bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of AWs in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: OLONIYO Godwin Gbenga , BASORUN Joseph Omoniyi
Published: January 2017

Urbanization is on the increase globally, due to the movement of people from rural to urban areas. The rapid increase in urban population has led to the corresponding increase in the use of vehicles and number of automobile workshops (AWs) in Akure. The study area is made up of four political wards with 511 registered mechanics of which 20% are randomly selected for data collection. Kruskal-Wallis statistical tool is used in data analysis. Findings reveal that a majority of the AWs are located on the road setbacks and under power line within the residential neighbourhoods while the existence of automobile spare part shops is the major factor driving their concentration. A significant variation in the spatial distribution of AWs in the political wards of the study area is also discovered. This paper, therefore, recommends establishing a partnership between the government and private organizations on the development of mechanic villages and the enactment of laws restraining automobile mechanics from performing their services out of the confines, so as to ensure a pleasant living environment for residents.
Time-Varying Return Predictability in the Chinese Stock Market
Authors: Shi Huai-Long , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Wei-Xing
Published: January 2017

China’s stock market is the largest emerging market in the world. It is widely accepted that the Chinese stock market is far from efficiency and it possesses possible linear and nonlinear dependencies. We study the predictability of returns in the Chinese stock market by employing the wild bootstrap automatic variance ratio test and the generalized spectral test. We find that the return predictability vary over time and a significant return predictability is observed around market turmoils. Our findings are consistent with the Adaptive Markets Hypothesis (AMH) and have practical implications for market participants and policy makers. A predictability index can be constructed for each asset, which might help warn a crisis is in store, ease the development of the ongoing bubble, and stabilize the market.
Quantification of growth factor signaling and pathway cross talk by live-cell imaging
Authors: Gross Sean M. , Rotwein Peter
Published: January 2017

Peptide growth factors stimulate cellular responses through activation of their transmembrane receptors. Multiple intracellular signaling cascades are engaged following growth factor–receptor binding, leading to short- and long-term biological effects. Each receptor-activated signaling pathway does not act in isolation but rather interacts at different levels with other pathways to shape signaling networks that are distinctive for each growth factor. To gain insights into the specifics of growth factor-regulated interactions among different signaling cascades, we developed a HeLa cell line stably expressing fluorescent live-cell imaging reporters that are readouts for two major growth factor-stimulated pathways, Ras–Raf–Mek–ERK and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase–Akt. Incubation of cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) resulted in rapid, robust, and sustained ERK signaling but shorter-term activation of Akt. In contrast, hepatocyte growth factor induced sustained Akt signaling but weak and short-lived ERK activity, and insulin-like growth factor-I stimulated strong long-term Akt responses but negligible ERK signaling. To address potential interactions between signaling pathways, we employed specific small-molecule inhibitors. In cells incubated with EGF or platelet-derived growth factor-AA, Raf activation and the subsequent stimulation of ERK reduced Akt signaling, whereas Mek inhibition, which blocked ERK activation, enhanced Akt and turned transient effects into sustained responses. Our results reveal that individual growth factors initiate signaling cascades that vary markedly in strength and duration and demonstrate in living cells the dramatic effects of cross talk from Raf and Mek to PI 3-kinase and Akt. Our data further indicate how specific growth factors can encode distinct cellular behaviors by promoting complex interactions among signaling pathways.
Synergy of glucagon-like peptide-2 and epidermal growth factor coadministration on intestinal adaptation in neonatal piglets with short bowel syndrome
Authors: Lim David W. , Levesque Crystal L. , Vine Donna F. , Muto Mitsuru , Koepke Jacob R. , Nation Patrick N. , Wizzard Pamela R. , Li Julang , Bigam David L. , Brubaker Patricia L. , Turner Justine M. , Wales Paul W.
Published: January 2017

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment enhance intestinal adaptation. To determine whether these growth factors exert synergistic effects on intestinal growth and function, GLP-2 and EGF-containing media (EGF-cm) were administered, alone and in combination, in neonatal piglet models of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Neonatal Landrace-Large White piglets were block randomized to 75% midintestinal [jejunoileal (JI) group] or distal intestinal [jejunocolic (JC) group] resection or sham control, with 7-day infusion of saline (control), intravenous human GLP-2 (11 nmol·kg−1·day−1) alone, enteral EGF-cm (80 μg·kg−1·day−1) alone, or GLP-2 and EGF-cm in combination. Adaptation was assessed by intestinal length, histopathology, Üssing chamber analysis, and real-time quantitative PCR of intestinal growth factors. Combined EGF-cm and GLP-2 treatment increased intestinal length in all three surgical models ( P < 0.01). EGF-cm alone selectively increased bowel weight per length and jejunal villus height in the JI group only. The JC group demonstrated increased intestinal weight and villus height ( P < 0.01) when given either GLP-2 alone or in combination with EGF-cm, with no effect of EGF-cm alone. Jejunal permeability of mannitol and polyethylene glycol decreased with combination therapy in both SBS groups ( P < 0.05). No difference was observed in fat absorption or body weight gain. IGF-1 mRNA was differentially expressed in JI vs. JC piglets with treatment. Combined treatment with GLP-2 and EGF-cm induced intestinal lengthening and decreased permeability, in addition to the trophic effects of GLP-2 alone. Our findings demonstrate the benefits of novel combination GLP-2 and EGF treatment for neonatal SBS, especially in the JC model representing most human infants with SBS.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are intestinotrophic, with demonstrated benefit in both animal models and human studies of short bowel syndrome (SBS). The current research shows that over and above known trophic effects, the combination of GLP-2 and EGF synergistically lengthens the bowel in neonatal piglet models of SBS. Most notable benefit occurred with resection of the terminal ileum, the common clinical anatomy seen in neonatal SBS and associated with least de novo lengthening postsurgery.
Chronic anemic hypoxemia attenuates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in fetal sheep
Authors: Benjamin Joshua S. , Culpepper Christine B. , Brown Laura D. , Wesolowski Stephanie R. , Jonker Sonnet S. , Davis Melissa A. , Limesand Sean W. , Wilkening Randall B. , Hay William W. , Rozance Paul J.
Published: January 2017

Fetal insulin secretion is inhibited by acute hypoxemia. The relationship between prolonged hypoxemia and insulin secretion, however, is less well defined. To test the hypothesis that prolonged fetal hypoxemia impairs insulin secretion, studies were performed in sheep fetuses that were bled to anemic conditions for 9 ± 0 days (anemic, n = 19) and compared with control fetuses ( n = 15). Arterial hematocrit and oxygen content were 34% and 52% lower, respectively, in anemic vs. control fetuses ( P < 0.0001). Plasma glucose concentrations were 21% higher in the anemic group ( P < 0.05). Plasma norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations increased 70% in the anemic group ( P < 0.05). Glucose-, arginine-, and leucine-stimulated insulin secretion all were lower ( P < 0.05) in anemic fetuses. No differences in pancreatic islet size or β-cell mass were found. In vitro, isolated islets from anemic fetuses secreted insulin in response to glucose and leucine as well as control fetal islets. These findings indicate a functional islet defect in anemic fetuses, which likely involves direct effects of low oxygen and/or increased norepinephrine on insulin release. In pregnancies complicated by chronic fetal hypoxemia, increasing fetal oxygen concentrations may improve insulin secretion.
RACK1 regulates angiotensin II-induced contractions of SHR preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhu Xiao , Jackson Edwin K.
Published: January 2017

The preglomerular microcirculation of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is hypersensitive to angiotensin (ANG) II, and studies have shown that this is likely due to enhanced coincident signaling between G protein subunits αq(Gαq; released by ANG II) and βγ (Gβγ; released by Gi-coupled receptors) to active phospholipase C (PLC). Here we investigated the molecular basis for the enhanced coincident signaling between Gβγ and Gαqin SHR preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells (PGVSMCs). Because receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1; a scaffolding protein) organizes interactions between Gβγ, Gαq, and PLC, we included RACK1 in this investigation. Cell fractionation studies demonstrated increased levels of membrane (but not cytosolic) Gβ, Gαq, PLCβ3, and RACK1 in SHR PGVSMCs compared with Wistar-Kyoto rat PGVSMCs. In SHR PGVSMCs, coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated RACK1 binding to Gβ and PLCβ3, but only at cell membranes. Pertussis toxin (which blocks Gβγ) and U73122 (which blocks PLC) reduced membrane RACK1; however, RACK1 knockdown (shRNA) did not affect membrane levels of Gβ, Gαq, or PLCβ3. In a novel gel contraction assay, RACK1 knockdown in SHR PGVSMCs attenuated contractions to ANG II and abrogated the ability of neuropeptide Y (which signals via Gβγ) to enhance ANG II-induced contractions. We conclude that in SHR PGVSMCs the enlarged pool of Gβγ and PLCβ3recruits RACK1 to membranes and RACK1 then organizes signaling. Consequently, knockdown of RACK1 prevents coincident signaling between ANG II and the Gipathway. This is the first study to implicate RACK1 in vascular smooth muscle cell contraction and suggests that RACK1 inhibitors could be effective cardiovascular drugs.
Gene networks in skeletal muscle following endurance exercise are coexpressed in blood neutrophils and linked with blood inflammation markers
Authors: Broadbent James , Sampson Dayle , Sabapathy Surendran , Haseler Luke J. , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Bulmer Andrew C. , Peake Jonathan M. , Neubauer Oliver
Published: January 2017

It remains incompletely understood whether there is an association between the transcriptome profiles of skeletal muscle and blood leukocytes in response to exercise or other physiological stressors. We have previously analyzed the changes in the muscle and blood neutrophil transcriptome in eight trained men before and 3, 48, and 96 h after 2 h cycling and running. Because we collected muscle and blood in the same individuals and under the same conditions, we were able to directly compare gene expression between the muscle and blood neutrophils. Applying weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) as an advanced network-driven method to these original data sets enabled us to compare the muscle and neutrophil transcriptomes in a rigorous and systematic manner. Two gene networks were identified that were preserved between skeletal muscle and blood neutrophils, functionally related to mitochondria and posttranslational processes. Strong preservation measures ( Zsummary > 10) for both muscle-neutrophil gene networks were evident within the postexercise recovery period. Muscle and neutrophil gene coexpression was strongly correlated in the mitochondria-related network ( r = 0.97; P = 3.17E-2). We also identified multiple correlations between muscular gene subnetworks and exercise-induced changes in blood leukocyte counts, inflammation, and muscle damage markers. These data reveal previously unidentified gene coexpression between skeletal muscle and blood neutrophils following exercise, showing the value of WGCNA to understand exercise physiology. Furthermore, these findings provide preliminary evidence in support of the notion that blood neutrophil gene networks may potentially help us to track physiological and pathophysiological changes in the muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY By using weighted gene coexpression network analysis, an advanced bioinformatics method, we have identified previously unknown, functional gene networks that are preserved between skeletal muscle and blood neutrophils during recovery from exercise. These novel preliminary data suggest that muscular gene networks are coexpressed in blood leukocytes following physiological stress. This is a step forward toward the development of blood neutrophil gene subnetworks as part of blood biomarker panels to assess muscle health and disease.
How does passive lengthening change the architecture of the human medial gastrocnemius muscle?
Authors: Bolsterlee Bart , D’Souza Arkiev , Gandevia Simon C. , Herbert Robert D.
Published: January 2017

There are few comprehensive investigations of the changes in muscle architecture that accompany muscle contraction or change in muscle length in vivo. For this study, we measured changes in the three-dimensional architecture of the human medial gastrocnemius at the whole muscle level, the fascicle level and the fiber level using anatomical MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Data were obtained from eight subjects under relaxed conditions at three muscle lengths. At the whole muscle level, a 5.1% increase in muscle belly length resulted in a reduction in both muscle width (mean change −2.5%) and depth (−4.8%). At the fascicle level, muscle architecture measurements obtained at 3,000 locations per muscle showed that for every millimeter increase in muscle-tendon length above the slack length, average fascicle length increased by 0.46 mm, pennation angle decreased by 0.27° (0.17° in the superficial part and 0.37° in the deep part), and fascicle curvature decreased by 0.18 m−1. There was no evidence of systematic variation in architecture along the muscle’s long axis at any muscle length. At the fiber level, analysis of the diffusion signal showed that passive lengthening of the muscle increased diffusion along fibers and decreased diffusion across fibers. Using these measurements across scales, we show that the complex shape changes that muscle fibers, whole muscles, and aponeuroses of the medial gastrocnemius undergo in vivo cannot be captured by simple geometrical models. This justifies the need for more complex models that link microstructural changes in muscle fibers to macroscopic changes in architecture.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Novel MRI and DTI techniques revealed changes in three-dimensional architecture of the human medial gastrocnemius during passive lengthening. Whole muscle belly width and depth decreased when the muscle lengthened. Fascicle length, pennation, and curvature changed uniformly or near uniformly along the muscle during passive lengthening. Diffusion of water molecules in muscle changes in the same direction as fascicle strains.
Cyanoacrylate Associated Foreign Body Granulomatous Gastritis: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Guner Gunes , Kurtulan Olcay , Kav Taylan , Sokmensuer Cenk , Gedikoglu Gokhan , Akyol Aytekin
Published: January 2017

Granulomas are rarely seen in gastric biopsies mostly as an involvement of granulomatous diseases like sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease, infections, neoplasms, and vasculitis. Here, we claim cyanoacrylate as a foreign body type granuloma-causing agent in the stomach after vascular embolisation. We present cyanoacrylate associated gastric changes of three cases: two endoscopic biopsies and one gastric resection. In two cases, cyanoacrylate associated ulcers and granulomatous inflammation were observed in gastric mucosal biopsies following endoscopic examination after 7 months and 6 years of the glue injections, respectively. In the third case, the cyanoacrylate injection was performed 2 months prior to the surgery. Then the patient underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and during the operation a gastric mass was resected with a suspicion of tumoral infiltration. These three cases demonstrated that glue exposure causes active chronic inflammation with foreign body type granulomas, mucosal ulceration, and bleeding in the gastric mucosa. Even further, it can induce mass formation in the injection sites.
A Frame-Based Conjugate Gradients Direct Search Method with Radial Basis Function Interpolation Model
Authors: Fang Xiaowei , Ni Qin
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we propose a new hybrid direct search method where a frame-based PRP conjugate gradients direct search algorithm is combined with radial basis function interpolation model. In addition, the rotational minimal positive basis is used to reduce the computation work at each iteration. Numerical results for solving the CUTEr test problems show that the proposed method is promising.
Gαq Regulates the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Modulating Th1 Differentiation
Authors: Wang Dashan , Liu Yuan , Li Yan , He Yan , Zhang Jiyun , Shi Guixiu
Published: January 2017

The Gαq-containing G protein, an important member ofGq/11class, is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells. Gαq has been found to play an important role in immune regulation and development of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, how Gαq participates in the pathogenesis of RA is still not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to find out whether Gαq controls RA via regulation of Th1 differentiation. We observed that the expression of Gαq was negatively correlated with the expression of signature Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ) in RA patients, which suggests a negative role of Gαq in differentiation of Th1 cells. By using Gαq knockout (Gnaq−/−) mice, we demonstrated that loss of Gαq led to enhanced Th1 cell differentiation. Gαq negative regulated the differentiation of Th1 cell by modulating the expression of T-bet and the activity of STAT4. Furthermore, we detected the increased ratio of Th1 cells inGnaq−/−bone marrow (BM) chimeras spontaneously developing inflammatory arthritis. In conclusion, results presented in the study demonstrate that loss of Gαq promotes the differentiation of Th1 cells and contributes to the pathogenesis of RA.
Concurrent Beet Juice and Carbohydrate Ingestion: Influence on Glucose Tolerance in Obese and Nonobese Adults
Authors: Beals Joseph W. , Binns Scott E. , Davis Janelle L. , Giordano Gregory R. , Klochak Anna L. , Paris Hunter L. , Schweder Melani M. , Peltonen Garrett L. , Scalzo Rebecca L. , Bell Christopher
Published: January 2017

Insulin resistance and obesity are characterized by low nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Insulin sensitivity is improved with stimulation of NO generating pathways. Consumption of dietary nitrate (NO3-) increases NO formation, viaNO3-reduction to nitrite (NO2-) by oral bacteria. We hypothesized that acute dietary nitrate (beet juice) ingestion improves insulin sensitivity in obese but not in nonobese adults. 12 nonobese (body mass index:26.3±0.8 kg/m2(mean ± SE)) and 10 obese adults (34.0±0.8 kg/m2) ingested beet juice, supplemented with 25 g of glucose (carbohydrate load: 75 g), with and without prior use of antibacterial mouthwash to inhibitNO3-reduction toNO2-. Blood glucose concentrations after beet juice and glucose ingestion were greater in obese compared with nonobese adults at 60 and 90 minutes (P=0.004). Insulin sensitivity, as represented by the Matsuda Index (where higher values reflect greater insulin sensitivity), was lower in obese compared with nonobese adults (P=0.009). Antibacterial mouthwash rinsing decreased insulin sensitivity in obese (5.7±0.7versus4.9±0.6) but not in nonobese (8.1±1.0versus8.9±0.9) adults (P=0.048). In conclusion, insulin sensitivity was improved in obese but not in nonobese adults following coingestion of beet juice and glucose when oral bacteria nitrate reduction was not inhibited. Obese adultsmaybenefit from ingestion of healthy nitrate-rich foods during meals.
Antimutagenic Effect ofHibiscus sabdariffaL. Aqueous Extract on Rats Treated with Monosodium Glutamate
Authors: Gheller Ana Carla Guidini Valentini , Kerkhoff Jacqueline , Vieira Júnior Gerardo Magela , Campos Kleber Eduardo de , Sugui Marina Mariko
Published: January 2017

Hibiscus sabdariffaL. is a plant of the Malvaceae family, commonly known as roselle.H. sabdariffais known to contain antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, antiobesity, insulin resistance reduction, antihypertensive, and skin cancer chemopreventive properties. This study evaluated the effects ofH. sabdariffaaqueous extract against cyclophosphamide (CPA, 25 mg/Kg) induced damage to DNA in male Wistar rats by micronucleus test. Samples ofH. sabdariffacalyx were obtained in the municipality of Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The aqueous extract was prepared by infusion and each animal received a daily dose of 400 mg/Kg by gavage for 15 consecutive days of treatment. The presence of anthocyanins was confirmed by ferric chloride test and phenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography, with emphasis on the identification of rutin. The animals were sacrificed by deepening of anaesthesia to obtain bone marrow and determination of the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. The group treated with the aqueous extract ofH. sabdariffarevealed a 91% reduction in micronucleus frequency when compared with the positive control group. Under the conditions tested,H. sabdariffaL. presented a protective effect to CPA-induced damage to DNA of the treated animals, and it is a potential candidate as a chemopreventive agent against carcinogenesis.
Venetoclax in Patients with Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Roberts Andrew W. , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Seymour John F. , Huang David C.S.
Published: January 2017

Venetoclax is the first BCL2 inhibitor to enter routine clinical practice. It is an orally bioavailable small molecule that binds BCL2 very specifically. Acting as a pharmacologic mimic of the proteins that initiate apoptosis (a so-called BH3 mimetic), venetoclax rapidly induces apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, which express high levels of BCL2 and rely on it to maintain their survival. As a single agent, daily venetoclax treatment induced durable responses in 79% of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma in a phase I study, including complete remissions in 20% of patients. Its use was approved by the FDA in April 2016 for patients with previously treated del(17p) CLL on the basis of a single-arm phase II trial demonstrating a 79% response rate and an estimated 1-year progression-free survival of 72% with 400 mg/day continuous therapy. This review focuses on venetoclax, its mechanism of action, pharmacology, and clinical trial data and seeks to place it in the context of rapid advances in therapy for patients with relapsed CLL, especially those with del(17p) CLL. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4527–33. ©2017 AACR.
Identification of Small Peptides in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid upon Amyloid-β Degradation
Authors: Mizuta Naoki , Yanagida Kanta , Kodama Takashi , Tomonaga Takeshi , Takami Mako , Oyama Hiroshi , Kudo Takashi , Ikeda Manabu , Takeda Masatoshi , Tagami Shinji , Okochi Masayasu
Published: January 2017

Background: Amyloid-β (Aβ) degradation in brains of Alzheimer disease patients is a crucial focus for the clarification of disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying Aβ degradation in the human brain remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to quantify the levels of small C-terminal Aβ fragments generated upon Aβ degradation in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods: A fraction containing small peptides was isolated and purified from human CSF by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Degradation products of Aβ C termini were identified and measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The C-terminal fragments of Aβ in the conditioned medium of cultured cells transfected with the Swedish variant of βAPP (sw βAPP) were analyzed. These fragments in brains of PS1 I213T knock-in transgenic mice, overexpressing sw βAPP, were also analyzed. Results: The peptide fragments GGVV and GVV, produced by the cleavage of Aβ40, were identified in human CSF as well as in the brains of the transgenic mice and in the conditioned medium of the cultured cells. Relative to Aβ40 levels, GGVV and GVV levels were 7.6 ± 0.81 and 1.5 ± 0.18%, respectively, in human CSF. Levels of the GGVV fragment did not increase by the introduction of genes encoding neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme to the cultured cells. Conclusion: Our results indicate that a substantial amount of Aβ40 in human brains is degraded via a neprilysin- or insulin-degrading enzyme-independent pathway.
Executive Dysfunction and Behavioral Symptoms Are Associated with Deficits in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Moheb Negar , Mendez Mario F. , Kremen Sarah A. , Teng Edmond
Published: January 2017

Background: Deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) may be more prominent in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) than in nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) or semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA). It is uncertain whether frontotemporal dementia (FTD) subgroups exhibit different patterns and/or predictors of functional impairment. Methods: We examined data from participants diagnosed with bvFTD (n = 607), svPPA (n = 132), and nfvPPA (n = 155) who were included in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) and assessed with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ). Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations between FAQ scores and cognitive/behavioral deficits using the NACC UDS neuropsychological testing battery and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. Results: FAQ scores were higher in bvFTD than svPPA or nfvPPA. Functional deficits across FTD subtypes differed in severity, but not pattern, and were driven by executive dysfunction and behavioral symptoms. Conclusion: Executive dysfunction and behavioral symptoms underlie instrumental ADL deficits in FTD, which are most prominent in bvFTD.
Streamflow Prediction by Applying Generalized Regression Network with Time Series Decomposition Method
Authors: Tayyab Muhammad , Zhou Jianzhong , Adnan Rana , Meng Changqing , Zahra Aqeela
Published: January 2017

Precise and correct estimation of streamflow is important for the operative progression in water resources systems. The artificial intelligence approaches; such as artificial neural networks (ANN) have been applied for efficiently tackling the hydrological matters like streamflow forecasting in this study at upper Yangtze River. The objective is to investigate the certainty of monthly streamflow by applying artificial neural networks including Generalized Regression Network (GRNN). To overcome the non-linearity problem of streamflow, artificial neural networks integrated with discrete wavelet transform (DWT). Data has been analyzed by comparing the simulation outputs of the models with the correlation coefficient (R) root mean square errors (RMSE). It is found that the decomposition technique DWT has ability to improve the forecasting results as compare to single applied artificial neural networks. Moreover, all applied models are separately applies on the peak values as well which also have showed that intergrated model has more ability to catch the peak values
Effect of Metformin on Metabolites and Relation With Myocardial Infarct Size and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Eppinga Ruben N. , Kofink Daniel , Dullaart Robin P.F. , Dalmeijer Geertje W. , Lipsic Erik , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van der Horst Iwan C.C. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van der Harst Pim
Published: January 2017

Background—

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and infarct size (ISZ) are key predictors of long-term survival after myocardial infarction (MI). However, little is known about the biochemical pathways driving LV dysfunction after MI. To identify novel biomarkers predicting post-MI LVEF and ISZ, we performed metabolic profiling in the GIPS-III randomized clinical trial (Glycometabolic Intervention as Adjunct to Primary Percutaneous Intervention in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction). We also investigated the metabolic footprint of metformin, a drug associated with improved post-MI LV function in experimental studies.

Methods and Results—

Participants were patients with ST-segment–elevated MI who were randomly assigned to receive metformin or placebo for 4 months. Blood samples were obtained on admission, 24 hours post-MI, and 4 months post-MI. A total of 233 metabolite measures were quantified using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. LVEF and ISZ were assessed 4 months post-MI. Twenty-four hours post-MI measurements of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) triglycerides (HDL-TG) predicted LVEF (β=1.90 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82 to 2.98];
P
=6.4×10
−4
) and ISZ (β=−0.41 [95% CI, −0.60 to −0.21];
P
=3.2×10
−5
). In addition, 24 hours post-MI measurements of medium HDL-TG (β=−0.40 [95% CI, −0.60 to −0.20];
P
=6.4×2×10
−5
), small HDL-TG (β=−0.34 [95% CI, −0.53 to −0.14];
P
=7.3×10
−4
), and the triglyceride content of very large HDL (β=−0.38 [95% CI, −0.58 to −0.18];
P
=2.7×10
−4
) were associated with ISZ. After the 4-month treatment, the phospholipid content of very large HDL was lower in metformin than in placebo-treated patients (28.89% versus 38.79%;
P
=7.5×10
−5
); alanine levels were higher in the metformin group (0.46 versus 0.44 mmol/L;
P
=2.4×10
−4
).

Conclusions—

HDL triglyceride concentrations predict post-MI LVEF and ISZ. Metformin increases alanine levels and reduces the phospholipid content in very large HDL particles.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01217307
. Unique Identifier: NCT01217307.
Mechanisms of Vasovagal Syncope in the Young: Reduced Systemic Vascular Resistance Versus Reduced Cardiac Output
Authors: Stewart Julian M. , Medow Marvin S. , Sutton Richard , Visintainer Paul , Jardine David L. , Wieling Wouter
Published: January 2017

Background

Syncope is a sudden transient loss of consciousness and postural tone caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. The most common form is vasovagal syncope (
VVS
). Presyncopal progressive early hypotension in older
VVS
patients is caused by reduced cardiac output (
CO
); younger patients have reduced systemic vascular resistance (
SVR
). Using a priori criteria for reduced
CO
(↓
CO
) and
SVR
(↓
SVR
), we studied 48 recurrent young fainters comparing subgroups of
VVS
with
VVS
‐↓
CO
,
VVS
‐↓
SVR
, and both
VVS
‐↓
CO
&↓
SVR
.

Methods and Results

Subjects were studied supine and during 70‐degrere upright tilt with a Finometer to continuously measure blood pressure,
CO
, and
SVR
and impedance plethysmography to estimate thoracic, splanchnic, pelvic, and calf blood volumes, blood flows, and vascular resistances and electrocardiogram to measure heart rate and rhythm. Central blood volume was decreased in all
VVS
compared to control.
VVS
‐↓
CO
was associated with decreased splanchnic blood flow and increased splanchnic blood pooling compared to control. Seventy‐five percent of
VVS
patients had reduced
SVR
, including 23% who also had reduced
CO
. Many
VVS
‐↓
SVR
increased
CO
during tilt, with no difference in splanchnic pooling, caused by significant increases in splanchnic blood flow and reduced splanchnic resistance.
VVS
‐↓
CO
&↓
SVR
patients had splanchnic pooling comparable to
VVS
‐↓
CO
patients, but
SVR
comparable to
VVS
‐↓
SVR
. Splanchnic vasodilation was reduced, compared to
VVS
‐↓
SVR
, and venomotor properties were similar to control. Combined splanchnic pooling and reduced
SVR
produced the earliest faints among the
VVS
groups.

Conclusions

Both ↓
CO
and ↓
SVR
occur in young
VVS
patients. ↓
SVR
is predominant in
VVS
and is caused by impaired splanchnic vasoconstriction.
Philanthropy in Contemporary Africa: A Review
Authors: Mati Jacob Mwathi
Published: January 2017

Despite the availability of a wide range of literature on what can be construed as philanthropic behavior in Africa, there is limited conceptual discussion on what constitutes philanthropy in African context(s). Yet, philanthropic behavior is a culturally rooted phenomenon manifesting in diverse forms, expressions, and models. This review contributes to a growing body of literature on conceptions and manifestations of African philanthropy. The review illustrates a complex plurality of actions that fall under cultures and practices of giving in Africa. These include the giving of money, time, knowledge, influence, and visibility in support of a cause, valuable goods, and body parts/organs from the living and the dead. While some of these actions conform to dominant Western notions of philanthropy, others do not. From an analysis of these practices, this paper proposes that African philanthropy can be conceptually structured on the basis of spheres of philanthropic practice, and the underlying bases and motivations for philanthropy. On spheres of philanthropic practice, at least three forms of philanthropy exist: institutional (formal); non-institutional (non-formal/informal/direct); and a hybrid form that blends practices from the formal and informal spheres. On motivations for giving, the predominant forms are based on mutuality, solidarity, and counter-obligation inherent in collectivist and humanistic African philosophies of life. Further, motivations are drawn from religious obligations, institutional requirements on corporate bodies, and institutional arrangements in the development process. There are, nonetheless, significant overlaps between spheres of practice and motivations in contemporary philanthropic practices in Africa. For instance, philanthropic culture in Africa manifests as religious giving, donations to individuals or institutions, mutual aid, reciprocity, self-help revolving fund organizations, corporate social responsibility activities, and individual/family donations to public benefit organizations. These practices highlight a rich tapestry of spheres of practice and motivations for giving, where the wealthy and the poor are equally involved. The review concentrates (by choice) on the giving of money and time (volunteering, especially informal volunteering) due to a dearth of academic literature on other forms of giving as philanthropy in Africa.
Entomoneis tenera sp. nov., a new marine planktonic diatom (Entomoneidaceae, Bacillariophyta) from the Adriatic Sea
Authors: MEJDANDŽIĆ MAJA , BOSAK SUNČICA , ORLIĆ SANDI , GLIGORA UDOVIČ MARIJA , PEHAREC ŠTEFANIĆ PETRA , ŠPOLJARIĆ IGOR , MRŠIĆ GORDAN , LJUBEŠIĆ ZRINKA
Published: January 2017

The genus Entomoneis Ehrenberg includes diatoms with structurally complex frustules having a bilobate keel elevated above the valve surface and numerous girdle bands. We describe here a new member of the genus, Entomoneis tenera sp. nov., a minute species found in the plankton of the south-eastern Adriatic Sea. The description and proposed taxonomic affiliation are based on both morphological observations and molecular analyses obtained from three cultivated strains. The cultures were established from plankton net samples taken during BIOTA (Bio-tracing Adriatic Water Masses) cruise conducted in February–March 2015. In addition to characteristic Entomoneis features such as panduriform cells, often twisted around the apical axis and a raphe with simple endings positioned on the sigmoid keel, morphological characteristics of E. tenera are: (1) very small cells, 16–21 μm long and 5–20 μm wide (2) very lightly silicified, delicate frustules without valve striation discernible in light microscopy, (3) broad lanceolate valves with scalpeliform apices (4) a straight to slightly arcuate junction line. Phylogenetic analyses using SSU, rbcL and psbC supported the position of E. tenera within the Entomoneis genus with a clear separation from the other described species.
A new species of Anoplodactylus (Arthropoda: Pycnogonida) from the Great Barrier Reef and discussion on the A. tenuicorpus-complex
Authors: ARANGO CLAUDIA P. , KRAPP FRANZ
Published: January 2017

A new species of sea spider is described from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Anoplodactylus perissoporus n.sp. is in a species complex of extremely slender and tenuous forms that have serrated heel spines and are known to inhabit Indo- West Pacific coral reefs. The new species is characterized by the multiple cement gland pores on femora of males. Otherwise the species is very similar to, and probably closely related to A. tenuicorpus. The species boundaries within the A. tenuicorpus complex are difficult to discern and are not clearly defined, especially for females. Other character sets seem necessary to indicate affinities and distribution patterns of the tenuicorpus complex.
A new species of vent associated Munidopsis (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheidae) from the Western Pacific, with notes on its genetic identification
Authors: TSUCHIDA SHINJI , HENDRICKX MICHEL E. , KADO RYUSUKE , WATANABE SEIICHI
Published: January 2017

Munidopsis myojinensis n. sp., herein described and illustrated from Myojin Knoll and Northwest Eifuku Seamount in the Western Pacific, is the tenth species of Munidopsis known to be associated with active hydrothermal vents. It resembles M. starmer Baba & de Saint Laurent, 1992 in general ornamentation and spination of the body but differs in the erectness of the eyespine and form of the telson plates. Information on genetic identification using mitochondrial sequences (COI) is provided. Distributions of the vent associated Munidopsis in the Western Pacific and the habitat of the new species are briefly described.
Rediscovery of the sea cucumber “Toxodora” pacifica Ohshima, 1915 (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Apodida)
Authors: LIAO YULIN , PAWSON DAVID L. , LIU WEI
Published: January 2017

The apodous holothurian species originally described by Ohshima (1915) as Toxodora pacifica has been rediscovered, and its known geographic range extended from Suruga Bay, Japan to the western side of the Yellow Sea, China. As the genus name Toxodora is no longer available, a new genus name, Neotoxodora Liao, Pawson, and Wei, is proposed. The type material of Neotoxodora pacifica is lost, and a Neotype is named for this species.
Hainanaella lutea gen. and sp. nov., a new genus and species of delphacid planthopper (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) from China
Authors: QIN DAO-ZHENG , ZHANG YA-LIN
Published: January 2017

A new genus of Chinese Delphacidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha), Hainanaella n. gen. with one new species, H. lutea n. sp. is described and illustrated. The new genus is assigned to the tribe Delphacini sensu Asche (1985, 1990), and subtribe Numatina based on the definition of Emeljanov (1993).
Redescription of Caryanda jiuyishana Fu & Zheng, 2000 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oxyinae: Oxyini) with proposal of a new synomym
Authors: HUANG JIANHUA , FU PENG , HUANG YUAN
Published: January 2017

Caryanda jiuyishana Fu & Zheng is redescribed with proposal of Caryanda zhengi Fu & Sun as a new junior synonym of the species as a result of reexamination of their type specimens and a series of specimens from the type localities.
Taxonomic study of the genus Zema Fennah (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Tropiduchidae) from China
Authors: WANG RONG-RONG , LIANG AI-PING
Published: January 2017

Zema montana sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Tropiduchidae) is described and illustrated from Yunnan, southwestern China. This represents the second known species of Zema. The type species, Z. gressitti Fennah, unrecorded since its 1956 description, is redescribed and illustrated and a revised generic description provided. New distributional records for Z. gressitti are given for Nepal and China (Yunnan, Xizang).
Variation of plumage patterns, geographic distribution and taxonomy of the Unicolored Blackbird (Aves: Icteridae)
Authors: LOPES LEONARDO ESTEVES
Published: January 2017

The Unicolored Blackbird Agelasticus cyanopus (Vieillot, 1819) is a marsh bird with four allopatric subspecies restricted to lowlands in South America east of the Andes. I conducted a taxonomic revision of the species based on analysis of external morphological characters of 288 study skins, including all types available. My revision shows that: 1) Leistes unicolor Swainson, 1838, is a senior synonym of A. c. xenicus (Parkes, 1966) and, therefore, the correct name of the taxon should be A. c. unicolor (Swainson, 1838); 2) the range of A. c. unicolor (Swainson, 1838) is much wider than previously thought, extending from the mouth of the Rio Amazonas to the state of São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil, where it intergrades with A. c. atroolivaceus (zu Wied-Neuwied, 1831); 3) A. c. atroolivaceus extends its range well beyond the coast of Rio de Janeiro, reaching the coast of São Paulo, the central part of Minas Gerais, Bahia and Espírito Santo; and 4) specimens attributed to A. c. beniensis are highly variable, so this name must be considered a subjective junior synonym of the nominotypical taxon. Under the Biological Species Concept, two broadly parapatric species should be recognized, A. cyanopus and A. atroolivaceus (including unicolor as a subspecies). Under the Phylogenetic Species Concept or the General Lineage Concept of Species, the best taxonomic treatment is to recognize three species: A. cyanopus, A. atroolivaceus, and A. unicolor.
New species and records of Zavreliella Kieffer, 1920 from Neotropical region (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: FUSARI LÍVIA MARIA , PINHO LUIZ CARLOS , LAMAS CARLOS JOSÉ EINICKER
Published: January 2017

A new species of Zavreliella Kieffer, Zavreliella kambeba sp. n., is described, based on male adults collected in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil. Further seven Zavreliella species are recorded for new localities in Brazil, with the first Neotropical record of Z. marmorata (van der Wulp). The genus Zavreliella is now composed of 15 species, of which adult males are reviewed in a key to their identification.
Reprocessed, Bias-Corrected CMORPH Global High-Resolution Precipitation Estimates from 1998
Authors: Xie Pingping , Joyce Robert , Wu Shaorong , Yoo Soo-Hyun , Yarosh Yelena , Sun Fengying , Lin Roger
Published: January 2017

The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH) satellite precipitation estimates are reprocessed and bias corrected on an 8 km × 8 km grid over the globe (60°S–60°N) and in a 30-min temporal resolution for an 18-yr period from January 1998 to the present to form a climate data record (CDR) of high-resolution global precipitation analysis. First, the purely satellite-based CMORPH precipitation estimates (raw CMORPH) are reprocessed. The integration algorithm is fixed and the input level 2 passive microwave (PMW) retrievals of instantaneous precipitation rates are from identical versions throughout the entire data period. Bias correction is then performed for the raw CMORPH through probability density function (PDF) matching against the CPC daily gauge analysis over land and through adjustment against the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) pentad merged analysis of precipitation over ocean. The reprocessed, bias-corrected CMORPH exhibits improved performance in representing the magnitude, spatial distribution patterns, and temporal variations of precipitation over the global domain from 60°S to 60°N. Bias in the CMORPH satellite precipitation estimates is almost completely removed over land during warm seasons (May–September), while during cold seasons (October–April) CMORPH tends to underestimate the precipitation due to the less-than-desirable performance of the current-generation PMW retrievals in detecting and quantifying snowfall and cold season rainfall. An intercomparison study indicated that the reprocessed, bias-corrected CMORPH exhibits consistently superior performance than the widely used TRMM 3B42 (TMPA) in representing both daily and 3-hourly precipitation over the contiguous United States and other global regions.
On the Nature of the Mesoscale Variability in Denmark Strait
Authors: Appen Wilken-Jon von , Mastropole Dana , Pickart Robert S. , Valdimarsson HéÐinn , Jónsson Steingrímur , Girton James B.
Published: January 2017

Time series data from a mooring in the center of Denmark Strait and a collection of shipboard hydrographic sections occupied across the sill are used to elucidate the mesoscale variability of the dense overflow water in the strait. Two dominant, reoccurring features are identified that are referred to as a bolus and a pulse. A bolus is a large, weakly stratified lens of overflow water associated with cyclonic rotation and a modest increase in along-stream speed of 0.1 m s−1. When a bolus passes through the strait the interface height of the overflow layer increases by 60 m, and the bottom temperature decreases by 0.4°C. By contrast, a pulse is characterized by anticyclonic rotation, a strong increase in along-stream speed of >0.25 m s−1, a decrease in interface height of 90 m, and no significant bottom temperature signal. It is estimated that, on average, boluses (pulses) pass through the strait every 3.4 (5.4) days with no seasonal signal to their frequency. Both features have the strongest along-stream signal in the overflow layer, while the strongest cross-stream velocities occur above the Denmark Strait overflow water (DSOW). In this sense neither feature can be characterized as a simple propagating eddy. Their dynamics appear to be similar to that ascribed to the mesoscale variability observed downstream in the deep western boundary current. Strong correlation of bottom temperatures between the mooring in Denmark Strait and a downstream array, together with a match in the frequency of occurrence of features at both locations, suggests a causal relationship between the mesoscale variability at the sill and that farther downstream.
Synoptic-Scale Environmental Features of the Long-Lasting Ice Pellet Event in Northern Japan on 10 April 2005
Authors: Nagumo Nobuhiro , Fujiyoshi Yasushi
Published: January 2017

An extremely long ice pellet event with extensive episodic ice pellet falls occurred over northern Japan on 10 April 2005. The synoptic-scale environmental features of this event were examined based on Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) mesoscale model (MSM) datasets. A synoptic-scale dry environment was formed under the melting layer ahead of the surface warm front by an intense secondary circulation. Back-trajectory analysis suggested that dry air was located to the south of the precipitating area and was conveyed to the precipitating area by strong geostrophic winds. The surface air at Sapporo, Japan, originated from the ocean surface to the southeast and was cooled to almost the same temperature as that of the sea surface (+3°C); that is, the minimum temperature at 600 m progressively decreased to −3°C at the dry adiabatic lapse rate, during the ice pellet event. Sapporo and its surrounding areas, which were at the southern edge of the precipitating area until the passage of the low pressure center and continued to experience midlevel dry and low-level cold inflows maintained by persistent synoptic-scale structures, were identified as the favorable locations for long-lasting ice pellets.