bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system: model validation under hypercapnia and hypoxia
Authors: Cheng Limei , Albanese Antonio , Ursino Mauro , Chbat Nicolas W.
Published: January 2016

A novel integrated physiological model of the interactions between the cardiovascular and respiratory systems has been in development for the past few years. The model has hundreds of parameters and variables representing the physical and physiological properties of the human cardiopulmonary system. It can simulate many dynamic states and scenarios. The description of the model and the results in normal resting conditions were presented in a companion paper (Albanese A, Cheng L, Ursino M, Chbat NW. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 310: 2016; doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00230.2014), where model predictions were compared against average population data from literature. However, it is also essential to test the model in abnormal or pathological conditions to prove its consistency. Hence, in this paper, we concentrate on testing the cardiopulmonary model under hypercapnic and hypoxic conditions, by comparing model's outputs to population-averaged cardiorespiratory data reported in the literature. The utility of this comprehensive model is demonstrated by testing the internal consistency of the simulated responses of a significant number of cardiovascular variables (heart rate, arterial pressure, and cardiac output) and respiratory variables (tidal volume, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, alveolar O2 and CO2 partial pressures) over a wide range of perturbations and conditions; namely, hypercapnia at 3–7% CO2 levels and hypoxia at 7–9% O2 levels with controlled CO2 (isocapnic hypoxia) and without controlled CO2 (hypocapnic hypoxia). Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to analyze the role of the main cardiorespiratory control mechanisms triggered by hypercapnia and hypoxia.
The role of hyaluronan in the pathobiology and treatment of respiratory disease
Authors: Garantziotis Stavros , Brezina Martin , Castelnuovo Paolo , Drago Lorenzo
Published: January 2016

Hyaluronan, a ubiquitous naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan, is a major component of the extracellular matrix, where it participates in biological processes that include water homeostasis, cell-matrix signaling, tissue healing, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation and migration. There are emerging data that hyaluronan and its degradation products have an important role in the pathobiology of the respiratory tract. We review the role of hyaluronan in respiratory diseases and present evidence from published literature and from clinical practice supporting hyaluronan as a novel treatment for respiratory diseases. Preliminary data show that aerosolized exogenous hyaluronan has beneficial activity against airway inflammation, protects against bronchial hyperreactivity and remodeling, and disrupts the biofilm associated with chronic infection. This suggests a role in airway diseases with a predominant inflammatory component such as rhinosinusitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. The potential for hyaluronan to complement conventional therapy will become clearer when data are available from controlled trials in larger patient populations.
Investigation of the Reduction of Graphene Oxide by Lithium Triethylborohydride
Authors: Xu Guangyuan , Malmström Jenny , Edmonds Neil , Broderick Neil , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka , Jin Jianyong
Published: January 2016

The chemical reduction of a wet colloidal suspension of graphene oxide is a cost-effective and adaptable method for large scale production of “quasi” graphene for a wide variety of optoelectronic applications. In this study, modified Hummers’ procedure was used to synthesize high quality graphene oxide at 50°C. This modified protocol thus eliminates the potentially hazardous second high-temperature step in Hummers’ method for the production of GO. Furthermore, the reduction of graphene oxide by lithium triethylborohydride is demonstrated for the first time. According to FT-IR, UV-Vis, TGA, Raman, SEM/EDS, and AFM results, the reduced graphene oxide (LiEt3BH-RGO) has properties comparable to other reduced graphene oxide products reported in the literature.
Nicotine InhibitsClostridium difficileToxin A-Induced Colitis but Not Ileitis in Rats
Authors: Vigna Steven R.
Published: January 2016

Nicotine is protective in ulcerative colitis but not Crohn’s disease of the small intestine, but little is known about the effects of nicotine onClostridium difficiletoxin A-induced enteritis. Isolated ileal or colonic segments in anesthetized rats were pretreated with nicotine bitartrate or other pharmacological agents before intraluminal injection of toxin A. After 3 hours, the treated segments were removed and inflammation was assessed. Nicotine biphasically inhibited toxin A colitis but not ileitis. Pretreatment with the nicotinic receptor antagonist, hexamethonium, blocked the effects of nicotine. Pretreating the colonic segments with hexamethonium before toxin A administration resulted in more inflammation than seen with toxin A alone, suggesting that a tonic nicotinic anti-inflammatory condition exists in the colon. Nicotine also inhibited toxin A-induced increased colonic concentrations of the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1) agonist, leukotriene B4(LTB4), and release of the proinflammatory neuropeptide, substance P. Pretreatment with nicotine did not protect against direct TRPV1-mediated colitis caused by intraluminal capsaicin. Nicotinic cholinergic receptors tonically protect the colon against inflammation and nicotine inhibits toxin A colitis but not toxin A ileitis in rats in part by inhibition of toxin A-induced activation of TRPV1 by endogenous TRPV1 agonists such as LTB4.
Effect of Disturbance Regimes on Spatial Patterns of Tree Species in Three Sites in a Tropical Evergreen Forest in Vietnam
Authors: Ngoc Le Do Thi , Van Thinh Nguyen , The Dung Nguyen , Mitlöhner Ralph
Published: January 2016

The effects of disturbance regimes on the spatial patterns of the five most abundant species were investigated in three sites in a tropical forest at Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, Vietnam. Three permanent one-ha plots were established in undisturbed forest (UDF), lightly disturbed forest (LDF), and highly disturbed forest (HDF). All trees ≥5 cm DBH were measured in twenty-five 20 m × 20 m subplots. A total of 57 tree species belonging to 26 families were identified in the three forest types. The UDF had the highest basal area (30 m2 ha−1), followed by the LDF (17 m2 ha−1) and the HDF (13.0 m2 ha−1). The UDF also had the highest tree density (751 individuals ha−1) while the HDF held the lowest (478 individuals ha−1). Across all species, there were 417 “juveniles,” 267 “subadults,” and 67 “adults” in the UDF, while 274 “juveniles,” 230 “subadults,” and 36 “adults” were recorded in the LDF. 238 “juveniles,” 227 “subadults,” and 13 “adults” were obtained in the HDF. The univariate and bivariate data with pair- and mark-correlation functions of intra- and interspecific interactions of the five most abundant species changed in the three forest types. Most species indicated clumping or regular distributions at small scale, but a high ratio of negative interspecific small-scale associations was recorded in both the LDF and HDF sites. These were, however, rare in the UDF.
Morphological and Physicochemical Characterization of Agglomerates of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Cell Culture Media
Authors: Freyre-Fonseca Verónica , Téllez-Medina Darío I. , Medina-Reyes Estefany I. , Cornejo-Mazón Maribel , López-Villegas Edgar O. , Alamilla-Beltrán Liliana , Ocotlán-Flores José , Chirino Yolanda I. , Gutiérrez-López Gustavo F.
Published: January 2016

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NP) are possible carcinogenic materials (2B-IARC) and their toxicity depends on shape, size, and electrical charge of primary NP and on the system formed by NP media. The aim of this work was to characterize agglomerates of three TiO2NP by evaluating their morphometry, stability, and zeta potential (ζ) in liquid media and their changes with time. Sizes of agglomerates by dynamic light scattering (DLS) resulted to be 10–50 times larger than those obtained by digital image analysis (DIA) given the charged zone around particles. Fractal dimension (FD) was highest for agglomerates of spheres and belts in F12K, and in E171 in FBS media. E171 and belts increased FD with time. At time zero, using water as dispersant FD was larger for agglomerates of spheres than for of E171. Belts suspended in water had the smallest values of circularity (Ci) which was approximately unchanged with time. All dispersions hadζvalues around −30 mV at physiological pH (7.4) and dispersions of NP in water and FBS showed maximum stability (Turbiscan Lab analysis). Results help in understanding the complex NP geometry-size-stability relationships when performingin vivoandin vitroenvironmental-toxicity works and help in supporting decisions on the usage of TiO2NP.
Label-Free Proteomic Analysis of Flavohemoglobin Deleted Strain ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Panja Chiranjit , Setty Rakesh K.S. , Vaidyanathan Gopal , Ghosh Sanjay
Published: January 2016

Yeast flavohemoglobin, YHb, encoded by the nuclear gene YHB1, has been implicated in the nitrosative stress responses inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. It is still unclear howS. cerevisiaecan withstand this NO level in the absence of flavohemoglobin. To better understand the physiological function of flavohemoglobin in yeast, in the present study a label-free differential proteomics study has been carried out in wild-type and YHB1 deleted strains ofS. cerevisiaegrown under fermentative conditions. From the analysis, 417 proteins in Y190 and 392 proteins in ΔYHB1 were identified with high confidence. Interestingly, among the differentially expressed identified proteins, 40 proteins were found to be downregulated whereas 41 were found to be upregulated in ΔYHB1 strain ofS. cerevisiae(pvalue < 0.05).The differentially expressed proteins were also classified according to gene ontology (GO) terms. The most enriched and significant GO terms included nitrogen compound biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, translational regulation, and protein folding. Interactions of differentially expressed proteins were generated using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. This is the first report which offers a more complete view of the proteome changes inS. cerevisiaein the absence of flavohemoglobin.
Differential Mitochondrial Adaptation in Primary Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells from a Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Keller Amy C. , Knaub Leslie A. , McClatchey P. Mason , Connon Chelsea A. , Bouchard Ron , Miller Matthew W. , Geary Kate E. , Walker Lori A. , Klemm Dwight J. , Reusch Jane E. B.
Published: January 2016

Diabetes affects more than 330 million people worldwide and causes elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Mitochondria are critical for vascular function, generate cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and are perturbed by diabetes, representing a novel target for therapeutics. We hypothesized that adaptive mitochondrial plasticity in response to nutrient stress would be impaired in diabetes cellular physiology via a nitric oxide synthase‐ (NOS‐) mediated decrease in mitochondrial function. Primary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from aorta of the nonobese, insulin resistant rat diabetes model Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) and the Wistar control rat were exposed to high glucose (25 mM). At baseline, significantly greater nitric oxide evolution, ROS production, and respiratory control ratio (RCR) were observed in GK SMCs. Upon exposure to high glucose, expression of phosphorylated eNOS, uncoupled respiration, and expression of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and V were significantly decreased in GK SMCs (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial superoxide increased with high glucose in Wistar SMCs (p < 0.05) with no change in the GK beyond elevated baseline concentrations. Baseline comparisons show persistent metabolic perturbations in a diabetes phenotype. Overall, nutrient stress in GK SMCs caused a persistent decline in eNOS and mitochondrial function and disrupted mitochondrial plasticity, illustrating eNOS and mitochondria as potential therapeutic targets.
Loss Prediction and Thermal Analysis of Surface-Mounted Brushless AC PM Machines for Electric Vehicle Application Considering Driving Duty Cycle
Authors: Chen Tianxun , Wu Xiaopeng , Dong Yugang , Zhang Chengning , Liu Haipeng
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a computationally efficient loss prediction procedure and thermal analysis of surface-mounted brushless AC permanent magnet (PM) machine considering the UDDS driving duty cycle by using a lumped parameters’ thermal model. The accurate prediction of loss and its variation with load are essential for thermal analysis. Employing finite element analysis (FEA) to determine loss at every load point would be computationally intensive. Here, the finite element analysis and/or experiment based computationally efficient winding copper and iron loss and permanent magnet (PM) power loss models are employed to calculate the electromagnetic loss at every operation point, respectively. Then, the lumped parameter thermal method is used to analyse the thermal behaviour of the driving PM machine. Experiments have been carried out to measure the temperature distribution in a motor prototype. The calculation and experiment results are compared and discussed.
Atomic Force Microscopy of Structural-Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Reinforced by Silicate Needle-Shaped Filler
Authors: Morozov Ilya A. , Garishin Oleg K. , Shadrin Vladimir V. , Gerasin Victor A. , Guseva Maria A.
Published: January 2016

The paper presents the results of experimental studies of polyethylene-based composites reinforced with silicate needle-shaped filler (palygorskite) of different mass fraction (0, 5, 10, and 15%). These composites are less flammable and fire toxic than unfilled polyethylene. The structure (size, shape, and agglomeration of filler) and local mechanical properties of composites in nonstretched and elongated states were investigated by AFM. In stretched samples palygorskite takes a wavy shape, and at extremely high elongation the filler is orthogonal to the axis of tension. The smooth surfaces of the samples, required for AFM, were prepared using the heating/cooling procedure.
GC1118, an Anti-EGFR Antibody with a Distinct Binding Epitope and Superior Inhibitory Activity against High-Affinity EGFR Ligands
Authors: Lim Yangmi , Yoo Jiho , Kim Min-Soo , Hur Minkyu , Lee Eun Hee , Hur Hyung-Suk , Lee Jae-Chul , Lee Shi-Nai , Park Tae Wook , Lee Kyuhyun , Chang Ki Hwan , Kim Kuglae , Kang YingJin , Hong Kwang-Won , Kim Se-Ho , Kim Yeon-Gil , Yoon Yeup , Nam Do-Hyun , Yang Heekyoung , Kim Dong Geon , Cho Hyun-Soo , Won Jonghwa
Published: January 2016

The EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies are a valid therapeutic strategy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, only a small subset of mCRC patients has therapeutic benefits and there are high demands for EGFR therapeutics with a broader patient pool and more potent efficacy. In this study, we report GC1118 exhibiting a different character in terms of binding epitope, affinity, mode of action, and efficacy from other anti-EGFR antibodies. Structural analysis of the EGFR–GC1118 crystal complex revealed that GC1118 recognizes linear, discrete N-terminal epitopes of domain III of EGFR, critical for EGF binding but not overlapping with those of other EGFR-targeted antibodies. GC1118 exhibited superior inhibitory activity against high-affinity EGFR ligands in terms of EGFR binding, triggering EGFR signaling, and proliferation compared with cetuximab and panitumumab. EGFR signaling driven by low-affinity ligands, on the contrary, was well inhibited by all the antibodies tested. GC1118 demonstrated robust antitumor activity in tumor xenografts with elevated expression of high-affinity ligands in vivo, whereas cetuximab did not. Considering the significant role of high-affinity EGFR ligands in modulating tumor microenvironment and inducing resistance to various cancer therapeutics, our study suggests a potential therapeutic advantage of GC1118 in terms of efficacy and a range of benefited patient pool. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(2); 251–63. ©2015 AACR.
Real-Time Estimation of Core Infarct in Angiography Using Collateral Flow
Authors: Pop Raoul , Manisor Monica , Wolff Valérie , Freys Guy , Simu Mihaela , Marescaux Christian , Beaujeux Rémy
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose: In order to attribute a diagnostic value to angiographic runs performed before revascularization, we aimed at developing a regional evaluation of leptomeningeal collateral flow that can be used to detect and predict infarction when performing stroke endovascular procedures. Materials and Methods: We evaluated all consecutive patients treated for occlusions in the anterior circulation in our center between 2009 and 2013, with MRI imaging performed before the endovascular procedure. Two readers performed an evaluation of collateral circulation in 5 cortical regions based on the vascular anatomy. Regional scores were correlated with the presence of infarction in the same cortical sector on pretreatment and follow-up imaging. Global collateral scores for each patient were correlated with infarct volumes. Results: In 89 patients with 408 cortical regions, we found a significant correlation between the degree of zonal collateral flow and the absence of infarction in the same zone on pretreatment imaging. In a subgroup of 37 recanalized patients (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale 3) with 173 cortical zones, retrograde collateral flow to the proximal M4 segment predicted the absence of infarction within the same zone on follow-up imaging (positive predictive value 88.7%). We found good inter-rater agreement for the presence of collateral flow to the M4 proximal segment or further - k = 0.77 (p = 0.05, 95% CI 0.66-0.88). Global collateral scores correlated with infarct volume on initial imaging; all patients with scores ≥4 had infarct volumes ≤70 ml, whereas all patients with global collateral scores ≤1 had infarct volumes ≥70 ml. Conclusion: Anatomic collateral flow evaluation using the angiographic runs performed during stroke endovascular procedures can provide a real-time estimation of the volume and location of core infarct. For each cortical region, good collateral flow is associated with the absence of infarct on pre-treatment imaging, and is predictive of the absence of infarct on follow-up imaging in recanalized patients.
Cancer Therapy–Related Cardiac Dysfunction and Heart Failure
Authors: Bloom Michelle W. , Hamo Carine E. , Cardinale Daniela , Ky Bonnie , Nohria Anju , Baer Lea , Skopicki Hal , Lenihan Daniel J. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Lyon Alexander R. , Butler Javed
Published: January 2016

Advances in cancer therapy have resulted in significant improvement in long-term survival for many types of cancer but have also resulted in untoward side effects associated with treatment. One such complication that has become increasingly recognized is the development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Whether a previously healthy person from a cardiovascular perspective develops cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction or a high-risk cardiovascular patient requires cancer therapy, the team of oncologists and cardiologists must be better equipped with an evidence-based approach to care for these patients across the spectrum. Although the toxicities associated with various cancer therapies are well recognized, limitations to our understanding of the appropriate course of action remain. In this first of a 2-part review, we discuss the epidemiologic, pathophysiologic, risk factors, and imaging aspects of cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. In a subsequent second part, we discuss the prevention and treatment aspects, concluding with a section on evidence gap and future directions. We focus on adult patients in all stages of cancer therapy from pretreatment surveillance, to ongoing therapy, and long-term follow-up.
Safety and Efficacy of New-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents in Women at High Risk for Atherothrombosis
Authors: Giustino Gennaro , Baber Usman , Salianski Olga , Sartori Samantha , Stone Gregg W. , Leon Martin B. , Aquino Melissa , Stefanini Giulio G. , Steg P. Gabriel , Windecker Stephan , O’ Donoghue Monica , Wijns William , Serruys Patrick W. , Valgimigli Marco , Morice Marie-Claude , Camenzind Edoardo , Weisz Giora , Smits Pieter C. , Kandzari David , Von Birgelen Clemens , Dangas George D. , Cha Jin Y. , Galatius Soren , Jeger Raban V. , Kimura Takeshi , Mikhail Ghada W. , Itchhaporia Dipti , Mehta Laxmi , Ortega Rebecca , Kim Hyo-Soo , Kastrati Adnan , Genereux Philippe , Chieffo Alaide , Mehran Roxana
Published: January 2016

Background—

The safety and efficacy of new-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) in women with multiple atherothrombotic risk (ATR) factors is unclear.

Methods and Results—

We pooled patient-level data for women enrolled in 26 randomized trials. Study population was categorized based on the presence or absence of high ATR, which was defined as having history of diabetes mellitus, prior percutaneous or surgical coronary revascularization, or prior myocardial infarction. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization at 3 years of follow-up. Out of 10 449 women included in the pooled database, 5333 (51%) were at high ATR. Compared with women not at high ATR, those at high ATR had significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (15.8% versus 10.6%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.34–1.75;
P
=0.006) and all-cause mortality. In high-ATR risk women, the use of new-generation DES was associated with significantly lower risk of 3-year major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.52–0.92) compared with early-generation DES. The benefit of new-generation DES on major adverse cardiovascular events was uniform between high-ATR and non–high-ATR women, without evidence of interaction (
P
interaction
=0.14). At landmark analysis, in high-ATR women, stent thrombosis rates were comparable between DES generations in the first year, whereas between 1 and 3 years, stent thrombosis risk was lower with new-generation devices.

Conclusions—

Use of new-generation DES even in women at high ATR is associated with a benefit consistent over 3 years of follow-up and a substantial improvement in very-late thrombotic safety.
Neutrophil Activation Promotes Fibrinogen Oxidation and Thrombus Formation in Behçet Disease
Authors: Becatti Matteo , Emmi Giacomo , Silvestri Elena , Bruschi Giulia , Ciucciarelli Lucia , Squatrito Danilo , Vaglio Augusto , Taddei Niccolò , Abbate Rosanna , Emmi Lorenzo , Goldoni Matteo , Fiorillo Claudia , Prisco Domenico
Published: January 2016

Background—

Behçet disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis with a broad range of organ involvement, characterized by a multisystemic, immune-inflammatory disorder involving vessels of all sizes and often complicated by thrombosis. Systemic redox imbalance and circulating neutrophil hyperactivation have been observed in BD patients and are thought to be responsible for impaired coagulation. We here focused on the pathogenetic mechanisms potentially linking immune cell activation and thrombosis, and specifically examined whether neutrophil activation can affect fibrinogen modifications and consequently elicit thrombosis.

Methods and Results—

Blood samples were collected from 98 consecutive BD patients attending our dedicated Center and from 70 age- and sex-matched healthy controls; in all patients fibrinogen function and structure, fibrin susceptibility to plasmin-lysis, plasma redox status, leukocyte oxidative stress markers, and possible reactive oxygen species sources were examined. Thrombin-catalyzed fibrin formation and fibrin susceptibility to plasmin-induced lysis were significantly impaired in BD patients (
P
<0.001). These findings were associated with increased plasma oxidative stress markers (
P
<0.001) and with a marked carbonylation of fibrinogen (
P
<0.001), whose secondary structure appeared deeply modified. Neutrophils displayed an enhanced NADPH oxidase activity and increased reactive oxygen species production (
P
<0.001), which significantly correlated with fibrinogen carbonylation level (
r
2
=0.33,
P
<0.0001), residual β-band intensity (
r
2
=0.07,
P
<0.01), and fibrinogen clotting ability (
r
2
=0.073,
P
<0.01)

Conclusions—

In BD patients, altered fibrinogen structure and impaired fibrinogen function are associated with neutrophil activation and enhanced reactive oxygen species production whose primary source is represented by neutrophil NADPH oxidase.
Risks of Death and Stroke in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis With New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shih Chia-Jen , Ou Shuo-Ming , Chao Pei-Wen , Kuo Shu-Chen , Lee Yi-Jung , Yang Chih-Yu , Tarng Der-Cherng , Lin Chih-Ching , Huang Po-Hsun , Li Szu-Yuan , Chen Yung-Tai
Published: January 2016

Background—

Whether oral anticoagulant use should be considered in patients undergoing hemodialysis with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial because of the uncertainty regarding risk-benefit assessments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of ischemic stroke in patients undergoing hemodialysis with new-onset AF, in comparison with those without arrhythmia.

Methods and Results—

This nationwide, population-based, propensity score–matched cohort study used data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database during 1998 to 2011 for patients on hemodialysis with new-onset nonvalvular AF and matched subjects without arrhythmia. The clinical end points were ischemic stroke (fatal or nonfatal), all-cause death, and other serious adverse cardiovascular events. In comparison with the matched cohort, patients with AF (n=6772) had higher risks of ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.43), all-cause death (aHR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.52–1.67), in-hospital cardiovascular death (aHR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.71–1.94), myocardial infarction (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.17–1.51), and hospitalization for heart failure (aHR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.76–2.05). After considering in-hospital death as a competing risk, AF significantly increased the risk of heart failure (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.45–1.68), but not those of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Additionally, the predictive value of the CHA
2
DS
2
–VASc score for ischemic stroke was diminished in the competing-risk model.

Conclusions—

The risk of stroke was only modestly higher in patients undergoing hemodialysis with new-onset AF than in those without AF, and it became insignificant when accounting for the competing risk of in-hospital death.
Opportunities for the Cardiovascular Community in the Precision Medicine Initiative
Authors: Shah Svati H. , Arnett Donna , Houser Steven R. , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , MacRae Calum , Mital Seema , Loscalzo Joseph , Hall Jennifer L.
Published: January 2016

The Precision Medicine Initiative recently announced by President Barack Obama seeks to move the field of precision medicine more rapidly into clinical care. Precision medicine revolves around the concept of integrating individual-level data including genomics, biomarkers, lifestyle and other environmental factors, wearable device physiological data, and information from electronic health records to ultimately provide better clinical care to individual patients. The Precision Medicine Initiative as currently structured will primarily fund efforts in cancer genomics with longer-term goals of advancing precision medicine to all areas of health, and will be supported through creation of a 1 million person cohort study across the United States. This focused effort on precision medicine provides scientists, clinicians, and patients within the cardiovascular community an opportunity to work together boldly to advance clinical care; the community needs to be aware and engaged in the process as it progresses. This article provides a framework for potential involvement of the cardiovascular community in the Precision Medicine Initiative, while highlighting significant challenges for its successful implementation.
Great Turning: How Has the Chinese Economy Been Trapped in an Efficiency-and-Balance Tradeoff?
Authors: Lu Ming , Xiang Kuanhu
Published: January 2016

Large-country development faces the challenge of meeting the dual goals of economic growth and regional development, while resolving the tension between these two objectives. Over the past decade, the Chinese government has attempted to use the allocation of construction land and fiscal transfer payments to encourage the industrial development of its underdeveloped areas. This paper shows that this attempt was accompanied by an overall economic slowdown and a decline in resource allocation efficiency, which not only undermines the international competitiveness of China's economy, but also creates an elevated risk of debt. The paper points out that the realization of China's dual goals of efficiency and regional balance will require increased labor mobility rather than a simple increase in the scale of policy driven resource relocation.
Export of Recyclable Materials: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Okubo Toshihiro , Watabe Yuta , Furuyama Kaori
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we study the waste haven hypothesis, which predicts that waste materials will be exported from high-income developed countries with stringent environmental regulations to developing countries with less rigorous environmental protection. Using data on Japanese export of recyclable waste resources (plastic waste, waste paper, iron and steel scrap, and nonferrous metal scraps), we find evidence from our econometric analysis that Asian countries provide a waste haven for Japan. In particular, Japan exports waste materials to Asian countries with low per capita incomes and large markets. We suggest that environmental regulation should be tightened to reduce waste trade in Asia.
The Culture of the Jesuit Teacher 1548–1773
Authors: Grendler Paul F.
Published: January 2016

The culture of the Jesuit teacher consisted of his daily pedagogical attitudes, habits, and practices. In 1560, General Laínez decreed that the schools were the most important ministry and that all Jesuit scholastics and priests must teach. All taught grammar and humanities classes in the lower school for three to five years, and some Jesuits spent most of their careers teaching in the upper school. Learning to manage a classroom of fifty to one hundred boys with the aid of student helpers called decurions was part of teacher culture. Jesuit teacher culture strongly emphasized competition. It rewarded good students and punished weak students. A major purpose of Jesuit teacher culture was to educate boys to be good future leaders of the state and the church. Jesuit teacher culture gave preference to well-born students. It also urged teachers to help lowborn and academically weak students.
Veluticeps fasciculata sp. nov. (Gloeophyllaceae, Basidiomycota), a close relative to V. berkeleyi
Authors: Yang Jiao , Nakasone Karen K. , He Shuang-Hui
Published: January 2016

A new brown-rot fungal species, Veluticeps fasciculata, is described from southern China. It is characterized by perennial effused basidiocarps with smooth or tuberculose hymenophore, nodose-septate generative hyphae, fasciculate cystidia (as hyphal pegs in hymenophore) and relatively small basidiospores. It occurs on wood of Cunninghamia and Cryptomeria. Although similar to Veluticeps berkeleyi, morphological and molecular (ITS rDNA sequences) data show that V. fasciculata is a distinct species. Complete description and illustrations are provided for the V. fasciculata. In addition, V. fimbriata is reported from China for the first time.
Two new species and new records of chiggers (Acari: Leeuwenhoekiidae,
Trombiculidae) from birds in Vietnam
Authors: KALUZ STANISLAV K. , HUNG NGUYEN MANH , CAPEK MIROSLAV , LITERAK IVAN
Published: January 2016

A total of 12 chigger species (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) occurred on 7 bird species in Vietnam. Two new species, namely Neoschoengastia vietnamensis sp. nov. and Hypogastia stekolnikovi sp. nov. are described, figured and compared with similar species placed in relevant genera using differential diagnoses of related species. Figures and diagnosis of Leptotrombidium taiyuanense Tian and Wen, 1984 are added. Odontacarus audy (Radford, 1946), Leptotrombidium allosetum Wang, Liao and Lin, 1981, L. taiyuanense, Leptotrombidium hanseni Traub and Lakshana, 1966, Leptotrombidium kunshui Wen and Xiang, 1984, Leptotrombidium paradux Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976, Leptotrombidium turdicola Vercammen-Grandjean and Langston, 1976, Neotrombicula elegans Schluger, 1966 and Neoschoengastia longitar-salis Schluger and Belskaya, 1966 were recorded in Vietnam for the first time.
A checklist of the leafhoppers of Iran (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha:
Cicadellidae)
Authors: MOZAFFARIAN FARIBA , WILSON MICHAEL R.
Published: January 2016

A list of Cicadellidae (leafhoppers) of Iran is provided based primarily on literature records from 1902 to the present. In total 390 species are recorded from 13 subfamilies. Ninety three of the recorded species are considered to be endemic to Iran. The current accepted name is given for each species together with synonyms and literature citations relating to Iran. Selenocephalus darei is recognized as a published misspelling for Selenocephalus dareicus Dlabola, 1981. There is no evidence that the Nearctic species Empoasca fabae (Harris, 1841) and Erythroneura comes (Say, 1825) have been found in Iran; previous records appear to have been based on misidentifications. A brief distribution of species within Iran is provided.
The Importance of the Montreal Protocol in Mitigating the Potential Intensity of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Polvani Lorenzo M. , Camargo Suzana J. , Garcia Rolando R.
Published: January 2016

The impact of the Montreal Protocol on the potential intensity of tropical cyclones over the next 50 years is investigated with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM), a state-of-the-art, stratosphere-resolving atmospheric model, coupled to land, ocean, and sea ice components, with interactive stratospheric chemistry. An ensemble of WACCM runs from 2006 to 2065 forced with a standard future scenario is compared to a second ensemble in which ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are not regulated (the so-called World Avoided). It is found that by the year 2065, changes in the potential intensity of tropical cyclones in the World Avoided are nearly 3 times as large as for the standard scenario. The Montreal Protocol thus provides a strong mitigation of the adverse effects of intensifying tropical cyclones.

The relative importance of warmer sea surface temperatures (ozone-depleting substances are important greenhouse gases) and cooler lower-stratospheric temperatures (accompanying the massive destruction of the ozone layer) is carefully examined. It is found that the former are largely responsible for the increase in potential intensity in the World Avoided, whereas temperatures above the 70-hPa level—which plunge by nearly 15 K in 2065 in the World Avoided—have no discernible effect on potential intensity. This finding suggests that the modest (compared to the World Avoided) tropical ozone depletion of recent decades has not been a major player in determining the intensity of tropical cyclones, and neither will ozone recovery be in the coming half century.
Surprising Events and Surprising Opinions
Authors: Paolino Philip
Published: January 2016

The academic debate concerning public opinion about war focuses upon two explanations: cost/benefits and partisan cues. Both sides of this debate use laboratory experiments to estimate the influence of events and cues, but Gelpi is notable for using a well-designed experiment to compare the theories simultaneously. He argues that his results support the cost/benefits explanation as “surprising events” that counter individuals’ prior attitudes have significantly more effect than “surprising opinions” upon people’s attitudes toward the Iraq War. His analysis, however, considers only the direction, but not the strength, of people’s attitudes toward the war. Additionally, the measure of source credibility for determining the influence of cues is not optimal. When the analysis accounts for attitude strength and uses a better measure of source credibility, the results show little support for the effect of surprising events and markedly greater support for the influence of partisan cues.
The amenity value of the British climate
Authors: Meier Helena , Rehdanz Katrin
Published: January 2016

This study explores the amenity value of climate to households in Britain. We employ the hedonic technique and use household panel data to derive the marginal willingness to pay for small changes in climate variables. We analyse both the housing and the labour market. Climate is described in terms of heating, cooling degree and rain days. Evidence suggests that it is the housing market that mainly compensates for climate amenities. According to the results, the relationship between property prices and climate has an inverted u-shape. For the sample, about 50 per cent of the locations are close to the preferred levels of heating and cooling degree days while the results for rain days are more varied. Connecting the results to projections of climate change leads to the conclusion that future developments are likely to move a number of households further away from their preferred climate, thus leading to larger regional disparities.
Fifty shades of gay: Social and technological change, urban deconcentration and niche enterprise
Authors: Collins Alan , Drinkwater Stephen
Published: January 2016

The development of urban gay villages in England has previously been explored via the conceptual toolkit of the New Economic Geography. While arguably retaining explanatory legitimacy in historical perspective, looking forward its validity is contended to be terminally undermined by changes in broader macro-social trends. The intention of this work is to address a relative lack of attention devoted to broader macro-level processes contributing to the decline or significant re-configuration of urban gay areas. A revised developmental model is presented and considered as part of a transition stage towards a post gay era.
The clinical and biochemical characteristics of Yemeni adults and children with visceral leishmaniasis and the differences between them: a prospective cross-sectional study before and after treatment
Authors: Al-Ghazaly Jameel , Al-Dubai Waled
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To determine the clinical and biochemical characteristics of Yemeni adults and children with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and the differences between them.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study on patients with bone marrow aspirate confirmed VL evaluated at Al-Jomhori Teaching Hospital in Sana’a, Yemen.

Results

Twenty-eight (59.6%) patients were adults with a mean age (± SD) of 24.3 years ± 9.2 and 19 (40.4%) patients were children with a mean age (± SD) of 7.1 years ± 4.7. Fever, pallor, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were the most common clinical findings. Hypoalbuminaemia, hyperglobulinaemia, elevated LDH, hypocalcaemia and elevated CRP were common biochemical abnormalities. There was no significant difference in splenomegaly size or biochemical parameters with regard to grade of parasitic load. Both children and adults showed similar significant improvement after treatment.

Conclusion

Biochemical abnormalities were not related to degree of parasitic load and there were no clinical, biochemical or treatment differences between adults and children.
Influence of personality and fatalistic belief on taxi driver behaviour
Authors: Mahembe Bright , Samuel Olorunjuwon Michael
Published: January 2016

The religious perception among individuals in sub-Saharan Africa that the ‘Big Five’ personality dimensions and fatalism are predictors of drivers’ behaviours and road accidents has received little scientific investigations. This paucity of research in the roles of psychological factors such as personality and fatalistic beliefs in shaping positive driver behaviour and attitudes has thus provided motivation for the conduct of this quantitative study. We collected data from 203 conveniently sampled taxi drivers in Gauteng province of South Africa by means of a structured questionnaire. Our analysis, using Structural Equation Modelling, found significant positive relationships between agreeableness and positive driver behaviour, conscientiousness and positive driver behaviour, fatalism and extraversion, as well as fatalism and positive driver behaviour. The results highlighted the dimensions of being methodical, organised, and risk aversive on the road, on the one hand, and being social, cooperative, and good-natured, on the other hand. Findings of the study further indicated that fatalistic beliefs are prevalent and indeed characteristic of individuals who are sociable, gregarious, and assertive. These individuals tend to uphold their religious and spiritual beliefs in the linkages between road accidents and destiny. Insights provided by this study could assist the Department of Transport and related Road Safety Authorities in designing road safety campaigns that addresses the erroneous beliefs by drivers that road accidents are pre-destined, and not as a result of individual’s driving behaviour.
Using narrative analysis to understand factors influencing career choice in a sample of distance learning students in South Africa
Authors: Chinyamurindi Willie Tafadzwa
Published: January 2016

The making of career choice is seen as an important decision in an individual’s life. Research in South Africa suggests there is little yet growing empirical focus on the career development processes of individuals termed as ‘previously disadvantaged’ by the apartheid policy of racial separation. The goal of this study was to investigate the factors that influence distance learning students’ career choices among a sample of previously disadvantaged distance learners in South Africa. Data were collected from 40 participants using unstructured interviews. Upon analysis, five themes emerged as influencing career choice: the influence of (a) significant others, (b) academic performance, (c) personal circumstances, (d) environmental forces, and (e) career interventions. Furthermore, each of these factors influencing the making of career choice was accompanied by difficulty en route to the enactment of choice. Based on the findings of this study, career counsellors can come up with interventions targeted at previously disadvantaged individuals. This can not only help in empowering career counsellors to understand their clients but also help in understanding the career development processes of such clients.
Energy performance evaluation of direct solar floor in traditional and modern buildings
Authors: Kazeoui Habiba , Belarbi Rafik , Tahakourt Abdelkader , Ait-Mokhtar Abdelkarim
Published: January 2016

This paper reports results of a series of year-long simulations using TRNSYS computer code applied to Direct Solar Floor of a building made of local materials in Algeria. The Direct Solar Floor system was modeled and implemented using TRNSYS code. Then, energy saving was assessed through a mathematical approach calculating the heating load during winter. The internal climate was also evaluated by analyzing indoor temperatures and PMV along with PPD indices. Moreover, a parametric study was performed in order to evaluate the main characteristics that affect the performance of DSF with different construction materials used in Algeria.

Practical application: The use of renewable energies in Algeria is still not widespread despite its strategic geographical location. Because that the residential sector seems to be the biggest consumer of energy and it widely contributes to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, the technique of heating by Direct Solar Floor (DSF) could be a very interesting solution to reduce both of energy consumption and GHG emissions.

The DSF is still a relatively novel heating technology in Algeria. This paper describes the use of this technique in some typical Algerian constructions: old traditional buildings which are rarely used and modern buildings which are very common. Such as presented in this article, the use of local materials contribute to improving DSF performance. The parametric study presented in the paper offers designers decision-making tools to size appropriately a DSF heating system according to the construction materials used.
Disaggregating Within- and Between-Person Effects of Social Identification on Subjective and Endocrinological Stress Reactions in a Real-Life Stress Situation
Authors: Ketturat Charlene , Frisch Johanna U. , Ullrich Johannes , Häusser Jan A. , van Dick Rolf , Mojzisch Andreas
Published: January 2016

Several experimental and cross-sectional studies have established the stress-buffering effect of social identification, yet few longitudinal studies have been conducted within this area of research. This study is the first to make use of a multilevel approach to disaggregate between- and within-person effects of social identification on subjective and endocrinological stress reactions. Specifically, we conducted a study with 85 prospective students during their 1-day aptitude test for a university sports program. Ad hoc groups were formed, in which students completed several tests in various disciplines together. At four points in time, salivary cortisol, subjective strain, and identification with their group were measured. Results of multilevel analyses show a significant within-person effect of social identification: The more students identified with their group, the less stress they experienced and the lower their cortisol response was. Between-person effects were not significant. Advantages of using multilevel approaches within this field of research are discussed.
Student Response Systems
Authors: Thomas Cathy Newman , Pinter Erika Blood , Carlisle Abigail , Goran Lisa
Published: January 2016

This study presents findings from an investigation of student response systems (SRS) in an undergraduate preservice teacher education classroom to investigate the impact of SRS use during lecture on the topic of learning disabilities (LDs). Participants were randomly assigned to the SRS group, a written response group, or a no response group, and evaluated at pre- and posttest for content knowledge, during lecture for reading accountability and engagement, at posttest regarding satisfaction with the learning experience, and following lecture, participants were asked to respond to a case study of a student with LD. Findings indicated that all participants performed significantly better at posttest on the measure of content knowledge, with no significant differences between groups. On the during lecture measure of engagement, students in the written response group outperformed peers in the SRS group on reading accountability items, but students in the SRS group demonstrated significantly better understanding of content and reported higher efficacy for their learning in comparison with peers. Participants were satisfied with the learning experience created by SRS use and reported that it improved their accountability for reading, increased their engagement with content, and that given a choice, they would prefer to use SRS in future classes. However, in response to the case study, relatively low percentages of participants were able to generate viable suggestions for evidence-based practices that could improve academic and social outcomes for students with LD like the case student. Future research should further investigate the impact of SRS on learning and transfer.