bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic Threats and Conservation Needs of Blue Whales,Balaenoptera musculus indica, around Sri Lanka
Authors: de Vos A. , Brownell R. L. , Tershy B. , Croll D.
Published: July 2016

Blue whales in the Northern Indian Ocean are a morphologically and acoustically distinct population restricted to these waters. Off Sri Lanka a portion of the population concentrates near shore where they are exposed to a range of anthropogenic threats. We review available data to determine anthropogenic threats/stressors faced by this population and assign subjective rankings for the population-level severity of each threat/stressor based on severity, scope, and immediacy. With the cessation of direct illegal catches on this population in the late 1960s, we ranked ship strike as the most important population-level threat. Incidental catch, which includes entanglement and bycatch, is also important as it can result in death. Other less important stressors that may negatively impact this population include threats resulting from oil and gas development and pollution. However, some stressors can have a long-term cumulative impact that is difficult to assess. The most important research needed for the conservation of these whales is to obtain an estimate of the size of the population using photo-identification methods.
An Ultrasound Simulation Model for the Pulsatile Blood Flow Modulated by the Motion of Stenosed Vessel Wall
Authors: Zhang Qinghui , Zhang Yufeng , Zhou Yi , Zhang Kun , Zhang Kexin , Gao Lian
Published: July 2016

This paper presents an ultrasound simulation model for pulsatile blood flow, modulated by the motion of a stenosed vessel wall. It aims at generating more realistic ultrasonic signals to provide an environment for evaluating ultrasound signal processing and imaging and a framework for investigating the behaviors of blood flow field modulated by wall motion. This model takes into account fluid-structure interaction, blood pulsatility, stenosis of the vessel, and arterial wall movement caused by surrounding tissue’s motion. The axial and radial velocity distributions of blood and the displacement of vessel wall are calculated by solving coupled Navier-Stokes and wall equations. With these obtained values, we made several different phantoms by treating blood and the vessel wall as a group of point scatterers. Then, ultrasound echoed signals from oscillating wall and blood in the axisymmetric stenotic-carotid arteries were computed by ultrasound simulation software, Field II. The results show better consistency with corresponding theoretical values and clinical data and reflect the influence of wall movement on the flow field. It can serve as an effective tool not only for investigating the behavior of blood flow field modulated by wall motion but also for quantitative or qualitative evaluation of new ultrasound imaging technology and estimation method of blood velocity.
Primary Pulmonary Amebiasis Complicated with Multicystic Empyema
Authors: Zakaria Ali , Al-Share Bayan , Al Asad Khaled
Published: July 2016

Amebiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoanEntamoeba histolytica. While most infections are asymptomatic, the disease could manifest clinically as amebic dysentery and/or extraintestinal invasion in the form of amebic liver abscess or other more rare manifestations such as pulmonary, cardiac, or brain involvement. Herein we are reporting a case of a 24-year-old male with history of Down syndrome who presented with severe right side pneumonia complicated with multicystic empyema resistant to regular medical therapy. Further investigation revealed a positive pleural fluid forE. histolyticacysts and trophozoites. The patient was diagnosed with primary pleuropulmonary amebiasis and he responded promptly to surgical drainage and metronidazole therapy. In patients from endemic areas all physicians should keep a high index of suspicion of amebiasis as a cause of pulmonary disease.
Poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) Reinforced with Hollow Glass Microspheres: Evaluation of Extrusion Parameters and Their Effects on the Composite Properties
Authors: Cunha Marina Panozzo , Gonella Laura Berasain , Poletto Matheus , Grisa Ana Maria Colon , Brandalise Rosmary Nichele
Published: July 2016

Hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) filled poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) (ABS) composites were prepared by means of a twin-screw extruder. S038 HGMs were incorporated at different percentages of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 wt%. The HGMs were added into the twin-screw extruder at two different feeding zones, and the effect of HGMs loading and specific feeding zone addition on the composites produced was evaluated with regard to morphological, thermal, rheological, physical, and mechanical properties. As a result, the composite density was reduced while the thermal stability, storage modulus, complex viscosity, and tensile and flexural modulus were improved when compared with the ABS matrix. The results also indicate that the addition of 5.0 wt% of HGMs at the feeding zone closer to the die maintains the integrity of the HGMs and promotes composites with higher mechanical properties and lower density when compared with the composites obtained with the addition of HGMs closer to the hopper.
Rapid Growth of Lung Nodules due to Combined Pulmonary Vasculitis, Silicoanthracosis, and Chondrocalcinosis
Authors: Jungraithmayr Wolfgang , Tzafos Stefanos , Distler Oliver , Kolios Antonios G. A. , Weder Walter , Franzen Daniel
Published: July 2016

Background.Silicoanthracosis is a pneumoconiosis due to occupational inhalation of silica and carbon dusts. Clinically, it can be associated with vasculitis or rheumatoid arthritis. In association with these diseases, silicoanthracosis can present within the lung with multiple pulmonary nodules which, as a differential diagnosis, can mimic metastatic disease or multiple abscesses.Case Presentation.We present the case of a 62-year old former pit worker with pulmonary nodules, chondrocalcinosis due to calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD), and a history of renal cancer. Within a short period of time, pulmonary nodules grew rapidly. Thoracoscopically, the resected lung specimen revealed silicoanthracosis associated with small-to-medium-size vasculitis in the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmatic autoantibodies (c-ANCA).Conclusion.Pulmonary silicoanthracotic lesions on the base of ANCA-associated vasculitis and CPPD arthritis can rapidly grow. A mutual correlation between silicoanthracosis, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and CPPD seems possible. Apart from this, consideration of metastatic disease should be obligatory in patients with a history of cancer at the same time being immunosuppressed.
Bioactivity of Polyphenols: Preventive and Adjuvant Strategies toward Reducing Inflammatory Bowel Diseases—Promises, Perspectives, and Pitfalls
Authors: Kaulmann Anouk , Bohn Torsten
Published: July 2016

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by autoimmune and inflammation‐related complications of the large intestine (ulcerative colitis) and additional parts of the digestive tract (Crohn’s disease). Complications include pain, diarrhoea, chronic inflammation, and cancer. IBD prevalence has increased during the past decades, especially in Westernized countries, being as high as 1%. As prognosis is poor and medication often ineffective or causing side effects, additional preventive/adjuvant strategies are sought. A possible approach is via diets rich in protective constituents. Polyphenols, the most abundant phytochemicals, have been associated with anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and apoptotic properties. Locally reducing oxidative stress, they can further act on cellular targets, altering gene expression related to inflammation, including NF‐κB, Nrf‐2, Jak/STAT, and MAPKs, suppressing downstream cytokine formation (e.g., IL‐8, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α), and boosting the bodies’ own antioxidant status (HO‐1, SOD, and GPx). Moreover, they may promote, as prebiotics, healthy microbiota (e.g., Bifidobacteria, Akkermansia), short‐chain fatty acid formation, and reduced gut permeability/improved tight junction stability. However, potential adverse effects such as acting as prooxidants, or perturbations of efflux transporters and phase I/II metabolizing enzymes, with increased uptake of undesired xenobiotics, should also be considered. In this review, we summarize current knowledge around preventive and arbitrary actions of polyphenols targeting IBD.
Comparison of Three Chemotherapy Regimens in Elderly Patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: Experience at a Single National Reference Center in Mexico
Authors: Nolasco-Medina Diana , Reynoso-Noveron Nancy , Mohar-Betancourt Alejandro , Aviles-Salas Alejandro , García-Perez Osvaldo , Candelaria Myrna
Published: July 2016

Background.Although chemotherapy added to rituximab is a standard of care for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), treatment of patients ≥65 years of age remains controversial due to comorbidities.Methods. This is a retrospective, comparative, nonrandomized study of patients ≥65 years of age, who were diagnosed with DLBCL but not previously treated. Demographic characteristics and comorbidities were analyzed. Three rituximab-containing treatment regimens (standard RCHOP, anthracycline dose-reduced RChOP, and RCOP) were compared. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were compared with the log-rank test.Results. In total, 141 patients with a median age of 73.9 years were studied. The three treatment groups had comparable demographic characteristics. The overall response was 77%, 72.5%, and 59% in groups treated with RCHOP, RChOP, and RCOP, respectively. After multivariate analysis, the factors influencing the overall survival were the presence of B symptoms, poor performance status (ECOG ≥ 3), and febrile neutropenia. Factors influencing disease-free survival were febrile neutropenia, high-intermediate and high-risk IPI scores, and treatment without anthracycline.Conclusion. A higher ORR (overall response rate) was achieved with standard RCHOP, which influenced DFS and OS, although it was not statistically significant compared with the other groups. Interventional phase 3 trials testing new molecules in patients aged 70 to 80 years and older are required to improve the prognosis within this growing population.
Simultaneous Inhibition of PGE2and PGI2Signals Is Necessary to Suppress Hyperalgesia in Rat Inflammatory Pain Models
Authors: Sugita Ryusuke , Kuwabara Harumi , Kubota Kazufumi , Sugimoto Kotaro , Kiho Toshihiro , Tengeiji Atsushi , Kawakami Katsuhiro , Shimada Kohei
Published: July 2016

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) is well known as a mediator of inflammatory symptoms such as fever, arthritis, and inflammatory pain. In the present study, we evaluated the analgesic effect of our selective PGE2synthesis inhibitor, compound I, 2-methyl-2-[cis-4-([1-(6-methyl-3-phenylquinolin-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl]carbonyl amino)cyclohexyl] propanoic acid, in rat yeast-induced acute and adjuvant-induced chronic inflammatory pain models. Although this compound suppressed the synthesis of PGE2selectively, no analgesic effect was shown in both inflammatory pain models. Prostacyclin (PGI2) also plays crucial roles in inflammatory pain, so we evaluated the involvement of PGI2signaling in rat inflammatory pain models using prostacyclin receptor (IP) antagonist, RO3244019. RO3244019 showed no analgesic effect in inflammatory pain models, but concomitant administration of compound I and RO3244019 showed analgesic effects comparable to celecoxib, a specific cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 inhibitor. Furthermore, coadministration of PGE2receptor 4 (EP4) antagonist, CJ-023423, and RO3244019 also showed an analgesic effect. These findings suggest that both PGE2signaling, especially through the EP4 receptor, and PGI2signaling play critical roles in inflammatory pain and concurrent inhibition of both signals is important for suppression of inflammatory hyperalgesia.
Eculizumab for the Treatment of Severe Antibody-Mediated Rejection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tran Duy , Boucher Anne , Collette Suzon , Payette Alexis , Royal Virginie , Senécal Lynne
Published: July 2016

In renal transplantation, treatment options for antibody-mediated rejection are limited. Here, we report a case of severe AMR treated with eculizumab. A 50-year-old woman known for end stage kidney disease secondary to IgA nephropathy received a kidney transplant from a 50-year-old deceased donor. At 5 months after transplantation, she presented with acute graft dysfunction and biopsy showed a severe antibody-mediated rejection associated with thrombotic microangiopathy. Despite an aggressive conventional immunosuppressive regimen, signs of rejection persisted and the patient was treated with 3 doses of eculizumab. Following the therapy, markers of TMA improved and graft function stabilized. However, ongoing signs of rejection remained in the repeated biopsy. In kidney transplantation, eculizumab is an expensive treatment and its role in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection remains to be determined.
The NSL Chromatin-Modifying Complex Subunit KANSL2 Regulates Cancer Stem–like Properties in Glioblastoma That Contribute to Tumorigenesis
Authors: Ferreyra Solari Nazarena E. , Belforte Fiorella S. , Canedo Lucía , Videla-Richardson Guillermo A. , Espinosa Joaquín M. , Rossi Mario , Serna Eva , Riudavets Miguel A. , Martinetto Horacio , Sevlever Gustavo , Perez-Castro Carolina
Published: July 2016

KANSL2 is an integral subunit of the nonspecific lethal (NSL) chromatin-modifying complex that contributes to epigenetic programs in embryonic stem cells. In this study, we report a role for KANSL2 in regulation of stemness in glioblastoma (GBM), which is characterized by heterogeneous tumor stem–like cells associated with therapy resistance and disease relapse. KANSL2 expression is upregulated in cancer cells, mainly at perivascular regions of tumors. RNAi-mediated silencing of KANSL2 in GBM cells impairs their tumorigenic capacity in mouse xenograft models. In clinical specimens, we found that expression levels of KANSL2 correlate with stemness markers in GBM stem–like cell populations. Mechanistic investigations showed that KANSL2 regulates cell self-renewal, which correlates with effects on expression of the stemness transcription factor POU5F1. RNAi-mediated silencing of POU5F1 reduced KANSL2 levels, linking these two genes to stemness control in GBM cells. Together, our findings indicate that KANSL2 acts to regulate the stem cell population in GBM, defining it as a candidate GBM biomarker for clinical use. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5383–94. ©2016 AACR.
c-Myc Alteration Determines the Therapeutic Response to FGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Ai Jing , Shen Aijun , Chen Yi , Wang Xinyi , Peng Xia , Chen Hui , Shen Yanyan , Huang Min , Ding Jian , Geng Meiyu
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Lately, emerging evidence has suggested that oncogenic kinases are associated with specific downstream effectors to govern tumor growth, suggesting potential translational values in kinase-targeted cancer therapy. Tyrosine kinase FGFR, which is aberrant in various cancer types, is one of the most investigated kinases in molecularly targeted cancer therapy. Herein, we investigated whether there exists key downstream effector(s) that converges FGFR signaling and determines the therapeutic response of FGFR-targeted therapy.

Experimental Design: A range of assays was used to assess the role of c-Myc in FGFR aberrant cancers and its translational relevance in FGFR-targeted therapy, including assessment of drug sensitivity using cell viability assay, signaling transduction profiling using immunoblotting, and in vivo antitumor efficacy using cancer cell line–based xenografts and patient-derived xenografts models.

Results: We discovered that c-Myc functioned as the key downstream effector that preceded FGFR-MEK/ERK signaling in FGFR aberrant cancer. Disruption of c-Myc overrode the cell proliferation driven by constitutively active FGFR. FGFR inhibition in FGFR-addicted cancer facilitated c-Myc degradation via phosphorylating c-Myc at threonine 58. Ectopic expression of undegradable c-Myc mutant conferred resistance to FGFR inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. c-Myc level alteration stringently determined the response to FGFR inhibitors, as demonstrated in FGFR-responsive cancer subset, as well as cancers bearing acquired or de novo resistance to FGFR inhibition.

Conclusions: This study reveals a stringent association between FGFR and the downstream effector c-Myc in FGFR-dependent cancers, and suggests the potential therapeutic value of c-Myc in FGFR-targeted cancer therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 974–84. ©2016 AACR.
Mutation Drivers of Immunological Responses to Cancer
Authors: Porta-Pardo Eduard , Godzik Adam
Published: July 2016

In cancer immunology, somatic missense mutations have been mostly studied with regard to their role in the generation of neoantigens. However, growing evidence suggests that mutations in certain genes, such as CASP8 or TP53, influence the immune response against a tumor by other mechanisms. Identifying these genes and mechanisms is important because, just as the identification of cancer driver genes led to the development of personalized cancer therapies, a comprehensive catalog of such cancer immunity drivers will aid in the development of therapies aimed at restoring antitumor immunity. Here, we present an algorithm, domainXplorer, that can be used to identify potential cancer immunity drivers. To demonstrate its potential, we used it to analyze a dataset of 5,164 tumor samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and to identify protein domains in which mutation status correlates with the presence of immune cells in cancer tissue (immune infiltrate). We identified 122 such protein regions, including several that belong to proteins with known roles in immune response, such as C2, CD163L1, or FCγR2A. In several cases, we show that mutations within the same protein can be associated with more or less immune cell infiltration, depending on the specific domain mutated. These results expand the catalog of potential cancer immunity drivers and highlight the importance of taking into account the structural context of somatic mutations when analyzing their potential association with immune phenotypes. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(9); 789–98. ©2016 AACR.
Molecular Cytogenetic Mapping of Satellite DNA Sequences in Aegilops geniculata and Wheat
Authors: Koo Dal-Hoe , Tiwari Vijay K. , Hřibová Eva , Doležel Jaroslav , Friebe Bernd , Gill Bikram S.
Published: July 2016

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) provides an efficient system for cytogenetic analysis of wild relatives of wheat for individual chromosome identification, elucidation of homoeologous relationships, and for monitoring alien gene transfers into wheat. This study is aimed at developing cytogenetic markers for chromosome identification of wheat and Aegilops geniculata (2n = 4x = 28, UgUgMgMg) using satellite DNAs obtained from flow-sorted chromosome 5Mg. FISH was performed to localize the satellite DNAs on chromosomes of wheat and selected Aegilops species. The FISH signals for satellite DNAs on chromosome 5Mg were generally associated with constitutive heterochromatin regions corresponding to C-band-positive chromatin including telomeric, pericentromeric, centromeric, and interstitial regions of all the 14 chromosome pairs of Ae. geniculata. Most satellite DNAs also generated FISH signals on wheat chromosomes and provided diagnostic chromosome arm-specific cytogenetic markers that significantly improved chromosome identification in wheat. The newly identified satellite DNA CL36 produced localized Mg genome chromosome-specific FISH signals in Ae. geniculata and in the M genome of the putative diploid donor species Ae. comosa subsp. subventricosa but not in Ae. comosa subsp. comosa, suggesting that the Mg genome of Ae. geniculata was probably derived from subsp. subventricosa.
Inframammary Dermatitis: A Case of Localized Late-Onset Darier’s Disease
Authors: Linder Dennis , Marinello Elena , Donisi Pietro Maria , Salmaso Roberto , Zattra Edoardo , Zampetti Anna
Published: July 2016

Darier’s disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant inherited genodermatosis which is often under- or misdiagnosed. In the majority of cases, the disease manifests in adolescents or young adults with small brownish-yellow, warty, hyperkeratotic papules in multiple seborrheic areas of the body. Localized DD (LDD) is a clinical variant, first described by Kreibich in 1906; only a few cases are reported in the literature. We described the case of an aged woman presenting with LDD, and we review the literature on this subject.
Reconfiguration of Distribution Networks with Presence of DGs to improving the Reliability
Authors: Alvani Amir Sabbagh , Mahaei Seyed Mehdi
Published: July 2016

In this paper, the network reconfiguration in the presence of distributed generation units with the aim of improving the reliability of the network is studied. For this purpose four reliability parameters in the objective function are considered, which is average energy not supplied system average interruption frequency index, system average interruption duration index and momentary average interruption frequency index. The new method will be normalized objective function. Another suggestion of this paper are considering the different fault rates, locating time of faults type and prioritization of customers based on their importance. This nonlinear problem has optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.
Control of Power and Voltage of Solar Grid Connected
Authors: Allah Boucetta Abd , Djamel Labed
Published: July 2016

Renewable energy is high on international agendas. Currently, grid-connected photovoltaic systems are a popular technology to convert solar energy into electricity. Control of power injected into the grid, maximum power point, high efficiency, and low total harmonic distortion of the currents injected into the grid are the requirements for inverter connection into the grid. Consequently, the performance of the inverters connected to the grid depends largely on the control strategy applied. In this paper the simulation and design of grid connected three phase photovoltaic system using Matlab/Simulink has examined. The proposed system consists photovoltaic panels, boost and inverter the PV system convert the sun irradiation into direct current, thereafter we have used a boost to track the maximum power point of the PV system, three-phase inverter and LC output filter. A VOC control strategy based on the phase shifting of the inverter output voltage with respect to the grid voltage. The proposed control strategy requires few hardware and computational resources. As a result, the inverter implementation is simple, and it becomes an attractive solution for low power grid connected applications.
Basis Weight Gain Tuning Using Different Types of Conventional Controllers
Authors: Sharma Chandani , Jain Anamika
Published: July 2016

Paper making is a vast, multidisciplinary technology that has expanded tremendously in recent years approaching to reach 20 million tons by 2020. As per demand implementation of necessary tools to optimize papermaking process and to increase the control precision, the precondition for stable operation and quality production is necessary. In the present work, an effort has been made to analyse gain tuning of Basis Weight output relative to the changing values of basis weight valve opening with step and variable input. The effects of the three constants KP, KD and KI for different types of conventional controllers as P, PD and PID controller are examined by adding a disturbance to the control system. The effects of various scaling gains are studied on the output of the system and are tuned to get the optimum output both for the step input as well as the varying input. Simulation results show that P, PD and PID controllers provide automatic tuning to preserve good performance for various operating conditions. An analysis of practical performance indices is presented by comparing results of three different conventional controllers. The system developed can be used to serve as platform for Control engineering techniques used in industries.
Bright Lesion Detection in Color Fundus Images Based on Texture Features
Authors: V Ratna Bhargavi , Senapati Ranjan K.
Published: July 2016

In this paper a computer aided screening system for the detection of bright lesions or exudates using color fundus images is proposed. The proposed screening system is used to identify the suspicious regions for bright lesions. A texture feature extraction method is also demonstrated to describe the characteristics of region of interest. In final stage the normal and abnormal images are classified using Support vector machine classifier. Our proposed system obtained the effective detection performance compared to some of the state–of–art methods.
Myocardial Recovery in Patients Receiving Contemporary Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Topkara Veli K. , Garan A. Reshad , Fine Barry , Godier-Furnémont Amandine F. , Breskin Alexander , Cagliostro Barbara , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Takeda Koji , Takayama Hiroo , Mancini Donna M. , Naka Yoshifumi , Colombo Paolo C.
Published: July 2016

Background—

Time course and predictors of myocardial recovery on contemporary left ventricular assist device support are poorly defined because of limited number of recovery patients at any implanting center. This study sought to investigate myocardial recovery using multicenter data from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS).

Methods and Results—

Thirteen thousand four hundred fifty-four adult patients were studied. Device explant rates for myocardial recovery were 0.9% at 1-year, 1.9% at 2-year, and 3.1% at 3-year follow-up. Independent predictors of device explantation for recovery were age <50 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.5), nonischemic etiology (OR 5.4), time since initial diagnosis <2 years (OR 3.4), suboptimal heart failure therapy before implant (OR 2.2), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter <6.5 cm (OR 1.7), pulmonary systolic artery pressure <50 mm Hg (OR 2.0), blood urea nitrogen <30 mg/dL (OR 3.3), and axial-flow device (OR 7.6). Patients with myocarditis (7.7%), postpartum cardiomyopathy (4.4%), and adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy (4.1%) had highest rates of device explantation for recovery. Use of neurohormonal blockers on left ventricular assist device support was significantly higher in patients who were explanted for recovery. Importantly, 9% of all left ventricular assist device patients who were not explanted for recovery have demonstrated substantial improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (partial recovery) and had remarkable overlap in clinical characteristic profile compared with patients who were explanted for recovery (complete recovery). Complete and partial recovery rates have declined in parallel with recent changes observed in device indications and technology.

Conclusions—

Myocardial recovery is a spectrum of improvement rather than a binary clinical end point. One in every 10 left ventricular assist device patients demonstrates partial or complete myocardial recovery and should be targeted for functional assessment and optimization.
Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Graft Outcome Disparities in Black Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Taber David J. , Hunt Kelly J. , Fominaya Cory E. , Payne Elizabeth H. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Srinivas Titte R. , Baliga Prabhakar K. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: July 2016

Although outcome inequalities for non-Hispanic black (NHB) kidney transplant recipients are well documented, there is paucity in data assessing the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors on this disparity in kidney transplantation. This was a longitudinal study of a national cohort of veteran kidney recipients transplanted between January 2001 and December 2007. Data included baseline characteristics acquired through the United States Renal Data System linked to detailed clinical follow-up information acquired through the Veterans Affairs electronic health records. Analyses were conducted using sequential multivariable modeling (Cox regression), incorporating blocks of variables into iterative nested models; 3139 patients were included (2095 non-Hispanic whites [66.7%] and 1044 NHBs [33.3%]). NHBs had a higher prevalence of hypertension (100% versus 99%;
P
<0.01) and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (59% versus 53%;
P
<0.01) with reduced control of hypertension (blood pressure <140/90 60% versus 69%;
P
<0.01), diabetes mellitus (A1c <7%, 35% versus 47%;
P
<0.01), and low-density lipoprotein (<100 mg/dL, 55% versus 61%;
P
<0.01). Adherence to medications used to manage CVD risk was significantly lower in NHBs. In the fully adjusted models, the independent risk of graft loss in NHBs was substantially reduced (unadjusted hazard ratio, 2.00 versus adjusted hazard ratio, 1.49). CVD risk factors and control reduced the influence of NHB race by 9% to 18%. Similar trends were noted for mortality, and estimates were robust across in sensitivity analyses. These results demonstrate that NHB kidney transplant recipients have significantly higher rates of CVD risk factors and reduced CVD risk control. These issues are likely partly related to medication nonadherence and meaningfully contribute to racial disparities for graft outcomes.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the ENGAGE AF‐TIMI 48 Trial
Authors: Eisen Alon , Ruff Christian T. , Braunwald Eugene , Nordio Francesco , Corbalán Ramón , Dalby Anthony , Dorobantu Maria , Mercuri Michele , Lanz Hans , Rutman Howard , Wiviott Stephen D. , Antman Elliott M. , Giugliano Robert P.
Published: July 2016

Background

Recent findings suggest that atrial fibrillation is associated with sudden cardiac death (
SCD
). We examined the incidence, characteristics, and factors associated with
SCD
in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

SCD
was defined as witnessed death ≤60 minutes from the onset of new symptoms or unwitnessed death 1 to 24 hours after being observed alive, without another known cause of death. Predictors of
SCD
were examined using multivariate competing risks models. Over 2.8 years (median), 2349 patients died (40.5 per 1000 patient‐years), of which 1668 (71%) were cardiovascular deaths.
SCD
was the most common cause of cardiovascular death (n=749; median age 73 years; 70.6% male). Most
SCD
events occurred out of hospital (92.8%) and without prior symptoms (66.0%). Predictors of
SCD
included low ejection fraction, heart failure, and prior myocardial infarction (
P
<0.001 for each). Additional significant baseline predictors of
SCD
, but not of other causes of death, included male sex, electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, higher heart rate, nonuse of beta blockers, and use of digitalis. The latter was associated with
SCD
in patients with or without heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio 1.55 [95% CI 1.29–1.86] and 1.56 [95% CI 1.14–2.11], respectively;
P
interaction
=0.73). The rate of
SCD
was numerically but not statistically lower with edoxaban (1.20% per year with lower dose edoxaban; 1.28% per year with higher dose edoxaban) compared with warfarin (1.40% per year).

Conclusion

SCD
is the most common cause of cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation and has several distinct predictors, some of which are modifiable. These findings may be considered in planning research and treatment strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00781391.
Lectotypification of Spiraea yunnanensis Franchet var. siccanea W. W. Smith (Rosaceae)
Authors: XU DONG-XIAN , LIU QUAN-RU
Published: July 2016

Spiraea yunnanensis Franchet (1890: 200) var. siccanea W. W. Smith (1917: 69) was described on the basis of two collections, G. Forrest 9912 and 9972, from Yunnan province, China, but without indicating the type. These specimens should be treated as syntypes in accordance with Article 9.5 of the ICN (McNeill et al. 2012). Rehder (1933: 205) treated it as a distinct species and considered it could be easily distinguished from S. yunnanensis by the leaf blades being adaxially glabrous (vs. pilose) and abaxially sparsely pilose (vs. densely white tomentose). Although this treatment is accepted by latter botanists, its type is still not designated (Yu & Lu 1974, Wu 1984, Lu & Crinan 2003, Zhou & Xu 2006, Businský 2011). We traced nine specimens that fit the protologue, i.e. five duplicate specimens labeled “G. Forrest 9972” (barcodes A00033520, BM000622233, E000385320, K000737489, PE00703468) and four duplicate specimens labeled “G. Forrest 9912” (A00033519, BM000622232, E00385319, K000737490). The specimen (G. Forrest 9972, barcode E000385320) is better preserved and more complete, and W. W. Smith worked at E as deputy keeper in 1911–1922 (Stafleu & Cowan 1985), therefore we designate it as the lectotype for this taxon.
Pteris sotae (Pteridaceae), a new endemic species for the Argentinean flora
Authors: MARTÍNEZ OLGA G.
Published: July 2016

This paper describes Pteris sotae, a new endemic fern species from the Tucuman–Bolivian Forest in northwestern Argentina. This species is easily distinguished by its hairy laminae and areolate venation. A distribution map and photographs are provided.
From Femoral to Radial Approach in Coronary Intervention
Authors: Bianchi Renatomaria , D’Acierno Ludovica , Crisci Mario , Tartaglione Donato , Cappelli Bigazzi Maurizio , Canonico Mario , Albanese Michele , Gragnano Felice , Fimiani Fabio , Russo Mariagiovanna , Cirillo Plinio , Calabrò Paolo
Published: July 2016

Since the first cardiac catheterization in 1929, this procedure has evolved considerably. Historically performed via the transfemoral access, in the last years, the transradial access has been spreading gradually due to its many advantages. We have conducted a review of published literature concerning efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, and we analyzed our patients’ data, including the results of the recently published Minimizing Adverse hemorrhagic events by TRansradial access site and systemic implementation of angioX (MATRIX) study. This review confirmed the superiority of the transradial access compared to the femoral access, especially regarding complications related to the access site, duration of hospitalization, and comfort for the patient. The transradial approach is an excellent option for coronary angiography, and the procedure’s risks are reduced by increased operator experience.
Impact of Elevated Serum Uric Acid Levels on Systemic Inflammation in Patients With Psoriasis
Authors: Solak Berna , Dikicier Bahar Sevimli , Erdem Teoman
Published: July 2016

Patients with psoriasis have increased systemic inflammation and serum uric acid (SUA) levels compared with the general population. However, the role of SUA in modulating inflammation in these patients is not known. We evaluated the associations of SUA with inflammation and psoriasis severity; 199 patients with psoriasis and 54 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Demographic features, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, and laboratory data including SUA, C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were collected. Patients with psoriasis had higher fasting blood glucose, body mass index (BMI), CRP, SUA, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, and NLR compared with controls. The PASI score positively correlated only with CRP ( r = .185, P = .012) and NLR ( r = .313, P < .001). The BMI, WBC count, PASI score, and CRP, but not SUA, appeared as independent associates of NLR in patients with psoriasis in linear regression analysis. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and SUA were significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared with controls. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and CRP were independent predictors of PASI score, whereas SUA was not. Serum uric acid seemed not to modulate the inflammation seen in patients with psoriasis in our cohort.
Algorithmic Enhancement of Spectral Resolution of a Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) Waveguide-Based Miniature Fourier Transform Spectrometer
Authors: Wang Kun , Li Jinyang , Lu Dan-feng , Qi Zhi-mei
Published: July 2016

In a recent report we demonstrated a miniature static Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) that was implemented with a LiNbO3 (LN) waveguide electro-optic modulator (EOM) combined with the dispersion relation between its half-wave voltage and wavelength. The FTS was verified to be able to measure laser wavelength and for low-resolution spectroscopy. In this report, we successfully applied the resolution enhancement algorithm to the FTS, resulting in at least a three-fold increase in its spectral resolution without causing obvious distortion of the measured spectra. The algorithm method used is based on an autoregressive (AR) model, singular value decomposition (SVD), and forward–backward linear prediction (FBLP). The combination of these methods allows the FTS to remain a small size but to possess good spectral resolution, effectively mitigating the conflict between the small size and high resolution of the device. This study opens the way to development of high-resolution miniature FTS.
Reinforcement of Cu nanoink sintered film with extended carbon nanofibers for large deformation of printed electronics
Authors: Kim Jeonghwan , Shankar Akash , Zhu Jiahua , Choi Daniel S , Guo Zhanhu , Ryu Jong E
Published: July 2016

Metallic nanoparticle inks (nanoinks) have attracted great interest in the manufacturing of printed flexible electronics. However, sintering pure nanoinks in ambient conditions results in micro-cracks and pores within the sintered film, which deteriorate the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the sintered nanoinks. To alleviate these problems, we demonstrate the use of very long carbon nanofiber (average length 200 µm) to reinforce the sintered nanoink films. In this study, different weight fractions of carbon nanofiber are dispersed into the Cu nanoink to improve the mechanical bending characteristics. Scanning electron micrographs show improved dispersion of oxidized carbon nanofiber in the nanoink compared to the as-received carbon nanofiber. The composite nanoinks are stencil printed on polyethylene terephthalate film and sintered by intense pulsed light using Xe-flash. The electrical measurements show 90%, 65%, and 66% improved electrical conductivity in the composite nanoink film (0.7% of oxidized carbon nanofiber) compared to the pure Cu nanoink under the 7.5 cm, 5.0 cm, and 2.5 cm of bending radii, respectively.
Fabrication and simulation of inverse poly(ferrocenylmethylvinylsilane)/silica opal structures and their optical properties
Authors: Shirakbari N , Ghaffarian SR , Mohseni M
Published: July 2016

Photonic crystal structures were fabricated by the formation of periodic arrays of poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) derivations and silica spheres. Here, we present the primary steps of a simulation-driven design of photonic crystal based on PFS as a potentially stimuli-responsive polymer, which can present predesigned color when subjected to the visible light. The poly(ferrocenylmethylvinylsilane) (PFMVS) was synthesized by photolytic anionic ring opening polymerization of methylvinylsila[1]ferrocenophane monomer under controlled condition and monodisperse silica spheres were synthesized by the Stober process. Bare silica opal was prepared by the convective self-assembly process of different sizes of silica spheres on glass substrate followed by infiltration of PFMVS to obtain PFMVS/silica opal and finally removal of the silica spheres by acid washing to attain the inverse PFMVS opal. The particle size of silica spheres along with the refractive indices contrast of different components forming photonic crystal played an important role in obtaining the maximum reflectance wavelength of the desired opal. Photonic crystal prepared by 210, 270, and 330 nm monodisperse silica spheres represents the blue, green, and red color, respectively. Simulation analyses of these opal structures were investigated by using the plane-wave expansion (PWE) method to assess the photonic crystal behavior versus the visible light. According to the simulation results, the photonic crystal structure was designed. The experimental reflectance outcomes of the three opal structures were in good agreement with the simulation analysis.
Coping as a Mediator Between Losing Face and Depressive and Social Anxiety Symptoms Among Asian Americans
Authors: Braje Sopagna Eap , Hall Gordon C. N.
Published: July 2016

Applying the proximal–distal framework, we were interested in whether the relationship between loss of face (LOF) concerns to depression and social anxiety were mediated by coping among 154 Asian Americans (AA). Utilizing a convenience sample from an online survey of AA, we ran ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to examine whether direct and indirect coping explained the relationship between LOF concerns, depression, and social anxiety. LOF was positively associated with both direct and indirect coping. LOF also was positively associated with depression and social anxiety. The relationship between LOF and depression was significantly mediated by indirect coping but not direct coping. Higher levels of indirect coping explained the relationship between LOF and depression. In addition, the relationship between LOF and social anxiety was significantly mediated by indirect coping and direct coping. The relationship between LOF and social anxiety was partially explained by lower levels of direct coping and higher levels of indirect coping. LOF, however, continued to significantly predict social anxiety even after accounting for coping strategies. These results suggest that the LOF has a distal relationship to depression and social anxiety. Coping has a more proximal relationship to depression and social anxiety. By identifying proximal factors to depression and social anxiety, it is possible to reduce symptoms of depression and social anxiety among AA without mitigating the endorsement of traditional cultural values.
Validation of the Rational and Experiential Multimodal Inventory in the Italian Context
Authors: Monacis Lucia , de Palo Valeria , Di Nuovo Santo , Sinatra Maria
Published: July 2016

The unfavorable relations of the Rational and Experiential Inventory Experiential scale with objective criterion measures and its limited content validity led Norris and Epstein to propose a more content-valid measure of the experiential thinking style, the Rational and Experiential Multimodal Inventory (REIm), in order to assess the several facets of a broader experiential system consisting of interrelated components. This study aimed to provide the Italian validation of the inventory by examining its psychometric features, its factor structure (Study 1, N = 545), and its convergent and discriminant validity (Study 2, N = 257). Study 1 supported the 2- and 4-factor solutions, and multi-group analyses confirmed the invariance measurement across age and gender for both models. Study 2 provided evidence for both the convergent validity by supporting the theoretical associations among Rational and Experiential Multimodal Inventory scores and similar and related measures, and the discriminant validity by showing associations between the two thinking styles and a different but conceptually related construct, i.e., identity formation. No associations between Rational and Experiential Multimodal Inventory scores and social desirability were found. The Italian version of the Rational and Experiential Multimodal Inventory showed satisfactory psychometric properties, thus confirming its validity.
Urban shrinkage and resurgence in Germany
Authors: Bartholomae Florian , Woon Nam Chang , Schoenberg Alina
Published: July 2016

This article questions the strict parallelism of demographic and economic development in characterising urban shrinkage in Germany. As the cases of several Ruhr cities and East German cities prove, urban economic growth can be achieved thanks to the substantial presence of modern industries and business services, and despite declines in population size. Serious shrinkages of Halle, Cottbus and Schwerin are primarily due to failures in the post-industrial transformation process. Recent policy measures strongly oriented towards slowing the downsizing process of population (via e.g. urban regeneration strategies) do not appear to be sufficient for achieving urban resurgence in these cities. More active industrial policy measures are required there to create a competitive high-tech manufacturing sector, to stimulate innovation activities and to boost its growth interdependence with modern local services and R&D infrastructure.
H∞ consensus of multi-agent systems in directed networks with Lipschitz non-linear dynamics
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Shaolei , Wu Qingpo , Yin Gaoyang
Published: July 2016

This paper studies the H∞ consensus problem of multi-agent systems with Lipschitz non-linearities and external disturbances in a general network. The topology is just required to contain a directed spanning tree. Distributed consensus controllers are constructed based on relative states information of neighbour agents. A novel matrix decomposition based approach is introduced to analyse the H∞ consensus problem, in which the H∞ consensus problem is converted into a H∞ control problem of lower dimension system by performing a proper linear variable transformation. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is illustrated via a numerical simulation.
Cultivating awareness at school. Effects on effortful control, peer relations and well-being at school in grades 5, 7, and 8
Authors: Terjestam Yvonne , Bengtsson Hans , Jansson Alexander
Published: July 2016

Effects of a mindfulness-based program, Compassion and Attention in the Schools (Compas), were studied in 358 pupils in grades 5, 7, and 8 in Sweden. An experimental group undertook Compas practices in class three times a week during an eight-week period. A control group undertook content area academic lessons . Pre-/post-intervention analyses showed a significant improvement in the experimental group, but not in the control group, in pupils’ capacity for effortful control, feelings of well-being at school and perceived peer relations. The positive effect of training increased with the number of times the participants took part in the training for all but one of the measures (general stress). Compas seems to be a useful tool for enhancing pupils’ effortful control, well-being at school and peer relations.
Does religion influence entrepreneurial behaviour?
Authors: Henley Andrew
Published: July 2016

Religion cannot be ignored in assessing the range of cultural and institutional influences that impact on entrepreneurial activity. This article integrates key themes from sociology of religion in the context of emerging ideas about religion and entrepreneurship in order to highlight key research questions. New institutional theory is discussed as a potentially useful lens for viewing the range of means through which religious expression and institutions might support entrepreneurship. A macro-level empirical investigation of societal indicators of religious affiliation and regulation of religion alongside Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data highlights particular data correlations and mediating influences. A significant association between entrepreneurial activity and evangelical or Pentecostal Christian religious affiliation is found, along with evidence that the impact of religion on entrepreneurship is mediated through pluralism and regulation. In discussing these findings further, the article proposes a more integrated conceptual framework for understanding the link between religious drivers and entrepreneurship, alongside institutional mediation. This forms the basis for further research, focusing on individual experience rather than aggregate associations and exploring in further depth of the mediating impact of institutional arrangements.