bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Diabetic Hyperglycemia on Central Ang-(1-7)-Mas-R-nNOS Pathways in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Li He , Liu Xian , Ren Zhongqiao , Gu Jinxia , Lu Yingjie , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Lan
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Hypertension is a major cause of stroke, and diabetes can increase incidence of this disease. We determined the role played by central angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] pathway in modulating spontaneously hypertension with diabetic hyperglycemia. Methods: Western Blot analysis and ELISA were used to determine the protein expression of Ang-(1-7) and its signal pathway Mas-R-nNOS in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and control animals. In a subset of animals, diabetic hyperglycemia was induced by systemic injection of streptozotocin (STZ). We analyzed a relationship between the levels of central Ang-(1-7) and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) indicating a risk of ischemic stroke. We further examined the effects of Ang-(1-7) on arterial blood pressure. Results: Our findings demonstrated for the first time that administration of STZ 1) attenuates the levels of Ang-(1-7) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, which are closely linked to plasma BNP; and 2) leads to downregulation of central Ang-(1-7)-Mas-R-nNOS pathways. Notably, STZ has greater effects in SHR. Additionally, inhibition of oxidative stress can largely improve downregulation of Ang-(1-7) in diabetic SHR. Moreover, central stimulation of Ang-(1-7) pathway or a blockade of oxidative stress improves systolic blood pressure in diabetic SHR. Conclusions: The Ang-(1-7) signaling pathway is engaged in the adaptive mechanisms associated with diabetic hypertension, suggesting that enhancing Ang-(1-7)-Mas-R-nNOS system is likely to be beneficial in preventing against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular dysfunction and vulnerability related to spontaneously hypertension, particularly to diabetic hypertension.
PHLDA1 Promotes Lung Contusion by Regulating the Toll-Like Receptor 2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Zhang Hua , Wang An , Huang Dayu , Fan Jie , Lu Lu , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: Lung contusion is a potentially lethal injury. Pleckstrin homology-like domain family A, member-1 (PHLDA1) is known to play crucial roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the biological role of PHLDA1 in lung contusion. Methods: The expression levels of PHLDA1 and TLR2 were detected by real time PCR and western. The cytokines were determined by ELISA. The inflammatory factors were detected by flow cytometry. The lung injury was determined by HE staining. Results: PHLDA1 gene and protein expression levels were up-regulated in a mouse lung-contusion model, together with increased neutrophil and macrophage contents. Down-regulation of PHLDA1 by interfering RNA (siPHLDA1 mice) decreased lung injury and neutrophil infiltration. Inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, mouse homolog of human growth-regulated oncogene-α (KC), tumor necrosis factor-α, CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, and CCL12 were also decreased in siPHLDA1 mice. Expression levels of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) were increased in the lung-contusion mouse model, but were decreased when PHLDA1 was down-regulated. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that PHLDA1 plays a critical role in the development of progressive lung contusion and subsequent inflammation. This information furthers our understanding of the pathogenesis of lung contusion, and suggests that PHLDA1 blockade may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this injury.
Alterations in Fetal Leydig Cell Gene Expression during Fetal and Adult Development
Authors: Miyabayashi Kanako , Shima Yuichi , Inoue Miki , Sato Tetsuya , Baba Takashi , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Suyama Mikita , Morohashi Ken-ichirou
Published: December 2016

Fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs) develop in the mammalian prenatal and postnatal testes, respectively. In mice, FLCs emerge in the interstitial space of the testis as early as embryonic day 12.5 and thereafter increase in number during the fetal stage. We previously established a transgenic mouse line in which FLCs are labeled with EGFP and demonstrated that the EGFP-labeled FLCs were present even in adult testes. However, the characteristics of FLCs during postnatal stages remained unclear. In the present study, a comparison of the transcriptomes of FLCs from prenatal and postnatal testes and of ALCs from adult testes revealed that FLCs gradually alter their characteristics across developmental stages and come to roughly resemble ALCs. Many cholesterogenic genes simultaneously expressed a unique alternation pattern, while many oxidative phosphorylation and β-oxidation (both mitochondrial functions) genes showed a different unique pattern. These metabolic gene expression alterations might be triggered by milieu changes, such as nutrient and oxygen supply, from the prenatal to the postnatal period.
Effects of Vitamin E-Coated versus Conventional Membranes in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: D'Arrigo Graziella , Baggetta Rossella , Tripepi Giovanni , Galli Francesco , Bolignano Davide
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Accruing evidence suggests that vitamin E-coated membranes (ViE-m) might improve the clinical management of chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing ViE-m to conventional HD. Endpoints of interest were a series of biomarkers pertaining to anemia status, inflammation, oxidative stress and dialysis efficacy/status. Results: Sixty studies were included. ViE-m significantly improved the Erythropoietin Resistance Index but had no impact on other anemia parameters. As for oxidative stress and inflammation, ViE-m produced a significant decrease in interleukin-6 levels, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, plasma and red blood cell (RBC) malonylaldehyde and a significant increase in blood and RBC vitamin E. Conversely, ViE-m use had no impact on lipid profile, dialysis adequacy, blood pressure, albumin and uric acid. Conclusions: ViE-m might ameliorate anemia management by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Benefits of these bio-membranes on harder clinical outcomes are uncertain and need to be investigated by future, targeted trials.
Benign Oligemia in Subacute Stage Is Associated with Borderzone Infarction in Stroke Patients Caused by Intracranial Large Artery Disease
Authors: Li Jingjing , Chen Xiang-Ya , Soo Yannie , Leung Thomas W. , Zeng Jinsheng , Wong Ka-Sing
Published: December 2016

Background: CT perfusion (CTP) imaging provides quantitative evaluation of cerebral perfusion flow and volume. Our previous findings showed that benign oligemia caused by intracranial large artery disease may be existent in subacute stroke. Aims: We aimed at comparing the topographic patterns and clinical outcome of stroke patients with and without persistent benign oligemia as defined by CTP imaging. Methods: Consecutive ischemic stroke patients who were referred for CTP in 2009 were screened. The topographic patterns (cortical, borderzone or perforating artery territory infarcts) were assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The clinical outcome was defined by modified Rankin score at 6 months after stroke onset. Results: Totally, 26 stroke patients were recruited. Benign oligemia in subacute stage was detected in 15 patients. The occurrence of borderzone infarction was higher in stroke patients with benign oligemia than those without (p = 0.036). Conclusions: The topographic pattern of DWI may be different between the intracranial arterial disease patients with and without benign oligemia on CTP in subacute stroke.
Coronary Plaque Morphology and the Anti-Inflammatory Impact of Atorvastatin
Authors: Singh Parmanand , Emami Hamed , Subramanian Sharath , Maurovich-Horvat Pal , Marincheva-Savcheva Gergana , Medina Hector M. , Abdelbaky Amr , Alon Achilles , Shankar Sudha S. , Rudd James H.F. , Fayad Zahi A. , Hoffmann Udo , Tawakol Ahmed
Published: December 2016

Background—

Nonobstructive coronary plaques manifesting high-risk morphology (HRM) associate with an increased risk of adverse clinical cardiovascular events. We sought to test the hypothesis that statins have a greater anti-inflammatory effect within coronary plaques containing HRM.

Methods and Results—

In this prospective multicenter study, 55 subjects with or at high risk for atherosclerosis underwent
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomographic/computed tomographic imaging at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin. Coronary arterial inflammation (
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, expressed as target-to-background ratio) was assessed in the left main coronary artery (LMCA). While blinded to the PET findings, contrast-enhanced computed tomographic angiography was performed to characterize the presence of HRM (defined as noncalcified or partially calcified plaques) in the LMCA. Arterial inflammation (target-to-background ratio) was higher in LMCA segments with HRM than those without HRM (mean±SEM: 1.95±0.43 versus 1.67±0.32 for LMCA with versus without HRM, respectively;
P
=0.04). Moreover, atorvastatin treatment for 12 weeks reduced target-to-background ratio more in LMCA segments with HRM than those without HRM (12 week-baseline Δtarget-to-background ratio [95% confidence interval]: −0.18 [−0.35 to −0.004] versus 0.09 [−0.06 to 0.26];
P
=0.02). Furthermore, this relationship between coronary plaque morphology and change in LMCA inflammatory activity remained significant after adjusting for baseline low-density lipoprotein and statin dose (β=−0.27;
P
=0.038).

Conclusions—

In this first study to evaluate the impact of statins on coronary inflammation, we observed that the anti-inflammatory impact of statins is substantially greater within coronary plaques that contain HRM features. These findings suggest an additional mechanism by which statins disproportionately benefit individuals with more advanced atherosclerotic disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00703261.
Tripartite Motif 8 Contributes to Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy Through Enhancing Transforming Growth Factor β–Activated Kinase 1–Dependent Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Huang Jia , Ji Yan-xiao , Mei Fanghua , Wang Pi-xiao , Deng Ke-qiong , Jiang Xi , Ma Genshan , Li Hongliang
Published: December 2016

Tripartite motif (TRIM) 8 functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, interacting with and ubiquitinating diverse substrates, and is implicated in various pathological processes. However, the function of TRIM8 in the heart remains largely uncharacterized. This study aims to explore the role of TRIM8 in the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Mice and isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes overexpressing or lacking TRIM8 were examined in several experiments. The effect of aortic banding–induced cardiac hypertrophy was analyzed by echocardiographic, pathological and molecular analyses. Our results indicated that the TRIM8 overexpression in hearts exacerbated the cardiac hypertrophy triggered by aortic banding. In contrast, the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy was profoundly blocked in TRIM8-deficient hearts. Mechanistically, our study suggests that TRIM8 may elicit cardiodetrimental effects by promoting the activation of transforming growth factor β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-p38/JNK signaling pathways. Similar results were observed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes treated with angiotensin II. The rescue experiments using the TAK1-specific inhibitor 5z-7-ox confirmed the requirement of TAK1 activation in TRIM8-mediated pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, TRIM8 contributed to TAK1 activation by binding to and promoting TAK1 ubiquitination. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that TRIM8 plays a deleterious role in pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy by accelerating the activation of TAK1-dependent signaling pathways.
Renal Denervation Reduces Monocyte Activation and Monocyte–Platelet Aggregate Formation
Authors: Zaldivia Maria T.K. , Rivera Jennifer , Hering Dagmara , Marusic Petra , Sata Yusuke , Lim Bock , Eikelis Nina , Lee Rebecca , Lambert Gavin W. , Esler Murray D. , Htun Nay M. , Duval Jacqueline , Hammond Louise , Eisenhardt Steffen U. , Flierl Ulrike , Schlaich Markus P. , Peter Karlheinz
Published: December 2016

Overactivation of renal sympathetic nervous system and low-grade systemic inflammation are common features of hypertension. Renal denervation (RDN) reduces sympathetic activity in patients with resistant hypertension. However, its effect on systemic inflammation has not been examined. We prospectively investigated the effect of RDN on monocyte activation and inflammation in patients with uncontrolled hypertension scheduled for RDN. Ambulatory blood pressure, monocyte, and monocyte subset activation and inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after procedure in 42 patients. RDN significantly lowered blood pressure at 3 months (150.5±11.2/81.0±11.2 mm Hg to 144.7±11.8/77.9±11.0 mm Hg), which was sustained at 6 months (144.7±13.8/78.6±11.0 mm Hg). Activation status of monocytes significantly decreased at 3 months (
P
<0.01) and 6 months (
P
<0.01) after the procedure. In particular, classical monocyte activation was reduced at 6 months (
P
<0.05). Similarly, we observed a reduction of several inflammatory markers, including monocyte–platelet aggregates (3 months,
P
<0.01), plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels (3 months,
P
<0.0001; 6 months,
P
<0.05), interleukin-1β (3 months,
P
<0.05; 6 months,
P
<0.05), tumor necrosis factor-α (3 months,
P
<0.01; 6 months,
P
<0.05), and interleukin-12 (3 months,
P
<0.01; 6 months,
P
<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between muscle sympathetic nerve activity and monocyte activation before and after the procedure. These results indicate that inhibition of sympathetic activity via RDN is associated with a reduction of monocyte activation and other inflammatory markers in hypertensive patients. These findings point to a direct interaction between the inflammatory and sympathetic nervous system, which is of central relevance for the understanding of beneficial cardiovascular effects of RDN.
Left Ventricular Geometry and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Patients With Severely Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Phan Derek , Aro Aapo L. , Reinier Kyndaron , Teodorescu Carmen , Uy‐Evanado Audrey , Gunson Karen , Jui Jonathan , Chugh Sumeet S.
Published: December 2016

Background

Recent reports indicate that specific left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns predict recurrent ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, this relationship has not been evaluated among patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the general population.

Methods and Results

Adult SCA cases from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study were compared with geographic controls with no prior history of SCA. Archived echocardiograms performed closest and prior to the SCA event were reviewed. LV geometry was defined as normal (normal LV mass index [LVMI] and relative wall thickness [RWT]), concentric remodeling (normal LVMI and increased RWT), concentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and RWT), or eccentric hypertrophy (increased LVMI and normal RWT). Analysis was restricted to those with LVEF ≤40%. A total of 246 subjects were included in the analysis. SCA cases (n=172, 68.6±13.3 years, 78% male), compared to controls (n=74, 66.8±12.1 years, 73% male), had lower LVEF (29.4±7.9% vs 30.8±6.3%,
P
=0.021). Fewer cases presented with normal LV geometry (30.2% vs 43.2%,
P
=0.048) and more with eccentric hypertrophy (40.7% vs 25.7%,
P
=0.025). In a multivariate model, eccentric hypertrophy was independently predictive of SCA (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.08–4.29,
P
=0.03).

Conclusions

Eccentric LV hypertrophy was independently associated with increased risk of SCA in subjects with EF ≤40%. These findings, now consistent between device‐implanted and non‐implanted populations, indicate the potential of improving SCA risk stratification from the same noninvasive echocardiogram at no additional cost.
Neurohormonal Activation After Atrial Fibrillation Initiation in Patients Eligible for Catheter Ablation: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Charitakis Emmanouil , Walfridsson Håkan , Nylander Eva , Alehagen Urban
Published: December 2016

Background

Biomarker activation in atrial fibrillation (
AF
) has been widely studied, but the immediate effect of
AF
initiation remains unclear. We studied the effect of
AF
initiation on 2 cardiac biomarkers: the N‐terminal fragment of the proB‐type natriuretic peptide (
NT
‐pro
BNP
), the midregional fragment of the N‐terminal of pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (
MR
‐pro
ANP
), and 2 extracardiac biomarkers—the copeptin and the midregional portion of proadrenomedullin (
MR
‐pro
ADM
).

Methods and Results

This was a randomized controlled study, including 45 patients with
AF
who had been referred for radiofrequency ablation to the University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden, between February 2012 and April 2014. Freedom from
AF
during the 4 days prior to radiofrequency ablation was confirmed by transtelephonic
ECG
s. Biomarkers were collected from the femoral vein (fv), coronary sinus (
CS
), and left atrium (
LA
) prior to
AF
initiation (baseline) and 30 minutes later. The
MR
‐pro
ANP
and
NT
‐pro
BNP
concentrations increased in the intervention group compared with the control group 30 minutes after the initiation of
AF
(
MR
‐pro
ANP
:
P
fv
<0.001,
P
CS
<0.001,
P
LA
<0.001;
NT
‐pro
BNP
:
P
LA
<0.001). Copeptin levels in patients without ischemic heart disease were decreased after the initiation of
AF
(
P
fv
=0.003,
P
CS
=0.015,
P
LA
=0.011).

Conclusions

AF
is a strong stimulus that results in immediate activation of different biomarkers.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01553045.
Acoustic orientation in the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)
Authors: Madden Neil , Jehle Robert
Published: December 2016

We carried out laboratory experiments to determine whether orientation during migration in the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is influenced by acoustic information. Newts retrieved during the aquatic breeding seasons (adults), as well as during the terrestrial phase after breeding (adults and juveniles), were subjected to calls from sympatric (Rana temporariaandBufo bufo) and allopatric (Lithobates catesbeianus) anurans. In addition to natural stimuli, we also used modified anuran calls (continuous sound with inter-note intervals removed), white noise with and without envelop, and a heterochthonous sound (pile driving). In a circular arena, adult newts retrieved both during their aquatic and terrestrial phase orientated towards theB. bufostimulus, and migrated at random directions when exposed to the other calls; the lack of orientation towards the sympatricR. temporariaparallels a largely non-overlapping breeding season. Inexperienced juveniles did not orientate towards anuran calls, suggesting that phonotactic responses could be learned. Both aquatic as well as terrestrial adults significantly moved away from a white noise envelop. The results suggest different degrees of heterospecific call attraction across life stages, and provide evidence that unnatural sound might have an adverse effect on breeding migrations.
A Genizah Fragment of Bavli Eruvin 61b–63a
Authors: Zur Uri
Published: December 2016

The article presents a Genizah fragment related to Babli Eruvin 61b–63a, identified as Cambridge ul T-S F2 (2) 27. The article begins with a description of the fragment including paleographic and calligraphic description. The fragment is then compared to the printed version of the text and major manuscripts of Eruvin and graphic comments of the commentators in the margins of the page in the printed text.
Protect, Respect and Remedy: A Framework for Accountability for Human Rights Violations Committed by Foreign Fighters
Authors: Mahfoudh Haykel Ben
Published: December 2016

As the phenomenon of foreign fighters is taking new dimensions by the rise of autonomous terrorist groups, mainly the group calling itself ‘Islamic state’ (also known as Daesh or isil), most of these individuals are perceived as a serious security threat to the peace and justice in the world. Such security perception made current efforts to deal effectively with this complex problem confined within the existing counter-terrorism fora including the United Nations (un). The u.n. framework of Mercenaries does not seem the right venue for an effective accountability framework. Beyond the conceptual debate – whether Foreign Fighters is a new form of mercenarism – the regulatory framework offer various venues for the protection of human rights. Instead of constructing an accountability mechanism from scratch, this paper calls for the application of the dual obligation to protect and respect, which focuses on victims rights, regardless the nature, the type of the author of the crime.
Foreign Fighters, Human Rights and Self-Determination in Syria and Iraq: Decoding the Humanitarian Impact of Foreign Fighters in Practice
Authors: Conduit Dara , Rich Ben
Published: December 2016

Foreign fighters have become inextricably linked to perceptions of human rights abuses in the Syria and Iraq wars, particularly since the Islamic State group founded its caliphate. This paper explores the human rights impact of foreign fighters in the conflicts, noting that while foreign fighters have been involved in grave human rights abuses, such behavior has not been uniform and must be differentiated by group and role. In this regard, it is argued that while foreign fighters have overwhelmingly had a negative impact on most human rights indicators, fighters in some groups have positively impacted the Right to Self-Determination. Further, the paper notes that while foreign fighters have been large-scale perpetrators of human rights abuses, one must also consider the propaganda value of such acts because foreign fighter-led violence is more newsworthy globally than local-led violence.
Addressing the Foreign Terrorist Fighter Phenomenon from a Human Rights Perspective
Authors: Limbada Zubeda , Davies Lynn
Published: December 2016

Foreign terrorist fighters raise security concerns with regard to their actions abroad but also their possible return to their home countries. This paper asks whether tough state responses and new powers such as detention and withdrawal of citizenship raise significant human rights issues. It looks firstly at the different types of rights in play before examining counter-terror legislation from countries such as uk, Australia and Canada. Discourses of the profiles of extremists can be reductionist, ignoring the complexity of the journeys in and out of violent extremism. Does imprisonment does have a deterrent effect? What is the impact on communities of rendering individuals stateless? How does legislation impact on freedom of speech? The paper looks at good practices in deradicalisation from different countries, before outlining three key propositions. First is a much wider public education forum which explains different types of rights and encourages dialogue about what rights take precedence in a security strategy. Second is the forging of long term partnerships with communities, to build trust rather than stigmatise; and third is a greater democratisation of security policy, using two-way information and learning, from sources such as former extremists as well as from the voices of youth.
Clarification of the confusing identity of Cremanthodium atrocapitatum (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), with a new combination and a new species in the genus
Authors: WANG LONG , REN CHEN , YANG QIN-ER
Published: December 2016

Cremanthodium atrocapitatum (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) has been previously largely misunderstood, resulting in considerable taxonomic confusion involving several taxa. Based on observations of both herbarium specimens (including type material) and living plants, here we clarify the taxonomic identity of this species. The Xizang (Tibet) plants previously referred to C. atrocapitatum are described as a new species, i.e. C. bomiense. Cremanthodium campanulatum var. brachytrichum is found to be very close to C. atrocapitatum rather than C. campanulatum, and is thus treated as C. atrocapitatum var. brachytrichum.
Revision of seven species of Euonymus (Celastraceae) from East and South Asia
Authors: DU CHENG , ZUO YUNJUAN , WANG YUAN , LIU QUANRU , MA JINSHUANG
Published: December 2016

Based on re-collections at known sites, field observations, researches on specimens and literatures, taxonomic revisions of seven Euonymus species from East and South Asia are provided. Three easily-confused Euonymus species from E. actinocarpus s. l. are clarified. Euonymus quinquecornutus, E. stenophyllus, and E. cornutoidesare reduced to the synonym of E. cornutus, E. clivicola, and E. frigidus respectively. E. elegantissimus is re-instated. The lectotypes are also designated for thirteen names involved within this report since the holotype were not designated in the protologue. Additionally, the conservation status of these species is also reevaluated according to IUCN standards (version 3.1). Besides the above, the key to the species in sect. Uniloculares is also provided.
Delimitation of a novel member of genus Metarhizium (Clavicipitaceae) by phylogenetic and network analysis
Authors: CHU HUA-LI , CHEN WAN-HAO , WEN TING-CHI , LIANG ZONG-QI , ZHENG FU-CHONG , LIANG JIAN-DONG , HAN YAN-FENG
Published: December 2016

An entomopathogenic taxon from a wetland area in Guiyang City, China was found to be a novel species of Metarhizium based on both morphology and phylogeny. The new species, which has unique, slender and cylindrical, Akanthomyces-like synnemata is described, illustrated and named Metarhizium synnematis. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence data confirmed that M. synnematis belongs in Metarhizium. It differs from other species of Metarhizium in having relatively small, ellipsoidal to cylindrical or sub-clavate conidia, coated with a thin mucilaginous sheath which aggregates spores into sticky masses.
A new species of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea (Passifloraceae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: MEZZONATO-PIRES ANA CAROLINA , GONÇALVES-ESTEVES VANIA , BERNACCI LUÍS CARLOS
Published: December 2016

The Passiflora subgenus Astrophea has its greatest diversity in the Amazon Rainforest, which is the largest biodiversity reserve in the world. During a taxonomic revision of Brazilian Astrophea species, a new species was discovered from the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira in the state of Amazonas. Morphological and palynological analysis, as well as comparisons with related species, confirmed that the specimen represents a new species to science belonging to the Passiflora subgenus Astrophea, section Pseudoastrophea. Passiflora lorenziana is the name given to the new Amazonian species, which is herein described, illustrated and compared to related species.
A new Amazon species of Clusia sect. Brachystemon (Clusiaceae)
Authors: DO NASCIMENTO-JR JOSÉ E. , BITTRICH VOLKER , DO AMARAL MARIA DO CARMO E.
Published: December 2016

In this paper we describe and illustrate a new species of the genus Clusia (Clusiaceae) and compare it with morphologically most similar species. The new species, Clusia rubrifructa, occurs in Amazon lowland forests of Brazil, Colombia and Peru.
New combination in Macrosamanea (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae)
Authors: DA SILVA E SILVA WANDERSON LUIS , MORIM MARLI PIRES , IGANCI JOÃO RICARDO VIEIRA , DOS SANTOS JOÃO UBIRATAN MOREIRA
Published: December 2016

As part of a revision of the genus Macrosamanea (Leguminosae), the name Macrosamanea discolor var. arenicola, based on Pithecellobium arenicola, is here raised to species. Taxonomic information, comparison with morphologically similar species, geographical distributions, phenological data and a conservation assessment are provided.
Two new species of the Solanum asterophorum species group (Solanum subg. Leptostemonum, Solanaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: GOUVÊA YURI FERNANDES , STEHMANN JOÃO RENATO
Published: December 2016

Two new species of “spiny” Solanum (subgenus Leptostemonum), endemic to the Atlantic Forest of the southeastern region of Brazil, are described. Solanum igniferum and Solanum sessilantherum are morphologically related to Solanum asterophorum. Solanum igniferum inhabits the southern region of Espírito Santo State, and can be primarily distinguished from S. asterophorum by its orange-colored to ferruginous vestiture and the pedicels that are straight, or nearly so, keeping the flower buds erect to patent. Solanum sessilantherum differs chiefly from S. asterophorum also by pedicels that are straight, or nearly so, keeping the floral buds erect to patent, loosely arranged inflorescences, with armed axis, usually with unpaired pedicel insertion points when fully developed, and inconspicuous filaments giving the anthers a sessile appearance. Full descriptions, illustrations, distribution map and conservation status are provided, as well as comparative notes on the morphology, geography and some ecological aspects.
Stigmaphyllon occidentale (Malpighiaceae), a new endemic species from Central Brazil
Authors: DE ALMEIDA RAFAEL FELIPE
Published: December 2016

Stigmaphyllon occidentale is described and illustrated. This species belongs to the S. paralias complex and can be differentiated by indumentum, leaf, floral and fruit morphology. This work includes a full morphological description for the new species, along with illustrations, a distribution map, comments on conservation assessment, ecology and taxonomy, and a table distinguishing S. occidentale from S. bannisterioides, S. harleyi and S. paralias.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Evaluation of the Water Content of Molded Polylactide under the Effect of Crystallization
Authors: Muroga Shun , Hikima Yuta , Ohshima Masahiro
Published: December 2016

During melt processing, the moisture inside polylactide (PLA) easily induces hydrolysis, which deteriorates the mechanical and thermal properties of the product. The state of dryness of resin pellets must be monitored to prevent PLA hydrolysis. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was applied to measure water content in PLA. In addition, the shape of the NIR spectrum is also affected by crystallization, which could lead to a reduction in the accuracy of evaluating the water content. The objective of this research is to construct a robust model for estimating the water content with varying dispersive extents of crystallization. Two methods for estimating water content measured during a drying process were conducted: the integration of absorbance and partial least squares (PLS) regression were conducted to estimate the water contents in PLA considering the effect of crystallization. The slope of the calibration line of the water content obtained from integrating absorbance varied between PLA with different crystallinities. This is due to the overlap between the NIR band of water and that of PLA crystal in the range of 5100–5400 cm−1. We found that the shape of the NIR spectrum was changed by crystallization, and the crystallinity, compared to the thickness of lamellae, was the dominant factor determining such a change of NIR spectra. The PLS model of water content constructed from only amorphous PLA showed large error of estimation in crystallized PLA. In contrast, the PLS model constructed from both amorphous and crystallized PLA estimated the water contents with lower errors. This was because latent variables obtained from both amorphous and crystallized PLA cancelled the effect of crystallization on NIR spectra.
Short Distance Standoff Raman Detection of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adulterated with Canola and Grapeseed Oils
Authors: Farley Carlton , Kassu Aschalew , Bose Nayana , Jackson-Davis Armitra , Boateng Judith , Ruffin Paul , Sharma Anup
Published: December 2016

A short distance standoff Raman technique is demonstrated for detecting economically motivated adulteration (EMA) in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Using a portable Raman spectrometer operating with a 785 nm laser and a 2-in. refracting telescope, adulteration of olive oil with grapeseed oil and canola oil is detected between 1% and 100% at a minimum concentration of 2.5% from a distance of 15 cm and at a minimum concentration of 5% from a distance of 1 m. The technique involves correlating the intensity ratios of prominent Raman bands of edible oils at 1254, 1657, and 1441 cm–1 to the degree of adulteration. As a novel variation in the data analysis technique, integrated intensities over a spectral range of 100 cm–1 around the Raman line were used, making it possible to increase the sensitivity of the technique. The technique is demonstrated by detecting adulteration of EVOO with grapeseed and canola oils at 0–100%. Due to the potential of this technique for making measurements from a convenient distance, the short distance standoff Raman technique has the promise to be used for routine applications in food industry such as identifying food items and monitoring EMA at various checkpoints in the food supply chain and storage facilities.
Optical Properties of Europium Tetracycline Complexes in the Presence of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) Subfractions
Authors: Sicchieri Letícia Bonfante , Monteiro Andrea Moreira , Figueiredo Neto Antônio Martins , Gomes Laércio , Courrol Lilia Coronato
Published: December 2016

Standard lipoprotein measurements of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) fail to identify many lipoprotein abnormalities that contribute to cardiovascular heart diseases (CHD). Studies suggested that the presence of CHD is more strongly associated with the HDL subspecies than with total HDL cholesterol levels. The HDL particles can be collected in at least three subfractions, the HDL2b, HDL2a, and HDL3. More specifically, atherosclerosis is associated with low levels of HDL2. In this work, the optical spectroscopic properties of europium tetracycline (EuTc) complex in the presence of different HDL subspecies was studied. The results show that the europium spectroscopic properties in the EuTc complex are influenced by sizes and concentrations of subclasses. Eu3+emission intensity and lifetime can discriminate the subfractions HDL3 and HDL2b.
L-DOPA therapy interferes with urine catecholamine analysis in children with suspected neuroblastoma: a case series
Authors: Kelly Alison U , Srivastava Rajeev , Dow Ellie , Davidson D Fraser
Published: December 2016

Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial malignancy diagnosed in childhood. Clinical presentation is variable, and metastatic disease is common at diagnosis. Analyses of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites are commonly requested as a first-line investigation when clinical suspicion exists. Levodopa (L-Dopa) therapy is utilized as a treatment for a number of disorders in childhood, including Dopa-responsive dystonia. Neuroblastoma may mimic some of the clinical features of this disorder. L-Dopa can interfere with analysis of urinary catecholamines and their metabolites and complicate the interpretation of results. We present the cases of three children who were prescribed L-dopa at the time of analysis of urinary catecholamines and metabolites as a screen for neuroblastoma, but who did not have the disease. Comparison of their results with those from cases with true neuroblastoma reveal that it is impossible to reliably distinguish true neuroblastoma from L-Dopa therapy using these tests. We recommend that patients should be off L-dopa therapy, if possible when these tests are performed. These cases illustrate the importance of providing clinical details and drug history to the laboratory in order to avoid diagnostic confusion.
The Effects of Gender and Previous Prison Sentence on the Risk of Committing Crime Among a Substance-Abusing Population
Authors: Kaskela Teemu , Pitkänen Tuuli
Published: December 2016

Is the gender gap theory in criminology valid for substance abusers who have been imprisoned? We analyzed the risk of committing a crime between 2006 and 2010 using a Cox regression analysis. The data from Finland consisted of 2,034 women and 4,537 men substance abusers divided into groups based on prior imprisonment. Overall, men had a greater risk of committing any crime than women did. However, the gender gap hypothesis was not valid in the specific case of property crimes in a substance-abusing population with prior incarcerations. Women with prior convictions differ profoundly from other substance-abusing women. This raises a question if imprisonment had a wider marginalizing effect on women than on men.
Evaluation of the effect of the strain rate on the tensile properties of carbon–epoxy composite laminates
Authors: Kwon Junbeom , Choi Jaeyoung , Huh Hoon , Lee Jungju
Published: December 2016

This paper is concerned with evaluation and prediction of the tensile properties of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics laminates considering the strain rate effect at intermediate strain rates. Uniaxial tensile tests of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics laminates were conducted at various strain rates ranging from 0.001 s–1 to 100 s–1 using Instron 8801 and a high speed material testing machine to measure the variation of the elastic modulus and the ultimate tensile strength. Tensile test specimens were designed based on the ASTM standards and stacked unidirectionally such as [0°], [90°] and [45°] to predict the elastic modulus of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics laminates with various stacking sequences. The axial strain was measured by the digital image correlation method using a high speed camera and ARAMIS software to enhance the accuracy of the strain measurement. A prediction model of the elastic modulus of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics laminates is newly proposed in consideration of the laminate theory and the tensile properties of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced plastics laminates. The prediction model was utilized to predict the tensile properties of [0°/90°]s laminates, [±45°]s laminates, and [0°/±45/90°]T laminates for validation of the model. The elastic moduli predicted were compared with the static and dynamic tensile test results to confirm the accuracy of the prediction model.
Where the Insurgents Aren’t
Authors: Dolan Thomas M. , Besaw Clayton , Butler Joseph
Published: December 2016

Scholars often find that highlands and rural areas foster insurgencies. However, others have argued that cities can also be centers of insurgent activity and that nonterritorial insurgencies are different from territorial guerilla wars. We expect that in a nonterritorial insurgency, the high quality of local knowledge makes populated rural areas inhospitable to nonterritorial insurgent activity. Using data from a random sample of about 750 Médaille de la Résistance Française recipients, we find that departments with more residents in cities and large towns had more medal recipients than rural departments. Analyses of repression patterns (finding that insurgent arrests are less likely in cities than rural areas) and the historical record provide further evidence for the information mechanism.
The Determinants of Religious Radicalization
Authors: Rink Anselm , Sharma Kunaal
Published: December 2016

A variety of theories attempt to explain why some individuals radicalize along religious lines. Few studies, however, have jointly put these diverse hypotheses under empirical scrutiny. Focusing on Muslim–Christian tensions in Kenya, we distill salient micro-, meso-, and macro-level hypotheses that try to account for the recent spike in religious radicalization. We use an empirical strategy that compares survey evidence from Christian and Muslim respondents with differing degrees of religious radicalization. We find no evidence that radicalization is predicted by macro-level political or economic grievances. Rather, radicalization is strongly associated with individual-level psychological trauma, including historically troubled social relations, and process-oriented factors, particularly religious identification and exposure to radical networks. The findings point to a model of radicalization as an individual-level process that is largely unaffected by macro-level influences. As such, radicalization is better understood in a relational, idea-driven framework as opposed to a macro-level structural approach.
Led Astray
Authors: Prorok Alyssa K.
Published: December 2016

This article examines the impact that rebel and state leaders have on civil war duration. It argues that leaders’ incentives to avoid punishment at the hands of internal audiences and opponents influence their strategic decision-making during war. Specifically, leaders who bear responsibility for involvement in the war have a higher expectation of punishment should they perform poorly, particularly for rebel and high-risk state leaders. As a result, these leaders have incentives to gamble for resurrection, extending ongoing wars in the hope of turning the tide and avoiding punishment. This suggests that civil wars are less likely to end when responsible leaders hold power, especially if the responsible leader is highly vulnerable to punishment. These propositions are tested using original data on all rebel and state leaders involved in civil conflicts between 1980 and 2011. Results support the hypothesized relationship between leader responsibility and war duration.
Client Abuse to Public Welfare Workers: Theoretical Framework and Critical Incident Case Study
Authors: Stroebaek Pernille S , Korczynski Marek
Published: December 2016

We analyse a case study of workers’ experience of client abuse in a Danish public welfare organisation. We make an original contribution by putting forward two different theoretical expectations of the case. One expectation is that the case follows a pattern of customer abuse processes in a social market economy – in which workers are accorded power and resources, in which workers tend to frame the abuse as the outcome of a co-citizen caught in system failure and in which workers demonstrate some resilience to abuse. Another expectation is that New Public Management reforms push the case to follow patterns of customer abuse associated with a liberal market economy – in which the customer is treated as sovereign against the relatively powerless worker, and in which workers bear heavy emotional costs of abuse. Our findings show a greater match to the social processes of abuse within a social market economy.
Mission in Simplicity of Heart and Mind: Ludwig Harms and the Founding of the Hermannsburg Mission
Authors: Grundmann Christoffer H.
Published: December 2016

The formation of the Hermannsburg Mission in 1849 by Pastor Ludwig Harms (1808–1865) represents the beginning of a vibrant mission initiative that became one of the largest within German Protestantism. It also set the stage for a particular perception of missionary service and practice, a perception still worth serious consideration today. The article, first of all, familiarizes the reader with the person of Ludwig Harms, then it presents his missionary principles, and finally, it offers a critical evaluation of his legacy that can be summarized as follows: If you want to win the world for Christ, start living a Christian life at home.
The Centrality of the Church's Missionary Nature: Theological Reflections and Practical Implications
Authors: Dodds Adam
Published: December 2016

The church is missionary by nature because it originates in the missio trinitatis Dei. This missionary nature (broadly understood) has two important theological and practical implications. First, the author clarifies the relation of the church's missionary nature to its various core functions so that the church is not reduced to its missionary function. Second, he examines the interrelation between missionary faithfulness and ecclesial Christian existence, drawing on the Johannine and Pauline corpora, explaining that the church (and the Christian) is vivified in missional obedience and, conversely, can lose its ecclesial identity by decisively abandoning its missionary vocation.
The Early Missionary Groups and the Contest for Igboland: A Reappraisal of Their Evangelization Strategies
Authors: Nwaka Jacinta Chiamaka
Published: December 2016

The religious configuration of Nigeria has shown that Igboland has the highest concentration of the mainline churches, particularly Catholic and Anglican Churches. This has been attributed to the evangelization strategies, employed, largely, by early missionaries. Unfortunately, these strategies also engendered rivalry and competition among the two groups, robbing them of the real focus and commitment needed to penetrate the traditional religious beliefs and practices of the people. Consequently, routinization has become a common attitude within the Christian population, which calls for a new method of evangelization.
Dismantling Cultural Boundaries: Missiological Implications of Acts 10:1–11:18
Authors: Nguyen Vanthanh
Published: December 2016

The aim of this paper is to sharpen the skills of modern readers to read and interpret biblical texts more appropriately in their social and cultural contexts. By applying a cross-cultural approach to the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10:1–11:18, readers will not only grasp the heightened tension and understand the core conflict in this story but will also come to appreciate the missiological implications behind this watershed story of Luke.
The Women's Interfaith Journey: Journeying as a Method in Interfaith Relations
Authors: Frederiks Martha Th.
Published: December 2016

This article studies the Women's Interfaith Journey Project of the Henry Martyn Institute, a center for interreligious dialogue and conflict transformation in Hyderabad, India. It argues that the journey methodology used in the project offers news avenues for interfaith relations. Especially in situations where community life is strained, the journey method facilitates a compressed experience of shared life outside the daily context (a third space), where people can explore each other on multiple levels. Thus, the journey method has the potential to enable, however fragile and preliminary, a new beginning between people.
Criterion for limit cycle-free state-space digital filters with external disturbances and generalized overflow non-linearities
Authors: Kokil Priyanka , Arockiaraj S Xavier , Kar Haranath
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the problem of [Formula: see text] elimination of overflow oscillations in fixed-point state-space digital filters using generalized overflow non-linearities and external disturbance. The generalized overflow non-linearities under consideration cover the common types of overflow arithmetic used in practice, for instance zeroing, two’s complement, triangular and saturation. New criteria are established to ensure not only exponential stability, but also reduction in the effect of external disturbance to an [Formula: see text] norm constraint. The obtained criteria are in linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework and, hence, are computationally tractable. The presented approach constitutes a generalization over several previously reported approaches for the [Formula: see text] elimination of overflow oscillations. For saturation non-linearities, the presented result turns out to be less conservative than several existing criteria. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented approach.