bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short Exposure to a High-Sucrose Diet and the First ‘Hit' of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Fernandes-Lima Flavia , Monte Thiago Luís Ribeiro Gomes , Nascimento Fernanda Amorim de Morais , Gregório Bianca Martins
Published: June 2016

High-sucrose and high-fat diets induce deregulation in the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. This study aimed to detect the initial consequences on lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis and insulin signaling in the livers of rodents fed high-fat and/or high-sucrose diets for a short period of time. Male mice received a standard chow (SC), high-fat (HF), high-sucrose (HSu) or high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHSu) diet for 4 weeks. At euthanasia, blood was collected and the liver was removed for histomorphometrical and molecular analysis. The HF, HSu and HFHSu groups presented glucose intolerance, hepatomegaly, liver steatosis and lipid profile alteration when compared to the SC group (p < 0.0005). Additionally, there was an elevation in protein levels involved in lipogenesis (SREBP-1c), gluconeogenesis (PEPCK and G6Pase) and insulin signaling (IRS-1 and Akt) in the livers from the experimental groups compared to the SC group (p < 0.0005). Thus, we conclude that a short-term HF and/or HSu diet promotes glucose intolerance and liver damage in adult male mice. Surprisingly, the short exposure to excess sucrose in the diet promoted glucose intolerance and liver damage even in the absence of an increase in body mass or changes in serum insulin, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels.
Does Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant Fragmentation Affect Clinical Outcomes in Macular Edema from Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Im Jong Chan , Shin Jae Pil , Kim In Taek , Park Dong Ho
Published: June 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant fragmentation on clinical outcomes in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-induced macular edema (ME). Methods: All consecutive patients receiving an intravitreal dexamethasone implant for BRVO-induced ME were divided into two groups depending on whether the implant was intact or had fragmented into two or more pieces on postoperative day 1. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central subfield thickness (CST) on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were measured for 6 months. Results: Among 68 patients, the implant was fragmented in 6 (8.8%) and intact in 62 (91.2%) eyes. The two groups did not differ in BCVA and CST at any time point (all p > 0.05). There was no difference in the ME recurrence rate, frequency of IOP elevation, and cataract progression between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Fragmentation seemed not to influence clinical outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implantation during 6 months or to alter the frequency of adverse events.
FAM222B Is Not a Likely Novel Candidate Gene for Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Spiegler Stefanie , Kirchmaier Bettina , Rath Matthias , Korenke G. Christoph , Tetzlaff Fabian , van de Vorst Maartje , Neveling Kornelia , Acker-Palmer Amparo , Kuss Andreas W. , Gilissen Christian , Fischer Andreas , Schulte-Merker Stefan , Felbor Ute
Published: June 2016

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are prevalent slow-flow vascular lesions which harbour the risk to develop intracranial haemorrhages, focal neurological deficits, and epileptic seizures. Autosomal dominantly inherited CCMs were found to be associated with heterozygous inactivating mutations in 3 genes, CCM1(KRIT1), CCM2(MGC4607), and CCM3(PDCD10) in 1999, 2003 and 2005, respectively. Despite the availability of high-throughput sequencing techniques, no further CCM gene has been published since. Here, we report on the identification of an autosomal dominantly inherited frameshift mutation in a gene of thus far unknown function, FAM222B(C17orf63), through exome sequencing of CCM patients mutation-negative for CCM1-3. A yeast 2-hybrid screen revealed interactions of FAM222B with the tubulin cytoskeleton and STAMBP which is known to be associated with microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome. However, a phenotype similar to existing models was not found, neither in fam222bb/fam222ba double mutant zebrafish generated by transcription activator-like effector nucleases nor in an in vitro sprouting assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells transfected with siRNA against FAM222B. These observations led to the assumption that aberrant FAM222B is not involved in the formation of CCMs.
Haben Naturheilkunde und Komplementärmedizin einen Platz in Leitlinien des Registers der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften?
Authors: Nothacker Monika J.
Published: June 2016

Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften (AWMF) nimmt Aufgaben der inneren Zusammenarbeit, aber auch die Vertretung der medizinischen Wissenschaft nach außen wahr. Die Unterstützung der Erstellung hochwertiger Leitlinien ist ein zentrales Anliegen der AWMF, für diese wurde mit dem Leitlinienregister ein Qualitätsmanagement entwickelt. Leitlinien als ein Instrument der Qualitätsverbesserung und -sicherung sollten versorgungsrelevante Fragestellungen aufgreifen. Dies betrifft auch Patientenpräferenzen in Bezug auf Behandlungsoptionen. Da Naturheilkunde und Komplementärmedizin in Deutschland häufig von Patienten nachgefragt und eingesetzt werden, ist die Rationale gegeben, diese in Leitlinien zu thematisieren. Allerdings besteht zunächst ein Definitionsbedarf. Naturheilkundliche und komplementärmedizinische Verfahren sollten nach gemeinsamer inhaltlicher Festlegung in Leitliniengruppen wie andere Themen behandelt werden in Bezug auf die repräsentative Gruppenzusammenstellung, Formulierung von Schlüsselfragen, Recherche, Auswahl und kritische Bewertung von Studienevidenz sowie die Begründung für die Formulierung von Empfehlungen. Die bisherige Umsetzung in Leitlinien erscheint ausbaufähig - sowohl im Hinblick auf das Aufgreifen naturheilkundlicher und komplementärmedizinischer Themen als auch in Bezug auf deren inhaltliche Bearbeitung. Empfehlungen sind überwiegend offen oder negativ. Es besteht ein Bedarf an Forschung zu naturheilkundlichen und komplementärmedizinischen Verfahren mit geeignetem Studiendesign; auch dies kann in Leitlinien aufgezeigt werden.
Humeral Chondral Defect and Labral Tear Associated with Paraglenoid Labral Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Pirimoglu Berhan , Ogul Hayri , Kantarci Mecit
Published: June 2016

Objective: To report an unusual combination of paraglenoid labral cyst and labral tear with chondral defect of the humeral head. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 34-year-old man presented with right shoulder pain. Conventional MR imaging showed paraglenoid labral cyst. MR arthrography revealed a humeral chondral defect and labral tear associated with paraglenoid labral cyst, and a defect of the posterior inferior labrum extending to the superior labrum and humeral chondral defect. The patient underwent arthroscopic surgery. Conclusion: This case showed the importance of MR arthrography in a case that involved an unusual combination of paraglenoid labral cyst and labral tear with chondral defect.
Advantages and Limitations of Focal Liver Lesion Assessment with Ultrasound Contrast Agents: Comments on the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Guidelines
Authors: Chiorean Liliana , Tana Claudio , Braden Barbara , Caraiani Cosmin , Sparchez Zeno , Cui Xin-Wu , Baum Ulrich , Dietrich Christoph F.
Published: June 2016

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) represents a significant breakthrough in sonography. Due to US contrast agents (UCAs) and contrast-specific techniques, sonography offers the potential to show enhancement of liver lesions in a similar way as contrast-enhanced cross-sectional imaging techniques. The real-time assessment of liver perfusion throughout the vascular phases, without any risk of nephrotoxicity, represents one of the major advantages that this technique offers. CEUS has led to a dramatic improvement in the diagnostic accuracy of US and subsequently has been included in current guidelines as an important step in the diagnostic workup of focal liver lesions (FLLs), resulting in a better patient management and cost-effective therapy. The purpose of this review was to provide a detailed description of contrast agents used in different cross-sectional imaging procedures for the study of FLLs, focusing on characteristics, indications and advantages of UCAs in clinical practice.
AT
2
Receptor Activation Prevents Sodium Retention and Reduces Blood Pressure in Angiotensin II–Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Kemp Brandon A. , Howell Nancy L. , Keller Susanna R. , Gildea John J. , Padia Shetal H. , Carey Robert M.
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Compound 21 (C-21) is a highly selective nonpeptide angiotensin AT
2
receptor (AT
2
R) agonist.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that chronic AT
2
R activation with C-21 induces natriuresis via an action at the renal proximal tubule (RPT) and lowers blood pressure (BP) in experimental angiotensin II (Ang II)–dependent hypertension.

Methods and Results:

In rats, Ang II infusion increased both sodium (Na
+
) retention and BP on day 1, and BP remained elevated throughout the 7-day infusion period. Either intrarenal or systemic administration of C-21 prevented Ang II–mediated Na
+
retention on day 1, induced continuously negative cumulative Na
+
balance compared with Ang II alone, and reduced BP chronically. The effects of C-21 are likely to be mediated by action on the RPT as acute systemic C-21–induced natriuresis was additive to that induced by chlorothiazide and amiloride. At 24 hours of Ang II infusion, AT
2
R activation with C-21, both intrarenally and systemically, translocated AT
2
Rs from intracellular sites to the apical plasma membranes of RPT cells without altering the total cellular pool of AT
2
Rs and internalized/inactivated major RPT Na
+
transporters Na
+
-H
+
-exchanger-3 and Na
+
/K
+
ATPase. C-21 lowered BP to a similar degree whether administered before or subsequent to the establishment of Ang II–dependent hypertension.

Conclusions:

Chronic AT
2
R activation initiates and sustains receptor translocation to RPT apical plasma membranes, internalizes/inactivates Na
+
-H
+
-exchanger-3 and Na
+
/K
+
ATPase, prevents Na
+
retention resulting in negative cumulative Na
+
balance, and lowers BP in experimental Ang II–induced hypertension. Acting uniquely at the RPT, C-21 is a promising candidate for the treatment of hypertension and Na
+
-retaining states in humans.
Association of Serum Retinoic Acid With Risk of Mortality in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Liu Yan , Chen Hongen , Mu Di , Li Di , Zhong Yuan , Jiang Nan , Zhang Yuan , Xia Min
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Retinoic acid (RA) and its mediated nuclear receptor signaling have broad protective effects on vascular systems. Whether circulating levels of RA are associated with mortality in patients with coronary artery disease is still unknown.

Objective:

To evaluate the association of circulating RA with the risk of mortality.

Methods and Results:

We measured serum RA concentrations in 1499 patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (mean age, 61 years; male, 67%) recruited from October 2008 and December 2011 in the Expanded Guangdong Coronary Artery Disease Cohort. During a median (interquartile range) period of 4.4 (3.6 to 6.1) years of follow-up, there were 295 all-cause mortality, among which 208 had cardiovascular mortality. Serum RA level was significantly lower in participants with mortality (median 21 [11–47] nmol/L) than in those without mortality (median 39 [19–86] nmol/L). In multivariate analyses, the hazard ratios for total mortality among those in the lowest (referent) to highest quartiles of serum RA measured at study entry were 1.0, 0.83, 0.74, and 0.56, respectively (
P
-trend<0.001). For cardiovascular mortality, the comparable hazard ratios were 1.0, 0.76, 0.69, and 0.60 (
P
-trend<0.001). Furthermore, high RA levels (defined as >median) were associated with lower risk of total mortality (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.85;
P
=0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratios, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.78;
P
<0.001) compared with low RA (defined as ≤median).

Conclusions:

Serum RA level was associated with lower risk of mortality in a population-based coronary artery disease cohort.
Sick Populations and Sick Subpopulations
Authors: Lu Yuan , Ezzati Majid , Rimm Eric B. , Hajifathalian Kaveh , Ueda Peter , Danaei Goodarz
Published: June 2016

Background:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) death rates are much higher in blacks than whites in the United States. It is unclear how CVD risk and events are distributed among blacks versus whites and how interventions reduce racial disparities.

Methods:

We developed risk models for fatal and for fatal and nonfatal CVD using 8 cohorts in the United States. We used 6154 adults who were 50 to 69 years of age in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2012 to estimate the distributions of risk and events in blacks and whites. We estimated the total and disparity impacts of a range of population-wide, targeted, and risk-based interventions on 10-year CVD risks and event rates.

Results:

Twenty-five percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 22–28) of black men and 12% (95% CI, 10–14) of black women were at ≥6.67% risk of fatal CVD (almost equivalent to 20% risk of fatal or nonfatal CVD) compared with 10% (95% CI, 8–12) of white men and 3% (95% CI, 2–4) of white women. These high-risk individuals accounted for 55% (95% CI, 49–59) of CVD deaths among black men and 42% (95% CI, 35–46) in black women compared with 30% (95% CI, 24–35) in white men and 18% (95% CI, 13–22) in white women. We estimated that an intervention that treated multiple risk factors in high-risk individuals could reduce black-white difference in CVD death rate from 1659 to 1244 per 100 000 in men and from 1320 to 897 in women. Rates of fatal and nonfatal CVD were generally similar between black and white men. In women, a larger proportion of women were at ≥7.5% risk of CVD (30% versus 19% in whites), and an intervention that targeted multiple risk factors among this group was estimated to reduce black-white differences in CVD rates from 1688 to 1197 per 100 000.

Conclusions:

A substantially larger proportion of blacks have a high risk of fatal CVD and bear a large share of CVD deaths. A risk-based intervention that reduces multiple risk factors could substantially reduce overall CVD rates and racial disparities in CVD death rates.
Catestatin Gly364Ser Variant Alters Systemic Blood Pressure and the Risk for Hypertension in Human Populations via Endothelial Nitric Oxide Pathway
Authors: Kiranmayi Malapaka , Chirasani Venkat R. , Allu Prasanna K.R. , Subramanian Lakshmi , Martelli Elizabeth E. , Sahu Bhavani S. , Vishnuprabu Durairajpandian , Kumaragurubaran Rathnakumar , Sharma Saurabh , Bodhini Dhanasekaran , Dixit Madhulika , Munirajan Arasambattu K. , Khullar Madhu , Radha Venkatesan , Mohan Viswanathan , Mullasari Ajit S. , Naga Prasad Sathyamangla V. , Senapati Sanjib , Mahapatra Nitish R.
Published: June 2016

Catestatin (CST), an endogenous antihypertensive/antiadrenergic peptide, is a novel regulator of cardiovascular physiology. Here, we report case–control studies in 2 geographically/ethnically distinct Indian populations (n≈4000) that showed association of the naturally-occurring human CST-Gly364Ser variant with increased risk for hypertension (age-adjusted odds ratios: 1.483;
P
=0.009 and 2.951;
P
=0.005). Consistently, 364Ser allele carriers displayed elevated systolic (up to ≈8 mm Hg;
P
=0.004) and diastolic (up to ≈6 mm Hg;
P
=0.001) blood pressure. The variant allele was also found to be in linkage disequilibrium with other functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the
CHGA
promoter and nearby coding region. Functional characterization of the Gly364Ser variant was performed using cellular/molecular biological experiments (viz peptide–receptor binding assays, nitric oxide [NO], phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase, and phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase estimations) and computational approaches (molecular dynamics simulations for structural analysis of wild-type [CST-WT] and variant [CST-364Ser] peptides and docking of peptide/ligand with β-adrenergic receptors [ADRB1/2]). CST-WT and CST-364Ser peptides differed profoundly in their secondary structures and showed differential interactions with ADRB2; although CST-WT displaced the ligand bound to ADRB2, CST-364Ser failed to do the same. Furthermore, CST-WT significantly inhibited ADRB2-stimulated extracellular regulated kinase activation, suggesting an antagonistic role towards ADRB2 unlike CST-364Ser. Consequently, CST-WT was more potent in NO production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells as compared with CST-364Ser. This NO-producing ability of CST-WT was abrogated by ADRB2 antagonist ICI 118551. In conclusion, CST-364Ser allele enhanced the risk for hypertension in human populations, possibly via diminished endothelial NO production because of altered interactions of CST-364Ser peptide with ADRB2 as compared with CST-WT.
Orthostatic Changes in Blood Pressure and Cognitive Status in the Elderly
Authors: Curreri Chiara , Giantin Valter , Veronese Nicola , Trevisan Caterina , Sartori Leonardo , Musacchio Estella , Zambon Sabina , Maggi Stefania , Perissinotto Egle , Corti Maria Chiara , Crepaldi Gaetano , Manzato Enzo , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

We studied a cohort of 1408 older subjects to explore whether postural changes in blood pressure (BP; defined as orthostatic hypo- or hypertension) can predict the onset of cognitive deterioration. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a drop of 20 mm Hg in systolic or 10 mm Hg in diastolic BP and orthostatic hypertension as a rise of 20 mm Hg in systolic BP. Orthostatic BP values were grouped into quintiles for secondary analyses. Two cognitive assessments were considered: (1) cognitive impairment, that is, Mini-Mental State Examination scores ≤24/30, and (2) cognitive decline (CD), that is, a 3-point decrease in Mini-Mental State Examination score from the baseline to the follow-up. At the baseline, the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and hypertension was 18.3% and 10.9%, respectively. At the follow-up (4.4±1.2 years), 286 participants were found cognitively impaired and 138 had a CD. Using logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential baseline confounders, participants with orthostatic hypertension were at significantly higher risk of CD (odds ratio =1.50; 95% confidence intervals =1.26–1.78). Neither orthostatic hypotension nor orthostatic hypertension raised the risk of developing a cognitive impairment. Using quintiles of orthostatic BP values, we found that both decreases and increases in systolic and diastolic BP raised the risk of CD, but not of cognitive impairment. In conclusion, we found that orthostatic hypertension predicts the onset of CD, but not of cognitive impairment in the elderly, whereas orthostatic hypotension predicts neither of these conditions. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Conventional and Ambulatory Blood Pressure as Predictors of Retinal Arteriolar Narrowing
Authors: Wei Fang-Fei , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Thijs Lutgarde , Yang Wen-Yi , Jacobs Lotte , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Gu Yu-Mei , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Allegaert Karel , Verhamme Peter , Li Yan , Struijker-Boudier Harry A.J. , Staessen Jan A.
Published: June 2016

At variance with the long established paradigm that retinal arteriolar narrowing trails hypertension, several longitudinal studies, all based on conventional blood pressure (CBP) measurement, proposed that retinal arteriolar narrowing indicates heightened microvascular resistance and precedes hypertension. In 783 randomly recruited Flemish (mean age, 38.2 years; 51.3% women), we investigated to what extent CBP and daytime (10
am
to 8
pm
) ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) measured at baseline (1989–2008) predicted the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) in retinal photographs obtained at follow-up (2008–2015). Systolic/diastolic hypertension thresholds were 140/90 mm Hg for CBP and 135/85 mm Hg for ABP. In multivariable-adjusted models including both baseline CBP and ABP, CRAE after 10.3 years (median) of follow-up was unrelated to CBP (
P
≥0.14), whereas ABP predicted CRAE narrowing (
P
≤0.011). Per 1-SD increment in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, the association sizes were −0.95 µm (95% confidence interval, −2.20 to 0.30)/−0.75 µm (−1.93 to 0.42) for CBP and −1.76 µm (−2.95 to −0.58)/−1.48 µm (−2.61 to −0.34) for ABP. Patients with ambulatory hypertension at baseline (17.0%) had smaller CRAE (146.5 versus 152.6 µm;
P
<0.001) at follow-up. CRAE was not different (
P
≥0.31) between true normotension (normal CBP and ABP; prevalence, 77.6%) and white-coat hypertension (elevated CBP and normal ABP, 5.4%) and between masked hypertension (normal CBP and elevated ABP, 10.2%) and hypertension (elevated CBP and ABP, 6.8%). In conclusion, the paradigm that retinal arteriolar narrowing precedes hypertension can be explained by the limitations of CBP measurement, including nonidentification of masked and white-coat hypertension.
Urinary Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Identifies Chronic Renal Injury in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Saad Ahmed , Tang Hui , Herrmann Sandra M. , Woollard John R. , Lerman Amir , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: June 2016

Mitochondrial injury contributes to renal dysfunction in several models of renal disease, but its involvement in human hypertension remains unknown. Fragments of the mitochondrial genome released from dying cells are considered surrogate markers of mitochondrial injury. We hypothesized that hypertension would be associated with increased urine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers. We prospectively measured systemic and urinary copy number of the mtDNA genes cytochrome-c oxidase-3 and NADH dehydrogenase subunit-1 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in essential (n=25) and renovascular (RVH, n=34) hypertensive patients and compared them with healthy volunteers (n=22). Urinary kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin served as indices of renal injury. Renal blood flow and oxygenation were assessed by multidetector computed tomography and blood oxygen level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging. Blood pressure, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and kidney injury molecule-1 were similarly elevated in essential hypertension and RVH, and estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower in RVH versus healthy volunteers and essential hypertension. Renal blood flow was lower in RVH compared with essential hypertension. Urinary mtDNA copy number was higher in hypertension compared with healthy volunteers, directly correlated with urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule-1 and inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate. In RVH, urinary mtDNA copy number correlated directly with intrarenal hypoxia. Furthermore, in an additional validation cohort, urinary mtDNA copy number was higher in RVH compared with healthy volunteers (n=10 each). The change in serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate 3 months after medical therapy without or with revascularization correlated with the change in urinary mtDNA. Therefore, elevated urinary mtDNA copy numbers in hypertensive patients correlated with markers of renal injury and dysfunction, implicating mitochondrial injury in kidney damage in human hypertension.
Revision of the water-holding frogs, Cyclorana platycephala (Anura: Hylidae), from arid Australia, including a description of a new species
Authors: ANSTIS MARION , PRICE LUKE C. , ROBERTS J. DALE , CATALANO SARAH R. , HINES HARRY B. , DOUGHTY PAUL , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C.
Published: June 2016

The water-holding frog, Cyclorana platycephala, occurs in the Australian arid and semi-arid zones but not in the central Australian deserts. Recent inspection of morphological variation in adults and larvae suggests that the taxon comprises three regional populations: eastern, northern and western that may each represent separate species. To assess the systematic status of these populations, we documented phylogenetic relationships using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, divergence in adult and larval morphology and male advertisement call. Our molecular genetic data demonstrates that the western population of C. platycephala is not the sister taxon of eastern and northern representatives of this nominate species, as the latter two are more closely related to another morphologically distinct species, C. verrucosa. Discriminant Function Analysis of 14 morphological traits in adults and 15 in larvae showed a high degree of morphological differentiation of western versus eastern/northern C. platycephala. Calls of eastern and western populations differed in duration, pulse rate, frequency and especially in amplitude modulation pattern across the call duration. We describe the western population as a new species, whose range is contained entirely within Western Australia. In addition, we redescribe Cyclorana platycephala, quantify morphological and genetic differences between the eastern and northern populations, and conclude that these data support recognition of a single species, Cyclorana platycephala, for populations found in New South Wales, the Barkly Tablelands and south-eastern Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia.
The Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests of East Africa—an archive to understand large-scale biogeographical patterns: Pseudotomias, a new genus of African Pseudophyllinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: HEMP CLAUDIA
Published: June 2016

A new genus of Pseudophyllinae restricted to East Africa is described. Data on the ecology, and the habitat are provided. The biogeographical pattern and morphology suggests an old radiation since Tomias from Central and West Africa is the closest relative to Pseudotomias. The old forests of East Africa could hereby be the source of representatives of this old radiation since venation is less reduced in East African taxa of Phyllomimini.
A new side-neck turtle (Pelomedusoides: Bothremydidae) from the Early Paleocene (Danian) Maria Farinha Formation, Paraíba Basin, Brazil
Authors: CARVALHO ANNY RAFAELA DE ARAÚJO , GHILARDI ALINE MARCELE , BARRETO ALCINA MAGNÓLIA FRANCA
Published: June 2016

Limestone and marl from Maria Farinha Formation (Paraíba Basin, NE Brazil) accumulated in a shallow continental shelf environment during the expansion of the Atlantic Ocean in early Paleocene (Danian). It contains a rich paleontological record, which comprises many marine invertebrates, several species of bony and cartilaginous fishes, a crocodyliform and turtle remains. Here, we describe a new genus and species of pleurodire turtle from Maria Farinha Formation, based on a nearly complete plastron, an incomplete left pelvic girdle, and four dermal plates of the carapace. We tested the phylogenetic position of Inaechelys pernambucensis gen. et sp. nov. by including it in a comprehensive cladistic analysis of pleurodires. The new species is included within Botrhemydidae, with affinities to Bothremydini, positioned as sister group of Rosasia soutoi. Inaechelys pernambucensis gen. et sp. nov. differs from R. soutoi for the almost straight anterior lobe cranial edge of its plastron, as well as for its pentagonal shaped entoplastron and its abdominal shield midline, which is considerably smaller than the respective femoral shield midline. Inaechelys pernambucensis is the first turtle species formally described from Brazilian Paleocene strata. Within Bothremydidae, it is also the first conclusively fully marine species described for this country. This new record contributes to the understanding of the ecology and paleobiogeographical distribution of Bothremydidae family.
A taxonomic study on the species of the genus Diestramima Storozhenko (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; Aemodogryllinae)
Authors: QIN YANYAN , WANG HANQIANG , LIU XIANWEI , LI KAI
Published: June 2016

A taxonomic study of the genus Diestramima Storozhenko, 1990 is presented. Eleven new species are described: D. excavata sp. nov., D. parabispinosa sp. nov., D. tibetensis sp. nov., D. guangxiensis sp. nov., D. subrectis sp. nov., D. curvicaudata sp. nov., D. beybienkoi sp. nov., D. triangulata sp. nov., D. brevis sp. nov., D. emeiensis sp. nov., D. conica sp. nov.. A key to the species of Diestramima is given.
The Alucitidae (Lepidoptera) of Malawi with descriptions of five new species
Authors: USTJUZHANIN PETR , KOVTUNOVICH VASILY
Published: June 2016

An overview of Alucitidae species from Malawi is presented, with 20 species reported. Five of them are described as new for science: Alucita nyasa Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich sp. nov., Alucita aarviki Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich sp. nov., Alucita malawica Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich sp. nov., Alucita murphy Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich sp. nov. and Alucita sochivkoi Ustjuzhanin & Kovtunovich sp. nov. Four new synonyms are established. The following species are considered synonyms of Alucita seychellensis (T.B.Fletcher, 1910): Alucita granata (Meyrick, 1921) syn. nov., and Alucita imbrifera (Meyrick, 1929) syn. nov. Alucita myriodesma (Meyrick, 1929) is considered a junior synonym of Alucita ectomesa (Hering, 1917) syn. nov., and Alucita isodina (Meyrick, 1920) a synonym of Alucita spicifera (Meyrick, 1911) syn. nov. All the Alucitidae species are reported for the Malawian fauna for the first time.
On Brazilian Helobata Bergroth, 1888 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae): description of two new species, new records, and key to species
Authors: CLARKSON BRUNO , SANTOS ANDRÉ DIAS DOS , FERREIRA-JR NELSON
Published: June 2016

Two new species of Helobata Bergroth, 1888 (Hydrophilidae: Acidocerinae) from Brazil are described and illustrated. Helobata amazonensis sp. nov. is described based on an adult male specimen from the Amazon River floodplains, Amazonas State. Helobata pantaneira sp. nov. is described based on an adult male specimen collected from swamps in the Pantanal biome, in Mato Grosso State. Helobata corumbaensis Fernández & Bachmann, 1987, H. larvalis (Horn, 1873) and H. quatipuru Fernández & Bachmann, 1987 are recorded for the first time from Mato Grosso; Amazonas, Ceará and Mato Grosso; and Rio de Janeiro States respectively. Diagnosis, illustrations, a checklist and a key to Brazilian species of Helobata are provided.
Description of a new genus and two new species of high frequency cicada from New Caledonia (Insecta: Hemiptera, Cicadoidea, Cicadidae)
Authors: DELORME QUENTIN , MILLE CHRISTIAN , JOURDAN HERVÉ
Published: June 2016

The new genus Murmurillana Delorme gen. nov., is described within the tribe Cicadettini Buckton, 1889, designating Murmurillana inaudibilis Delorme sp. nov., as the type species. Murmurillana inaudibilis Delorme sp. nov. and Murmurillana paenetacita Delorme sp. nov. are described from New Caledonia. They are respectively found in mid altitude dense Niaouli shrub (Melaleuca quinquenervia, Myrtaceae) vegetation, mixed with dense fern cover (Pteridium sp., Dennstaedtiaceae) on the Massif of Aoupinié (800 m) and on foothills of the Mont Panié (570 m). Male calling songs of the two new species are described from field recordings. These calling songs exhibit unusually high dominant frequencies. A key to the species of Murmurillana Delorme gen. nov., is also provided.
Cyathoshiva amaleshi gen. n. sp. n. (Nematoda: Cyatholaimidae) from the coast of India
Authors: DATTA TRIDIP KUMAR , MILJUTIN DMITRY M. , CHAKRABORTY SUSANTA KUMAR , MOHAPATRA ANIL
Published: June 2016

A new genus, Cyathoshiva, of free-living marine nematodes from the subfamily Cyatholaiminae (family Cyatholaimidae, order Chromadorida), is described from the Indian coast. The new genus differs from other known Cyatholaiminae genera in having a unique combination of morphological characters: buccal cavity with well-developed dorsal tooth and two subventral teeth, proximally unpaired gubernaculum and non-cup shaped supplements. The type species Cyathoshiva amaleshi gen. n. sp. n. is characterized by having multispiral amphids with 4.5 turns, punctated cuticle with a weak lateral differentiation, a conical tail, three supplements possessing both tubular and setoid parts, and a gubernaculum with a serrated and dentate distal end.
Two species of the deep-water shrimp genus Nematocarcinus A. Milne–Edwards, 1881 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Caridea, Nematocarcinidae) from the Mexican Pacific
Authors: HERNANDEZ-PAYAN J.C. , HENDRICKX M.E.
Published: June 2016

The distribution of two species of the deep-water shrimp genus Nematocarcinus A. Milne-Edwards, 1881, occurring off the west coast of Mexico is analyzed based on a large series of recently collected material. Nematocarcinus faxoni Burukovsky, 2000, is by far the most common and abundant species in the area and it is distributed throughout the central and southern Gulf of California and off the entire Baja California Peninsula south to 17º10’15”N. Based on characteristics observed in the new samples and in the type material, N. agassizii Faxon, 1893, is reinstalled as a valid species, and no longer considered a junior of N. gracilipes A. Milne-Edwards, 1881, as proposed by Cardoso & Burukovsky (2014). Along the Pacific coast of Mexico, N. agassizii exhibits a more restricted distribution and it was collected only off the Baja California Peninsula. Previous records of this species in the Gulf of California, where N. faxoni was the only representative of the genus captured during this survey, are considered doubtful.
Trust Thy Crooked Neighbor
Authors: Smith Chris M. , Papachristos Andrew V.
Published: June 2016

Bureaucratic and patrimonial theories of organized crime tend to miss the history and mobility of crime groups integrating into and organizing with legitimate society. The network property of multiplexity—when more than one type of relationship exists between a pair of actors—offers a theoretical and empirical inroad to analyzing overlapping relationships of seemingly disparate social spheres. Using the historical case of organized crime in Chicago and a unique relational database coded from more than 5,000 pages of archival documents, we map the web of multiplex relationships among bootleggers, politicians, union members, businessmen, families, and friends. We analyze the overlap of criminal, personal, and legitimate networks containing 1,030 individuals and 3,726 mutual dyads between them. Multiplexity is rare in these data: only 10 percent of the mutual dyads contain multiplex ties. However, results from bivariate exponential random graph models demonstrate that multiplexity is a relevant structural property binding the three networks together. Even among our sample of criminals, we find dependencies between the criminal and personal networks and the criminal and legitimate networks. Although not pervasive, multiplexity glued these worlds of organized crime together above and beyond the personalities of famous gangsters, ethnic homophily, and other endogenous network processes.
Composite Vascular Pedicled Middle Turbinate Flap for Reconstruction of Sellar Defects
Authors: Amin Sameh M , Fawzy Tamer O , Hegazy Ahmed A
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

Herein, we describe our experience in simple harvest of the vascular pedicled middle turbinate flap (MTF) sufficient for sellar defect reconstruction.

Methods:

An anatomical feasibility study is done in 10 sides of 5 preserved injected cadaveric heads. The middle turbinate is separated from the skull base and the basal lamella with or without retrograde dissection of its tail as a composite flap based on the middle turbinate and posterolateral nasal arteries. The technique was applied in 25 cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Results:

The mean area of MTF with and without medial mucosal dissection was 9.53 cm2 and 7.6 cm2, respectively. The mean length between anterior end of MT and basal lamella and the latter and the sella was 3.67 cm and 2.33 cm, respectively. The mean area of sella was 2.2 cm2. The MTF covered the sella, planum, and tuberculum sella corridors in 10 head sides. Partial dissection of MT medial mucosa was needed in 3 head sides to cover sella, planum, and tuberculum sella. Follow-up for 26 to 37 month revealed control of CSF leak in 24 cases.

Conclusion:

Composite MTF is a simple rapid reproducible option for sellar defects reconstruction.
Preconcentration of Zn, Cu, and Ni Ions from Coffee Infusions via 8-Hydroxyquinoline Complexes on Graphene Prior to Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Determination
Authors: Pytlakowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2016

A simple and effective preconcentration procedure based on dispersive micro solid-phase extraction prior to energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometric (EDXRF) determination of trace amounts of Ni, Cu, and Zn in coffee infusions was proposed. The method is based on the adsorption of 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complexes on micro amounts of graphene nanoparticles. In order to optimize adsorption process, the influence of some parameters such as pH, graphene mass, concentration of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) and Triton X-100, sample volume, and sorption time were examined. At optimal preconcentration conditions, calibration curves were linear from 1 to 150 ng mL−1 for Ni and Cu and from 1 to 200 ng mL−1 for Zn. The recoveries of the metal ions were in the 95–98% range with the precision lower than 4.6%. The obtained detection limits were 0.08 ng mL−1 for Ni and 0.09 ng mL−1 for Cu and Zn. The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of Ni, Cu, and Zn in coffee infusions. Accuracy and repeatability of the proposed procedure were confirmed by the standard addition method and compared to the results obtained by ICP-OES technique.
Forensic Application of X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for the Discrimination of Authentic and Counterfeit Revenue Stamps
Authors: Melendez-Perez Jose Javier , Correa Deleon Nascimento , Hernandes Vinicius Veri , de Morais Damila Rodrigues , de Oliveira Rodrigo Borges , de Souza Wanderley , Santos Jandyson Machado , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira
Published: June 2016

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopy with data treatment via chemometric tools was explored as an analytical protocol to discriminate between authentic and counterfeit revenue stamps. Untreated samples were directly analyzed, and the discrimination was based on the characterization of constituent elements present in the inks and paper. Authentic samples and samples that were suspected of being counterfeit were analyzed at three different areas on their surfaces: the ink-printed area, the non-printed area, and the holographic area. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the data to discriminate between authentic and counterfeit revenue stamps. Major differences in the elemental composition were noted (according to chemometrics and t-test, p < 0.05), and ED-XRF spectroscopy plus PCA protocol is proposed for use by non-specialist operators to screen for counterfeit stamps.
High Sensitivity Nanosecond Mid-Infrared Transient Absorption Spectrometer Enabling Low Excitation Density Measurements of Electronic Materials
Authors: Rimshaw Adam , Grieco Christopher , Asbury John B.
Published: June 2016

A dispersive nanosecond transient absorption instrument was developed to enable rapid time-resolved and steady-state measurements in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) region for thin films without the need for gated integrators or lock-in amplifiers. Two detectors are used depending on the experimental needs (100 MHz and 16 MHz) with time resolution from nano-millisecond and spectral coverage from 1000–5000 cm−1 (2000–10 000 nm). The instrument utilizes flexible digitization resolution (8 bit to 14 bit) to enable high sensitivity (10−5) measurements on thin films under low excitation (<50 µJ/cm2). We highlight the instrument’s improvement over prior state-of-the-art time-resolved capabilities by measuring transient species (e.g., polarons) under extremely low energy densities (<5 µJ/cm2) in less than 10 minutes to achieve high fidelity signals. Additionally, to highlight the spectral capabilities we study two optoelectronic materials for which we resolve vibrational features as small as 10 µOD.
Chemical and Structural Information from the Enamel of a Troodon Tooth Leading to an Understanding of Diet and Environment
Authors: Feng Renfei , Maley Jason M. , Schatte Gabriele , Hoffmeyer Ruth E. , Brink Kirstin S. , Ellis Thomas , Brinkman Don , Sammynaiken Ramaswami
Published: June 2016

Synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy with two-dimensional element mapping, micro X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the chemical and structural nature of the enamel of a tooth from Troodon, a small theropod dinosaur. These methods show that the crystallites in the Troodon tooth are submicron-sized carbonated calcium hydroxyapatite, which are semi-randomly oriented with a preferred orientation of (002) towards the surface of the tooth. Transition metal ions are distributed in the voids between crystallite clusters. Comparison of the ESR spectra indicates that the Troodon tooth had less exposure to UV than a fossilized crocodile tooth.
Ultraviolet–Visible (UV-Vis) and Fluorescence Spectroscopic Investigation of the Interactions of Ionic Liquids and Catalase
Authors: Dong Xing , Fan Yunchang , Yang Peng , Kong Jichuan , Li Dandan , Miao Juan , Hua Shaofeng , Hu Chaobing
Published: June 2016

The inhibitory effects of nine ionic liquids (ILs) on the catalase activity were investigated using fluorescence, absorption ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The interactions of ILs and catalase on the molecular level were studied. The experimental results indicated that ILs could inhibit the catalase activity and their inhibitory abilities depended on their chemical structures. Fluorescence experiments showed that hydrogen bonding played an important role in the interaction process. The inhibitory abilities of ILs on catalase activity could be simply described by their hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonding abilities. Unexpected less inhibitory effects of trifluoromethanesulfonate (TfO−) might be ascribed to its larger size, which makes it difficult to go through the substrate channel of catalase to the active site.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Calibrations Performed on Oven-Dried Green Forages for the Prediction of Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Preserved Forage for Ruminants
Authors: Andueza Donato , Picard Fabienne , Martin-Rosset William , Aufrère Jocelyne
Published: June 2016

Predicting forage feed value is a vital part of estimating ruminant performances. Most near-infrared (NIR) reflectance calibration models have been developed on oven-dried green forages, but preserved forages such as hays or silages are a significant part of real-world farm practice. Fresh and preserved forages give largely similar fodder, but drying or ensiling processes could modify preserved forage spectra which would make the oven-dried green forage model unsuitable to use on preserved forage samples. The aim of this study was to monitor the performance of oven-dried green forage calibration models on a set of hay and silage to predict their nutritive value. Local and global approaches were tested and 1025 green permanent grassland forages, 46 types of hay, and 27 types of silage were used. The samples were scanned by NIR spectroscopy and analyzed for nitrogen, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and pepsin–cellulase dry matter digestibility (PCDMD). Local and global calibrations were developed on 975 oven-dried green forage spectra and tested on 50 samples of oven-dried green forages, 46 samples of hay, and 27 samples of silage. For oven-dried green forage and hay validation sets, Mahalanobis distance (H) between these samples and the calibration population center was lower than 3. No significant standard error of prediction differences was obtained when calibration models were applied to oven-dried green forage and hay validation sets. For silage, the H-distance was higher than 3, meaning that calibration models built from oven-dried green forages cannot be applied to silage samples. We conclude that local calibration outperforms global strategy on predicting the PCDMD of oven-dried green forages and hay.
Long-Term Employment and Job Security over the Past 25 Years
Authors: Kambayashi Ryo , Kato Takao
Published: June 2016

The authors document and contrast changes (or lack thereof) in job stability over the past 25 years between Japan and the United States. Prime-age male workers with at least five years of tenure in Japan continued to enjoy much higher job stability than did their U.S. counterparts. Most remarkably, Japan’s “Lost Decade” had little discernible adverse effect on the job stability of this group of Japanese employees. By contrast, job stability for mid-career hires and youth workers deteriorated in Japan. The authors’ cross-national regression analysis of job loss confirms the consistently more important role that seniority plays in protecting workers from job loss in Japan than in the United States and reveals that this gap in seniority’s influence on job stability between the two countries widened. Overall, it is the U.S. economy with the longest economic expansion, not the Japanese economy with the longest economic stagnation, that experienced deteriorating job stability, pointing to the absence of convergence of the Japanese and U.S. systems.
African American Personal Presentation
Authors: Ellis-Hervey Nina , Doss Ashley , Davis DeShae , Nicks Robert , Araiza Perla
Published: June 2016

A great amount of literature is dedicated to racial identity and self-perception, but very little addresses how hair may play a critical role in how African American women view themselves and others. African American women choose to wear their hair in a variety of styles, including weaves, wigs, dreads, chemically processed, or non-chemically processed (often referred to as “natural hair”). Researchers conducted a study that explored 282 African American females from urban and rural communities, varying in age, socio-economic status, and education levels and discussed the reporting of the hairstyles they currently wear, what styles they believe are more attractive/unattractive, what styles they believe are more professional/unprofessional, and what influenced the style they currently wear. In addition, these women completed the Rotter’s Locus of Control and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scales. Regression analyses indicated there was a slight but significant positive correlation between a higher internal locus of control and those who choose to wear their hair in a natural state; however, the regression showed no statistically significant predictive value for hair selection. A discussion of the psychological implications for the findings, thoughts of self-perception, and how these findings can be used for future practice is addressed.
Visual Information and Support Surface for Postural Control in Visual Search Task
Authors: Huang Chia-Chun , Yang Chih-Mei
Published: June 2016

When standing on a reduced support surface, people increase their reliance on visual information to control posture. This assertion was tested in the current study. The effects of imposed motion and support surface on postural control during visual search were investigated. Twelve participants (aged 21 ± 1.8 years; six men and six women) stood on a reduced support surface (45% base of support). In a room that moved back and forth along the anteroposterior axis, participants performed visual search for a given letter in an article. Postural sway variability and head–room coupling were measured. The results of head–room coupling, but not postural sway, supported the assertion that people increase reliance on visual information when standing on a reduced support surface. Whether standing on a whole or reduced surface, people stabilized their posture to perform the visual search tasks. Compared to a fixed target, searching on a hand-held target showed greater head–room coupling when standing on a reduced surface.