bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Frequency Distribution of Neutral Particles from Low-Energy Strong Interactions
Authors: Colecchia Federico , Khan Akram
Published: February 2017

The rejection of the contamination, or background, from low-energy strong interactions at hadron collider experiments is a topic that has received significant attention in the field of particle physics. This article builds on a particle-level view of collision events, in line with recently proposed subtraction methods. While conventional techniques in the field usually concentrate on probability distributions, our study is, to our knowledge, the first attempt at estimating the frequency distribution of background particles across the kinematic space inside individual collision events. In fact, while the probability distribution can generally be estimated given a model of low-energy strong interactions, the corresponding frequency distribution inside a single event typically deviates from the average and cannot be predicted a priori. We present preliminary results in this direction and establish a connection between our technique and the particle weighting methods that have been the subject of recent investigation at the Large Hadron Collider.
Natural Vibration of a Beam with a Breathing Oblique Crack
Authors: Ma Yijiang , Chen Guoping
Published: February 2017

An analytical method is proposed to calculate the natural frequency of a cantilever beam with a breathing oblique crack. A double-linear-springs-model is developed in the modal analysis process to describe the breathing oblique crack, and the breathing behaviour of the oblique crack is objectively simulated. The finite element method (FEM) analysis software ABAQUS is used to calculate the geometric correction factors when the cracked plate is subjected to a pure bending moment at different oblique crack angles and relative depths. The Galerkin method is applied to simplify the cracked beam to a single degree of freedom system, allowing the natural frequency of the beam with the breathing oblique crack to be calculated. Compared with the natural frequencies of the breathing oblique cracked beam obtained using the ABAQUS FEM method, the proposed analytical method exhibits a high computational accuracy, with a maximum error of only 4.65%.
Improved Lumped Models for Transient Combined Convective and Radiative Cooling of Multilayer Spherical Media
Authors: An Chen , da Silva Alice Cunha , Su Jian
Published: February 2017

In this work, we studied the transient combined convection and radiation of multilayer spherical media with volumetric heat generation, extending the previous work on the particular case of a spherical body subjected to radiative cooling. The proposed lumped models were obtained through two‐point Hermite approximations for the average temperature and heat flux in each layer. For the average temperature, the plain trapezoidal rule (H0,0 approximation) was employed in all layers, except for the innermost layer, where the second‐order two‐side corrected trapezoidal rule (H2,1 approximation) was utilized. For the heat flux, the plain trapezoidal rule (H0,0 approximation) was employed for all the layers. The transient heat conduction in a TRISO‐coated fuel particle being composed of five layers (namely, fuel kernel, buffer of porous carbon, inner pyrocarbon, silicon carbide, and outer pyrocarbon) was analyzed using the proposed lumped models, the results of which were verified by comparison with the finite difference solution of the original distributed parameter model. Parametric studies were conducted to examine the effects of the dimensionless heat generation rate, the radiation‐conduction parameter, and the Biot number on the temporal variations of the average temperatures.
Assessment of Longitudinal Reproducibility of Mice LV Function Parameters at 11.7 T Derived from Self-Gated CINE MRI
Authors: Zuo Zhi , Subgang Anne , Abaei Alireza , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Stiller Detlef , Ma Genshan , Rasche Volker
Published: February 2017

The objective of this work was the assessment of the reproducibility of self-gated cardiac MRI in mice at ultra-high-field strength. A group of adult mice (n=5) was followed over 360 days with a standardized MR protocol including reproducible animal position and standardized planning of the scan planes. From the resulting CINE MRI data, global left ventricular (LV) function parameters including end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), and left ventricular mass (LVM) were quantified. The reproducibility of the self-gated technique as well as the intragroup variability and longitudinal changes of the investigated parameters was assessed. Self-gated cardiac MRI proved excellent reproducibility of the global LV function parameters, which was in the order of the intragroup variability. Longitudinal assessment did not reveal any significant variations for EDV, ESV, SV, and EF but an expected increase of the LVM with increasing age. In summary, self-gated MRI in combination with a standardized protocol for animal positioning and scan plane planning ensures reproducible assessment of global LV function parameters.
Understanding Visitors’ Responses to Intelligent Transportation System in a Tourist City with a Mixed Ranked Logit Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Shi Jing , Jian Meiying
Published: February 2017

One important function of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applied in tourist cities is to improve visitors’ mobility by releasing real-time transportation information and then shifting tourists from individual vehicles to intelligent public transit. The objective of this research is to quantify visitors’ psychological and behavioral responses to tourism-related ITS. Designed with a Mixed Ranked Logit Model (MRLM) with random coefficients that was capable of evaluating potential effects from information uncertainty and other relevant factors on tourists’ transport choices, an on-site and a subsequent web-based stated preference survey were conducted in a representative tourist city (Chengde, China). Simulated maximum-likelihood procedure was used to estimate random coefficients. Results indicate that tourists generally perceive longer travel time and longer wait time if real-time information is not available. ITS information is able to reduce tourists’ perceived uncertainty and stimulating transport modal shifts. This novel MRLM contributes a new derivation model to logit model family and for the first time proposes an applicable methodology to assess useful features of ITS for tourists.
Evaluation of Three Devices for the Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Adipose Tissue and for ASC Culture: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rodriguez Jonathan , Pratta Anne-Sophie , Abbassi Nacira , Fabre Hugo , Rodriguez Fanny , Debard Cyrille , Adobati Jacqueline , Boucher Fabien , Mallein-Gerin Frédéric , Auxenfans Céline , Damour Odile , Mojallal Ali
Published: February 2017

Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) reside in the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue (AT) and can be easily isolated. However, extraction of the SVF from lipoaspirate is a critical step in generating ASC, and semiautomated devices have been developed to enhance the efficacy and reproducibility of the outcomes and to decrease manipulation and contamination. In this study, we compared the reference method used in our lab for SVF isolation from lipoaspirate, with three medical devices: GID SVF-1™, Puregraft™, and Stem.pras®. Cell yield and their viability were evaluated as well as their phenotype with flow cytometry. Further on, we determined their proliferative potential using population doublings (PD), PD time (PDT), and clonogenicity assay (CFU-F). Finally, we checked their genetic stability using RT-qPCR for TERT mRNA assay and karyotyping as well as their multilineage potential including adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation. Our results demonstrate that all the devices allow the production of SVF cells with consistent yield and viability, in less time than the reference method. Expanded cells from the four methods showed no significant differences in terms of phenotype, proliferation capabilities, differentiation abilities, and genetic stability.
Autofocus on Depth of Interest for 3D Image Coding
Authors: Samrouth Khouloud , Deforges Olivier , Liu Yi , Khalil Mohamad , EL Falou Wassim
Published: February 2017

For some 3D applications, one may want to focus on a specific depth zone representing a region of interest in the scene. In this context, we introduce a new functionality called “autofocus” for 3D image coding, exploiting the depth map as an additional semantic information provided by the 3D sequence. The method is based on a joint “Depth of Interest” (DoI) extraction and coding scheme. First, the DoI extraction scheme consists of a precise extraction of objects located within a DoI zone, given by the viewer or deduced from an analysis process. Then, the DoI coding scheme provides a higher quality for the objects in the DoI at the expense of other depth zones. The local quality enhancement supports both higher SNR and finer resolution. The proposed scheme embeds the Locally Adaptive Resolution (LAR) codec, initially designed for 2D images. The proposed DoI scheme is developed without modifying the global coder framework, and the DoI mask is not transmitted, but it is deduced at the decoder. Results showed that our proposed joint DoI extraction and coding scheme provide a high correlation between texture objects and depth. This consistency avoids the distortion along objects contours in depth maps and those of texture images and synthesized views.
Knee Dislocation: A Case Report, Diagnostic Vascular Work-Up, and Literature Review
Authors: Douma Matthijs R. , Burg Michael D. , Dijkstra Björn L.
Published: February 2017

Knee dislocation is an uncommon, potentially limb-threatening, knee injury. Most often caused by high-velocity trauma, it can also result from low- or even ultra-low-velocity trauma. Rapid identification of the injury, reduction, and definitive management are necessary to minimize neurovascular damage. We present a case of rotatory anterolateral knee dislocation sustained during a twisting sports-related event. Special emphasis is placed on diagnosing vascular injuries associated with knee dislocations.
Performance and Diagnostic Accuracy of a Urine-Based Human Papillomavirus Assay in a Referral Population
Authors: Cuzick Jack , Cadman Louise , Ahmad Amar S. , Ho Linda , Terry George , Kleeman Michelle , Lyons Deirdre , Austin Janet , Stoler Mark H. , Vibat Cecile Rose T. , Dockter Janel , Robbins David , Billings Paul R. , Erlander Mark G.
Published: February 2017

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing from clinician-collected cervical and self-collected cervico-vaginal samples is more sensitive for detecting CIN2+/CIN3+ than cytology-based screening, stimulating interest in HPV testing from urine. The objective was to determine the performance of the Trovagene HPV test for the detection of CIN2+ from urine and PreservCyt cervical samples.

Methods: Women referred for colposcopy at St Mary's Hospital (London, United Kingdom), following abnormal cytology, were recruited to this diagnostic accuracy study by convenience sampling (September 2011 to April 2013). A total of 501 paired urine and cervical samples were collected. Primary outcomes were sensitivity for CIN2+/CIN3+ and specificity for <CIN2; secondary outcomes were comparisons with other HPV tests and agreement/kappa values between urine and cervical samples.

Results: Trovagene HPV test sensitivity and specificity from PreservCyt were similar to well-established tests [sensitivity for CIN3+ (n = 145) 96.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 89.6–99.2); CIN2+ (n = 81) 94.5% (95% CI, 89.4–97.6); specificity for <CIN2 25.3% (95% CI, 20.8–30.1)]. Sensitivity from urine was slightly, but not significantly, lower [CIN3+ 91.4% (95% CI, 83.0–96.5), P = 0.3; CIN2+ 88.3% (95% CI, 81.9–93.0), P = 0.06]. Specificity for <CIN2 was similar: 24.7% (95% CI, 20.3–29.5), P = 0.9. A total of 403 Trovagene cervical and 396 urine HPV tests were positive. Overall agreement between paired samples was 82.6% (95% CI, 79.3–86.0).

Conclusions: Trovagene HPV test's performance on PreservCyt cervical samples was comparable with established HPV tests. Sensitivity in urine, although slightly lower, may nevertheless be adequate for self-sampling. This referral population's higher HPV positivity rate affects specificity, warranting further studies in a screening population.

Impact: This may prove useful for women not attending for cervical screening. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1053–9. ©2017 AACR.
PD-L1 Studies Across Tumor Types, Its Differential Expression and Predictive Value in Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Kluger Harriet M. , Zito Christopher R. , Turcu Gabriela , Baine Marina K. , Zhang Hongyi , Adeniran Adebowale , Sznol Mario , Rimm David L. , Kluger Yuval , Chen Lieping , Cohen Justine V. , Jilaveanu Lucia B.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: With recent approval of inhibitors of PD-1 in melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and renal cell carcinoma, extensive efforts are under way to develop biomarkers predictive of response. PD-L1 expression has been most widely studied, and is more predictive in NSCLC than renal cell carcinoma or melanoma. We therefore studied differences in expression patterns across tumor types.

Experimental Design: We used tissue microarrays with tumors from NSCLC, renal cell carcinoma, or melanoma and a panel of cell lines to study differences between tumor types. Predictive studies were conducted on samples from 65 melanoma patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors alone or with CTLA-4 inhibitors, characterized for outcome. PD-L1 expression was studied by quantitative immunofluorescence using two well-validated antibodies.

Results: PD-L1 expression was higher in NSCLC specimens than renal cell carcinoma, and lowest in melanoma (P = 0.001), and this finding was confirmed in a panel of cell lines. In melanoma tumors, PD-L1 was expressed either on tumor cells or immune-infiltrating cells. The association between PD-L1 expression in immune-infiltrating cells and progression-free or overall-survival in melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab was stronger than PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, and remained significant on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions: PD-L1 expression in melanoma tumor cells is lower than NSCLC or renal cell carcinoma cells. The higher response rate in melanoma patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors is likely related to PD-L1 in tumor-associated inflammatory cells. Further studies are warranted to validate the predictive role of inflammatory cell PD-L1 expression in melanoma and determine its biological significance. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4270–9. ©2017 AACR.
Calcium-Dependent Enhancement by Extracellular Acidity of the Cytotoxicity of Mitochondrial Inhibitors against Melanoma
Authors: Noguchi Fumihito , Inui Shigeki , Fedele Clare , Shackleton Mark , Itami Satoshi
Published: February 2017

Extracellular acidity is a hallmark of cancers and is independent of hypoxia. Because acidity potentiates malignant phenotypes, therapeutic strategies that enhance the targeting of oncogenic mechanisms in an acidic microenvironment should be effective. We report here that drugs which abrogate mitochondrial respiration show enhanced cytotoxicity against melanoma cells in a normoxic but acidic extracellular pH, independent from P53 mutations, BRAF (V600E) mutations, and/or resistance against BRAF inhibitors. Conversely, the cytotoxicity against melanoma cells of mitochondrial inhibitors is impaired by a neutral or alkaline extracellular pH, and in vivo systemic alkalinization with NaHCO3 enhanced subcutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis of B16F10 cells in mice treated with the mitochondrial inhibitor phenformin. Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) was significantly increased in melanoma cells treated with mitochondrial inhibitors at an acidic extracellular pH and an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA/AM, inhibited cytoplasmic Ca2+ as well as melanoma cell death. Surprisingly, ROS scavengers synergized with increased apoptosis in cells treated with mitochondrial inhibitors, suggesting that ROS contributes to cell survival in this context. Notably, the cytotoxic enhancement of mitochondrial inhibitors by acidity was distinct from PGC1alpha-driven mitochondrial addiction, from therapy-induced senescence, and from slow, JARID1B-high–associated cell cycling, all of which have been shown to promote vulnerability to mitochondrial inhibition. These data indicate that extracellular pH profoundly modulates the cytotoxicity of mitochondrial inhibitors against cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 936–47. ©2017 AACR.
Role of STAT3 and FOXO1 in the Divergent Therapeutic Responses of Non-metastatic and Metastatic Bladder Cancer Cells to miR-145
Authors: Jiang Guosong , Huang Chao , Li Jingxia , Huang Haishan , Jin Honglei , Zhu Junlan , Wu Xue-Ru , Huang Chuanshu
Published: February 2017

Although miR-145 is the most frequently downregulated miRNA in bladder cancer, its exact stage association and downstream effector have not been defined. Here, we found that miR-145 was upregulated in human patients with bladder cancer with lymph node metastasis and in metastatic T24T cell line. Forced expression of miR-145 promoted anchorage-independent growth of T24T cells accompanied by the downregulation of forkhead box class O1 (FOXO1). In contrast, in non-metastatic T24 cells, miR-145 overexpression inhibited cell growth with upregulation of FOXO1, and the knockdown of FOXO1 abolished the miR-145–mediated inhibition of cell growth. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-145 directly bound to and attenuated 3′-untranslated region (UTR) activity of foxo1 mRNA in both T24 and T24T cells. Interestingly, miR-145 suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and increased foxo1 promoter transcriptional activity in T24 cells, but not in T24T cells, suggesting a role of STAT3 in the divergent responses to miR-145. Supporting this was our finding that STAT3 knockdown mimicked miR-145–mediated upregulation of FOXO1 in T24T cells and inhibition of anchorage-independent growth. Consistently, ectopic expression of miR-145 promoted tumor formation of xenograft T24T cells, whereas such promoting effect became inhibitory due to specific knockdown of STAT3. Together, our findings demonstrate the stage-specific association and function of miR-145 in bladder cancers and provide novel insights into the therapeutic targeting of miR-145. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 924–35. ©2017 AACR.
Induction of NKG2D Ligands on Solid Tumors Requires Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells and Histone Acetyltransferases
Authors: Hu Jiemiao , Bernatchez Chantale , Zhang Liangfang , Xia Xueqing , Kleinerman Eugenie S. , Hung Mien-Chie , Hwu Patrick , Li Shulin
Published: February 2017

NKG2D-mediated immune surveillance is crucial for inhibiting tumor growth and metastases. Malignant tumor cells often downregulate NKG2D ligands to escape from immune surveillance. High-profile studies have shown that restoring NKG2D ligand expression via genetic engineering inhibits tumor formation and progression. However, no effective in vivo approaches are available to restore these ligands across different types of solid tumors because the classic stress signal–dependent induction of this ligand in vitro is transient and has rarely been duplicated in solid tumors in vivo. We found that coadministration of an immune stimulatory signal (IL12) and chemotherapy (doxorubicin) restored the NKG2D ligand Rae-1 in multiple tumor types, including a human tumor model. The restored expression of NKG2D ligands was associated with tumor cell death and delay of tumor progression in vivo. Induction of tumor-specific NKG2D ligands required the engagement of CD8+ T cells and was regulated by the histone acetyltransferases GCN5 and PCAF. The tumor-specific restoration of NKG2D ligands in a variety of tumor models, including a human tumor model, resulted in NKG2D-dependent tumor regression and extended survival time. The elucidation of a CD8+ T cell–dependent mechanism suggests that activated NKG2D+CD8+ T-cell therapy alone may be able to restore the NKG2D ligand in tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(4); 300–11. ©2017 AACR.
Neuroprotective Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Neonatal Hypoxia Ischemia-Induced Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Tang Shiyu , Xu Su , Lu Xin , Gullapalli Rao P. , McKenna Mary C. , Waddell Jaylyn
Published: February 2017

Perinatal hypoxia ischemia (HI) is a significant cause of brain injury in surviving infants. Although hypothermia improves outcomes in some infants, additional therapies are needed since about 40% of infants still have a poor outcome. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), an acetylated derivative of L-carnitine, protected against early changes in brain metabolites and mitochondrial function after HI on postnatal day (PND) 7 in a rat pup model of near-term HI injury. However, its efficacy in long-term structural and functional outcomes remains unexplored. We determined the efficacy of ALCAR therapy administered to rat pups after HI at PND 7, using both longitudinal in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral tests, in male and female rats. HI led to sex-specific behavioral impairment, with males exhibiting more global functional deficits than females. Interestingly, HI reduced the volume of the contralateral hemisphere in males only, suggesting that the brain injury is more diffuse in males than in females. Treatment with ALCAR improved both morphological and functional outcomes in both male and female rats. These results suggest that ALCAR may be a potential therapy for clinical use since the treatment attenuated the moderate injury produced under the experimental conditions used and improved the functional outcome in preclinical studies.
HER2 Overexpression in Retinoblastoma: A Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Sousa David Cordeiro , Zoroquiain Pablo , Orellana Maria Eugenia , Dias Ana Beatriz , Esposito Evangelina , Burnier Jr. Miguel N.
Published: February 2017

Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy. Current therapies are associated with high morbidity in the short- and long-term. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane protein detected in 15-30% of breast cancers, but it has also been described in other malignancies. Recently, it has been claimed that a truncated version of this protein is expressed in RB, responsive to directed therapies in vitro. We scored HER2 overexpression in RB tissue samples and discussed its potential clinical utility. Methods: HER2 overexpression was investigated using immunohistochemistry; the overexpression was evaluated with a score ranging from 0 to 3+ according to the membranous staining pattern in archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded RBs. Results: A total of 60 RB cases and a RB cell line (Y79) were considered. The mean age at enucleation was 31.6 ± 31.5 months. The mean time from diagnosis to enucleation was 11.8 ± 11.2 months (range 1-44). Five (8%) cases were multifocal. HER2 overexpression was negative in all RB cases (49 cases scored 0 and 11 scored 1+) and in the Y79 cell line. Conclusions: Overall, we were not able to demonstrate the overexpression of HER2. Further studies should clarify and better elucidate the potential role of HER2-targeted therapies in RB.
Monte Carlo Estimation of Absorbed Dose Distributions Obtained from Heterogeneous 106Ru Eye Plaques
Authors: Zaragoza Francisco J. , Eichmann Marion , Flühs Dirk , Sauerwein Wolfgang , Brualla Lorenzo
Published: February 2017

Background: The distribution of the emitter substance in 106Ru eye plaques is usually assumed to be homogeneous for treatment planning purposes. However, this distribution is never homogeneous, and it widely differs from plaque to plaque due to manufacturing factors. Methods: By Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport, we study the absorbed dose distribution obtained from the specific CCA1364 and CCB1256 106Ru plaques, whose actual emitter distributions were measured. The idealized, homogeneous CCA and CCB plaques are also simulated. Results: The largest discrepancy in depth dose distribution observed between the heterogeneous and the homogeneous plaques was 7.9 and 23.7% for the CCA and CCB plaques, respectively. In terms of isodose lines, the line referring to 100% of the reference dose penetrates 0.2 and 1.8 mm deeper in the case of heterogeneous CCA and CCB plaques, respectively, with respect to the homogeneous counterpart. Conclusions: The observed differences in absorbed dose distributions obtained from heterogeneous and homogeneous plaques are clinically irrelevant if the plaques are used with a lateral safety margin of at least 2 mm. However, these differences may be relevant if the plaques are used in eccentric positioning.
A Survey of Self-Reported Food Allergy and Food-Related Anaphylaxis among Young Adult Students at Kuwait University, Kuwait
Authors: Ali Fatima
Published: February 2017

Objectives: To conduct a survey on self-reported food allergy to milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and sesame, as well as reported food-related anaphylaxis and epinephrine prescription practices among Kuwaiti students attending Kuwait University. Subjects and Methods: One thousand questionnaires that included data on age, gender, presence of food allergies, and associated details were distributed. All participants reporting an allergy were categorized as having a perceived food allergy. Those with a convincing clinical history and history of undergoing diagnostic food allergy testing were further categorized as having a probable food allergy. Results: Of the 1,000 questionnaires, 865 (86.5%) were completed. Of the 865 students, 104 (12.02%) reported food allergy (perceived), and 47 of these (45.19%) were probable food allergies. For milk (46.7%), peanut (35.7%), fish (60%), and sesame (50%), probable food allergy occurred in early childhood (≤5 years) while those of egg (44.4%) and wheat (57.1%) occurred in late childhood (6-10 years), and shellfish (40%) occurred in early adolescence (11-15 years). Of the 47 students with a probable food allergy, 28 (59.6%) were moderate to severe: 20 (71%) of these moderate-to-severe allergy cases reported at least 1 food-related anaphylactic episode while 8 (29%) denied such episodes. Equally important, of the 28 students, 6 (21%) received an autoinjectable epinephrine prescription, while 22 (79%) did not receive any. Conclusions: In this study the reported occurrence of perceived food allergy was low and probable food allergy occurred mostly in early childhood. Milk, egg, and nut allergies were the most commonly reported in both groups.
Effects of Root Extracts of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on Corpus Cavernosum of Rat
Authors: Tee Bae Huey , Hoe See Ziau , Cheah Swee Hung , Lam Sau Kuen
Published: February 2017

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the mechanisms of action of Eurycoma longifolia in rat corpus cavernosum. Materials and Methods: Tincture of the roots was concentrated to dryness by evaporating the ethanol in vacuo. This ethanolic extract was partitioned into 5 fractions sequentially with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. The corpus cavernosum relaxant activity of each fraction was investigated. The DCM fraction which showed the highest potency in relaxing phenylephrine-precontracted corpora cavernosa was purified by column chromatography. The effects of the most potent DCM subfraction in relaxing phenylephrine-precontracted corpora cavernosa, DCM-I, on angiotensin I- or angiotensin II-induced contractions in corpora cavernosa were investigated. The effects of DCM-I pretreatment on the responses of phenylephrine-precontracted corpora cavernosa to angiotensin II or bradykinin were also studied. An in vitro assay was conducted to evaluate the effect of DCM-I on angiotensin-converting enzyme activity. Results: Fraction DCM-I decreased the maximal contractions (100%) evoked by angiotensin I and angiotensin II to 30 ± 14% and 26 ± 16% (p < 0.001), respectively. In phenylephrine-precontracted corpora cavernosa, DCM-I pretreatment caused angiotensin II to induce 82 ± 27% relaxation of maximal contraction (p < 0.01) and enhanced (p < 0.001) bradykinin-induced relaxations from 47 ± 8% to 100 ± 5%. In vitro, DCM-I was able to reduce (p < 0.001) the maximal angiotensin-converting enzyme activity to 78 ± 0.24%. Conclusion: Fraction DCM-I was able to antagonize angiotensin II-induced contraction to cause corpus cavernosum relaxation via inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and enhance bradykinin-induced relaxation through inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Immune Complex Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Associated with Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Two Case Reports
Authors: Hernández-Jaras Julio , Espí-Reig Jordi , Alis Rafael , García-Martínez Ana-Maria , Rodríguez-Ortega Diego , Roca-Argente Lourdes , Moll-Guillen Jose-Luis
Published: February 2017

Objective: To report on 2 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who were treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: The 2 patients had a history of alcoholic cirrhosis, and TIPS surgery was performed on them. In both cases, 4 months after TIPS placement, proteinuria was observed along with histological alterations characteristic of immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). Conclusion: The TIPS in one patient was successful without immediate complications, while the other patient was referred for a combined liver-kidney transplant. In both cases, immune complex MPGN might have developed after TIPS placement probably due to a reduced immune complex clearance.
Reduced First-Phase Ejection Fraction and Sustained Myocardial Wall Stress in Hypertensive Patients With Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Gu Haotian , Li Ye , Fok Henry , Simpson John , Kentish Jonathan C. , Shah Ajay M. , Chowienczyk Philip J.
Published: February 2017

Impaired shortening deactivation of cardiac myocytes could sustain myocardial contraction, preserving ejection fraction at the expense of diastolic dysfunction. We examined the relationship between first-phase ejection fraction (EF1), the fraction of left ventricular volume ejected from the start of systole to the time of the first peak in left ventricular pressure (corresponding to the time of maximal ventricular shortening) to the duration of myocardial contraction and diastolic function in patients with hypertension (n=163), and varying degrees of diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular systolic pressure was estimated by carotid tonometry; time-resolved left ventricular cavity and wall volume were obtained by echocardiography with speckle wall tracking. Measurements were repeated after nitroglycerin, a drug known to influence ventricular dynamics, in a subsample (n=18) of patients. EF1 and time of onset of ventricular relaxation (as determined from the temporal pattern of myocardial wall stress) were independently correlated with diastolic relaxation as measured by tissue Doppler early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E′, standardized regression coefficients 0.48 and −0.34 for EF1 and time of onset of ventricular relaxation, respectively, each
P
<0.001, irrespective of adjustment for age, sex, antihypertensive treatment, measures of afterload, and ventricular geometry) and with diastolic function measured by the ratio of transmitral Doppler early filling velocity (E) to E′ (E/E′, regression coefficients −0.34 and 0.34, respectively, each
P
<0.001). Nitroglycerin increased EF1, decreased time of onset of ventricular relaxation, and improved diastolic function (each
P
<0.05). Hypertensive patients with diastolic dysfunction exhibit reduced EF1 which may sustain myocardial contraction, preserving systolic ejection fraction at the expense of impaired diastolic function.
Maternal Gestational Hypertension-Induced Sensitization of Angiotensin II Hypertension Is Reversed by Renal Denervation or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition in Rat Offspring
Authors: Xue Baojian , Yin Haifeng , Guo Fang , Beltz Terry G. , Thunhorst Robert L. , Johnson Alan Kim
Published: February 2017

Numerous findings demonstrate that there is a strong association between maternal health during pregnancy and cardiovascular disease in adult offspring. The purpose of the present study was to test whether maternal gestational hypertension modulates brain renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and proinflammatory cytokines that sensitizes angiotensin II–elicited hypertensive response in adult offspring. In addition, the role of renal nerves and the RAAS in the sensitization process was investigated. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses of structures of the lamina terminalis and paraventricular nucleus indicated upregulation of mRNA expression of several RAAS components and proinflammatory cytokines in 10-week-old male offspring of hypertensive dams. Most of these increases were significantly inhibited by either renal denervation performed at 8 weeks of age or treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, in drinking water starting at weaning. When tested beginning at 10 weeks of age, a pressor dose of angiotensin II resulted in enhanced upregulation of mRNA expression of RAAS components and proinflammatory cytokines in the lamina terminalis and paraventricular nucleus and an augmented pressor response in male offspring of hypertensive dams. The augmented blood pressure change and most of the increases in gene expression in the offspring were abolished by either renal denervation or captopril. The results suggest that maternal hypertension during pregnancy enhances pressor responses to angiotensin II through overactivity of renal nerves and the RAAS in male offspring and that upregulation of the brain RAAS and proinflammatory cytokines in these offspring may contribute to maternal gestational hypertension-induced sensitization of the hypertensive response to angiotensin II.
Can Pediatric Hypertension Criteria Be Simplified?
Authors: Xi Bo , Zhang Tao , Li Shengxu , Harville Emily , Bazzano Lydia , He Jiang , Chen Wei
Published: February 2017

Prehypertension and hypertension in childhood are defined by sex-, age-, and height-specific 90th (or ≥120/80 mm Hg) and 95th percentiles of blood pressure, respectively, by the 2004 Fourth Report. However, these cutoffs are complex and cumbersome for use. This study assessed the performance of a simplified blood pressure definition to predict adult hypertension and subclinical cardiovascular disease. The cohort consisted of 1225 adults (530 men; aged 26.3−47.7 years) from the Bogalusa Heart Study with 27.1-year follow-up since childhood. We used 110/70 and 120/80 mm Hg for children (age, 6–11 years), and 120/80 and 130/85 mm Hg for adolescents (age, 12–17 years) as the simplified definition of childhood prehypertension and hypertension, respectively, to compare with the 2004 Fourth Report (the complex definition). Adult carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and left ventricular mass were measured using digital ultrasound instruments. Compared with normal blood pressure, childhood hypertensives diagnosed by the simplified definition and the complex definition were both at higher risk of adult hypertension with hazard ratio of 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–5.3) by the simplified definition and 3.2 (2.0–5.0) by the complex definition, high pulse wave velocity with 3.5 (1.7–7.1) and 2.2 (1.2–4.1), high carotid intima-media thickness with 3.1 (1.7–5.6) and 2.0 (1.2–3.6), and left ventricular hypertrophy with 3.4 (1.7–6.8) and 3.0 (1.6–5.6). The results were confirmed by reclassification or receiver operating curve analyses. The simplified childhood blood pressure definition predicts the risk of adult hypertension and subclinical cardiovascular disease equally as the complex definition does, which could be useful for screening hypertensive children to reduce risk of adult cardiovascular disease.
The root cambium ultrastructure during drought stress in Corylus avellana
Authors: Li Shan , Jansen Steven
Published: February 2017

The activity of the vascular cambium, which plays an important role in plant growth and development, is well known to respond to environmental changes such as drought. Although plant death is suggested to be tightly associated with the death of cambium and other meristematic tissues, direct observations of the cambium ultrastructure during drought-induced mortality remain poorly documented. Here, seedlings of Corylus avellana were drought stressed over various days in autumn to reach xylem water potentials (Ψx, -MPa) between -1 and -5.2 MPa. Light and transmission electron microscopy was applied to visualize the ultrastructure of the root cambial cells, while stem vulnerability curves were obtained to quantify embolism resistance. Seedlings that were moderately water stressed with Ψx less negative than P50 (-2.0 MPa, i.e., the xylem water potential at 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) showed intact cambium cells. In contrast, the cell membrane of fusiform cambial cells became detached, the tonoplast was shrunken or damaged and cell organelles started to disintegrate in severely water stressed plants with Ψx more negative than P50. Ray cambial cells, however, remained intact and alive for a longer period than fusiform cells. Death of the cambial fusiform cells corresponded more or less to the lethal water potential of this species (Ψlethal = -4.83 MPa). These observations suggest that drought-induced mortality of C. avellana is closely
associated with cambial death.
Relationship between anatomy and vibration behaviour of softwoods and hardwoods
Authors: Dünisch Oliver
Published: February 2017

The influence of cell type and cell arrangement on the vibration characteristics of 91 softwood and hardwood species was studied under controlled conditions. The vibration of standardized wood plates was measured by means of high-resolution laser sensors with an accuracy of ± 0.02 μm and a sampling frequency of 30 kHz. First and second order waves within the vibration spectra were identified by Fast Fourier Transformation analysis. The amplitudes, the frequencies, and the duration of the waves of the 91 timber species were compared by means of principal component analysis. Special attention was paid to the influence of tracheids, vessels, storied rays, growth rings, and the anatomical direction of the wood on the vibration spectra. Due to significant differences in vibration between samples on which the vibration was induced in the transverse, radial, and tangential plane, a comparison between tree species was only possible if plates with precise and identical orientation of the grain were used. In plates with exactly oriented surfaces along the radial plane, distinct vibration characteristics were found in timber species with tracheids as ground tissue (softwoods), in timbers without distinct growth rings, and in timbers with storied rays. In contrast, no relationship was found between the arrangement of the vessels, the width of the xylem rays and the vibration characteristics of hardwoods.
Radial variation in pernambuco (Caesalpinia echinata) wood properties
Authors: Schimleck Laurence R. , de Matos Jorge Luis Monteiro , Espey Charles
Published: February 2017

Caesalpinia echinata Lam. (pernambuco or pau-brasil) is recognized as the premier raw material for manufacturing stringed instrument bows. Several studies have identified properties considered important in determining the suitability of pernambuco wood for bow manufacture including density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and, possibly, microfibril angle (MFA). No research has been conducted on how these properties vary within individual trees; however, an understanding of how pernambuco wood properties vary within trees is important as it may assist in the identification of trees or provenances most suited for the establishment of plantations, aid in developing an understanding of management practices on wood property variation for plantation-grown pernambuco and also facilitate the identification of regions within trees that possess optimal properties for bow manufacture. Radial variation in density, MFA and MOE was examined using SilviScan for three radial strips representing differing levels of wood quality in terms of perceived suitability for making high-quality bows. The lowest quality sample showed considerable radial variation compared to the higher quality samples for all properties and it also had the lowest average density. It was not possible to identify a strong pith to bark trend for any of the wood properties examined.
Comparative evaluation of Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens wood and fibre quality
Authors: Carrillo Isabel , Valenzuela Sofía , Elissetche Juan Pedro
Published: February 2017

An evaluation of 100 Eucalyptus globulus and 100 E. nitens trees (six years old) was made using the Pilodyn micro-drilling tool as an indicator of wood density. Thirty E. globulus and thirty E. nitens trees with high, medium and low density were selected and sampled with an increment borer at breast height for anatomical analysis using fibre tester equipment and the Resistograph device to generate detailed information about fibre biometry and anatomical wood properties of both species for hybrid development. Eucalyptus globulus trees had a basic wood density average of 478 kg/m3, while E. nitens had a density of 490 kg/m3. Both micro-drilling tools showed significant correlation coefficients with basic wood density. Correlation coefficients between basic wood density and Pilodyn values were negative, being -0.53 (p = 0.01) and -0.68 (p < 0.001) for E. globulus and E. nitens, respectively. For both species a positive correlation was observed between basic density and Resistograph mean amplitude; the correlation coefficient was 0.84 (p < 0.001) for E. globulus, and 0.85 (p < 0.001) for E. nitens. Eucalyptus nitens trees had a higher density and amplitude average and smaller Pilodyn values than E. globulus trees, while the latter had higher coarseness, fibre length and diameter at breast height than E. nitens trees. However, E. nitens showed larger differences between features of earlywood and latewood in a growth ring than E. globulus trees.
Garcinia gamblei (Clusiaceae), a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: SHAMEER PEERUMUHAMMED SUBAIDA , SABU THYAGARAJAN , MOHANAN NARAYANAN NAIR
Published: February 2017

Garcinia gamblei, a new species of Garcinia from Ponmudi Hills, southern Western Ghats of India is described and illustrated. The new species is allied to G. pushpangadaniana another endemic species of southern Western Ghats.
New data on cockroaches of the subfamily Epilamprinae (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae) from India and Sri Lanka, with descriptions of new species and the genital complex of Aptera fusca (Thunberg, 1784)
Authors: ANISYUTKIN LEONID N. , YUSHKOVA OLGA V.
Published: February 2017

New cockroach species from South India (Aptera brindlei sp.nov., Rhabdoblattella alexeevi sp.nov., R. euptera sp.nov., Morphna indica sp.nov.) and Sri Lanka (Placoblatta beybienkoi sp.nov., Morphna srilankensis sp.nov.) are described. The genus Rhabdoblattella Anisyutkin, 2000 is re-diagnosed. A revised key to the genera of Epilamprinae from South India and Sri Lanka and detailed morphological descriptions of new species are provided. The structure of the female genital complex of Aptera fusca (Thunberg, 1784) is described for the first time. Possible biogeographical connections of the cockroach fauna of Indian subcontinent and the phylogenetic significance of the right phallomere are briefly discussed.
Two new species of Melanorivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Cynolebiidae) from Rio Verde drainage, Upper Rio Paraná basin, Brazil
Authors: VOLCAN MATHEUS VIEIRA , KLOTZEL BRUNO , LANÉS LUIS ESTEBAN KRAUSE
Published: February 2017

Two new species of the genus Melanorivulus are herein described from the middle Rio Verde drainage, upper Rio Paraná basin, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Both new species are members of the Melanorivulus pictus clade, diagnosed by having ventral process of angulo-articular vestigial and flanks intense greenish blue or greenish golden to purplish blue above anal fin base in males. Melanorivulus nigropunctatus, new species, from wetlands of a small drainage tributary of right side of the Rio Verde, differs from all other congeners by possessing black dots over the head and body in both sexes and pectoral fin orange with a dark grey margin in males. Melanorivulus ofaie, new species, is found in a similar environment, but at the opposite margin of the Rio Verde. It is distinguished by males presenting flank greenish blue to light blue, with seven to nine oblique chevron-like red bars, ventral portion of head whitish with dark brown spots, dorsal fin yellow with two to three transverse broad red oblique stripes and distal region red, anal fin light orangish yellow, basal area light blue with short red bars and distal portion with a dark red margin, and caudal fin yellow or orangish yellow with three to four vertical red bars in the dorsal and middle portions, sometimes with a orange distal margin. Both new species are considered endangered due to the loss and degradation of their habitat.
Settling the name Diomedea exulans Linnaeus, 1758 for the Wandering Albatross by neotypification
Authors: SCHODDE RICHARD , TENNYSON ALAN J.D. , GROTH JEFF G. , LAI JONAS , SCOFIELD PAUL , STEINHEIMER FRANK D.
Published: February 2017

On-going conflict in use of the name Diomedea exulans Linnaeus, 1758 for different taxa of the great albatrosses (Wandering Albatross complex) is resolved by neotypification, fixing the name to the large subantarctic form formerly often known as D. chionoptera Salvin, 1896. Application of all scientific names in the complex is reviewed, an annotated synonymy for the large subantarctic form is provided, available names for smaller, temperate-zone forms are listed, and unavailable and otherwise invalid names referable to the complex are identified. Syntypes of D. chionoptera and D. spadicea J.F. Gmelin, 1789 are lectotypified as well, fixing their names as synonyms of D. exulans to prevent possible disturbance to in-use names for the smaller, temperate-zone forms.
Note on Analyzing Perturbation Growth in a Tropical Cyclone–Like Vortex Radiating Inertia–Gravity Waves
Authors: Schecter David A. , Menelaou Konstantinos
Published: February 2017

A method is outlined for quantitatively assessing the impact of inertia–gravity wave radiation on the multimechanistic instability modes of a columnar stratified vortex that resembles an intense tropical cyclone. The method begins by decomposing the velocity field into one part that is formally associated with sources inside the vortex and another part that is attributed to radiation. The relative importance of radiation is assessed by comparing the rates at which the two partial velocity fields act to amplify the perturbation of an arbitrary tracer field—such as potential vorticity—inside the vortex. Further insight is gained by decomposing the formal vortex contribution to the amplification rate into subparts that are primarily associated with distinct vortex Rossby waves and critical-layer perturbations.