bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute and chronic effects of sprint interval exercise on postprandial lipemia in women at-risk for the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Freese Eric C. , Gist Nicholas H. , Acitelli Rachelle M. , McConnell Whitni J. , Beck Catherine D. , Hausman Dorothy B. , Murrow Jonathan R. , Cureton Kirk J. , Evans Ellen M.
Published: January 2015

Individuals diagnosed with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) exhibit elevated postprandial lipemia (PPL). The aims of this investigation were to determine 1) if an acute bout of sprint interval training (SIT) attenuates PPL; and 2) if the attenuation of PPL following 6 wk of SIT is magnified compared with a single session of SIT prior to training in women at-risk for MetS ( n = 45; 30–65 yr). Women were randomized to SIT ( n = 22) or a nonexercise control ( n = 23; CON) for 6 wk. Postprandial responses to a high-fat meal challenge (HFMC) were assessed in the CON group before (B-HFMC) and after (Post-HFMC) without prior exercise and in the SIT group at baseline (B-HFMC) without prior exercise, after an acute bout of SIT (four 30-s all-out sprints with 4-min recovery) prior to (Pre-HFMC), and after the 6-wk intervention (Post-HFMC). Responses to the HFMC were assessed by collecting venous blood samples in the fasted state and at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min postprandial. Compared with baseline, an acute bout of SIT before (Pre-HFMC) and after the 6-wk intervention (Post-HFMC) significantly attenuated fasted TG ( P < 0.05; 16.6% and 12.3%, respectively) and postprandial area under the curve (13.1% and 9.7%, respectively; tAUC) TG responses. There was no difference in fasted or tAUC TG responses between Pre-HFMC and Post-HFMC. SIT is an effective mode of exercise to reduce fasted and postprandial TG concentrations in women at-risk for MetS. Six weeks of SIT does not magnify the attenuation of PPL in response to a single session of SIT.
Elevation in blood flow and shear rate prevents hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction in healthy subjects and those with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Greyling Arno , Schreuder Tim H. A. , Landman Thijs , Draijer Richard , Verheggen Rebecca J. H. M. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Thijssen Dick H. J.
Published: January 2015

Hyperglycemia, commonly present after a meal, causes transient impairment in endothelial function. We examined whether increases in blood flow (BF) protect against the hyperglycemia-mediated decrease in endothelial function in healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ten healthy subjects and 10 age- and sex-matched patients with T2DM underwent simultaneous bilateral assessment of brachial artery endothelial function by means of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using high-resolution echo-Doppler. FMD was examined before and 60, 120, and 150 min after a 75-g oral glucose challenge. We unilaterally manipulated BF by heating one arm between minute 30 and minute 60. Oral glucose administration caused a statistically significant, transient increase in blood glucose in both groups ( P < 0.001). Forearm skin temperature, brachial artery BF, and shear rate significantly increased in the heated arm ( P < 0.001), and to a greater extent compared with the nonheated arm in both groups (interaction effect P < 0.001). The glucose load caused a transient decrease in FMD% ( P < 0.05), whereas heating significantly prevented the decline (interaction effect P < 0.01). Also, when correcting for changes in diameter and shear rate, we found that the hyperglycemia-induced decrease in FMD can be prevented by local heating ( P < 0.05). These effects on FMD were observed in both groups. Our data indicate that nonmetabolically driven elevation in BF and shear rate can similarly prevent the hyperglycemia-induced decline in conduit artery endothelial function in healthy volunteers and in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additional research is warranted to confirm that other interventions that increase BF and shear rate equally protect the endothelium when challenged by hyperglycemia.
ERAP1 Regulates Natural Killer Cell Function by Controlling the Engagement of Inhibitory Receptors
Authors: Cifaldi Loredana , Romania Paolo , Falco Michela , Lorenzi Silvia , Meazza Raffaella , Petrini Stefania , Andreani Marco , Pende Daniela , Locatelli Franco , Fruci Doriana
Published: January 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase ERAP1 regulates innate and adaptive immune responses by trimming peptides for presentation by MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules. Herein, we demonstrate that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1 on human tumor cell lines perturbs their ability to engage several classes of inhibitory receptors by their specific ligands, including killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR) by classical MHC-I–peptide (pMHC-I) complexes and the lectin-like receptor CD94-NKG2A by nonclassical pMHC-I complexes, in each case leading to natural killer (NK) cell killing. The protective effect of pMHC-I complexes could be restored in ERAP1-deficient settings by the addition of known high-affinity peptides, suggesting that ERAP1 was needed to positively modify the affinity of natural ligands. Notably, ERAP1 inhibition enhanced the ability of NK cells to kill freshly established human lymphoblastoid cell lines from autologous or allogeneic sources, thereby promoting NK cytotoxic activity against target cells that would not be expected because of KIR–KIR ligand matching. Overall, our results identify ERAP1 as a modifier to leverage immune functions that may improve the efficacy of NK cell–based approaches for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 75(5); 824–34. ©2015 AACR.
Toward a Science of Tumor Forecasting for Clinical Oncology
Authors: Yankeelov Thomas E. , Quaranta Vito , Evans Katherine J. , Rericha Erin C.
Published: January 2015

We propose that the quantitative cancer biology community makes a concerted effort to apply lessons from weather forecasting to develop an analogous methodology for predicting and evaluating tumor growth and treatment response. Currently, the time course of tumor response is not predicted; instead, response is only assessed post hoc by physical examination or imaging methods. This fundamental practice within clinical oncology limits optimization of a treatment regimen for an individual patient, as well as to determine in real time whether the choice was in fact appropriate. This is especially frustrating at a time when a panoply of molecularly targeted therapies is available, and precision genetic or proteomic analyses of tumors are an established reality. By learning from the methods of weather and climate modeling, we submit that the forecasting power of biophysical and biomathematical modeling can be harnessed to hasten the arrival of a field of predictive oncology. With a successful methodology toward tumor forecasting, it should be possible to integrate large tumor-specific datasets of varied types and effectively defeat one cancer patient at a time. Cancer Res; 75(6); 918–23. ©2015 AACR.
A Central Role for Heme Iron in Colon Carcinogenesis Associated with Red Meat Intake
Authors: Bastide Nadia M. , Chenni Fatima , Audebert Marc , Santarelli Raphaelle L. , Taché Sylviane , Naud Nathalie , Baradat Maryse , Jouanin Isabelle , Surya Reggie , Hobbs Ditte A. , Kuhnle Gunter G. , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Gueraud Françoise , Corpet Denis E. , Pierre Fabrice H.F.
Published: January 2015

Epidemiology shows that red and processed meat intake is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Heme iron, heterocyclic amines, and endogenous N-nitroso compounds (NOC) are proposed to explain this effect, but their relative contribution is unknown. Our study aimed at determining, at nutritional doses, which is the main factor involved and proposing a mechanism of cancer promotion by red meat. The relative part of heme iron (1% in diet), heterocyclic amines (PhIP + MeIQx, 50 + 25 μg/kg in diet), and NOC (induced by NaNO2 + NaNO3; 0.17 + 0.23 g/L of drinking water) was determined by a factorial design and preneoplastic endpoints in chemically induced rats and validated on tumors in Min mice. The molecular mechanisms (genotoxicity, cytotoxicity) were analyzed in vitro in normal and Apc-deficient cell lines and confirmed on colon mucosa. Heme iron increased the number of preneoplastic lesions, but dietary heterocyclic amines and NOC had no effect on carcinogenesis in rats. Dietary hemoglobin increased tumor load in Min mice (control diet: 67 ± 39 mm2; 2.5% hemoglobin diet: 114 ± 47 mm2, P = 0.004). In vitro, fecal water from rats given hemoglobin was rich in aldehydes and was cytotoxic to normal cells, but not to premalignant cells. The aldehydes 4-hydroxynonenal and 4-hydroxyhexenal were more toxic to normal versus mutated cells and were only genotoxic to normal cells. Genotoxicity was also observed in colon mucosa of mice given hemoglobin. These results highlight the role of heme iron in the promotion of colon cancer by red meat and suggest that heme iron could initiate carcinogenesis through lipid peroxidation. Cancer Res; 75(5); 870–9. ©2015 AACR.
CD47 EnhancesIn VivoFunctionality of Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cells
Authors: Bruns Heiko , Bessell Catherine , Varela Juan Carlos , Haupt Carl , Fang Jerry , Pasemann Shirin , Mackensen Andreas , Oelke Mathias , Schneck Jonathan P. , Schütz Christian
Published: January 2015

Purpose: Artificial antigen-presenting cells, aAPC, have successfully been used to stimulate antigen-specific T-cell responses in vitro as well as in vivo. Although aAPC compare favorably with autologous dendritic cells in vitro, their effect in vivo might be diminished through rapid clearance by macrophages. Therefore, to prevent uptake and minimize clearance of aAPC by macrophages, thereby increasing in vivo functionality, we investigated the efficiency of “don't eat me” three-signal aAPC compared with classical two-signal aAPC.

Experimental Design: To generate “don't eat me” aAPC, CD47 was additionally immobilized onto classical aAPC (aAPCCD47+). aAPC and aAPCCD47+ were analyzed in in vitro human primary T-cell and macrophage cocultures. In vivo efficiency was compared in a NOD/SCID T-cell proliferation and a B16-SIY melanoma model.

Results: This study demonstrates that aAPCCD47+ in coculture with human macrophages show a CD47 concentration–dependent inhibition of phagocytosis, whereas their ability to generate and expand antigen-specific T cells was not affected. Furthermore, aAPCCD47+-generated T cells displayed equivalent killing abilities and polyfunctionality when compared with aAPC-generated T cells. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrated an enhanced stimulatory capacity and tumor inhibition of aAPCCD47+ over normal aAPC in conjunction with diverging biodistribution in different organs.

Conclusions: Our data for the first time show that aAPC functionalized with CD47 maintain their stimulatory capacity in vitro and demonstrate enhanced in vivo efficiency. Thus, these next-generation aAPCCD47+ have a unique potential to enhance the application of the aAPC technology for future immunotherapy approaches. Clin Cancer Res; 21(9); 2075–83. ©2015 AACR.
Urinary ADAM12 and MMP-9/NGAL Complex Detect the Presence of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shimura Takaya , Dagher Adelle , Sachdev Monisha , Ebi Masahide , Yamada Tamaki , Yamada Tomonori , Joh Takashi , Moses Marsha A.
Published: January 2015

Although the early diagnosis of gastric cancer provides the opportunity for curative endoscopic resection, comprehensive screening endoscopy would be invasive and expensive. To date, there is a complete absence of clinically useful gastric cancer biomarkers. With the goal of discovering noninvasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer, we have conducted a case–control study using urine samples from individuals with gastric cancer versus healthy control samples. Of the enrolled 106 patients from September, 2012 to April, 2013, a cohort of 70 patients composed of 35 patients with gastric cancer and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls was analyzed. The gastric cancer group was composed of stage IA of 62.9% (22/35). The urinary levels of MMP-9/NGAL complex (uMMP-9/NGAL) and ADAM12 (uADAM12) were significantly higher in the gastric cancer group compared with the healthy control group as determined by monospecific ELISAs (uMMP-9/NGAL: median, 85 pg/mL vs. 0 pg/mL; P = 0.020; uADAM12: median, 3.35 ng/mL vs. 1.44 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that both uMMP-9/NGAL and uADAM12 were significant, independent diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer. Moreover, MMP-9/NGAL activity was significantly elevated as determined by gelatin zymography. The combination of uMMP-9/NGAL with uADAM12 distinguished between control samples and gastric cancer samples with an AUC of 0.825 (P < 0.001) in an ROC analysis. Significantly, immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated a high coexpression of MMP-9 and NGAL (P < 0.001) and high expression of ADAM12 (P < 0.001) in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (N = 35). In summary, uMMP-9/NGAL and uADAM12 are potential noninvasive biomarkers for gastric cancer, including early-stage disease. Cancer Prev Res; 8(3); 240–8. ©2015 AACR.
Characterization of a Novel Function-Blocking Antibody Targeted Against the Platelet P2Y
1
Receptor
Authors: Karim Zubair A. , Vemana Hari Priya , Alshbool Fatima Z. , Lin Olivia A. , Alshehri Abdullah M. , Javaherizadeh Payam , Paez Espinosa Enma V. , Khasawneh Fadi T.
Published: January 2015

Objective—

Platelet hyperactivity is associated with vascular disease and contributes to the genesis of thrombotic disorders. ADP plays an important role in platelet activation and activates platelets through 2 G-protein–coupled receptors, the Gq-coupled P2Y
1
receptor (P2Y
1
R), and the Gi-coupled P2Y
12
receptor. Although the involvement of the P2Y
1
R in thrombogenesis is well established, there are no antagonists that are currently available for clinical use.

Approach and Results—

Our goal is to determine whether a novel antibody targeting the ligand-binding domain, ie, second extracellular loop (EL2) of the P2Y
1
R (EL2Ab) could inhibit platelet function and protect against thrombogenesis. Our results revealed that the EL2Ab does indeed inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, EL2Ab was found to inhibit integrin GPIIb-IIIa activation, dense and α granule secretion, and phosphatidylserine exposure. These inhibitory effects translated into protection against thrombus formation, as evident by a prolonged time for occlusion in a FeCl
3
-induced thrombosis model, but this was accompanied by a prolonged tail bleeding time. We also observed a dose-dependent displacement of the radiolabeled P2Y
1
R antagonist [
3
H]MRS2500 from its ligand-binding site by EL2Ab.

Conclusions—

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that EL2Ab binds to and exhibits P2Y
1
R-dependent function-blocking activity in the context of platelets. These results add further evidence for a role of the P2Y
1
R in thrombosis and validate the concept that targeting it is a relevant alternative or complement to current antiplatelet strategies.
Circulating Total Bilirubin and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the General Population
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Gansevoort Ronald T. , Chowdhury Rajiv , Dullaart Robin P.F.
Published: January 2015

Objective—

To assess the association of circulating total bilirubin and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a new prospective study and to determine whether adding information on total bilirubin values to established cardiovascular risk factors is associated with improvement in prediction of CVD risk.

Approach and Results—

Circulating total bilirubin levels were measured at baseline in the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease) prospective study of 7222 participants and 773 incident CVD events. Total bilirubin was log-linearly associated with CVD risk. Age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for CVD per 1-SD increase in log
e
total bilirubin was 0.82 (0.76 to 0.88;
P
<0.001), which was minimally attenuated to 0.89 (0.82 to 0.96;
P
=0.003) after further adjustment for established risk factors. In a meta-analysis of 12 population-based prospective studies involving 9378 incident CVD cases, the pooled multivariate-adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) for CVD was 0.93 (0.90 to 0.97;
P
<0.001) per 1-SD increase in total bilirubin levels. The corresponding pooled risks for coronary heart disease and stroke were 0.95 (0.92 to 0.99;
P
=0.018) and 0.93 (0.88 to 0.98;
P
=0.006), respectively. Addition of information on total bilirubin to a CVD risk prediction model containing established risk factors was associated with a C-index change of 0.0013 (−0.0004 to 0.0029;
P
=0.13).

Conclusions—

There is a log-linear inverse association between circulating total bilirubin level and CVD risk, which is independent of established risk factors. Nonetheless, inclusion of total bilirubin in the standard established risk factors panel provides no significant improvement in CVD risk prediction.
Repeat Left Atrial Catheter Ablation
Authors: Harrison James L. , Sohns Christian , Linton Nick W. , Karim Rashed , Williams Steven E. , Rhode Kawal S. , Gill Jaswinder , Cooklin Michael , Rinaldi C. Aldo , Wright Matthew , Schaeffter Tobias , Razavi Reza S. , O’Neill Mark D.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Studies have reported an inverse relationship between late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) signal intensity and left atrial (LA) endocardial voltage after LA ablation. However, there is controversy regarding the reproducibility of atrial LGE CMR and its ability to identify gaps in ablation lesions. Using systematic and objective techniques, this study examines the correlation between atrial CMR and endocardial voltage.

Methods and Results—

Twenty patients who had previous ablation for atrial fibrillation and represented with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or atrial tachycardia underwent preablation LGE CMR. During the ablation procedure, high-density point-by-point Carto voltage maps were acquired. Three-dimensional CMR reconstructions were registered with the Carto anatomies to allow comparison of voltage and LGE signal intensity. Signal intensities around the left and right pulmonary vein antra and along the LA roof and mitral lines on the CMR-segmented LA shells were extracted to examine differences between electrically isolated and reconnected lesions. There were a total of 6767 data points across the 20 patients. Only 119 (1.8%) of the points were ≤0.05 mV. There was only a weak inverse correlation between either unipolar (
r
=−0.18) or bipolar (
r
=−0.17) voltage and LGE CMR signal intensities with low voltage occurring across a large range of signal intensities. Signal intensities were not statistically different for electrically isolated and reconnected lesions.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that there is only a weak point-by-point relationship between LGE CMR and endocardial voltage in patients undergoing repeat LA ablation. Using an objective method of assessing gaps in ablation lesions, LGE CMR is unable to reliably predict sites of electrical conduction.
Ultrasound-Assisted Versus Conventional Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Engelberger Rolf P. , Spirk David , Willenberg Torsten , Alatri Adriano , Do Dai-Do , Baumgartner Iris , Kucher Nils
Published: January 2015

Background—

For patients with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, it remains unclear whether the addition of intravascular high-frequency, low-power ultrasound energy facilitates the resolution of thrombosis during catheter-directed thrombolysis.

Methods and Results—

In a controlled clinical trial, 48 patients (mean age 50±21 years, 52% women) with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis were randomized to receive ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (N=24) or conventional catheter-directed thrombolysis (N=24). Thrombolysis regimen (20 mg r-tPA over 15 hours) was identical in all patients. The primary efficacy end point was the percentage of thrombus load reduction from baseline to 15 hours according to the length-adjusted thrombus score, obtained from standardized venograms and evaluated by a core laboratory blinded to group assignment. The percentage of thrombus load reduction was 55%±27% in the ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis group and 54%±27% in the conventional catheter-directed thrombolysis group (
P
=0.91). Adjunctive angioplasty and stenting was performed in 19 (80%) patients and in 20 (83%) patients, respectively (
P
>0.99). Treatment-related complications occurred in 3 (12%) and 2 (8%) patients, respectively (
P
>0.99). At 3-month follow-up, primary venous patency was 100% in the ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis group and 96% in the conventional catheter-directed thrombolysis group (
P
=0.33), and there was no difference in the severity of the post-thrombotic syndrome (mean Villalta score: 3.0±3.9 [range 0–15] versus 1.9±1.9 [range 0–7];
P
=0.21), respectively.

Conclusions—

In this randomized controlled clinical trial of patients with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis treated with a fixed-dose catheter thrombolysis regimen, the addition of intravascular ultrasound did not facilitate thrombus resolution.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01482273.
Sleep, Memory & Brain Rhythms
Authors: Watson Brendon O. , Buzsáki György
Published: January 2015

Sleep occupies roughly one-third of our lives, yet the scientific community is still not entirely clear on its purpose or function. Existing data point most strongly to its role in memory and homeostasis: that sleep helps maintain basic brain functioning via a homeostatic mechanism that loosens connections between overworked synapses, and that sleep helps consolidate and re-form important memories. In this review, we will summarize these theories, but also focus on substantial new information regarding the relation of electrical brain rhythms to sleep. In particular, while REM sleep may contribute to the homeostatic weakening of overactive synapses, a prominent and transient oscillatory rhythm called “sharp-wave ripple” seems to allow for consolidation of behaviorally relevant memories across many structures of the brain. We propose that a theory of sleep involving the division of labor between two states of sleep–REM and non-REM, the latter of which has an abundance of ripple electrical activity–might allow for a fusion of the two main sleep theories. This theory then postulates that sleep performs a combination of consolidation and homeostasis that promotes optimal knowledge retention as well as optimal waking brain function.
Feelings: What Are They & How Does the Brain Make Them?
Authors: LeDoux Joseph E.
Published: January 2015

Traditionally, we define “emotions” as feelings and “feelings” as conscious experiences. Conscious experiences are not readily studied in animals. However, animal research is essential to understanding the brain mechanisms underlying psychological function. So how can we make study mechanisms related to emotion in animals? I argue that our approach to this topic has been flawed and propose a way out of the dilemma: to separate processes that control so-called emotional behavior from the processes that give rise to conscious feelings (these are often assumed to be products of the same brain system). I will use research on fear to explain the way that I and many others have studied fear in the laboratory, and then turn to the deep roots of what is typically called fear behavior (but is more appropriately called defensive behavior). I will illustrate how the processes that control defensive behavior do not necessarily result in conscious feelings in people. I conclude that brain mechanisms that detect and respond to threats non-consciously contribute to, but are not the same as, mechanisms that give rise to conscious feelings of fear. This distinction has important implications for fear and anxiety disorders, since symptoms based on non-conscious and conscious processes may be vulnerable to different factors and subject to different forms of treatment.
Consciousness
Authors: Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: January 2015

No one did more to draw neuroscientists' attention to the problem of consciousness in the twentieth century than Francis Crick, who may be better known as the co-discoverer (with James Watson) of the structure of DNA. Crick focused his research on visual awareness and based his analysis on the progress made over the last fifty years in uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception. Because much of what happens in our brains occurs below the level of consciousness and many of our intuitions about unconscious processing are misleading, consciousness remains an elusive problem. In the end, when all of the brain mechanisms that underlie consciousness have been identified, will we still be asking: “What is consciousness?” Or will the question shift, just as the question “What is life?” is no longer the same as it was before Francis Crick?
A Hard Scientific Quest: Understanding Voluntary Movements
Authors: Bizzi Emilio , Ajemian Robert
Published: January 2015

In this article we explore the complexities of what goes on in the brain when one wishes to perform even the simplest everyday movements. In doing so, we describe experiments indicating that the spinal cord interneurons are organized in functional modules and that each module activates a distinct set of muscles. Through these modules the central nervous system has found a simple solution to controlling the large number of muscle fibers active even during the execution of the simplest action. We also explore the many different neural signals that contribute to pattern formations, including afferent information from the limbs and information of motor memories.
Iranians, Armenians, Prince Igor, and the Lightness of Pushkin
Authors: Russell James R.
Published: January 2015

The Animal Style that characterizes Scythian art came into Armenia and Russia, where it is attested in bas-reliefs on churches; and the epic Song of Igor's Campaign, a unique verbal reflection of it, inspired Pushkin and his descendants in their poetic visions.
A Caspian Term for “Mud, Clay, Slime”
Authors: Asatrian Garnik
Published: January 2015

The paper examines a common term for “mud, clay, sludge, slime, mire, etc.” in the Iranian dialects spoken in the south and south-western shores of the Caspian Sea and north-western parts of Iran, widely attested also in the local toponymy.
A systematic monograph of the genus Thysananthus (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Sukkharak Phiangphak
Published: January 2015

A world-wide revision of the liverwort genus Thysananthus (Marchantiophyta: Lejeuneaceae) leads to the recognition of fifteen species in two sections: sect. Thysananthus (eleven species) and sect. Vittatae (four species). The genus is monophyletic with the inclusion of Dendrolejeunea fruticosa and Mastigolejeunea pancheri, and lacks synapomorpies. Morphological characters of Thysananthus are non-exclusive, and include Lejeunea-type branching, epidermal cells mostly as large as medullary cells, leaves convolute when dry, leaf cells elongate, trigones cordate, oil bodies segmented, underleaves often adnate to leaves, innovations lejeuneoid, and female involucres (incl. perianths) usually toothed. The two sections are characterized by the absence versus presence of a vitta. Species are defined by the possession of two or more independent, diagnostic morphological characters and monophyly. Based on phytochemical and molecular evidence T. gottschei, previously considered a synonym of T. convolutus, is resurrected as a distinct species. One variety, T. gottschei var. continuus, is newly described, and the new combinations T. convolutus var. laceratus and T. retusus subsp. sellingii are proposed. A key to the species of the genus Thysananthus is provided and each species is fully described and illustrated, with complete synonymy and detailed data on habitat and distribution. Thysananthus is pantropical in distribution, with four species ranging into warm temperate regions; the centre of diversity of the genus is in Southeast Asia. The species grow as epiphytes in moist lowland and montane forests, and include ecological specialists (shade epiphytes, sun epiphytes) as well as generalists.
A review of the leafhopper tribe Hyalojassini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) with description of new taxa
Authors: DAI WU , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: January 2015

The morphologically diverse leafhopper tribe Hyalojassini is reinstated from synonymy under Iassini based on distinctive features of the male genitalia and a key to the Oriental genera is given. The previously monotypic genera Hyalojassus Evans and Coriojassus Evans are revised and redescribed based on study of the type species. The following new genera and species are described from Thailand and China and placed in Hyalojassini: Kanchanaburiassus maculatus gen. nov. & sp. nov. from Kanchanaburi, Thailand; Lamelliassus chaingmaiensis gen. & sp. nov. from Chaingmai, Thailand; Siamiassus constanti gen. & sp. nov. from Loei, Thailand ; Decliviassus gen nov. with D. bipunctatus sp. nov., D. maculatus sp. nov., and D. nudus sp. nov., from Thailand; Trocniassus gen. nov. with T. shaanxiensis and T. henanensis sp. nov.; Hyalojassus elongatus sp. nov. and H. punctulatus sp. nov. from Thailand and H. yunnanensis sp. nov. from China; Coriojassus loeiensis sp. nov. from Thailand, C. yunnanensis sp. nov. and C. zhejiangensis sp. nov. from Yunnan and Zhejiang, China, respectively, the latter representing the first records of the genus from China. Sinojassus Dai et al. 2010 (nec Zhang 1985) is a junior homonym, thus a new replacement name, Siniassus nom. nov., is proposed, the genus is transferred to Hyalojassini, and the following new combinations are made: Siniassus loberus (Dai, Zhang & Zhang, 2010), Siniassus aspinus (Dai, Zhang & Zhang, 2010), Siniassus compressus (Dai, Zhang & Zhang, 2010) and Siniassus webbi (Dai & Dietrich, 2010). Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations for all new taxa are provided. The following New World genera share the diagnostic morphological features of Hyalojassini and are newly placed in this tribe: Absheta Blocker, Aztrania Blocker, Baldriga Blocker, Bertawolia Blocker, Betawala Blocker, Comanopa Blocker, Daveyoungana Blocker & Webb, Derakandra Blocker, Donleva Blocker, Gargaropsis Fowler, Garlica Blocker, Gehundra Blocker, Goblinaja Kramer, Grunchia Kramer, Jivena Blocker, Julipopa Blocker, Maranata Blocker, Mogenola Blocker, Momoria Blocker, Neotrocnada Krishnankutty & Dietrich, Penestragania Beamer & Lawson, Redaprata Blocker, Stragania Stål, Torenadoga Blocker, and Webaskola Blocker.
New deep-sea free-living marine nematodes from the Sea of Japan: the genera Siphonolaimus and Halichoanolaimus (Nematoda: Chromadorea) with keys to species identifications
Authors: JULIA ZOGRAF , YULIA TREBUKHOVA , OLGA PAVLYUK
Published: January 2015

In deep-sea sediments from the Sea of Japan, two new species, Halichoanolaimus brandtae sp. n. and Siphonolaimus japonicus sp. n., were found and described. Siphonolaimus japonicus sp. n. is characterized by having short anterior sensillae, body length of 3670–4500 μm, buccal cavity with axial spear, and length of the spicules. Halichoanolaimus brandtae sp.n is characterized by the number of amphideal rings, long spicules, five precloacal supplements and by having a long cylindrical part of the tail. Keys to species level are provided.
A new species of Sphaerodoridium Lützen, 1961 from Iceland (Polychaeta: Sphaerodoridae)
Authors: MOREIRA JUAN , PARAPAR JULIO
Published: January 2015

A new species of Sphaerodoridium Lützen, 1961 (Polychaeta: Sphaerodoridae) collected off Iceland during the BIOICE programme is described. Sphaerodoridium guerritai sp. nov. is mostly present in waters around the northern half of Iceland, and seems to be common in soft bottoms at depths of 49–1253 m. It is mainly characterized by having macrotubercles which are provided with a long stalk which bears 1–3 small papillae; this seems an unique feature in Sphaerodoridium and the closely related genus Clavodorum Hartman and Fauchald, 1971. Furthermore, the new species is also characterized by having one transversal row of 11–12 dorsal macrotubercles per chaetiger in midbody; 10–16 spherical papillae in front of each row of macrotubercles, somewhat arranged in a dorsal zig-zag; 10–18 ventral papillae per chaetiger arranged following a non-random pattern: two transversal rows on parapodial areas and one on interparapodial area, of usually 4, 6 and 5 papillae respectively. Short paired tubular structures with distal opening were found on the ventrum of most chaetigers and are interpreted as nephridial papillae and nephridiopores, respectively. Females show special ventral structures between chaetigers 9–10 which may represent genital openings as suggested for other sphaerodorids; males do not show any apparent copulatory structures. A comprehensive table comparing some diagnostic features regarding macrotubercles and body papillae of all known species of Sphaerodoridium and Clavodorum is provided.
Dario huli, a new species of badid from Karnataka, southern India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae)
Authors: BRITZ RALF , ALI ANVAR
Published: January 2015

Dario huli, new species, is described from a small tributary stream of the Tunga River in southern Karnataka, India. It can be distinguished from all its congeners except D. urops by the presence of a conspicuous black caudal-fin blotch and by anterior dorsal-fin lappets in males not being produced beyond fin spines. It is readily distinguished from Dario urops by the absence of the horizontal suborbital stripe (vs. presence), the presence of a series of up to eight black bars on the body (vs. 2–3 black bars restricted to caudal peduncle), 25 scales in a lateral row (vs. 28), 3–5 tubed lateral-line scales (vs. tubed lateral-line scales completely absent), 13+13=26 vertebrae (vs. 14+14–15=28-29), and the presence of teeth on hypobranchial 3 (vs. absence of teeth).
Formulation of the Sea Surface Friction Velocity in Terms of the Mean Wind and Bulk Stability
Authors: Vickers Dean , Mahrt Larry , Andreas Edgar L
Published: January 2015

Over 5000 aircraft eddy-covariance measurements from four different aircraft in nine different experiments are used to develop a simple model for the friction velocity over the sea. Unlike the widely used Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (COARE) bulk flux scheme, the simple model (i) does not use Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) and therefore does not require an estimate of the Obukhov length, (ii) does not require a correction to the wind speed for height or stability, (iii) does not require an estimate of the aerodynamic roughness length, and (iv) does not require iteration. In comparing the model estimates developed in this work and those of the COARE algorithm, comparable fitting metrics for the two modeling schemes are found. That is, using Monin–Obukhov similarity theory and the Charnock relationship did not significantly improve the predictions. It is not clear how general the simple model proposed here is, but the same model with the same coefficients based on the combined dataset does a reasonable job of describing the datasets both individually and collectively. In addition, the simple model was generally able to predict the observed friction velocities for three independent datasets that were not used in tuning the model coefficients. Motivation for the simple model comes from the fact that physical interpretation of MOST can be ambiguous because of circular dependencies and self-correlation. Additional motivation comes from the large uncertainty associated with estimating the Obukhov length and, especially, the aerodynamic roughness length.
Readability Assessment of Internet-Based Patient Education Materials Related to Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Patel Chirag R. , Sanghvi Saurin , Cherla Deepa V. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

Patient education is critical in obtaining informed consent and reducing preoperative anxiety. Written patient education material (PEM) can supplement verbal communication to improve understanding and satisfaction. Published guidelines recommend that health information be presented at or below a sixth-grade reading level to facilitate comprehension. We investigate the grade level of online PEMs regarding parathyroid surgery.

Methods:

A popular internet search engine was used to identify PEM discussing parathyroid surgery. Four formulas were used to calculate readability scores: Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook (GFOG), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG).

Results:

Thirty web-based articles discussing parathyroid surgery were identified. The average FRE score was 42.8 (± 1 standard deviation [SD] 16.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36.6-48.8; range, 6.1-71.3). The average FKGL score was 11.7 (± 1 SD 3.3; 95% CI, 10.5-12.9; range, 6.1-19.0). The SMOG scores averaged 14.2 (± 1 SD 2.6; 95% CI, 13.2-15.2; range, 10.7-21.9), and the GFOG scores averaged 15.0 (± 1 SD 3.5; 95% CI, 13.7-16.3; range, 10.6-24.8).

Conclusion:

Online PEM on parathyroid surgery is written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Improving readability of PEM may promote better health education and compliance.
Characterisation of woven flax fibres reinforcements: Effect of the shear on the in-plane permeability
Authors: Liotier Pierre-Jacques , Govignon Quentin , Swery Elinor , Drapier Sylvain , Bickerton Simon
Published: January 2015

This paper describes a method to characterise the influence of in-plane shear on the permeability of fibrous preforms used in liquid composite moulding processes. An optical method for measuring the local shear variation of the woven textile is presented and used in conjunction with an in-plane permeability measurement system. Two flax fibre fabrics were tested and compared with a woven glass fibre fabric of similar architecture. The system presented here can be used either as a validation tool for permeability prediction models or to compile semi-empirical permeability models for the use in liquid composite moulding process simulation tools.
Self-Containment
Authors: Adam Antonis , Sekeris Petros G.
Published: January 2015

In anarchic settings, potential rivals can be dragged into arms races degenerating in open wars out of mutual suspicion. We propose a novel commitment device for contestants to avoid both arming and fighting. We assume that the military decides the armament levels of a country, while the civilian decides whether to attack a rival country. When these decision-making bodies perfectly communicate, the decision makers are unable to credibly communicate to their foe their willingness not to arm and not to attack, thus implying that war ensues. With imperfect information, however, peace may ensue as countries credibly signal to their rival a more peaceful stance since contestants are more reluctant to enter in an armed confrontation with a potentially understaffed army. Using data on the 1975 to 2001 period, we provide supportive evidence that in countries where the head of the state or the defense minister are military officers, and are therefore better informed of their armies’ fighting preparedness, the likelihood of observing an international conflict is higher.
The Discreet Charm of Neoliberalism
Authors: Beltrán Gastón J.
Published: January 2015

The market reforms implemented in Argentina in the early 1990s by President Carlos Saúl Menem, including privatization, market liberalization, and convertibility, were welcomed by business at the time, but it soon became apparent that they limited businessmen’s economic and political power. Strikingly, despite these unexpected effects most sectors of the business community strongly supported the economic model for almost a decade. The apparent paradox of their continuing to support a model that was causing them a great deal of harm becomes less so when it is understood that their action was a result not of a rational assessment of costs and benefits but of complex processes taking place in organizational and political contexts. Their behavior is explainable in terms of the fragmentation of the business field, business’s interpretative framework, and changes in the system of interest representation.

Las reformas de mercado implementado a principios de la década de 1990 por el presidente Carlos Saúl Menem, incluso la privatización, la liberalización del mercado, y la convertibilidad, fueron bienvenidos por el empresadiado en el momento, pero pronto se hizo evidente que limitan el poder económico y político de los empresarios. Sorprendemente, a pesar de estos efectos inesperados, la mayoría de los sectores de la comunidad empresarial apoyaron firmamente el modelo económico durante casi una década. La aparente paradoja de que continuaron apoyando un modelo que les estaba causando mucho daño se reduce cuando se entiende que su acción fue el resultado no de una evaluación racional de costos y beneficios, sino de complejos procesos que ocurrieron en los contextos organizativos y políticos. Su comportamiento se puede explicar en términos de la fragmentación del campo de los negocios, el marco interpretativo de las empresas, y los cambios en el sistema de representación de intereses.
The Concept of the Visible between Art and Politics
Authors: Schuster Graciela
Published: January 2015

In the context of the Argentine crisis of December 2001, artist collectives of various kinds went out into the streets to reestablish their bonds with society, protesting and proposing alternatives. Their works and actions linked art and politics, and the visible was a salient aspect of those artistic processes. In the artistic actions performed at the Brukman factory, an abandoned enterprise recovered by its workers, Realism was the axis of the connection between art and politics, and the production and circulation of the artworks linked the public, the particular, and the intimate.

En el contexto de la crisis argentina de diciembre de 2001, colectivos de artistas de diversos tipos salieron a las calles para restablecer sus vínculos con la sociedad, protestando y proponiendo alternativas. Sus obras y acciones unieron el arte y la política, y lo visible era un aspecto sobresaliente de los procesos artísticos. En las acciones artísticas realizadas en la fábrica Brukman, una empresa abandonada recuperada por sus trabajadores, el realismo era el eje de la conexión entre el arte y la política, y la producción y circulación de las obras de arte vincularon el público, lo particular y lo íntimo.
Sarcopenia and Critical Illness
Authors: Hanna Joseph S.
Published: January 2015

Sarcopenia is the age‐associated loss of lean skeletal muscle mass. It is the result of multiple physiologic derangements, ultimately resulting in an insidious functional decline. Frailty, the clinical manifestation of sarcopenia and physical infirmity, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. The underlying pathology results in a disruption of the individual's ability to tolerate internal and external stressors such as injury or illness. This infirmity results in a markedly increased risk of falls and subsequent morbidity and mortality from the resulting traumatic injury, as well as an inability to recover from medical insults, resulting in critical illness. The increasing prevalence of sarcopenia and critical illness in the elderly has resulted in a deadly intersection of disease processes. The lethality of this combination appears to be the result of altered muscle metabolism, decreased mitochondrial energetics needed to survive critical illness, and a chronically activated catabolic state likely mediated by tumor necrosis factor–α. Furthermore, these underlying derangements are independently associated with an increased incidence of critical illness, resulting in a progressive downward spiral. Considerable evidence has been gathered supporting the role of aggressive nutrition support and physical therapy in improving outcomes. Critical care practitioners must consider sarcopenia and the resulting frailty phenotype a comorbid condition so that the targeted interventions can be instituted and research efforts focused.
The Motivational Effects of Diminished Self-Esteem for Employees Who Experience Abusive Supervision
Authors: Vogel Ryan M. , Mitchell Marie S.
Published: January 2015

This research considers two theoretical perspectives on employees’ motivation associated with diminished self-esteem from abusive supervision. The self-defense view of diminished self-esteem suggests that abusive supervision motivates destructive behavior in an attempt to reassert personal control and protect victims’ self-image. The self-presentational view of diminished self-esteem suggests abusive supervision motivates behavior that attempts to signal fit with and value to the workgroup and organization. On the basis of these two theoretical perspectives, we examine how employees’ diminished self-esteem from abusive supervision can motivate destructive work behavior (i.e., supervisor-directed deviance, organizational deviance) and self-presentational behavior (i.e., putting on a façade, ingratiation). Additionally, employees’ turnover intentions, which are an indicator of employees’ psychological detachment from the organization, are considered a moderator of the effects of abusive supervision on diminished self-esteem and associated behavior such that high turnover intentions attenuate the effects. Results of two field studies and a daily diary study support the hypothesized model and show that abusive supervision indirectly influences employees’ workplace deviance and self-presentational behavior via diminished self-esteem. As predicted, the effects are stronger for employees with lower versus higher turnover intentions.
A Novel Way to Represent and Reframe the Interests of Workers
Authors: Nissen Bruce , Smith Rick
Published: January 2015

This article relates the three-year history of the People’s Budget Review, a highly unusual coalition of progressive forces in St. Petersburg, Florida, spearheaded by the Florida Public Services Union (FPSU). The People’s Budget Review has completely reoriented the public terms of discussion around city budgetary and social priorities and has won impressive victories. The issues faced by the FPSU as it transitioned from a more “normal” union to one focused centrally on “public goods” rather than simply collective bargaining gains for its own members are examined. The authors draw out the lessons that might be drawn for other unions out of this effort.
Spousal Communication During Military Deployments
Authors: Carter Sarah P. , Renshaw Keith D.
Published: January 2015

Military deployments are stressful for service members and partners. Communication is an important factor in trying to maintain a relationship during these separations. This article presents a brief overview of communication in long-distance relationships for context, then reviews articles on communication during military deployments. This review reveals that emerging technology has resulted in an increase in the ability to communicate during deployment, although some studies suggest that access to such technology may vary. The few empirical studies that examine new communication technologies have found that different media (e.g., video calling vs. letters) may serve different functions in communication during deployment (e.g., facilitating problem discussion vs. providing tangible reminders of the partner). Military specific concerns, such as restrictions on communication and the potential for communication to distract service members from their mission, also appear to be important factors. The article concludes with clinical and research recommendations.