bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smooth Wavelet Approximations of Truncated Legendre Polynomials via the Jacobi Theta Function
Authors: Pravica David W. , Randriampiry Njinasoa , Spurr Michael J.
Published: October 2014

The family ofnth orderq-Legendre polynomials are introduced. They are shown to be obtainable from the Jacobi theta function and to satisfy recursion relations and multiplicatively advanced differential equations (MADEs) that are analogues of the recursion relations and ODEs satisfied by thenth degree Legendre polynomials. Thenth orderq-Legendre polynomials are shown to have vanishingkth moments for0≤k<n, as does thenth degree truncated Legendre polynomial. Convergence results are obtained, approximations are given, a reciprocal symmetry is shown, and nearly orthonormal frames are constructed. Conditions are given under which a MADE remains a MADE under inverse Fourier transform. This is used to construct new wavelets as solutions of MADEs.
Cognitive Status Correlates with CXCL10/IP-10 Levels in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rocha Natália Pessoa , Scalzo Paula Luciana , Barbosa Izabela Guimarães , Souza Mariana Soares , Morato Isabela Boechat , Vieira Érica Leandro Marciano , Christo Paulo Pereira , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Reis Helton José
Published: October 2014

Cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms are of great interest in Parkinson’s disease (PD), since they are very common and lead to increased disability with poor quality of life. Inflammatory mechanisms have been implicated in PD and its nonmotor symptoms. In the current pilot study, we aimed to evaluate plasma levels of chemokines in PD patients and to analyze the putative association of chemokines with depressive symptoms and cognitive performance. We hypothesized that higher chemokines levels are associated with worse cognitive performance and increased depressive symptoms in PD. For this purpose, 40 PD patients and 25 age- and gender-matched controls were subjected to a clinical evaluation including cognitive and mood tests. Peripheral blood was drawn and plasma levels of CCL2/MCP-1, CCL11/eotaxin, CCL24/eotaxin-2, and CXCL10/IP-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PD patients and control individuals presented comparable plasma concentrations of all the evaluated chemokines. In PD patients, CXCL10/IP-10 plasma levels correlated positively with Hoehn and Yahr staging scale. In addition, the higher CXCL10/IP-10 levels, the worse performance on cognitive tests. Although there was no significant difference between PD patients and control individuals regarding chemokines levels, our preliminary results showed that CXCL10/IP-10 may be associated with cognitive status in PD.
Multistage Spectral Relaxation Method for Solving the Hyperchaotic Complex Systems
Authors: Saberi Nik Hassan , Rebelo Paulo
Published: October 2014

We present a pseudospectral method application for solving the hyperchaotic complex systems. The proposed method, called the multistage spectral relaxation method (MSRM) is based on a technique of extending Gauss-Seidel type relaxation ideas to systems of nonlinear differential equations and using the Chebyshev pseudospectral methods to solve the resulting system on a sequence of multiple intervals. In this new application, the MSRM is used to solve famous hyperchaotic complex systems such as hyperchaotic complex Lorenz system and the complex permanent magnet synchronous motor. We compare this approach to the Runge-Kutta based ode45 solver to show that the MSRM gives accurate results.
Syntheses and Discovery of a Novel Class of Cinnamic Hydroxamates as Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors by Multimodality Molecular Imaging in Living Subjects
Authors: Chan C.T. , Qi J. , Smith W. , Paranol R. , Mazitschek R. , West N. , Reeves R. , Chiosis G. , Schreiber S.L. , Bradner J.E. , Paulmurugan R. , Gambhir S.S.
Published: October 2014

Histone deacetylases (HDAC) that regulate gene expression are being explored as cancer therapeutic targets. In this study, we focused on HDAC6 based on its ability to inhibit cancerous Hsp90 chaperone activities by disrupting Hsp90/p23 interactions. To identify novel HDAC6 inhibitors, we used a dual-luciferase reporter system in cell culture and living mice by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). On the basis of existing knowledge, a library of hydrazone compounds was generated for screening by coupling cinnamic hydroxamates with aldehydes and ketones. Potency and selectivity were determined by in vitro HDAC profiling assays, with further evaluation to inhibit Hsp90(α/β)/p23 interactions by BLI. In this manner, we identified compound 1A12 as a dose-dependent inhibitor of Hsp90(α/β)/p23 interactions, UKE-1 myeloid cell proliferation, p21waf1 upregulation, and acetylated histone H3 levels. 1A12 was efficacious in tumor xenografts expressing Hsp90(α)/p23 reporters relative to carrier control–treated mice as determined by BLI. Small animal 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging on the same cohort showed that 1A12 also inhibited glucose metabolism relative to control subjects. Ex vivo analyses of tumor lysates showed that 1A12 administration upregulated acetylated-H3 by approximately 3.5-fold. Taken together, our results describe the discovery and initial preclinical validation of a novel selective HDAC inhibitor. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7475–86. ©2014 AACR.
Phenotype Switching: Tumor Cell Plasticity as a Resistance Mechanism and Target for Therapy
Authors: Kemper Kristel , de Goeje Pauline L. , Peeper Daniel S. , van Amerongen Renée
Published: October 2014

Mutations in BRAF are present in the majority of patients with melanoma, rendering these tumors sensitive to targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Unfortunately, resistance almost invariably develops. Recently, a phenomenon called “phenotype switching” has been identified as an escape route. By switching from a proliferative to an invasive state, melanoma cells can acquire resistance to these targeted therapeutics. Interestingly, phenotype switching bears a striking resemblance to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal–like transition that has been described to occur in cancer stem cells in other tumor types. We propose that these changes are manifestations of one and the same underlying feature, namely a dynamic and reversible phenotypic tumor cell plasticity that renders a proportion of cells both more invasive and resistant to therapy. At the same time, the specific characteristics of these tumor cell populations offer potential for being explored as target for therapeutic intervention. Cancer Res; 74(21); 5937–41. ©2014 AACR.
SIRT6 Promotes COX-2 Expression and Acts as an Oncogene in Skin Cancer
Authors: Ming Mei , Han Weinong , Zhao Baozhong , Sundaresan Nagalingam R. , Deng Chu-Xia , Gupta Mahesh P. , He Yu-Ying
Published: October 2014

SIRT6 is a SIR2 family member that regulates multiple molecular pathways involved in metabolism, genomic stability, and aging. It has been proposed previously that SIRT6 is a tumor suppressor in cancer. Here, we challenge this concept by presenting evidence that skin-specific deletion of SIRT6 in the mouse inhibits skin tumorigenesis. SIRT6 promoted expression of COX-2 by repressing AMPK signaling, thereby increasing cell proliferation and survival in the skin epidermis. SIRT6 expression in skin keratinocytes was increased by exposure to UVB light through activation of the AKT pathway. Clinically, we found that SIRT6 was upregulated in human skin squamous cell carcinoma. Taken together, our results provide evidence that SIRT6 functions as an oncogene in the epidermis and suggest greater complexity to its role in epithelial carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 74(20); 5925–33. ©2014 AACR.
Emerging Role of Infectious Etiologies in the Pathogenesis of Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphomas
Authors: Zucca Emanuele , Bertoni Francesco , Vannata Barbara , Cavalli Franco
Published: October 2014

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) arise from lymphoid populations that are induced by chronic inflammation in extranodal sites. The most frequently affected organ is the stomach, where MALT lymphoma is incontrovertibly associated with a chronic gastritis induced by a microbial pathogen, Helicobacter pylori. Gastric MALT lymphoma therefore represents a paradigm for evaluating inflammation-associated lymphomagenesis, which may lead to a deeper understanding of a possible etiologic association between other microorganisms and nongastric marginal zone lymphomas. Besides infectious etiology, chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren syndrome or Hashimoto thyroiditis, can also carry a significant risk factor for the development of marginal zone lymphoma. In addition to the continuous antigenic drive, additional oncogenic events play a relevant role in lymphoma growth and progression to the point at which the lymphoproliferative process may eventually become independent of antigenic stimulation. Recent studies on MALT lymphomas have in fact demonstrated genetic alterations affecting the NF-κB) pathway, a major signaling pathway involved in many cancers. This review aims to present marginal zone lymphoma as an example of the close pathogenetic link between chronic inflammation and tumor development, with particular attention to the role of infectious agents and the integration of these observations into everyday clinical practice.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Paradigm Shifts in Lymphoma.”

Clin Cancer Res; 20(20); 5207–16. ©2014 AACR.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Inhibitors Combined with Imatinib in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Rationale and Efficacy
Authors: Van Looy Thomas , Wozniak Agnieszka , Floris Giuseppe , Sciot Raf , Li Haifu , Wellens Jasmien , Vanleeuw Ulla , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Manley Paul W. , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Schöffski Patrick
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The PI3K signaling pathway drives tumor cell proliferation and survival in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). We tested the in vivo efficacy of three PI3K inhibitors (PI3Ki) in patient-derived GIST xenograft models.

Experimental Design: One hundred and sixty-eight nude mice were grafted with human GIST carrying diverse KIT genotypes and PTEN genomic status. Animals were dosed orally for two weeks as follows: control group (untreated); imatinib (IMA); PI3Ki (BKM120—buparlisib, BEZ235, or BYL719) or combinations of imatinib with a PI3Ki. Western blotting, histopathology, and tumor volume evolution were used for the assessment of treatment efficacy. Furthermore, tumor regrowth was evaluated for three weeks after treatment cessation.

Results: PI3Ki monotherapy showed a significant antitumor effect, reflected in tumor volume reduction or stabilization, inhibitory effects on mitotic activity, and PI3K signaling inhibition. The IMA+PI3Ki combination remarkably improved the efficacy of either single-agent treatment with more pronounced tumor volume reduction and enhanced proapoptotic effects over either single agent. Response to IMA+PI3Ki was found to depend on the KIT genotype and specific model-related molecular characteristics.

Conclusion: IMA+PI3Ki has significant antitumor efficacy in GIST xenografts as compared with single-agent treatment, resulting in more prominent tumor volume reduction and enhanced induction of apoptosis. Categorization of GIST based on KIT genotype and PI3K/PTEN genomic status combined with dose optimization is suggested for patient selection for clinical trials exploring such combinations. Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 6071–82. ©2014 AACR.
Clinical Utility of a Blood-Based BRAFV600E Mutation Assay in Melanoma
Authors: Panka David J. , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Schalck Aislyn P. , Montaser-Kouhsari Laleh , Sepehr Alireza , Lawrence Donald P. , McDermott David F. , Cohen Rachel , Carlson Alexander , Wargo Jennifer A. , Merritt Ryan , Seery Virginia J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Gunturi Anasuya , Fredrick Dennie , Atkins Michael B. , Iafrate A. John , Flaherty Keith T. , Mier James W. , Sullivan Ryan J.
Published: October 2014

BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have led to clinical benefit in patients with melanoma. The development of a blood-based assay to detect and quantify BRAF levels in these patients has diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive capabilities that could guide treatment decisions. Blood BRAFV600E detection and quantification were performed on samples from 128 patients with stage II (19), III (67), and IV (42) melanoma. Tissue BRAF analysis was performed in all patients with stage IV disease and in selected patients with stage II and III disease. Clinical outcomes were correlated to initial BRAF levels as well as BRAF level dynamics. Serial analysis was performed on 17 stage IV melanoma patients treated with BRAFi and compared with tumor measurements by RECIST. The assay was highly sensitive (96%) and specific (95%) in the stage IV setting, using a blood level of 4.8 pg as “positive.” BRAF levels typically decreased following BRAFi. A subset of these patients (5) had an increase in BRAFV600E values 42 to 112 days before clinical or radiographic disease progression (PD). From 86 patients with resected, stage II or III melanoma, 39 had evidence of disease relapse (45.3%). Furthermore, BRAF mutation in the blood after surgical resection in these patients was not associated with a difference in relapse risk, although tissue BRAF status was only available for a subset of patients. In summary, we have developed a highly sensitive and specific, blood-based assay to detect BRAFV600 mutation in patients with melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3210–8. ©2014 AACR.
Influence of Sunflower Seed Oil on the Skin Barrier Function of Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kanti Varvara , Grande Claudia , Stroux Andrea , Bührer Christoph , Blume-Peytavi Ulrike , Garcia Bartels Natalie
Published: October 2014

Background: Inadequate skin care may increase morbidity in preterm infants. Skin care practices that support skin maturation have barely been investigated. Objectives: To investigate the effect of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on skin barrier development in low-birth-weight premature infants. Methods: 22 preterm infants (<48 h after birth, 1,500-2,500 g) were randomized into group C (control) and group SSO, receiving daily SSO application during the first 10 postnatal days, followed by no intervention. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin pH and sebum were measured <48 h after birth and on postnatal days 5, 11 and 21 on the forehead, abdomen, thigh and buttock. Results: Skin pH decreased, while sebum remained stable in both groups. In group C, TEWL remained stable; in group SSO, TEWL increased significantly on the abdomen, leg and buttock until day 11, followed by a decrease after SSO application had been stopped. Abdomen SCH remained stable in group C, but continuously decreased in group SSO until day 21. Conclusion: SSO application may retard postnatal skin barrier maturation in preterm infants.
Efficacy and Safety of Growth Hormone Treatment in Children with Hypochondroplasia: Comparison with an Historical Cohort
Authors: Pinto Graziella , Cormier-Daire Valérie , Le Merrer Martine , Samara-Boustani Dinane , Baujat Geneviève , Fresneau Laurence , Viaud Magali , Souberbielle Jean Claude , Pineau Jean Claude , Polak Michel
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: Hypochondroplasia (HCH) is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature. The aims of the study are to evaluate efficacy and safety of recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) therapy in HCH children, when compared with a historical cohort of untreated HCH children. Methods: Nineteen HCH patients with an initial height standard deviation score (SDS) ≤-2 and a mean age of 9.3 ± 3.1 years were treated with a mean r-hGH dose of 0.053 mg/kg/day over 3 years. Growth charts were derived from the historical cohort (n = 40). Results: Height gain in the treated population was +0.62 ± 0.81 SDS greater than in the general population, and +1.39 ± 0.9 SDS greater than in the historical untreated HCH cohort (mean gain of 7.4 ± 6.6 cm gain). A negative correlation between height gain and age at treatment initiation was reported (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in response between patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 mutations and those without. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: r-hGH treatment is well tolerated and effective in improving growth in HCH patients, particularly when started early. The treatment effect varies greatly and must be evaluated for each patient during treatment to determine the value of continued therapy.
NOX2-Derived ROS-Mediated Surface Translocation of BLT1 Is Essential for Exocytosis in Human Eosinophils Induced by LTB4
Authors: Min Arim , Lee Young Ah , Kim Kyeong Ah , El-Benna Jamel , Shin Myeong Heon
Published: October 2014

Background: Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a proinflammatory lipid mediator that elicits eosinophil exocytosis, leading to allergic inflammation. However, the detailed intracellular signaling mechanisms of eosinophil exocytosis induced by LTB4 are poorly understood. Herein, we report that NADPH oxidase (NOX)2-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated BLT1 migration to the cell surface is required for exocytosis in human eosinophils induced by LTB4. Methods: Peripheral blood eosinophils were purified and stimulated for up to 60 min with LTB4. The signaling role of NOX2-derived ROS in BLT1-dependent exocytosis in LTB4-stimulated eosinophils was investigated. Results: Stimulating eosinophils with LTB4 induced intracellular ROS production and surface upregulation of the exocytosis marker protein CD63 via BLT1-mediated signaling. LTB4 induced p47phox phosphorylation and 91phox expression required for NOX2 activation in a BLT1-dependent manner. Pretreatment with NOX2 inhibitors, but not mitochondria inhibitor, prevented LTB4-induced ROS generation and exocytosis. At 30 min after stimulation with LTB4, BLT1 expression at the cell surface was upregulated. LTB4-triggered surface upregulation of BLT1 was also blocked by inhibition of ROS generation with NOX2 inhibitors. Moreover, stimulation for 30 min with LTB4 resulted in the interaction of BLT1 with NOX2 by immunoprecipitation. LTB4-induced ROS generation, surface upregulation of BLT1 and exocytosis was also inhibited by pretreatment with a lipid raft disruptor, protein kinase C inhibitor, or Src kinase inhibitor. Conclusion: These results suggest that NOX2-derived ROS-mediated BLT1 trafficking to the cell surface plays a key role in the exocytosis of human eosinophils induced by LTB4.
Hypercoagulability in overweight and obese subjects who are asymptomatic for thrombotic events
Authors: Radu Claudia M. , Spiezia Luca , Gavasso Sabrina , Fadin Mariangela , Woodhams Barry , Vettor Roberto , Campello Elena , Zabeo Eva , Simioni Paolo
Published: October 2014

The role of circulating microparticles (MP) of different origin and tissue factor (TF)-bearing in overweight and obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome is still a matter of debate. In a case-control study, the presence of hypercoagulability was evaluated in overweight and obese patients by measuring MP, thrombin generation (TG) and FVIIa-AT complexes. Twenty overweight patients (body mass index [BMI] range 25–29.9 kg/m2), 20 with I degree (30–34.9 kg/m2), 20 with II degree (35–39.9 kg/m2) and 20 with III degree obesity (≥ 40 kg/m2) were enrolled and compared to 40 age and gender-matched normal weight individuals. A significant increase in median levels of all MP subtypes was observed in the three degrees of obese patients compared to controls. Overweight patients had higher levels of annexin V-MP (AMP), endothelial-derived, leukocyte-derived and TF-bearing MP than controls. Obese patients had a significantly shorter median lag time (p< 0.05), higher median peak thrombin (p< 0.01) and increased median endogenous thrombin potential [ETP] (p< 0.001) compared to controls. Overweight subjects had significantly increased ETP compared to controls (p< 0.05). Both AMP levels and ETP were found to positively correlate with BMI, waist circumference, and inflammatory parameters. No significant increase in FVIIa-AT complex was seen in cases compared to controls. We conclude that obesity is associated with overproduction of procoagulant MP and increase TG. Interestingly, hypercoagulability is found in overweight patients free of metabolic syndrome and increases with the severity of obesity. Assessment of MP and TG may be helpful in the early characterisation of the prothrombotic state in obese patients.
Educational Resources for Patients Considering a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Iacovetto Matthew C. , Matlock Daniel D. , McIlvennan Colleen K. , Thompson Jocelyn S. , Bradley William , LaRue Shane J. , Allen Larry A.
Published: October 2014

Background—

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are being used with increasing frequency to treat severe heart failure. Patients seek out informational resources when considering implantation. The primary study objective was to characterize the scope and quality of available LVAD educational materials.

Methods and Results—

In July 2013, we performed a cross-sectional search of Internet, print, and multimedia resources available to patients considering LVAD. Written materials <10 sentences, videos <2 minutes, and materials clearly directed to healthcare professionals were excluded. Seventy-seven materials met inclusion criteria. Potential benefits of LVAD therapy were discussed in all (n=77), whereas less often mentioned were risks (n=43), lifestyle considerations (n=29), surgical details (n=26), caregiver information (n=9), and hospice or palliative care (n=2). Of the 14 materials that recognized a decision or alternate treatment option, 7 used outdated statistics, 12 scored above an eighth grade reading comprehension level, and 12 met <50% of International Patient Decision Aid Standards criteria. In the survey participants rated all but one as biased toward accepting LVAD therapy.

Conclusions—

Although many resources exist for patients considering an LVAD, the content is suboptimal. Benefits of LVADs are often presented in the absence of risks, alternative options, and caregiver considerations. Most materials use outdated statistics, are above the reading level of average Americans, and are biased toward accepting LVAD therapy. There is no tool that would qualify as a formal decision aid.
Prognosis After First-Time Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease According to Disease Activity
Authors: Kristensen Søren Lund , Ahlehoff Ole , Lindhardsen Jesper , Erichsen Rune , Lamberts Morten , Khalid Usman , Nielsen Ole Haagen , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Hansen Peter Riis
Published: October 2014

Background—

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We examined the effect of active IBD on major adverse cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results—

In nationwide registries, we identified 86 790 patients with first-time MI from the period 2002 to 2011. A total of 1030 patients had IBD, and we categorized their disease activity stages into either flare (120 days), persistent (>120 days) activity, or remission. Short-term mortality was estimated in a logistic regression-model, whereas risk of recurrent MI, all-cause mortality, and a composite of recurrent MI, cardiovascular death, and stroke were estimated by Cox regression-models. Odds ratio of death during hospitalization or within 30 days of discharge (n=13 339) corresponded to 3.29 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98–5.45) for patients in IBD flares, 1.62 (95% CI, 0.95–2.77) for persistent activity, and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.78–1.19) for remission when compared with the non-IBD group. Among 73 451 patients, including 863 with IBD, alive 30 days after discharge, IBD was associated with hazard ratios of 1.21 (95% CI, 0.99–1.49) for recurrent MI, 1.14 (95% CI, 1.01–1.28) for all-cause mortality, and 1.17 (95% CI, 1.03–1.34) for the composite end point. When compared with the non-IBD group, IBD flares, in particular, were associated with increased risks of recurrent MI (hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.79–5.32), all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.61–3.15), and the composite end point (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.35–3.06), whereas no increased risk was identified in remission.

Conclusions—

Active inflammatory bowel disease worsens prognosis after MI, in particular, in relation with flares.
Mating in the harvestman Leiobunum vittatum (Arachnida: Opiliones): from premating struggles to solicitous tactile engagement
Authors: Fowler-Finn Kasey D. , Triana Emilia , Miller Owen G.
Published: October 2014

When mating interactions are influenced by multiple sources of selection, they may involve multiple stages of mate assessment. At each stage, a different set of morphological and behavioural traits may be important in determining the outcome of the interaction. Here, we test the potential for multiple sources of selection to shape mating interactions in Leiobunum vittatum harvestmen, commonly known as ‘daddy longlegs’. We provide a qualitative and quantitative study of mating interactions, and investigate the influence of multiple morphological traits on each of several distinct stages of their mating interactions. Mating interactions start with a struggle between males and females during which the male attempts to secure the females in a mating embrace. Success at this stage depends on the length of the male’s clasping pedipalps: those with shorter pedipalps (and thus greater mechanical advantage) were more successful. Male size relative to the female determines how quickly males achieve this embrace. Mating interactions then proceed to tactile exchanges between males and females, indicating the potential for mutual mate choice and/or peri- and post-copulatory selection. We found no morphological predictors of the timing of these later stages of the mating interactions, and suggest that the exchange of a nuptial gift is important for the dynamics of these stages. Overall, our results highlight L. vittatum as a potentially highly informative group for studying how traits involved in mating are shaped by the interaction of selection across multiple stages in mating interactions.
Within and between population variations of incubation rhythm of great tits Parus major
Authors: Álvarez Elena , Barba Emilio
Published: October 2014

Uniparental incubation frequently means that eggs remain unattended for periods where the incubating bird is foraging out of the nest. The determination of incubation rhythms (i.e., the length and temporal pattern of incubation sessions) and the factors which affect them are therefore important to understand life-history trade-offs. We described the incubation rhythm and its temporal variation of a southern European great tit Parus major population, and review previous studies to check for latitudinal trends. In the studied population, females were active (from first exit in the morning to last entrance in the evening) 12.5 h per day, performing incubation sessions (on-bouts) of 26 min and recesses (off-bouts) of 12 min. Thus, they were incubating around 67% of their active day, or 83% of the whole day. Attentiveness (% of time incubating) increased throughout the incubation period, due to shorter off-bouts. The active day was longer as the number of daylight hours increased. We show for the first time in a bird species that attentiveness was constant along a latitudinal gradient ranging from Norway to Spain. Females spend a higher proportion of the daylight hours out of the nest as latitude decreases, compensating incubation time during the longer nights. Off-bouts were shorter in central European populations, increasing towards the north and the south, while on-bouts showed no latitudinal variation.
Reinstatement of Crotalaria pellita (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) and a new combination for its variety
Authors: Pandey Arun Kumar , Subramaniam Shweta
Published: October 2014

This work is part of a study on the taxonomic revision of the genus Crotalaria in India. Based on the types and specimens examined, literature survey and the rules of ICN, we recognize Crotalaria pellita as the legitimate name and synonymize C. ramosissima. Further, a new combination for the variety C. ramosissima var. ramnadensis is hereby provided.
Epimeria rafaeli sp. nov. (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Epimeriidae) from Western Australia
Authors: Coleman CHARLES OLIVER , Lowry JAMES K.
Published: October 2014

Members of the family Epimeriidae are reported in Australian waters for the first time and Epimeria rafaeli sp. nov. is described from deep water just south of the Abrolhos Island, Western Australia.
New or interesting Peritelini of the west-palaearctic fauna. XXV. A novel Italian species of the genus Meira Jacquelin Du Val (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Authors: PIEROTTI HELIO
Published: October 2014

A new species of Meira Jacquelin du Val from Island of Elba, M. tedeschii sp. n., is described. Some taxonomically important characters, which allow for the separation of this new taxon from other closely related species, are illustrated.
A new mycophagous species of the genus Gaurax Loew, 1863 (Diptera: Chloropidae) from Benin, Africa
Authors: NARTSHUK EMILIA P. , KURINA OLAVI
Published: October 2014

A special survey was undertaken to study the insects living in the sporophores of Basidiomycota in Benin, Africa. Three specimens of Chloropidae, which are described here as a new species of Gaurax Loew, were reared from two fruiting bodies of different species of fungi: Amanita subviscosa Beeli and a species of Boletaceae. The fungi were collected from Miombo woodlands in Central Benin. Fruiting bodies were placed in plastic containers covered with nylon gauze, while sawdust was used as a pupariation substrate. Details of collecting localities and the method of insect rearing have also been described by Disney et al. (2013). The new species belongs to the worldwide genus Gaurax Loew, which includes 157 known species, the majority of which are from the Australasian region (Pape & Evenhuis 2013, Nartshuk & Andersson 2013). Only three species are so far recorded from the Afrotropical region (Sabrosky 1980, Pape & Evenhuis 2013).
Role of Cross-Equatorial Waves in Maintaining Long Periods of Low Convective Activity over Southern Africa
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Behera Swadhin K. , Yamagata Toshio
Published: October 2014

Periods of low convective activity over southern Africa during the peak rainy season from December to February are known to be due to the northeastward displacement of the tropical temperate trough (TTT) systems from the landmass. In this study, using Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data, the authors show that the displacement of the TTT systems during long periods of low convective activity has origins in the Northern Hemisphere. Using standardized area-averaged outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) daily anomalies over southern Africa, long periods of low convective activity are defined as periods of positive OLR anomalies lasting consecutively for 5 or more days with a standard deviation of 1 or more. An eddy streamfunction anomaly composite of the periods of low convective activity shows an upper-level anomalous wave originating in the Northern Hemisphere and extending to southern Africa from the eastern Pacific and displacing the tropical–extratropical cloud bands from the southern African landmass into the southwestern Indian Ocean. The wave train is also seen to generate an anticyclonic anomaly over southern Africa, resulting in suppressed convective activity. Understanding the causes of the long periods of low convective activity will help in improving their predictability and also the predictability of seasonal rainfall over southern Africa.
Evaluation of Oceanic and Terrestrial Sources of Moisture for the North American Monsoon Using Numerical Models and Precipitation Stable Isotopes
Authors: Hu Huancui , Dominguez Francina
Published: October 2014

This work evaluates the oceanic and terrestrial moisture sources that contribute to North American monsoon (NAM) precipitation over a 30-yr period using the modified analytical dynamic recycling model. This computationally efficient modeling framework reveals previously overlooked moisture source regions such as Central America and the Caribbean Sea in addition to the well-known Gulf of California and Gulf of Mexico source regions. The results show that terrestrial evapotranspiration is as important as oceanic evaporation for NAM precipitation, and terrestrial sources contribute to approximately 40% of monsoonal moisture. There is a northward progression of terrestrial moisture sources, beginning with Central America during the early season and transitioning north into northern Mexico and the NAM region itself during the peak of the monsoon season. The most intense precipitation occurs toward the end of the season and tends to originate in the Gulf of California and the tropical Pacific, associated with tropical cyclones and gulf surges. Heavy stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in precipitation (δD and δ18O) collected for every precipitation event measured in Tucson, Arizona, for the period 1981–2008 complement the numerical results. The analysis shows that precipitation events linked to sources from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea are more isotopically enriched than sources from the Gulf of California and tropical Pacific. It is also seen that terrestrial regions that derive their precipitation from the Gulf of Mexico are also more isotopically enriched than moisture sources from the Pacific.
Regional white matter abnormalities in drug-naive, first-episode schizophrenia patients and their healthy unaffected siblings
Authors: Lyu Hailong , Hu Maorong , Eyler Lisa T , Jin Hua , Wang Juan , Ou Jianjun , Guo Xiaofeng , He Zhong , Liu Fang , Zhao Jingping , Guo Wenbin
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Shared neuropathological features between schizophrenia patients and their siblings may represent intermediate phenotypes of schizophrenia and can be used to investigate genetic susceptibility to the illness. This study aimed to discover regional white matter abnormalities in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and their unaffected siblings compared to healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population using optimized Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM).

Method:

A total of 51 drug-naive, FES patients, 45 of their unaffected siblings and 59 healthy comparisons were studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

FES patients exhibited significant regional white matter deficits in the left inferior frontal gyrus and left joint of external capsule and internal capsule compared with healthy subjects (corrected FDR, p<0.005). The sibling group also showed significant white matter deficits in these two regions compared with the healthy comparison group (uncorrected, p<0.001). White matter deficits with a less stringent threshold for significance in the left cerebellum anterior lobe, left middle frontal gyrus, left hippocampus, right anterior cingulate and right internal capsule were observed in patients compared to their siblings.

Conclusions:

Our findings extend those from previous VBM analyses showing that FES patients and their unaffected siblings may share white matter deficits in the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left joint of external capsule and internal capsule. These regional white matter deficits may be related to genetic factors related to schizophrenia susceptibility.
Unearthing the “Green” Personality
Authors: Brick Cameron , Lewis Gary J.
Published: October 2014

Pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors show substantial individual differences, and exploring their predictors can help reveal the origins of pro-environmental behavior. Basic personality traits may provide a partial explanation, but it is unclear which personality traits are reliably associated with pro-environmental behaviors. This article uses a specific type of environmental behavior, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to clarify which personality correlates are most robustly associated with behavior, and to test mediation of those effects through attitudes. A large ( N = 345) sample of United States adults representative in age, gender, and ethnicity completed the 100-item HEXACO personality inventory, a novel self-report measure of behaviors that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and scales of environmental and political attitudes. Accounting for demographics, emissions-reducing behaviors were most strongly predicted by Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion, and these effects of personality were mediated by attitudes toward the natural environment. These observations broaden the understanding of the etiology of environmental attitudes and behavior.
MSSQ-Short Norms May Underestimate Highly Susceptible Individuals
Authors: Lamb Steve , Kwok Kenny C. S.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to provide more reliable and robust norms for the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ-Short).

Background:

The previous norms for the MSSQ-Short involved a small sample overrepresenting younger female participants, which may provide misleading estimates of susceptibility in the general population.

Method:

We measured MSSQ-Short scores in a sample of 1,711 members of the general public in New Zealand and Australia. The sample is 6.6 times larger than the original norm sample, and age and gender closely match the general population.

Results:

Compared with the current study, the original norms underrepresent those of high susceptibility by a factor of 3.6, or 0.52 standard deviations. The analysis detected higher levels of susceptibility in females and significantly lower susceptibility in those ages 65 years and older.

Conclusion:

This study provides the largest sample of MSSQ-Short scores with more representative demographic characteristics of age and gender. Despite the potential for a self-selection bias toward high levels of susceptibility, we argue that the current norms provide more reliable and robust norms than the original sample.

Application:

These updated norms provide the tools for researchers and designers to evaluate the likely effect of various motion environments on the general population. Robust norm data can inform research, including general motion sickness research and environmental design.
Demobilization and Remobilization of German and Lithuanian Paramilitaries after the First World War
Authors: Balkelis Tomas
Published: October 2014

This article explores the dynamic relationship between demobilization and remobilization in Lithuania after 1918. Focusing on the formation of Lithuanian and German paramilitaries and their military roles in the postwar conflict, the article argues that their emergence was grounded in their experiences of the Russian revolution and demobilization. War veterans formed the nucleus of both groups but they were joined by new volunteers who saw the postwar conflict as an opportunity to fulfil their nationalist, anti-Bolshevik or revanchist aspirations. The paramilitaries played significant roles in state- and nation-building in the Baltic region.
What Fraction of Medicaid Enrollees Have Private Insurance Coverage at the Time of Enrollment? Estimates from Administrative Data
Authors: Dague Laura , DeLeire Thomas , Friedsam Donna , Leininger Lindsey , Meier Sarah , Voskuil Kristen
Published: October 2014

We use administrative data from Wisconsin to determine the fraction of new Medicaid enrollees who have private health insurance at the time of enrollment in the program. Through the linkage of several administrative data sources not previously used for research, we are able to observe coverage status directly for a large fraction of enrollees and indirectly for the remainder. We provide strict bounds for the percentages in each status and find that the percentage of new enrollees with private insurance coverage at the time of enrollment lies between 16 percent and 29 percent, and the percentage that dropped private coverage in favor of public insurance lies between 4 percent and 18 percent. Our point estimates indicate that, among all new enrollees, 21 percent had private health insurance at the time of enrollment and that 10 percent dropped this coverage. Our results show substantially lower rates than previous studies of crowd-out following public health insurance expansions and significant rates of dual coverage, whereby new enrollees into public insurance retain their previously held private insurance coverage.
Acute eosinophilic ascites: An unusual form of an unusual case
Authors: Kodan Parul , Shetty Meenakshi A , Pavan MR , Kariappa Ahalya , Mahabala Chakrapani
Published: October 2014

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is an uncommon disease characterised by eosinophilic infiltration in the gastrointestinal tract. EGE may involve more than one layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical features depend on the layer and location which is involved. We report an unusual case of eosinophilic ascites associated with antinuclear antibody positivity, which is an unusual variety of serosal form of EGE.
Self-Affirmations Provide a Broader Perspective on Self-Threat
Authors: Critcher Clayton R. , Dunning David
Published: October 2014

We present an “affirmation as perspective” model of how self-affirmations alleviate threat and defensiveness. Self-threats dominate the working self-concept, leading to a constricted self disproportionately influenced by the threat. Self-affirmations expand the size of the working self-concept, offering a broader perspective in which the threat appears more narrow and self-worth realigns with broader dispositional self-views (Experiment 1). Self-affirmed participants, relative to those not affirmed, indicated that threatened self-aspects were less all-defining of the self (although just as important), and this broader perspective on the threat mediated self-affirmation’s reduction of defensiveness (Experiment 2). Finally, having participants complete a simple perspective exercise, which offered a broader perspective on the self without prompting affirmational thinking (Experiment 3a), reduced defensiveness in a manner equivalent to and redundant with a standard self-affirmation manipulation (Experiment 3b). The present model offers a unifying account for a wide variety of seemingly unrelated findings and mysteries in the self-affirmation literature.
Economic Consequences of Bank Disclosure in the Financial Statements Before and During the Financial Crisis
Authors: Elbannan Mohamed A. , Elbannan Mona A.
Published: October 2014

This study examines whether bank risk disclosures are associated with operating performance and market valuation. Due to the inherent opaqueness of banking operations, regulators require increased risk disclosures to facilitate proper monitoring. However, the question of whether these increased disclosures reflect on performance and market value remains open in emerging markets. We measure bank operating performance using a balanced scorecard approach and find that higher risk disclosure is associated with higher operating performance and market valuation in a sample of Egyptian banks. Banks moving from the lowest to the highest risk disclosure deciles increase their risk-adjusted rate of return and market valuation roughly by 3.53 percentage points and by 0.068 basis points, respectively. That is, banks that are accustomed to providing relatively high level of risk disclosures “internalize” the performance lessons more fully and market participants value these increased disclosures. The setting is especially relevant to the study because it involves an emerging economy where banks have high-risk exposure due to global and local events that increased business uncertainties.
Standardized Slow Enteral Feeding Protocol and the Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Viswanathan Sreekanth , McNelis Kera , Super Dennis , Einstadter Douglas , Groh‐Wargo Sharon , Collin Marc
Published: October 2014

Background: Compared with early enteral feeds, the delayed introduction and slow advancement of enteral feedings to reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are not well studied in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Objective: To study the effects of a standardized slow enteral feeding (SSEF) protocol in ELBW infants. Methods: ELBW infants who followed an SSEF protocol (September 2009 to December 2012) were compared with a similar group of historical controls (January 2003 to July 2009). Short‐term outcomes between the 2 groups were compared by propensity score (PS) analysis. Results: One hundred twenty‐five infants in the SSEF group were compared with 294 historical controls. Compared with the controls, feeding initiation day, full enteral feeding day, parenteral nutrition (PN) days, and total central line days were longer in the SSEF group. There was no significant difference in overall NEC (5.6% vs 11.2%, respectively; P = .10) or surgical NEC (1.6% vs 4.8%, respectively; P = .17) between the SSEF group and controls. However, in infants with birth weight <750 g, NEC (2.1% vs 16.2%, respectively; P < .01) or combined NEC/death (12.8% vs 29.5%, respectively; P = .03) was significantly less in the SSEF group compared with controls. In infants who survived to discharge, there was no significant difference in the discharge weight or length of stay in PS‐adjusted analysis. Conclusions: An SSEF protocol significantly reduces the incidence of NEC and combined NEC/death in infants with birth weight <750 g. Despite taking longer to achieve full enteral feeding on this protocol, surviving ELBW infants demonstrated comparable weight gain at discharge without prolonging their hospital stay.
Multi-level biomarker analysis of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in bipolar disorder and adult ADHD
Authors: Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Reuß Martin , Meyer Andrea , Weber Heike , Gessner Alexandra , Leistner Carolin , Kopf Juliane , Schmidt Brigitte , Hempel Susanne , Volkert Julia , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Reif Andreas
Published: October 2014

Introduction:

Several studies have shown altered levels of nitric oxide (NO) and its stable metabolites (NOx-) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of psychiatric patients. The aim of our study was to replicate previous findings and investigate the influence of the nitrinergic system in bipolar disorder and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aADHD) in particular.

Methods:

The concentrations of NO2- and NO3- in peripheral blood in a sample of aADHD, bipolar disorder (BPD) and controls were analysed. The sample was genotyped for a three marker haplotype in the NOS3 gene (rs2070744, rs1799983 and Intron 4 VNTR) and for genetic variants of the NOS1 gene ( NOS1 ex 1c, NOS1 ex 1f). Finally, qRT PCR was performed.

Results:

We found significantly lower NOx- levels in BPD ( p<0.001). rs2070744 T/T-carriers of the whole sample showed increased mRNA expression of NOS3 ( p=0.05). Only in BPD an influence of rs2070744 was seen regarding NO metabolite levels; C/C carriers displayed lower NOx- levels ( p=0.05).

Conclusion:

We could replicate and extend previous findings showing altered NOx- levels in BPD and an influence of NOS3 rs2070744 on NOS3 expression and NOx- concentration. Together, these data point to a role of the nitrinergic pathway in BPD.