bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CSF and plasma biomarkers of brain melanocortin activity in response to caloric restriction in humans
Authors: Page-Wilson Gabrielle , Nguyen Kim T. , Atalayer Deniz , Meece Kana , Bainbridge Heather A. , Korner Judith , Gordon Rebecca J. , Panigrahi Sunil K. , White Anne , Smiley Richard , Wardlaw Sharon L.
Published: November 2016

The melanocortin neuronal system, which consists of hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons, is a leptin target that regulates energy balance and metabolism, but studies in humans are limited by a lack of reliable biomarkers to assess brain melanocortin activity. The objective of this study was to measure the POMC prohormone and its processed peptide, β-endorphin (β-EP), in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and AgRP in CSF and plasma after calorie restriction to validate their utility as biomarkers of brain melanocortin activity. CSF and plasma were obtained from 10 lean and obese subjects after fasting (40 h) and refeeding (24 h), and from 8 obese subjects before and after 6 wk of dieting (800 kcal/day) to assess changes in neuropeptide and hormone levels. After fasting, plasma leptin decreased to 35%, and AgRP increased to 153% of baseline. During refeeding, AgRP declined as leptin increased; CSF β-EP increased, but POMC did not change. Relative changes in plasma and CSF leptin were blunted in obese subjects. After dieting, plasma and CSF leptin decreased to 46% and 70% of baseline, CSF POMC and β-EP decreased, and plasma AgRP increased. At baseline, AgRP correlated negatively with insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), and positively with the Matsuda index. Thus, following chronic calorie restriction, POMC and β-EP declined in CSF, whereas acutely, only β-EP changed. Plasma AgRP, however, increased after both acute and chronic calorie restriction. These results support the use of CSF POMC and plasma AgRP as biomarkers of hypothalamic melanocortin activity and provide evidence linking AgRP to insulin sensitivity.
Day of Surgery Admission in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Why Are Surgeries Cancelled? An Analysis of 3195 Planned Procedures and 114 Cancellations
Authors: Dalton David M. , Kelly Enda G. , Murphy Terence P. , McCoy Gerry F. , Glynn Aaron A.
Published: November 2016

Background. Day of surgery admission (DOSA) is becoming standard practice as a means of reducing cost in total joint arthroplasty.Aims. The aim of our study was to audit the use of DOSA in a specialty hospital and identify reasons for cancellation.Methods. A retrospective study of patients presenting for hip or knee arthroplasty between 2008 and 2013 was performed. All patients were assessed at the preoperative assessment clinic (PAC).Results. Of 3195 patients deemed fit for surgery, 114 patients (3.5%) had their surgery cancelled. Ninety-two cancellations (80%) were due to the patient being deemed medically unsuitable for surgery by the anaesthetist. Cardiac disease was the most common reason for cancellation (n=27), followed by pulmonary disease (n=22). 77 patients (67.5%) had their operation rescheduled and successfully performed in our institution at a later date.Conclusion. DOSA is associated with a low rate of cancellations on the day of surgery. Patients with cardiorespiratory comorbidities are at greatest risk of cancellation.
Antibacterial Additive for Polystyrene Based on Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Waldo-Mendoza Miguel A. , Martínez-Jothar Lucía , Oros-Ruiz Socorro , Villabona-Leal E. G. , Céspedes-Covarrubias Luis Manuel , Quiñones-Jurado Zoe V. , Ortega Eduardo , Pérez Elías
Published: November 2016

Silver nanoparticles supported on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Ag/TiO2) were incorporated and evaluated as antibacterial additive for polystyrene materials. These particles were synthesized using a deposition-precipitation method by adding silver nitrate as metallic precursor, sodium hydroxide as reducing agent, and commercial TiO2 (P25) as support. Rectangular pieces of polystyrene (PS) containing 100, 300, 500, and 700 ppm (wt.%) of the additive were made using an extrusion-injection molding process, and they were evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli using the Pour Plate method. Particles were distributed on the PS surface, and PS pieces presented a good antibacterial efficiency at 100, 300, and 500 ppm and decreased for 700 ppm due to an additive agglomeration on the PS surface. These results validate the antibacterial properties of Ag/TiO2, determine a concentration limit at which the additive is well distributed on the PS surface, and assess the importance of Ag in this system.
Yoga Helps Put the Pieces Back Together: A Qualitative Exploration of a Community‐Based Yoga Program for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Mackenzie Michael J. , Wurz Amanda J. , Yamauchi Yayoi , Pires Lanie Ann , Culos-Reed S. Nicole
Published: November 2016

Objective. A qualitative research methods approach was used to explore the experiences of participants in an ongoing community‐based yoga program developed for cancer survivors and their support persons. Methods. 25 participants took part in a series of semistructured focus groups following a seven‐week yoga program and at three‐ and six‐month follow‐ups. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a process of inductive thematic analysis. Results. The group was comprised of 20 cancer survivors, who were diagnosed on average 25.40 (20.85) months earlier, and five support persons. Participants had completed the yoga program an average of 3.35 (3.66) times previously and attended approximately 1.64 (0.70) of three possible focus groups. Four key themes were identified: (1) safety and shared understanding; (2) cancer‐specific yoga instruction; (3) benefits of yoga participation; (4) mechanisms of yoga practice. Conclusions. Qualitative research provides unique and in‐depth insight into the yoga experience. Specifically, cancer survivors and support persons participating in a community‐based yoga program discussed their experiences of change over time and were acutely aware of the beneficial effects of yoga on their physical, psychological, and social well‐being. Further, participants were able to articulate the mechanisms they perceived as underpinning the relationship between yoga and improved well‐being as they developed their yoga practice.
The Hair Growth‐Promoting Effect of Rumex japonicus Houtt. Extract
Authors: Lee Hyunkyoung , Kim Na-Hyun , Yang Hyeryeon , Bae Seong Kyeong , Heo Yunwi , Choudhary Indu , Kwon Young Chul , Byun Jae Kuk , Yim Hyeong Jun , Noh Byung Seung , Heo Jeong-Doo , Kim Euikyung , Kang Changkeun
Published: November 2016

Rumex japonicus Houtt. is traditionally used as a medicinal plant to treat patients suffering from skin disease in Korea. However, the beneficial effect of Rumex japonicus Houtt. on hair growth has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the hair growth‐promoting effect of Rumex japonicus (RJ) Houtt. root extract using human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), HaCaT cells, and C57BL/6 mice model. RJ induced antiapoptotic and proliferative effects on DPCs and HaCaT cells by increasing Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and activating cellular proliferation‐related proteins, ERK and Akt. RJ also increased β‐catenin via the inhibition of GSK‐3β. In C57BL/6 mice model, RJ promoted the anagen induction and maintained its period. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that RJ upregulated Ki‐67 and β‐catenin expressions, suggesting that the hair growth effect of RJ may be mediated through the reinforcement of hair cell proliferation. These results provided important insights for the possible mechanism of action of RJ and its potential as therapeutic agent to promote hair growth.
Insights into Starch Coated Nanozero Valent Iron-Graphene Composite for Cr(VI) Removal from Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kumarathilaka Prasanna , Jayaweera Vimukthi , Wijesekara Hasintha , Kottegoda I. R. M. , Rosa S. R. D. , Vithanage Meththika
Published: November 2016

Embedding nanoparticles into an inert material like graphene is a viable option since hybrid materials are more capable than those based on pure nanoparticulates for the removal of toxic pollutants. This study reports for the first time on Cr(VI) removal capacity of novel starch stabilized nanozero valent iron-graphene composite (NZVI-Gn) under different pHs, contact time, and initial concentrations. Starch coated NZVI-Gn composite was developed through borohydrate reduction method. The structure and surface of the composite were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The surface area and pHpzc of NZVI-Gn composite were reported as 525 m2 g−1 and 8.5, respectively. Highest Cr(VI) removal was achieved at pH 3, whereas 67.3% was removed within first few minutes and reached its equilibrium within 20 min obeying pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting chemisorption as the rate limiting process. The partitioning of Cr(VI) at equilibrium is perfectly matched with Langmuir isotherm and maximum adsorption capacity of the NZVI-Gn composite is 143.28 mg g−1. Overall, these findings indicated that NZVI-Gn composite could be utilized as an efficient and magnetically separable adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI).
Vertical Phosphorus Migration in a Biosolids-Amended Sandy Loam Soil in Laboratory Settings: Concentrations in Soils and Leachates
Authors: Markunas Yulia , Bostan Vadim , Laursen Andrew , Payne Michael , McCarthy Lynda
Published: November 2016

The impacts of biosolids land application on soil phosphorus and subsequent vertical migration to tile drainage were assessed in a laboratory setup. Soil, representing typical “nonresponse” Ontario soil as specified by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), was amended with anaerobically digested biosolids at a rate of 8 Mg ha−1 (dry weight). Over five months, these amended soil samples from two different depths were sequentially fractionated to determine various inorganic and organic phosphorus pools in order to evaluate phosphorus vertical migration within a soil profile. Soil leachate was analyzed for soluble reactive phosphorus. The results indicated that biosolids application did not significantly affect phosphorus concentrations in soil and did not cause phosphorus vertical migration. The concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus also were not significantly affected by biosolids.
Morphine Antidependence of Erythroxylum cuneatum (Miq.) Kurz in Neurotransmission Processes In Vitro
Authors: Suliman Noor Azuin , Mohd Moklas Mohamad Aris , Mat Taib Che Norma , Adenan Mohd Ilham , Hidayat Baharuldin Mohamad Taufik , Basir Rusliza , Amom Zulkhairi
Published: November 2016

Opiate abuse has been studied to cause adaptive changes observed in the presynaptic release and the mediated‐synaptic plasticity proteins. The involvement of neuronal SNARE proteins reveals the role of the neurotransmitter release in expressing the opioid actions. The present study was designed to determine the effect of the alkaloid extract of Erythroxylum cuneatum (E. cuneatum) against chronic morphine and the influences of E. cuneatum on neurotransmission processes observed in vitro. The human neuroblastoma cell line, SK‐N‐SH, was treated with the morphine, methadone, or E. cuneatum. The cell lysates were collected and tested for α‐synuclein, calmodulin, vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP 2), and synaptotagmin 1. The extract of E. cuneatum was observed to upregulate the decreased expression of dependence proteins, namely, α‐synuclein and calmodulin. The effects were comparable to methadone and control. The expressions of VAMP 2 and synaptotagmin 1 were normalised by the plant and methadone. The extract of E. cuneatum was postulated to treat dependence symptoms after chronic morphine and improve the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor activating protein receptor (SNARE) protein involved in synaptic vesicle after.
Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor Based on Thioglycolic Acid-Capped CdSe QDs for Sensing Glucose
Authors: Jung Eun-Young , Ye Jun-Hee , Jung Sung-Hee , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: November 2016

In order to detect low level glucose concentration, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor based on TGA-capped CdSe quantum dots (QDs) was fabricated by the immobilization of CdSe QDs after modifying the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with 4-aminothiophenol diazonium salts by the electrochemical method. For the detection of glucose concentration, glucose oxidase (GOD) was immobilized onto the fabricated CdSe QDs-modified electrode. The fabricated ECL biosensor based on TGA-capped CdSe QDs was characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a fluorescence spectrometer (PL), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The fabricated ECL biosensor based on TGA-capped CdSe QDs is suitable for the detection of glucose concentrations in real human blood samples.
Low-Intensity Ultrasound Combined with Hematoporphyrin Monomethyl Ether in the Treatment of Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Zhuang Deshu , Ji Zongshan , Bi Liangjia , Wang Xiaochun , Zhou Qi , Cao Wenwu
Published: November 2016

Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether- (HMME-) mediated sonodynamic therapy (SDT) on experimental periodontal disease in rats.Methods. Periodontal disease was induced by submerging ligatures at the first maxillary molar subgingival region in forty-eight male SD rats. After 30 days, the ligatures were removed. The rats were randomly allocated into four groups; the experimental SDT group was treated through hypodermic injection of 40 μg/mL HMME and 3 W/cm2low-intensity ultrasound irradiation (1 MHz, 600 s). Those in control groups received 40 μg/mL HMME alone (control 1 group) or 3 W/cm2ultrasound irradiation alone (control 2 group) or were subjected to neither HMME nor ultrasound (control 3 group). After 10 days of treatment, all rats were euthanized, the maxilla was obtained for histological examination, and the alveolar bone level was evaluated by histometric analysis.Results. The control groups showed more bone loss (P<0.05) after 10 days of treatment than the SDT group. There is no significant difference among the control groups (P>0.05).Conclusions. HMME mediated SDT was an effective therapy of experimental periodontal tissue in rats.
Ultraviolet Spectroscopy Used to Fingerprint Five Wild-Grown Edible Mushrooms (Boletaceae) Collected from Yunnan, China
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Ji , Li Tao , Yang Tianwei , Wang Yuanzhong , Liu Honggao
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, wild-grown edible mushrooms which are natural, nutritious, and healthy get more and more popular by large consumers. In this paper, UV spectra of different Boletaceae mushrooms with the aid of partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were shown to be a practical and rapid method for discrimination purpose. The specimens of Boletus edulis, Boletus ferrugineus, Boletus tomentipes, Leccinum rugosiceps, and Xerocomus sp. were described based on the UV spectra. From the results, all the specimens were characterized by strong absorption at the wavelengths of 274 and 284 nm and showed the shoulder at 296 nm. However, changes could be seen in the peak heights at the same wavelength for different samples. After analyzing by chemometrics, visual discrimination among samples was presented and the relationships among them were also obtained. This study showed that UV spectroscopy combined with chemometrics methods could be used successfully as a simple and effective approach for characterization of these five wild-grown edible mushrooms at species and genus levels. Meanwhile, this rapid and simple methodology could also provide reference for the discrimination of edible mushrooms.
Study on the Effect of the Three-Dimensional Electrode in Degradation of Methylene Blue by Lithium Modified Rectorite
Authors: Huang Jian , Ming Yin’an , Du Ying , Wang Yingru , Wang Ci’en
Published: November 2016

This study presents the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) wastewater in a synthetic solution using three-dimensional particle electrodes. The novel particle electrodes were fabricated in this work using the lithium modified rectorite (Li-REC). The adsorption property of the fabricated particle electrodes was studied in a series of experiments. The optimum electrochemical operating conditions of plate distance, cell voltage, and concentration of electrolyte were 2 cm, 9 V, and 0.06 mol L−1, respectively. It was also found that microwave irradiation can effectively improve the adsorption property and electrical property of the fabricated electrodes. In addition, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the fabricated electrodes was investigated. The experimental results revealed the order of adsorption property and electrical property of the fabricated electrodes. So, fabricated electrodes are not only of low cost and mass produced, but also efficient to achieve decolorization of MB solution.
Primary Pulmonary Meningioma Simulating a Pulmonary Metastasis
Authors: Juan Chun-Mao , Chen Mei-Ling , Ho Shang-Yun , Huang Yuan-Chun
Published: November 2016

Primary pulmonary meningiomas represent a rare tumor entity. Few cases have been reported in the English medical literature, and they have almost all been solitary and benign in nature, with the exception of several extremely rare cases. We report herein a case of PPM that raised suspicion of a pulmonary metastatic tumor initially, as it was depicted as a single, round, small, ground-glass opacity pulmonary nodule on a chest computed tomography scan, in a 55-year-old man with a history of buccal cancer. Increased awareness of the clinical and radiologic characteristics of this rare category can assist a multidisciplinary team to perform adequate management.
Evaluation of a Standardized Extract from Morus alba against α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect and Postprandial Antihyperglycemic in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance: A Randomized Double‐Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Hwang Seung Hwan , Li Hong Mei , Lim Soon Sung , Wang Zhiqiang , Hong Jae-Seung , Huang Bo
Published: November 2016

To evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of a standardized extract of the leaves of Morus alba (SEMA), the present study was designed to investigate the α‐glucosidase inhibitory effect and acute single oral toxicity as well as evaluate blood glucose reduction in animals and in patients with impaired glucose tolerance in a randomized double‐blind clinical trial. SEMA was found to inhibit α‐glucosidase at a fourfold higher level than the positive control (acarbose), in a concentration‐dependent manner. Moreover, blood glucose concentration was suppressed by SEMA in vivo. Clinical signs and weight changes were observed when conducting an evaluation of the acute toxicity of SEMA through a single‐time administration, with clinical observation conducted more than once each day. After administration of the SEMA, observation was for 14 days; all of the animals did not die and did not show any abnormal symptoms. In addition, the inhibitory effects of rice coated with SEMA were evaluated in a group of impaired glucose tolerance patients on postprandial glucose and a group of normal persons, and results showed that SEMA had a clear inhibitory effect on postprandial hyperglycemia in both groups. Overall, SEMA showed excellent potential in the present study as a material for improving postprandial hyperglycemia.
Integrative Comparison of mRNA Expression Patterns in Breast Cancers from Caucasian and Asian Americans with Implications for Precision Medicine
Authors: Shi Yanxia , Steppi Albert , Cao Ye , Wang Jianan , He Max M. , Li Liren , Zhang Jinfeng
Published: November 2016

Asian Americans (AS) have significantly lower incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer than Caucasian Americans (CA). Although this racial disparity has been documented, the underlying pathogenetic factors explaining it are obscure. We addressed this issue by an integrative genomics approach to compare mRNA expression between AS and CA cases of breast cancer. RNA-seq data from the Cancer Genome Atlas showed that mRNA expression revealed significant differences at gene and pathway levels. Increased susceptibility and severity in CA patients were likely the result of synergistic environmental and genetic risk factors, with arachidonic acid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways implicated in linking environmental and genetic factors. An analysis that also added eQTL data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project and SNP data from the 1,000 Genomes Project identified several SNPs associated with differentially expressed genes. Overall, the associations we identified may enable a more focused study of genotypic differences that may help explain the disparity in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates in CA and AS populations and inform precision medicine. Cancer Res; 77(2); 423–33. ©2016 AACR.
Design of Surfactant Protein B Peptide Mimics Based on the Saposin Fold for Synthetic Lung Surfactants
Authors: Walther Frans J. , Gordon Larry M. , Waring Alan J.
Published: November 2016

Surfactant protein (SP)-B is a 79-residue polypeptide crucial for the biophysical and physiological function of endogenous lung surfactant. SP-B is a member of the saposin or saposin-like proteins (SAPLIP) family of proteins that share an overall three-dimensional folding pattern based on secondary structures and disulfide connectivity and exhibit a wide diversity of biological functions. Here, we review the synthesis, molecular biophysics and activity of synthetic analogs of saposin proteins designed to mimic those interactions of the parent proteins with lipids that enhance interfacial activity. Saposin proteins generally interact with target lipids as either monomers or multimers via well-defined amphipathic helices, flexible hinge domains, and insertion sequences. Based on the known 3D-structural motif for the saposin family, we show how bioengineering techniques may be used to develop minimal peptide constructs that maintain desirable structural properties and activities in biomedical applications. One important application is the molecular design, synthesis and activity of Saposin mimics based on the SP-B structure. Synthetic lung surfactants containing active SP-B analogs may be potentially useful in treating diseases of surfactant deficiency or dysfunction including the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Buffer Additives and Packaging Differentially Influence the Stability of Dyes Commonly Used in Chromovitrectomy
Authors: Parrado Aliod Begoña , Kugler Wilfried , Häring Tim
Published: November 2016

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the chemical stability of different dyes used in chromovitrectomy and the influence of various product parameters on it. Methods: Buffered dye solutions were prepared containing 1.5 g/L acid violet 17, 0.25 g/L brilliant blue G, 1.3 g/L bromophenol blue, and 1.5 g/L trypan blue, combined with deuterium oxide, polyethylene glycol 3350, and D-mannitol as additives. For accelerated storage testing, samples were incubated for 400 h at 80°C corresponding to 2 years according to the Van ‘t Hoff equation. After different incubation times samples were taken for UV/Vis spectroscopy, pH measurement, and osmometry. Results: Depending on dye, additive, and packaging, different solutions exhibit differences in chemical stability and hence shelf life. Packaging in syringes instead of vials increases dye stability. Additives may negatively influence important parameters, e.g. polyethylene glycol 3350 increases osmolality beyond the physiological range. Notably, acid violet 17 is chemically unstable except in D-mannitol-containing buffer, packed in syringes. However, simultaneously, D-mannitol leads to a pH shift below 7.0. Conclusion: In summary, dye solutions filled in syringes should be preferred to vials to slow down oxidative degradation. Especially acid violet 17 solutions should be used with caution because the addition of D-mannitol may contribute to pH values beyond the physiological range.
Worsening of Lymphopenia during Apremilast Treatment
Authors: Kolios Antonios G.A. , French Lars E. , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: November 2016

Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor recently registered for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in Switzerland and other countries. Even though it offers only moderate efficacy compared to biologics, many patients prefer drugs given by the oral route. Apremilast is frequently used in private practice, as it showed no relevant safety signals in clinical trials and often, laboratory tests are omitted completely. Here we report a patient who developed acute lymphopenia and worsening of psoriasis during apremilast treatment, which resolved with discontinuation of apremilast. We suggest that at least in prospective registries, that regular monitoring of laboratory surrogate markers should be performed on a long-term basis to detect rare but potentially important safety signals.
Klotho/FGF23 Axis in Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Lu Xiang , Hu Ming Chang
Published: November 2016

Background: Membrane αKlotho (hereinafter called Klotho) is highly expressed in the kidney and functions as a coreceptor of FGF receptors (FGFRs) to activate specific fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) signal pathway. FGF23 is produced in bones and participates in the maintenance of mineral homeostasis. The extracellular domain of transmembrane Klotho can be cleaved by secretases and released into the circulation as soluble Klotho. Soluble Klotho does not only weakly activate FGFRs to transduce the FGF23 signaling pathway, but also functions as an enzyme and hormonal substance to play a variety of biological functions. FGF23 exerts its biological effects through activation of FGFRs in a Klotho-dependent manner. However, extremely high FGF23 can exert its pathological action in a Klotho-independent manner. Summary: The decline in serum and urinary Klotho followed by a rise in serum FGF23 at an early stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) functions as an early biomarker for kidney dysfunction and can also serve as a predictor for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in both CKD patients and the general population. Moreover, Klotho deficiency is a pathogenic factor for CKD progression and CVD. FGF23 may also contribute to CVD. Prevention of Klotho decline, reactivation of endogenous Klotho production, or supplementation of exogenous Klotho attenuate renal fibrosis, retard CKD progression, improve mineral metabolism, ameliorate cardiomyopathy, and alleviate vascular calcification in CKD. However, the poor CVD outcome after depletion of FGF23 with FGF23 antibody stimulates the generation of a more specific inhibitor of FGF23 for CKD treatment. Key Message: Klotho/FGF23 may not only be diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers for CKD and CVD, but are also pathogenic contributors to CKD progression and CVD development. The Klotho/FGF23 axis should be a novel target for renal clinics.
Isolation of lizard populations measured with molecular genetic data – Podarcis guadarramae in the Ria de Arosa archipelago
Authors: Băncilă Raluca I. , Arntzen Jan W.
Published: November 2016

Under a documented paleogeographic history of the Ria de Arosa archipelago, northwestern Spain, predictions can be made on the duration and strength of isolation ofPodarcis guadarramaelizard populations that were ‘captured’ on the islands when sea-levels rose. We predict that genetic diversity: i) is lower on islands than on the mainland, ii) increases with island size, and iii) decreases with increasing distance from the mainland. We also predict that the population genetic structure across islands and the mainland conforms to a pattern of isolation by distance (iv). To test these hypotheses, we analysed a panel of nine highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. The first (i) hypothesis was corroborated. We discuss our findings in the light of the effects of habitat fragmentation and lizard conservation.
Seven at one blow: the origin of major lineages of the viviparous Lycian salamanders (Lyciasalamandra Veith and Steinfartz, 2004) was triggered by a single paleo-historic event
Authors: Veith Michael , Göçmen Bayram , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos , Kieren Sarah , Godmann Olaf , Steinfartz Sebastian
Published: November 2016

The number of tectonic and climatic events that are used to explain speciation processes in the eastern Mediterranean region is low compared to the western Mediterranean. Among them, the emergence of the mid-Aegean trench and the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) often concurred with speciation time estimates that were inferred from molecular data. We here present a dated molecular phylogeny ofLyciasalamandrafrom Turkey and Greece based on ca. 4500 bp of the mitochondrial genome (3000 bp of three nuclear genes appeared to be completely inconclusive due to their extremely low degree of variation among taxa). Seven major lineages emerged simultaneously from a basal hard polytomy. A scenario that dates this polytomy to 12.3 and 10.2 million years ago, around the final emergence of the mid-Aegean trench, appears to be most plausible. The MSC can be made responsible for first intraspecific divergence events withinL. luschani,L. fazilaeandL. flavimembris. Further diversification can be explained by Pliocene and Pleistocene glaciations. Based on levels of molecular differentiation we suggest the recently described speciesL. arikani,L. irfaniandL. yehudahito be treated as subspecies ofL. billae.
“…And on the Fourth Day They Spotted Us”: The macv Recondo School and the lrrps in Vietnam
Authors: Sandy James A.
Published: November 2016

The United States military experienced a watershed moment during the Vietnam War, where special and conventional warfare came together. The macv Recondo School represents a significant shift in the mindset of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, illuminating a change that saw American commanders like General William Westmoreland attempt to spread Special Warfare ideals into their conventional line units, demonstrating the growing acceptance and importance of such warfare within the U.S. military. William Westmoreland’s influential role in the construction and implementation of this school and its training program sheds new light on both his personal relationship to such forces as well as the entire military experience in Vietnam. The wide reach of Recondo graduates represents the significant impact that this school had on the U.S. Army and multiple foreign military forces. Ultimately, the story of the Recondo School highlights the beginning of a trend that joins the two separate worlds of special and conventional warfare together.
A taxonomic review of Korean Liogluta Thomson (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) with descriptions of three new species
Authors: LEE SEUNG-GYU , AHN KEE-JEONG
Published: November 2016

A taxonomic review of the Liogluta Thomson in Korea is presented. The genus is represented in Korea by eight species including three new species, L. changwhani Lee & Ahn, sp. nov., L. jinilli Lee & Ahn, sp. nov. and L. rufescens Lee & Ahn, sp. nov. Two species [L. distans (Sharp) and L. ursi (Sawada)] are new to the Korean peninsula and L. pyonganica is recorded for the first time in South Korea. A key, descriptions, habitus photographs and illustrations of the diagnostic characters are provided.
Diaphorodoris alba Portmann & Sandmeier, 1960 is a valid species: molecular and morphological comparison with D. luteocincta (M. Sars, 1870) (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia)
Authors: FURFARO GIULIA , PICTON BERNARD , MARTYNOV ALEXANDER , MARIOTTINI PAOLO
Published: November 2016

The nudibranch Diaphorodoris luteocincta (M. Sars, 1870) shows two colour morphotypes defined as D. luteocincta var. alba and D. luteocincta var. reticulata, which are easy to identify and which share an overlapping distribution in the Mediterranean Sea and the North-Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Their systematics has long been discussed by several authors until recently when a molecular study proposed the two varieties as intraspecific colour variability occurring within D. luteocincta species. In order to solve their ranking status, we have carried out a morphological study on anatomical characters and molecular analyses on the mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rDNA) and the nuclear H3 gene. Results proved the usefulness of the integrative taxonomy approach in assessing species delimitation; in fact Diaphorodoris alba stat. nov. and D. luteocincta were revealed to be two different species. D. luteocincta var. reticulata is confirmed as synonym of D. luteocincta s.str. A hypothesis on phylogenetic relationship among most of the currently recognised species of the genus Diaphorodoris Iredale & O'Donoghue, 1923 is also here presented.
New species of Protosticta Selys from Vietnam with a key to the males of the P. curiosa group (Odonata: Platystictidae)
Authors: KOMPIER TOM
Published: November 2016

Three new species of Protosticta Selys, 1855, are described from Vietnam: P. proboscis spec. nov. and P. albifrons spec. nov., while P. satoi dark form is elevated to specific status as P. nigra spec. nov. based on structural and morphological differences. The female of P. linnaei is described for the first time and a key provided to the males of the P. curiosa group in Vietnam.
Riming Electrification in Hokuriku Winter Clouds and Comparison with Laboratory Observations
Authors: Takahashi Tsutomu , Sugimoto Soichiro , Kawano Tetsuya , Suzuki Kenji
Published: November 2016

Riming electrification is the main charge separation mechanism of thunderstorms, occurring mainly during graupel particle–ice crystal collisions. Laboratory experiments have found that charge separation polarity and magnitude depend critically on cloud water content and temperature. Several groups have mapped this dependence, but there are substantial differences between their results. These conflicting laboratory-derived riming electrification topographies can be tested by comparing them to field observations. Here, direct and simultaneous sonde-based measurement of both precipitation particle type and charge (videosonde) and cloud water content [hydrometeor videosonde (HYVIS)] in lightning-active Hokuriku winter clouds at Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, are reported. With decreasing height, summed graupel charge transitioned from negative to positive at a mean temperature of −11°C, and the mean peak cloud water content in the positive graupel domain was 0.4 g m−3. Thus, in cloud regions of relatively high temperature (≥−11°C) and low cloud water content (CWC; ≤0.4 g m−3), graupel particles were mainly positively charged. This result can be compared with those of laboratory riming experiments; for example, in this temperature/cloud water content domain, graupel electrification has been reported to be positive by Takahashi, largely negative in early reports using the Manchester cloud chamber, positive in later reports using the Cordoba and Manchester modified cloud chambers, and partially positive in a more recent report using the Cordoba cloud chamber.
Impact of Abrupt Land Cover Changes by Tropical Deforestation on Southeast Asian Climate and Agriculture
Authors: Tölle Merja H. , Engler Steven , Panitz Hans-Jürgen
Published: November 2016

Southeast Asia (SE Asia) undergoes major and rapid land cover changes as a result of agricultural expansion. Landscape conversion results in alterations to surface fluxes of moisture, heat, and momentum and sequentially impact the boundary layer structure, cloud-cover regime, and all other aspects of local and regional weather and climate occurring also in regimes remote from the original landscape disturbance. The extent and magnitude of the anthropogenic modification effect is still uncertain. This study investigates the biogeophysical effects of large-scale deforestation on monsoon regions using an idealized deforestation simulation. The simulations are performed using the regional climate model COSMO-CLM forced with ERA-Interim data during the period 1984–2004. In the deforestation experiment, grasses in SE Asia, between 20°S and 20°N, replace areas covered by trees. Using principal component analysis, it is found that abrupt conversion from forest to grassland cover leads to major climate variability in the year of disturbance, which is 1990, over SE Asia. The persistent land modification leads to a decline in evapotranspiration and precipitation and a significant warming due to reduced latent heat flux during 1990–2004. The strongest effects are seen in the lowlands of SE Asia. Daily precipitation extremes increase during the monsoon period and ENSO, differing from the result of mean precipitation changes. Maximum temperature also increases by 2°C. The impacts of land cover change are more intense than the effects of El Niño and La Niña. In addition, results show that these land clearings can amplify the impact of the natural mode ENSO, which has a strong impact on climate conditions in SE Asia. This will likely have consequences for the agricultural output.
A Sampling Method for Quantifying the Information Content of IASI Channels
Authors: Fowler Alison Margaret
Published: November 2016

There is a vast amount of information about the atmosphere available from instruments on board satellites. One example is the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) instrument, which measures radiances emitted from Earth’s atmosphere and surface in 8461 channels. It is difficult to transmit, store, and assimilate such a large amount of data. A practical solution to this has been to select a subset of a few hundred channels based on those that contain the most useful information.

Different measures of information content for objective channel selection have been suggested for application to variational data assimilation. These include mutual information and the degrees of freedom for signal. To date, the calculation of these measures of information content has been based on the linear theory that is at the heart of operational variational data assimilation. However, the retrieval of information about the atmosphere from the satellite radiances can be highly nonlinear.

Here, a sampling method for calculating the mutual information that is free from assumptions about the linearity of the relationship between the observed radiances and the state variables is examined. It is found that large linearization errors can indeed lead to large discrepancies in the value of mutual information. How this new estimate of information content can be used in channel selection is addressed, with particular attention given to the efficiency of the new method. It is anticipated that accounting for the nonlinearity in the channel selection will be beneficial when using nonlinear data assimilation methods currently in development.
Reprocessing the Most Intense Historical Tropical Cyclones in the Satellite Era Using the Advanced Dvorak Technique
Authors: Velden Christopher , Olander Timothy , Herndon Derrick , Kossin James P.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, a number of extremely powerful tropical cyclones have revived community debate on methodologies used to estimate the lifetime maximum intensity (LMI) of these events. And how do these storms rank historically? In this study, the most updated version of an objective satellite-based intensity estimation algorithm [advanced Dvorak technique (ADT)] is employed and applied to the highest-resolution (spatial and temporal) geostationary satellite data available for extreme-intensity tropical cyclones that occurred during the era of these satellites (1979–present). Cases with reconnaissance aircraft observations are examined and used to calibrate the ADT at extreme intensities. Bias corrections for observing properties such as satellite viewing angle and image spatiotemporal resolution, and storm characteristics such as small eye size are also considered.

The results of these intensity estimates (maximum sustained 1-min wind) show that eastern North Pacific Hurricane Patricia (2015) ranks as the strongest storm in any basin (182 kt), followed by western North Pacific Typhoons Haiyan (2013), Tip (1979), and Gay (1992). The following are the strongest classifications in other basins—Atlantic: Gilbert (1988), north Indian Ocean basin: Paradip (1999), south Indian Ocean: Gafilo (2004), Australian region: Monica (2006), and southeast Pacific basin: Pam (2015). In addition, ADT LMI estimates for four storms exceed the maximum allowable limit imposed by the operational Dvorak technique. This upper bound on intensity may be an unnatural constraint, especially if tropical cyclones get stronger in a warmer biosphere as some theorize. This argues for the need of an extension to the Dvorak scale to allow higher intensity estimates.
Radar Observations of Tornado-Warned Convection Associated with Tropical Cyclones over Florida
Authors: Martinaitis Steven M.
Published: November 2016

Statistical evaluations of tornado warnings issued during recent tropical cyclone events yielded an above-average false alarm ratio. This study analyzed tornado-warned convection associated with Tropical Storms Debby (2012) and Andrea (2013) using superresolution and dual-polarization data from Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler radars located throughout the Florida peninsula to identify precursor characteristics and signatures that would distinguish tornadic events prior to tornadogenesis. A series of radar-based interrogation guidance at varying ranges from radar is presented to help facilitate the reduction of the tornado-warning false alarm ratio without compromising the probability of detection. For convection within 74.1 km from the nearest radar, low-level velocity characteristics include a rotational velocity ≥ 10.3 m s−1 (20 kt), shear across the rotation ≥ 0.010 s−1, and a contracting rotation diameter. The convection should also exhibit supercell reflectivity signatures and at least a mesocyclone velocity enhancement signature or horizontal separation of greater ZDR and KDP values. Guidance at a range from 74.1 to 129.6 km is similar except for not requiring the presence of a supercell reflectivity signature and the change of the rotational velocity guidance to ≥7.7 m s−1 (15 kt) at the 0.5°-elevation angle. Convection at a range beyond 129.6 km only requires a rotational velocity ≥ 7.7 m s−1 (15 kt) at the 0.5°-elevation angle. Evaluation of the radar interrogation guidance for tornadic events and tornado-warned convection for six tropical cyclones reduced the number of false alarm events by 28.9% and reduced the false alarm ratio from 0.740 to 0.669.
Sexual Orientation in the Labor Market
Authors: Mize Trenton D.
Published: November 2016

Most analyses of sexual orientation and earnings find that gay men face a wage gap, whereas lesbian women earn higher wages than similar heterosexual women. However, analyses rarely consider bisexual men and women as a unique group separate from other sexual minorities. I argue that such binary views of sexual orientation—treating sexual minorities as a homogenous non-heterosexual group—have obscured understandings of the impact of sexual orientation on labor market outcomes. Specifically, I predict that unequal outcomes for gay men and lesbian women are partly due to the influence of family arrangements and their effects on earnings. In contrast, I argue that bisexual men and women should be the most disadvantaged in the labor market, due to particularly disadvantaging stereotypes, perceptions of choice to their sexual orientation, and prejudicial treatment. Using data from the General Social Survey ( N = 13,554) and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health ( N = 14,714), I show that family arrangements explain some of the observed earnings differentials for gay men and lesbian women. Bisexual men and women, in contrast, face wage penalties that are not explained by human capital differences or occupational characteristics. Perceptions of prejudicial treatment partially explain the observed wage gaps.
Values and Corruption
Authors: Kravtsova Maria , Oshchepkov Aleksey , Welzel Christian
Published: November 2016

Using World Values Survey data from several dozen countries around the world, this article analyzes the relationship between postmaterialist values and bribery (dis)approval in a multilevel framework. We find that people, who place stronger emphasis on postmaterialist values, tend to justify bribery more. However, the “ecological” effect of postmaterialism operates in the exactly opposite direction: A higher prevalence of postmaterialist values induces more bribery disapproval, and especially among postmaterialists themselves. In our view, this happens because the large number of people who internalized postmaterialist values generate positive social externalities which strengthen negative attitudes toward corruption. We outline a theoretical framework that explains why and how these externalities may emerge. Our results contribute to the literature on the sociocultural factors of corruption, provide a better understanding of the complex nature of postmaterialism, and also might be interesting in the light of ongoing discussions on whether moral attitudes are culturally universal or culturally specific.
National Personality Traits and Regime Type
Authors: Barceló Joan
Published: November 2016

Domestic theories of democratization emphasize the role of values, interests, and mobilization/opportunities as determinants of regime change. This article takes a step back and develops a model of national personality and democratization to ascertain the indirect effect of national personality traits on worldwide variation of regime type. In particular, I theorize that personality traits influence a country’s regime type by shaping citizens’ traditional and self-expression values, which, in turn, influence the establishment and consolidation of democratic institutions. Data from McCrae and Terracciano’s assessment of the five-factor model from 47 countries allow me to assess this hypothesis empirically. Results reveal that countries whose societies are high in Openness to experience tend to have more democratic institutions, even after adjusting for relevant confounders: economic inequalities, economic development, technological advancement, disease stress, climate demands, and methodological characteristics of the national sample. Although the effect of Extraversion on a country’s democratic institutions is also significantly positive, the inclusion of confounders weakens the reliability of this association. In an exploration of the mechanisms of these associations, a mediation analysis shows that the relationship between national Openness and democratic institutions is channeled through secular and especially self-expression national values. The same analysis with the effect of Extraversion on democracy indicates that the association between this trait and democracy is only channeled through national self-expression values but not national secular values. In short, this article constitutes a first step toward a more complete understanding of the cross-cultural psychological roots of political institutions.