bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the PKCα‐c‐Src tyrosine kinase pathway in the mediation of p120‐catenin degradation in ventilator‐induced lung injury
Authors: Zhao Tao , Zhao Hongwei , Li Gang , Zheng Shengfa , Liu Mengjie , Gu Changping , Wang Yuelan
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) is commonly associated with respiratory barrier dysfunction; however, the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the order and components of the signalling pathway that mediates the degradation of adherin junction of p120‐catenin in VILI.

Methods

For the in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were pre‐treated with inhibitors for 60 min prior to 4 h of mechanical ventilation. For the in vitro study, mouse lung epithelial 12 (MLE‐12) cells were pre‐treated with inhibitors for 60 min or small interfering RNA (siRNA) for 48 h prior to cyclic stretch at 20% for 4 h. The protein levels of protein kinase Cα (PKCα), activated c‐Src and p120‐catenin were determined via western blot analysis. Lung injury was determined via HE staining, immunofluorescence, wet/dry ratio and lung injury scores.

Results

High tidal volume mechanical ventilation and 20% cyclic stretch resulted in the degradation of p120‐catenin. Inhibitors of PKCα blocked c‐Src kinase activation and p120‐catenin degradation in VILI. Inhibitors of c‐Src kinase or PP2 or siRNA blocked p120‐catenin degradation but not PKCα activation.

Conclusion

The current findings demonstrates that PKCα and c‐Src kinase participate in VILI. PKCα activation phosphorylates c‐Src kinase and further decreases p120‐catenin in VILI.
Molecular and Statistical Analysis of Campylobacter spp. and Antimicrobial‐Resistant Campylobacter Carriage in Wildlife and Livestock from Ontario Farms
Authors: Viswanathan M. , Pearl D. L. , Taboada E. N. , Parmley E. J. , Mutschall S. , Jardine C. M.
Published: July 2016

The objectives of this study were to (i) compare the carriage of Campylobacter and antimicrobial‐resistant Campylobacter among livestock and mammalian wildlife on Ontario farms, and (ii) investigate the potential sharing of Campylobacter subtypes between livestock and wildlife. Using data collected from a cross‐sectional study of 25 farms in 2010, we assessed associations, using mixed logistic regression models, between Campylobacter and antimicrobial‐resistant Campylobacter carriage and the following explanatory variables: animal species (beef, dairy, swine, raccoon, other), farm type (swine, beef, dairy), type of sample (livestock or wildlife) and Campylobacter species (jejuni, coli, other). Models included a random effect to account for clustering by farm where samples were collected. Samples were subtyped using a Campylobacter‐specific 40 gene comparative fingerprinting assay. A total of 92 livestock and 107 wildlife faecal samples were collected, and 72% and 27% tested positive for Campylobacter, respectively. Pooled faecal samples from livestock were significantly more likely to test positive for Campylobacter than wildlife samples. Relative to dairy cattle, pig samples were at significantly increased odds of testing positive for Campylobacter. The odds of isolating Campylobacter jejuni from beef cattle samples were significantly greater compared to dairy cattle and raccoon samples. Fifty unique subtypes of Campylobacter were identified, and only one subtype was found in both wildlife and livestock samples. Livestock Campylobacter isolates were significantly more likely to exhibit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) compared to wildlife Campylobacter isolates. Campylobacter jejuni was more likely to exhibit AMR when compared to C. coli. However, C. jejuni isolates were only resistant to tetracycline, and C.  coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance patterns. Based on differences in prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and resistant Campylobacter between livestock and wildlife samples, and the lack of similarity in molecular subtypes and AMR patterns, we concluded that the sharing of Campylobacter species between livestock and mammalian wildlife was uncommon.
Species delimitation for cryptic species complexes: case study of Pyramidula (Gastropoda, Pulmonata)
Authors: Razkin Oihana , Gómez‐Moliner Benjamín J. , Vardinoyannis Katerina , Martínez‐Ortí Alberto , Madeira María J.
Published: July 2016

Species discovery and validation methods were used to delimit the species of a cryptic species complex. Species boundaries were inferred from multiple lines of evidence arising from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequencing and ecological niche modelling. Phylogenetic relationships among species were assessed by Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood procedures. The approach was applied to the terrestrial gastropod genus Pyramidula. By examining 211 specimens collected from the Western Palaearctic region, we here identified nine putative species for this region. So far, descriptions of the morphospecies of this genus had been based exclusively on shell characters. Hence, we also studied the variation of shell characters to assess their utility to differentiate the species defined and to examine whether shell shape in Pyramidula is influenced by environmental factors. Our findings indicate that although shell characters serve to discriminate between some putative species, they are not sufficient as unique taxonomic characters and other lines of evidence are needed. According to our ecological niche modelling results, shell shape may be influenced by environmental factors.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: July 2016

Applied Economics and Finance [AEF] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 3     Abbas Khandan Ali Massoud Andrey Kudryavtsev Arash Riasi Byson Beracah Dilshodjon Rakhmonov Erdal Gumus Eyup Dogan Getamesay Bekele Ian McFarlane Jin Yong Yang Jolita Vveinhardt Magdalena Zioło Marwa Biltagy Mevlut Tatliyer Mohammed Alkali Yusuf Patrycja Kowalczyk-Rólczynska Payal Chadha Ramona Orastean Ruhet Genc Steven V. Cates Szabolcs Blazsek Y. Saidi               Nikki Gibbs Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and Finance Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://aef.redfame.com
Synthesis of freestanding cupric oxide nanotubes with close ends from copper nanowires by the Kirkendall effect
Authors: Park Sungho , Chae Wonseok , Han Manso , Jeon Sanghun
Published: July 2016

Vertically grown cupric oxide semiconductors have a number of applications such as chemical sensors, nanogas sensors, and catalysts. Typically, a template based synthesis technique is used followed by an additional wet etching process for the synthesis of vertically oriented cupric oxide nanotubes. However, such a synthesis technique has some inherent disadvantages, notably, the obvious complexities involved in the process and the possibility of contamination and deformation of the structure. Here, the authors report the growth of freestanding copper nanostructures via metal organic chemical vapor deposition, followed by thermal oxidation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a successful synthesis of vertically aligned cupric oxide nanotubes with closed ends from copper nanowires. The synthesis was performed at 300 °C in air via the Kirkendall effect without the use of any template. Subsequently, the 5 μm long copper nanowires having diameters of 70 nm were thermally oxidized to yield cupric oxide nanotubes with closed ends. The nanotubes were 5 μm in length, and had wall thicknesses and diameters of 18 nm and 70–100 nm, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy images clearly show that the nanotubes are comprised of crystalline cupric oxide. Furthermore, I−V characteristics of the nanotubes exhibit p-type semiconducting behavior. Our work suggests that the cupric oxide nanotubes may find applications in one-dimensional devices such as in the field of optics, as nanobiosensors and gas sensors.
African HIV/tuberculosis institutes merge
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: July 2016

Major charities back creation of Africa Health Research Institute to tackle South African epidemics.
To save caribou, Alberta wants to fence them in
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: July 2016

Controversial proposal envisions the construction of a massive, predator-free pen.
Do genomic conflicts drive evolution?
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Clashes between the cell's two genomes—mitochondrial and nuclear—could shape the tree of life.
A lichen ménage à trois
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Genomic and imaging studies of lichen add a third symbiotic partner to the textbook pair.
Rules of the game
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: July 2016

By deciphering the rules of protein structure, David Baker has learned how to one-up nature and design new medicines and materials.
Electron microscopy of electromagnetic waveforms
Authors: Ryabov A. , Baum P.
Published: July 2016

Imaging electromagnetic waveforms

Understanding the dynamics of electrons and the spatial and temporal evolution of electromagnetic fields within a material or device is often the key to optimizing performance. Ryabov and Baum show that electron microscopy can be used to measure collective carrier motion and electromagnetic fields with subcycle and subwavelength resolution. As an example, they used a train of compressed electron pulses to produce movies of the electromagnetic excitation in an optical excited metamaterial component.

Science
, this issue p.
374
Can Apulia's olive trees be saved?
Authors: Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: July 2016

An introduced plant pathogen proves difficult to contain in southern Italy
Novel Picornavirus Associated with Avian Keratin Disorder in Alaskan Birds
Authors: Zylberberg Maxine , Van Hemert Caroline , Dumbacher John P. , Handel Colleen M. , Tihan Tarik , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: July 2016

Avian keratin disorder (AKD), characterized by debilitating overgrowth of the avian beak, was first documented in black-capped chickadees (
Poecile atricapillus
) in Alaska. Subsequently, similar deformities have appeared in numerous species across continents. Despite the widespread distribution of this emerging pathology, the cause of AKD remains elusive. As a result, it is unknown whether suspected cases of AKD in the afflicted species are causally linked, and the impacts of this pathology at the population and community levels are difficult to evaluate. We applied unbiased, metagenomic next-generation sequencing to search for candidate pathogens in birds affected with AKD. We identified and sequenced the complete coding region of a novel picornavirus, which we are calling poecivirus. Subsequent screening of 19 AKD-affected black-capped chickadees and 9 control individuals for the presence of poecivirus revealed that 19/19 (100%) AKD-affected individuals were positive, while only 2/9 (22%) control individuals were infected with poecivirus. Two northwestern crows (
Corvus caurinus
) and two red-breasted nuthatches (
Sitta canadensis
) with AKD-consistent pathology also tested positive for poecivirus. We suggest that poecivirus is a candidate etiological agent of AKD.

IMPORTANCE
Avian keratin disorder (AKD) is an increasingly common disease of wild birds. This disease, characterized by beak overgrowth, was first described in the late 1990s and has been spreading rapidly both geographically and in terms of host species affected. AKD decreases host fitness and can be fatal. However, the cause of the disease has remained elusive, and its impact on host populations is poorly understood. We found a novel and divergent picornavirus in 19/19 AKD-affected black-capped chickadees that we examined but in only 2/9 control cases. We also found this virus in 4 individuals of 2 other passerine species that exhibited symptoms consistent with AKD. Our data suggest that this novel picornavirus warrants further investigation as the causative agent of AKD.
The Relation among Aldosterone, Galectin-3, and Myocardial Fibrosis: A Prospective Clinical Pilot Follow-Up Study
Authors: Liao Che-Wei , Lin Yen-Tin , Wu Xue-Ming , Chang Yi-Yao , Hung Chi-Sheng , Wu Vin-Cent , Wu Kwan-Dun , Lin Yen-Hung ,   and the TAIPAI Study Group, Yi-Luwn Ho , Hung-Wei Chang , Lian-Yu Lin , Fu-Chang Hu , Kao-Lang Liu , Shuo-Meng Wang , Kuo-How Huang , Yung-Ming Chen , Chin-Chi Kuo , Shih-Chieh Chueh , Ching-Chu Lu , Fang-Chi Chang , Shih-Cheng Liao , Ruoh-Fang Yen , Wei-Chou Lin , Bor-Sen Hsieh
Published: July 2016

Primary aldosteronism has been associated with myocardial fibrosis, and is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. We previously showed that aldosterone can induce the secretion of galectin-3. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between myocardial fibrosis and plasma galectin-3 level in patients with primary aldosteronism. We prospectively analyzed 11 patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) who received adrenalectomy from December 2006 to October 2008, and 17 patients with essential hypertension as controls. Levels of plasma galectin-3 were determined in both groups, and both groups underwent echocardiography with cyclic variations of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) to characterize tissue initially and 1 year after surgery in the APA group. Diastolic blood pressure, concentration of plasma aldosterone and aldosterone-renin ratio were significantly higher, and serum potassium level and plasma renin activity significantly lower in the APA group compared to the controls. In addition, left ventricular mass index was significantly higher and CVIBS significantly lower in the APA group (7.3±2.0 vs 9.2±1.7 dB, p=0.015). Furthermore, the concentration of plasma galectin-3 was significantly higher in the APA group (2.1±0.9 vs 1.1±0.6 ng/mL, p=0.005) compared to the controls. CVIBS was correlated to plasma galectin-3 level. In the APA group, CVIBS increased significantly (7.3±2.0 to 9.2±2.4 dB, p=0.032) and plasma galectin-3 decreased (2.1±0.9 to 1.2±0.6, p=0.049) 1 year postadrenalectomy. The patients with APA had increased myocardial fibrosis, and this was associated with a higher plasma galectin-3 level. Both increased myocardial fibrosis and plasma galectin-3 level recovered at least partially after adrenalectomy.

Trial registration number

200611031R; Results.
Testing for synchrony in recruitment among four Lake Michigan fish species
Authors: Bunnell David B. , Höök Tomas O. , Troy Cary D. , Liu Wentao , Madenjian Charles P. , Adams Jean V.
Published: July 2016

In the Great Lakes region, multiple fish species display intraspecific spatial synchrony in recruitment success, with interannual climate variation hypothesized as the most likely driver. In Lake Michigan, we evaluated whether climatic or other physical variables could also induce spatial synchrony across multiple species, including bloater (Coregonus hoyi), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). The residuals from stock–recruitment relationships revealed yellow perch recruitment to be correlated with recruitment of both rainbow smelt (r = 0.37) and alewife (r = 0.36). Across all four species, higher than expected recruitment occurred in 5 years between 1978 and 1987 and then switched to lower than expected recruitment in 5 years between 1996 and 2004. Generalized additive models revealed warmer spring and summer water temperatures and lower wind speeds corresponded to higher than expected recruitment for the nearshore-spawning species, and overall variance explained ranged from 14% (yellow perch) to 61% (alewife). For all species but rainbow smelt, higher recruitment also occurred in extremely high or low years of the North Atlantic Oscillation index. Future development of indices that describe the physical Great Lakes environment could improve understanding of how climate can synchronize fish populations within and across species.
Incorporating temporal heterogeneity in environmental conditions into a somatic growth model
Authors: Dzul M.C. , Yackulic C.B. , Korman J. , Yard M.D. , Muehlbauer J.D.
Published: July 2016

Evaluating environmental effects on fish growth can be challenging because environmental conditions may vary at relatively fine temporal scales compared with sampling occasions. Here we develop a Bayesian state-space growth model to evaluate effects of monthly environmental data on growth of fish that are observed less frequently (e.g., from mark–recapture data where time between captures can range from months to years). We assess effects of temperature, turbidity, food availability, flow variability, and trout abundance on subadult humpback chub (Gila cypha) growth in two rivers, the Colorado River (CR) and the Little Colorado River (LCR), and we use out-of-sample prediction to rank competing models. Environmental covariates explained a high proportion of the variation in growth in both rivers; however, the best growth models were river-specific and included either positive temperature and turbidity duration effects (CR) or positive temperature and food availability effects (LCR). Our approach to analyzing environmental controls on growth should be applicable in other systems where environmental data vary over relatively short time scales compared with animal observations.
Numerical Analysis of One-Dimensional Sound Propagation Through a Duct Containing Water Droplets
Authors: Arslan Ersen , Özyörük Yusuf , Çalişkan Mehmet
Published: July 2016

In this paper sound propagation through an air-filled circular duct containing water droplets has been studied by solving numerically one-dimensional linearized Euler equations in frequency domain. Interactions between the liquid and gas phases were accounted for by proper source terms. Waves were introduced into the domain via Perfectly Matched Layers (PML) equations applied in finite regions adjacent to the truncated ends of the duct. Absorption and dispersion results due to energy transfer from air to the water droplets were obtained as a function of average droplet diameter and droplet concentration as well as finite mass loading. Results agree well with those available in the literature.
Delayed treatment with fenofibrate protects against high-fat diet-induced kidney injury in mice: the possible role of AMPK autophagy
Authors: Sohn Minji , Kim Keumji , Uddin Md Jamal , Lee Gayoung , Hwang Inah , Kang Hyeji , Kim Hyunji , Lee Jung Hwa , Ha Hunjoo
Published: July 2016

Fenofibrate activates not only peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) but also adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK-mediated cellular responses protect kidney from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced injury, and autophagy resulting from AMPK activation has been regarded as a stress-response mechanism. Thus the present study examined the role of AMPK and autophagy in the renotherapeutic effects of fenofibrate. C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: normal diet (ND), HFD, and HFD + fenofibrate (HFD + FF). Fenofibrate was administered 4 wk after the initiation of the HFD when renal injury was initiated. Mouse proximal tubule cells (mProx24) were used to clarify the role of AMPK. Feeding mice with HFD for 12 wk induced insulin resistance and kidney injury such as albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, tubular injury, and inflammation, which were effectively inhibited by fenofibrate. In addition, fenofibrate treatment resulted in the activation of renal AMPK, upregulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) enzymes and antioxidants, and induction of autophagy in the HFD mice. In mProx24 cells, fenofibrate activated AMPK in a concentration-dependent manner, upregulated FAO enzymes and antioxidants, and induced autophagy, all of which were inhibited by treatment of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Fenofibrate-induced autophagy was also significantly blocked by AMPKα1 siRNA but not by PPARα siRNA. Collectively, these results demonstrate that delayed treatment with fenofibrate has a therapeutic effect on HFD-induced kidney injury, at least in part, through the activation of AMPK and induction of subsequent downstream effectors: autophagy, FAO enzymes, and antioxidants.
Evaluation of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Such Kamila , Gawlik Aneta , Dejner Aleksandra , Wasniewska Malgorzata , Zachurzok Agnieszka , Antosz Aleksandra , Gawlik Tomasz , Malecka-Tendera Ewa
Published: July 2016

The main purpose of our retrospective study was to evaluate the medical care of the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) and to investigate the rationale for administering L-thyroxine (LT-4) to young sHT patients.Patients and Methods. Based on a retrospective review of the charts of 261 patients referred to the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic between 2009 and 2014 with suspicion of sHT, 55 patients were enrolled for further analysis. Data collected was baseline age, anthropometric measurements, serum TSH, fT4, fT3, anti-thyroid autoantibodies, positive family history, absence/presence of clinical symptoms, length of follow-up, and data concerning LT-4 therapy (therapy: T1; no therapy: T0).Results. T1 encompassed 33 (60.0%) patients. There were no differences between T1 and T0 (p>0.05) with regard to age, TSH concentrations, BMIZ-score, and hSDS values, though follow-up was longer in T1 (p<0.01). Four (11.8%) children in T1 and none in T0 had a positive family history of thyroid disorders. Fifteen (68.2%) patients in group T0 became euthyroid. One (1.8%) girl (T1) developed overt hypothyroidism.Conclusions. A small percentage of patients can proceed to overt hypothyroidism. Only positive family history seemed to influence the decision to initiate LT-4 therapy. Further prospective studies are warranted in order to establish treatment indications, if any, and the mean recommended dosage of LT-4.
Fractional Flow Reserve Assessment of a Significant Coronary Stenosis Masked by a Downstream Serial Lesion
Authors: Liu Lawrence Yu-Min , Wu Hsu-Ping , Lin Po-Lin
Published: July 2016

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been recognized as an effective tool to determine functional significance in intermediate coronary lesions and FFR-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves clinical outcomes. However, hemodynamic interaction between serial stenoses within one coronary artery complicates the assessment of functional severity of each individual lesion. We present a case in which FFR measurement by intracoronary bolus injection of adenosine helps to make appropriate revascularization decision in serial stenoses when the procedures are performed systemically and properly.
Communication Behaviour-Based Big Data Application to Classify and Detect HTTP Automated Software
Authors: Tran Manh Cong , Nakamura Yasuhiro
Published: July 2016

HTTP is recognized as the most widely used protocol on the Internet when applications are being transferred more and more by developers onto the web. Due to increasingly complex computer systems, diversity HTTP automated software (autoware) thrives. Unfortunately, besides normal autoware, HTTP malware and greyware are also spreading rapidly in web environment. Consequently, network communication is not just rigorously controlled by users intention. This raises the demand for analyzing HTTP autoware communication behaviour to detect and classify malicious and normal activities via HTTP traffic. Hence, in this paper, based on many studies and analysis of the autoware communication behaviour through access graph, a new method to detect and classify HTTP autoware communication at network level is presented. The proposal system includes combination of MapReduce of Hadoop and MarkLogic NoSQL database along with xQuery to deal with huge HTTP traffic generated each day in a large network. The method is examined with real outbound HTTP traffic data collected through a proxy server of a private network. Experimental results obtained for proposed method showed that promised outcomes are achieved since 95.1% of suspicious autoware are classified and detected. This finding may assist network and system administrator in inspecting early the internal threats caused by HTTP autoware.
Adrenal Neuroblastoma in an Adult: Effect of Radiotherapy on Local Progression after Surgical Removal
Authors: Kurokawa Satoshi , Mizuno Kentaro , Nakane Akihiro , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Nishio Hidenori , Kamisawa Hideyuki , Kubota Yasue , Okada Atsushi , Kawai Noriyasu , Hayashi Yutaro , Yasui Takahiro
Published: July 2016

Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old man with neuroblastoma, which is extremely rare in adults. His tumor was resected, but it recurred four months later. Radiotherapy reduced tumor size, and the patient remained in good health three years after surgical tumor removal. The residual tumor and the treatments administered to this patient were evaluated. We have also reviewed the literature.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Limb Amputation in Patients with End-Stage Renal Failure on Dialysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gilhotra Rajit A. , Rodrigues Beverly T. , Vangaveti Venkat N. , Malabu Usman H.
Published: July 2016

Background.Renal dialysis has recently been recognised as a risk factor for lower limb amputation (LLA). However, exact rates and associated risk factors for the LLA are incompletely understood.Aim.Prevalence and risk factors of LLA in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) subjects on renal dialysis were investigated from the existing literature.Methods.Published data on the subject were derived from MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar search of English language literature from January 1, 1980, to July 31, 2015, using designated key words.Results.Seventy studies were identified out of which 6 full-text published studies were included in this systematic review of which 5 included patients on haemodialysis alone and one included patients on both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The reported findings on prevalence of amputation in the renal failure on dialysis cohort ranged from 1.7% to 13.4%. Five out of the six studies identified diabetes as the leading risk factor for amputation in subjects with ESRF on renal dialysis. Other risk factors identified were high haemoglobin A1c, elevated c-reactive protein, and low serum albumin.Conclusions.This review demonstrates high rate of LLA in ESRF patients receiving dialysis therapy. It has also identified diabetes and markers of inflammation as risk factors of amputation in ESRF subjects on dialysis.
An Efficient Method for Convex Constrained Rank Minimization Problems Based on DC Programming
Authors: Yang Wanping , Zhao Jinkai , Xu Fengmin
Published: July 2016

The constrained rank minimization problem has various applications in many fields including machine learning, control, and signal processing. In this paper, we consider the convex constrained rank minimization problem. By introducing a new variable and penalizing an equality constraint to objective function, we reformulate the convex objective function with a rank constraint as a difference of convex functions based on the closed-form solutions, which can be reformulated as DC programming. A stepwise linear approximative algorithm is provided for solving the reformulated model. The performance of our method is tested by applying it to affine rank minimization problems and max-cut problems. Numerical results demonstrate that the method is effective and of high recoverability and results on max-cut show that the method is feasible, which provides better lower bounds and lower rank solutions compared with improved approximation algorithm using semidefinite programming, and they are close to the results of the latest researches.
GuideLiner Catheter Use for Percutaneous Intervention Involving Anomalous Origin of a Single Coronary Trunk Arising from the Ascending Aorta
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsunari , Tamanaha Yusuke , Tsurumaki Yoshimasa , Nakamura Tomohiro
Published: July 2016

Cases in which an anomalous single coronary trunk arises from the ascending aorta are extremely rare. In percutaneous coronary intervention for the lesion of a coronary artery anomaly, several problems may occur, including selection of a guide catheter, insufficient backup force, and difficulties of stent delivery. The GuideLiner catheter, which is a coaxial guide extension having the advantage of rapid exchange, facilitates coronary intervention for complex lesions. We report a case of angina having a lesion in the left anterior descending artery of a single coronary trunk arising from the ascending aorta. We successfully performed revascularization by using the GuideLiner catheter.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Prognostic Characteristics: A Linkage between Nationwide Registries
Authors: Román Marta , Graff-Iversen Sidsel , Weiderpass Elisabete , Vangen Siri , Sakshaug Solveig , Hofvind Solveig , Ursin Giske
Published: July 2016

Background: The effects of use of different types of hormone therapy on breast cancer risk according to prognostic factors are largely unknown.

Methods: We linked data from the Norwegian Prescription Database and the Cancer Registry of Norway during 2004 to 2009 on all women ages 45 to 79 years (N = 686,614). We estimated rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals for breast cancer in relation to hormone therapy using Poisson regression.

Results: During an average 4.8 years of follow-up, 7,910 invasive breast cancers were diagnosed. Compared with nonusers of hormone therapy, users of estradiol and tibolone were more likely to be diagnosed with grade I, lymph node–negative, and estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/progesterone receptor–positive (PR+) tumors. However, compared with nonusers, users of the most common estrogen and progestin combinations [estradiol–norethisterone acetate (NETA) preparations (Kliogest, Activelle or Trisekvens)] were at a 4- to 5-fold elevated risk of grade I tumors, 3-fold elevated risk of lymph node–negative tumors, and 3- to 4-fold elevated risk of ER+/PR+ tumors. Importantly, estradiol–NETA users were also at a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of medium differentiated (grade II) tumors and tumors with lymph node involvement.

Conclusions: Use of oral estradiol, tibolone, and estradiol–NETA predominantly increases the risk of breast cancer with favorable prognosis characteristics. However, use of estradiol–NETA preparations also increases the risk of breast cancers with less favorable characteristics.

Impact: The hormone therapy preparations most commonly used in the Nordic countries are associated with both breast cancers with good and less favorable prognosis characteristics. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(11); 1464–73. ©2016 AACR.
Epidemiology of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in India
Authors: Nair Reena , Arora Neeraj , Mallath Mohandas K.
Published: July 2016

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a common hematological malignancy. The age-adjusted incidence rates for NHL in men and women in India are 2.9/100,000 and 1.5/100,000, respectively. These are about one fourth of the incidence rates reported from Western Europe or North America. Within India, the incidence is several-fold higher in urban cancer registries compared to rural areas; the incidence being higher in metropolitan cities and Indian immigrants suggesting that urban lifestyles and economic progress may increase the cancer incidence. Compared to developed nations, the key differences in the presentation in India include: median age of 54 years (almost a decade less), higher male to female ratio, higher proportion of patients with B-symptoms (40-60 vs. 20-30%), poor ECOG performance status (≥2) at diagnosis (50 vs. 20-30%), higher frequency of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (60-70 vs. <40%), lower frequency of follicular NHL (<20 vs. 30-40%) and T-cell type in 10-20 vs. <10%. The estimated mortality rate due to NHL is higher in India than in North America and Western Europe. Diagnostic and treatment delays, incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate or suboptimal treatment may be possible reasons for the poor outcome. Any improvement in the outcomes for NHL in India will require a nationwide approach, e.g. creation of several regional and district-level centers with expertise in lymphoma management. Collection of data on patient- and disease-related characteristics, treatment outcome, development of infrastructure, centralized review of histopathology subtype, novel treatment protocols, rigorous follow-up, training of staff, and financial support towards treatment could be possible strategies to improve the outcome.
Pflanzliche Sekundärstoffe: Ethnobotanische Überlegungen zu ihrer Bedeutung für die menschliche Ernährung und die Medizin - Teil 2: Bedeutung der Sekundärstoffe bei der Domestikation der Nahrungspflanzen
Authors: Nowack Rainer
Published: July 2016

Obwohl der Mensch metabolisch zur Ernährung von einer großen Vielzahl von Pflanzen in der Lage ist, beschränkt er sich auf wenige domestizierte Anbaupflanzen. Die Rolle der Sekundärstoffe für die Auswahl dieser Pflanzen wird an Nüssen, Leguminosen und weiteren Pflanzen untersucht. Eine grundsätzliche Vermeidung von Pflanzen mit toxischen Inhaltsstoffen ist nicht erkennbar. Eine akute Toxizität von Leguminosen, Palmfarnen und anderen wird durch detoxifizierende Massnahmen vor dem Verzehr reduziert oder eliminiert. Die einseitige pflanzliche Kost offenbart dagegen gesundheitliche Risiken durch eine Langzeitexposition gegenüber toxischen Sekundärstoffen.
Shortened Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time May Help in Diagnosing Hereditary and Acquired Angioedema
Authors: Bork Konrad , Witzke Günther
Published: July 2016

Objective: To evaluate whether activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) could be used in the laboratory diagnosis of hereditary or acquired angioedema (HAE or AAE) with and without C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency. Methods: In a prospective investigation, APTT and other coagulation parameters were determined in 149 adult patients with various types of angioedema and in 26 healthy participants (HP). Results: Mean APTT was significantly shortened in HAE-C1-INH type I (p < 0.0001) and type II (p = 0.0017) and in AAE-C1-INH (p < 0.0001) compared to the HP. APTT was shortened under the reference range (26-36 s) in 33/45 (73.3%) patients with HAE-C1-INH, 10/15 (66.7%) patients with AAE-C1-INH, 4/27 (14.8%) patients with HAE with normal C1-INH, 1/32 (3.1%) patients with histaminergic angioedema, 4/30 (13.3%) patients with nonhistaminergic angioedema and in 2/26 (7.7%) HP. Thus, a shortened APTT was obtained in 8-9 times more patients with angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency when compared to patients with various forms of angioedema with normal C1-INH and also to HP. Conclusions: A shortened APTT may help to diagnose HAE-C1-INH and AAE-C1-INH when determination of C1-INH is not yet available.
Adenosine-Induced Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Li Ning , Csepe Thomas A. , Hansen Brian J. , Sul Lidiya V. , Kalyanasundaram Anuradha , Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Zhao Jichao , Guha Avirup , Van Wagoner David R. , Kilic Ahmet , Mohler Peter J. , Janssen Paul M. L. , Biesiadecki Brandon J. , Hummel John D. , Weiss Raul , Fedorov Vadim V.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Adenosine provokes atrial fibrillation (AF) with a higher activation frequency in right atria (RA) versus left atria (LA) in patients, but the underlying molecular and functional substrates are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that adenosine-induced AF is driven by localized reentry in RA areas with highest expression of adenosine A1 receptor and its downstream GIRK (G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels) channels (
I
K,Ado
).

Methods:

We applied biatrial optical mapping and immunoblot mapping of various atrial regions to reveal the mechanism of adenosine-induced AF in explanted failing and nonfailing human hearts (n=37).

Results:

Optical mapping of coronary-perfused atria (n=24) revealed that adenosine perfusion (10–100 µmol/L) produced more significant shortening of action potential durations in RA (from 290±45 to 239±41 ms, 17.3±10.4%;
P
<0.01) than LA (from 307±24 to 286±23 ms, 6.7±6.6%;
P
<0.01). In 10 hearts, adenosine induced AF (317±116 s) that, when sustained (≥2 minutes), was primarily maintained by 1 to 2 localized reentrant drivers in lateral RA. Tertiapin (10–100 nmol/L), a selective GIRK channel blocker, counteracted adenosine-induced action potential duration shortening and prevented AF induction. Immunoblotting showed that the superior/middle lateral RA had significantly higher adenosine A1 receptor (2.7±1.7-fold;
P
<0.01) and GIRK4 (1.7±0.8-fold;
P
<0.05) protein expression than lateral/posterior LA.

Conclusions:

This study revealed a 3-fold RA-to-LA adenosine A1 receptor protein expression gradient in the human heart, leading to significantly greater RA versus LA repolarization sensitivity in response to adenosine. Sustained adenosine-induced AF is maintained by reentrant drivers localized in lateral RA regions with the highest adenosine A1 receptor/GIRK4 expression. Selective atrial GIRK channel blockade may effectively treat AF during conditions with increased endogenous adenosine.
Tackling the Physical Punishment of Children in Resource Poor Contexts
Authors: Imoh Afua Twum-Danso
Published: July 2016

Despite the global wind of change in public attitudes towards the physical punishment of children, partly influenced by the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, the practice remains prevalent in diverse societies. This implies that current efforts are limited as strategies to initiate behaviour change, especially in societies where the practice is not only condoned, but also where governments lack the capacity, largely as a result of resource scarcity, to enforce legislation. Therefore, this article proposes an alternative approach which foregrounds using the starting point of communities as a more effective strategy to protect children’s rights in such socio-economic contexts. Focusing predominately on sub-Saharan Africa, this paper outlines the rationale for the continuing prevalence of the physical punishment of children before exploring the utility of approaches that take community perspectives as their point of departure for action and intervention and analysing the importance of dialogue to this process.
‘Transformative Accommodation’: Towards the Convergence of Sharīʿah and Common Law in Muslim Minority Jurisdictions
Authors: Kamaruddin Zaleha , Oseni Umar A. , Rashid Syed Khalid
Published: July 2016

In spite of the increasingly globalized nature of the modern world and the surge in cross-civilizational intercourse among peoples of different backgrounds, cultures and ideologies, there is still the spectre of mutual suspicion in some Muslim minority jurisdictions where Muslims have sought to conduct their affairs in accordance with the Sharīʿah. In order to promote peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding, this article examines the prospects of convergence of Sharīʿah and Common law in Muslim communities in Western countries based on the concept of transformative accommodation. The study concludes that the long historical revelations of the Islamic origins of some important Common law concepts should pave a way for transformative accommodation which will ultimately lead to convergence of laws.
Arabis erecta (Brassicaceae), a new species from Republic of Korea
Authors: KIM YOON-YOUNG , JANG CHANGGEE , JI SEONG-JIN , OH SANG HEON , NA NU-REE , LEEM HYOSUN , KIM TAE-WEON , LEE WOO-RAK , LIM YONG PYO
Published: July 2016

A new species of Arabis L. (Brassicaceae), A. erecta Y.Y. Kim & C.G. Jang, was discovered in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea and is described and illustrated here. The species is similar to A. stelleri DC. and A. takesimana Nakai in its general vegetative and floral morphology. However, the new species is distinguished by its glabrous leaves surface, not inflated receptacle, and fruiting pedicels and siliques appressed to the rachis. In addition, the diagnostic characters between related species, an identification key, and a distribution map are provided.
Nomenclatural type designation of four Linnaean names in Iris sensu lato (Iridaceae)
Authors: ALTINORDU FAHIM , CRESPO MANUEL B.
Published: July 2016

The typification of four Linnaean names, Iris susiana, I. sibirica, I. persica and I. spuria, is discussed. Lectotypes are designated using specimens from the Linnaean and van Royen herbaria. Furthermore, an epitype for I. spuria is also selected, since the lectotype designated here is heavily damaged by insects. Synonyms for all concerned names in recent alternative generic treatments are also included in brackets.
New talitrids from South Africa (Amphipoda, Senticaudata, Talitroidea, Talitridae) with notes on their ecology
Authors: LOWRY J.K. , BALDANZI S.
Published: July 2016

Based on new talitrid amphipod collections from South Africa one new genus, Capeorchestia gen. nov., and one new species, Africorchestia meridionalis sp. nov., are described and Africorchestia quadrispinosa (K.H. Barnard, 1916) is redescribed. Eorchestia Bousfield, 1984 is redescribed. Based on this redescription Orchestia dassenensis (K.H. Barnard, 1916) is moved to Eorchestia and the Tasmanian species Eorchestia palustris Richardson, 1993 and E. rupestris Richardson, 1993 are moved to Microrchestia Bousfield, 1984. The current knowledge about the ecology of Capeorchestia capensis (Dana, 1853), Africorchestia quadrispinosa and A. meridionalis is summarized.
Contribution to the knowledge of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Hainan Province of China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: July 2016

The species of the perlid genus Neoperla are reviewed from Hainan Province, China. Three species of Neoperla, N. minuta sp. nov., N. wuzhishana sp. nov., and N. sexlobata sp. nov. are described from this island province and compared with other taxa. A provisional key is presented to the known Neoperla males from Hainan Province.
A review of the Oriental leafhopper genera Thampoa Mahmood and Guheswaria Thapa (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: HOU XIAO-JIAO , ZHANG YA-LIN , HUANG MIN
Published: July 2016

The genus Guheswaria Thapa is recorded for the first time from China; two new species, Thampoa quinquemaculata sp. nov. and Guheswaria brevicula sp. nov. are described; one species, Guheswaria linguplata rec. nov. is newly recorded from China; and one new combination, Thampoa alata (Dworakowska, 1994) comb. nov. (from Guheswaria) is proposed. A checklist and updated keys to species of Thampoa and Guheswaria are provided.
Composite Analysis of Large-Scale Environments Conducive to Western Pacific Polar/Subtropical Jet Superposition
Authors: Handlos Zachary J. , Martin Jonathan E.
Published: July 2016

Although considerable research attention has been devoted to examination of the Northern Hemisphere polar and subtropical jet streams, relatively little has been directed toward understanding the circumstances that conspire to produce the relatively rare vertical superposition of these usually separate features. This study investigates the structure and evolution of large-scale environments associated with jet superposition events in the northwest Pacific. An objective identification scheme, using NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis 1 data, is employed to identify all jet superpositions in the western Pacific (30°–40°N, 135°–175°E) for boreal winters (DJF) between 1979/80 and 2009/10. The analysis reveals that environments conducive to western Pacific jet superposition share several large-scale features usually associated with East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) northerly cold surges, including the presence of an enhanced Hadley cell–like circulation within the jet entrance region. It is further demonstrated that several EAWM indices are statistically significantly correlated with jet superposition frequency in the western Pacific. The life cycle of EAWM cold surges promotes interaction between tropical convection and internal jet dynamics. Low–potential vorticity (PV), high- air, appearing to be associated with anomalous convection in the western Pacific lower latitudes, is advected poleward toward the equatorward side of the jet in upper-tropospheric isentropic layers, resulting in anomalous anticyclonic wind shear that accelerates the jet. This, along with geostrophic cold air advection in the left jet entrance region that drives the polar tropopause downward through the jet core, promotes the development of the deep, vertical PV wall characteristic of superposed jets. A conceptual model synthesizing the results of this analysis is introduced.
The Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index: Methodology and Operational Implementation
Authors: Rolinski Tom , Capps Scott B. , Fovell Robert G. , Cao Yang , D’Agostino Brian J. , Vanderburg Steve
Published: July 2016

Santa Ana winds, common to Southern California from the fall through early spring, are a type of downslope windstorm originating from a direction generally ranging from 360°/0° to 100° and are usually accompanied by very low humidity. Since fuel conditions tend to be driest from late September through the middle of November, Santa Ana winds occurring during this time have the greatest potential to produce large, devastating fires upon ignition. Such catastrophic fires occurred in 1993, 2003, 2007, and 2008. Because of the destructive nature of such fires, there has been a growing desire to categorize Santa Ana wind events in much the same way that tropical cyclones have been categorized. The Santa Ana wildfire threat index (SAWTI) is a tool for categorizing Santa Ana wind events with respect to anticipated fire potential. The latest version of the index has been a result of a three-and-a-half-year collaboration effort between the USDA Forest Service, the San Diego Gas and Electric utility (SDG&E), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The SAWTI uses several meteorological and fuel moisture variables at 3-km resolution as input to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to generate the index out to 6 days. In addition to the index, a 30-yr climatology of weather, fuels, and the SAWTI has been developed to help put current and future events into perspective. This paper outlines the methodology for developing the SAWTI, including a discussion on the various datasets employed and its operational implementation.
What’s RITE in St. Louis? Empowering Urban Youth Through a Community Tutoring Collaborative
Authors: Cochran Judith A. , Gardner-Andrews Anna , Benson Prescott W. , Durbin Timothy , Peeler Michelle
Published: July 2016

This study profiles tutoring programs that empower urban youth within the Regional Institute of Tutorial Education (RITE), a community collaborative of universities, youth agencies, community service organizations, and school districts. Representative members of RITE detail how they address shared urban problems of academic deficits, school dropout, and pregnancy in St. Louis’s urban school districts. Tutoring models of targeted, cross-curricular, collaborative, community directed, and youth-led instruction are described as delivered by Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club of St. Louis (GSGBCSTL), the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Clayton-Ladue Rotary community service organization, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a nationally licensed college preparation program and Conscious Choice (CC), a University of Missouri–St. Louis and St. Louis University student retention and pregnancy prevention program. Data, narratives, and tutoring structures describe how some members of the RITE collaborative assist in addressing both the academic and social needs of urban schools. The achievements of these RITE members demonstrate how frequently unrecognized and underutilized university and community resources are able to empower urban youth.