bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Hepatic Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptides to Docetaxel Uptake and Clearance
Authors: Lee Hannah H. , Leake Brenda F. , Teft Wendy , Tirona Rommel G. , Kim Richard B. , Ho Richard H.
Published: February 2015

The antimicrotubular agent docetaxel is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of multiple solid tumors and is predominantly dependent on hepatic disposition. In this study, we evaluated drug uptake transporters capable of transporting radiolabeled docetaxel. By screening an array of drug uptake transporters in HeLa cells using a recombinant vaccinia-based method, five organic anion–transporting polypeptides (OATP) capable of docetaxel uptake were identified: OATP1A2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP1C1, and Oatp1b2. Kinetic analysis of docetaxel transport revealed similar kinetic parameters among hepatic OATP1B/1b transporters. An assessment of polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3 revealed that a number of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 variants were associated with impaired docetaxel transport. A Transwell-based vectorial transport assay using MDCKII stable cells showed that docetaxel was transported significantly into the apical compartment of double-transfected (MDCKII-OATP1B1/MDR1 and MDCKII-OATP1B3/MDR1) cells compared with single-transfected (MDCKII-OATP1B1 and MDCKII-OATP1B3) cells (P < 0.05) or control (MDCKII-Co) cells (P < 0.001). In vivo docetaxel transport studies in Slco1b2−/− mice showed approximately >5.5-fold higher plasma concentrations (P < 0.01) and approximately 3-fold decreased liver-to-plasma ratio (P < 0.05) of docetaxel compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The plasma clearance of docetaxel in Slco1b2−/− mice was 83% lower than WT mice (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates the important roles of OATP1B transporters to the hepatic disposition and clearance of docetaxel, and supporting roles of these transporters for docetaxel pharmacokinetics. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(4); 994–1003. ©2015 AACR.
RNA Interference Using c-Myc–Conjugated Nanoparticles Suppresses Breast and Colorectal Cancer Models
Authors: Tangudu Naveen K. , Verma Vinod K. , Clemons Tristan D. , Beevi Syed S. , Hay Trevor , Mahidhara Ganesh , Raja Meera , Nair Rekha A. , Alexander Liza E. , Patel Anant B. , Jose Jedy , Smith Nicole M. , Zdyrko Bogdan , Bourdoncle Anne , Luzinov Igor , Iyer K. Swaminathan , Clarke Alan R. , Dinesh Kumar Lekha
Published: February 2015

In this article, we report the development and preclinical validation of combinatorial therapy for treatment of cancers using RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi technology is an attractive approach to silence genes responsible for disease onset and progression. Currently, the critical challenge facing the clinical success of RNAi technology is in the difficulty of delivery of RNAi inducers, due to low transfection efficiency, difficulties of integration into host DNA and unstable expression. Using the macromolecule polyglycidal methacrylate (PGMA) as a platform to graft multiple polyethyleneimine (PEI) chains, we demonstrate effective delivery of small oligos (anti-miRs and mimics) and larger DNAs (encoding shRNAs) in a wide variety of cancer cell lines by successful silencing/activation of their respective target genes. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this therapy was validated for in vivo tumor suppression using two transgenic mouse models; first, tumor growth arrest and increased animal survival was seen in mice bearing Brca2/p53-mutant mammary tumors following daily intratumoral treatment with nanoparticles conjugated to c-Myc shRNA. Second, oral delivery of the conjugate to an Apc-deficient crypt progenitor colon cancer model increased animal survival and returned intestinal tissue to a non–wnt-deregulated state. This study demonstrates, through careful design of nonviral nanoparticles and appropriate selection of therapeutic gene targets, that RNAi technology can be made an affordable and amenable therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(5); 1259–69. ©2015 AACR.
From Theory to Clinical Practice: A Phenomenologically Inspired Intervention for Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Nischk Daniel , Dölker Christina , Rusch Johannes , Merz Philippe
Published: February 2015

Background: Phenomenological conceptualizations of schizophrenia regard the fundamental transformation of self-experience as the central feature of the schizophrenic state of mind. Recently, self-disorders as subtle, trait-like, merely subjective alterations of self-experience have received vast empirical attention. However, the question of how to address self-disorders psychotherapeutically has remained neglected. Methods: From phenomenologically inspired analyses of self-disorders we derive a therapeutic intervention that focuses on the following: (1) verbalizing diffuse changes in self-experiences and (2) conceptualizing these self-experiences in terms of aggravating and relieving factors in order to stimulate coping and derive targeted therapeutic interventions. Results: The clinical implementation is illustrated by two case studies. The feasibility of our approach is preliminarily supported by an exploratory study. Conclusions: This intervention seems promising in assisting patients to develop an embodied and enacted understanding of self-disorders.
Gas6 Delays Senescence in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through the PI3K/ Akt/FoxO Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jin Cheng-wei , Wang Hui , Chen Yan-qing , Tang Meng-xiong , Fan Guan-qi , Wang Zhi-hao , Li Li , Zhang Yun , Zhang Wei , Zhong Ming
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) is a cytokine that can be synthesized by a variety of cell types and secreted into the extracellular matrix. Previous studies have confirmed that Gas6 is involved in certain pathophysiological processes of the cardiovascular system through binding to its receptor, Axl. In the present study, we investigated the role of Gas6 in cellular senescence and explored the mechanisms underlying its activity. Methods: We used vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to create two cellular senescence models, one for replicative senescence (RS) and one for induced senescence (IS), to test the hypothesis that Gas6 delays senescence. Results: Gas6-treated cells appear relatively younger compared with non-Gas6-treated cells. In particular, Gas6-treated cells displayed decreased staining for SA-β-Gal, fewer G1 phase cells, and decreased levels of p16INK4a and p21Cip1 expression; conversely, Gas6-treated cells displayed more S phase cells and significantly increased proliferation indexes. Furthermore, in both the IS and RS models with Gas6 treatment, the levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-FoxO3a decreased following Axl inhibition by R428; similarly, the levels of p-Akt and p-FoxO3a also decreased following PI3K inhibition by LY294002. Conclusion: Gas6/Axl signaling is essential for delaying the cellular senescence process regulated by the PI3K/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Cardiac Muscle Repair via Enhanced Neovascularization
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Wu Yicheng , Chen Anqing , Zhao Qiang
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Transplantation of bone-marrow derived stem/progenitor cells has an established therapeutic effect on cardiac muscle repair after injury. However, the exact mechanism that underlies this phenomenon is not completely understood. Methods: Here we transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a major population from the bone-marrow derived stem/progenitor cells, and studied its effects on cardiac muscle repair after injury. Results: MSCs transplantation significantly improved cardiac muscle repair after injury. The grafted MSCs did not significantly differentiate into cardiac muscle cells themselves, but appeared to induce neovascularization in the injured heart. In a loss-of-function experiment, we further show that production and secretion of placental growth factor, but not vascular endothelial growth factor A in MSCs, were essential for the MSCs-induced neovasularization after cardiac muscle injury to facilitate cardiac muscle repair. Conclusion: Our study thus sheds light on an undescribed role of placental growth factor in cardiac muscle regeneration.
Induction of Haemeoxygenase-1 Improves FFA-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction in Rat Aorta
Authors: Han Fang , Hui Zongguang , Zhang Shuxian , Hou Ningning , Wang Yali , Sun Xiaodong
Published: February 2015

Background: The induction of haemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) exerts beneficial effects in the setting of endothelial dysfunction in obesity. High free fatty acid (FFA) levels are a common feature of obesity and are the primary cause of endothelial dysfunction. The objective of our study was to explore the effects of HO-1 induction on FFA-induced endothelial dysfunction in rats. Methods: Rats received FFA treatment with either cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) to induce HO-1 or stannous protoporphyrin (SnPP) to inhibit HO-1. Endothelial function was determined by measuring endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV). Nitric oxide (NO) production, superoxide production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB expression in the aorta were each determined. The levels of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated kinase (AMPK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in endothelial cells were determined via Western blotting. Results: Induction of HO-1 by CoPP decreased circulating FFA, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde levels and increased serum adiponectin and glutathione levels compared with the FFA group (P<0.05). High FFA levels resulted in EDV impairment, which was improved by HO-1 induction (P<0.05). Induction of HO-1 increased NO levels and reduced aortic superoxide production and NF-κB expression compared with the FFA group. The FFA group exhibited decreased AMPK expression and eNOS phosphorylation, both of which were enhanced via HO-1 induction (P<0.05). The beneficial effects of CoPP on EDV were partially attenuated in vitro in the presence of inhibitors of AMPK, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and eNOS. Conclusions: HO-1 induction with CoPP improves FFA-induced endothelial dysfunction in the rat aorta. The protective mechanism appears to be related to the activation of the AMPK-PI3K-eNOS pathway as a result of increased adiponectin levels as well as decreased inflammation and oxidative stress.
G-Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase 2–Mediated Desensitization of Adiponectin Receptor 1 in Failing Heart
Authors: Wang Yajing , Gao Erhe , Lau Wayne Bond , Wang Yang , Liu Gaizheng , Li Jing-Jing , Wang Xiaoliang , Yuan Yuexing , Koch Walter J. , Ma Xin-Liang
Published: February 2015

Background—

Phosphorylative desensitization of G-protein–coupled receptors contributes significantly to post–myocardial infarction (MI) remodeling and heart failure (HF). Here, we determined whether adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs) 1 and 2 (the 7-transmembrane domain–containing receptors mediating adiponectin functions) are phosphorylatively modified and functionally impaired after MI.

Methods and Results—

Post-MI HF was induced by coronary artery occlusion. Receptor phosphorylation, kinase expression, and adiponectin function were determined via in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are not phosphorylated in the normal heart. However, AdipoR1 was significantly phosphorylated after MI, peaking at 7 days and remaining significantly phosphorylated thereafter. The extent of post-MI AdipoR1 phosphorylation positively correlated with the expression level of GPCR kinase (GRK) 2, the predominant GRK isoform upregulated in the failing heart. Cardiac-specific GRK2 knockout virtually abolished post-MI AdipoR1 phosphorylation, whereas virus-mediated GRK2 overexpression significantly phosphorylated AdipoR1 and blocked adiponectin metabolic-regulatory/anti-inflammatory signaling. Mass spectrometry identified serine-7, threonine-24, and threonine-53 (residues located in the n-terminal intracellular AdipoR1 region) as the GRK2 phosphorylation sites. Ex vivo experiments demonstrated that adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase activation and the anti–tumor necrosis factor-α effect of adiponectin were significantly inhibited in cardiomyocytes isolated from nonischemic area 7 days after MI. In vivo experiments demonstrated that acute adiponectin administration–induced cardiac GLUT4 translocation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation were blunted 7 days after MI. Continuous adiponectin administration beginning 7 days after MI failed to protect the heart from adverse remodeling and HF progression. Finally, cardiac-specific GRK2 knockdown restored the cardioprotective effect of adiponectin.

Conclusion—

AdipoR1 is phosphorylatively modified and desensitized by GRK2 in failing cardiomyocytes, contributing to post-MI remodeling and HF progression.
Aggression and Hunting Attitudes
Authors: Wilson Marc Stewart , Peden Emma
Published: February 2015

Hunting has a long history, and contentious recent past. We examined the relationship between aggression and hunting attitudes, investigating the moderating role of sex. Two studies are presented—a psychometric evaluation of a unidimensional instrument for assessing hunting attitudes, which was then administered to a sample of general population participants to assess the relationship between aggression and hunting attitudes. Finally, university students completed measures of hunting attitudes and instrumental/expressive aggression. Men were more instrumentally aggressive than women and were more supportive toward hunting. The relationship between instrumental (but not expressive) aggression and hunting attitudes was moderated by sex—men’s hunting endorsement increased with instrumental aggression, while women’s endorsement of hunting decreased with increasing instrumental aggression. Expressive aggression was not predictive of hunting attitudes.
On the Fringe: The Positions of Dogs in Finnish Dog Training Culture
Authors: Koski Leena , Bäcklund Pia
Published: February 2015

Companion dogs are increasingly trained for sports using varying pedagogical ideas considering the human-dog interaction. We focused on the human-dog interaction by examining the characteristics constructed for dogs within the training methods, and on the definitions of ideal dogs as described by the caregivers. The data consisted of 85 thematic essays written by Finnish dog caregivers actively engaging in dog sports. Dog training was analyzed as a junction for the humanizing, animalizing, and instrumentalizing of dogs. Dog-centered and human-centered training categories were found. The first category depicts the dog and the human as equal partners enjoying the cooperation, and the second category constructs a hierarchical relationship between the human and the dog. While the dog-centered approach is prone to humanizing, the human-centered approach is inclined toward instrumentalization. The training approaches are interpreted as drawing boundaries: dogs are part of human society or of nature
The ‘Intellected Thing’ (res intellecta) in Hervaeus Natalis
Authors: Taieb Hamid
Published: February 2015

This paper analyses the ontological status of the ‘intellected thing’ (res intellecta) in Hervaeus Natalis. For Hervaeus an intellected thing is not a thing in the outer world, but something radically different, namely an internal, mind-dependent entity, something having a peculiar mode of being, ‘esse obiective’. While Hervaeus often says that the act of intellection is directed upon real things, this does not mean that the act is directed upon things existing actually outside the mind. Hervaeus argues that the act of intellection is directed upon things existing ‘aptitudinally’ outside the mind, not actually outside the mind. A thing existing aptitudinally outside the mind is a mind-dependent entity, something having esse obiective. In order to establish this point, I will explain how the property ‘being intellected’ (esse intellectum) should be interpreted in Hervaeus’ philosophy. This property is a peculiar type of relation, namely a relation of reason that gives a peculiar ontological status to its bearer. To neglect the distinction between actually outside and aptitudinally outside could falsely lead one to ascribe to Hervaeus a theory of intellection where the mental act is directed upon mind-independent entities.
Truth and Certainty in Peter Auriol
Authors: Bolyard Charles
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates the nature of truth and certainty according to the French Franciscan theologian Peter Auriol (1280-1322). In the first section, I attempt to harmonize a few different sections of Auriol’s Scriptum on book i of the Sentences: the accounts of truth as conformity in question 2 of the Prologue and question 10 of distinction 2, and the account of truth as quiddity in question 3 of distinction 19. In the second section, I explore the notion of certainty in question 1 of the Prologue. Here, Auriol’s taxonomy of propositions is explained, and the difference between scientific certainty and the certitude of faith is outlined. God works in the background in the context of both truth and certainty, and the fact that our cognitive processes are generally trustworthy makes Auriol’s epistemological position into a species of reliabilism.
Molecular characterisation of, and new data on, two populations of Xiphinema ingens Luc & Dalmasso, 1964 (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Iran
Authors: Mirzaei Sohrab , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid
Published: February 2015

Two populations of Xiphinema ingens were recovered and
characterised based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data.
Interesting morphological variation was observed on the nature of
differentiation in uterus of females between both populations,
i.e. one population had only a pseudo-Z-organ in the shape
of globular bodies, whilst the second population had a similar pseudo-Z-organ
but also had crystalloids which varied in size and number and were located near
the pseudo-Z-globules or sometimes at some distance from them towards the
vagina. Variation was also observed in the shape of tail of juveniles within
each population as well as between two recovered populations. Both populations
had the same range of morphometric data and formed a fully supported clade in
both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods of phylogenetic
analyses using partial sequences of 28S rDNA D2-D3 and ITS1 regions. The two
populations of X. ingens formed a clade with another
Xiphinema species native to Iran (X.
castilloi) in 28S and two species, X.
macroacanthum and X. bernardi, in ITS1 trees.
Combinatorial in vitro RNAi of two neuropeptide genes and a pharyngeal gland gene on Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Banakar Prakash , Sharma Amita , Lilley Catherine J. , Gantasala Nagavara Prasad , Kumar Mukesh , Rao Uma
Published: February 2015

Root-knot nematodes are the most economically important group of plant-parasitic nematodes. In the present study, functional validation usingin vitroRNAi was carried out onMeloidogyne incognitawith two FMRFamide-like peptide genes,flp-14andflp-18, and a subventral pharyngeal gland specific gene,16D10. It was found that RNAi silencing of each gene reduced the attraction ofM. incognitaat different time intervals both in combination and individually. Silencing of the genes reduced nematode infection by 23-30% and development as indicated by a reduction in the number of females by 26-62%. Reproduction was decreased by 27-73% and fecundity was decreased by 19-51%.In situhybridisation revealed the expression offlp-18in cells associated with the ventral and retro vesicular ganglia of the central nervous system. qRT-PCR supported the correlation between phenotypic effects of silencing with that of transcript quantification.
Description of Ektaphelenchoides caspiensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae) from Iran
Authors: Aliramaji Farzad , Pourjam Ebrahim , Karegar Akbar , Atighi Mohammad Reza , Pedram Majid
Published: February 2015

Ektaphelenchoides caspiensis n. sp. is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characters. The new species is characterised by its continuous lip region, obscure lateral field, females with body length of 499-572 μm, 9-10 μm long stylet, excretory pore posterior to base of metacorpus at 62-72 μm from anterior body end, short post-uterine sac ca 0.5 times corresponding body diam. or 4-9 μm long, and posterior body end (i.e., including ‘tail’) very long and filiform. Males are common and have 7-8 μm long spicules, five copulatory papillae and a long (109-140 μm) conoid tail with very long filiform terminus. Based on morphological and molecular characters, it comes close to five known species of the genus, namely: E. attenuata, E. fuchsi, E. kelardashtensis, E. musae and E. ruehmi. It differs from the closest species, E. kelardashtensis, by the shorter female stylet (9-10 vs 13-16 μm), more anterior vulva (V = 51.7-58.1 vs 61.5-68.0), more posterior excretory pore (62-72 vs 55-66 μm from anterior end), very long posterior body (i.e., including ‘tail’) in female, and male tail shape (conoid with very long filiform terminus vs conoid, sharply pointed). Comparisons with other close species of the genus are also discussed. Molecular analyses were performed using 732 bp of the partial ribosomal RNA large subunit gene (D2-D3 of LSU) using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods and showed that the new species formed a clade with one species of the genus (E. fuchsi) and Devibursaphelenchus lini.
Dispute Settlement in the Law of the Sea: Survey for 2013
Authors: Churchill Robin
Published: February 2015

This is the latest in a series of annual surveys reviewing dispute settlement in the law of the sea, both under the un Convention on the Law of the Sea and outside the framework of the Convention. The main developments during 2013 were the delivery of a judgment by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (itlos) finding that it lacked jurisdiction in the Louisa case; an order of provisional measures by the itlos in the Arctic Sunrise case; and the initiation of a record 10 new cases. These and other developments are reviewed in detail.
Building the Blue Economy: The Role of Marine Spatial Planning in Facilitating Offshore Renewable Energy Development
Authors: Young Michaela
Published: February 2015

The oceans hold a stunning potential for meeting our ever-growing demand for energy in a sustainable manner by converting energy stored in the form of heat, waves, currents and tides. At present the offshore renewable energy industry remains in its infancy, but given the right conditions, it could grow into a significant contributor to the global energy mix. A number of inter-related barriers, such as resource and user conflicts, regulatory complexity, and a limited understanding of environmental impacts associated with offshore renewable energy technologies, as well as the general challenges surrounding ocean governance, hamper the development of the industry. Marine spatial planning is emerging around the world as a practical tool for promoting a more rational and wise use of the oceans. It could also play a significant role in promoting the speedy and environmentally sound deployment of offshore renewable energy by assisting in overcoming the various hurdles to the development of that sector of the blue economy.
The Parole System in Georgia and Armenia
Authors: Mikanadze Givi
Published: February 2015

A smoothly operating early release system is an important instrument in combating prison overcrowding. Timely preparation for early release plays a key role in establishing fair and humane treatment of those convicts considered ready to return to society. Early conditional release is regarded as one of the most effective and constructive measures, as it not only reduces the length of imprisonment, but also contributes substantially to a planned return of the offender to the community. High rates of imprisonment make various approaches to parole and early release worthy of review, especially concerning how this so-called “back door” mechanism operates in new independent states — in this case, Georgia and Armenia - and how it provides a fair, equal and transparent process to obtain early release from custody. Although Georgia and Armenia are neighbouring countries with similar historical and developmental backgrounds, the parole systems established in these states are totally different. This article aims to review the parole systems of Georgia and Armenia and provide comparative analyses in the context of standards set by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation (2003)22 on conditional release (parole).
Revision of the Verrucaria elaeomelaena species complex and morphologically similar freshwater lichens (Verrucariaceae, Ascomycota)
Authors: Thues Holger , Orange A. , Gueidan C. , Pykälä J. , Ruberti C. , Lo Schiavo F. , Nascimbene J.
Published: February 2015

The freshwater lichens Verrucaria elaeomelaena, V. alpicola, and V. funckii (Verrucariaceae/Ascomycota) have long been confused with V. margacea and V. placida and conclusions on the substratum preference and distribution have been obscured due to misidentifications. Independent phylogenetic analyses of a multigene dataset (RPB1, mtSSU, nuLSU) and an ITS-dataset combined with morphological and ecological characters confirm that the Verrucaria elaeomelaena agg. consists of several cryptic taxa. It includes V. elaeomelaena s.str. with mostly grey to mid-brown thalli and transparent exciple base which cannot be distinguished morphologically from several other unnamed clades from low elevations, the semi-cryptic V. humida spec. nov., which is characterised by smaller perithecia, shorter and more elongated spores compared to other species in this group and V. alpicola with specimens mostly from high elevations, dark brown to black thalli, a brown exciple base and large ascospores. While Verrucaria funckii is confirmed to be restricted to siliceous substrata, limestone and siliceous substrata are both colonised by V. elaeomelaena s.str. as well as by representatives of various other clades. The substratum type cannot be seen as a diagnostic character for taxa within this species group. The taxa included in Verrucaria elaeomelaena agg. are closely related to V. submersella and together with V. funckii they form a sister clade to the “Endocarpon-group” in the Verrucariaceae. Verrucaria margacea is superficially similar to some specimens of V. elaeomelaena agg. It is nested within an unresolved larger clade with Dermatocarpon, the subclades of the Endocarpon- and the V. elaeomelaena-group. Verrucaria margacea can be distinguished from most of the specimens in the V. elaeomelaena group by its generally non subgelatinous thallus, often with distinct cracks, narrowly ellipsoidal ascospores and the general absence of a black basal layer or dark pigments in the exciple base. The form and size of the ascospores distinguish V. placida from most specimens in the V. elaeomelaena complex, but there is overlap with some forms of V. alpicola. Epitypes are proposed for V. elaeomelaena, V. alpicola and V. margacea and a European key to the species of subgelatinous freshwater Verrucaria with spreading involucrellum and large ascospores is provided.
A new species of Boesenbergia and rediscovery of B. rotunda (Zingiberaceae) from India
Authors: K. AISHWARYA , VINITHA M.R. , THOMAS GEORGE , SABU M.
Published: February 2015

A new species of Boesenbergia from northeast India is described and illustrated. Besides, the rediscovery of B. rotunda from India after a century is reported. In addition to morphology, data from anatomy, molecular biology and pollen morphology are also used.
Second-step lectotypification of the name Taxus chienii (Taxaceae)

Authors: Chen Xin , Deng Yunfei
Published: February 2015

When the name Taxus chienii W.C. Cheng (Taxaceae) was published, three gatherings (S. Chen 1384, S. Chen 3024, and Y.Y. Ho 3166) were indicated as the types. Recently, Lin & Chao (2007) designated a duplicate of S. Chen 1384 at PE as the lectotype. However, they overlooked that Law (1948) had previously indicated another gathering Y.Y. Ho 3166 as the “type”, effectively lectotypifying the name. According to the Art. 9.17 of the ICN, Law’s lectotypification must be accepted as the first-step lectotypification and, as such, has priority over that by Lin & Cao. Here, a duplicate of Y.Y. Ho 3166 at NAS is designated as the second-step lectotype of the name Taxus chienii.
Molecular phylogeny and morphological revision of Myotis bats (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from Taiwan and adjacent China
Authors: RUEDI MANUEL , CSORBA GÁBOR , LIN LIANG-KONG , CHOU CHENG-HAN
Published: February 2015

In taxonomic accounts, three species of Myotis have been traditionally reported to occur on the island of Taiwan: Watase’s bat (M. formosus watasei Kishida), the Formosan broad-muzzled bat (M. muricola latirostris Kishida) and the Formosan mouse-eared bat (M. adversus taiwanensis Linde). The discovery in 1997 of an unknown taxon not fitting to the description of any of these species encouraged us to re-examine more thoroughly the systematics and phylogeny of Myotis bats inhabiting Taiwan. We used a combination of morphologic and molecular methods to aid the identification of the different taxa from this island and reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships. Multivariate analyses based on 17 craniodental characters of 105 specimens caught across Taiwan and further external characters allowed us to discriminate eight taxa of Myotinae co-occurring on this island. A subset of 80 specimens were further sequenced for the cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) and subjected to phylogenetic reconstructions including representative species from adjacent China and from all main lineages of the worldwide Myotis radiation. These molecular reconstructions showed that the Myotinae from Taiwan are phylogenetically diverse and are issued from several independent clades. The genetic results were completely congruent with the phenetic groupings based on craniodental and external morphology, as each of the eight Taiwanese taxa proved to be reciprocally monophyletic. Two unnamed taxa that did not fit into any of the known species were described as species new to science. Furthermore the taxon latirostris usually associated to the Asian M. muricola, was phylogenetically and morphologically distant from any other known Myotis and was assigned here to the fossil (Miocene) genus Submyotodon. Submyotodon latirostris, M. secundus sp. n. and M. soror sp. n. are endemic species from Taiwan, whereas the other five Myotis are more widespread and also found in the mainland. An identification key is provided to ease the discrimination of these Myotinae species in Taiwan and adjacent China.
New records of sea lice (Copepoda: Caligidae) from marine fishes in Jaramijó, an area with potential for sea-cage aquaculture in Ecuador
Authors: MORALES-SERNA FRANCISCO NEPTALI , CAÑA-BOZADA VÍCTOR , MERA-LOOR GEORMERY , LOOR-ANDRADE PEGGY , FAJER-ÁVILA EMMA J. , HO JU-SHEY
Published: February 2015

Farming of finfish in sea cages is gaining popularity worldwide. These systems are a suitable environment for the emergence, establishment and transmission of parasites or pathogens, such as sea lice (Copepoda: Caligidae), known to cause serious diseases and economic losses in finfish aquaculture worldwide. In coastal waters of Jaramijó, Ecuador, there are plans to culture spotted rose snapper (Lutjanus guttatus) and longfin yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana); however, the information about the occurrence of sea lice on fish from this country is scarce. To address this problem, a parasitological survey of economically important fish caught by artisanal fishermen was conducted between June 2013 and May 2014. A total of 608 fish belonging to 66 species were examined. Sea lice were found on 23 fish species. The diversity of these parasites consisted of 22 species of Caligus and 5 species of Lepeophtheirus. Most sea lice species (66%) occurred in a single fish species only, with low infection levels. The most frequently encountered species were Caligus asperimanus Pearse, 1951, Caligus mutabilis Wilson, 1905 and Caligus rufimaculatus Wilson, 1905. Taxonomic remarks are presented for some of the species recorded during this survey. All but two sea lice records are new to Ecuador, considerably expanding the geographical range of some species.
Simulated U.S. Drought Response to Interannual and Decadal Pacific SST Variability
Authors: Burgman Robert J. , Jang Youkyoung
Published: February 2015

Idealized atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) experiments by the U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) Drought Working Group were used in order to study the influence of natural modes of sea surface temperature (SST) variability in the Pacific on drought in the contiguous United States. The current study expands on previous results by examining the atmospheric response of three AGCMs to three different patterns of the idealized Pacific SST anomalies that operate on different time scales: low-frequency (decadal), high-frequency (interannual), and a pan-Pacific pattern that retains characteristics of interannual and decadal variability. While forcing patterns are generally similar in appearance, results indicate that differences in the relative amplitude of the equatorial and extratropical components of the SST forcing are sufficient to give rise to differing teleconnections, leading to regional differences in the amplitude and significance of the precipitation response. Results indicate that the differences in simulated drought response between AGCMs to different cool-phase (La Niña–like) SST patterns are determined by model sensitivity to changes in the relative amplitude of the equatorial and extratropical components of the SSTA forcing, the strength of the land–atmosphere coupling, and by the amplitude of internal atmospheric variability. Results indicate that the northwestern United States and Great Plains regions are particularly sensitive to the extratropical component of the SST forcing. Evidence is also found that when the cool-phase patterns of SST combine, as they have in recent years, constructive interference leads to an enhanced drought response over the Great Plains.
Concurrent Sensitivities of an Idealized Deep Convective Storm to Parameterization of Microphysics, Horizontal Grid Resolution, and Environmental Static Stability
Authors: Morrison Hugh , Morales Annareli , Villanueva-Birriel Cecille
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the sensitivity of idealized deep convective storm simulations to microphysics parameterization, horizontal grid spacing (Δx), and environmental static stability. Three different bulk microphysics schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model were tested for Δx between 0.125 and 2 km and three different environmental soundings, modified by altering static stability above 5 km. Horizontally and temporally averaged condensation and surface precipitation rates and convective updraft mass flux were sensitive to microphysics scheme and Δx for all environmental soundings. Microphysical sensitivities were similar for 0.125 < Δx < 1 km, but they varied for different soundings. Sensitivities of these quantities to Δx were less robust and varied with microphysics scheme. Other statistical convective characteristics, such as the mean updraft width and strength, exhibited similar sensitivities to Δx for all of the microphysics schemes. Microphysical sensitivities were primarily attributed to interactions between microphysics, cold pools, and dynamics that affected the spatial coverage of convective updrafts and hence the horizontally averaged convective mass flux, condensation rate, and surface precipitation. However, these linkages were less clear for the lowest convective available potential energy (CAPE) sounding, and in this case other mechanisms compensated to give a similar spatial coverage of convective updrafts even in simulations without a cold pool. For higher CAPE, there was considerable production of rimed ice from all of the microphysics schemes and its assumed characteristics, especially the fall speed, were important in explaining sensitivity via microphysical impacts on the cold pool. These results highlight the need for continued improvement in representing the production of rimed ice and its characteristics in microphysics schemes.
The Association of Elevated HDL Levels With Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Women With Untreated Essential Hypertension
Authors: Triantafyllidi Helen , Pavlidis George , Trivilou Paraskevi , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Tzortzis Stavros , Xenogiannis Iosif , Schoinas Antonios , Lekakis John
Published: February 2015

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), a negative risk factor, is positively associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease. We investigated the association between high HDL-C levels and target organ damage (TOD) in never treated women with hypertension. We measured HDL-C levels in 117 women followed by estimation of TODs, that is, pulse wave velocity, microalbuminuria, left ventricular mass index, coronary flow reserve, and carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT). Women were divided into 2 groups (HDLH and HDLL), regarding HDL-C quartiles (upper quartile vs the first 3 lower quartiles). In HDLH group (HDL ≥70 mg/dL), cIMT was nonindependently, negatively related to HDL-C (ρ = −.42, P < .05). Using receiver –operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis in the HDLH group, we concluded that the cutoff value of HDL ≥76.5 mg/dL moderately predicted the absence of carotid atherosclerosis (area under the curve: 0.77, P = .02; confidence interval: 0.57-0.97; sensitivity 73% and specificity 67%). Increased HDL-C may predict the absence of carotid atherosclerosis in middle-age women with untreated essential hypertension and consequently contribute to total cardiovascular risk estimation and treatment planning.
L’assistant personnel numérique : outil de soutien à la réadaptation en santé mentale
Authors: Charbonneau Karine , Lalande Mélissa , Briand Catherine
Published: February 2015

Background.

People living with mental illness may manifest cognitive and social-emotional difficulties leading to several challenges in their daily lives. Using technological aids may help to compensate for some of these difficulties.

Purpose.

The objective of this study was to document the effects and issues of the use of mobile technology applications (apps) with people with mental illness during the rehabilitation process.

Method.

Using an exploratory qualitative evaluative approach, 12 participants were engaged in ongoing brief interviews in which they discussed their use of a variety of apps that met their rehabilitation needs. A thematic analysis (descriptive interpretive) was used to uncover the effects and issues of the integration of apps in participants’ daily life.

Findings.

The apps helped participants to overcome their cognitive difficulties, facilitated the management of their daily tasks and socialization, and prevented boredom. However, several issues related to the context, the technology, and the person need to be considered.

Implications.

The findings prompt one to consider the therapist’s role in the integration of personal digital assistants in psychosocial rehabilitation.
Three-dimensional stress analyses around cutouts in laminated composites by special hybrid finite elements
Authors: Tian Zong-Shu , Yang Qing-Ping , Wang An-Ping
Published: February 2015

The distribution of stresses around some cutouts in laminated composites is analyzed by using the combination of two kinds of special hybrid stress multilayer finite elements. One kind of the three-dimensional special finite element contains a traction-free cylindrical surface and the other contains a traction-free planar surface. Both of these special finite elements are derived based on a modified complementary energy principle. The expressions of six stress components in each kind of element are derived, such that the homogeneous equilibrium equations in each layer, the continuity of the transverse stresses on the interlayer surface, and the traction-free boundary conditions over the designated surfaces are satisfied a prior, while the interelement reciprocity traction is satisfied a posterior in a variational sense. All components of displacement are included since bending–stretching coupling may occur. Examples have indicated that the combination of these special multilayer finite elements is far superior in predicting the distribution of circumferential stresses and transverse stresses for laminates with holes and notches when only a very coarse element mesh is used near the free edge of the cutouts.
DMP1-derived Peptides Promote Remineralization of Human Dentin
Authors: Padovano J.D. , Ravindran S. , Snee P.T. , Ramachandran A. , Bedran-Russo A.K. , George A.
Published: February 2015

Remineralization of dentin during dental caries is of considerable clinical interest. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is a non-collagenous calcium-binding protein that plays a critical role in biomineralization. In the present study, we tested if peptides derived from DMP1 can be used for dentin remineralization. Peptide pA (pA, MW = 1.726 kDa) and peptide pB (pB, MW = 2.185), containing common collagen-binding domains and unique calcium-binding domains, were synthesized by solid-phase chemistry. An extreme caries lesion scenario was created by collagenase digestion, and the biomineral-nucleating potential of these peptides was ascertained when coated on collagenase-treated dentin matrix and control, native human dentin matrix under physiological levels of calcium and phosphate. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that peptide pB was an effective nucleator when compared with pA. However, a 1:4 ratio of pA to pB was determined to be ideal for dentin remineralization, based on hydroxyapatite (HA) morphology and calcium/phosphorus ratios. Interestingly, HA was nucleated on collagenase-challenged dentin with as little as 20 min of 1:4 peptide incubation. Electron diffraction confirmed the presence of large HA crystals that produced a diffraction pattern indicative of a rod-like crystal structure. These findings suggest that DMP1-derived peptides may be useful to modulate mineral deposition and subsequent formation of HA when exposed to physiological concentrations of calcium and phosphate.
Abstract and Lexically Specific Information in Sound Patterns: Evidence from /r/-sandhi in Rhotic and Non-rhotic Varieties of English
Authors: Cohen-Goldberg Ariel M.
Published: February 2015

Phonological theories differ as to whether phonological knowledge is abstract (e.g., phonemic), concrete (e.g., exemplar-based), or some combination of the two. The abstractness/concreteness of phonological knowledge was examined by analyzing the process of /r/-sandhi in two corpora of spoken English. Two predictions of exemplar-based theories were examined: the extent to which a word manifests a particular sound pattern like /r/-deletion should be influenced by (1) its lexical frequency and (2) its distribution in the language with respect to the sound pattern’s conditioning environment. Lexical frequency was found to influence /r/-sandhi in a corpus of rhotic American English but not in a corpus of predominantly non-rhotic British English. No effect of a word’s long-term distribution was found in either corpus. These results support theories proposing that phonological knowledge is both word-specific and abstract and indicate that speakers do not store all phonetic detail that is in principle available to them. The factors that may favor the use of word-specific versus abstract representations are discussed.
Theoretical study on a spinning triangle with fiber superposition
Authors: Liu Xinjin , Liu Xiaoyan , Su Xuzhong
Published: February 2015

In some new modified ring spinning systems, fiber superposition in the front nip line often exists, that is, each fiber in the spinning triangle is not distributed evenly, but some fibers are divided into substrands or bundles. Therefore, in this paper, a theoretical model of fiber tension distribution in the spinning triangle is proposed by considering the fiber superposition at the spinning triangle based on the principle of minimum potential energy. The symmetric and asymmetric spinning triangle due to the inclination angle of the spinning tension and the migration of the axis fiber at the front roller nip were all considered, and theoretical models of fiber tension distributions in the corresponding spinning triangles were given. The relationships between the fiber tension and the spinning triangle shapes were studied. Finally, as an application of the proposed method, ring spinning triangles the 14.6 tex (40S) cotton yarn spinning were taken as an example for the simulation. The numerical simulations of fiber tension distributions in the spinning triangle were presented and analyzed comparatively. In particular, the effect of both fiber superposition and the distance between two adjacent substrands in the front nip on fiber tension distributions were discussed. The results show that when there is fiber superposition in the front nip, comparing with the case that each fiber is distributed evenly, the tensile force of the two boundary fibers is decreased slightly, and the compressive force of the central fibers is also increased slightly, which leads to similar magnitudes.
Frontier Analysis
Authors: Assaf A. George , Josiassen Alexander
Published: February 2015

This article presents a comprehensive review of frontier studies in the tourism literature. We discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of the various frontier approaches, in particular, the nonparametric and parametric frontier approaches. The study further differentiates between micro and macro applications of these approaches, summarizing and critically reviewing the characteristics of the existing studies. We also conduct a meta-analysis to create an overview of the efficiency results of frontier applications. This allows for an investigation of the impact of frontier methodology on tourism research. The present review also highlights the limitations of existing studies and suggests an agenda for future research.
Comorbid Internalizing and Disruptive Behavior Disorder in Adolescents
Authors: Hoeve Machteld , McReynolds Larkin S. , Wasserman Gail A.
Published: February 2015

This study examined differences between comorbid internalizing and disruptive behavior disorder (DBD), and those with either internalizing disorder or DBD. We focused on differences with regard to trauma exposure and offending characteristics in 8,431 juvenile justice youths. Self-reported, structured interview and official record data were used. Multinomial logistic regression analysis predicted disorder profile from traumatic exposure, suicide attempt, and offending characteristics, adjusting for background variables. Victimization by non-sexual violence was significantly higher in comorbid than in internalizing youth. Also, the number of DBDs, as well as rates of victimization via sexual and non-sexual assault, was significantly higher in the comorbid than in the DBD group. We conclude that a history of victimization, but not an early onset of criminal behavior, was associated with comorbid internalizing disorder and DBD. Findings emphasize the need for improving identification of this comorbid condition and referral for effective treatment.