bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Fungi and Bacteria Associated with the Guts of Tropical Wood-Feeding Coleoptera and Determination of Their Lignocellulolytic Activities
Authors: Rojas-Jiménez Keilor , Hernández Myriam
Published: August 2015

The guts of beetle larvae constitute a complex system where relationships among fungi, bacteria, and the insect host occur. In this study, we collected larvae of five families of wood-feeding Coleoptera in tropical forests of Costa Rica, isolated fungi and bacteria from their intestinal tracts, and determined the presence of five different pathways for lignocellulolytic activity. The fungal isolates were assigned to three phyla, 16 orders, 24 families, and 40 genera;Trichodermawas the most abundant genus, detected in all insect families and at all sites. The bacterial isolates were assigned to five phyla, 13 orders, 22 families, and 35 genera;Bacillus,Serratia,andPseudomonaswere the dominant genera, present in all the Coleopteran families. Positive results for activities related to degradation of wood components were determined in 65% and 48% of the fungal and bacterial genera, respectively. Our results showed that both the fungal and bacterial populations were highly diverse in terms of number of species and their phylogenetic composition, although the structure of the microbial communities varied with insect host family and the surrounding environment. The recurrent identification of some lignocellulolytic-positive inhabitants suggests that particular microbial groups play important roles in providing nutritional needs for the Coleopteran host.
On Some Compound Random Variables Motivated by Bulk Queues
Authors: Meštrović Romeo
Published: August 2015

We consider the distribution of the number of customers that arrive in an arbitrary bulk arrival queue system. Under certain conditions on the distributions of the time of arrival of an arriving group (Y(t)) and its size (X) with respect to the considered bulk queue, we derive a general expression for the probability mass function of the random variableQ(t)which expresses the number of customers that arrive in this bulk queue during any considered periodt. Notice thatQ(t)can be considered as a well-known compound random variable. Using this expression, without the use of generating function, we establish the expressions for probability mass function for some compound distributionsQ(t)concerning certain pairs(Y(t),X)of discrete random variables which play an important role in application of batch arrival queues which have a wide range of applications in different forms of transportation. In particular, we consider the cases whenY(t)and/orXare some of the following distributions: Poisson, shifted-Poisson, geometrical, or uniform random variable.
Investigation of Stilbenoids as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Rotavirus Gastroenteritis
Authors: Ball Judith M. , Medina-Bolivar Fabricio , Defrates Katelyn , Hambleton Emily , Hurlburt Megan E. , Fang Lingling , Yang Tianhong , Nopo-Olazabal Luis , Atwill Richard L. , Ghai Pooja , Parr Rebecca D.
Published: August 2015

Rotavirus (RV) infections cause severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Vaccines are available but cost prohibitive for many countries and only reduce severe symptoms. Vaccinated infants continue to shed infectious particles, and studies show decreased efficacy of the RV vaccines in tropical and subtropical countries where they are needed most. Continuing surveillance for new RV strains, assessment of vaccine efficacy, and development of cost effective antiviral drugs remain an important aspect of RV studies. This study was to determine the efficacy of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory stilbenoids to inhibit RV replication. Peanut (A. hypogaea) hairy root cultures were induced to produce stilbenoids, which were purified by high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) and analyzed by HPLC. HT29.f8 cells were infected with RV in the presence stilbenoids. Cell viability counts showed no cytotoxic effects on HT29.f8 cells. Viral infectivity titers were calculated and comparatively assessed to determine the effects of stilbenoid treatments. Two stilbenoids, trans-arachidin-1 and trans-arachidin-3, show a significant decrease in RV infectivity titers. Western blot analyses performed on the infected cell lysates complemented the infectivity titrations and indicated a significant decrease in viral replication. These studies show the therapeutic potential of the stilbenoids against RV replication.
The Study of Kinetic Properties and Analytical Pyrolysis of Coconut Shells
Authors: Said Mahir , John Geoffrey , Mhilu Cuthbert , Manyele Samwel
Published: August 2015

The kinetic properties of coconut shells during pyrolysis were studied to determine its reactivity in ground form. The kinetic parameters were determined by using thermogravimetric analyser. The activation energy was 122.780 kJ/mol. The pyrolysis products were analyzed using pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The effects of pyrolysis temperature on the distribution of the pyrolytic products were assessed in a temperature range between 673 K and 1073 K. The set time for pyrolysis was 2 s. Several compounds were observed; they were grouped into alkanes, acids, ethers and alcohols, esters, aldehydes and ketones, furans and pyrans, aromatic compounds, and nitrogen containing compounds. The product compositions varied with temperature in that range. The highest gas proportion was observed at high temperature while the acid proportion was observed to be highest in coconut shells, thus lowering the quality of bio-oil. It has been concluded that higher pyrolysis temperature increases the amount of pyrolysis products to a maximum value. It has been recommended to use coconut shell for production of gas, instead of production of bio-oil due to its high proportion of acetic acid.
Positive Solutions for a Class of Fourth-Orderp-Laplacian Boundary Value Problem Involving Integral Conditions
Authors: Sun Yan
Published: August 2015

Under some conditions concerning the first eigenvalues corresponding to the relevant linear operator, we obtain sharp optimal criteria for the existence of positive solutions forp-Laplacian problems with integral boundary conditions. The main methods in the paper are constructing an available integral operator and combining fixed point index theory. The interesting point of the results is that the nonlinear term contains all lower-order derivatives explicitly. Finally, we give some examples to demonstrate the main results.
Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Not Otherwise Specified: A Rapidly Progressive Variant of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Aderhold Kimberly , Carpenter Lisa , Brown Krysta , Donato Anthony
Published: August 2015

Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma NOS (PTL-NOS) is a rare, progressive, fatal dermatologic disease that presents with features similar to many common benign plaque-like skin conditions, making recognition of its distinguishing features critical for early diagnosis and treatment (Bolognia et al., 2008). A 78-year-old woman presented to ambulatory care with a single 5 cm nodule on her shoulder that had developed rapidly over 1-2 weeks. Examination was suspicious for malignancy and a biopsy was performed. Biopsy results demonstrated CD4 positivity, consistent with Mycosis Fungoides with coexpression of CD5, CD47, and CD7. Within three months her cancer had progressed into diffuse lesions spanning her entire body. As rapid progression is usually uncharacteristic of Mycosis Fungoides, her diagnosis was amended to PTL-NOS. Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) should be suspected in patients with patches, plaques, erythroderma, or papules that persist or multiply despite conservative treatment. Singular biopsies are often nondiagnostic, requiring a high degree of suspicion if there is deviation from the anticipated clinical course. Multiple biopsies are often necessary to make the diagnosis. Physicians caring for patients with rapidly progressive, nonspecific dermatoses with features described above should keep more uncommon forms of CTCL in mind and refer for early biopsy.
Effect of Relative Humidity on the Tribological Properties of Self-Lubricating H3BO3Films Formed on the Surface of Steel Suitable for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Hernández-Sanchez E. , Chino-Ulloa A. , Velazquez J. C. , Herrera-Hernández H. , Velázquez-Mancilla R. , Carrera-Espinoza R.
Published: August 2015

The effect of environmental humidity on the self-lubricating properties of a thin film of boric acid (H3BO3) was evaluated. H3BO4films were successfully formed on the surface of AISI 316L steel. The study was conducted on AISI 316L steel because of its use in biomedical applications. First, the samples were exposed to boriding to generate a continuous surface layer of iron borides. The samples were then exposed to a short annealing process (SAP) at 1023 K for 5 min and cooled to room temperature while controlling the relative humidity (RH). Five different RH conditions were tested. The purpose of SAP was to promote the formation of a surface film of boric acid from the boron atoms present in the iron boride layers. The presence of the boric acid at the surface of the borided layer was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The self-lubricating capability of the films was demonstrated using the pin-on-disk technique. The influence of RH was reflected by the friction coefficient (FC), as the samples cooled with 20% of RH exhibited FC values of 0.16, whereas the samples cooled at 60% RH showed FC values of 0.02.
Photoproducts Formation from Salicylic Acid and Poly(allylamine hydrochloride) in Aqueous Solution Induced by UV-B Radiation
Authors: da Silva Romario J. , de Souza Nara C. , Silva Josmary R.
Published: August 2015

We report on the investigation of the influence of UV-B radiation (306 nm) on the salicylic acid mixed with poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAH, in aqueous solution. UV-Vis spectra versus irradiation time reveal kinetics of photoproducts formation. At pH 9 and 10 are found a growth regime and another of decay of photoproducts formation. In addition, the growth does not depend on temperature, whereas the decay showed a significant dependence on this parameter suggesting a thermally activated process. These processes were well fitted with first-order exponential functions.
Noncoding Genomics in Gastric Cancer and the Gastric Precancerous Cascade: Pathogenesis and Biomarkers
Authors: Sandoval-Bórquez Alejandra , Saavedra Kathleen , Carrasco-Avino Gonzalo , Garcia-Bloj Benjamin , Fry Jacqueline , Wichmann Ignacio , Corvalán Alejandro H.
Published: August 2015

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death, whose patterns vary among geographical regions and ethnicities. It is a multifactorial disease, and its development depends on infection byHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), host genetic factors, and environmental factors. The heterogeneity of the disease has begun to be unraveled by a comprehensive mutational evaluation of primary tumors. The low-abundance of mutations suggests that other mechanisms participate in the evolution of the disease, such as those found through analyses of noncoding genomics. Noncoding genomics includes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), regulation of gene expression through DNA methylation of promoter sites, miRNAs, other noncoding RNAs in regulatory regions, and other topics. These processes and molecules ultimately control gene expression. Potential biomarkers are appearing from analyses of noncoding genomics. This review focuses on noncoding genomics and potential biomarkers in the context of gastric cancer and the gastric precancerous cascade.
Self-Similar Blow-Up Solutions of the KPZ Equation
Authors: Gladkov Alexander
Published: August 2015

Self-similar blow-up solutions for the generalized deterministic KPZ equationut=uxx+|ux|qwithq>2are considered. The asymptotic behavior of self-similar solutions is studied.
UTAUT2 Based Predictions of Factors Influencing the Technology Acceptance of Phablets by DNP
Authors: Huang Chi-Yo , Kao Yu-Sheng
Published: August 2015

The smart mobile devices have emerged during the past decade and have become one of the most dominant consumer electronic products. Therefore, exploring and understanding the factors which can influence the acceptance of novel mobile technology have become the essential task for the vendors and distributors of mobile devices. The Phablets, integrated smart devices combining the functionality and characteristics of both tablet PCs and smart phones, have gradually become possible alternatives for smart phones. Therefore, predicting factors which can influence the acceptance of Phablets have become indispensable for designing, manufacturing, and marketing of such mobile devices. However, such predictions are not easy. Meanwhile, very few researches tried to study related issues. Consequently, the authors aim to explore and predict the intentions to use and use behaviors of Phablets. The second generation of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) is introduced as a theoretic basis. The Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) based Network Process (DNP) will be used to construct the analytic framework. In light of the analytic results, the causal relationships being derived by the DEMATEL demonstrate the direct influence of the habit on other dimensions. Also, based on the influence weights being derived, the use intention, hedonic motivation, and performance expectancy are the most important dimensions. The analytic results can serve as a basis for concept developments, marketing strategy definitions, and new product designs of the future Phablets. The proposed analytic framework can also be used for predicting and analyzing consumers’ preferences toward future mobile devices.
Ozonation of Indigo Carmine Enhanced by Fe/Pimenta dioicaL. Merrill Particles
Authors: Torres-Blancas Teresa , Roa-Morales Gabriela , Barrera-Díaz Carlos , Ureña-Nuñez Fernando , Cruz-Olivares Julian , Balderas-Hernandez Patricia , Natividad Reyna
Published: August 2015

Green synthesis of metallic particles has become an economic way to improve and protect the environment by decreasing the use of toxic chemicals and eliminating dyes. The synthesis of metal particles is gaining more importance due to its simplicity, rapid rate of synthesis of particles, and environmentally friendly. The present work aims to report a novel and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of iron particles using deoiledPimenta dioicaL. Merrill husk as support. The indigo carmine removal efficiency by ozonation and catalyzed ozonation is also presented. Synthesized materials were characterized by N2physisorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS). By UV-Vis spectrophotometry the removal efficiency of indigo carmine was found to be nearly 100% after only 20 minutes of treatment under pH 3 and with a catalyst loading of 1000 mgL−1. Analytical techniques such as determination of the total organic carbon content (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) showed that iron particles supported on deoiledPimenta dioicaL. Merrill husk can be efficiently employed to degrade indigo carmine and achieved a partial mineralization (conversion to CO2and H2O) of the molecule. From the results can be inferred that the prepared biocomposite increases the hydroxyl radicals generation.
Energy-Efficient Coverage Guarantees Scheduling and Routing Strategy for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Le Nam-Tuan , Jang Yeong Min
Published: August 2015

With the development of semiconductors and the resulting effect on manufacturing costs, wireless interface platforms have become increasingly powerful and popular. This has resulted in widespread applications ranging from daily life activities to military services. In large-scale applications of wireless sensor networks such as military surveillance, there are two important issues that determine the success of network services. The first is sensing coverage, the data collection process from the target that directly affects network traffic. The second is network lifetime which is based on the optimization of energy consumption. Power optimization for mobile platforms can be classified into two categories: efficient power based on protocol and extended interface. In this paper, we suggest an energy model for wireless sensor networks that is based on the first issue; it can be called Coverage and Energy Strategy for wireless sensor networks (CESS). The scheme will attempt to achieve optimal coverage of the sensing area and energy balanced scheduling for all sensors. It can reduce redundancy of working sensor nodes by defining minimal number of active nodes in a sensing area. Thus the network lifetime will be maximized by reducing redundancy power consumption.
Systemic Chemotherapy for Progression of Brain Metastases in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Abdel Karim Nagla , Bhatt Ananta , Chiec Lauren , Curry Richard
Published: August 2015

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer related mortality in men and women. Approximately 15% of lung cancers are small cell type. Chemotherapy and radiation are the mainstay treatments. Currently, the standard chemotherapy regimen includes platinum/etoposide. For extensive small cell lung cancer, irinotecan and cisplatin have also been used. Patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer have a very poor prognosis, and the morbidity increases with brain metastases. Approximately 10%–14% of small cell lung cancer patients exhibit brain metastases at the time of diagnosis, which increases to 50%–80% as the disease progresses. Mean survival with brain metastases is reported to be less than six months, thus calling for improved regimens. Here we present a case series of patients treated with irinotecan for progressive brain metastases in small cell lung cancer, which serves as a reminder of the role of systemic chemotherapy in this setting.
Parallel Control to Fragments of a Cylindrical Structure Driven by Explosive inside
Authors: Chen Wenkai , Li Xiangyu , Lu Fangyun , Li Zhenduo , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: August 2015

By analyzing the fragmentation distributions of a cylindrical structure and a specific structure, the necessity of parallel control to the fragments is presented. The shell shape of structures has an influence on the fragment spatial distribution. A new design method for the shell shape is proposed. To facilitate the establishment of the numerical model and the machining for relative experiments, the mathematical description of the theoretical calculated generatrix of the shell is simplified. The fragment spraying processes of the designed structures are simulated, and end effects are analyzed. Based on the theoretical design and plentiful simulation data, the relationships between the size of the parallel fragmentation structure and the optimized curvature radius of the shell are expressed by an equation. The equation is validated by numerical means and can be a reliable reference to the design of the parallel fragmentation structure.
Cardioprotective Potential of Polyphenolic Rich Green Combination in Catecholamine Induced Myocardial Necrosis in Rabbits
Authors: Zafar Fatiqa , Jahan Nazish , Khalil-Ur-Rahman  , Khan Ahrar , Akram Waseem
Published: August 2015

The present study was designed to develop safer, effective, and viable cardioprotective herbal combination to control oxidative stress related cardiac ailments as new alternatives to synthetic drugs. The synergetic cardioprotective potential of herbal combination of four plantsT. arjuna(T.A.),P. nigrum(P.N),C. grandiflorus(C), andC. oxyacantha(Cr) was assessed through curative and preventive mode of treatment. In preventive mode of treatment, the cardiac injury was induced with synthetic catecholamine (salbutamol) to pretreated rabbits with the proposed herbal combination for three weeks. In curative mode of treatment, cardiotoxicity/oxidative stress was induced in rabbits with salbutamol prior to treating them with plant mixture. Cardiac marker enzymes, lipids profile, and antioxidant enzymes as biomarker of cardiotoxicity were determined in experimental animals. Rabbits administrated with mere salbutamol showed a significant increase in cardiac marker enzymes and lipid profile and decrease in antioxidant enzymes as compared to normal control indicating cardiotoxicity and myocardial cell necrosis. However, pre- and postadministration of plant mixture appreciably restored the levels of all biomarkers. Histopathological examination confirmed that the said combination was safer cardioprotective product.
Spectroscopic Study of Cytosine Methylation Effect on Thermodynamics of DNA Duplex Containing CpG Motif
Authors: Římal Václav , Socha Ondřej , Štěpánek Josef , Štěpánková Helena
Published: August 2015

Effect of cytosine methylation on DNA duplexes was studied by using a model system of three self-complementary DNA octamers containing central CpG motif surrounded by a couple of AT base pairs, CAACGTTG, CATCGATG, and CTTCGAAG, and their analogues with the central cytosine methylated at C5 position. Temperature dependences of1H NMR, UV absorption, and Raman scattering spectra measured for aqueous solutions at concentrations of different orders of magnitude were subjected to a joint analysis that allowed an accurate determination of the enthalpy and entropy of duplex formation. It was revealed that the changes of the enthalpy and entropy contributions are strongly dependent on the base composition in the vicinity of the CpG motif.
The Assessment of Oral Microflora Exposed to 3% Ethanolic Extract of Brazilian Green Propolis Preparation Used for Hygiene Maintenance following Minor Oral Surgeries
Authors: Morawiec Tadeusz , Mertas Anna , Wojtyczka Robert D. , Niedzielska Iwona , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Bubiłek-Bogacz Anna , Sender Jakub , Wróbel Jacek , Tanasiewicz Marta , Wesołowski Piotr , Król Wojciech
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a topically administered hygienic preparation containing a 3% ethanolic extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B) on oral microflora spectrum changes in a group of patients who underwent common oral surgery procedures. Two gel samples were compared: the tested gel containing an active ingredient, that is, a 3% EEP-B (gel GA), and a placebo as the negative control (gel GC). The collection of microbiological material included 14 patients requiring surgical extraction of wisdom molars and short endosseous implant installation. Clinical examinations were carried out as follow-up, that is, baseline and after 5-6 weeks’ time. During the first and subsequent assessment, swabs were taken from the mucosal surface. The number of microorganism species was found to have increased following the application of GC gel over the period of 5-6 weeks. This mainly affected Gram-positive rods and bacilli as well as Gram-negative rods. Application of the GA gel enriched with 3% EEP-B caused a profound reduction in the amount ofNeisseriaspp. andBifidobacteriumspp. strains. Elimination of seven species of microorganisms was observed:Streptococcus acidominimus, Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Veillonella parvula, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Recognition and Evaluation of Clinical Section Headings in Clinical Documents Using Token-Based Formulation with Conditional Random Fields
Authors: Dai Hong-Jie , Syed-Abdul Shabbir , Chen Chih-Wei , Wu Chieh-Chen
Published: August 2015

Electronic health record (EHR) is a digital data format that collects electronic health information about an individual patient or population. To enhance the meaningful use of EHRs, information extraction techniques have been developed to recognize clinical concepts mentioned in EHRs. Nevertheless, the clinical judgment of an EHR cannot be known solely based on the recognized concepts without considering its contextual information. In order to improve the readability and accessibility of EHRs, this work developed a section heading recognition system for clinical documents. In contrast to formulating the section heading recognition task as a sentence classification problem, this work proposed a token-based formulation with the conditional random field (CRF) model. A standard section heading recognition corpus was compiled by annotators with clinical experience to evaluate the performance and compare it with sentence classification and dictionary-based approaches. The results of the experiments showed that the proposed method achieved a satisfactoryF-score of 0.942, which outperformed the sentence-based approach and the best dictionary-based system by 0.087 and 0.096, respectively. One important advantage of our formulation over the sentence-based approach is that it presented an integrated solution without the need to develop additional heuristics rules for isolating the headings from the surrounding section contents.
Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets Fixed with Remineralizing Adhesive Systems after Simulating One Year of Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Bezerra Gisele Lima , Torres Carlos Rocha Gomes , Tonetto Mateus Rodrigues , Borges Alvaro Henrique , Kuga Milton Carlos , Bandeca Matheus Coelho , Firoozmand Leily Macedo
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study is to assess, in vitro, the shear bond strength of
orthodontic brackets fixed with remineralizing adhesive systems submitted to thermomechanical cycling,
simulating one year of orthodontic treatment. Sixty‐four bovine incisor teeth were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 16): XT: Transbond XT, QC: Quick Cure, OL: Ortholite Color, and SEP:
Transbond Plus Self‐Etching Primer. The samples were submitted to thermomechanical cycling simulating one
year of orthodontic treatment. Shear bond strength tests were carried out using a universal testing machine
with a load cell of 50 KgF at 0.5 mm/minute. The samples were examined with a
stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to analyze enamel surface and
Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitney (with Bonferroni correction) tests
showed a significant difference between the studied groups (p < 0.05). Groups XT, QC, and SEP presented the highest values of adhesive resistance and
no statistical differences were found between them. The highest frequency of failures between
enamel and adhesive was observed in groups XT, QC, and OL. Quick Cure (QC) remineralizing
adhesive system presented average adhesive resistance values similar to conventional (XT)
and self‐etching (SEP) adhesives, while remineralizing system (OL) provided the lowest values of adhesive resistance.
DNA Methylation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Repressor Associations With Cigarette Smoking and Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Reynolds Lindsay M. , Wan Ma , Ding Jingzhong , Taylor Jackson R. , Lohman Kurt , Su Dan , Bennett Brian D. , Porter Devin K. , Gimple Ryan , Pittman Gary S. , Wang Xuting , Howard Timothy D. , Siscovick David , Psaty Bruce M. , Shea Steven , Burke Gregory L. , Jacobs David R. , Rich Stephen S. , Hixson James E. , Stein James H. , Stunnenberg Hendrik , Barr R. Graham , Kaufman Joel D. , Post Wendy S. , Hoeschele Ina , Herrington David M. , Bell Douglas A. , Liu Yongmei
Published: August 2015

Background—

Tobacco smoke contains numerous agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway, and activation of the AhR pathway was shown to promote atherosclerosis in mice. Intriguingly, cigarette smoking is most strongly and robustly associated with DNA modifications to an AhR pathway gene, the AhR repressor (
AHRR
). We hypothesized that altered
AHRR
methylation in monocytes, a cell type sensitive to cigarette smoking and involved in atherogenesis, may be a part of the biological link between cigarette smoking and atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

DNA methylation profiles of
AHRR
in monocytes (542 CpG sites±150 kb of
AHRR
, using Illumina 450K array) were integrated with smoking habits and ultrasound-measured carotid plaque scores from 1256 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Methylation of cg05575921 significantly associated (
P
=6.1×10
−134
) with smoking status (current versus never). Novel associations between cg05575921 methylation and carotid plaque scores (
P
=3.1×10
−10
) were identified, which remained significant in current and former smokers even after adjusting for self-reported smoking habits, urinary cotinine, and well-known cardiovascular disease risk factors. This association replicated in an independent cohort using hepatic DNA (n=141). Functionally, cg05575921 was located in a predicted gene expression regulatory element (enhancer) and had methylation correlated with
AHRR
mRNA profiles (
P
=1.4×10
−17
) obtained from RNA sequencing conducted on a subset (n=373) of the samples.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that
AHRR
methylation may be functionally related to
AHRR
expression in monocytes and represents a potential biomarker of subclinical atherosclerosis in smokers.
Who Must We Target Now to Minimize Future Cardiovascular Events and Total Mortality?
Authors: Desai Jay R. , Vazquez-Benitez Gabriela , Xu Zhiyuan , Schroeder Emily B. , Karter Andrew J. , Steiner John F. , Nichols Gregory A. , Reynolds Kristi , Xu Stanley , Newton Katherine , Pathak Ram D. , Waitzfelder Beth , Elston Lafata Jennifer , Butler Melissa G. , Kirchner H. Lester , Thomas Abraham , O’Connor Patrick J.
Published: August 2015

Background—

Examining trends in cardiovascular events and mortality in US health systems can guide the design of targeted clinical and public health strategies to reduce cardiovascular events and mortality rates.

Methods and Results—

We conducted an observational cohort study from 2005 to 2011 among 1.25 million diabetic subjects and 1.25 million nondiabetic subjects from 11 health systems that participate in the Surveillance, Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus (SUPREME-DM) DataLink. Annual rates (per 1000 person-years) of myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndrome (
International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision
, 410.0–410.91, 411.1–411.8), stroke (
International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision
, 430–432.9, 433–434.9), heart failure (
International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision
, 428–428.9), and all-cause mortality were monitored by diabetes mellitus (DM) status, age, sex, race/ethnicity, and a prior cardiovascular history. We observed significant declines in cardiovascular events and mortality rates in subjects with and without DM. However, there was substantial variation by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and prior cardiovascular history. Mortality declined from 44.7 to 27.1 (
P
<0.0001) for those with DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD), from 11.2 to 10.9 (
P
=0.03) for those with DM only, and from 18.9 to 13.0 (
P
<0.0001) for those with CVD only. Yet, in the ≈85% of subjects with neither DM nor CVD, overall mortality (7.0 to 6.8;
P
=0.10) and stroke rates (1.6–1.6;
P
=0.77) did not decline and heart failure rates increased (0.9–1.15;
P
=0.0005).

Conclusions—

To sustain improvements in myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and mortality, health systems that have successfully focused on care improvement in high-risk adults with DM or CVD must broaden their improvement strategies to target lower risk adults who have not yet developed DM or CVD.
Cerebral Oximetry as a Real‐Time Monitoring Tool to Assess Quality of In‐Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Post Cardiac Arrest Care
Authors: Ibrahim Akram W. , Trammell Antoine R. , Austin Harland , Barbour Kenya , Onuorah Emeka , House Dorothy , Miller Heather L. , Tutt Chandila , Combs Deborah , Phillips Roger , Dickert Neal W. , Zafari A. Maziar
Published: August 2015

Background

Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (
rSO
2
) as assessed by near infrared frontal cerebral spectroscopy decreases in circulatory arrest and increases with high‐quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We hypothesized that higher
rSO
2
during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and after return of spontaneous circulation (
ROSC
) would predict survival to discharge and neurological recovery.

Methods and Results

This prospective case series included patients experiencing in‐hospital cardiac arrest. Cerebral oximetry was recorded continuously from initiation of resuscitation until
ROSC
and up to 48 hours post‐arrest. Relationships between oximetry data during these time periods and outcomes of resuscitation survival and survival to discharge were analyzed. The cohort included 27 patients. Nineteen (70.3%) achieved
ROSC
, and 8 (29.6%) survived to discharge. Median arrest duration was 20.8 minutes (range=8 to 74). There was a significant difference in
rSO
2
between resuscitation survivors and resuscitation nonsurvivors at initiation of the resuscitative efforts (35% versus 17.5%,
P
=0.03) and during resuscitation (36% versus 15%,
P
=0.0008). No significant association was observed between
rSO
2
at
ROSC
or during the post‐arrest period and survival to discharge. Among patients who survived to discharge, there was no association between cerebral performance category and
rSO
2
at
ROSC
, during resuscitation, or post‐arrest.

Conclusions

Higher
rSO
2
levels at initiation of resuscitation and during resuscitation are associated with resuscitation survival and may reflect high‐quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, in this small series,
rSO
2
was not predictive of good neurological outcome. Larger studies are needed to determine whether this monitoring modality can be used to improve clinical outcomes.
Infusion of Reconstituted High‐Density Lipoprotein, CSL112, in Patients With Atherosclerosis: Safety and Pharmacokinetic Results From a Phase 2a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tricoci Pierluigi , D'Andrea Denise M. , Gurbel Paul A. , Yao Zhenling , Cuchel Marina , Winston Brion , Schott Robert , Weiss Robert , Blazing Michael A. , Cannon Louis , Bailey Alison , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Gille Andreas , Shear Charles L. , Wright Samuel D. , Alexander John H.
Published: August 2015

Background

CSL
112 is a new formulation of human apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) being developed to reduce cardiovascular events following acute coronary syndrome. This phase 2a, randomized, double‐blind, multicenter, dose‐ranging trial represents the first clinical investigation to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of a
CSL
112 infusion among patients with stable atherosclerotic disease.

Methods and Results

Patients were randomized to single ascending doses of
CSL
112 (1.7, 3.4, or 6.8 g) or placebo, administered over a 2‐hour period. Primary safety assessments consisted of alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase elevations >3× upper limits of normal and study drug–related adverse events. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessments included apoA‐I plasma concentration and measures of the ability of serum to promote cholesterol efflux from cells ex vivo. Of 45 patients randomized, 7, 12, and 14 received 1.7‐, 3.4‐, and 6.8‐g
CSL
112, respectively, and 11 received placebo. There were no clinically significant elevations (>3× upper limit of normal) in alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase. Adverse events were nonserious and mild and occurred in 5 (71%), 5 (41%), and 6 (43%) patients in the
CSL
112 1.7‐, 3.4‐, and 6.8‐g groups, respectively, compared with 3 (27%) placebo patients. The imbalance in adverse events was attributable to vessel puncture/infusion‐site bruising.
CSL
112 resulted in rapid (
T
max
≈2 hours) and dose‐dependent increases in apoA‐I (145% increase in the 6.8‐g group) and total cholesterol efflux (up to 3.1‐fold higher than placebo) (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

CSL
112 infusion was well tolerated in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease.
CSL
112 immediately raised apoA‐I levels and caused a rapid and marked increase in the capacity of serum to efflux cholesterol. This potential novel approach for the treatment of atherosclerosis warrants further investigation.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01499420.
The Post-Colonial Ecology of Siberian Shamanic Revivalism
Authors: Peers Eleanor , Kolodeznikova Lyubov’
Published: August 2015

The Sakha national revival in Sakha (Yakutia), Siberia, aims to recover dying elements of Sakha culture, in order to preserve the Sakha people’s distinctive identity. And yet this revival is itself imbued with assumptions rooted in the European cultures that initiated modernist colonisation. Contemporary Sakha shamanism reflects the tensions within the nationalist revival, in the contrasting tendencies for activists, firstly, to recover what is seen as the old, genuine shamanic practice—and, secondly, to assimilate foreign spiritual techniques. But when these two strands of endeavour are examined with reference to the perceptions of person and environment that formed the basis of pre-Soviet Sakha life, it becomes apparent that they complement each other. Both facilitate the intersection of contrasting knots of relationship, predicated on differing ontologies. Sakha people currently live and work within institutions that have their roots in European modernism. However, older Sakha relationships with a live natural environment have not entirely disappeared. The authors suggest that the persistent presence of an environment imbued with spiritual agency differentiates the Sakha shamanic revival from the European traditions that shape its central motivations. This case reveals the importance of attending to place and environment, in the discussion of post-colonialist identity politics.
“All My Means are Sane, My Motive and My Object Mad”
Authors: Spencer Daniel T.
Published: August 2015

Neoliberal economic globalization is motivated by the quest for ever-increasing profits and endless economic growth. Both the motive and means of economic globalization prove to be irrational in the context of the ecological limits of the planet. Rising rates of social and economic inequality coupled with growing ecological breakdown and climate change demonstrate that this economic model is neither socially just nor environmentally sustainable. Ethical analysis of different models of globalization provides alternatives rooted in moral norms of justice, equity, democratic participation and environmental sustainability. Studies of human happiness demonstrate that once basic needs are met, there is little to no correlation between increasing levels of per capita consumption and human wellbeing and happiness (Diener et al., 2009; Helliwell, Layard & Sachs, 2012). Hence affluent nations can and must decrease rates of per capita consumption, which can be accomplished while enhancing happiness and wellbeing. While economic growth for poor nations remains a priority to meet basic needs, affluent nations such as the United States need to shift away from neoliberal economics based on endless growth to more localized and sustainable ways of living.
Pseudohepatica duidensis, a new lichen from the venezuelan Amazonas

Authors: Marcano Vicente , Palacios-Prü Ernesto , Morales Antonio
Published: August 2015

The species Pseudohepatica duidensis Marcano, Palacios & Morales is described from the Venezuelan Amazonas. Special attention has been paid to the morphology and the chemistry (e.g. polysaccharides and secondary compounds), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thin-layer chromatography (TLC, HPTLC) and iodine reagent tests. Pseudohepatica duidensis is characterized by a very small (to 1 mm long), yellowish-green thallus, non-pored epicortex, yellowish lower surface with soredial protuberances, paraplectenchymatous upper cortex consisting of strongly sclerotic cells, cell walls with iodine reactions characteristic of lichenan and gyrophoric acid as relevant chemical constituent.
Morphological, ecological and molecular characterization of Pyropia vietnamensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from the Konkan region, India
Authors: Kavale Monica Gajanan , Kazi Mudassar Anisoddin , Sreenadhan Nived , Singh Veerendra Veer
Published: August 2015

Pyropia vietnamensis is one of the most luxuriously growing seaweed in Konkan coast, India. In the present study we attempted to explore the morphology, ecology and molecular characteristics exhibited by P. vietnamensis and its taxonomic implications. We described the effects of ecological parameters on the variability of morphological characters. The water motion was found to be one of the most important ecological parameter that governs the plant morphology. The plant was found to grow on entire intertidal region and this may be one of the possible reasons for high morphological variation among the taxa in this region. The molecular analysis utilizing cox 1 gene sequences clearly revealed the close relation of Indian and Brazilian specimens with only 0-1 bp intraspecific variation. The present study provides a beginning to a clearly required detailed study of the morphology, ecology and genetic diversity showed by Pyropia species from Indian waters.
Endemic epigean Tenebrionids (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from the Andean Region: exploring the patagonian-diversification hypothesis
Authors: CARRARA RODOLFO , FLORES GUSTAVO E.
Published: August 2015

Tenebrionidae is a diverse insect family of Coleoptera that shows high levels of endemicity in epigean species. For the Andean region, which is divided into three subregions: Central Chilean, Subantarctic and Patagonian, it has been hypothesized that epigean tenebrionids have diversified in the Patagonian subregion and subsequently, they dispersed to Subantarctic and Central Chilean subregions. In this work, based on information obtained from museum collections and scientific studies, we presented the first list of endemic epigean tenebrionids from the Andean region with their taxonomic arrangement and geographic distribution. Moreover, we used these data to explore the veracity of the Patagonian-diversification hypothesis. A total of 416 species grouped into six subfamilies, 17 tribes and 41 genera were identified as endemic to the Andean region. Considering the spatial distribution it was observed that subfamilies, tribes, genera and species were unequally distributed across subregions. Results did not support the Patagonian-diversification hypothesis; to the contrary, they were more concordant with processes of isolation among subregions that have promoted speciation by interrupting gene flow among populations, resulting in endemism because species can not expand their range sizes. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings to be considered in biodiversity conservation, because endemic species, by their high extinction risk, are primary targets in conservation strategies.
Northernmost record of a poorly known tuskfish, Choerodon margaritiferus (Perciformes: Labridae), from southern Japan, and first description of a female
Authors: MIYAMOTO KEI , NONAKA AI , OKA SHIN-ICHIRO
Published: August 2015

We describe 5 specimens of Choerodon margaritiferus Fowler and Bean, 1928 (94.5–107.0 mm standard length, 1 male and 4 females) collected near Okinawa Island, southern Japan. This is the northernmost record of this species and the first record of it in Japanese waters; until now, C. margaritiferus was recorded only from the western central Pacific. This species was originally described on the basis of 1 male specimen, and all additional specimens described in the literature were also male. Morphological characters of both sexes are described, and new diagnostic characters of the female are presented.
A new species of Tricorythopsis Traver, 1958 (Leptohyphidae) and occurrence of Pannota (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) species in Amapá state, Brazil
Authors: BELMONT ENIDE LUCIANA L. , CRUZ PAULO VILELA , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: August 2015

The objectives of this study were to describe a new species of Tricorythopsis based on adults, and to report for the first time the following species and genera in Amapá state, Brazil: Amanahyphes saguassu Salles & Molineri, Macunahyphes australis (Banks), Macunahyphes pemonensis Molineri, Grillet, Nieto, Dominguez & Guerrero, Tricorythodes yapekuna Belmont, Salles & Hamada, Tricorythopsis faeculopsis Belmont, Salles & Hamada, Tricorythopsis pseudogibbus Dias & Salles, Tricorythopsis rondoniensis (Dias, Cruz & Ferreira), Tricorythopsis yucupe Dias, Salles & Ferreira (Leptohyphidae), Coryphorus aquilus Peters (Coryphoridae) and Brasilocaenis (Caenidae). Macunahyphes pemonensis is recorded for the first time in Brazil. Tricorythopsis yusuaia sp. nov., can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characteristics: abdomen with black and reddish marks, a strongly sclerotized spine present on the base of the median filament, and the base and lateral margins of penes being sclerotized.
Two new species of the genus Xizicus (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) in China
Authors: DI JUAN-XIA , HAN LI , MAO SHAO-LI , SHI FU-MING
Published: August 2015

Two new species of the genus Xizicus are described, namely Xizicus (Eoxizicus) uncicercus Mao & Shi sp. nov. and Xizicus (Eoxizicus) dischidus Di, Han & Shi sp. nov. from China, in addition, photographs of morphological structure of the species are provided. All type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, P. R. China.
The Signature of Aerosols and Meteorology in Long-Term Cloud Radar Observations of Trade Wind Cumuli
Authors: Lonitz Katrin , Stevens Bjorn , Nuijens Louise , Sant Vivek , Hirsch Lutz , Seifert Axel
Published: August 2015

The signature of aerosols and meteorology on the development of precipitation from shallow cumuli in the trades is investigated with ground-based lidar and radar remote sensing. The measurements are taken from a cloud observatory recently established on the windward shore of Barbados. Cloud microphysical development is explored through an analysis of the radar echo of shallow cumuli before the development of active precipitation. The increase of reflectivity with height (Z gradient) depends on the amount of cloud water, which varies with meteorology, and cloud droplet number concentration N, which varies with the aerosol. Clouds with a large Z gradient have a higher tendency to form precipitation than clouds with a small Z gradient. Under similar meteorological conditions, the Z gradient is expected to be large in an environment with few aerosols and small in an environment with many aerosols. The aerosol environment is defined using three methods, but only one (based on the Raman lidar linear-depolarization ratio) to measure dusty conditions correlates significantly with the Z gradient. On average, nondusty days are characterized by a larger Z gradient. However, the dust concentration varies seasonally and covaries with relative humidity. Large-eddy simulations show that small changes in the relative humidity can have as much influence on the development of precipitation within the cloud layer as large changes in N. When clouds are conditioned on their ambient relative humidity, the sensitivity of the Z gradient to dust vanishes.