bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyamine Antagonist Therapies Inhibit Neuroblastoma Initiation and Progression
Authors: Evageliou Nicholas F. , Haber Michelle , Vu Annette , Laetsch Theodore W. , Murray Jayne , Gamble Laura D. , Cheng Ngan Ching , Liu Kangning , Reese Megan , Corrigan Kelly A. , Ziegler David S. , Webber Hannah , Hayes Candice S. , Pawel Bruce , Marshall Glenn M. , Zhao Huaqing , Gilmour Susan K. , Norris Murray D. , Hogarty Michael D.
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Deregulated MYC drives oncogenesis in many tissues yet direct pharmacologic inhibition has proven difficult. MYC coordinately regulates polyamine homeostasis as these essential cations support MYC functions, and drugs that antagonize polyamine sufficiency have synthetic-lethal interactions with MYC. Neuroblastoma is a lethal tumor in which the MYC homologue MYCN, and ODC1, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis, are frequently deregulated so we tested optimized polyamine depletion regimens for activity against neuroblastoma.

Experimental Design: We used complementary transgenic and xenograft-bearing neuroblastoma models to assess polyamine antagonists. We investigated difluoromethylornithine (DFMO; an inhibitor of Odc, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis), SAM486 (an inhibitor of Amd1, the second rate-limiting enzyme), and celecoxib (an inducer of Sat1 and polyamine catabolism) in both the preemptive setting and in the treatment of established tumors. In vitro assays were performed to identify mechanisms of activity.

Results: An optimized polyamine antagonist regimen using DFMO and SAM486 to inhibit both rate-limiting enzymes in polyamine synthesis potently blocked neuroblastoma initiation in transgenic mice, underscoring the requirement for polyamines in MYC-driven oncogenesis. Furthermore, the combination of DFMO with celecoxib was found to be highly active, alone, and combined with numerous chemotherapy regimens, in regressing established tumors in both models, including tumors harboring highest risk genetic lesions such as MYCN amplification, ALK mutation, and TP53 mutation with multidrug resistance.

Conclusions: Given the broad preclinical activity demonstrated by polyamine antagonist regimens across diverse in vivo models, clinical investigation of such approaches in neuroblastoma and potentially other MYC-driven tumors is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4391–404. ©2016 AACR.
DiSCoVERing Innovative Therapies for Rare Tumors: Combining Genetically Accurate Disease Models withIn SilicoAnalysis to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Hanaford Allison R. , Archer Tenley C. , Price Antoinette , Kahlert Ulf D. , Maciaczyk Jarek , Nikkhah Guido , Kim Jong Wook , Ehrenberger Tobias , Clemons Paul A. , Dančík Vlado , Seashore-Ludlow Brinton , Viswanathan Vasanthi , Stewart Michelle L. , Rees Matthew G. , Shamji Alykhan , Schreiber Stuart , Fraenkel Ernest , Pomeroy Scott L. , Mesirov Jill P. , Tamayo Pablo , Eberhart Charles G. , Raabe Eric H.
Published: March 2016

Purpose: We used human stem and progenitor cells to develop a genetically accurate novel model of MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma. We also developed a new informatics method, Disease-model Signature versus Compound-Variety Enriched Response (“DiSCoVER”), to identify novel therapeutics that target this specific disease subtype.

Experimental Design: Human neural stem and progenitor cells derived from the cerebellar anlage were transduced with oncogenic elements associated with aggressive medulloblastoma. An in silico analysis method for screening drug sensitivity databases (DiSCoVER) was used in multiple drug sensitivity datasets. We validated the top hits from this analysis in vitro and in vivo.

Results: Human neural stem and progenitor cells transformed with c-MYC, dominant-negative p53, constitutively active AKT and hTERT formed tumors in mice that recapitulated Group 3 medulloblastoma in terms of pathology and expression profile. DiSCoVER analysis predicted that aggressive MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma would be sensitive to cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors. The CDK 4/6 inhibitor palbociclib decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and significantly extended the survival of mice with orthotopic medulloblastoma xenografts.

Conclusions: We present a new method to generate genetically accurate models of rare tumors, and a companion computational methodology to find therapeutic interventions that target them. We validated our human neural stem cell model of MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma and showed that CDK 4/6 inhibitors are active against this subgroup. Our results suggest that palbociclib is a potential effective treatment for poor prognosis MYC-driven Group 3 medulloblastoma tumors in carefully selected patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3903–14. ©2016 AACR.
Individualized Tamoxifen Dose Escalation: Confirmation of Feasibility, Question of Utility
Authors: Hertz Daniel L. , Rae James M.
Published: March 2016

Tamoxifen may require metabolic activation to endoxifen for efficacy in treating hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Dose escalation in patients with low endoxifen concentrations could enhance treatment efficacy. This approach is clinically feasible, and successfully increases endoxifen concentrations; however, it is unknown whether patients benefit from individualized tamoxifen dose escalation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3121–3. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Fox et al., p. 3164
Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Their Contribution to Healthy Aging
Authors: Mello Anna Maria , Paroni Giulia , Daragjati Julia , Pilotto Alberto
Published: March 2016

Studies on populations at different ages have shown that after birth, the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota composition keeps evolving, and this seems to occur especially in old age. Significant changes in GI microbiota composition in older subjects have been reported in relation to diet, drug use and the settings where the older subjects are living, that is, in community nursing homes or in a hospital. Moreover, changes in microbiota composition in the old age have been related to immunosenescence and inflammatory processes that are pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the pathways of frailty. Frailty is an age-related condition of increased vulnerability to stresses due to the impairment in multiple inter-related physiologic systems that are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, such as falls, delirium, institutionalization, hospitalization and death. Preliminary data suggest that changes in microbiota composition may contribute to the variations in the biological, clinical, functional and psycho-social domains that occur in the frail older subjects. Multidimensional evaluation tools based on a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) have demonstrated to be useful in identifying and measuring the severity of frailty in older subjects. Thus, a CGA approach should be used more widely in clinical practice to evaluate the multidimensional effects potentially related to GI microbiota composition of the older subjects. Probiotics have been shown to be effective in restoring the microbiota changes of older subjects, promoting different aspects of health in elderly people as improving immune function and reducing inflammation. Whether modulation of GI microbiota composition, with multi-targeted interventions, could have an effect on the prevention of frailty remains to be further investigated in the perspective of improving the health status of frail ‘high risk' older individuals.
The Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota and Allergic Diseases
Authors: Kyburz Andreas , Müller Anne
Published: March 2016

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract microbiota is required for optimal digestion of foods, for the development of resistance against pathogens (termed colonization resistance), for the development of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, and for local as well as systemic immune homeostasis. Certain constituents of the GI tract microbiota are widely recognized as critical regulators and modulators of their host's immune response. These include bacterial members of the microbiota as well as parasitic nematodes. Immune regulation by immunomodulatory members of the GI microbiota primarily serves to subvert host antimicrobial immune defenses and promote persistent colonization, but as a side effect may prevent or suppress immunological disorders resulting from inappropriate responses to harmless antigens, such as allergy, colitis or autoimmunity. Many of the best understood GI-resident immunomodulatory species have co-evolved with their mammalian hosts for tens of thousands of years and masterfully manipulate host immune responses. In this review, we discuss the epidemiological evidence for the role of the GI tract microbiota as a whole, and of specific members, in protection against allergic and other immunological disorders. We then focus on the mechanistic basis of microbial immunomodulation, which is presented using several well-understood paradigmatic examples, that is, helminths, Helicobacter pylori, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. In a final chapter, we highlight past and ongoing attempts at harnessing the immunomodulatory properties of GI microbiota species and their secreted products for intervention studies and describe the promises and limitations of these experimental approaches. The effects of pro- and prebiotics, bacterial lysates, as well as of fecal microbiota transplantation are presented and compared.
Investigation of Enthesopathy with Ultrasonography and Comparison with Skin Findings in Asymptomatic Psoriatic Patients
Authors: Oğuz Işıl Deniz , Gül Ülker , Koparal Salih Süha , Deren Tağmaç , Külcü Çakmak Seray , Bodur Hatice , Yilmaz Özlem
Published: March 2016

Background: Joint involvement associated with psoriasis is referred to as psoriatic arthritis. A late diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis may cause a variety of morbidities; therefore, an early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis are required. Asymptomatic psoriatic arthritis has been found in 8-70% of patients with psoriasis using imaging techniques. Objective: To investigate joint and enthesis regions by ultrasonography in patients with psoriasis without inflammatory joint symptoms to detect subclinical psoriatic arthritis. Methods: We included 50 psoriasis patients and 30 healthy control subjects without joint complaint in this study. Twelve joint regions of all subjects in each group were examined by ultrasonography. Results: The presence of any pathological ultrasonography finding (30%) was higher but did not significantly differ in psoriasis patients compared with the control group (13.33%; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although statistically not significant, the pathological ultrasonography findings were approximately twofold more common in patients with psoriasis compared with the control group. Therefore, the development of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis should be more closely followed.
Gut Microbiota: A Key Modulator of Intestinal Healing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lopetuso L.R. , Petito V. , Zambrano D. , Orlando D. , Dal Lago A. , Serrichhio L. , Papa A. , Gasbarrini A. , Scaldaferri F.
Published: March 2016

Mucosal healing (MH) represents a crucial factor for maintaining gut homeostasis. Indeed, in inflammatory bowel disease, MH has become the standard therapeutical target, because it is associated with more effective disease control, more frequent steroid-free remission, lower rates of hospitalization and surgery, and improved quality of life. In this scenario, gut microbiota is a crucial player in modulating intestinal repair and regeneration process. It can act on the tumor necrosis factor-α production, modulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, activity of matrix metalloproteinases and on many other mechanisms strictly involved in restoring gut health. In this review, we analyze and review the literature on the role of gut microbiota in sustaining mucosal injury and achieving MH.
Ulcerative Colitis with and without Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Two Different Diseases?
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Mertens Joachim C.
Published: March 2016

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown origin and an important hepatobiliary complication of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis (UC). When further differentiated, about 3-8% of UC patients suffer from PSC, whereas among Crohn's disease patients the reported prevalence of PSC is probably between 1 and 3.5%. Although it was reported from Japan that the frequency of PSC in UC was only 34%, the same registry data indicated that the prevalence was up to 57% among young patients with PSC even in Japan, which is comparable to the 60-80% in Europe and the US. Additionally, the clinical features of UC in patients with PSC are different from those in patients without PSC, for instance, rectal sparing and right-sided dominance. Summary: The strong link between atypical IBD and PSC suggests that the pathogenesis of PSC involves pathology of the gut, including abnormal gut microbiota and aberrant activation of mucosal lymphocytes. These seem to be different in UC PSC as compared to the pathology of typical UC. Key Messages: The key to solving the question ‘Is there a difference between East and West?' are genetic studies, genome-wide association studies of PSC in particular, which have already been performed in the West and are strongly warranted in the East.
Collision Detection and Trajectory Planning for Palletizing Robots Based OBB
Authors: Aalhasan Ali Joodi Jasim , XiaoQi Tang , Bao Song
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes an algorithm for Collision detection between two convex polyhedra (Boxes). It is assumed that the Palletizing robot’s end effector grasped the Box in accurate incremental method, by compare  the distances between objects in same space . The detections proposed by ignorance of time consumption, and make comparisons between performances of theories discussed this problem, like Axes Aligned Bounded Boxes (AABB) and Sphere theories. Oriented Bounded Boxes (OBB) theory is chosen because unspecified orientation of objects which meets the requirements for detecting collisions with accuracy and handling transformations. Transformation assumptions are based on Z-Y-Z Euler’s angles representation. The key factor for detecting collision between two OBB convex polyhedra is the Separating Axes Theorem (SAT). The trajectory algorithm presents incremental distance computation by implementing translation and spherical trajectory. The checking and simulations in C++ language and Auto CAD software, attests that implementations in both show accuracy results.
A New Approach of Detection Algorithm for Reducing Computation Complexity of MIMO systems
Authors: Sulttan Mohammed Qasim
Published: March 2016

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technique is a key technology to strengthen and achieve high-speed and high-throughput wireless communications. . In recent years, it was observed that frequent detecting techniques could improve the performance (e.g., symbol error rate ‘SER’) of different modern digital communication systems. But these systems faced a problem of high complexity for the practical implementation.  To solve the problem of high complexity, this work proposed Frequent Improve K-best Sphere Decoding (FIKSD) algorithm with stopping rule depending on the Manhattan metric. Manhattan metric is proposed to use with FIKSD in order to achieve the lowest complexity. FIKSD is a powerful tool to achieve a high performance close to the maximum likelihood (ML), with less complexity. The simulation results show a good reduction in computation complexity with a cost of slight performance degradation within 1dB; the proposed FIKSD requires 0% to 94% and 82% to 97% less complexity than Improved K-best Sphere Decoder (IKSD) and K-best Sphere Decoder (KSD) respectively. This makes the algorithm more suitable for implementation in wireless communication systems.
A New Method for Optimal Coordination of Overcurrent Relays Considering the Communication Channels Constraints
Authors: Namdari Farhad , Samadinasab Sajad
Published: March 2016

The most of the new protective schemes are based on a communication channel, which cannot be guaranteed in practice. However, during blackouts or cascading failures in the power grid, as system conditions change significantly and rapidly, more information exchanges may be required by the control centers and substations. In other words, the communication channels are operating with high load and therefore become more vulnerable when the power grid is in contingent conditions. Thus, relying on the communication channel for decision making may not be the optimal solution for protective relays, although it might be beneficial to have information exchange. In this article, a novel protective logic is proposed based on phasor measurement units (PMUs) data for optimal coordination of overcurrent relays. PMUs measure the positive sequence voltage at two substations separated by hundreds of miles which are synchronized precisely with the aid of a GPS satellite system. The precise time-tags are attached with samples, and this information is exchanged over communication channels and collected by control centers and/or substations. By extracting the relevant information from these measurements, phasor information can be obtained at any node where PMUs are installed in the power grid. This can be used to do more accurate state estimation, control, and protection. In these relays, besides current and voltage, phasor information has become an important measurement in decision making. The proposed method is tested on IEEE 8-bus standard network.
Fairness Evaluation and Comparison of Current Congestion Control Techniques.
Authors: Ahmad Usman , Bin Ngadi Md Asri , Bin Isnin Ismail Fauzi
Published: March 2016

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is used by many applications on the Internet for the reliable data transmission. TCP does not able to utilize the available link bandwidth quickly and efficiently in High bandwidth short distance (HBSD) and high bandwidth long distance (HBLD) networks. Many congestion control techniques also known as TCP variants are developed to solve these problems in different network environments. In this paper an experimental analysis is done for the performance evaluation of TCP CUBIC, TCP Compound, TCP Reno and High speed TCP in term of Inter and Intra Protocol fairness by using Network Simulator 2 (NS-2). Results show that the performance of TCP CUBIC pathetically down and TCP Compound and TCP Reno shows good performance in term of protocol fairness. However, these congestion control techniques still need more improvement for the utilization of available link bandwidth in HBLD networks and other network resources.
Portable Dual Mode Mobile Charger with Hand Crank Generator and Solar Panel
Authors: Rahaman Md. Atiqur , Hoque Nusrat , Das Nipu kumar , Maysha Farial Nur , Alam MD Morshed
Published: March 2016

A new method of charging a mobile phone with the help of hand crank generator, and solar panel is being presented in this paper. Solar panel is useful during daylight and hand crank generator can be used at night. So this is a dual mode charger which is operated in either way and both ways do not consume system power. This type of mobile charger is very useful when traveling because it uses solar panel to convert renewable source light into electricity. Mechanical hand crank generator is used which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and then charges the mobile. No electrical sources are needed for it. Our design uses a compound gear train for transformation of the mechanical energy generated from the hand crank to the generator. For that reason it is convenient as well as economical to use such kind of mobile charger for our mobile phone.
A Comprehensive Overview of Electric Vehicle Charging using Renewable Energy
Authors: Bhatti Abdul Rauf , Salam Zainal , Bin Abdul Aziz Mohd Junaidi , Yee Kong Pui
Published: March 2016

The integration of PV with the electric vehicle (EV) charging system has been on the rise due to several factors, namely continuous reduction in the price of PV modules, rapid growth in EV and concern over the effects of greenhouse gases. Over the years, numerous papers have been published on EV charging using the standard utility (grid) electrical supply; however, there seems to be an absence of a comprehensive overview using PV as one of the components for the charger. With the growing interest in this topic, it is timely to review, summarize and update all the related works on PV charging, and to present it as a single reference. For the benefit of a wider audience, the paper also includes the background of EV, as well as a brief description of PV systems. Some of the main features of battery management system (BMS) for EV battery are also presented. It is envisaged that the information gathered in this paper will be a valuable one–stop source of information for researchers working in this topic.The integration of PV with the electric vehicle (EV) charging system has been on the rise due to several factors, namely continuous reduction in the price of PV modules, rapid growth in EV and concern over the effects of greenhouse gases. Over the years, numerous papers have been published on EV charging using the standard utility (grid) electrical supply; however, there seems to be an absence of a comprehensive overview using PV as one of the components for the charger. With the growing interest in this topic, it is timely to review, summarize and update all the related works on PV charging, and to present it as a single reference. For the benefit of a wider audience, the paper also includes the background of EV, as well as a brief description of PV systems. Some of the main features of battery management system (BMS) for EV battery are also presented. It is envisaged that the information gathered in this paper will be a valuable one–stop source of information for researchers working in this topic.
VHDL Implementation of Capacitor Voltage Balancing Control with Level-Shifted PWM for Modular Multilevel Converter
Authors: Toh Chuen Ling , Norum Lars Einar
Published: March 2016

Power electronics converters are a key component in high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission. The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is one of the latest topologies to be proposed for this application. An MMC generates multilevel output voltage waveforms which reduces the harmonics contents significantly. This paper presents a VHDL implementation of the capacitor voltage balancing control and level-shifted pulse width modulation (LSPWM) for MMC. The objective is to minimize the processing time with minimum gate counts. The design details are fully described and validated experimentally. An experiment is conducted on a small scale MMC prototype with two units of power cells on each arm. The test results are enclosed and discussed.
Weight Loss in Obese Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Zamora Elisabet , Díez‐López Carles , Lupón Josep , de Antonio Marta , Domingo Mar , Santesmases Javier , Troya María Isabel , Díez‐Quevedo Crisanto , Altimir Salvador , Bayes‐Genis Antoni
Published: March 2016

Background

In heart failure (
HF
), weight loss (
WL
) has been associated with an adverse prognosis whereas obesity has been linked to lower mortality (the obesity paradox). The impact of
WL
in obese patients with
HF
is incompletely understood. Our objective was to explore the prevalence of
WL
and its impact on long‐term mortality, with an emphasis on obese patients, in a cohort of patients with chronic
HF
.

Methods and Results

Weight at first visit and the 1‐year follow‐up and vital status after 3 years were assessed in 1000 consecutive ambulatory, chronic
HF
patients (72.7% men; mean age 65.8±12.1 years). Significant
WL
was defined as a loss of ≥5% weight between baseline and 1 year. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
(N=272). Of the 1000 patients included, 170 experienced significant
WL
during the first year of follow‐up. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with significant
WL
(27.6% versus 15.3%,
P
<0.001). In univariable Cox regression analysis, patients with significant
WL
had 2‐fold higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.95 [95%
CI
1.39–2.72],
P
<0.001). In multivariable analysis, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, New York Heart Association functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction,
HF
duration, ischemic etiology, diabetes, and treatment, significant
WL
remained independently associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio 1.89 [95%
CI
1.32–2.68],
P
<0.001). Among obese patients with
HF
, significant
WL
was associated with an even more ominous prognosis (adjusted hazard ratio for death of 2.38 [95%
CI
1.31–4.32],
P
=0.004) than that observed in nonobese patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.83 [95%
CI
1.16–2.89],
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

Weight loss ≥5% in patients with chronic
HF
was associated with high long‐term mortality, particularly among obese patients with
HF
.
Subtype‐Specific Interactions and Prognosis in Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Sperry Brett W. , Vranian Michael N. , Hachamovitch Rory , Joshi Hariom , Ikram Asad , Phelan Dermot , Hanna Mazen
Published: March 2016

Background

Light chain (
AL
) and transthyretin (
ATTR
) amyloidosis have a similar effect on myocardial function but very different disease trajectories and survival. However, limited data are available evaluating subtype‐specific predictors of outcomes in a large contemporary cohort.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively investigated 360 patients at the time of initial diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (191
AL
and 169
ATTR
) from 2002 to 2014. Clinical, laboratory, electrical, and morphologic covariates were evaluated based upon amyloid subtype.
ATTR
etiology was associated with older age, more chronic medical conditions, and the use of standard heart failure medical therapy. Left ventricular mass index and electrocardiographic voltage were higher in
ATTR
, while there was no difference in ejection fraction or markers of diastology between subtypes. A multivariable Cox model was generated using previously identified predictors of negative outcomes in cardiac amyloidosis and analyzed after stratification for subsequent amyloid‐specific treatment. An
AL
etiology was the most predictive variable (hazard ratio 3.143,
P
<0.001) of 3‐year all‐cause mortality. The only covariate that showed a significantly greater magnitude of effect on mortality in 1 amyloid subtype versus the other was amyloid‐specific treatment in
AL
(
P
=0.015). The magnitude of effect of other variables on mortality did not significantly differ between subtypes.

Conclusions

Clinical, morphological, electrical, and biomarker data do not significantly interact with amyloid subtype in its association with mortality, despite the fact that the prognosis in each subtype differs greatly. This suggests an additional factor or factors (such as light chain toxicity) contributing to poorer outcomes in
AL
amyloid.
Antihypertensive Drug Use, Blood Pressure Variability, and Incident Stroke Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Tully Phillip J. , Debette Stephanie , Dartigues Jean-François , Helmer Catherine , Artero Sylvaine , Tzourio Christophe
Published: March 2016

Background and Purpose—

The aim was to determine the association between antihypertensive drug class and incident stroke controlling for long-term blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) in people aged ≥65 years.

Methods—

The sample included 5951 participants (median age 74 years, 60% women) taking at least 1 drug for hypertension (3727/5951) or with systolic BP >140 mm Hg or diastolic BP >90 mm Hg. Participants were evaluated for incident fatal and nonfatal stroke to 12 years follow-up. BPV was calculated with the coefficient of variation method and regressed against 9 antihypertensive drug classes (BPV
reg
). Hazard models were used to determine hazard ratios for incident stroke risk attributable to drug class, adjusted for BP, BPV
reg
, covariates, and delayed entry bias.

Results—

There were 273 incident strokes over a median of 9.1 years (interquartile range 6.4–10.4). Stroke risk was generally not reduced by BP-lowering drugs. Angiotensin receptor blockers (hazard ratio 1.56; 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.28;
P
=0.02) and β-blockers (hazard ratio 1.41; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.92;
P
=0.03) were associated with an increased total stroke risk. Angiotensin receptor blockers and β-blockers were also associated with ischemic strokes after adjustment for systolic BPV. Diastolic BPV was associated with stroke risk in analyses stratified by systolic BP 140 to 160 mm Hg (per 0.10 increase in coefficient of variation, hazard ratio 1.59; 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.40;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

The angiotensin receptor blocker and β-blocker drug classes were associated with incident stroke and ischemic stroke in older adults. BPV was generally not associated with incident stroke.
Microhabitat use of different age groups of snake-eyed skink and Eastern green lizard
Authors: Kovács Dániel , Kiss István
Published: March 2016

Although Ablepharus kitaibelii and its subspecies are wide-spread, being distributed from the Carpathian Basin through the Balkans to Iraq, their habitat and environmental niche is poorly known. Ablepharus kitaibelii fitzingeri is almost entirely limited to the Carpathian Basin, and is amongst the most strictly protected and least known reptiles of Central and Eastern Europe. The main aim of our study was to determine habitat use preferences of different age groups of A. kitaibelii fitzingeri and Lacerta viridis. The occurrence of green lizard was determined by the abundance of refugia rather than by the naturalness of grasslands. The snake-eyed skink prefers semi-natural grasslands with abundant tussock-forming grass or sedge species, avoiding densely shrubby places. For the first time, we show that woodland mosaics lacking shrubs and temporary grasslands next to forest edges are important for the species. Microhabitat use by snake-eyed skink varies with age group; adults preferring shady edge zones rich in leaf litter and shadier grassland spots provided by woodland mosaics, whereas juveniles were found in natural, more open grasslands far from forest edges and in woodland mosaics with dense shrubby understory. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the ecological needs of A. kitaibelii fitzingeri. Our methodology could be adapted to other species and subspecies of Ablepharus. Based on our results, it is important to reconsider habitat management activities, which should not be limited to shrub control: the main goal should be the development of a diverse habitat structure.
Is the Danube crested newt Triturus dobrogicus polytypic? A review and new nuclear DNA data
Authors: Wielstra Ben , Vörös Judit , Arntzen Jan W.
Published: March 2016

The Danube crested newtTriturus dobrogicushas been proposed to comprise two subspecies:T. d. dobrogicusandT. d. macrosoma. Uncertainty exists in the literature over their distribution and diagnosability. We conduct a multilocus phylogeographical survey and review published data to determine whether a two taxon treatment is warranted. Newly produced and published nuclear DNA data suggest intraspecific variation in the Pannonian Plain part of the range, but with extensive genetic admixture, whereas mitochondrial DNA data shows a lack of geographical structuring inT. dobrogicusaltogether. None of the studied morphological characters suggest the presence of two geographical groups inT. dobrogicusunequivocally. Although Danube Delta newts do have relatively short bodies compared to the remainder of the range (the Pannonian and Lower Danube Plains and the Dnepr Delta), we argue that this finding can be explained by phenotypic plasticity – particularly in light of the incongruent evolutionary scenario suggested by genetic data. We conclude that the total body of evidence does not support the two subspecies hypothesis and recommend thatT. dobrogicusis treated as a monotypic species.
Effects of exotic pastures on tadpole assemblages in Pantanal floodplains: assessing changes in species composition
Authors: Moreira Leonardo F.B. , Solino-Carvalho Luiz A. , Strüssmann Christine , Silveira Roberto M.L.
Published: March 2016

Land use change has been identified as a major driver of amphibian decline around the world. Yet we generally lack an understanding of how conversion to exotic pastures affects freshwater communities. This study examined tadpole assemblages in areas converted to exotic pastures and native wooded grasslands in northern Pantanal wetland, Midwestern Brazil. We tested the differences in site occupancy probability and assemblage composition during a flood season. We registered thirteen tadpole species, but only five were detected at levels suitable for occupancy modelling. For most species, tadpole occupancy was higher at the beginning of the flood season. OnlyScinax fuscomarginatusoccupancy was related with vegetation cover. Occupancy probability for three species (Dendropsophus nanus,Physalaemus centralis, andPhysalaemus cuvieri) was associated positively with species richness of fish. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that exotic pastures hosted a different tadpole assemblage than native areas. The assemblage composition gradient was associated with species richness of fish, vegetation cover and volume of herbaceous vegetation and leaf litter. These differences likely relate to specific traits of individual anuran species (dietary plasticity, reproductive mode, and habitat preference). The study showed that some generalist species were able to cope with replacement of native vegetation by exotic species. However, management practices have maintained many areas in the Pantanal at a stage of a near-pristine wetland ecosystem and replacement of native vegetation by exotic pastures should be done with caution.
Cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Camiguin of Mindanao Province and Dinagat Island in the Philippines, with a new genus and three new species
Authors: LEE YOUNG JUNE , MARSHALL DAVID C. , MOHAGAN ALMA , HILL KATHY B.R.
Published: March 2016

This paper provides the first faunal checklist for the family Cicadidae (Hemiptera) from Camiguin of Mindanao Province and Dinagat Island in the Philippines, comprising ten species belonging to nine genera. Cryptotympana shillana Lee & Mohagan sp. nov., Orientopsaltria inermis (Stål, 1870), Purana crassinotata Lee, 2015, and Huechys parvula Haupt, 1924 are recorded for the first time from Camiguin. Platypleura dinagatensis Lee sp. nov., Chremistica kyoungheeae Lee, 2010, Dundubia vaginata (Fabricius, 1787), Oncotympana pallidiventris Stål, 1870, and Philipsalta nigrina Lee, Marshall & Hill sp. nov. are newly recorded from Dinagat Island. A new genus Philipsalta Lee, Marshall & Hill gen. nov. is erected. Huechysini Distant, 1905 syn. nov. is synonymized with Cicadettini Buckton, 1889. Information on geographic distributions of the Camiguin and Dinagat species is also provided.
Karawajew’s ant type specimens (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the National Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Authors: MARTYNOV ALEXANDER V. , RADCHENKO ALEXANDER G.
Published: March 2016

The collection of W.A. Karawajew is one of the richest and most famous ant collections of the World. Much of this collection consists of dry mounted specimens, including types of about 550 taxa, housed in the Shmalhausen Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kiev). Nevertheless, we located a considerable part of Karawajew’s collection, containing about 25,000 specimens in alcohol, that is preserved in the National Museum of Natural History of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kiev). The latter material was recently examined and we found types of 24 taxa. This type material was partly mounted, re-ordered and catalogued. In this paper we present a catalogue of these type specimens housed in the National Museum of Natural History.
Explaining the Gaps in White, Black, and Hispanic Violence since 1990
Authors: Light Michael T. , Ulmer Jeffery T.
Published: March 2016

While group differences in violence have long been a key focus of sociological inquiry, we know comparatively little about the trends in criminal violence for whites, blacks, and Hispanics in recent decades. Combining geocoded death records with multiple data sources to capture the socioeconomic, demographic, and legal context of 131 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, this article examines the trends in racial/ethnic inequality in homicide rates since 1990. In addition to exploring long-established explanations (e.g., disadvantage), we also investigate how three of the most significant societal changes over the past 20 years, namely, rapid immigration, mass incarceration, and rising wealth inequality affect racial/ethnic homicide gaps. Across all three comparisons—white-black, white-Hispanic, and black-Hispanic—we find considerable convergence in homicide rates over the past two decades. Consistent with expectations, structural disadvantage is one of the strongest predictors of levels and changes in racial/ethnic violence disparities. In contrast to predictions based on strain theory, racial/ethnic wealth inequality has not increased disparities in homicide. Immigration, on the other hand, appears to be associated with declining white-black homicide differences. Consistent with an incapacitation/deterrence perspective, greater racial/ethnic incarceration disparities are associated with smaller racial/ethnic gaps in homicide.
Pharmaceutical Raw Material Identification Using Miniature Near-Infrared (MicroNIR) Spectroscopy and Supervised Pattern Recognition Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Sun Lan , Hsiung Chang , Pederson Christopher G. , Zou Peng , Smith Valton , von Gunten Marc , O’Brien Nada A.
Published: March 2016

Near-infrared spectroscopy as a rapid and non-destructive analytical technique offers great advantages for pharmaceutical raw material identification (RMID) to fulfill the quality and safety requirements in pharmaceutical industry. In this study, we demonstrated the use of portable miniature near-infrared (MicroNIR) spectrometers for NIR-based pharmaceutical RMID and solved two challenges in this area, model transferability and large-scale classification, with the aid of support vector machine (SVM) modeling. We used a set of 19 pharmaceutical compounds including various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients and six MicroNIR spectrometers to test model transferability. For the test of large-scale classification, we used another set of 253 pharmaceutical compounds comprised of both chemically and physically different APIs and excipients. We compared SVM with conventional chemometric modeling techniques, including soft independent modeling of class analogy, partial least squares discriminant analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and quadratic discriminant analysis. Support vector machine modeling using a linear kernel, especially when combined with a hierarchical scheme, exhibited excellent performance in both model transferability and large-scale classification. Hence, ultra-compact, portable and robust MicroNIR spectrometers coupled with SVM modeling can make on-site and in situ pharmaceutical RMID for large-volume applications highly achievable.
Mainstreaming migrant integration? A critical analysis of a new trend in integration governance
Authors: Scholten Peter , Collett Elizabeth , Petrovic Milica
Published: March 2016

In the academic literature, mainstreaming is conceptualized as a shift in policy focus (from specific to generic), as well as in governance (from state-centric to poly-centric). Whereas mainstreaming has been applied in various areas, such as gender, disability and environment, a more recent application concerns migrant integration, which has so far been under-studied in academic circles. This article provides a critical analysis of mainstreaming as a supposed ‘trend’ in migrant integration policies. It provides a conceptual discussion of what mainstreaming might mean in the field of migrant integration in an effort to connect the concept of mainstreaming as used in other fields to the literature on migrant integration, and notably the emerging concept of interculturalism. Following this, it provides an empirical analysis of shifts in integration governance and policy in Denmark, France, Germany and the UK in an effort to explain whether mainstreaming, as conceptualized, is taking place. The article concludes that mainstreaming as a concept in the field of migrant integration can only partially explain policy developments. There is, indeed, a clear trend towards more poly-centric governance and towards generic policies. However, such policies rarely involve efforts to create a generic awareness of migration-related diversity, and are often overshadowed by broader national narratives on migrant integration, and pre-existing governance structures. However, the existence of an explicit pursuit of replacement strategies at the local level suggests that mainstreaming approaches may be a way of circumventing these national narratives and governance structures.

Points for practitioners

Potential degenerative effects of target group constructions can be averted by proxy strategies that are defined area- or needs-based rather than group-based. Mainstreaming also demands poly-centric governance structures that allow for horizontal (interdepartmental, multi-actor) and vertical (multi-level) coordination mechanisms to avert policy decoupling. Mainstreaming does not mean total group-blindness; mainstreaming works best when combined with knowledge of and sensitivity to these groups, while preventing formalizing target group constructions. Mainstreaming is not just an option, but also a necessity, for policies in super-diverse cities, where group distinctions can no longer be made.
Temperature effects on transverse failure modes of carbon fiber/bismaleimides composites
Authors: Yang Baifeng , Yue Zhufeng , Geng Xiaoliang , Wang Peiyan
Published: March 2016

The results of experimental and numerical studies on temperature dependence of carbon fiber/bismaleimides composites subjected to transverse tensile load at −120℃, 25℃, 150℃, 170℃, 200℃ are summarized. The scanning electron microscopic fractographs showed that fibers were coated by a small amount of resin along with split resin at −120℃, melted resin attached to fibers is found in the view at 200℃ and naked fibers were observed at room temperature. It is concluded that the interfacial strength reduced with the increase of temperature. Experimental stress versus strain curves showed that modulus decreased with the increase of the temperature, and the obviously nonlinear tendency was observed at 200℃. Employed Mohr–Coulomb criterion to characterize plastic behavior of bismaleimides matrix, representative volume element based on random sequential expansion algorithm was modeled to simulate the entire damage progress with thermomechanical load. The analytical results showed that high stress concentration occurred in the matrix band between closely arranged fibers and became more severe with temperature rising. The percentage of interfacial debonding was larger at room temperature than those at higher and lower temperature. The experimental and analytical results showed that transverse failure modes at different temperature are related to thermal residual stress and the Young’s module of matrix.
Amoxicillin Plus Metronidazole Therapy for Patients with Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tamashiro N.S. , Duarte P.M. , Miranda T.S. , Maciel S.S. , Figueiredo L.C. , Faveri M. , Feres M.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to assess the changes occurring in subgingival biofilm composition and in the periodontal clinical parameters of subjects with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) treated by means of scaling and root planing (SRP) only or combined with systemic metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX). Fifty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to receive SRP only ( n = 29) or with MTZ (400 mg/thrice a day [TID]) and AMX (500 mg/TID) ( n = 29) for 14 d. Six subgingival plaque samples/subject were analyzed by checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species at baseline and 3 mo, 1 y, and 2 y posttherapy. At 2 y posttherapy, the antibiotic-treated group harbored lower mean proportions (5.5%) of red complex pathogens than the control group (12.1%) ( P < 0.05). The proportions of the Actinomyces species remained stable in the antibiotic group but showed a statistically significant reduction in the control group from 1 to 2 y in subjects achieving a low risk clinical profile for future disease progression (i.e., ≤4 sites with probing depth [PD] ≥5 mm). The test group also had a lower mean number of sites with PD ≥5 mm (3.5 ± 3.4) and a higher percentage of subjects reaching the low risk clinical profile (76%) than the control group (14.7 ± 13.1 and 22%, respectively) ( P < 0.05) at 2 y posttreatment. MTZ + AMX intake was the only significant predictor of subjects achieving the low risk at 2 y (odds ratio, 20.9; P = 0.0000). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the adjunctive use of MTZ + AMX improves the microbiological and clinical outcomes of SRP in the treatment of subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis and type 2 DM up to 2 y ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02135952).
The Birthday Blues
Authors: Zonda Tamás , Bozsonyi Károly , Kmetty Zoltán , Veres Előd , Lester David
Published: March 2016

The present study analyzed a large sample of 133,421 suicides in Hungary (for the period 1970–2002) for the birthday blues phenomenon. The number of suicides taking place on the individuals’ birthdays was compared with the number expected using chi-square tests. More suicides occurred on birthdays for men of all ages and for women over the age of 60. The birthday blues phenomenon was found for urban and rural suicides, for all marital statuses and for both violent and nonviolent methods for suicide. Possible explanations for these results were discussed.
Society, Environment, Vulnerability, and Climate Change in Latin America
Authors: Rojas Hernández Jorge
Published: March 2016

Historically, Latin American social development has been diverse and heterogeneous. It depends on the use of natural resources (with greater or less added value and productive diversity), the influence of social movements, the role of political parties, the level of education, and the prevailing culture. Inequality and social exclusion are still prevalent in most Latin American countries. Poverty and environmental deterioration tend to be correlated. Therefore strategies for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change must consider measures for overcoming poverty and reducing inequality.

El desarrollo social en América Latina es históricamente muy diverso y heterogéneo. Depende del uso de los recursos naturales — con mayor o menor valor agregado y diversidad productiva —, de la influencia de los movimientos sociales, del papel de los partidos políticos, del nivel educacional alcanzado y del tipo de cultura imperante en las diferentes sociedades. Aún persiste la desigualdad y altos índices de exclusión social en la mayoría de los países latinoamericanos. Pobreza y deterioro del medio ambiente suelen correlacionarse. Los pobres por lo general viven en territorios degradados y vulnerables. Las estrategias de mitigación y adaptación al cambio climático deben, en consecuencia, contemplar medidas de superación de la pobreza y disminución de los niveles de desigualdad social y ambiental.