bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ricci inheritance collineations in Bianchi type II spacetime
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Akhtar Sumaira Saleem , Bokhari Ashfaque H. , Khan Suhail
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present a complete classification of Bianchi type II spacetime according to Ricci inheritance collineations (RICs). The RICs are classified considering cases when the Ricci tensor is both degenerate as well as non-degenerate. In case of non-degenerate Ricci tensor, it is found that Bianchi type II spacetime admits 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-dimensional Lie algebra of RICs. In the case when the Ricci tensor is degenerate, majority cases give rise to infinitely many RICs, while remaining cases admit finite RICs given by 4, 5 or 6.
A short study of a string on a plane: The energy and the effective mass
Authors: Talalov S. V.
Published: June 2016

We investigate the new special class of the finite string on a plane, after the reduction from the relativistic 4D case. The suggested special form of the phase space allows to define the extended Galilei group as a group of the spacetime symmetry for the considered system. The definition of the energy for the studied non-relativistic string through the Cazimir function of this group is suggested. The concept of the effective mass for the investigated dynamical system is introduced. The appearance of strong correlations between the degrees of freedom even on the classical level is discussed.
Remarks on a gravitational analogue of the Casimir effect
Authors: Bezerra V. B. , Mota H. F. , Muniz C. R.
Published: June 2016

We consider the Casimir effect, by calculating the Casimir energy and its corrections for nonzero temperatures, of a massless scalar field in the spacetime with topology [Formula: see text] (Einstein universe) containing an idealized cosmic string. The obtained results confirm the role played by the identifications imposed on the quantum field by boundary conditions arising from the topology of the gravitational field under consideration and illustrate a realization of a gravitational analogue of the Casimir effect. In this backgorund, we show that the vacuum energy can be written as a term which corresponds to the vacuum energy of the massless scalar field in the Einstein universe added by another term that formally corresponds to the vacuum energy of the electromagnetic field in the Einstein universe, multiplied by a parameter associated with the presence of the cosmic string, namely, [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a constant related to the cosmic string tension, [Formula: see text].
On three new principles in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and Markov semigroups of weak coupling limit type
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Fagnola Franco , Quezada Roberto
Published: June 2016

We introduce three new principles: the nonlinear Boltzmann–Gibbs prescription, the local KMS condition and the generalized detailed balance (GDB) condition. We prove the equivalence of the first two under general conditions and we discuss a master equation formulation of the third one.
A Modified Smoothed Finite Element Method for Static and Free Vibration Analysis of Solid Mechanics
Authors: Cui Xiang Yang , Hu Xiao Bin , Li Guang Yao , Liu Gui Rong
Published: June 2016

The smoothed finite element method (S-FEM) proposed recently is more accurate and has higher convergence rate compared with standard four-node isoparametric finite element method (FEM). In this work, a modified S-FEM using four-node quadrilateral elements is proposed, which greatly reduces further the computation cost while maintaining the high accuracy and convergence rate. The key idea of the proposed modification is that the strain of the element is a weighted average value of the smoothed strains in the smoothing cells (SCs), which means that only one integration point is required to construct the stiffness matrix, similar to the single cell S-FEM. A stabilization item is proposed using the differences of the smoothed strains obtained in four SCs, which installs the stability of algorithm and increases the accuracy. To verify the efficiency, accuracy and stability of the present formulation, a number of numerical examples of static and free vibration problems, are studied in comparison with different existing numerical methods.
Assessing tsunami hazard using heterogeneous slip models in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Griffin Jonathan D. , Pranantyo Ignatius R. , Kongko Widjo , Haunan Afif , Robiana Rahayu , Miller Victoria , Davies Gareth , Horspool Nick , Maemunah Imun , Widjaja Wisnu B. , Natawidjaja Danny H. , Latief Hamzah
Published: June 2016

Tsunami hazard maps are generated for the coastline of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, Indonesia, to support evacuation and disaster response planning. A random heterogeneous slip generator is used to forward model a suite of earthquake rupture scenarios on the Mentawai Segment of the Sunda Subduction Zone. Up to 1000 rupture models that fit constraints provided by coral and geodetic records of coseismic vertical deformation from major earthquakes in 1797, 1833 and 2007 are used to model inundation and to define a maximum inundation zone that envelopes all of these scenarios. Comparison with single-scenario hazard assessments developed by experts and agreed through scientific consensus shows that there is value in modelling a suite of scenarios in order to obtain a more robust and conservative estimate of potential inundated areas. Although both the model presented here and the single-scenario models are based on assumptions about the characteristics of future events using knowledge of past events, by sampling a range of plausible outcomes we gain a more robust estimate of which areas may be inundated during a tsunami within the bounds of the assumptions applied.
Consistent Query Answering for Primary Keys
Authors: Koutris Paraschos , Wijsen Jef
Published: June 2016

We study the complexity of consistent query answering with respect to primary key violations, for self-join-free conjunctive queries. A repair of a possibly inconsistent database is obtained by selecting a maximal number of tuples without selecting two distinct tuples with the same primary key value. For any Boolean query q, CERTAINTY(q) is the problem that takes a database as input, and asks whether q is true in every repair of the database. The complexity of this problem has been extensively studied for q ranging over the class of self-join-free Boolean conjunctive queries. A research challenge is to determine, given q, whether CERTAINTY(q) belongs to complexity classes FO, P, or coNP-complete. We show that for any self-join-free Boolean conjunctive query q, it can be decided whether or not CERTAINTY(q) is in FO. Further, CERTAINTY(q) is either in P or coNP-complete, and the complexity dichotomy is effective. This settles a research question of practical relevance that has been open for ten years.
Treatment Preferences for Active Surveillance versus Active Treatment among Men with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Taylor Kathryn L. , Hoffman Richard M. , Davis Kimberly M. , Luta George , Leimpeter Amethyst , Lobo Tania , Kelly Scott P. , Shan Jun , Aaronson David , Tomko Catherine A. , Starosta Amy J. , Hagerman Charlotte J. , Van Den Eeden Stephen K.
Published: June 2016

Background: Due to the concerns about the overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancer, active surveillance (AS) is now a recommended alternative to the active treatments (AT) of surgery and radiotherapy. However, AS is not widely utilized, partially due to psychological and decision-making factors associated with treatment preferences.

Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study, we conducted pretreatment telephone interviews (N = 1,140, 69.3% participation) with newly diagnosed, low-risk prostate cancer patients (PSA ≤ 10, Gleason ≤ 6) from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We assessed psychological and decision-making variables, and treatment preference [AS, AT, and No Preference (NP)].

Results: Men were 61.5 (SD, 7.3) years old, 24 days (median) after diagnosis, and 81.1% white. Treatment preferences were: 39.3% AS, 30.9% AT, and 29.7% NP. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that men preferring AS (vs. AT) were older (OR, 1.64; CI, 1.07–2.51), more educated (OR, 2.05; CI, 1.12–3.74), had greater prostate cancer knowledge (OR, 1.77; CI, 1.43–2.18) and greater awareness of having low-risk cancer (OR, 3.97; CI, 1.96–8.06), but also were less certain about their treatment preference (OR, 0.57; CI, 0.41–0.8), had greater prostate cancer anxiety (OR, 1.22; CI, 1.003–1.48), and preferred a shared treatment decision (OR, 2.34; CI, 1.37–3.99). Similarly, men preferring NP (vs. AT) were less certain about treatment preference, preferred a shared decision, and had greater knowledge.

Conclusions: Although a substantial proportion of men preferred AS, this was associated with anxiety and uncertainty, suggesting that this may be a difficult choice.

Impact: Increasing the appropriate use of AS for low-risk prostate cancer will require additional reassurance and information, and reaching men almost immediately after diagnosis while the decision-making is ongoing. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(8); 1240–50. ©2016 AACR.
ERK1 as a Therapeutic Target for Dendritic Cell Vaccination against High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Ku Min-Chi , Edes Inan , Bendix Ivo , Pohlmann Andreas , Waiczies Helmar , Prozorovski Tim , Günther Martin , Martin Conrad , Pagès Gilles , Wolf Susanne A. , Kettenmann Helmut , Uckert Wolfgang , Niendorf Thoralf , Waiczies Sonia
Published: June 2016

Glioma regression requires the recruitment of potent antitumor immune cells into the tumor microenvironment. Dendritic cells (DC) play a role in immune responses to these tumors. The fact that DC vaccines do not effectively combat high-grade gliomas, however, suggests that DCs need to be genetically modified specifically to promote their migration to tumor relevant sites. Previously, we identified extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK1) as a regulator of DC immunogenicity and brain autoimmunity. In the current study, we made use of modern magnetic resonance methods to study the role of ERK1 in regulating DC migration and tumor progression in a model of high-grade glioma. We found that ERK1-deficient mice are more resistant to the development of gliomas, and tumor growth in these mice is accompanied by a higher infiltration of leukocytes. ERK1-deficient DCs exhibit an increase in migration that is associated with sustained Cdc42 activation and increased expression of actin-associated cytoskeleton-organizing proteins. We also demonstrated that ERK1 deletion potentiates DC vaccination and provides a survival advantage in high-grade gliomas. Considering the therapeutic significance of these results, we propose ERK1-deleted DC vaccines as an additional means of eradicating resilient tumor cells and preventing tumor recurrence. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1975–87. ©2016 AACR.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Fused: Novel EGFR Rearrangements in Lung Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Paik Paul K.
Published: June 2016

Summary: Mutations in EGFR stand as the archetype for somatic alterations that lead to oncogene addiction and that predict for response to targeted therapies. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Konduri and colleagues report on a pair of novel oncogenic and actionable EGFR fusion events in a series of patients with lung adenocarcinomas, casting new light on this model gene. Cancer Discov; 6(6); 574–5. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Konduri et al., p. 601.
A Practical Guide to Engaging Individuals with Obesity
Authors: McGowan Barbara M.
Published: June 2016

Obesity is officially recognised as a chronic disease and a top public health priority by several global societies and healthcare bodies. In some European countries, the majority of the adult population is either overweight or obese, with major implications for patient health and healthcare systems. General practitioners (GPs) are well-placed to tackle this epidemic, yet their engagement with patients is fraught with challenges and barriers. These include time limitations, a lack of evidence base, sensitivities around raising the topic of obesity with patients, inadequate availability of supporting local weight loss services, a lack of training for healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the management of obesity and a limited number of effective therapies. A number of steps need to be implemented to promote engagement between GPs and individuals with obesity. This article provides a European perspective on the obstacles that patients face in accessing healthcare services and discusses a variety of approaches for engaging individuals with obesity and facilitating the management of obesity as a chronic disease.
Intussusception of the Appendix and Ileum Endometriosis: A Case Report
Authors: Dainius Edvinas , Pankratjevaite Lina , Bradulskis Saulius , Venskutonis Donatas
Published: June 2016

Background: Intussusception of the appendix is a very rare condition. It may clinically mimic acute or chronic abdominal diseases or can be asymptomatic. Case Report: This paper describes our experience with intussusception of the appendix. We report a case of a female with appendiceal intussusception and ileum endometriosis. Conclusion: It is important to know about such a rare condition in order to avoid mistaking it with other abdominal diseases. However, diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively.
Karyotypic Evolution in Malagasy Flying Foxes (Pteropodidae, Chiroptera) and Their Hipposiderid Relatives as Determined by Comparative Chromosome Painting
Authors: Richards Leigh R. , Rambau Ramugondo V. , Goodman Steven M. , Taylor Peter J. , Schoeman M. Corrie , Yang Fengtang , Lamb Jennifer M.
Published: June 2016

Pteropodidae and Hipposideridae are 2 of the 9 chiropteran families that occur on Madagascar. Despite major advancements in the systematic study of the island's bat fauna, few karyotypic data exist for endemic species. We utilized G- and C-banding in combination with chromosome painting with Myotismyotis probes to establish a genome-wide homology among Malagasy species belonging to the families Pteropodidae (Pteropus rufus 2n = 38; Rousettus madagascariensis, 2n = 36), Hipposideridae (Hipposideros commersoni s.s., 2n = 52), and a single South African representative of the Rhinolophidae (Rhinolophus clivosus, 2n = 58). Painting probes of M. myotis detected 26, 28, 28, and 29 regions of homology in R. madagascariensis, P. rufus, H. commersoni s.s, and R. clivosus, respectively. Translocations, pericentric inversions, and heterochromatin additions were responsible for karyotypic differences amongst the Malagasy pteropodids. Comparative chromosome painting revealed a novel pericentric inversion on P. rufus chromosome 4. Chromosomal characters suggest a close evolutionary relationship between Rousettus and Pteropus. H. commersoni s.s. shared several chromosomal characters with extralimital congeners but did not exhibit 2 chromosomal synapomorphies proposed for Hipposideridae. This study provides further insight into the ancestral karyotypes of pteropodid and hipposiderid bats and corroborates certain molecular phylogenetic hypotheses.
Exposure Variation and Endocrine Disruption of the Male Reproductive System
Authors: Toppari Jorma , Rodprasert Wiwat , Koskenniemi Jaakko J.
Published: June 2016

Exposure to endocrine disruptors varies geographically and temporally. Environmental levels of persistent organic pollutants have decreased after international regulation, whereas potential exposure to thousands of new chemicals has increased. The adverse effects of endocrine disruptors depend on susceptibility and timing of the exposure. Fetal and childhood exposures are often most harmful because of organizational and programming effects. In this review, we use the exposure to persistent organic pollutants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and differences in the incidence of reproductive disorders between Denmark and Finland as an example to highlight how exposure variation and variation in genetic susceptibility may influence the strength of the association between the exposure to endocrine disruptors and adverse effects. Understanding the causes and implications of interindividual differences in susceptibility to endocrine disruptors is crucial for the protection of normal development.
Signalübertragung in den Nerven und die Quantum- Mind-Hypothese
Authors: Schmid Gary Bruno
Published: June 2016

Diese Arbeit geht folgender Frage nach: «Inwiefern sind auch quantenphysikalische Prozesse entscheidend für die Funktionsweise des Gehirns?» Um diese Frage theoretisch auf einer soliden empirischen Basis beantworten zu können, muss man die Eigenschaften der Signalleitung im Gehirn untersuchen. Diese erfolgt innerhalb der Neurone durch die Fortpflanzung von Spannungsänderungen in Form von Aktionspotenzialen, den sogenannten Spikes. Die Verteilung der elektrischen Spannung nach Durchlaufen des Axons kann Eigenschaften aufweisen, die nur quantenphysikalisch erklärbar sind, wenn die parenchymischen Dimensionen eines Axons, einer Synapse oder eines Mikrotubulus für die an der Depolarisation beteiligten Ionen genügend klein sind. Was «genügend klein» heisst, kann mithilfe der Quanteneffektgrösse erklärt werden, die von mir auf der Basis der de-Broglie-Wellenlänge definiert wird. Die geschätzten Quanteneffektgrössen der Ionen, die an der Bildung und Fortpflanzung der Spikes beteiligt sind, zeigen, dass mindestens ein Teil der Informationsverarbeitung im Gehirn auf quantenphysikalischen Prozessen basiert. In der Konsequenz können Denkprozesse teilweise auf Quanteneffekte zurückgeführt werden. Je grösser die Quanteneffektgrösse ist, desto eher werden Quanteneffekte im Verhalten des Systems zum Vorschein kommen. Bei Quanteneffektgrössen ≥ 1 muss die Quantenphysik einbezogen werden. Dies ist der Bereich der Quantenwelt. Quanteneffektgrössen zwischen ca. 0,01 und 1 bezeichnen nach meiner Definition die mesoskopische Welt. Für Quanteneffektgrössen kleiner als 0,01 haben wir es meines Erachtens eher mit Phänomenen der Alltagswelt der klassischen Physik zu tun. Aufgrund empirischer zellanatomischer Gegebenheiten wird eine Quanteneffektgrösse von ca. 0,01-0,5 für das Ca++-, K+- oder Na+-Ion in den verschiedenen Nervenleitungen (Mikrotubulus, synaptische Spaltbreite, Axon) geschätzt. Bis und mit diesen Einschätzungen sind alle Argumente streng wissenschaftlich haltbar. Was aus diesen Argumenten über die subjektive Wahrnehmung - über das «Bewusstsein an sich» - abgeleitet werden kann, wird im Ausklang kurz diskutiert. Im Sinne eines wissenschaftlich-spekulativen Erklärungsversuchs wird angenommen, dass Systeme, in denen die an den Signalleitungen innerhalb oder zwischen Zellen beteiligten Botenstoffe durchschnittliche Quanteneffektgrössen haben, die nicht im mesoskopischen Bereich liegen, nicht in der Lage wären, sich selbst zu reflektieren. Die Quantenphysik - richtig dosiert im Gehirn - scheint die Basis des Bewusstseins zu sein. Veränderungen der anatomischen Verhältnisse auf mikroskopischer Ebene (z.B. Veränderung der Myelinschicht oder der charakteristischen Dimensionen des Systems S (∂S)) würden eine Veränderung der «Dosis Quantenphysik» nach sich ziehen und das Bewusstsein beeinflussen.
Stent Retriever-Based Thrombectomy in Octogenarians
Authors: Cohen Jose E. , Gomori John M. , Leker Ronen. R.
Published: June 2016

Background and Aims: Stent retriever-based thrombectomy (SRT) may be beneficial in patients with large hemispheric stroke. Previous studies concluded that favorable outcomes are far less frequent after endovascular therapy in older patients but have not explored outcomes in the era of newer-generation stent retrievers. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with large hemispheric stroke treated with SRT were included. We compared neurological and functional outcomes between patients younger and older than 80. Results: We included 16 patients older than 80 (22.5%, mean age 84.1 ± 4.4, 56% females) and compared them to 55 patients that were younger than 80 (77.5%, mean age 63.1 ± 12.5, 51% females). Risk factor profile, admission neurological severity, stroke etiology and procedure-related variables including excellent target vessel recanalization did not differ between the groups. Favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin score ≤2) was more common in younger patients (77 vs. 23%; p = 0.031). In contrast, mortality rates were higher in octogenarians (40 vs. 7%; p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis adjusting for neurological severity and collateral state identified age over 80 (odds ratio, OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.75; p = 0.02) and reperfusion state (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.1-49.9; p = 0.04) as significant modifiers of favorable outcome. Similarly, age over 80 was identified as a positive predictor of mortality (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.8-36.7; p = 0.007). Conclusions: Octogenarians have higher chances of mortality and lower probability of achieving functional independence even after SRT. Nevertheless, because some elderly patients do achieve favorable outcomes, the cost-effectiveness of SRT in this population needs to be further studied.
Vitamin D Deficiency Accelerates Coronary Artery Disease Progression in Swine
Authors: Chen Songcang , Swier Vicki J. , Boosani Chandra S. , Radwan Mohamed M. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: June 2016

Objective—

The role of vitamin D deficiency in coronary artery disease (CAD) progression is uncertain. Chronic inflammation in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. However, the molecular mechanism underlying vitamin D deficiency–enhanced inflammation in the EAT of diseased coronary arteries remains unknown. We examined a mechanistic link between 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D–mediated suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transporter, karyopherin α4 (KPNA4) expression and NF-κB activation in preadipocytes. Furthermore, we determined whether vitamin D deficiency accelerates CAD progression by increasing KPNA4 and nuclear NF-κB levels in EAT.

Approach and Results—

Nuclear protein levels were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Exogenous KPNA4 was transported into cells by a transfection approach and constituted lentiviral vector. Swine were administered vitamin D–deficient or vitamin D–sufficient hypercholesterolemic diet. After 1 year, the histopathology of coronary arteries and nuclear protein expression of EAT were assessed. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced KPNA4 levels through increased vitamin D receptor expression. Exogenous KPNA4 rescued 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D–dependent suppression of NF-κB nuclear translocation and activation. Vitamin D deficiency caused extensive CAD progression and advanced atherosclerotic plaques, which are linked to increased KPNA4 and nuclear NF-κB levels in the EAT.

Conclusions—

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D attenuates NF-κB activation by targeting KPNA4. Vitamin D deficiency accelerates CAD progression at least, in part, through enhanced chronic inflammation of EAT by upregulation of KPNA4, which enhances NF-κB activation. These novel findings provide mechanistic evidence that vitamin D supplementation could be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of CAD.
Central Role of P2Y
6
UDP Receptor in Arteriolar Myogenic Tone
Authors: Kauffenstein Gilles , Tamareille Sophie , Prunier Fabrice , Roy Charlotte , Ayer Audrey , Toutain Bertrand , Billaud Marie , Isakson Brant E. , Grimaud Linda , Loufrani Laurent , Rousseau Pascal , Abraham Pierre , Procaccio Vincent , Monyer Hannah , de Wit Cor , Boeynaems Jean-Marie , Robaye Bernard , Kwak Brenda R. , Henrion Daniel
Published: June 2016

Objective—

Myogenic tone (MT) of resistance arteries ensures autoregulation of blood flow in organs and relies on the intrinsic property of smooth muscle to contract in response to stretch. Nucleotides released by mechanical strain on cells are responsible for pleiotropic vascular effects, including vasoconstriction. Here, we evaluated the contribution of extracellular nucleotides to MT.

Approach and Results—

We measured MT and the associated pathway in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries using arteriography for small arteries and molecular biology. Of the P2 receptors in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries, mRNA expression of P2X
1
and P2Y
6
was dominant. P2Y
6
fully sustained UDP/UTP-induced contraction (abrogated in
P2ry6
−/−
arteries). Preventing nucleotide hydrolysis with the ectonucleotidase inhibitor ARL67156 enhanced pressure-induced MT by 20%, whereas P2Y
6
receptor blockade blunted MT in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries and human subcutaneous arteries. Despite normal hemodynamic parameters,
P2ry6
−/−
mice were protected against MT elevation in myocardial infarction–induced heart failure. Although both P2Y
6
and P2Y
2
receptors contributed to calcium mobilization, P2Y
6
activation was mandatory for RhoA–GTP binding, myosin light chain, P42–P44, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation in arterial smooth muscle cells. In accordance with the opening of a nucleotide conduit in pressurized arteries, MT was altered by hemichannel pharmacological inhibitors and impaired in
Cx43
+/−
and
P2rx7
−/−
mesenteric resistance arteries.

Conclusions—

Signaling through P2 nucleotide receptors contributes to MT. This mechanism encompasses the release of nucleotides coupled to specific autocrine/paracrine activation of the uracil nucleotide P2Y
6
receptor and may contribute to impaired tissue perfusion in cardiovascular diseases.
Ablation of Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase α1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Diet-Induced Atherosclerotic Calcification In Vivo
Authors: Cai Zhejun , Ding Ye , Zhang Miao , Lu Qiulun , Wu Shengnan , Zhu Huaiping , Song Ping , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Atherosclerotic calcification is highly linked with plaque rapture. How calcification is regulated is poorly characterized.

Objective:

We sought to determine the contributions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in atherosclerotic calcification.

Methods and Results:

Aortic calcification was evaluated in aortic roots and brachiocephalic arteries of atherosclerotic prone ApoE
−/−
mice or in mice with dual deficiencies of ApoE and AMPKα isoforms in whole body (ApoE
−/−
/AMPKα1
−/−
and ApoE
−/−
/AMPKα2
−/−
) or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)–specific or macrophage-specific knockout of AMPKα1 fed with Western diet for 24 weeks. Genetic deficiency of AMPKα1 but not of AMPKα2 promoted atherosclerotic calcification and the expression of Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor). Conversely, chronic administration of metformin, which activated AMPK, markedly reduced atherosclerotic calcification and Runx2 expression in ApoE
−/−
mice but had less effects in ApoE
−/−
/AMPKα1
−/−
mice. Furthermore, VSMC-specific but not macrophage-specific ablation of AMPKα1 promoted aortic calcification in vivo. Ablation of AMPKα1 in VSMC prevented Runx2 from proteasome degradation in parallel with aberrant osteoblastic differentiation of VSMC, whereas AMPK activation promoted Runx2 post-translational modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO, SUMOylation), which is associated with its instability. Mechanically, we found that AMPKα1 directly phosphorylated protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS1), the SUMO E3-ligase of Runx2, at serine 510, to promote its SUMO E3-ligase activity. Finally, mutation of protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 at serine 510 suppressed metformin-induced Runx2 SUMOylation and subsequently prevented metformin’s effect on reducing oxidized low-density lipoprotein–triggered Runx2 expression in VSMC.

Conclusions:

AMPKα1 phosphorylated protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 to promote Runx2 SUMOylation and subsequently lead to its instability. AMPKα1 deficiency in VSMC increased Runx2 expression and promoted atherosclerotic calcification in vivo.
Weather matters: begging calls are temperature- and size-dependent signals of offspring state
Authors: Dakin Roslyn , Ouyang Jenny Q. , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Haussmann Mark F. , Moore Ignacio T. , Bonier Frances
Published: June 2016

Begging calls provide a way for parents to gauge offspring state. Although temperature is known to affect call production, previous studies have not examined the influence of ambient temperature at the nest. We recorded ambient temperature and begging calls of 3 day-old tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Our results indicate that typical daily temperature flux can dramatically alter a brood’s begging calls, depending on body size. Broods with small (low body mass) nestlings decreased the rate and length of their calls at colder temperatures, consistent with a biophysical constraint. In contrast, broods with large (high body mass) nestlings increased the rate of their calls at colder temperatures. Parents responded in a context-dependent manner, returning more rapidly after smaller nestlings gave longer begging calls. Our results suggest that the function of offspring begging calls is highly dynamic, with environmental conditions altering the relationship between begging calls and offspring state.
European Classification Project
Authors: Filhon Alexandra , Deauvieau Jérôme , Verdalle (de) Laure , Pelage Agnès , Poullaouec Tristan , Brousse Cécile , Mespoulet Martine , Sztandar-Sztanderska Karolina
Published: June 2016

This article examines the categorization of social space in five European countries, Germany, Belgium, Spain, France and Poland. It draws on analysis of reactions to the European Socio-economic Classification (ESeC) prototype designed by social science researchers for Eurostat. Looking beyond the logic underpinning the prototype, our work investigates how “ordinary” people understand the structuring of social space in different national contexts. By studying how respondents react to ESeC categories, we were able to address how they develop their own categories that guide them in social space. Through an experimental survey based on a list of occupations, classified according to the ESeC categories, we tested the self-consistency of the prototype by submitting it to ordinary individuals. Our results demonstrate that the respondents found it difficult to understand the main organizational principles of ESeC. We conclude by questioning the ability of the European classification system in question to take into account the diverse national socio-economic realities that still characterize the European Union.
Sociological Imagination and Literary Intuition
Authors: Misztal Barbara A.
Published: June 2016

The paper argues that if imagination is paramount for sociology’s status and if literary intuition is a source of such imagination, we should rethink the value of literary insight for social analyses. It reviews the changing relationship between literature and sociology and shows how sociology can draw from literature as a starting point for understanding the social world and a way of invigorating sociological imagination. By framing the digital age as a current moment of change that has reconfigured the relation between sociology and literature, it illuminates the impact of challenges faced by both sociology and literature. It argues for the validity of literature for sociological use in the digital future and calls for more reflection on the utility and scope of the linkage. It asserts the literary inspired way of doing sociology, which takes advantage of the chance provided by the e-revolution, is one of ways forward for sociology.
Why Groups Matter to Sociocultural Evolution
Authors: Abrutyn Seth
Published: June 2016

Evolutionary concepts have a rich history in sociological theory, from Spencer to Durkheim, Marx to Weber. Recently, a neo-evolutionary revival has occurred in the social sciences, (1) bringing neuroscience into dialogue with age old sociological questions of origins; (2) considering the gene-culture relationship; and (3) constructing sweeping general theories of sociocultural evolution. Generally, the role collective actors play in the evolutionary process is taken for granted, as is the contingent, multi-directional, and multi-linear paths evolution takes when we focus on specific cases. The paper below examines the evolution of the ancient Israelites from the 8th–6th centuriesbce, teasing out a theory that supplements these other important areas. Specifically, it is argued that (a) institutional entrepreneurs are the collectives thatdrivesociocultural selection processes by innovating organizationally, normatively, and symbolically; (b) their cultural assemblages are sources of variation upon which sociocultural forms of selection, likeSpencerianorMarxian, can work; and, (c) institutional spheres evolve and become “survivor machines” for the entrepreneur’s assemblage, imposing it on a significant proportion of the population and reproducing it across time and space.
A new species of Axonopus sect. Axonopus ser. Axonopus (Poaceae; Panicoideae) from the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: SILVEIRA ANDRESSA DANTAS DA , VALLS JOSÉ F. M.
Published: June 2016

Axonopus fusiformis, a new species of Axonopus sect. Axonopus ser. Axonopus, similar in habit to the widespread and locally sympatric A. purpusii, is described from the Brazilian Pantanal. Diagnostic differences mainly concerning spikelet morphology are discussed and illustrated. Based on the documented occurrence, this new species seems to be the first member of the Poaceae endemic to the Pantanal.
Phylogenetic placement and a new circumscription of Poteranthera (Microlicieae; Melastomataceae)
Authors: ROCHA MARIA JOSÉ REIS DA , GUIMARÃES PAULO JOSÉ FERNANDES , MICHELANGELI FABIÁN A. , ROMERO ROSANA
Published: June 2016

Poteranthera (Melastomataceae) is a genus of small, annual herbs with narrow leaves, that inhabit humid savannas in South America and are visible only when in bloom. Due to their size and paucity of collections, the phylogenetic position of Poteranthera has been uncertain to this point. Poteranthera has been at times associated, confused, or placed in Acisanthera and/or Siphanthera. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequence data place Poteranthera unequivocally within the Microlicieae and not closely related to Acisanthera or Siphantera. These results are consistent with seed and anther morphology. Putative morphological synapomorphies for this genus are the glandular hairs restricted to the leaf margins and the apically constricted hypanthium. Based on morphology, Acisanthera leptalea seems better placed in Poteranthera and the new combination Poteranthera leptalea is made. An expanded generic description is also provided.
Epimedium xichangense (Berberidaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: ZHANG YANJUN , ZHANG SHOUJUN , DANG HAISHAN , ZHENG BIN , LI JIANQIANG , WANG YING
Published: June 2016

A new species of Epimedium L. (Berberidaceae), E. xichangense Y. J. Zhang, is described and illustrated from Xichang, Sichuan Province, China. E. xichangense has large flower with petals bearing long spurs and obvious basal lamina, and should be a member of ser. Davidianae. The species is easily distinguished from other species of ser. Davidianae by its compact rhizome, leaflet number and morphology, leaf number and arrangement on the flowering stem, flower color, and shape and size of inner sepal and petal. Epimedium xichangense is most similar to E. elongatum of ser. Dolichocerae in morphology, but they can be differentiated clearly by the flower and rhizome characters.
Review of the fish-parasitic genus Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae) from Australia
Authors: MARTIN MELISSA B. , BRUCE NIEL L. , NOWAK BARBARA F.
Published: June 2016

The genus Cymothoa Fabricius, 1793 is revised for Australian waters. Cymothoa hermani Hadfield, Bruce & Smit, 2011, previously known from Tanzania on the host Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch, 1793) is new to Australian waters. Cymothoa carangi Avdeev, 1979; Cymothoa epimerica Avdeev, 1979; Cymothoa parupenei Avdeev, 1979; Cymothoa propria Avdeev, 1979; Cymothoa rotunda Avdeev, 1979 and Cymothoa pulchrum Lanchester, 1902 are redescribed. Cymothoa curta Schioedte & Meinert, 1884, first described from the host Anableps anableps (Linnaeus, 1758); and Cymothoa plebeia Schioedte & Meinert, 1884, first described from Cape Verde; are redescribed and excluded from the Australian fauna. Cymothoa limbata Schioedte & Meinert, 1884 is placed into junior synonymy with Cymothoa eremita (Brünnich, 1783). A key to the Australian species of Cymothoa is presented.
A new genus of anthophilous drosophilids, Impatiophila (Diptera, Drosophilidae): morphology, DNA barcoding and molecular phylogeny, with descriptions of thirty-nine new species
Authors: FU ZHAO , TODA MASANORI J. , LI NAN-NAN , ZHANG YA-PING , GAO JIAN-JUN
Published: June 2016

Breeding habits of essential dependence on flowers for larval food resources have evolved repeatedly in separate lineages of the Drosophilidae. However, flowers of Impatiens L. have never been recognized as hosts for drosophilid flies until recently: two Hirtodrosophila species, H. actinia (Okada) and H. yapingi Gao, were found feeding and breeding on Impatiens flowers. During our recent field surveys in central and southern China, a great number of drosophilid flies morphologically resembling the two species were collected, almost exclusively from flowers of Impatiens (family Balsaminaceae) and the family Gesneriaceae. In the present study, these specimens were identified on the basis of morphological characters and/or partial DNA sequences of the mitochondrial COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, used as a barcoding marker). As a result, 39 new species were recognized. We then reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships among most of them, based on concatenated DNA sequences (3047 nucleotide sites) of two mitochondrial (COI and COII, i.e., cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and II, respectively) and three nuclear genes (ATPsyn-alpha, alphaTub84B and Hsc70cb, i.e., ATP synthase alpha, alpha-Tubulin at 84B and Hsc70Cb isoform H, respectively). In the resulting Bayesian and ML (maximum likelihood) trees, three well-supported clades were recognized, with a few species having remained uncertain for their phylogenetic positions. We also conducted a cladistic analysis with data of adult morphological characters to investigate the phylogenetic positions of a few species of which DNA sequence data were not available, and to investigate the classification of species groups with definition of their diagnoses. In consequence, we established a new genus, Impatiophila, for the species visiting flowers of Impatiens and Gesneriaceae, described all the new species, and revised the taxonomy of some known species.
Interannual Variation of Summer Rainfall in the Taipei Basin
Authors: Chen Tsing-Chang , Tsay Jenq-Dar , Takle Eugene S.
Published: June 2016

The Taipei basin, located in northern Taiwan, is formed at the intersection of the Tanshui River valley (~30 km) and the Keelung River valley (~60 km). Summer is the dry season in northern Taiwan, but the maximum rainfall in the Taipei basin occurs during 15 June–31 August. The majority of summer rainfall in this basin is produced by afternoon thunderstorms. Thus, the water supply, air/land traffic, and pollution for this basin can be profoundly affected by interannual variations of thunderstorm days and rainfall. Because the mechanism for these interannual variations is still unknown, a systematic analysis is made of thunderstorm days and rainfall for the past two decades (1993–2013). These two variables are found to correlate opposite interannual variations of sea surface temperature anomalies over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Niño-3.4 region. Occurrence days for afternoon thunderstorms and rainfall amounts in the Taipei basin double during the cold El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase relative to the warm phase. During the latter phase, a stronger cold/drier monsoon southwesterly flow caused by the Pacific–Japan Oscillation weakens the thunderstorm activity in the Taipei basin through the land–sea breeze. In contrast, the opposite condition occurs during the cold ENSO phase. The water vapor flux over the East/Southeast Asian monsoon region converges more toward Taiwan to maintain rainfall over the Taipei basin during the cold ENSO phase than during the warm ENSO phase.
Interdecadal Change in the Tropical Pacific Precipitation Anomaly Pattern around the Late 1990s during Boreal Spring
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Wen Zhiping , Wu Renguang
Published: June 2016

The leading mode of boreal spring precipitation variability over the tropical Pacific experienced a pronounced interdecadal change around the late 1990s. The pattern before 1998 features positive precipitation anomalies over the equatorial eastern Pacific (EP) with positive principle component years. The counterpart after 1998 exhibits a westward shift of the positive center to the equatorial central Pacific (CP). Observational evidence shows that this interdecadal change in the leading mode of precipitation variability is closely associated with a distinctive sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly pattern. The westward shift of the anomalous precipitation center after 1998 is in tandem with a similar shift of maximum warming from the EP to CP. Diagnostic analyses based on a linear equation of the mixed layer temperature anomaly exhibit that an interdecadal enhancement of zonal advection (ZA) feedback process plays a vital role in the shift in the leading mode of both the tropical Pacific SST and the precipitation anomaly during spring. Moreover, the variability of the anomalous zonal current at the upper ocean dominates the ZA feedback change, while the mean zonal SST gradient associated with a La Niña–like pattern of the mean state only accounts for a relatively trivial proportion of the ZA feedback change. It was found that both the relatively rapid decaying of the SST anomalies in the EP and the La Niña–like mean state make it conceivable that the shift of the leading mode of the tropical precipitation anomaly only occurs in spring. In addition, the largest variance of the anomalous zonal current in spring might contribute to the unique interdecadal change in the tropical spring precipitation anomaly pattern.
An Idealized Study of Coupled Atmosphere–Ocean 4D-Var in the Presence of Model Error
Authors: Fowler Alison M. , Lawless Amos S.
Published: June 2016

Atmosphere-only and ocean-only variational data assimilation (DA) schemes are able to use window lengths that are optimal for the error growth rate, nonlinearity, and observation density of the respective systems. Typical window lengths are 6–12 h for the atmosphere and 2–10 days for the ocean. However, in the implementation of coupled DA schemes it has been necessary to match the window length of the ocean to that of the atmosphere, which may potentially sacrifice the accuracy of the ocean analysis in order to provide a more balanced coupled state. This paper investigates how extending the window length in the presence of model error affects both the analysis of the coupled state and the initialized forecast when using coupled DA with differing degrees of coupling.

Results are illustrated using an idealized single-column model of the coupled atmosphere–ocean system. It is found that the analysis error from an uncoupled DA scheme can be smaller than that from a coupled analysis at the initial time, due to faster error growth in the coupled system. However, this does not necessarily lead to a more accurate forecast due to imbalances in the coupled state. Instead coupled DA is more able to update the initial state to reduce the impact of the model error on the accuracy of the forecast. The effect of model error is potentially most detrimental in the weakly coupled formulation due to the inconsistency between the coupled model used in the outer loop and uncoupled models used in the inner loop.
On the Secondary Eyewall Formation of Hurricane Edouard (2014)
Authors: Abarca Sergio F. , Montgomery Michael T. , Braun Scott A. , Dunion Jason
Published: June 2016

A first observationally based estimation of departures from gradient wind balance during secondary eyewall formation is presented. The study is based on the Atlantic Hurricane Edouard (2014). This storm was observed during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) experiment, a field campaign conducted in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A total of 135 dropsondes are analyzed in two separate time periods: one named the secondary eyewall formation period and the other one referred to as the decaying double eyewalled storm period. During the secondary eyewall formation period, a time when the storm was observed to have only one eyewall, the diagnosed agradient force has a secondary maximum that coincides with the radial location of the secondary eyewall observed in the second period of study. The maximum spinup tendency of the radial influx of absolute vertical vorticity is within the boundary layer in the region of the eyewall of the storm and the spinup tendency structure elongates radially outward into the secondary region of supergradient wind, where the secondary wind maximum is observed in the second period of study. An analysis of the boundary layer averaged vertical structure of equivalent potential temperature reveals a conditionally unstable environment in the secondary eyewall formation region. These findings support the hypothesis that deep convective activity in this region contributed to spinup of the boundary layer tangential winds and the formation of a secondary eyewall that is observed during the decaying double eyewalled storm period.
Global Standards and the realities of multiculturalism in social work curricula
Authors: Akintayo Thomas , Hämäläinen Juha , Rissanen Sari
Published: June 2016

This study highlights social work’s response to socio-cultural diversity by investigating the reality of multiculturalism in social work curricula vis-a-vis the Global Standards debates. Content analysis technique is used from a transcendental perspective to explore the attributes of multiculturalism in social work curricula via the online directory of the International Association of Schools of Social Work. Each curriculum reflects relative attributes of multiculturalism, identifiable as tenets of the Global Standards – a tool for modeling social work education across cultures. A new theory and a practice model for international social work also emerged from the study, and are proposed for testing.
Comparative study of chemical and physical foaming methods for injection-molded thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Kharbas Hrishikesh A , McNulty Jason D , Ellingham Thomas , Thompson Cyrus , Manitiu Mihai , Scholz Guenter , Turng Lih-Sheng
Published: June 2016

Thermoplastic polyurethane is one of the most versatile thermoplastic materials being used in a myriad of industrial and commercial applications. Thermoplastic polyurethane foams are finding new applications in various industries including the furniture, automotive, sportswear, and packaging industries because of their easy processability and desirable customizable properties. In this study, three methods of manufacturing injection molded low density foams were investigated and compared: (1) using chemical blowing agents, (2) using microcellular injection molding with N2 as the blowing agent, and (3) using a combination of supercritical gas-laden pellets injection molding foaming technology and microcellular injection molding processes using co-blowing agents CO2 and N2. Thermal, rheological, microscopic imaging, and mechanical testing were carried out on the molded samples with increasing amounts of blowing agents. The results showed that the use of physical blowing agents yielded softer foams, while the use of CO2 and N2 as co-blowing agents helped to manufacture foams with lower bulk densities, better microstructures, and lower hysteresis loss ratios. Chemical blowing agent-foamed thermoplastic polyurethane showed an earlier onset of degradation. The average cell size decreased and the cell density increased with the use of co-blowing agents. A further increase in gas saturation levels showed a degradation of microstructure by cell coalescence.