bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics Analysis of an Epidemiological Model with Media Impact and Two Delays
Authors: Wang Lianwen , Li Yong , Pang Liuyong
Published: January 2016

This paper is concerned with exploring the global dynamics of SEIR epidemic model with media impact, which incorporates latency and relapse delays. The permanence of the model is carefully discussed. By suitable Lyapunov functionals, we establish the global stability of the equilibria. It is found that the basic reproduction number completely determines the threshold dynamics of the SEIR model. Finally, the impact of media on the epidemic spread is studied, which reveals that timely response of media and individuals may play a more key role in disease control.
Abnormal Pressure Pain, Touch Sensitivity, Proprioception, and Manual Dexterity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Riquelme Inmaculada , Hatem Samar M. , Montoya Pedro
Published: January 2016

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often display an abnormal reactivity to tactile stimuli, altered pain perception, and lower motor skills than healthy children. Nevertheless, these motor and sensory deficits have been mostly assessed by using clinical observation and self-report questionnaires. The present study aims to explore somatosensory and motor function in children with ASD by using standardized and objective testing procedures.Methods. Tactile and pressure pain thresholds in hands and lips, stereognosis, proprioception, and fine motor performance of the upper limbs were assessed in high-functioning children with ASD(n=27)and compared with typically developing peers(n=30).  Results. Children with ASD showed increased pain sensitivity, increased touch sensitivity in C-tactile afferents innervated areas, and diminished fine motor performance and proprioception compared to healthy children. No group differences were observed for stereognosis.Conclusion. Increased pain sensitivity and increased touch sensitivity in areas classically related to affective touch (C-tactile afferents innervated areas) may explain typical avoiding behaviors associated with hypersensitivity. Both sensory and motor impairments should be assessed and treated in children with ASD.
A Study on the Dynamic Performance for Hydraulically Damped Rubber Bushings with Multiple Inertia Tracks and Orifices: Parameter Identification and Modeling
Authors: Yang Chao-Feng , Yin Zhi-Hong , Shangguan Wen-Bin , Duan Xiao-Cheng
Published: January 2016

Hydraulically damped rubber bushings (HDBs) are important for vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance as they are able to decay the vehicle’s oscillation induced by engine and road. The dynamic stiffness and loss angle of an HDB are crucial and it is significant to investigate the relations between the design parameters with the dynamic stiffness and loss angle. Therefore, the force-deflection relation of the HDB is measured statically and the dynamic stiffness and loss angle are measured dynamically and the test data are analyzed with a view to examine how the measurement results are influenced by the design parameters (the number of the fluid tracks). Compared with the results predicted by a nonlinear lumped parameter model whose parameters are extracted by a parameter identification technique, using the model, the effect of the main rubber and the fluid track on the dynamic stiffness and the loss angle is investigated. A unified analytical model of HDB is also developed with the purpose of predicting the static and dynamic characteristics, and the predictions are shown to be well correlated with the measurement data. The good correlation suggests the validity of the model and the parameter identification implementation.
New Therapeutic Concept of NAD Redox Balance for Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Oh Gi-Su , Kim Hyung-Jin , Shen AiHua , Lee Su-Bin , Yang Sei-Hoon , Shim Hyeok , Cho Eun-Young , Kwon Kang-Beom , Kwak Tae Hwan , So Hong-Seob
Published: January 2016

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various tumors. In addition to its antitumor activity, cisplatin affects normal cells and may induce adverse effects such as ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy. Various mechanisms such as DNA adduct formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses are closely associated with cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. The cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) has emerged as a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism and homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated associations between disturbance in intracellular NAD+levels and clinical progression of various diseases through the production of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that reduction of the intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio is critically involved in cisplatin-induced kidney damage through inflammation and oxidative stress and that increase of the cellular NAD+/NADH ratio suppresses cisplatin-induced kidney damage by modulation of potential damage mediators such as oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. In this review, we describe the role of NAD+metabolism in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and discuss a potential strategy for the prevention or treatment of cisplatin-induced adverse effects with a particular focus on NAD+-dependent cellular pathways.
Knowledge-Driven Event Extraction in Russian: Corpus-Based Linguistic Resources
Authors: Solovyev Valery , Ivanov Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Automatic event extraction form text is an important step in knowledge acquisition and knowledge base population. Manual work in development of extraction system is indispensable either in corpus annotation or in vocabularies and pattern creation for a knowledge-based system. Recent works have been focused on adaptation of existing system (for extraction from English texts) to new domains. Event extraction in other languages was not studied due to the lack of resources and algorithms necessary for natural language processing. In this paper we define a set of linguistic resources that are necessary in development of a knowledge-based event extraction system in Russian: a vocabulary of subordination models, a vocabulary of event triggers, and a vocabulary of Frame Elements that are basic building blocks for semantic patterns. We propose a set of methods for creation of such vocabularies in Russian and other languages using Google Books NGram Corpus. The methods are evaluated in development of event extraction system for Russian.
An Analytical Study on Eavesdropping Attacks in Wireless Nets of Things
Authors: Li Xuran , Wang Hao , Dai Hong-Ning , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhao Qinglin
Published: January 2016

The security of Internet of Things (IoT) has received extensive attention recently. This paper presents a novel analytical model to investigate the eavesdropping attacks in Wireless Net of Things (WNoT). Our model considers various channel conditions, including thepath loss, theshadow fading effect, andRayleigh fading effect. Besides, we also consider the eavesdroppers in WNoT equipped with either omnidirectional antennas or directional antennas. Extensive simulation results show that our model is accurate and effective to model the eavesdropping attacks in WNoT. Besides, our results also indicate that the probability of eavesdropping attacks heavily depends on the shadow fading effect, the path loss effect, Rayleigh fading effect, and the antenna models. In particular, we find that the shadow fading effect is beneficial to the eavesdropping attacks while both the path loss effect and Rayleigh fading effect are detrimental. Besides, using directional antennas at eavesdroppers can also increase the eavesdropping probability. Our results offer some useful implications on designing antieavesdropping schemes in WNoT.
The Influence on Modal Parameters of Thin Cylindrical Shell under Bolt Looseness Boundary
Authors: Li Hui , Zhu Mingwei , Xu Zhuo , Wang Zhuo , Wen Bangchun
Published: January 2016

The influence on modal parameters of thin cylindrical shell (TCS) under bolt looseness boundary is investigated. Firstly, bolt looseness boundary of the shell is divided into two types, that is, different bolt looseness numbers and different bolt looseness levels, and natural frequencies and mode shapes are calculated by finite element method to roughly master vibration characteristics of TCS under these conditions. Then, the following measurements and identification techniques are used to get precise frequency, damping, and shape results; for example, noncontact laser Doppler vibrometer and vibration shaker with excitation level being precisely controlled are used in the test system; “preexperiment” is adopted to determine the required tightening torque and verify fixed constraint boundary; the small-segment FFT processing technique is employed to accurately measure nature frequency and laser rotating scanning technique is used to get shape results with high efficiency. Finally, based on the measured results obtained by the above techniques, the influence on modal parameters of TCS under two types of bolt looseness boundaries is analyzed and discussed. It can be found that bolt looseness boundary can significantly affect frequency and damping results which might be caused by changes of nonlinear stiffness and damping and in bolt looseness positions.
Transgenerational Glucose Intolerance of Tumor Necrosis Factor with Epigenetic Alteration in Rat Perirenal Adipose Tissue Induced by Intrauterine Hyperglycemia
Authors: Su Rina , Yan Jie , Yang Huixia
Published: January 2016

Changes in DNA methylation may play a role in the genetic mechanism underlying glucose intolerance in the offspring of mothers with diabetes. Here, we established a rat model of moderate intrauterine hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin to detect glucose and lipid metabolism of first-generation (F1) and second-generation (F2) offspring. Moderate intrauterine hyperglycemia induced high body weight in F1 and F2 offspring of diabetic mothers. F1 offspring had impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal insulin level. Additionally, F1 and F2 offspring that were exposed to intrauterine hyperglycemia had impaired insulin secretion from the islets. The tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) gene was upregulated in perirenal adipose tissue from F1 offspring and relatively increased in F2 offspring. Both F1 and F2 offspring showed similar hypomethylation level at the-1952 site ofTnf. We confirmed that DNA methylation occurs in offspring exposed to intrauterine hyperglycemia and that the DNA methylation is intergenerational and inherited.
TLR4 Signaling in MPP+-Induced Activation of BV-2 Cells
Authors: Zhou Peng , Weng Ruihui , Chen Zhaoyu , Wang Rui , Zou Jing , Liu Xu , Liao Jinchi , Wang Yanping , Xia Ying , Wang Qing
Published: January 2016

Aims.This work was conducted to establish anin vitroParkinson’s disease (PD) model by exposing BV-2 cells to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and exploring the roles of TLR2/TLR4/TLR9 in inflammatory responses to MPP+.Methods/Results.MTT assay showed that cell viability of BV-2 cells was 84.78 ± 0.86% and 81.18 ± 0.99% of the control after incubation with 0.1 mM MPP+for 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Viability was not significantly different from the control group. With immunofluorescence technique, we found that MPP+incubation at 0.1 mM for 12 hours was the best condition to activate BV-2 cells. In this condition, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS protein were statistically increased compared to the control according to ELISA tests. Real time RT-PCR and western blot measurements showed thatTLR4was statistically increased after 0.1 mM MPP+incubation for 12 hours. Furthermore, after siRNA interference ofTLR4mRNA, NF-κB activation and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS were all statistically decreased in this cell model.Conclusion.MPP+incubation at the concentration of 0.1 mM for 12 hours is the best condition to activate BV-2 cells for mimicking PD inflammation in BV-2 cells. TLR4 signalling plays a critical role in the activation of BV-2 cells and the induction of inflammation in this cell model.
Homotopic Chain Maps Have Equals-Homology andd-Homology
Authors: Kazemi-Baneh M. Z.
Published: January 2016

The homotopy of chain maps on preabelian categories is investigated and the equality of standard homologies andd-homologies of homotopic chain maps is established. As a special case, ifXandYare the same homotopy type, then theirnthd-homologyR-modules are isomorphic, and ifXis a contractible space, then itsnthd-homologyR-modules forn≠0are trivial.
Novel Perspectives in Redox Biology and Pathophysiology of Failing Myocytes: Modulation of the Intramyocardial Redox Milieu for Therapeutic Interventions—A Review Article from the Working Group of Cardiac Cell Biology, Italian Society of Cardiology
Authors: Arcaro Alessia , Pirozzi Flora , Angelini Annalisa , Chimenti Cristina , Crotti Lia , Giordano Carla , Mancardi Daniele , Torella Daniele , Tocchetti Carlo G.
Published: January 2016

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) is still increasing worldwide, with enormous human, social, and economic costs, in spite of huge efforts in understanding pathogenetic mechanisms and in developing effective therapies that have transformed this syndrome into a chronic disease. Myocardial redox imbalance is a hallmark of this syndrome, since excessive reactive oxygen and nitrogen species can behave as signaling molecules in the pathogenesis of hypertrophy and heart failure, leading to dysregulation of cellular calcium handling, of the contractile machinery, of myocardial energetics and metabolism, and of extracellular matrix deposition. Recently, following new interesting advances in understanding myocardial ROS and RNS signaling pathways, new promising therapeutical approaches with antioxidant properties are being developed, keeping in mind that scavenging ROS and RNS tout court is detrimental as well, since these molecules also play a role in physiological myocardial homeostasis.
High Glucose and Lipopolysaccharide Prime NLRP3 Inflammasome via ROS/TXNIP Pathway in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Feng Hong , Gu Junling , Gou Fang , Huang Wei , Gao Chenlin , Chen Guo , Long Yang , Zhou Xueqin , Yang Maojun , Liu Shuang , Lü Shishi , Luo Qiaoyan , Xu Yong
Published: January 2016

While inflammation is considered a central component in the development in diabetic nephropathy, the mechanism remains unclear. The NLRP3 inflammasome acts as both a sensor and a regulator of the inflammatory response. The NLRP3 inflammasome responds to exogenous and endogenous danger signals, resulting in cleavage of procaspase-1 and activation of cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-33, ultimately triggering an inflammatory cascade reaction. This study observed the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling stimulated by high glucose, lipopolysaccharide, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine in glomerular mesangial cells, aiming to elucidate the mechanism by which the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway may contribute to diabetic nephropathy. We found that the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, and IL-1βwas observed by immunohistochemistry in vivo. Simultaneously, the mRNA and protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, procaspase-1, and IL-1βwere significantly induced by high glucose concentration and lipopolysaccharide in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner in vitro. This induction by both high glucose and lipopolysaccharide was significantly inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Our results firstly reveal that high glucose and lipopolysaccharide activate ROS/TXNIP/ NLRP3/IL-1βinflammasome signaling in glomerular mesangial cells, suggesting a mechanism by which inflammation may contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy.
The Correlation of Age and Postoperative Visual Acuity for Age-Related Cataract
Authors: Li Xiaochun , Cao Xiaoguang , Hou Xianru , Bao Yongzhen
Published: January 2016

Purpose. Clinically, what is the best time for age-related cataract (ARC) patients to receive surgeries and get the most benefits is important. We explored the relationship between age and presenting postoperative visual acuity (POVA) in patients from rural China.Methods. Three Lifeline Express Hospital Eye-Train missions of Peking University People’s Hospital were chosen. At the first day after surgery, 3452 ARC eyes with the presenting POVA≥6/60 were enrolled. The relationship between age and POVA was analyzed statistically.Results. In these three missions, there were more female patients than males; the ratio of females to males was 1.71. The average age of females was older than males. Overall, the percentages of patients with good visual outcomes (≥6/18) were significantly decreased with aging. Different regions had variations, but the trends were the same. There was weak linear correlation between age and POVA. The correlations of females were stronger than males in Yuncheng and Sanmenxia and weaker than males in Zhoukou.Conclusion. The good visual outcomes of presenting POVA were significantly decreased with aging and there were weak linear correlations between age and POVA in rural China. The linear correlation might be influenced by the difference of gender and region.
Do NSAIDs and ASA Cause More Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Elderly than Adults?
Authors: Kocoglu Hakan , Oguz Basak , Dogan Hakan , Okuturlar Yildiz , Hursitoglu Mehmet , Harmankaya Ozlem , Altuntas Yuksel , Kumbasar Abdulbaki
Published: January 2016

Purpose. NSAIDs and ASA may cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) both in adults and in elderly. There is no study that compares this increased bleeding risk between adult and elderly subjects.Methods. A total of 524 patients with UGIB were included in this study. The data of patients were, respectively, analyzed.Results. NSAIDs and ASA-associated UGIB rates were similar between <65 years (345 patients) (group 1) and ≥65 years (179 patients) (group 2) (28.4% versus 23.5%,p=0.225and 13% versus 19%,p=0.071, resp.). Warfarin-associated UGIB was found significantly higher in group 2 than group 1. Elderly patients with NSAID-associated UGIB had significantly higher length of stay (LoS) and CoH than adult patients with NSAID-associated UGIB (p=0.002and 0.001, resp.). Elderly patients with ASA-associated UGIB had significantly higher CoH than adult patients with NSAID-associated UGIB.Conclusions. Using NSAIDs without gastroprotective drugs or using ASA with gastroprotective drugs in elderly patients is as safe as in adult patients. Not only should adding gastroprotective drugs to ASA or NSAID be based on their risk of UGIB, but the cost of hospitalization of ASA or NSAID-associated UGIB should be considered.
External Quantum Efficiency Improvement with Luminescent Downshifting Layers: Experimental and Modelling
Authors: Ahmed H. , McCormack S. J. , Doran J.
Published: January 2016

Core-shell quantum dots CdSe/ZnS and lumogen yellow organic dye are characterized by their inclusion in luminescent downshifting (LDS) layers. Layers were deposited on top of crystalline silicon cell (c-Si), dye synthesized solar cell (DSSC), and cadmium telluride (CdTe) minimodules. External quantum efficiency measurements for the solar cell/LDS devices are discussed. Experimental results were compared with an optical model developed by Rothemund, 2014.
NK Cell and CD4+FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cell Based Therapies for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Engraftment
Authors: Pierini Antonio , Alvarez Maite , Negrin Robert S.
Published: January 2016

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a powerful therapy to treat multiple hematological diseases. The intensive conditioning regimens used to allow for donor hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment are often associated with severe toxicity, delayed immune reconstitution, life‐threatening infections, and thus higher relapse rates. Additionally, due to the high incidence of graft versus host disease (GvHD), HCT protocols have evolved to prevent such disease that has a detrimental impact on antitumor and antiviral responses. Here, we analyzed the role of host T and natural killer (NK) cells in the rejection of donor HSC engraftment as well as the impact of donor regulatory T cells (Treg) and NK cells on HSC engraftment. We review some of the current strategies that utilize NK or Treg to improve allogeneic HCT therapy in order to accomplish better HSC engraftment and immune reconstitution and achieve a lower incidence of cancer relapse, opportunistic infections, and GvHD.
Effects of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Human Trophoblast Cell Functions In Vitro
Authors: Huang Yajing , Wu Yanming , Chang Xinwen , Li Yan , Wang Kai , Duan Tao
Published: January 2016

Trophoblast cell dysfunction is involved in many disorders during pregnancy such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Few treatments exist, however, that target improving trophoblast cell function. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) are capable of self‐renewing, can undergo multilineage differentiation, and have homing abilities; in addition, they have immunomodulatory effects and paracrine properties and thus are a prospective source for cell therapy. To identify whether hUCMSCs can regulate trophoblast cell functions, we treated trophoblast cells with hUCMSC supernatant or cocultured them with hUCMSCs. Both treatments remarkably enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of trophoblast cells and upregulated their proliferation ability. At a certain concentration, hUCMSCs also modulated hCG, PIGF, and sEndoglin levels in the trophoblast culture medium. Thus, hUCMSCs have a positive effect on trophoblast cellular functions, which may provide a new avenue for treatment of placenta‐related diseases during pregnancy.
Competitiveness Level of Photovoltaic Solar Systems in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso): Study Based on the Domestic Electric Meters Calibration
Authors: Amani Konan Lambert , Sam Raguilignaba , Zougmoré François
Published: January 2016

The mean cost price of electricity in Burkina Faso at the end of the last quarter of 2012 was 158 FCFA/kWh for a country where more than 46% of the population lives below the national poverty threshold. To look for solution to that problem, the resort to photovoltaic solar energy is justified for that country. The purpose of this study is to promote the integration of both technical and economical surveys in solar energy preliminary projects in Ouagadougou. To reach that, investigations were carried out in some households and attention was paid from the calibration of the domestic electric meters. Energy demands collected within each household allow us to design a corresponding solar kit through optimization rules. An estimate was edited and financial viability study for each household was also carried out thereafter. In this study, only households using the national electricity network calibration meter on their disadvantage favorably answered to all financial indicators and appear as the only one that could profit from such project. This work is helpful to note that photovoltaic solar energy still stays at a primitive level of competitiveness compared to conventional energy resources for small systems in Ouagadougou.
Liver Resection for Metastatic Disease; A Population-Based Analysis of Trends
Authors: de Ridder J.A.M. , Lemmens V.E.P.P. , Overbeek L.I.H. , Nagtegaal I.D. , de Wilt J.H.W. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Liver Surgery Group
Published: January 2016

Objective: The study aims to evaluate all patients who underwent liver resection for metastatic disease for demographics, characteristics of the primary tumor and metastasis, volume of liver resection specimens per pathology laboratory and to describe trends in surgical treatment. Methods: Data were prospectively collected using the Dutch nationwide pathology network. All pathology reports containing details on liver resections for metastatic disease between January 2001 and December 2010 were evaluated. Results: A total of 3,916 liver resections were performed in 3,699 patients with a median age of 63 years (range 1-91). The primary tumor was mainly colorectal (n = 3,256; 88.0%). The number of ‘high volume liver centers' increased from 2 to 12 in the study period, whereas the number of ‘low volume centers' decreased. The number of liver resections increased from 224 to 596 per year (p ≤ 0.0001). A significant increase was demonstrated in elderly patients, patients with multiple metastases, liver resections for smaller metastases and minor liver resections. Conclusion: Although the majority of patients were young and had solitary metastasis, indications for liver resection are expanding as indicated by increasing numbers of elderly and patients with multiple liver metastases. Patients with non-colorectal liver metastases were seldom candidates for resection.
Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the City of Volta Redonda - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Using the Capture-Recapture Method
Authors: Clamon Ana Beatriz , Pereira Fernanda , Marin Benoit , Preux Pierre-Marie , Alvarenga Regina Papais
Published: January 2016

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Latin America was estimated in some regions and it was found to range from 0.75 to 30/100,000. The reasons for variation in rates of prevalence around the world still are not clear, but there are environmental and genetic explanations to this phenomenon. This study aimed at estimating the MS prevalence in Volta Redonda, Brazil. Method: Three sources of cases ascertainment were used and the method of capture-recapture was applied for assessing the corrected prevalence in the city of Volta Redonda in November 2012. The capture-recapture method uses data from incomplete lists and allows calculating the number of unregistered cases. Data were analyzed using a log-linear model. Results: A total of 40 MS cases was found by withdrawing overlaps of sources and it was estimated that a total number of 40 cases (95% CI 13.5-118.8) were not detected by the sources. The corrected prevalence of MS was, then, 30.7/100,000. Conclusion: Our study was the first in Brazil to use the capture-recapture method to assess the prevalence of MS, demonstrating the highest prevalence rate so far. It is necessary to perform other similar studies and in other regions of the country using the same method for a better evaluation of the true prevalence of MS our country.
Long-Term Follow-Up of a Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemic Patient Receiving Regular Double Filtration Plasmapheresis - Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tsai Jun-Li , Wu Ming-Ju , Shu Kuo-Hsiung , Tsai Shang-Feng
Published: January 2016

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a very rare condition (1 case per 1 million people) with a dismal outcome due to inevitable coronary artery disease that occurs when left untreated. Lipoprotein apheresis (LA), previously known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, is very effective in reducing LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) if HoFH is refractory to aggressive drug therapy and diet control. In this study, we report a case with HoFH, who presented with xanthomata over the 4 limbs when she was 3 years old. When she was 11 years old, she began treatment with semi-selective LA with double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) once per week because HoFH was refractory to high-dose statin and diet control. LDL-C was reduced from 8.2 ± 0.9 to 2.69 ± 0.75 mmol/l (reduction rate = 67.3 ± 6.1%). The xanthomata over the 4 limbs were nearly completely resolved after 2 years of DFPP. Two years later, after the initiation of DFPP, we performed coronary angiography and echocardiography for regular checkup in the absence of chest pain, and the result was negative. To date (11 years after initiation of DFPP), she has not complained of any chest pain, shown intolerance to exercise, or exhibited ST-T change on electrocardiography. At the age of 20, multidetector computed tomography showed no significant stenosis over the coronary arteries. At the most recent follow-up visit, she was found to have good heart function and no xanthomata. LA is effective in the treatment of HoFH when drug therapy and diet control fail. With this treatment, pre-existing xanthomata can regress and coronary artery disease can be prevented.
Pharmacokinetics of Lidocaine Hydrochloride Metabolized by CYP3A4 in Chinese Han Volunteers Living at Low Altitude and in Native Han and Tibetan Chinese Volunteers Living at High Altitude
Authors: Zhang Juanling , Zhu Junbo , Yao Xingchen , Duan Yabin , Zhou Xuejiao , Yang Meng , Li Xiangyang
Published: January 2016

To investigate the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine hydrochloride metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in Chinese Han volunteers living at low altitude (LA) and in native Han and Tibetan Chinese volunteers living at high altitude, lidocaine hydrochloride 10 mg was given by intramuscular injection to 3 groups: Han volunteers living at LA, and native Han and Tibetan volunteers living at a high altitude. Blood samples were collected before the (baseline) study drug was given and at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 h after study drug administration. Lidocaine hydrochloride in plasma was determined by RP-HPLC. Pharmacokinetics parameters of lidocaine hydrochloride showed that there were no significant difference between the native Han and Tibetan volunteers, but the t1/2 was 29.8 and 29.8% higher in 2 groups, respectively, than in the LA group. To study related mechanism, the effects of exposure to chronic high-altitude hypoxia (CHH) on the activity and expression of CYP3A1 were examined in rats. Rats were divided into LA, chronic moderate altitude hypoxia, and CHH groups. CHH caused significant decreases in the activity and protein and mRNA expression of rat CYP3A1 in vivo. This study found significant changes in the disposition of lidocaine hydrochloride in native healthy Tibetan and Han Chinese subjects living at a high altitude in comparison to healthy Han Chinese subjects living at LA, it might be due to significant decreases in the activity and protein and mRNA expression of CYP3A4 under CHH condition.
GESTÃO PÚBLICA NO BRASIL: UMA PROPOSTA DE MENSURAÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO FISCAL DO CIDADÃO
Authors: Borges Erivan Ferreira , Pereira Jose Matias , Borges Gilmara Mendes da Costa
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo propõe-se mensurar o nível de educação fiscal do cidadão, a partir da base de dados do Programa Nacional de Educação Fiscal – PNEF. São apresentados alguns trabalhos que tratam da educação fiscal em nível nacional e internacional, cujos fundamentos retratam uma educação voltada ao exercício da plena cidadania. Os dados utilizados são resultados de uma pesquisa de campo realizada com o apoio da Escola de Administração Fazendária, utilizando como instrumento de coleta o surveymonkey. A amostra compreendeu 1.804 respostas a um questionário estruturado a partir dos fundamentos da educação fiscal pregados pela gestora do programa (ESAF). Os dados foram tratados por análise fatorial, sob o pressuposto de identificar dimensões latentes do nível de educação fiscal dos cidadãos. Pelos fundamentos, previa-se a identificação de sete dimensões, mas os resultados evidenciaram quatro dimensões latentes observáveis e fundamentadas teoricamente. Comprovou-se, apesar das limitações inerentes ao tipo de pesquisa, a possibilidade de mensuração do nível de entendimento da educação fiscal por múltiplos componentes, considerando afirmar que a educação e seus fundamentos são entendidos pela população, que reconhecem a sua importância, pressupondo ainda uma contribuição ao estado da arte da pesquisa na medida em que fomenta e dissemina a temática da educação fiscal no contexto acadêmico em nível de graduação e pós graduação e abre campo para estudos que objetivem revalidar os achados.
Pharmacogenomic Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis of Blood Pressure Response to β-Blockers in Hypertensive African Americans
Authors: Gong Yan , Wang Zhiying , Beitelshees Amber L. , McDonough Caitrin W. , Langaee Taimour Y. , Hall Karen , Schmidt Siegfried O.F. , Curry Robert W. , Gums John G. , Bailey Kent R. , Boerwinkle Eric , Chapman Arlene B. , Turner Stephen T. , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. , Johnson Julie A.
Published: January 2016

African Americans suffer a higher prevalence of hypertension compared with other racial/ethnic groups. In this study, we performed a pharmacogenomic genome-wide association study of blood pressure (BP) response to β-blockers in African Americans with uncomplicated hypertension. Genome-wide meta-analysis was performed in 318 African American hypertensive participants in the 2 Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses studies: 150 treated with atenolol monotherapy and 168 treated with metoprolol monotherapy. The analysis adjusted for age, sex, baseline BP and principal components for ancestry. Genome-wide significant variants with
P
<5×10
–8
and suggestive variants with
P
<5×10
–7
were evaluated in an additional cohort of 141 African Americans treated with the addition of atenolol to hydrochlorothiazide treatment. The validated variants were then meta-analyzed in these 3 groups of African Americans. Two variants discovered in the monotherapy meta-analysis were validated in the add-on therapy. African American participants heterozygous for
SLC25A31
rs201279313 deletion versus wild-type genotype had better diastolic BP response to atenolol monotherapy, metoprolol monotherapy, and atenolol add-on therapy: −9.3 versus −4.6, −9.6 versus −4.8, and −9.7 versus −6.4 mm Hg, respectively (3-group meta-analysis
P
=2.5×10
–8
, β=−4.42 mm Hg per variant allele). Similarly,
LRRC15
rs11313667 was validated for systolic BP response to β-blocker therapy with 3-group meta-analysis
P
=7.2×10
–8
and β=−3.65 mm Hg per variant allele. In this first pharmacogenomic genome-wide meta-analysis of BP response to β-blockers in African Americans, we identified novel variants that may provide valuable information for personalized antihypertensive treatment in this group.
Reassembling Our Digital Selves
Authors: Estrin Deborah , Juels Ari
Published: January 2016

Digital applications and tools that capture and analyze consumer behaviors are proliferating at a bewildering rate. Analysis of data from large numbers of consumers is transforming advertising, generating new revenue streams for mobile apps, and leading to new discoveries in health care. In this paper, we consider a complementary perspective: the utility of these implicitly generated data streams to the consumer.
Choices: Privacy & Surveillance in a Once & Future Internet
Authors: Landau Susan
Published: January 2016

The Internet's original design provided a modicum of privacy for users; it was not always possible to determine where a device was or who was using it. But a combination of changes, including “free” Internet services, increasing use of mobile devices to access the network, and the coming “Internet of Things” (sensors everywhere) make surveillance much easier to achieve and privacy more difficult to protect. Yet there are also technologies that enable communications privacy, including address anonymizers and encryption. Use of such technologies complicate law-enforcement and national-security communications surveillance, but do not completely block it. Privacy versus surveillance in Internet communications can be viewed as a complex set of economic tradeoffs–for example, obtaining free services in exchange for a loss of privacy; and protecting communications in exchange for a more expensive, and thus less frequently used, set of government investigative techniques–and choices abound.
Design Choices for Libraries in the Digital-Plus Era
Authors: Palfrey John
Published: January 2016

Libraries are more important, not less so, in a digitally networked era. Despite the fact that today's mobile devices feature Google's search box and Apple's Siri to help us find a quick answer to just about any question, we ought to be investing more capital than ever in our public libraries. We need libraries in the digital era to provide a public option to ensure sustained, free, equitable access to knowledge and preservation of our cultural and scientific heritage. In a period when both the analog and digital are useful, the design choices for those building, and reimagining, libraries are many and complex. We ought to design our libraries to meet the near-term possibilities of a networked environment, as well as the long-term requirements of democratic societies and the practice of scholarship. These design choices involve trade-offs and new commitments that may pit future activities against entrenched present-day interests. The essential design choice is between reliance on ever-more efficient interfaces, often developed by commercial outfits, and interfaces that are developed by the library community, engaging the public in coproduction and extending outward via the networked public sphere. The fate of libraries as vibrant institutions with broad public support could turn on the outcome of these design decisions. The challenges facing libraries also inform conversations about the future of other public-facing institutions, such as schools and newspapers, which are important contributors to an informed citizenry and a vital republic.
Die gespannte Seele: Tonos bei Galen
Authors: Trompeter Julia
Published: January 2016

Galen talks about tension,tonos, in a physiological sense, which seems to be related to either the innate heat of the living being, the good mixture of its humors, or the body’spneuma. This paper shows that Galen, with some important distinctions concerning the substance of the soul, derives this use oftonosfrom the Stoics. But beyond that, it shows that Galen usestonosin a strict psychological sense derived from Plato as well, and integrates it in his characterization of the operations of the spirited part of the soul (thumos).
A new species of karst forest Bent-toed Gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus Gray) not yet threatened by foreign cement companies and a summary of Peninsular Malaysia’s endemic karst forest herpetofauna and the need for its conservation
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , WOOD P. L., JR. , ANUAR SHAHRUL , DAVIS H. R. , COBOS A. J. , MURDOCH M. L.
Published: January 2016

A new species of Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. of the sworderi complex, is described from Hutan Lipur Gunung Senyum, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia and is differentiated from all other species in the sworderi complex by having a unique combination of characters including a maximum SVL of 74.7 mm; low, rounded, weakly keeled, body tubercles; 34–40 paravertebral tubercles; weak ventrolateral body fold lacking tubercles; 38–41 ventral scales; an abrupt transition between the posterior and ventral femoral scales; 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; enlarged femoral scales; no femoral or precloacal pores; no precloacal groove; wide caudal bands; and an evenly banded dorsal pattern. Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is a scansorial, karst forest-adapted specialist endemic to the karst ecosystem surrounding Gunung Senyum and occurs on the vertical walls of the limestone towers as well as the branches, trunks, and leaves of the vegetation in the associated karst forest. Cyrtodactylus gunungsenyumensis sp. nov. is the seventh species of karst forest-adapted Cyrtodactylus and the sixteenth endemic species of karst ecosystem reptile discovered in Peninsular Malaysia in the last seven years from only 12 different karst forests. This is a clear indication that many species remain to be discovered in the approximately 558 isolated karst ecosystems in Peninsular Malaysia not yet surveyed. These data continue to underscore the importance of karst ecosystems as reservoirs of biodiversity and microendemism and that they constitute an important component of Peninsular Malaysia’s natural heritage and should be protected from the quarrying interests of foreign industrial companies.
A new red-eyed of stream treefrog of Hyloscirtus (Anura: Hylidae) from Peru, with comments on the taxonomy of the genus
Authors: RIVERA-CORREA MAURICIO , GARCÍA-BURNEO KARLA , GRANT TARAN
Published: January 2016

We describe a remarkable new species of monophyletic genus Hyloscirtus from northeastern Peru. The presence of an enlarged, curved, and protruding prepollical spine; hypertrophied forelimbs; large, thick supracloacal flap and supratympanic fold; large size; nuptial pad absent and iris dark red diagnose this species. We hypothesize that the new species is closely related to H. condor and H. tapichalaca of southern Ecuador due to the apparently synapomorphic occurrence in these species of an enlarged, curved prepollical spine, and small, conical vomerine odontophore processes with 3–6 prominent teeth each without contact between these. Additional research explicitly incorporating H. diabolus new species in a phylogenetic analysis is required to further test our hypothesis and provide a better understanding of the evolution of morphological attributes described herein. Finally we discuss some aspects concerning the taxonomy of the genus Hyloscirtus.
Barnard’s Brachiella sp., Parabrachiella supplicans (Barnard, 1955) and Eubrachiella sublobulata (Barnard, 1955) (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Lernaeopodidae) deposited in the Iziko South African Museum
Authors: LEBEPE MODJADJI C. , DIPPENAAR SUSAN M.
Published: January 2016

The family Lernaeopodidae Milne Edwards, is one of the largest families in Siphonostomatoida Thorell, with more than 260 valid species. Brachiella sp., Parabrachiella supplicans (Barnard) and Eubrachiella sublobulata (Barnard) collected from Table Bay by Barnard in 1955 off Liza ramada (Risso), Genypterus capensis (Smith) and Congiopodus torvus (Gronov) respectively, are re-examined. Brachiella sp. is identified as Parabrachiella mugilis (Kabata, Raibaut & Ben Hassine) and is synonymized with Parabrachiella exilis (Shiino) based on the general morphology of the female habitus, the type host and the attachment site on the host. Parabrachiella supplicans is redescribed and synonymized with Parabrachiella genypteri (Capart) also collected off G. capensis from Fort Rock Point, Namibia. Additionally, Eubrachiella sublobulata is redescribed and represents a different geographical range and host record for the genus Eubrachiella as species were previously reported from teleosts of Antarctic waters.
Clavadoce (Annelida: Phyllodocidae) from Australia
Authors: WILSON ROBIN S. , GREAVES ELIZABETH
Published: January 2016

The first records of the phyllodocid genus Clavadoce are provided from Australia, where the fifth species in the genus is now known: Clavadoce dorsolobata (Hartmann-Schröder, 1987) comb. nov. which is widely distributed in intertidal habitats in southeastern Australia. Clavadoce dorsolobata was described as Eumida (Sige) dorsolobata Hartmann-Schröder, 1987 and herein transferred to Clavadoce. Five species of Clavadoce are now known world wide, four of which are from different regions on the Pacific Ocean margin, while Clavadoce cristata is from the North Atlantic. The Australian species is the first record of Clavadoce for the southern hemisphere.
On taxonomic status of Bottchrus, with a description of a new brachypterous species of the genus Trichotichnus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from the Philippines
Authors: KATAEV BORIS M.
Published: January 2016

Originally described as a separate monotypical genus, Bottchrus Jedlička, 1935 is treated as a senior synonym of Bellogenus Clarke, 1971, the subgenus of the genus Trichotichnus Morawitz, 1863. The type species of the subgenus Bottchrus, stat. n., Trichotichnus (Bottchrus) philippinus (Jedlička, 1935), comb. n., is redescribed on the basis of the holotype from the Philippines (without more detailed location) and the new brachypterous species, Trichotichnus (Bottchrus) newtoni sp. n., is described from the series collected in the McKinley Mount, Mindanao, Philippines. The relationships between the brachypterous species of Bottchrus from Ethiopia, the Himalayan region and the Philippines are briefly discussed. The following synonymy is stated: Bottchrus Jedlička, 1935 = Bellogenus Clarke, 1971, syn. n., = Pseudotrichotichnus Habu, 1973.
First description of leaf-mining Nepticulidae and Tischeriidae (Insecta, Lepidoptera) feeding on the Chilean endemic plant genus Podanthus Lag. (Asteraceae)
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , REMEIKIS ANDRIUS , TORRES NIXON CUMBICUS
Published: January 2016

Despite taxonomic and conservation interest in the Chilean endemic plant genus Podanthus Lag. (Asteraceae: subfamily Asteroideae, tribe Heliantheae), no Podanthus-feeding Nepticulidae or Tischeriidae have ever been recorded. Here, on the basis of material reared from Podanthus from central Mediterranean Chile, we present the description of Stigmella podanthae sp. nov. (Nepticulidae) and a re-description of Astrotischeria chilei Puplesis & Diškus, 2003. Females and host-plant of the latter species were previously unknown. Both treated species are illustrated with numerous photographs of the leaf-mines, adults of both sexes, and male and female genitalia.
Oribatid mites (Acarina, Oribatida) from French Guyana: review of the genus Rhynchoribates and description of three new specie
Authors: MIKO LADISLAV
Published: January 2016

One new genus (Eurhynchoribates n. gen.) and three new subgenera (Rhynchoribatodes n. subgen., Parhynchoribates n. subgen. and Tectorhynchoribates n. subgen.) are proposed on the basis of review of known species of genus Rhynchoribates Grandjean, 1929 and on the basis of description of three new species—Rhynchoribates (s. str.) danbartai n. sp., Rhynchoribates (Tectorhynchoribates) jurobales n. sp. and Rhynchoribates (Rhynchoribatodes) dynastes n. sp.—from the territory of French Guyana. All known species of Rhynchoribates are discussed and their position into newly defined genera and subgenera proposed. Detailed differential diagnoses are given for all new taxons.
New records of the genus Diodontus Curtis, 1834 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) from Bulgaria, Montenegro and Poland, with a key to Central and Eastern European species
Authors: OLSZEWSKI PIOTR , LJUBOMIROV TOSHKO , WIŚNIOWSKI BOGDAN , KOWALCZYK JAN KRZYSZTOF , KRZYŻYŃSKI MACIEJ
Published: January 2016

First records of Diodontus medius Dahlbom, 1844 and D. insidiosus Spooner, 1938 from Poland, and of D. handlirschi Kohl, 1888 from Bulgaria and Montenegro are provided. An illustrated key for the identification of Central and Eastern European species of the genus Diodontus is given.
Two new species and one new record of the genus Asprothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from China
Authors: TONG XIAOLI , WANG ZHAOHONG , MIRAB-BALOU MAJID
Published: January 2016

Two new species of the genus Asprothrips Crawford, A. bucerus sp. n. and A. punctulosus sp. n. are described and illustrated from China. A. bimaculatus Michel & Ryckewaert, previously known only from Martinique in the French West Indies and Malaysia, is newly recorded from mainland China and Taiwan, along with the first descriptive notes of the male, and the record from China of A. fuscipennis Kudô is considered a misidentification of A. bucerus sp. n. The generic diagnosis of Asprothrips is briefly summarized and an updated key to world species of the genus is also presented.