇o2) by wearable sensors in realistic settings might permit development of a practical tool for the study of the longitudinal aerobic system dynamics (i.e., V̇o2 kinetics). This study evaluated aerobic system dynamics based on predicted V̇o2 data obtained from wearable sensors during unsupervised activities of daily living (μADL). Thirteen healthy men performed a laboratory-controlled moderate exercise protocol and were monitored for ≈6 h/day for 4 days (μADL data). Variables derived from hip accelerometer (ACCHIP), heart rate monitor, and respiratory bands during μADL were extracted and processed by a validated random forest regression model to predict V̇o2. The aerobic system analysis was based on the frequency-domain analysis of ACCHIP and predicted V̇o2 data obtained during μADL. Optimal samples for frequency domain analysis (constrained to ≤0.01 Hz) were selected when ACCHIP was higher than 0.05 g at a given frequency (i.e., participants were active). The temporal characteristics of predicted V̇o2 data during μADL correlated with the temporal characteristics of measured V̇o2 data during laboratory-controlled protocol ([Formula: see text] = 0.82, P < 0.001, n = 13). In conclusion, aerobic system dynamics can be investigated during unsupervised activities of daily living by wearable sensors. Although speculative, these algorithms have the potential to be incorporated into wearable systems for early detection of changes in health status in realistic environments by detecting changes in aerobic response dynamics.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The early detection of subclinical aerobic system impairments might be indicative of impaired physiological reserves that impact the capacity for physical activity. This study is the first to use wearable sensors in unsupervised activities of daily living in combination with novel machine learning algorithms to investigate the aerobic system dynamics with the potential to contribute to models of functional health status and guide future individualized health care in the normal population.
Trajectory curvature in saccade sequences: spatiotopic influences vs. residual motor activity
Authors: Megardon Geoffrey , Ludwig Casimir , Sumner Petroc
Published: June 2017

Saccades curve away from locations of previous fixation. Varying stimulus timing demonstrates the effects of both 1) spatiotopic representation and 2) motor residual activity from previous saccades. The spatiotopic effect can be explained if current models are augmented with an excitatory top-down spatiotopic signal.
Robotic navigation to subcortical neural tissue for intracellular electrophysiology in vivo
Authors: Stoy W. A. , Kolb I. , Holst G. L. , Liew Y. , Pala A. , Yang B. , Boyden E. S. , Stanley G. B. , Forest C. R.
Published: June 2017

This work represents an automated method for accessing subcortical neural tissue for intracellular electrophysiology in vivo. We have implemented a novel algorithm to detect obstructions during regional pipette localization and move around them while minimizing lateral displacement within brain tissue. This approach leverages computer control of pressure, manipulator position, and impedance measurements to create a closed-loop platform for pipette navigation in vivo. This technique enables whole cell patching studies to be performed throughout the living brain.
Numerical Methods for a Class of Differential Algebraic Equations
Authors: Ren Lei , Wang Yuan-Ming
Published: June 2017

This paper is devoted to the study of some efficient numerical methods for the differential algebraic equations (DAEs). At first, we propose a finite algorithm to compute the Drazin inverse of the time varying DAEs. Numerical experiments are presented by Drazin inverse and Radau IIA method, which illustrate that the precision of the Drazin inverse method is higher than the Radau IIA method. Then, Drazin inverse, Radau IIA, and Padé approximation are applied to the constant coefficient DAEs, respectively. Numerical results demonstrate that the Padé approximation is powerful for solving constant coefficient DAEs.
Crowd Density Estimation of Scenic Spots Based on Multifeature Ensemble Learning
Authors: Xu Xiaohang , Zhang Dongming , Zheng Hong
Published: June 2017

Estimating the crowd density of public territories, such as scenic spots, is of great importance for ensuring population safety and social stability. Due to problems in scenic spots such as illumination change, camera angle change, and pedestrian occlusion, current methods are unable to make accurate estimations. To deal with these problems, an ensemble learning (EL) method using support vector regression (SVR) is proposed in this study for crowd density estimation (CDE). The method first uses human head width as a reference to separate the foreground into multiple levels of blocks. Then it adopts the first-level SVR model to roughly predict the three features extracted from image blocks, including D-SIFT, ULBP, and GIST, and the prediction results are used as new features for the second-level SVR model for fine prediction. The prediction results of all image blocks are added for density estimation according to the crowd levels predefined for different scenes of scenic spots. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve a classification rate over 85% for multiple scenes of scenic spots, and it is an effective CDE method with strong adaptability.
In Vitro Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of Morus alba L. Stem Extract in LPS‐Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Soonthornsit Nattaporn , Pitaksutheepong Chetsadaporn , Hemstapat Warinkarn , Utaisincharoen Pongsak , Pitaksuteepong Tasana
Published: June 2017

Morus alba L., also known as white mulberry or Mhon, has long been used in traditional medicines. This study was aimed to investigate anti‐inflammatory activities of mulberry stem ethanolic extract (MSE) in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. The MSE was first prepared and then investigated for cell viability using the MTT assay. The anti‐inflammatory activities were investigated through the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐ (COX‐) 2 mRNA expression, and iNOS protein expression using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay and immunoblotting analysis, respectively. The inhibition of nitric oxide production of the MSE was also investigated using the Griess reaction assay. The MSE concentration ranging from 10 to 40 µg/ml yielded cell viability higher than 80%. The MSE at concentrations of 20 and 40 µg/ml demonstrated anti‐inflammatory activity through the inhibition of nitric oxide production via suppression of both the iNOS mRNA and protein. It was also found to inhibit the expression of COX‐2 mRNA in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells. This study is the first to report the anti‐inflammatory potential of the extract prepared from the stem of mulberry.
Effect of Organic Mulching on Soil Moisture, Yield, and Yield Contributing Components of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Teame Goitom , Tsegay Alemtsahay , Abrha Berhanu
Published: June 2017

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the chief foreign exchange earning oil crops in Ethiopia. However, its productivity remains low due to lack of appropriate agronomic practices. The aim of this research was to study the effect of organic mulches on sesame productivity and in situ moisture conservation. This experiment was carried out in Humera Agricultural Research Center, Western Tigray, during 2015 growing season. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. There were four types of organic mulches; rice straw, sorghum straw, sesame straw, and Sudan grass were compared with control. Sesame, variety Setit-1 was used in the experiment. The organic mulching rate of application was 10 ton ha−1and this was applied evenly to the soil immediately after germination. Soil water content, phonological characteristics yield, and yield components of sesame were collected. The analyzed results indicated that organic mulching had significant effect on soil moisture content at 0–0.2 m, 0.21–0.4 m, and 0.41–0.6 m in every two-week interval after sowing and grain yield of sesame. Sesame straw conserved highest soil moisture content as compared with respective mulch material. The highest yield (664 kg ha−1) was recorded with Sudan grass while the lowest grain yield (190 kg ha−1) was recorded with no mulch.
Development and Evaluation of Photoprotective O/W Emulsions Containing Hydroalcoholic Extract ofNeoglaziovia variegata(Bromeliaceae)
Authors: Oliveira-Júnior Raimundo Gonçalves de , Souza Grasielly Rocha , Ferraz Christiane Adrielly Alves , Oliveira Ana Paula de , Araújo Camila de Souza , Lima-Saraiva Sarah Raquel Gomes de , Reis Silvio Alan Gonçalves Bomfim , Gonçalves Talita Mota , Rolim Larissa Araújo , Rolim-Neto Pedro José , César Francine Celise Siqueira , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva
Published: June 2017

Neoglaziovia variegatais a Bromeliaceae plant species widely found in Brazil with several pharmacological properties, including photoprotective activity.Although herbal-based active ingredients have been applied in cosmetic products, especially for skin treatment, its application in sunscreen formulations remains unexplored. The aim of this work is to evaluate the photoprotective effect of cosmetic formulations containing hydroalcoholic extract ofN. variegata(Nv-HA). Initially, the phenolic and flavonoid total content of Nv-HA were determined. The photoprotective activity of Nv-HA was subsequently assessed using a spectrophotometric method. Nv-HA was incorporated in O/W emulsions in the presence or absence of synthetic filters and their photoprotective efficacy was evaluated by spectrophotometric SPF determination. Finally, the stability study of the formulations was performed through the freezing/defrosting method. Nv-HA showed significant phenolic and flavonoids content (61.66±5.14 mg GAE/g and90.27±5.03 mg CE/g, resp.). Nv-HA showed SPF values of5.43±0.07and11.73±0.04for the concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0% (v/v), respectively. It was verified that Nv-HA potentiated the photoprotective effect of formulations containing only synthetic filters. Furthermore, the formulations have remained stable at the end of the preliminary stability study. According to the results, it was concluded that Nv-HA can be used as a chemical filter in cosmetic formulations.
Nanog Dynamics in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells: Results from Systems Biology Approaches
Authors: Marucci Lucia
Published: June 2017

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, are pluripotent stem cells having self-renewal capability and the potential of differentiating into every cell type under the appropriate culture conditions. An increasing number of reports have been published to uncover the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate pluripotency and cell fate specification using combined computational and experimental methodologies. Here, we review recent systems biology approaches to describe the causes and functions of gene expression heterogeneity and complex temporal dynamics of pluripotency markers in mESCs under uniform culture conditions. In particular, we focus on the dynamics of Nanog, a key regulator of the core pluripotency network and of mESC fate. We summarize the strengths and limitations of different experimental and modeling approaches and discuss how various strategies could be used.
Optimal Site Selection for a Solar Power Plant in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey
Authors: Akkas Ozge Pinar , Erten Mustafa Yasin , Cam Ertugrul , Inanc Nihat
Published: June 2017

Primary energy sources are running out due to the increase in electrical energy consumption. Environmental problems caused by primary energy sources are also increasing. Using more renewable energy resources (RES) can be considered as one of the most powerful solutions to address these problems. Today, required photovoltaic power systems (PVPS) and wind energy systems (WES) are widely used as RES for addressing these problems. Because of their high costs, feasibility studies are required for locating large systems associated with these resources. In this study, various suggestions are determined about location selection, which is an important stage in the PVPS’s establishment. Hence, the criteria for selecting the appropriate location are analyzed by the multicriteria decision making (MCDM) methods and the results are evaluated for 5 cities in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. In conclusion, it is determined which city is the most suitable place for installation of solar power plants.
Analyzing and Predicting Empathy in Neurotypical and Nonneurotypical Users with an Affective Avatar
Authors: Johnson Esperanza , Hervás Ramón , Gutiérrez-López-Franca Carlos , Mondéjar Tania , Bravo José
Published: June 2017

In recent times, diagnosing and treating different health issues have improved greatly with the help of technology, with an example being cognitive health issues. Despite this, there is still a difference between how the technology is working towards it and the actual potential that can be achieved. In this paper, we propose a mobile application with an affective avatar, encompassed in the area of serious games, which will obtain information related to the interactions performed by the users. There are a total of 50 users, of neurotypical and nonneurotypical backgrounds, with the latter being people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability. Based on collected data from the different users interacting with the avatar in a mobile device, we analyzed the results to obtain a ground truth about prototypic empathic interactions and feed those interactions to a learning algorithm to support the diagnosis process and therapy treatment of empathy and socialization issues.
Immediate Postoperative Pain and Recovery Time after Pulpotomy Performed under General Anaesthesia in Young Children
Authors: Keles Sultan , Kocaturk Ozlem
Published: June 2017

Background. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare immediate postoperative pain scores and need for rescue analgesia in children who underwent pulpotomies and restorative treatment and those who underwent restorative treatment only, all under general anaesthesia.Methods. Ninety patients aged between 3 and 7 years who underwent full mouth dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study and reviewed. The experimental group included patients who were treated with at least one pulpotomy, and the control group was treated with dental fillings only. The Wong-Baker FACES scale was used to evaluate self-reported pain and need for rescue analgesia. The data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, two samplet-tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation analysis.Results. Ninety percent of the children experienced postoperative pain in varying degrees of severity. Immediate postoperative pain scores in experimental group were found to be significantly higher than in control group (x2=24.82,p<0.01). In the experimental group, 48% of the children needed rescue analgesia, compared with only 13% of the children in the control group (x2=13.27,p<0.05).Conclusion. Children who underwent pulpotomy treatment had higher postoperative pain scores and greater need for rescue analgesia than control group who underwent only dental fillings.
Fibrotic Changes Mediating Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease Transition
Authors: Ó hAinmhire Eoghainín , Humphreys Benjamin D.
Published: June 2017

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is common, costly, and it results from progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). ESRD claims many lives every year. It is increasingly recognized that episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI) predispose to the future development of CKD and ESRD. While our understanding of the pathophysiology of the AKI to CKD transition is improving, there are no validated therapeutic strategies to prevent this transition. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made in defining the cellular and molecular events underlying the AKI to CKD transition and highlight potential therapeutic targets and strategies to reduce the incidence of CKD following AKI.
Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Certolizumab Pegol in an Unselected Crohn's Disease Population: The FACTS III Survey
Authors: Vavricka Stephan R. , Spasojevic Milos , Rogler Gerhard , Schoepfer Alain M. , Seibold Frank , Borovicka Jan , Frei Pascal , Zeitz Jonas , Greuter Thomas , Manser Christine , Scharl Michael , Misselwitz Benjamin , Straumann Alex , Michetti Pierre , Biedermann Luc ,   for the Swiss IBDnet
Published: June 2017

Background: Long-term data of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in Crohn's disease (CD) from pivotal registry trials are limited. We therefore aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of CZP in clinical practice in Switzerland. Methods: In the First Approved Certolizumab Therapeutic Experience in Switzerland-III phase IV multicenter cohort, patients receiving CZP were prospectively included all over Switzerland in (non-) academic hospitals and private practice. Results: We included 104 CD patients (52 male; only 22.1% anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) naïve, CZP as third anti-TNF agent in 46.2%) with follow-up time between 6 weeks up to 5 years. During treatment with CZP, we observed a significant decrease of the Harvey Bradshaw Index from a median of 7 at baseline (interquartile range 4-11) to 4, 5, 4, 3, 3, and 2 at weeks 6, 26, 52, 78, 104, and 156, respectively. While anti-TNF naïve patients showed a significantly better response at the end of induction, during CZP maintenance therapy response was similar as compared to anti-TNF experienced patients as well as between patients with a short (0-5 years) vs. long duration of disease (>5 years). Conclusions: CZP is an effective long-term treatment option, including CD patients with long disease duration and prior treatment with 1 or 2 anti-TNF agents.
Increased Incretin But Not Insulin Response after Oral versus Intravenous Branched Chain Amino Acids
Authors: Gojda Jan , Straková Radka , Plíhalová Andrea , Tůma Petr , Potočková Jana , Polák Jan , Anděl Michal
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) are known to exert an insulinotropic effect. Whether this effect is mediated by incretins (glucagon like peptide 1 [GLP-1] or glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide [GIP]) is not known. The aim of this study was to show whether an equivalent dose of BCAA elicits a greater insulin and incretin response when administered orally than intravenously (IV). Methods: Eighteen healthy, male subjects participated in 3 tests: IV application of BCAA solution, oral ingestion of BCAA and placebo in an equivalent dose (30.7 ± 1.1 g). Glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, GLP-1, GIP, valine, leucine and isoleucine concentrations were measured. Results: Rise in serum BCAA was achieved in both BCAA tests, with incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) being 2.1 times greater for IV BCAA compared with those of the oral BCAA test (p < 0.0001). Oral and IV BCAA induced comparable insulin response greater than placebo (240 min insulin iAUC: oral 3,411 ± 577 vs. IV 2,361 ± 384 vs. placebo 961.2 ± 175 pmol/L, p = 0.0006). Oral BCAA induced higher GLP-1 (p < 0.0001) and GIP response (p < 0.0001) compared with the IV or placebo. Glucose levels declined significantly (p < 0.001) in the same pattern during both BCAA tests with no change in the placebo group. Conclusions: An equivalent dose of BCAA elicited a comparable insulin and greater incretin response when administered orally and not when administered through IV. We conclude that insulinotropic effects of BCAA are partially incretin dependent.
Comparing Medical and Recreational Cannabis Users on Socio-Demographic, Substance and Medication Use, and Health and Disability Characteristics
Authors: Goulet-Stock Sybil , Rueda Sergio , Vafaei Afshin , Ialomiteanu Anca , Manthey Jakob , Rehm Jürgen , Fischer Benedikt
Published: June 2017

Background: While recreational cannabis use is common, medical cannabis programs have proliferated across North America, including a federal program in Canada. Few comparisons of medical and recreational cannabis users (RCUs) exist; this study compared these groups on key characteristics. Methods: Data came from a community-recruited sample of formally approved medical cannabis users (MCUs; n = 53), and a sub-sample of recreational cannabis users (RCUs; n = 169) from a representative adult survey in Ontario (Canada). Samples were telephone-surveyed on identical measures, including select socio-demographic, substance and medication use, and health and disability measures. Based on initial bivariate comparisons, multivariate logistical regression with a progressive adjustment approach was performed to assess independent predictors of group status. Results: In bivariate analyses, older age, lower household income, lower alcohol use, higher cocaine, prescription opioid, depression and anxiety medication use, and lower health and disability status were significantly associated with medical cannabis use. In the multivariate analysis, final model, household income, alcohol use, and disability levels were associated with medical cannabis use. Conclusions/Scientific Significance: Compared to RCUs, medical users appear to be mainly characterized by factors negatively influencing their overall health status. Future studies should investigate the actual impact and net benefits of medical cannabis use on these health problems.
Epigenetic Changes in the Acute Kidney Injury-to-Chronic Kidney Disease Transition
Authors: Nangaku Masaomi , Hirakawa Yosuke , Mimura Imari , Inagi Reiko , Tanaka Tetsuhiro
Published: June 2017

Previously acute kidney injury (AKI) had been believed to be a transient event, and recovery from AKI had been thought to lead to no consequences. However, recent epidemiological studies have shown that even if there is complete recovery of the kidney function, AKI can eventually result in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually in end-stage kidney disease in the long term. Transition of AKI to CKD is mediated by multiple mechanisms, including aberrant cell cycle arrest and hypoxia. Hypoxia of the kidney is induced by rarefaction of the peritubular capillaries after AKI episodes, and induces inflammation and fibrosis. It should also be noted that epigenetic changes are closely related to hypoxia, and epigenetic changes induced by hypoxia, called “hypoxic memory” can explain the AKI-to-CKD transition in the long term after complete recovery from the initial AKI episode. Targeting hypoxia and subsequent epigenetic changes are promising strategies to block the transition from AKI to CKD.
High Serum Pepsinogen I and beta Helicobacter pylori Infection Are Risk Factors for Aspirin-Induced Gastroduodenal Injury
Authors: Shan Jing , Lei Hongjun , Shi Wei , Sun Xiaobin , Tang Yu , Ren Chunrong
Published: June 2017

Background: Whether gastric hyperchlorhydria and Helicobacter pylori infection contribute to aspirin-induced gastroduodenal injury still lacks evidence. Because serum pepsinogens (PGs) and gastrin-17 (G17) can reflect gastric acid secretion, this study intended to elucidate whether serum PGs, serum G17, and H. pylori infection are associated with aspirin-induced gastrointestinal injury. Summary: A total of 60 patients taking low-dose aspirin for more than 1 month were enrolled in this study. Serum PG I, PG II, and G17 were determined using ELISA. A 14C-urea breath test was used for the detection of an H. pylori infection. The modified Lanza score was used to evaluate the degree of gastroduodenal injury under endoscopy. The median serum PG I level was significantly higher in the intensive gastroduodenal injury (IGI) group compared to that in the mild gastroduodenal injury group (155.0 vs. 116.6 ng/mL, p = 0.006). The H. pylori infection rate was significantly higher in the IGI group (73 vs. 40%, p = 0.037). Receiver operator characteristic curves analysis revealed that the cutoff value of PG I was 123 ng/mL, with 80% sensitivity and 61.4% specificity. H. pylori infection combined with PG I at >123 ng/mL had an OR (95% CI) of 15.8 (2.4 ± 104.5) for the prediction of aspirin-induced gastroduodenal injury. Key Messages: Serum PG I and H. pylori infection could be used to identify potential high-risk aspirin-induced gastroduodenal injury patients.
Algumas coisas não são muito verdadeiras”: consumo midiático e recepção da publicidade televisiva na infância
Authors: Kuntz Fárida M. Rabuske , Piedras Elisa Reinhardt
Published: June 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho é explorar os hábitos de consumo na televisão e a recepção da publicidade dirigida à criança. Após uma discussão teórica sobre publicidade, recepção e infância, operacionalizamos metodologicamente a noção de fluxo publicitário em pesquisa exploratória e qualitativa, realizada por meio de entrevistas com seis crianças. Os resultados revelam hábitos de consumo e práticas de recepção da publicidade televisiva.
Effect of Rosuvastatin on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Children With Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Braamskamp Marjet J.A.M. , Langslet Gisle , McCrindle Brian W. , Cassiman David , Francis Gordon A. , Gagne Claude , Gaudet Daniel , Morrison Katherine M. , Wiegman Albert , Turner Traci , Miller Elinor , Kusters D. Meeike , Raichlen Joel S. , Martin Paul D. , Stein Evan A. , Kastelein John J.P. , Hutten Barbara A.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is an autosomal dominant disorder leading to premature atherosclerosis. Children with HeFH exhibit early signs of atherosclerosis manifested by increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). In this study, we assessed the effect of 2-year treatment with rosuvastatin on carotid IMT in children with HeFH.

Methods:

Children with HeFH (age, 6–<18 years) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >4.9 mmol/L or >4.1 mmol/L in combination with other risk factors received rosuvastatin for 2 years, starting at 5 mg once daily, with uptitration to 10 mg (age, 6–<10 years) or 20 mg (age, 10–<18 years). Carotid IMT was assessed by ultrasonography at baseline and 12 and 24 months in all patients and in age-matched unaffected siblings. Carotid IMT was measured at 3 locations (common carotid artery, carotid bulb, internal carotid artery) in both the left and right carotid arteries. A linear mixed-effects model was used to evaluate differences in carotid IMT between children with HeFH and the unaffected siblings.
P
values were adjusted for age, sex, carotid artery site, and family relations.

Results:

At baseline, mean±SD carotid IMT was significantly greater for the 197 children with HeFH compared with the 65 unaffected siblings (0.397±0.049 and 0.377±0.045 mm, respectively;
P
=0.001). During 2 years of follow-up, the change in carotid IMT was 0.0054 mm/y (95% confidence interval, 0.0030–0.0082) in children with HeFH and 0.0143 mm/y (95% confidence interval, 0.0095–0.0192) in unaffected siblings (
P
=0.002). The end-of-study difference in mean carotid IMT between children with HeFH and unaffected siblings after 2 years was no longer significant (0.408±0.043 and 0.402±0.042 mm, respectively;
P
=0.2).

Conclusions:

In children with HeFH who were ≥6 years of age, carotid IMT was significantly greater at baseline compared with unaffected siblings. Rosuvastatin treatment for 2 years resulted in significantly less progression of increased carotid IMT in children with HeFH than untreated unaffected siblings. As a result, no difference in carotid IMT could be detected between the 2 groups after 2 years of rosuvastatin. These findings support the value of early initiation of statin treatment for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction in children with HeFH.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01078675.
Associations of Glycemic Control With Cardiovascular Outcomes Among US Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rhee Jinnie J. , Zheng Yuanchao , Montez‐Rath Maria E. , Chang Tara I. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C.
Published: June 2017

Background

There is a lack of data on the relationship between glycemic control and cardiovascular end points in hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

We included adult Medicare‐insured patients with diabetes mellitus who initiated in‐center hemodialysis treatment from 2006 to 2008 and survived for >90 days. Quarterly mean time‐averaged glycated hemoglobin (HbA
1c
) values were categorized into <48 mmol/mol (<6.5%) (reference), 48 to <58 mmol/mol (6.5% to <7.5%), 58 to <69 mmol/mol (7.5% to <8.5%), and ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%). Medicare claims were used to identify outcomes of cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction (
MI
), fatal or nonfatal
MI
, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. We used Cox models as a function of time‐varying exposure to estimate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios and 95%
CI
for the associations between HbA
1c
and time to study outcomes in a cohort of 16 387 eligible patients. Patients with HbA
1c
58 to <69 mmol/mol (7.5% to <8.5%) and ≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%) had 16% (
CI
, 2%, 32%) and 18% (
CI
, 1%, 37%) higher rates of cardiovascular mortality (
P
‐trend=0.01) and 16% (
CI
, 1%, 33%) and 15% (
CI
, 1%, 32%) higher rates of nonfatal
MI
(
P
‐trend=0.05), respectively, compared with those in the reference group. Patients with HbA
1c
≥69 mmol/mol (≥8.5%) had a 20% (
CI
, 2%, 41%) higher rate of fatal or nonfatal
MI
(
P
‐trend=0.02), compared with those in the reference group. HbA
1c
was not associated with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Higher HbA
1c
levels were significantly associated with higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and
MI
but not with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or all‐cause mortality in this large cohort of hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus.
A Longitudinal Study of the Relation between Acquiring a Dog and Loneliness
Authors: Duvall Antonacopoulos Nikolina M.
Published: June 2017

This longitudinal study examined the effect of acquiring a dog using both an indirect and a direct measure of loneliness. The loneliness levels of 31 adults who acquired a dog and a control group of 35 non-dog guardians (non-dog owners) were assessed at baseline and 8 months. Results revealed that changes in loneliness over time differed for the two groups when loneliness was assessed through a 1-item direct measure. Participants who acquired a dog experienced reduced loneliness levels from baseline to 8 months and were less lonely at 8 months than non-dog guardians, even though the two groups did not differ at baseline. On the other hand, when loneliness was assessed through a multi-item indirect measure, acquiring a dog had no effect on loneliness. These results highlight the importance of the type of measure used to assess loneliness when examining changes in loneliness following the acquisition of a companion animal.
Nonhuman Animal Pain and Capital Punishment in Beckett’s “Dante and the Lobster”
Authors: Ebury Katherine
Published: June 2017

This article offers a fresh examination of the representation of nonhuman animals in Beckett’s early aesthetics, using “Dante and the Lobster” as a case study. Beckett’s story is illuminated by historical documents including newspaper articles, which will allow readers to see more clearly the deliberate parallels drawn between the question of the lobster’s suffering and the planned execution of a criminal that Belacqua contemplates throughout the day. An alternative reading model of the text, focusing on the Joycean concept of parallax rather than the Dantean concept of pity, will be developed. The article closes by examining Beckett’s views on allegorical readings of texts containing representations of nonhuman animals and his later notes on E. P. Evans’s 1906 work,The Criminal Prosecution and Capital Punishment of Animals.
Dewey on the Brain: Dopamine, Digital Devices, and Democracy
Authors: Solymosi Tibor
Published: June 2017

Central to Dewey’s treatment of the nervous system throughout his work is its import for ameliorative action. Dewey’s theory of mentation has its origins in his early thought in which he draws on contemporary physics and biology to incorporate the nascent understanding of the nervous system. This interdisciplinary approach continues through his career. After selectively reviewing Dewey’s remarks about brains and nervous systems, I apply his ameliorative theory of mind and brain to our contemporary situation in which our digital devices work against the energetic focusing that Dewey saw as integral to healthy nervous system function. I consider the threat of what Tschaepe calls dopamine democracy and reflect on whether neuropragmatism is able to meet that challenge.
‘A supplicacion for the Havon’: Sandwich, Civic Pageantry, and Queen Elizabeth i’s Visit of 1573
Authors: Adrian John Mark
Published: June 2017

Though typically seen as occasions of royal performance, Elizabethan progresses were also opportunities for the cities visited by the English queen to fashion and project images of themselves to the reigning monarch. Unlike those created by Bristol (1574) and Norwich (1578), Sandwich’s 1573 entertainments feature few formal pageant devices and therefore appear to be much less elaborate. Nonetheless, the citizens of Sandwich did indeed “speak” to their queen over the course of her three-day visit, though they relied primarily on spatial and topographical performance. Everywhere Elizabeth went and everything she saw—the gate through which she entered, her route through the town, the location of her lodgings, the buildings and landmarks that she was shown—were part of a calculated attempt to assert Sandwich’s historical importance and continuing vitality. These messages sought both to refashion reality (Sandwich was in economic decline) and to shrewdly lay the groundwork for the town’s formal request for royal aid. This paper looks closely at sixteenth-century Sandwich’s layout, topography, buildings, and town records to provide a “close reading” of Elizabeth’s visit.
Cladocolea spathiflora (Loranthaceae) a new species from Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: GALVÁN-GONZÁLEZ LUIS GIL , CERROS-TLATILPA ROSA , ESPEJO-SERNA ADOLFO , LÓPEZ-FERRARI ANA ROSA
Published: June 2017

Cladocolea spathiflora, a new species from Guerrero, Mexico, is described and illustrated. The new taxon is compared with C. pringlei and C. grahamii, species with similar characteristics; however, the flowers of C. spathiflora are associated to a spathaceous receptacle, while in the other two species the flowers are sessile on the axis of the inflorescence. An identification key and a distribution map of these taxa are included.
Impatiens nagorum sp. nov. (Balsaminaceae) a new species from Nagaland, Northeast India
Authors: MOA MOAAKUM , DEY SANTANU , ADAMOWSKI WOJCIECH , GOGOI RAJIB
Published: June 2017

Impatiens nagorum from Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaland, Northeast India, is described and illustrated. Detailed descriptions, distribution, and ecological information, along with colour photographs of the plant, as well as micromorphology of seeds and pollen grains under scanning electron microscope (SEM) are presented.
A new genus and species of entocytherid ostracod (Ostracoda: Entocytheridae) from the John Day River Basin of Oregon, U.S.A., with a key to genera of the subfamily Entocytherinae
Authors: WEAVER PATRICIA G. , WILLIAMS BRONWYN W.
Published: June 2017

Targeted sampling efforts by the authors for the signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, from its native range in the John Day River Basin, Oregon, U.S.A. yielded entocytherid ostracods with a male copulatory complex so clearly different from other entocytherines that a new genus, Aurumcythere gen. nov. is proposed to receive them. This newly proposed, apparently nonsclerotized, genus with hook and spur-like prominences of the posteroventral end of the peniferum is the first new genus of the subfamily Entocytherinae named since Hobbs & Peters described Aphelocythere (= Waltoncythere) in 1977. Aurumcythere gen. nov. represents only the second genus of entocytherid known from the Pacific Northwest. Lack of sclerotization in Aurumcythere gen. nov. provides new insight into poorly understood mating behaviors of entocytherid ostracods.
Integrative taxonomy reveals cryptic diversity in neotropical grasshoppers: taxonomy, phylogenetics, and evolution of the genus Sphenarium Charpentier, 1842 (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)
Authors: SANABRIA-URBÁN SALOMÓN , SONG HOJUN , OYAMA KEN , GONZÁLEZ-RODRÍGUEZ ANTONIO , CASTILLO RAÚL CUEVA DEL
Published: June 2017

The genus Sphenarium Charpentier, 1842 comprises the most diverse group of the New World Pyrgomorphidae. These grasshoppers show an extensive variation in external morphology, and are culturally and economically important for Mexican people since pre-Hispanic times. Nevertheless, the taxonomy of Sphenarium has been chaotic and remained incompletely resolved until now. Following an integrative taxonomic framework, we infer the number of species in this genus by species delimitation based on morphological, phylogenetic, and geographic information. Based on our results, we revise the genus and redefine 9 species and describe 8 new species (S. adelinae sp.n., S. crypticum sp.n., S. infernalis sp.n., S. miztecum sp.n., S. occidentalis sp.n., S. tarascum sp.n., S. totonacum sp.n. and S. zapotecum sp.n.). Moreover, we update the knowledge of the evolutionary relationships and biogeographic patterns of Sphenarium species. Our results also demonstrate the importance of historic geological and climatic events on the lineage diversification of this genus. Different levels of morphological and genetic differentiation among species suggest a complex interplay between evolutionary forces during the evolution of these neotropical grasshoppers.
Revisiting the Balanced and Unbalanced Aspects of Tropical Cyclone Intensification
Authors: Heng Junyao , Wang Yuqing , Zhou Weican
Published: June 2017

The balanced and unbalanced aspects of tropical cyclone (TC) intensification are revisited with the balanced contribution diagnosed with the outputs from a full-physics model simulation of a TC using the Sawyer–Eliassen (SE) equation. The results show that the balanced dynamics can well capture the secondary circulation in the full-physics model simulation even in the inner-core region in the boundary layer. The balanced dynamics can largely explain the intensification of the simulated TC. The unbalanced dynamics mainly acts to prevent the boundary layer agradient flow in the inner-core region from further intensification. Although surface friction can enhance the boundary layer inflow and make the inflow penetrate more inward into the eye region, contributing to the eyewall contraction, the net dynamical effect of surface friction on TC intensification is negative.

The sensitivity of the balanced solution to the procedure used to ensure the ellipticity condition for the SE equation is also examined. The results show that the boundary layer inflow in the balanced response is very sensitive to the adjustment to inertial stability in the upper troposphere and the calculation of radial wind at the surface with relatively coarse vertical resolution in the balanced solution. Both the use of the so-called global regularization and the one-sided finite-differencing scheme used to calculate the surface radial wind in the balanced solution as utilized in some previous studies can significantly underestimate the boundary layer inflow. This explains why the boundary layer inflow in the balanced response is too weak in some previous studies.
Impacts of Agulhas Leakage on the Tropical Atlantic Western Boundary Systems
Authors: Castellanos P. , Campos E. J. D. , Piera J. , Sato O. T. , Dias M. A. F. Silva
Published: June 2017

The influx of warmer and saltier Indian Ocean waters into the Atlantic—the Agulhas leakage—is now recognized to play an important role in the global thermohaline circulation and climate. In this study the results of a ⅞° simulation with the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model, which exhibit an augmentation in the Agulhas leakage, is investigated. This increase in the leakage ought to have an impact on the meridional oceanic volume and heat transports in the Atlantic Ocean. Significant linear trends found in the integrated transport at 20°, 15°, and 5°S correlate well with decadal fluctuations of the Agulhas leakage. The augmented transport also seems to be related to an increase in the latent heat flux observed along the northeastern coastline of Brazil since 2003. This study shows that the precipitation on the Brazilian coast has been increasing since 2005, at the same location and with the same regime shift observed for the latent heat flux and the volume transport. This suggests that the increase of the Agulhas transport affects the western boundary system of the tropical Atlantic Ocean, which is directly related to an increase in the precipitation and latent heat flux along the western coast.
A Global Gridded Dataset of GRACE Drought Severity Index for 2002–14: Comparison with PDSI and SPEI and a Case Study of the Australia Millennium Drought
Authors: Zhao Meng , A Geruo , Velicogna Isabella , Kimball John S.
Published: June 2017

A new monthly global drought severity index (DSI) dataset developed from satellite-observed time-variable terrestrial water storage changes from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) is presented. The GRACE-DSI record spans from 2002 to 2014 and will be extended with the ongoing GRACE and scheduled GRACE Follow-On missions. The GRACE-DSI captures major global drought events during the past decade and shows overall favorable spatiotemporal agreement with other commonly used drought metrics, including the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI). The assets of the GRACE-DSI are 1) that it is based solely on satellite gravimetric observations and thus provides globally consistent drought monitoring, particularly where sparse ground observations (especially precipitation) constrain the use of traditional model-based monitoring methods; 2) that it has a large footprint (~350 km), so it is suitable for assessing regional- and global-scale drought; and 3) that it is sensitive to the overall terrestrial water storage component of the hydrologic cycle and therefore complements existing drought monitoring datasets by providing information about groundwater storage changes, which affect soil moisture recharge and drought recovery. In Australia, it is demonstrated that combining GRACE-DSI with other satellite environmental datasets improves the characterization of the 2000s “Millennium Drought” at shallow surface and subsurface soil layers. Contrasting vegetation greenness response to surface and underground water supply changes between western and eastern Australia is found, which might indicate that these regions have different relative plant rooting depths.
Planetary and Gravity Waves in a Polar Basin
Authors: Willmott Andrew J. , Pascual-Ahuir Estanislao Gavilan
Published: June 2017

The eigenfrequencies of freely propagating barotropic, divergent, planetary waves and gravity waves in a spherical polar cap are presented using an approximation in which full spherical geometry is retained in the derivation of the wave amplitude equation. Subsequently, the colatitude angle in the coefficients of the wave amplitude equation is fixed, thereby allowing the eigenvalue problem to be solved using analytical methods. The planetary wave frequencies are compared with published results that adopt the polar-plane approximation to solve the equivalent free-wave problem. Low-order planetary wave frequencies calculated in this study agree well with the polar-plane approximation results. The sensitivity of the wave frequencies to the choice of the fixed colatitude in the coefficients of the wave amplitude equation is discussed.