bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avoidance Behaviours and Missed Opportunities in a Case of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kelsey David , Zakeri Simon , Hettiaratchi Chandra , Offonry Ndubisi
Published: December 2015

We describe the case of a 96-year-old woman who presented with a large fungating squamous cell carcinoma on her neck. In the Western hemisphere, it is rare to see patients with advanced tumours at their first presentation. We summarise the events leading to her late presentation to the hospital and explore the contributing factors. These may have included avoidance behaviour secondary to fears and misconceptions about cancer treatment. We conclude that healthcare professionals should be aware of these factors, and every effort should be made to address hidden fears and misconceptions when caring for patients with terminal illnesses. This will allay the patients’ anxiety, thereby enabling them to make an informed choice about their future care.
After Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion, miR-29a, and Let7 Could Affect Apoptosis through Regulating IGF-1
Authors: Wang Lei , Niu Xuehong , Hu Jihua , Xing Haijian , Sun Min , Wang Juanli , Jian Qiang , Yang Hua
Published: December 2015

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic disease is a large class of diseases that is harmful to human health. The primary treatment for the ischemic disease is to recover the blood perfusion and relieve the tissue hypoxia and the shortage of the nutrients in the supply of nutrients. In recent years, investigations found that IGF-1 has a protective effect on cardiovascular disease, especially in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Investigation into molecular mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury may offer potential targets for the development of novel diagnostic strategies. In this study we defined IGF-1 was differentially expressed in the I/R model of the Mus musculus and IGF-1 was the target gene of miR-29a and Let7f. After ischemia-reperfusion, the expression of miR-29a and Let7f increased, while the expression of IGF-1 decreased significantly in the animal model assay. Further studies have found that IGF-1 could inhibit cell apoptosis signaling pathway, thus protecting the reperfusion injury. These results provide new understanding of ischemia-reperfusion injury, with the hope of offering theoretical support for future therapeutic studies.
Isolation and Antibiotic Susceptibility of the Microorganisms Isolated from Diabetic Foot Infections in Nemazee Hospital, Southern Iran
Authors: Anvarinejad Mojtaba , Pouladfar Gholamreza , Japoni Aziz , Bolandparvaz Shahram , Satiary Zeinab , Abbasi Pejman , Mardaneh Jalal
Published: December 2015

Background. Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a major public health issue and identification of the microorganisms causing such polymicrobial infections is useful to find out appropriate antibiotic therapy. Meanwhile, many reports have shown antibiotic resistance rising dramatically. In the present study, we sought to determine the prevalence of microorganisms detected on culture in complicated DFIs in hospitalized patients and their antibiotic sensitivity profiles.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 24 months from 2012 to 2014 in Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. The demographic and clinical features of the patients were obtained. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to different agents was carried out using the disc diffusion method.Results. During this period, 122 aerobic microorganisms were isolated from DFIs. Among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria,Staphylococcusspp. andE. coliwere the most frequent organisms isolated, respectively. Of the isolates, 91% were multidrug while 78% ofS. aureusisolates were methicillin resistant. 53% of Gram-negative bacteria were positive for extended-spectrumβ-lactamase.Conclusion. Given the involvement of different microorganisms and emergence of multidrug resistant strains, clinicians are advised to consider culture before initiation of empirical therapy.
Replication of GWAS Coding SNPs Implicates MMEL1 as a Potential Susceptibility Locus among Saudi Arabian Celiac Disease Patients
Authors: Saadah Omar I. , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Banaganapalli Babajan , Salama Mohammed A. , Al-Harthi Sameer E. , Wang Jun , Shawoosh Harbi A. , Alghamdi Sharifa A. , Bin-Taleb Yagoub Y. , Alhussaini Bakr H. , Elango Ramu , Al-Aama Jumana Y.
Published: December 2015

Celiac disease (CD), a gluten intolerance disorder, was implicated to have 57 genetic susceptibility loci for Europeans but not for culturally and geographically distinct ethnic populations like Saudi Arabian CD patients. Therefore, we genotyped Saudi CD patients and healthy controls for three polymorphisms, that is, Phe196Ser in IRAK1, Trp262Arg in SH2B3, and Met518Thr in MMEL1 genes. Single locus analysis identified that carriers of the 518 Thr/Thr (MMEL1) genotype conferred a 1.6-fold increased disease risk compared to the noncarriers (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.22–5.54;P<0.01). This significance persisted even under allelic (OR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05–2.28;P=0.02) and additive (OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17–0.71;P=0.03) genetic models. However, frequencies for Trp262Arg (SH2B3) and Phe196Ser (IRAK1) polymorphisms were not significantly different between patients and controls. The overall best MDR model included Met518Thr and Trp262Arg polymorphisms, with a maximal testing accuracy of 64.1% and a maximal cross-validation consistency of 10 out of 10 (P=0.0156). Allelic distribution of the 518 Thr/Thr polymorphism in MMEL1 primarily suggests its independent and synergistic contribution towards CD susceptibility among Saudi patients. Lack of significant association of IRAK and SH2B3 gene polymorphisms in Saudi patients but their association in European groups suggests the genetic heterogeneity of CD.
A Review of Electrospun Conductive Polyaniline Based Nanofiber Composites and Blends: Processing Features, Applications, and Future Directions
Authors: Abd Razak Saiful Izwan , Wahab Izzati Fatimah , Fadil Fatirah , Dahli Farah Nuruljannah , Md Khudzari Ahmad Zahran , Adeli Hassan
Published: December 2015

Electrospun polymer nanofibers with high surface area to volume ratio and tunable characteristic are formed through the application of strong electrostatic field. Electrospinning has been identified as a straight forward and viable technique to produce nanofibers from polymer solution as their initial precursor. These nanofiber materials have attracted attention of researchers due to their enhanced and exceptional nanostructural characteristics. Electrospun polyaniline (PANI) based nanofiber is one of the important new materials for the rapidly growing technology development such as nanofiber based sensor devices, conductive tissue engineering scaffold materials, supercapacitors, and flexible solar cells applications. PANI however is relatively hard to process compared to that of other conventional polymers and plastics. The processing of PANI is daunting, mainly due to its rigid backbone which is related to its high level of conjugation. The challenges faced in the electrospinning processing of neat PANI have alternatively led to the development of the electrospun PANI based composites and blends. A review on the research activities of the electrospinning processing of the PANI based nanofibers, the potential prospect in various fields, and their future direction are presented.
Effect of Tyrosol and Farnesol on Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance of Clinical Isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hassan Abdel-Rhman Shaymaa , Mostafa El-Mahdy Areej , El-Mowafy Mohammed
Published: December 2015

Mixed-species biofilms could create a protected environment that allows for survival to external antimicrobials and allows different bacterial-fungal interactions.Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Candida albicanscoexistence is an example for such mixed-species community. Numerous reports demonstrated howP. aeruginosaor its metabolites could influence the growth, morphogenesis, and virulence ofC. albicans. In this study, we investigated how theC. albicansquorum sensing compounds, tyrosol and farnesol, might affect Egyptian clinical isolates ofP. aeruginosaregarding growth, antibiotic sensitivity, and virulence. We could demonstrate that tyrosol possesses an antibacterial activity againstP. aeruginosa(10 µM inhibited more than 50% of growth after 16 h cultivation). Moreover, we could show for the first time that tyrosol strongly inhibits the production of the virulence factors hemolysin and protease inP. aeruginosa, whereas farnesol inhibits, to lower extent, hemolysin production in this bacterial pathogen. Cumulatively, tyrosol is expected to strongly affectP. aeruginosain mixed microbial biofilm.
Dabigatran Associated Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
Authors: Potolidis Evangelos , Mandros Charalampos , Kotsa Kalliopi , Mitsiou Evdoxia , Potolidis Dimitris , Fanourgiakis Panagiotis
Published: December 2015

Common side effects of dabigatran are bleeding, bruising, nausea, diarrhea, and abdomen discomfort. Skin reactions were not often noted (<0.1%). We report a case of 70-year-old male who developed dabigatran related skin reaction resistant to usual therapy. Skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
Identification and Characterization of the V(D)J Recombination Activating Gene 1 in Long-Term Memory of Context Fear Conditioning
Authors: Castro-Pérez Edgardo , Soto-Soto Emilio , Pérez-Carambot Marizabeth , Dionisio-Santos Dawling , Saied-Santiago Kristian , Ortiz-Zuazaga Humberto G. , Peña de Ortiz Sandra
Published: December 2015

An increasing body of evidence suggests that mechanisms related to the introduction and repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) may be associated with long-term memory (LTM) processes. Previous studies from our group suggested that factors known to function in DNA recombination/repair machineries, such as DNA ligases, polymerases, and DNA endonucleases, play a role in LTM. Here we report data using C57BL/6 mice showing that theV(D)J recombination-activating gene 1(RAG1), which encodes a factor that introduces DSBs in immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes, is induced in the amygdala, but not in the hippocampus, after context fear conditioning. Amygdalar induction ofRAG1mRNA, measured by real-time PCR, was not observed in context-only or shock-only controls, suggesting that the context fear conditioning response is related to associative learning processes. Furthermore, double immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the neuronal localization of RAG1 protein in amygdalar sections prepared after perfusion and fixation. In functional studies, intra-amygdalar injections ofRAG1gapmer antisense oligonucleotides, given 1 h prior to conditioning, resulted in amygdalar knockdown ofRAG1mRNA and a significant impairment in LTM, tested 24 h after training. Overall, these findings suggest that theV(D)J recombination-activating gene 1,RAG1, may play a role in LTM consolidation.
Exploring Mean Annual Precipitation Values (2003–2012) in a Specific Area (36°N–43°N, 113°E–120°E) Using Meteorological, Elevational, and the Nearest Distance to Coastline Variables
Authors: Zhang Fushen , Yang Zhitao , Zhong Shaobo , Huang Quanyi
Published: December 2015

Gathering very accurate spatially explicit data related to the distribution of mean annual precipitation is required when laying the groundwork for the prevention and mitigation of water-related disasters. In this study, four Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) models were compared to estimate the spatial distribution of mean annual precipitation of the selected areas. Meteorological data from 48 meteorological stations were used, and spatial correlations between three meteorological factors and two topological factors were analyzed to improve the mapping results including annual precipitation, average temperature, average water vapor pressure, elevation, and distance to coastline. Some missing annual precipitation data were estimated based on their historical probability distribution and were assimilated as soft data in the BME method. Based on this, the univariate BME, multivariate BME, univariate BME with soft data, and multivariate BME with soft data analysis methods were compared. The estimation accuracy was assessed by cross-validation with the mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The results showed that multivariate BME with soft data outperformed the other methods, indicating that adding the spatial correlations between multivariate factors and soft data can help improve the estimation performance.
Forecasting SPEI and SPI Drought Indices Using the Integrated Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Maca Petr , Pech Pavel
Published: December 2015

The presented paper compares forecast of drought indices based on two different models of artificial neural networks. The first model is based on feedforward multilayer perceptron, sANN, and the second one is the integrated neural network model, hANN. The analyzed drought indices are the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the standardized precipitation evaporation index (SPEI) and were derived for the period of 1948–2002 on two US catchments. The meteorological and hydrological data were obtained from MOPEX experiment. The training of both neural network models was made by the adaptive version of differential evolution, JADE. The comparison of models was based on six model performance measures. The results of drought indices forecast, explained by the values of four model performance indices, show that the integrated neural network model was superior to the feedforward multilayer perceptron with one hidden layer of neurons.
Evaluating the Impact of Human Amnion Epithelial Cells on Angiogenesis
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Muljadi Ruth , Chan Siow Teng , Vosdoganes Patricia , Lo Camden , Mockler Joanne C. , Wallace Euan M. , Lim Rebecca
Published: December 2015

The effects of human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) on angiogenesis remain controversial. It is yet unknown if the presence of inflammation and/or gestational age of hAEC donors have an impact on angiogenesis. In this study, we examined the differences between term and preterm hAECs on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Conditioned media from term hAECs induced the formation of longer huVEC tubules on Matrigel. Both term and preterm hAECs expressed VEGFA, PDGFB, ANGPT1, and FOXC1, which significantly increased after TNFα and IFNγ stimulation. In the presence of TNFα and IFNγ, coculture with term hAECs reduced gene transcription of Tie-2 and Foxc1 in huVECs, while coculture with preterm hAECs increased gene transcription of PDGFRα and PDGFRβ and reduced gene transcription of FOXC1 in huVECs. In vivo assessment of angiogenesis using vWF immunostaining revealed that hAEC treatment decreased angiogenesis in a bleomycin model of lung fibrosis but increased angiogenesis in a neonatal model of hyperoxia‐induced lung injury. In summary, our findings suggested that the impact of hAECs on angiogenesis may be influenced by the presence of inflammation and underlying pathology.
Elevated Preoperative Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Liver Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Xiao-Dong , Shi Xiao-Ju , Chen Yu-Guo , Wang Chuan-Lei , Ma Qiang , Lv Guo-Yue
Published: December 2015

This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with liver transplantation (LT) through meta-analysis. Relevant articles were sought in PubMed, Embase, and Wangfang databases up to July 2015. A total of 1687 patients from 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that elevated NLR was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.91–3.83) and poorer disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.23–5.84) in HCC patients treated with LT. Moreover, subgroup analysis showed the significant association between elevated preoperative NLR and poor prognosis was not altered by cutoff values of NLR or types of LT. Therefore, elevated preoperative NLR is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients treated with LT. Preoperative NLR should be used to predict the prognosis of HCC after LT in our clinical work.
Estimation of Areal Mean Rainfall in Remote Areas Using B-SHADE Model
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Baolin , Wang Jinfeng , Hu Maogui , Xu Lili
Published: December 2015

This study presented a method to estimate areal mean rainfall (AMR) using a Biased Sentinel Hospital Based Area Disease Estimation (B-SHADE) model, together with biased rain gauge observations and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data, for remote areas with a sparse and uneven distribution of rain gauges. Based on the B-SHADE model, the best linear unbiased estimation of AMR could be obtained. A case study was conducted for the Three-River Headwaters region in the Tibetan Plateau of China, and its performance was compared with traditional methods. The results indicated that B-SHADE obtained the least estimation biases, with a mean error and root mean square error of −0.63 and 3.48 mm, respectively. For the traditional methods including arithmetic average, Thiessen polygon, and ordinary kriging, the mean errors were 7.11, −1.43, and 2.89 mm, which were up to 1027.1%, 127.0%, and 358.3%, respectively, greater than for the B-SHADE model. The root mean square errors were 10.31, 4.02, and 6.27 mm, which were up to 196.1%, 15.5%, and 80.0%, respectively, higher than for the B-SHADE model. The proposed technique can be used to extend the AMR record to the presatellite observation period, when only the gauge data are available.
Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study (JPHC Study Cohort II)
Authors: Abe Sarah Krull , Inoue Manami , Sawada Norie , Iwasaki Motoki , Shimazu Taichi , Yamaji Taiki , Sasazuki Shizuka ,   for the JPHC Study Group, Saito Eiko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: December 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the risk of pancreatic cancer among Japanese adults.

Methods: A total of 20,360 subjects of the Japan Public Health Center (JPHC)–based prospective study cohort II with available data on HBV and HCV infection status from blood samples were followed up until the end of 2010 for an average of 16 years. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to calculate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: During 324,394 person-years, 116 newly diagnosed cases of pancreatic cancer were identified. Compared with individuals without a positive infection marker, the multivariate-adjusted HRs were 1.22 (95% CI, 0.81–1.84) for anti-HBc and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.28–1.69) for anti-HCV. There were no pancreatic cancer cases among HBsAg-positive participants.

Conclusion: In the JPHC study, we did not observe a statistically significant association between hepatitis B or C and the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Impact: Our results do not support an association between hepatitis B or C and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(3); 555–7. ©2015 AACR.
IL35-Producing B Cells Promote the Development of Pancreatic Neoplasia
Authors: Pylayeva-Gupta Yuliya , Das Shipra , Handler Jesse S. , Hajdu Cristina H. , Coffre Maryaline , Koralov Sergei B. , Bar-Sagi Dafna
Published: December 2015

A salient feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an abundant fibroinflammatory response characterized by the recruitment of immune and mesenchymal cells and the consequent establishment of a protumorigenic microenvironment. Here, we report the prominent presence of B cells in human pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and PDAC lesions as well as in oncogenic Kras-driven pancreatic neoplasms in the mouse. The growth of orthotopic pancreatic neoplasms harboring oncogenic Kras was significantly compromised in B-cell–deficient mice (μMT), and this growth deficiency could be rescued by the reconstitution of a CD1dhiCD5+ B-cell subset. The protumorigenic effect of B cells was mediated by their expression of IL35 through a mechanism involving IL35-mediated stimulation of tumor cell proliferation. Our results identify a previously unrecognized role for IL35-producing CD1dhiCD5+ B cells in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer and underscore the potential significance of a B-cell/IL35 axis as a therapeutic target.

Significance: This study identifies a B-cell subpopulation that accumulates in the pancreatic parenchyma during early neoplasia and is required to support tumor cell growth. Our findings provide a rationale for exploring B-cell–based targeting approaches for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Discov; 6(3); 247–55. ©2015 AACR.

See related commentary by Roghanian et al., p. 230.

See related article by Lee et al., p. 256.

See related article by Gunderson et al., p. 270.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 217
Cave-dwelling bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) and conservation concerns in South central Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Tanalgo Krizler C. , Tabora John Aries G.
Published: December 2015

The stable microclimate in caves provides a relatively constant habitat for many bat species in the Philippines, but human encroachment continues to disrupt this habitat and imperil many of the species roosting in the caves.  In South central Mindanao, the diversity and conservation status of cave bats remain undocumented and unexplored.  We employed mist-netting to capture bats from five different caves within the town of Kabacan, northern Cotabato, Philippines.  A total of 14 bat species were identified including the Philippine endemics Hipposideros pygmaeus and Ptenochirus jagori and the threatened Megaerops wetmorei. However, despite the declining conservation status of the bats, local disturbance such as bat hunting for bush meat and unregulated tourism are currently taking place in the caves.  Large species such as Eonycteris spelaea and Rousettus amplexicaudatus are killed almost every day for food and trade.  Therefore, the high species richness, and the presence of endemic and threatened species coupled with the occurrence of anthropogenic disturbances in caves suggests the need for an urgent and effective conservation intervention involving the local government and public community.

 
A checklist of gilled mushrooms (Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes) with diversity analysis in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India
Authors: Gogoi Girish , Parkash Vipin
Published: December 2015

Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of five distinct compartments.  A total of 138 species of gilled mushrooms belonging to 48 genera, 23 families, five orders of the class Agaricomycetes, division Basidiomycota, have been collected and analyzed. The order Agaricales was was found with the highest number of species (113), followed by Russulales (14), Polyporales (5), Cantharellales (4) and Boletales (2). The species Coprinellus disseminatus and Megacollybia rodmani have shown the highest (8.26) and the lowest density (0.05), respectively.  A total of 24 species, e.g., Termitomyces albuminosus, Marasmius curreyi, Marasmiellus candidus, Leucocoprinus medioflavus, Mycena leaiana, Hygrocybe miniata, Collybia chrysoropha, Gymnopus confluens were common with frequency percentage of 11.9, whereas Megacollybia rodmani with less frequency percentage (2.4) was found only in few quadrates of the sanctuary.  The highly abundant species were Termitomyces medius (91.7) and Coprinellus disseminatus (86.8), and less abundant species were Psilocybe wayanadensis (1.0) and Lepiota sp. (1.0) in the study site.  The order of the species richness index (R) compartment wise was 2>3>4>5>1. Both the Shannon diversity index and Simpson diversity index of agarics was maximum (1.88, 0.98) in compartment 2, whereas minimum (1.72, 0.95) in compartment 1 and 5, respectively.  Moreover, the compartment 2 was found very much similar with compartment 3 and very less similar with compartment 1.

 
An ecological assessment of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Nath Naba K. , Machary Kamal
Published: December 2015

This study of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in the tall grassland habitat of Manas National Park, Assam during 2009–2010 is the first detailed assessment in northeastern India.  We assessed the status, distribution, habitat use and key threats to this rare and little studied lagomorph species.  After interviewing local forest staff, 20 grassland patches within a survey area of 2.65ha were selected and transects (50x2 m) laid randomly to determine the presence/absence of Hispid Hare by recording pellets and other indirect evidence.  Hare presence was recorded in 17 grassland patches within transects dominated by Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum narenga.  Hispid Hare preferred dry savannah grasslands to wet alluvial grasslands during winter and avoided recently burned patches due to lack of cover and food.  The distribution pattern observed was clumped (s2/a = 6.2), with more evidence of Hispid Hare presence in areas where ground cover was dense, dry and away from water sources. Population density was estimated at 381.55 individuals/km2, which in comparison with other studies indicates that Manas National Park currently holds the highest density of Hispid Hare.  Habitat loss due to overgrazing, unsustainable thatch harvesting, burning of grassland, weed invasion, encroachment and hunting were identified as key threats which must be addressed to ensure survival of this threatened species in the Park. 

 
An illustrated checklist of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) from the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India
Authors: Sathiandran Nithya , Thomas Sabu K. , Flemming Albin T.
Published: December 2015

An illustrated checklist of 36 species of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) from the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the southern Western Ghats is presented.  Records of eight species endemic to the Western Ghats and a rare primitive old world dung beetle group, Ochicanthon nitidus (Paulian), from the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve are provided.

 
Observations on lycaenid butterflies from Panbari Reserve Forest and adjoining areas, Kaziranga, Assam, northeastern India
Authors: Gogoi Monsoon Jyoti
Published: December 2015

A checklist of 116 taxa of Lycaenidae (Blues) along with notes on important species in low elevation forest of Panbari Reserve, Kaziranga - West Karbi Hills, upper Assam is reported in this paper based on surveys conducted during 2007–2012 and some recent sightings till date.  Important sightings include Blue Gem Poritia erycinoides elsiei, Square-band Brownie Miletis nymphys porus, Plain Plushblue Flos apidanus ahamus, Blue Royal Ancema carmentalis, Elwes Silverline Spindasis elwesi, Artipe skinneri, etc.

 
Spiders of Kerala Agricultural University Campus, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Authors: Adarsh C. K. , Nameer P. O.
Published: December 2015

A total of 86 species of spiders belonging to 56 genera of 20 families have been recorded from the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) campus, Thrissur, Kerala, southern India.  This represents 5.1% of the total spiders’ species and 33.33% of the total families of spiders recorded in India.  The dominant spider family at KAU campus is Araneidae with 18 species of nine genera. Salticidae is represented by 14 species of 13 genera.  Out of 252 endemic spiders of India, 16 have been reported from KAU campus.  Guild structure analysis shows spiders belonging to seven types of feeding guilds present in KAU campus.  Orb-web builders are the dominant feeding guild accounting for 34%, followed by stalkers (22%), ground runners (20%), ambushers (8%), scattered line weavers (8%), foliage runners (7%) and sheet-web builders (1%).

 
Additional information on the threatened Cryptocoryne cognata Schott (Araceae): A need for reassessment of the IUCN Red List status
Authors: Kambhar Sidanand V. , Bhise Mahendra R. , Naik Mayur M. , Parab Abhijeet L. , Patil Kamlakar H. , Tawade Abhijeet P. , Patil Vinayak K. , Rane Ajay D. , Narkhede Satish S. , Bhave Sanjay G.
Published: December 2015

Cryptocoryne cognata Schott is a threatened species distributed in the entire Konkan stretch covering Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. It was rediscovered in 1990 after not being documented for one and half centuries. The data concerning its morphology, distribution and ecological preferences are presented in this paper in order to contribute to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) goals and to assist taxonomists in assessing and protecting this species from extinction in future.  

 
Practicality versus idealism for curbing predatory publishing: a reply to Teixeira da Silva
Authors: Raghavan Rajeev , Dahanukar Neelesh , Molur Sanjay
Published: December 2015

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The Protein Acyl Transferase ZDHHC21 Modulates α1 Adrenergic Receptor Function and Regulates Hemodynamics
Authors: Marin Ethan P. , Jozsef Levente , Di Lorenzo Annarita , Held Kara F. , Luciano Amelia K. , Melendez Jonathan , Milstone Leonard M. , Velazquez Heino , Sessa William C.
Published: December 2015

Objective—

Palmitoylation, the reversible addition of the lipid palmitate to a cysteine, can alter protein localization, stability, and function. The ZDHHC family of protein acyl transferases catalyzes palmitoylation of numerous proteins. The role of ZDHHC enzymes in intact tissue and in vivo is largely unknown. Herein, we characterize vascular functions in a mouse that expresses a nonfunctional ZDHHC21 (F233Δ).

Approach and Results—

Physiological studies of isolated aortae and mesenteric arteries from F233Δ mice revealed an unexpected defect in responsiveness to phenylephrine, an α1 adrenergic receptor agonist. In vivo, F233Δ mice displayed a blunted response to infusion of phenylephrine, and they were found to have elevated catecholamine levels and elevated vascular α1 adrenergic receptor gene expression. Telemetry studies showed that the F233Δ mice were tachycardic and hypotensive at baseline, consistent with diminished vascular tone. In biochemical studies, ZDHHC21 was shown to palmitoylate the α1D adrenoceptor and to interact with it in a molecular complex, thus suggesting a possible molecular mechanism by which the receptor can be regulated by ZDHHC21.

Conclusions—

Together, the data support a model in which ZDHHC21 F233Δ diminishes the function of vascular α1 adrenergic receptors, leading to reduced vascular tone, which manifests in vivo as hypotension and tachycardia. This is to our knowledge the first demonstration of a ZDHHC isoform affecting vascular function in vivo and identifies a novel molecular mode of regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure.
Spot Sign in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Dynamic T1-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Schindlbeck Katharina A. , Santaella Anna , Galinovic Ivana , Krause Thomas , Rocco Andrea , Nolte Christian H. , Villringer Kersten , Fiebach Jochen B.
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—

In computed tomographic imaging of acute intracerebral hemorrhage spot sign on computed tomographic angiography has been established as a marker for hematoma expansion and poor clinical outcome. Although, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately visualize acute intracerebral hemorrhage, a corresponding MRI marker is lacking to date.

Methods—

We prospectively examined 50 consecutive patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage within 24 hours of symptom onset. The MRI protocol consisted of a standard stroke protocol and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging with a time resolution of 7.07 s/batch. Stroke scores were assessed at admission and at time of discharge. Volume measurements of hematoma size and spot sign were performed with MRIcron.

Results—

Contrast extravasation within sites of the hemorrhage (MRI spot sign) was seen in 46% of the patients. Patients with an MRI spot sign had a significantly shorter time to imaging than those without (
P
<0.001). The clinical outcome measured by the modified Rankin Scale was significantly worse in patients with spot sign compared with those without (
P
≤0.001). Hematoma expansion was observed in the spot sign group compared with the nonspot sign group, although the differences were not significant.

Conclusions—

Spot sign can be detected using MRI on postcontrast T1-weighted and dynamic T1-weighted images. It is associated with worse clinical outcome. The time course of contrast extravasation in dynamic T1 images indicates that these spots represent ongoing bleeding.
Midlife Challenge or Welcome Departure? Cultural and Family-Related Expectations of Empty Nest Transitions
Authors: Mitchell Barbara A. , Wister Andrew V.
Published: December 2015

Mid- and later-life parental transitions to the “empty nest” are characterized by increasing complexity, uncertainty, and variability. Drawing upon a life course perspective coupled with a sociocultural stress model, this mixed-methods study focuses on parental perceptions of anticipated emotional challenge associated with their children’s homeleaving and how this is shaped by ethnic culture and other family-related factors. Data entail a subsample of 174 midlife parents (mean age = 51.8) with at least one adult child aged 18 to 35 living at home, collected as part of the “Mid/Later Life Parenting Project.” Study participants belonged to British-, Chinese-, Southern European-, or South-Asian groups living in Metro Vancouver, BC. Analyses indicate that societal and ethnic group norms, relationship quality, and living arrangement preferences, as well as supportive exchanges and economic constraints (e.g., housing costs) influence empty nest perceptions and pathways. Implications of these findings are applied to aging families and family development.
Negotiating Urban Environment and Economy in New York’s Little Syria, 1880-1946
Authors: Shibley Gregory J.
Published: December 2015

Syrian immigrants populated New York’s Lower Manhattan, creating a neighborhood known as Little Syria. Sources employ “mother colony” and other evocative terms to highlight the unique importance of New York’s Arabic-speaking enclave to Syrian immigrant settlements throughout the United States. Yet no scholarly monograph on Little Syria, covering the entire period of its existence, from approximately 1880 to 1946, has been published. This article argues that early Syrian immigrants used their distinctive ethnicity to economic advantage within this urban enclave but exited its unhealthy environment as soon as they could. Like others, Syrians found unparalleled opportunities for mobility and financial success in New York. Manifesting an Arabic culture and an affinity for the middle class, they left Little Syria behind, and made no concerted attempt to preserve the old neighborhood. They embraced ethnicity as an economic virtue but distanced themselves from ethnicity as an environmental burden.
Loss of Meaning as a Predictor of Distress in Prison
Authors: Vanhooren Siebrecht , Leijssen Mia , Dezutter Jessie
Published: December 2015

Incarceration has been described as a distressing experience, marked by important losses and accompanied by deep existential crises. Some prisoners “hit rock bottom” and are confronted with the fact that their life does not make sense anymore. Surprisingly, loss of meaning among prisoners has not been studied in a quantitative way before. In this study, we explored the relationship between loss of meaning inflicted by incarceration and distress. In a sample of 365 prisoners, univariate analyses and hierarchical multiple regression analyses confirmed that a loss of meaning positively predicted distress in prison. Differences between prison regimes predicted distress, but had no influence on the loss of meaning. Unsentenced incarceration, in contrast, did not have a direct relationship to distress, but amplified the effect of loss of meaning on distress. Psychotherapy and chaplain support did not affect the relationship between loss of meaning and distress during incarceration.
Validation of the BESS TRS-P Structure With an Independent Sample of Teacher Ratings
Authors: DiStefano Christine , Greer Fred , Liu Jin
Published: December 2015

The underlying structure of the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System, Teacher Rating Scale–Preschool was investigated with a replication sample. Ratings from more than 3,000 students were used and four alternative models were investigated. As with prior research, a bifactor model with four factors was identified. The results supported an (Emerging) School Problems factor and yielded similar patterns of relationships with specific and general factors identified with prior research.
A two-dimensional numerical analysis of a circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds
Authors: Zhou Yang , Hao Shuanghui , Hao Minghui
Published: December 2015

This paper examines the flow field of a circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds by the commercial finite-volume-based code Fluent. The performance of circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds have been discussed. The mathematical model of the tooth profile is established. The pressures including gears mesh, outlet pressures, and outlet flow rate are studied under different rated outlet pressures and rotational speeds. There are dynamic pressures at clearance between chamber and tip circle of gear. Moreover, parts of radial leakages are prevented by dynamic pressures. The outlet pressures almost remain constant. However, there are strong pressure fluctuations in gears mesh under the high pressures and high speeds. The pressures are several times higher than the rated outlet pressure when the circular-arc gear pump operates at 10,000 r/min and 12,000 r/min. Gear meshing pressure fluctuations increase with the increase in rotational speeds. However, gear meshing pressure fluctuations decrease with the increase of outlet rate pressures. There are rotational speeds and outlet rate pressure critical points for gear meshing pressures, and the variation tendency of gear meshing pressures changes dramatically when it exceeds the critical points. Hence, the research results provide base model for circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds.
Analysis of dry electrical discharge machining in different dielectric mediums
Authors: Fattahi Saman , Baseri Hamid
Published: December 2015

Dry electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a modification of the oil EDM process in which the liquid dielectric is replaced by a gaseous dielectric. This study investigates the effects of different types of gas (air, nitrogen, and mixture of argon/air) on the machining characteristics of dry EDM of M35 workpiece material. A Taguchi L27 orthogonal array design was applied to investigate the effects of six control factors, including current, pulse on-time, duty factor, gas pressure, electrode rotational speed and specifically type of gas on machining responses, including material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness, and radial overcut. Also, the surface integrity was investigated in different dielectric mediums. Results show that the argon/air mixture can improve the MRR with respect to air and nitrogen. The best dimensional accuracy can be obtained by using nitrogen as the dielectric medium. Also, the machined surface with nitrogen has the fewest small drops and the microcracks in Aagon/air mixture is more than those air one. So, the argon/air mixture is the best dielectric with respect to nitrogen and air mediums for dry EDM of high-speed steel M35.
A comparative study on cross-buoyancy mixed convection around expanded and tapered trapezoidal bluff bodies
Authors: Verma Vivek Kumar , Dhiman Amit
Published: December 2015

Numerical computations have been realized to explore and evaluate the laminar mixed convection heat transfer from a heated trapezoidal bluff body. Two different configurations of the trapezoidal bluff body viz. expanded and tapered considered and a comparison has been made at different operational parameters. The spectrum of physical control parameters considered as Reynolds number (Re) = 10–50, Richardson number (Ri) = 0–1, and Prandtl number (Pr) = 0.7 (air). A finite volume method implemented on the collocated grid arrangement has been employed for numerical computations. Overall drag and lift coefficients are found higher for a tapered body as compared to an expanded body. However, average Nusselt number is greater for the expanded body as compared to the tapered one. With increase in Re at a given Ri, total drag coefficient is found to decrease in steady regime, but it increases in time-periodic regime. On increasing Ri, drag and lift coefficients decrease in the steady regime for both geometries. A correlation expressing the functional relationship of average Nusselt number with Re and Ri for both geometries has been proposed. Critical Re at Ri = 0.5 for the expanded geometry is found to be between Re = 46 and 47, while for the tapered body it exists between Re = 35 and 36. Maximum heat transfer enhancement for the tapered body with respect to the expanded body at Ri = 0, 0.5, and 1 is found to be approximately 26, 24, and 21%, respectively.
Experiment and simulation of biotissue surface thermal damage during laser surgery
Authors: Su YL , Chen KT , Chang CJ , Ting K
Published: December 2015

In medical cosmetology, laser energy must be properly controlled to avoid unnecessary thermal damage of normal tissue due to excessive irradiation. When a laser source is applied to a specific target that is very close to the surface tissue, residual heat can damage the surface tissue even after the laser treatment is halted. This study aims to determine the proper conditions for the laser treatment and the prediction of the thermal damage of surface tissue after the laser is applied. An 810 nm diode laser was used to irradiate porcine liver and the surface temperature was measured using infrared thermography for different laser application processes. The Pennes bioheat transfer equation was solved using the ANSYS software package to simulate the surface temperature and thermal damage zone in laser surgery. The double ellipsoid function represented the laser source term in the heat transfer simulation. The results of the simulation were compared with the experimental data. Finally, a transient analysis of the estimations of thermal damage after laser surgery was conducted for different conditions of power, laser irradiation time, and laser depth under the surface of the porcine liver.
Influence of a tapered cylinder nozzle on pressure pulsations in a variable high-speed reciprocating compressor piping system
Authors: Liu Zhan , Wang Zengli , Feng Quanke , Yu Xiaoling
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the influence of a tapered cylinder nozzle (TCN) on pressure pulsations in a high-speed reciprocating compressor piping system. Numerical methods, the 3D frequency-domain finite element method (FEM) and the 3D time-domain computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were used to separately calculate gas column natural frequencies and pressure pulsations. With favorable agreement between model predictions and experimental data, it is concluded from predictions that an installed TCN changes both the values and distribution of frequencies because installation of a TCN filter can alter gas column structure in the piping system. The order of frequency dominated by cylinder nozzle response increases sharply as the TCN diameter ratio increases and the TCN length to diameter ratio decreases. Pressure fluctuations can be effectively attenuated in piping system under different functioning conditions, e.g. variable compressor speeds and variable discharge pressures.
The Social Prioritization Index and Tobacco Use Among Young Adult Bar Patrons
Authors: Lisha Nadra E. , Neilands Torsten B. , Jordan Jeffrey W. , Holmes Louisa M. , Ling Pamela M.
Published: December 2015

Social benefits likely play a role in young adult tobacco use. The Social Prioritization Index (SPI) was developed to measure the degree to which young adults place a great importance on their social lives. We examined the usefulness of this measure as a potential predictor of tobacco use controlling for demographics and tobacco-related attitudes. Young adults completed cross-sectional surveys between 2012 and 2014 in bars in seven U.S. cities ( N = 5,503). The SPI is a 13-item scale that includes personality items and information on how frequently participants attend bars and how late they stay out. Three step-by-step multinomial regression models were run using the SPI as a predictor of smoking status (nondaily and daily smoking vs. nonsmoking): (1) SPI as the sole predictor, (2) SPI and demographics, and (3) SPI, demographics, and tobacco-related attitude variables. Next, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis to examine if the number of items in SPI could be reduced and retain its strong relationship with smoking. Higher scores on the SPI were related to an increased probability of being a Nondaily Smoker (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [1.04, 1.14], p < .001) or Daily Smoker (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [1.07, 1.22], p < .0001) compared to a Nonsmoker, controlling for demographics and other tobacco-related attitudes. The SPI and reduced SPI were independently related to young adult tobacco use. The measure’s brevity, ease of use, and strong association with tobacco use may make it useful to tobacco and other prevention researchers.
Prediction of Rupture Sites in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms After Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Erhart Philipp , Roy Joy , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M. , Liljeqvist Moritz Lindquist , Grond-Ginsbach Caspar , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Böckler Dittmar
Published: December 2015

Purpose: To associate regions of highest local rupture risk from finite element analysis (FEA) to subsequent rupture sites in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Methods: This retrospective multicenter study analyzed computed tomography angiography (CTA) data from 13 asymptomatic AAA patients (mean age 76 years; 8 men) experiencing rupture at a later point in time between 2005 and 2011. All patients had CTA scans before and during the rupture event. FEA was performed to calculate peak wall stress (PWS), peak wall rupture risk (PWRR), rupture risk equivalent diameters (RRED), and the intraluminal thrombus volume (ILTV). PWS and PWRR locations in the prerupture state were compared with subsequent CTA rupture findings. Visible contrast extravasation was considered a definite (n=5) rupture sign, while a periaortic hematoma was an indefinite (n=8) sign. A statistical comparison was performed between the 13-patient asymptomatic AAA group before and during rupture and a 23-patient diameter-matched asymptomatic AAA control group that underwent elective surgery. Results: The asymptomatic AAAs before rupture showed significantly higher PWRR and RRED values compared to the matched asymptomatic AAA control group (median values 0.74 vs 0.52 and 77 vs 59 mm, respectively; p<0.0001 for both). No statistical differences could be found for PWS and ILTV. Ruptured AAAs showed the highest maximum diameters, PWRR, and RRED values. In 7 of the ruptured AAAs (2 definite and 5 indefinite rupture signs), CTA rupture sites correlated with prerupture PWRR locations. Conclusion: The location of the PWRR in unruptured AAAs predicted future rupture sites in several cases. Asymptomatic AAA patients with high PWRR and RRED values have an increased rupture risk.