bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating evidence from the Torridonian Supergroup (Scotland, UK) for eukaryotic life on land in the Proterozoic
Authors: Brasier A. T. , Culwick T. , Battison L. , Callow R. H. T. , Brasier M. D.
Published: October 2016

The Stoer, Sleat and Torridon groups lie unconformably on Palaeoproterozoic Lewisian metamorphic rocks. They contain organic carbon microfossils claimed to be non-marine and to include eukaryotes. We consider the evidence for terrestrial interpretations from each formation of the Torridonian Supergroup. The range of sedimentary structures and the boron content of illite led us to the overall conclusion that, based on the currently available evidence, the Torridonian Supergroup was probably entirely non-marine. Evidence for terrestrial life in these rocks comes from microbially induced sedimentary structures, including wrinkle structures with reticulate and elephant skin fabrics. Organic remains and microscopic carbonaceous compressions mostly reported from phosphates in the grey shales of the Stoer, Aultbea and Applecross formations are dominated by sphaeromorph acritarchs. The Diabaig phosphatic lagerstätte includes three-dimensional preservation of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, providing remarkable insights into non-marine life around 1 billion years ago.

Supplementary material:
Taxonomy of Torridon Group microfossils from thin sections of phosphatic material (adapted from Battison 2012) is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3522753
Catalpol restores LPS-elicited rat microcirculation disorder by regulation of a network of signaling involving inhibition of TLR-4 and SRC
Authors: Zhang Yun-Pei , Pan Chun-Shui , Yan Li , Liu Yu-Ying , Hu Bai-He , Chang Xin , Li Quan , Huang Dan-Dan , Sun Hao-Yu , Fu Ge , Sun Kai , Fan Jing-Yu , Han Jing-Yan
Published: October 2016

LPS-induced microvascular hyperpermeability and hemorrhage play a key role in the development of sepsis, the attenuation of which might be an important strategy to prevent sepsis. However, the current clinical therapies have proven to be inefficient in improving the prognosis for patients with sepsis. Catalpol, an iridoid glycoside extracted from the roots of Rehmannia, has been reported to protect against LPS-induced acute lung injury through a Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4)-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. However, it is still unknown whether catalpol can be an effective treatment to ameliorate the LPS-induced microvascular disorder. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of catalpol on LPS-induced mesenteric microvascular disorder and its underlying mechanism. Male Wistar rats were challenged by infusion of LPS (10 mg·kg−1·h−1) through the left femoral vein for 120 min. Post-treatment with catalpol (10 mg/kg) alleviated the LPS-induced microvascular hyperpermeability and hemorrhage; reduced mortality; ameliorated the alteration in the distribution of claudin-5 and the junctional adhesion molecule-1, as well as the degradation of collagen IV and laminin; and attenuated the increase of TLR-4 level, phosphorylations of Src tyrosine kinase, phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase, focal adhesion kinase, and cathepsin B activation. In vitro study in human umbilical vein endothelial cells verified these results and further revealed that inhibition of TLR-4 and Src each simulated some, but not all, of the effects that catalpol exerted. Besides, surface plasmon resonance showed that catalpol could directly bind to TLR-4 and Src. These results demonstrated that catalpol was able to ameliorate the LPS-induced microvascular barrier damage and hemorrhage by targeting both TLR-4 and Src, thus attenuating the phosphorylation of Src kinase, phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase, and focal adhesion kinase, as well as cathepsin B activation.
A model of the enteric neural circuitry underlying the generation of rhythmic motor patterns in the colon: the role of serotonin
Authors: Smith Terence Keith , Koh Sang Don
Published: October 2016

We discuss the role of multiple cell types involved in rhythmic motor patterns in the large intestine that include tonic inhibition of the muscle layers interrupted by rhythmic colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) and secretomotor activity. We propose a model that assumes these motor patterns are dependent on myenteric descending 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) interneurons. Asynchronous firing in 5-HT neurons excite inhibitory motor neurons (IMNs) to generate tonic inhibition occurring between CMMCs. IMNs release mainly nitric oxide (NO) to inhibit the muscle, intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs), glial cells, and pacemaker myenteric pacemaker interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY). Mucosal release of 5-HT from enterochromaffin (EC) cells excites the mucosal endings of IPANs that synapse with 5-HT descending interneurons and perhaps ascending interneurons, thereby coupling EC cell 5-HT to myenteric 5-HT neurons, synchronizing their activity. Synchronized 5-HT neurons generate a slow excitatory postsynaptic potential in IPANs via 5-HT7receptors and excite glial cells and ascending excitatory nerve pathways that are normally inhibited by NO. Excited glial cells release prostaglandins to inhibit IMNs (disinhibition) to allow full excitation of ICC-MY and muscle by excitatory motor neurons (EMNs). EMNs release ACh and tachykinins to excite pacemaker ICC-MY and muscle, leading to the simultaneous contraction of both the longitudinal and circular muscle layers. Myenteric 5-HT neurons also project to the submucous plexus to couple motility with secretion, especially during a CMMC. Glial cells are necessary for switching between different colonic motor behaviors. This model emphasizes the importance of myenteric 5-HT neurons and the likely consequence of their coupling and uncoupling to mucosal 5-HT by IPANs during colonic motor behaviors.
Investigating the extremes of the continuum of paracrine functions in CD34−/CD31+ CACs across diverse populations
Authors: Landers-Ramos Rian Q. , Sapp Ryan M. , VandeWater Emily , Macko Jennifer , Robinson Shawn , Wang Yan , Chin Eva R. , Spangenburg Espen E. , Prior Steven J. , Hagberg James M.
Published: October 2016

Paracrine function of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) is thought to contribute to vascular maintenance. We previously identified S100A8 and S100A9 secreted from physically inactive individuals’ CD34–/CD31+ CACs as negative regulators of capillary-like network formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate further the extremes of the continuum of CAC paracrine actions using two distinctly different groups representing “healthy” and “impaired” CAC function. We aimed to determine how capillary-like network formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is affected by S100A8 and S100A9 in concentrations secreted by CACs from different ends of the health spectrum. CD34–/CD31+ CACs were isolated and cultured from 10 impaired function individuals defined as older (50–89 yr), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and 10 healthy individuals defined as younger (18–35 yr), healthy individuals, and conditioned media (CM) was generated. CM from the impaired function group's CACs significantly diminished network formation compared with CM from the healthy group ( P < 0.05). We identified elevations in S100A8, S100A9, and S100A8/A9 in the CM from the impaired function group ( P < 0.05). Pretreatment of HUVECs with inhibitors to a known S100A8 and S100A9 receptor, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), but not receptor for advanced glycation end products, improved HUVEC network formation ( P < 0.05) compared with CM alone in the impaired function conditions. Exposure of HUVECs to the TLR4 signaling inhibitor also blocked recombinant S100A8- and S100A9-mediated reductions in network formation. Collectively, the results suggest that the mechanisms behind impaired CAC CD34–/CD31+ CM-mediated reductions in capillary-like network formation involve secretion of S100A8 and S100A9 and binding of these proteins to TLR4 receptors on HUVECs.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY S100A8 and S100A9 proteins in concentrations secreted by CD34–/CD31+ circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) with impaired function reduce endothelial cell capillary-like network formation. These effects appear to be mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 and are absent with S100A8 and S100A9 in concentrations secreted by healthy CD34–/CD31+ CACs.
Epithelial disruption of Gab1 perturbs surfactant homeostasis and predisposes mice to lung injuries
Authors: Wang Kai , Qin Shenlu , Liang Zuyu , Zhang Yun , Xu Yingchun , Chen An , Guo Xiaohong , Cheng Hongqiang , Zhang Xue , Ke Yuehai
Published: October 2016

GRB2-associated-binding protein 1 (Gab1) belongs to Gab adaptor family, which integrates multiple signals in response to the epithelial growth factors. Recent genetic studies identified genetic variants of human Gab1 gene as potential risk factors of asthmatic inflammation. However, the functions of Gab1 in lungs remain largely unknown. Alveolar type-II cells (AT-IIs) are responsible for surfactant homeostasis and essentially regulate lung inflammation following various injuries (3). In this study, in vitro knockdown of Gab1 was shown to decrease the surfactant proteins (SPs) levels in AT-IIs. We further examined in vivo Gab1 functions through alveolar epithelium-specific Gab1 knockout mice (Gab1Δ/Δ). In vivo Gab1 deficiency leads to a decrease in SP synthesis and the appearance of disorganized lamellar bodies. Histological analysis of the lung sections in Gab1Δ/Δmice shows no apparent pathological alterations or inflammation. However, Gab1Δ/Δmice demonstrate inflammatory responses during the LPS-induced acute lung injury. Similarly, in mice challenged with bleomycin, fibrotic lesions were found to be aggravated in Gab1Δ/Δ. These observations suggest that the abolishment of Gab1 in AT-IIs impairs SP homeostasis, predisposing mice to lung injuries. In addition, we observed that the production of surfactants in AT-IIs overexpressing Gab1 mutants, in which Shp2 phosphatase and PI3K kinase binding sites have been mutated (Gab1ΔShp2, Gab1ΔPI3K), has been considerably attenuated. Together, these findings provide the direct evidence about the roles of docking protein Gab1 in lungs, adding to our understanding of acute and interstitial lung diseases caused by the disruption of alveolar SP homeostasis.
Oxidative phosphorylation: unique regulatory mechanism and role in metabolic homeostasis
Authors: Wilson David F.
Published: October 2016

Oxidative phosphorylation is the primary source of metabolic energy, in the form of ATP, in higher plants and animals, but its regulation in vivo is not well understood. A model has been developed for oxidative phosphorylation in vivo that predicts behavior patterns that are both distinctive and consistent with experimental measurements of metabolism in intact cells and tissues. A major regulatory parameter is the energy state ([ATP]/[ADP][Pi], where brackets denote concentration). Under physiological conditions, the [ATP] and [Pi] are ~100 times that of [ADP], and most of the change in energy state is through change in [ADP]. The rate of oxidative phosphorylation ( y-axis) increases slowly with increasing [ADP] until a threshold is reached and then increases very rapidly and linearly with further increase in [ADP]. The dependence on [ADP] can be characterized by a threshold [ADP] (T) and control strength (CS), the normalized slope above threshold (Δ y/(Δ x/T). For normoxic cells without creatine kinase, T is ~30 µM and CS is ~10 s−1. Myocytes and cells with larger ranges of rates of ATP utilization, however, have the same [ADP]- and [AMP]-dependent mechanisms regulating metabolism and gene expression. To compensate, these cells have creatine kinase, and hydrolysis/synthesis of creatine phosphate increases the change in [Pi] and thereby CS. Cells with creatine kinase have [ADP] and [AMP], which are similar to cells without creatine kinase, despite the large differences in metabolic rate.31P measurements in human muscles during work-to-rest and rest-to-work transitions are consistent with predictions of the model.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A model developed for oxidative phosphorylation in vivo is shown to predict behavior patterns that are both novel and consistent with experimental measurements of metabolism in working muscle and other cells. The dependence of the rate on ADP concentration shows a pronounced threshold with a steep, nearly linear increase above the threshold. The threshold determines the homeostatic set point, and the slope above threshold determines how much metabolism changes in response to varied energy demand.
Postexercise muscle glycogen resynthesis in humans
Authors: Burke Louise M. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Hawley John A.
Published: October 2016

Since the pioneering studies conducted in the 1960s in which glycogen status was investigated using the muscle biopsy technique, sports scientists have developed a sophisticated appreciation of the role of glycogen in cellular adaptation and exercise performance, as well as sites of storage of this important metabolic fuel. While sports nutrition guidelines have evolved during the past decade to incorporate sport-specific and periodized manipulation of carbohydrate (CHO) availability, athletes attempt to maximize muscle glycogen synthesis between important workouts or competitive events so that fuel stores closely match the demands of the prescribed exercise. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that enhance or impair this biphasic process. In the early postexercise period (0–4 h), glycogen depletion provides a strong drive for its own resynthesis, with the provision of CHO (~1 g/kg body mass) optimizing this process. During the later phase of recovery (4–24 h), CHO intake should meet the anticipated fuel needs of the training/competition, with the type, form, and pattern of intake being less important than total intake. Dietary strategies that can enhance glycogen synthesis from suboptimal amounts of CHO or energy intake are of practical interest to many athletes; in this scenario, the coingestion of protein with CHO can assist glycogen storage. Future research should identify other factors that enhance the rate of synthesis of glycogen storage in a limited time frame, improve glycogen storage from a limited CHO intake, or increase muscle glycogen supercompensation.
Expression profile of hepatic genes related to lipid homeostasis in LSR heterozygous mice contributes to their increased response to high-fat diet
Authors: Akbar Samina , Pinçon Anthony , Lanhers Marie-Claire , Claudepierre Thomas , Corbier Catherine , Gregory-Pauron Lynn , Malaplate-Armand Catherine , Visvikis Athanase , Oster Thierry , Yen Frances T.
Published: October 2016

Perturbations of lipid homeostasis manifest as dyslipidemias and obesity, which are significant risk factors for atherosclerosis and diabetes. Lipoprotein receptors in the liver are key players in the regulation of lipid homeostasis, among which the hepatic lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor, LSR, was recently shown to play an important role in the removal of lipoproteins from the circulation during the postprandial phase. Since heterozygous LSR+/− mice demonstrate moderate dyslipidemia and develop higher body weight gain in response to high-fat diet compared with littermate LSR+/+ controls, we questioned if LSR heterozygosity could affect genes related to hepatic lipid metabolism. A target-specific qPCR array for 84 genes related to lipid metabolism was performed on mRNA isolated from livers of 6 mo old female LSR+/− mice and LSR+/+ littermates following a 6 wk period on a standard (STD) or high-fat diet (60% kcal, HFD). Of the 84 genes studied, 32 were significantly downregulated in STD-LSR+/− mice compared with STD-LSR+/+, a majority of which were PPARα target genes involved in lipid metabolism and transport, and insulin and adipokine-signaling pathways. Of these 32 genes, 80% were also modified in HFD-LSR+/+, suggesting that STD-LSR+/− mice demonstrated a predisposition towards a “high-fat”-like profile, which could reflect dysregulation of liver lipid homeostasis. Since similar profiles of genes were affected by either LSR heterozygosity or by high-fat diet, this would suggest that LSR is a key receptor in regulating hepatic lipid homeostasis, and whose downregulation combined with a Western-type diet may increase predisposition to diet-induced obesity.
P66Shc-Induced MicroRNA-34a Causes Diabetic Endothelial Dysfunction by Downregulating Sirtuin1
Authors: Li Qiuxia , Kim Young-Rae , Vikram Ajit , Kumar Santosh , Kassan Modar , Gabani Mohanad , Lee Sang Ki , Jacobs Julia S. , Irani Kaikobad
Published: October 2016

Objective—

Diabetes mellitus causes vascular endothelial dysfunction and alters vascular microRNA expression. We investigated whether endothelial microRNA-34a (miR-34a) leads to diabetic vascular dysfunction by targeting endothelial sirtuin1 (Sirt1) and asked whether the oxidative stress protein p66Shc governs miR-34a expression in the diabetic endothelium.

Approach and Results—

MiR-34a is upregulated, and Sirt1 downregulated, in aortic endothelium of db/db and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Systemic administration of miR-34a inhibitor, or endothelium-specific knockout of miR-34a, prevents downregulation of aortic Sirt1 and rescues impaired endothelium-dependent aortic vasorelaxation induced by diabetes mellitus. Moreover, overexpression of Sirt1 mitigates impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation caused by miR-34a mimic ex vivo. Systemic infusion of miR-34a inhibitor or genetic ablation of endothelial miR-34a prevents downregulation of endothelial Sirt1 by high glucose. MiR-34a is upregulated, Sirt1 is downregulated, and oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide) is induced in endothelial cells incubated with high glucose or the free fatty acid palmitate in vitro. Increase of hydrogen peroxide and induction of endothelial miR-34a by high glucose or palmitate in vitro is suppressed by knockdown of p66shc. In addition, overexpression of wild-type but not redox-deficient p66Shc upregulates miR-34a in endothelial cells. P66Shc-stimulated upregulation of endothelial miR-34a is suppressed by cell-permeable antioxidants. Finally, mice with global knockdown of p66Shc are protected from diabetes mellitus–induced upregulation of miR-34a and downregulation of Sirt1 in the endothelium.

Conclusions—

These data show that hyperglycemia and elevated free fatty acids in the diabetic milieu recruit p66Shc to upregulate endothelial miR-34a via an oxidant-sensitive mechanism, which leads to endothelial dysfunction by targeting Sirt1.
Kv7 Channel Activation Underpins EPAC-Dependent Relaxations of Rat Arteries
Authors: Stott Jennifer B. , Barrese Vincenzo , Greenwood Iain A.
Published: October 2016

Objective—

To establish the role of Kv7 channels in EPAC (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP)-dependent relaxations of the rat vasculature and to investigate whether this contributes to β-adrenoceptor-mediated vasorelaxations.

Approach and Results—

Isolated rat renal and mesenteric arteries (RA and MA, respectively) were used for isometric tension recording to study the relaxant effects of a specific EPAC activator and the β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol in the presence of potassium channel inhibitors and cell signaling modulators. Isolated myocytes were used in proximity ligation assay studies to detect localization of signaling intermediaries with Kv7.4 before and after cell stimulation. Our studies showed that the EPAC activator (8-pCPT-2Me-cAMP-AM) produced relaxations and enhanced currents of MA and RA that were sensitive to linopirdine (Kv7 inhibitor). Linopirdine also inhibited isoproterenol-mediated relaxations in both RA and MA. In the MA, isoproterenol relaxations were sensitive to EPAC inhibition, but not protein kinase A inhibition. In contrast, isoproterenol relaxations in RA were attenuated by protein kinase A but not by EPAC inhibition. Proximity ligation assay showed a localization of Kv7.4 with A-kinase anchoring protein in both vessels in the basal state, which increased only in the RA with isoproterenol stimulation. In the MA, but not the RA, a localization of Kv7.4 with both Rap1a and Rap2 (downstream of EPAC) increased with isoproterenol stimulation.

Conclusions—

EPAC-dependent vasorelaxations occur in part via activation of Kv7 channels. This contributes to the isoproterenol-mediated relaxation in mesenteric, but not renal, arteries.
Neuronal Oscillations Indicate Sleep-dependent Changes in the Cortical Memory Trace
Authors: Köster Moritz , Finger Holger , Kater Maren-Jo , Schenk Christoph , Gruber Thomas
Published: October 2016

Sleep promotes the consolidation of newly acquired associative memories. Here we used neuronal oscillations in the human EEG to investigate sleep-dependent changes in the cortical memory trace. The retrieval activity for object–color associations was assessed immediately after encoding and after 3 hr of sleep or wakefulness. Sleep had beneficial effects on memory performance and led to reduced event-related theta and gamma power during the retrieval of associative memories. Furthermore, event-related alpha suppression was attenuated in the wake group for memorized and novel stimuli. There were no sleep-dependent changes in retrieval activity for missed items or items retrieved without color. Thus, the sleep-dependent reduction in theta and gamma oscillations was specific for the retrieval of associative memories. In line with theoretical accounts on sleep-dependent memory consolidation, decreased theta may indicate reduced mediotemporal activity because of a transfer of information into neocortical networks during sleep, whereas reduced parietal gamma may reflect effects of synaptic downscaling. Changes in alpha suppression in the wake group possibly index reduced attentional resources that may also contribute to a lower memory performance in this group. These findings indicate that the consolidation of associative memories during sleep is associated with profound changes in the cortical memory trace and relies on multiple neuronal processes working in concert.
Validating the name Begonia urunensis (Begoniaceae)
Authors: ZHAO CHENG-HAO , HE HAI
Published: October 2016

The name Begonia urunensis Kiew (2001: 283; Begoniaceae) was first proposed based on material collected from the Malaysian state Sabah in Borneo. Notably, Kiew (2001) cited a single gathering deposited in two herbaria (R. Kiew & S. Anthonysamy RK 4473 in SAN & SING) as its type, which was against Art. 40.7 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN; McNeill et al. 2012). Therefore this name was actually not validly published, and that Kollmann & Freitas (2016) considered the two duplicates of RK 4473 in SAN & SING to be syntypes was a mistake since Art. 9.5 of ICN (McNeill et al. 2012) is not applied for a name not validly published. Though Kollmann & Freitas (2016) traced the original material and only found a single specimen of RK 4473 in SING, their treatment did not make the name Begonia urunensis validly published because their designation of the “lectotype” contrary to Art. 40.6 and Art. 40.4, Ex. 4 of ICN (McNeill et al. 2012). Hence we hereafter validate this name accordingly.
Flightless litter-dwelling Cotasterosoma (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae) found outside of Japan, with mtDNA phylogeography of a new species from Southwest China
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V. , MORIMOTO KATSURA
Published: October 2016

The herein reported beetles (Figs 1, 2) were repeatedly sampled by the first author since 2008 by sifting leaf litter in two forested localities in Southwest China: Cang Shan Mountain Range in Yunnan and Mount Emei in Sichuan (Fig. 3). The specimens’ characteristic appearance and edaphic way of life were consistent with those of various members of the subfamily Cossoninae (Morimoto 1973, 1993, 1995), although a more precise taxonomic assignment remained elusive. In 2015 the second author saw images of these beetles and suggested their affinities to the genus Cotasterosoma Konishi, 1962. This taxon until present was known from a single specimen collected in 1954 in Shikoku, Japan, and illustrated in Morimoto (1993), although additional congeneric specimens are known to the second author. The purpose of this paper is to document our discovery of the genus in Southwest China by describing a new species, illustrating its external and genital morphological characters, releasing DNA barcode data and providing phylogeographic interpretations of our findings.
On some Haploops species collected in the North Atlantic Ocean with the description of Haploops islandica n. sp. (Crustacea: Gammaridea: Ampeliscidae) [Contribution to the knowledge of the Haploops genus. 8.]
Authors: KAIM-MALKA R.A. , BELLAN-SANTINI D. , DAUVIN J-C.
Published: October 2016

Four Haploops species collected in the North Atlantic Ocean are studied. One of them, H. islandica is a new species for the science. The three other species, H. carinata, H. setosa, H. robusta, were described from a long time, but many confusions exist about these species because their morphological nearness. The four species are described and illustrated in detail, and their distribution around the Iceland is specified. A key of the 23 species known nowadays is given permetting to separate the different species of the Haploops genus.
Páramo de Belmira as an important centre of endemism in the northern Colombian Andes: new evidence from Pronophilina butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Satyrinae, Satyrini)
Authors: PYRCZ TOMASZ W. , CLAVIJO ALEJANDRA , URIBE SANDRA , MARIN MARIO A. , ALVAREZ CARLOS F. , ZUBEK ANNA
Published: October 2016

Páramo de Belmira (Páramo de Santa Inés) is the highest part of the Andean Central Cordillera in the Colombian department of Antioquia. It harbours a pocket of highlands grassland vegetation isolated from the nearest southerly other large paramo extensions by some 150 km. Butterflies sampling was carried out for over three years in the cloud forest–paramo mosaic and open grassland at 2650–3350 m. As a result, several new taxa of various butterflies groups were identified, including three species and two subspecies belonging to the Satyrinae subtribe Pronophilina, described herein: Lymanopoda casneri n. sp., L. ionius lilliput n. ssp., Panyapedaliodes rojasi n. sp., Pedaliodes nutabe n. sp. and Apexacuta orsedice mariadelmarae n. ssp. L. casneri is particularly interesting from the biogeographical perspective as its nearest relative is L. hazelana Brown, found in south–central Ecuador, some 1000 km southwards. Overall, 48 species of Pronophilina were identified. Considering the occurrence of several endemic species and subspecies of butterflies in the extremely restricted paramo grasslands in the study area, and the anthropogenic pressure from surrounding locations, it is worth attributing the Páramo de Belmira a protection area status.
The male of the orb-weaving spider Plebs mitratus (Simon, 1895) and a redescription of the female (Araneae, Araneidae)
Authors: PAUL JIMMY , SANKARAN PRADEEP M. , JOSEPH MATHEW M. , SEBASTIAN POTHALIL A.
Published: October 2016

The orb-weaving spider genus Plebs Joseph & Framenau, 2012 currently has only two representatives in India: Plebs himalayaensis (Tikader, 1975) from the Himalayas and Plebs mitratus (Simon, 1895) from the Nilgiris and Anamudi Shola National Park (World Spider Catalog 2016), both are found in high altitude mountainous habitats (Joseph & Framenau 2012). Both species were known only from females (World Spider Catalog 2016), although Sherriffs (1918, 1919) provided a description of an immature male of P. mitratus. In the present paper, we provide the first description of the adult male of P. mitratus, together with the detailed redescription of its female demonstrating considerable intraspecific variation.
Considerations on the type specimens and type locality of Pyrrhura roseifrons (Gray, 1859) (Psittacidae)
Authors: COSTA THIAGO V. V. , JOSEPH LEO , SILVEIRA LUÍS FÁBIO
Published: October 2016

The Rose-fronted Parakeet Pyrrhura roseifrons (Gray, 1859) is a poorly known species that occurs in lowland forest of western Amazonia, from eastern Peru to western Brazil and northern Bolivia (Collar 1997; Forshaw 2010). Like many Pyrrhura species, it is mostly green, and has a pale auricular patch, red tail and belly, but presents a bright red head, distinct from any other close relatives within the genus. It was long considered a subspecies of P. picta (Statius Miller, 1776) (Arndt 1983; Arndt 1996; Collar 1997; Juniper & Parr, 1998) and only recently has its specific rank been restored (Joseph 2000, 2002; Ribas et al. 2006) and accepted in the literature (Dickinson & Remsen 2013; del Hoyo & Collar 2014; Remsen et al. 2015).
Impact of Lake Breezes on Summer Ozone Concentrations in the Salt Lake Valley
Authors: Blaylock Brian K. , Horel John D. , Crosman Erik T.
Published: October 2016

During the late afternoon of 18 June 2015, ozone concentrations in advance of a strong lake-breeze front arising from the Great Salt Lake in northern Utah were ~20 ppb lower than those in its wake. The lake-breeze progression and ozone concentrations in the valley were monitored by an enhanced observation network that included automated weather stations, a nearby Terminal Doppler Weather Radar, state air quality measurement sites, and mobile platforms, including a news helicopter. Southerly flow opposing the lake breeze increased convergent frontogenesis and delayed the onset of its passage through the Salt Lake valley. Ozone concentrations were exceptionally high aloft at the lake-breeze frontal boundary. The progression of this lake breeze was simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model at 1-km horizontal grid spacing over northern Utah. The model was initialized using hourly analyses from the High Resolution Rapid Refresh model. Errors in the underlying surface initialization were improved by adjusting the areal extent and surface temperature of the lake to observed lake conditions. An urban canopy parameterization is also included. The opposing southerly flow was weaker in the simulation than that observed such that the simulated lake-breeze front occurred too early. Continuous passive tracers initialized within and ahead of the lake breeze highlight the dispersion and transport of pollutants arising from the lake-breeze front. Tracers within the lake breeze are confined near the surface while tracers in advance of the front are lofted over it.
Feedback Attributions to the Dominant Modes of East Asian Winter Monsoon Variations
Authors: Li Yana , Yang Song
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the variations and feedback attributions of changes in surface temperature between strong and weak East Asian winter monsoons. The variations of winter-mean surface air temperature are dominated by two distinct principal modes that account for 70.9% of the total variance. The first mode features high correlation with the high-latitude atmospheric circulation, including a correlation coefficient of −0.53 with the Arctic Oscillation in January, and the second mode is significantly linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation, with a correlation coefficient of −0.37. The surface temperature anomalies of each mode are decomposed into partial temperature anomalies resulting from radiative and nonradiative feedback processes by applying a coupled climate feedback–response analysis method to quantify contributions from thermodynamic and dynamic processes. Results indicate that the surface cooling associated with both modes is mainly attributed to the nonradiative feedback processes of atmospheric dynamics and surface sensible heating and to the radiative feedback processes of water vapor and clouds. The first mode exhibits a deep barotropic anomalous high that weakens the high-latitude westerly jet stream but strengthens the midlatitude westerly jet stream. This circulation feature traps cold and dry air over northern East Asia. For the second mode, the ocean and land heat storage processes induce a large thermal gradient over eastern China and the northwestern Pacific, resulting in a large pressure gradient. Northerly anomalies further reinforce the pressure gradient, which favors cold air intruding southward into the tropics.
Spooks, Tribes, and Holy Men: The Central Intelligence Agency and the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
Authors: Leake Elisabeth
Published: October 2016

The Central Intelligence Agency played a crucial role in US policy during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. However, scholars have overly focused on the idea that the CIA promoted a global ‘jihad’. This article instead looks at knowledge-formation within the agency to understand US approaches to the conflict, and to Afghan society more generally. Drawing on recently declassified analyses and reporting from intra-agency departments, this article reveals that agency officials focused largely on the idea of ‘tradition’ to understand the organization and motivations of the Afghan resistance. This trope emphasized Afghanistan's historically ‘tribal’ and ethnically divided nature and presented a static view of an unchangeable, backwards society incapable of coordinating to counter the Soviet military presence. In this reading, officials actually downplayed in the importance of Islam to Afghan society, dismissing it as a potential political force in the region. Ultimately, this article reflects on CIA officials’ limitations in envisioning a post-invasion Afghanistan, finding explanations in their rigid views of Afghan political and social organization which prevented them from recognizing the invasion's potential to catalyze longer-term changes.
Burden of Bites by Dogs and Other Animals in Los Angeles County, California, 2009-2011
Authors: Lyu Caleb , Jewell Mirna Ponce , Piron Jennifer , Ehnert Karen , Beeler Emily , Swanson Alexandra , Smith Lisa V. , Kuo Tony
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to analyze all animal-to-human bite reports during a 3-year period from a regional surveillance database. Results helped to inform local efforts to reduce and prevent animal-to-human bites.

Methods:

We reviewed all cases of animal-to-human bites occurring from 2009 through 2011 that were reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Animal Bites Database. We collected data on the bite victim’s date of birth, age, and address; bite circumstances (ie, date, time, location, how bite occurred); anatomic site and treatment of bite; type of reporting facility; and breed and management of biting animal.

Results:

From 2009 through 2011, 26   169 animal-to-human bites were reported, of which 23   103 (88%) were dog bites. Most animal-to-human bites (n = 7673, 29%) occurred between 4 pm and 8 pm and peaked during the month of July (n = 2663, 10%). Most animal-to-human bites occurred outdoors (n = 8772, 34%) and while victims engaged in recreational activities (n = 4353, 17%). The hands were the most common injury site (n = 9130, 35%), and only 1% of animal bites (n = 267) resulted in hospitalization. A total of 4115 bite victims (16%) received tetanus vaccinations. Of all animal-to-human bite cases, medical organizations reported 13   451 (51%), and animal control agencies reported 10   682 (41%).

Conclusions:

Animal-to-human bites can often lead to medical complications. Surveillance is essential in helping to identify, manage, and reduce these highly preventable injuries and direct public health actions and policies on animal bite risk and prevention.
Access to Cancer Care and General Medical Care Services Among Cancer Survivors in the United States
Authors: de Moor Janet S. , Virgo Katherine S. , Li Chunyu , Chawla Neetu , Han Xuesong , Blanch-Hartigan Danielle , Ekwueme Donatus U. , McNeel Timothy S. , Rodriguez Juan L. , Yabroff K. Robin
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

Cancer survivors require appropriate health care to manage their unique health needs. This study describes access to cancer care among cancer survivors in the United States and compares access to general medical care between cancer survivors and people who have no history of cancer.

Methods:

We assessed access to general medical care using the core 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). We assessed access to cancer care using the MEPS Experiences With Cancer Survey. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare access to general medical care among 2 groups of cancer survivors (those who reported having access to all necessary cancer care [n = 1088] and those who did not [n = 70]) with self-reported access to general medical care among people who had no history of cancer (n = 22 434).

Results:

Of the 1158 cancer survivors, 70 (6.0%) reported that they did not receive all necessary cancer care. Adjusted analyses found that cancer survivors who reported not receiving all necessary cancer care were also less likely to report receiving general medical care (78.0%) than cancer survivors who reported having access to necessary cancer care (87.1%) and people who had no history of cancer (87.8%).

Conclusions:

This study provides nationally representative data on the proportion of cancer survivors who have access to necessary cancer care and yields insight into factors that impede survivors’ access to both cancer care and general medical care. This study is a reference for future work on access to care.
Fictitious forces in yarn during unwinding from packages
Authors: Praček Stanislav , Pušnik Nace
Published: October 2016

In this paper we discuss the general equation of motion for yarn in a rotating coordinate system. This equation is often used to describe the motion of yarn that is unwinding from packages. The rotating coordinate system is non-inertial and the equation of motion therefore contains fictitious forces. We comment on the physical significance of fictitious forces that appear in a non-inertial frame and we devote particular attention to a less known Euler force that only appears in non-uniformly rotating frames. We show that this force should be taken into account when the unwinding point is near the edges of the package, when the quasi-stationary approximation is not valid because the angular velocity is changing with time. The additional force has an influence on the yarn dynamics in this transient regime, where the movement of yarn becomes complex and can lead to yarn slipping and even breaking.
Modularity of Mind
Authors: Palecek Martin
Published: October 2016

This article evaluates the idea of the modularity of mind and domain specificity. This concept has penetrated the behavioral disciplines, and in the case of some of these—for example, the cognitive study of religion—has even formed their foundation. Although the theoretical debate relating to the idea of modularity is ongoing, this debate has not been reflected in the use of modularity in behavioral research. The idea of domain specificity or modularity of mind is not without its controversies, and there is no consensus regarding its acceptance. Many neuroscientists, as well as several evolutionary psychologists and philosophers, have raised a number of objections that cannot remain overlooked. I will show the areas in which the idea is problematic, what attempts have been made to preserve it, and how social scientific research can move beyond post-Fodorian modularity without losing any valuable insights.
Mapping and Making Community in the Postwar European City
Authors: Cupers Kenny
Published: October 2016

This article examines how midcentury European sociologists, planners, and architects mapped the existing city to build future communities. The neighborhood unit concept spread globally in the first half of the twentieth century. In Europe, its deployment was supported not just by modernist planning principles but by sociological abstractions of community life. Current scholarship emphasizes how these modernist principles were contested by sociologists. The present article demonstrates instead that sociological mapping was instrumental in making the concept of community legible and operable in the postwar European city. During the 1940s, mapping social relationships in urban space was increasingly thought to reveal “authentic” community life in working-class urban neighborhoods, which previously were dismissed as chaotic and promiscuous. Such new sociological mapping shaped, if often only implicitly, the planning and design of modern housing estates and New Towns across Europe and thus connected representations of bottom–up, grassroots communities to an essentially top–down planning apparatus.
Politics of Strata
Authors: Clark Nigel
Published: October 2016

Modern western political thought revolves around globality, focusing on the partitioning and the connecting up of the earth’s surface. But climate change and the Anthropocene thesis raise pressing questions about human interchange with the geological and temporal depths of the earth. Drawing on contemporary earth science and the geophilosophy of Deleuze and Guattari, this article explores how geological strata are emerging as provocations for political issue formation. The first section reviews the emergence – and eventual turn away from – concern with ‘revolutions of the earth’ during the 18th- and 19th-century discovery of ‘geohistory’. The second section looks at the subterranean world both as an object of ‘downward’ looking territorial imperatives and as the ultimate power source of all socio-political life. The third section weighs up the prospects of ‘earth system governance’. The paper concludes with some general thoughts about the possibilities of ‘negotiating strata’ in more generative and judicious ways.
Acidosis induced by carbon dioxide insufflation decreases heparin potency: a risk factor for thrombus formation
Authors: Gorter Karin A.M. , Stehouwer Marco C. , Van Putte Bart P. , Vlot Eline A. , Urbanus Rolf T.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Since the introduction of CO2 insufflation during open heart surgery in our hospital, we incidentally observed thrombus formation in the dissected heart, in the pericardium and in the cardiotomy reservoir of the cardiopulmonary bypass system. Furthermore, we measured very high levels of pCO2, causing severe acidosis, in stagnant blood in the pericardium and cardiotomy reservoir.

Objectives:

In this in vitro study, we assessed the influence of acidosis and hypothermia on heparin potency and thrombin formation.

Methods:

We assessed heparin potency in function of pH (pH 5.0-7.4) and temperature (24-37°C) by comparing the activated partial thromboplastin time in platelet-poor plasma between samples with and without unfractionated heparin. We measured thrombin formation in platelet-poor plasma by means of fluorescent, calibrated, automated thrombography in function of pH (pH 5.0-7.4) and temperature (24-37°C). The parameters of interest were the endogenous thrombin potential and the peak amount of thrombin generation.

Results:

The major finding of this study is the significant decrease in the efficiency of unfractionated heparin in delaying thrombus formation at acidotic (pH 5.0-7.0) conditions (p=0.034-0.05). Furthermore, we found that thrombin formation is significantly increased at hypothermic (24-34°C) conditions (p=<0.001-0.01).

Conclusions:

Based on the results of our in-vitro study, we conclude that acidosis may lead to a decreased heparin potency. Acidosis, as induced by CO2 insufflation, may predispose patients to incidental thrombus formation in stagnant blood in the open thorax and in the cardiotomy reservoir. Hypothermia might further increase this risk. Therefore, we recommend reconsidering the potential advantages and disadvantages of using CO2 insufflation during cardiopulmonary bypass.
Non-invasive near-infrared fluorescence imaging of the neutrophil response in a mouse model of transient cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Vaas Markus , Enzmann Gaby , Perinat Therese , Siler Ulrich , Reichenbach Janine , Licha Kai , Kipar Anja , Rudin Markus , Engelhardt Britta , Klohs Jan
Published: October 2016

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging enables non-invasive monitoring of molecular and cellular processes in live animals. Here we demonstrate the suitability of NIRF imaging to investigate the neutrophil response in the brain after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). We established procedures for ex vivo fluorescent labelling of neutrophils without affecting their activation status. Adoptive transfer of labelled neutrophils in C57BL/6 mice before surgery resulted in higher fluorescence intensities over the ischaemic hemisphere in tMCAO mice with NIRF imaging when compared with controls, corroborated by ex vivo detection of labelled neutrophils using fluorescence microscopy. NIRF imaging showed that neutrophils started to accumulate immediately after tMCAO, peaking at 18 h, and were still visible until 48 h after reperfusion. Our data revealed accumulation of neutrophils also in extracranial tissue, indicating damage in the external carotid artery territory in the tMCAO model. Antibody-mediated inhibition of α4-integrins did reduce fluorescence signals at 18 and 24, but not at 48 h after reperfusion, compared with control treatment animals. Antibody treatment reduced cerebral lesion volumes by 19%. In conclusion, the non-invasive nature of NIRF imaging allows studying the dynamics of neutrophil recruitment and its modulation by targeted interventions in the mouse brain after transient experimental cerebral ischaemia.
The frequency and severity of metabolic acidosis related to topiramate
Authors: Türe Hatice , Keskin Özgül , Çakır Ülkem , Aykut Bingöl Canan , Türe Uğur
Published: October 2016

Objective

We planned a cross-sectional analysis to determine the frequency and severity of metabolic acidosis in patients taking topiramate while awaiting craniotomy.

Methods

Eighty patients (18 – 65 years) taking topiramate to control seizures while awaiting elective craniotomy were enrolled. Any signs of metabolic acidosis or topiramate-related side effects were investigated. Blood chemistry levels and arterial blood gases, including lactate, were obtained. The severity of metabolic acidosis was defined according to base excess levels as mild or moderate.

Results

Blood gas analysis showed that 71% ( n = 57) of patients had metabolic acidosis. The frequency of moderate metabolic acidosis was 56% ( n = 45), while that of mild metabolic acidosis was 15% ( n = 12). A high respiratory rate was reported in only 10% of moderately acidotic patients.

Conclusions

In patients receiving topiramate, baseline blood gas analysis should be performed preoperatively to determine the presence and severity of metabolic acidosis.
Examining the Effect of Age on Visual–Vestibular Self-Motion Perception Using a Driving Paradigm
Authors: Ramkhalawansingh Robert , Keshavarz Behrang , Haycock Bruce , Shahab Saba , Campos Jennifer L.
Published: October 2016

Previous psychophysical research has examined how younger adults and non-human primates integrate visual and vestibular cues to perceive self-motion. However, there is much to be learned about how multisensory self-motion perception changes with age, and how these changes affect performance on everyday tasks involving self-motion. Evidence suggests that older adults display heightened multisensory integration compared with younger adults; however, few previous studies have examined this for visual–vestibular integration. To explore age differences in the way that visual and vestibular cues contribute to self-motion perception, we had younger and older participants complete a basic driving task containing visual and vestibular cues. We compared their performance against a previously established control group that experienced visual cues alone. Performance measures included speed, speed variability, and lateral position. Vestibular inputs resulted in more precise speed control among older adults, but not younger adults, when traversing curves. Older adults demonstrated more variability in lateral position when vestibular inputs were available versus when they were absent. These observations align with previous evidence of age-related differences in multisensory integration and demonstrate that they may extend to visual–vestibular integration. These findings may have implications for vehicle and simulator design when considering older users.