bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lepton Number Violation and Neutrino Masses in 3-3-1 Models
Authors: Benavides Richard H. , Epele Luis N. , Fanchiotti Huner , García Canal Carlos , Ponce William A.
Published: March 2015

Lepton number violation and its relation to neutrino masses are investigated in several versions of theSU3c⊗SU3L⊗U1xmodel. Spontaneous and explicit violation and conservation of the lepton number are considered. In one of the models (the so-called economical one), the lepton number is spontaneously violated and it is found that the would be Majoron is not present because it is gauged away, providing in this way the longitudinal polarization component to a now massive gauge field.
HT‐29 and Caco‐2 Reporter Cell Lines for Functional Studies of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation
Authors: Mastropietro Giuliana , Tiscornia Inés , Perelmuter Karen , Astrada Soledad , Bollati-Fogolín Mariela
Published: March 2015

The NF‐κB is a transcription factor which plays a key role in regulating biological processes. In response to signals, NF‐κB activation occurs via phosphorylation of its inhibitor, which dissociates from the NF‐κB dimer allowing the translocation to the nucleus, inducing gene expression. NF‐κB activation has direct screening applications for drug discovery for several therapeutic indications. Thus, pathway‐specific reporter cell systems appear as useful tools to screen and unravel the mode of action of probiotics and natural and synthetic compounds. Here, we describe the generation, characterization, and validation of human epithelial reporter cell lines for functional studies of NF‐κB activation by different pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory agents. Caco‐2 and HT‐29 cells were transfected with a pNF‐κB‐hrGFP plasmid which contains the GFP gene under the control of NF‐κB binding elements. Three proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and LPS) were able to activate the reporter systems in a dose‐response manner, which corresponds to the activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway. Finally, the reporter cell lines were validated using lactic acid bacteria and a natural compound. We have established robust Caco‐2‐NF‐κB‐hrGFP and HT‐29‐NF‐κB‐hrGFP reporter cell lines which represent a valuable tool for primary screening and identification of bacterial strains and compounds with a potential therapeutic interest.
Protective Effect and Mechanism of Total Flavones fromRhododendron simsiiPlanch Flower on Cultured Rat Cardiomyocytes with Anoxia and Reoxygenation
Authors: Jiao Yi , Fan Yi-Fei , Wang Yu-Ling , Zhang Jun-Yan , Chen Shuo , Chen Zhi-Wu
Published: March 2015

Many flavonoids have cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Total flavones fromRhododendron simsiiPlanch flower (TFR) can protect myocardial ischemic injuries. However, its protective mechanism is still unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of TFR on myocardial I/R and anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injuries. Rat model of myocardial I/R injury was made, and myocardial infarction was determined. A/R injury was induced in cultured rat cardiomyocytes; cellular damage was evaluated by measuring cell viability, LDH and cTnT releases, and MDA content. Expressions of ROCK1and ROCK2protein were examined by Western blot analysis, and K+currents were recorded by using whole-cell patch clamp technique. TFR 20~80 mg/kg markedly reduced I/R-induced myocardial infarction. TFR 3.7~300 mg/L significantly inhibited A/R-induced reduction of cell viability, LDH and cTnT releases, and MDA production. Exposure to A/R significantly increased ROCK1and ROCK2expressions in rat cardiomyocytes, but TFR 33.3~300 mg/L obviously inhibited this increase. 300 mg/L TFR significantly augmented inward rectifier K+current and other K+currents in rat cardiomyocytes. These results indicate that TFR has a protective effect on rat cardiomyocytes A/R damage, and the protective mechanism may be engaged with the inhibition of ROCK1and ROCK2and activation of K+channels.
Modeling of Magnetorheological Dampers under Various Impact Loads
Authors: Arsava K. Sarp , Kim Yeesock
Published: March 2015

Magnetorheological (MR) damper has received great attention from structural control engineering because it provides the best features of both passive and active control systems. However, many studies on the application of MR dampers to large civil structures have tended to center on the modeling of MR dampers under seismic excitations, while, to date, there has been minimal research regarding the MR damper model under impact loads. Hence, this paper investigates nonlinear models of MR dampers under a variety of impact loads and control signals. Two fuzzy models are proposed for modeling the nonlinear impact behavior of MR dampers. They are compared with mechanical models, the Bingham and Bouc-Wen models. Experimental studies are performed to generate sets of input and output data for training, validating, and testing the models: the deflection, acceleration, velocity, and current signals. It is demonstrated that the proposed fuzzy models are effective in predicting the complex nonlinear behavior of the MR damper subjected to a variety of impact loads and control signals. The proposed fuzzy model resulted in an accuracy of 99% to predict the impact forces of the MR damper.
Biotechnological and Agronomic Potential of Endophytic Pink-Pigmented MethylotrophicMethylobacteriumspp.
Authors: Dourado Manuella Nóbrega , Aparecida Camargo Neves Aline , Santos Daiene Souza , Araújo Welington Luiz
Published: March 2015

The genusMethylobacteriumis composed of pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophic (PPFM) bacteria, which are able to synthesize carotenoids and grow on reduced organic compounds containing one carbon (C1), such as methanol and methylamine. Due to their high phenotypic plasticity, these bacteria are able to colonize different habitats, such as soil, water, and sediment, and different host plants as both endophytes and epiphytes. In plant colonization, the frequency and distribution may be influenced by plant genotype or by interactions with other associated microorganisms, which may result in increasing plant fitness. In this review, different aspects of interactions with the host plant are discussed, including their capacity to fix nitrogen, nodule the host plant, produce cytokinins, auxin and enzymes involved in the induction of systemic resistance, such as pectinase and cellulase, and therefore plant growth promotion. In addition, bacteria belonging to this group can be used to reduce environmental contamination because they are able to degrade toxic compounds, tolerate high heavy metal concentrations, and increase plant tolerance to these compounds. Moreover, genome sequencing and omics approaches have revealed genes related to plant-bacteria interactions that may be important for developing strains able to promote plant growth and protection against phytopathogens.
Cosmological Evolution of Pilgrim Dark Energy inf(G)Gravity
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Rani Shamaila
Published: March 2015

We analyze the behavior of pilgrim dark energy with Hubble horizon inf(G)gravity. We reconstruct thef(G)models through correspondence phenomenon by assuming two values of pilgrim dark energy parameter(u=2, -2). We evaluate the equation of state parameter which shows evolution of the universe in the quintessence, vacuum, and phantom phase for both cases ofuand give favor the pilgrim dark energy phenomenon. Also, squared speed of sound exhibits the stability off(G)model for both cases ofu. ThewPDE-wPDE′also provides freezing and thawing regions in this scenario. In this framework, ther-splane also corresponds to different dark energy scenarios.
Factors Driving Readmissions in Tibia and Femur Fractures
Authors: Chern Alexander , Greenberg Sarah E. , Thakore Rachel V. , Sathiyakumar Vasanth , Obremskey William T. , Sethi Manish K.
Published: March 2015

As the American healthcare system shifts towards bundled payments, readmissions will become a measure of healthcare quality. The purpose of this study was to characterize readmission trends and factors influencing readmission in patients with diaphyseal femur and tibia fractures. Through a retrospective chart review, all patients who presented to a level 1 trauma center from 2004 to 2006 were evaluated. By using current procedural terminology codes, 1,040 patients with diaphyseal tibia or femur fractures fixed by IMN were identified. 645 patients were included for analysis. 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day readmission rates were compared with fracture type, reason for readmission, and basic demographic information. The 60-day readmission rate for open tibia fractures (14.8%) was significantly higher than the 60-day readmission rate for closed tibia fractures (8.0%) (p=0.037). When comparing reasons for 60-day readmissions, 50% of closed fractures were readmitted due to infection, while the other 50% needed additional surgery. 91.7% of open fractures readmitted in 60 days were due to infection. In a bundled payment system, orthopedic trauma must gain insight into drivers of readmission to identify those at risk for readmission and design effective healthcare plans for these patients.
ERG/AKR1C3/AR Constitutes a Feed-Forward Loop for AR Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Powell Katelyn , Semaan Louie , Conley-LaComb M. Katie , Asangani Irfan , Wu Yi-Mi , Ginsburg Kevin B. , Williams Julia , Squire Jeremy A. , Maddipati Krishna R. , Cher Michael L. , Chinni Sreenivasa R.
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Intratumoral androgen synthesis in prostate cancer contributes to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Several enzymes responsible for androgen biosynthesis have been shown to be overexpressed in CRPC, thus contributing to CRPC in a castrated environment. The TMPRSS2–ERG transcription factor has been shown to be present in primary prostate cancer tumors as well as CRPC tumors. We hypothesize that TMPRSS2–ERG fusions regulate androgen biosynthetic enzyme (ABE) gene expression and the production of androgens, which contributes to the development of CRPC.

Experimental design: We used a panel of assays, including lentivirus transduction, gene expression, chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric quantitation, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatics analysis of gene microarray databases, to determine ERG regulation of androgen synthesis.

Results: We found that ERG regulated the expression of the ABE AKR1C3 in prostate cancer cells via direct binding to the AKR1C3 gene. Knockdown of ERG resulted in reduced AKR1C3 expression, which caused a reduction in both DHT synthesis and PSA expression in VCaP prostate cancer cells treated with 5α-androstanedione (5α-Adione), a DHT precursor metabolite. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that ERG was coexpressed with AKR1C3 in prostate cancer tissue samples.

Conclusions: These data suggest that AKR1C3 catalyzes the biochemical reduction of 5α-Adione to DHT in prostate cancer cells, and that ERG regulates this step through upregulation of AKR1C3 expression. Elucidation of ERG regulation of ABEs in CRPC may help to stratify TMPRSS2–ERG fusion-positive prostate cancer patients in the clinic for anti–androgen receptor–driven therapies; and AKR1C3 may serve as a valuable therapeutic target in the treatment of CRPC. Clin Cancer Res; 21(11); 2569–79. ©2015 AACR.
Neuromyelitis Optica with Cutaneous Findings: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Martin Carina , Maurer Toby , Mutizwa Misha M.
Published: March 2015

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune, relapsing central nervous system demyelinating disease. There is a known association between NMO and autoimmune disease. However, cutaneous findings in these cases and in the setting of isolated NMO have rarely been described. We report the case of a 60-year-old Chinese female who presented with nonspecific cutaneous findings and acute onset paraplegia and was subsequently found to be seropositive for aquaporin-4 (NMO IgG) antibodies, consistent with a diagnosis of NMO spectrum disorder. Serologic testing prompted by history and cutaneous stigmata revealed additional humoral derangements, together suggestive of an overlap syndrome with features of amyopathic dermatomyositis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. We review the existing literature on the cutaneous manifestations of this entity. Awareness of the cutaneous signs and heralding symptoms of this devastating neurologic syndrome by dermatologists will ensure prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment that can minimize neurologic sequelae.
Hysteroscopy as a Valid Tool for Endometrial Pathology in Patients with Postmenopausal Bleeding or Asymptomatic Patients with a Thickened Endometrium: Hysteroscopic and Histological Results
Authors: Loiacono Rosalia Maria Rita , Trojano Giuseppe , Del Gaudio Nicola , Kardhashi Anila , Deliso Maria Assunta , Falco Gaetano , Sforza Rita , Laera Anna Franca , Galise Ida , Trojano Vito
Published: March 2015

Objective: This study compares hysteroscopic and histopathological results in postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and asymptomatic postmenopausal women with a thickened endometrium. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 570 cases hysteroscopically examined between January 2008 and July 2012. The patients were followed up at the Istituto Tumori ‘Giovanni Paolo II', Bari, Italy. Results: A total of 320 of the 570 cases were selected. The inclusion criteria were transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. In the AUB group, if the hysteroscopy results were normal, a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100, 95, 71 and 100%, respectively, were achieved, while in the asymptomatic group these values were 100, 97, 90 and 100%, respectively. For both the group with polyps and that with myomas, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 100%. For endometrial hyperplasia, hysteroscopy showed a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 81, 96, 87 and 93%, respectively, in the AUB group, while in the asymptomatic group, the sensitivity was 60%, the specificity and PPV were 100%, and the NPV was 98%. The sensitivity of hysteroscopy for endometrial cancer was 63%, the specificity 97%, the PPV 77%, and the NPV 95%. Conclusions: In postmenopausal women with a thickened endometrium with or without AUB, hysteroscopy allows for an accurate diagnosis in benign endometrial pathology. Hysteroscopy also allows directed biopsies of suspicious lesions, which is useful in malignant endometrial pathology.
Pharmacogenetic Profile of a South Portuguese Population: Results from the Pilot Study of the European Health Examination Survey in Portugal
Authors: Gaio Vânia , Picanço Isabel , Nunes Baltazar , Fernandes Aida , Mendonça Francisco , Horta Correia Filomena , Beleza Álvaro , Gil Ana Paula , Bourbon Mafalda , Vicente Astrid , Matias Dias Carlos , Barreto da Silva Marta
Published: March 2015

Background: The genetic inter-individual variability of drug response can lead to therapeutic failure or adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aims of this study were to assess the pharmacogenetic profile of a South Portuguese population according to established dosing guidelines for commonly prescribed drugs and to compare it with that of previously genotyped populations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed in the context of the Portuguese Component of the European Health Examination Survey (EHES). A total of 47 pharmacogenetically relevant variants in 23 different genes were genotyped in 208 participants. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were calculated, and the pharmacogenetic profile of the participants was defined. A comparative analysis was conducted through electronic database search. Pairwise Fst calculations were performed to assess the genetic distance between populations. Results: We found a significant small differentiation between the Portuguese regional populations regarding CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP2D6 rs3892097, MTHFR rs1801133 and F5 rs6025. When consid-ering 4 HapMap populations, ADH1B rs2066702, ADH1B rs1229984, NAT2 rs1799931 and VKORC1 rs9923231 displayed a significant population differentiation. We found that 18.9% of the participants are intermediate or poor metabolizers for at least 3 drugs simultaneously and that 84.6% of the participants have at least one therapeutic failure or ADR risk allele for the considered drugs. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of risk alleles associated with an altered drug metabolism regarding drugs largely used by the South Portuguese population. This knowledge contributes to the prediction of their clinical efficacy and/or toxicity, optimizing therapeutic response while improving cost-effectiveness.
Perspectives for Improvement of the Thymic Microenvironment through Manipulation of Thymic Epithelial Cells: A Mini-Review
Authors: Lepletier Ailin , Chidgey Ann P. , Savino Wilson
Published: March 2015

Thymic involution during aging is a major reason for the decreased production of naive T cells and reduced immunity. Alterations within the thymic microenvironment, characterized by the loss of function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and fibro-adipogenetic transformation, seem to underlie this process, mainly through declining communication between thymic stromal cells and developing thymocytes. Specifically, the signaling mediated by cytokines and hormones secreted by TECs declines during aging. Many therapies based on the manipulation of growth factors and hormones have succeeded in partially recovering the lymphoid compartment and promoting thymic function. However, considering that aging-induced thymic involution is multifactorial, the thymic reestablishment achieved with treatments that target isolated pathways is incomplete and transitory. Here, we discuss the development of three novel approaches for potentially sustained thymic recovery: the induction of sustained forkhead box N1 expression, the activation of endogenous thymic epithelial progenitor cells (TEPCs), and the generation of TEPCs from pluripotent stem cells. Combined approaches targeting both TECs and lymphoid cells will provide a potentially more effective strategy for sustained rejuvenation of the thymus.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Renal Vein Thrombosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Moaddab Amirhossein , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Ruano Rodrigo , Salmanian Bahram , Lee Wesley , Belfort Michael A. , Espinoza Jimmy
Published: March 2015

Background: Renal vein thrombosis (RVT) is a well-characterized condition among neonates; however, this complication is rarely diagnosed prenatally. Methods: In this report, we describe a fetus with unilateral RVT and summarize the literature regarding prenatal diagnostic criteria and postnatal prognosis. We searched the English, French and Spanish literature (MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE) for cases with prenatal diagnosis of RVT. Results: Including our case, a total of 23 fetuses with fetal RVT were reviewed in the present study. All cases were diagnosed in the third trimester, and the survival rate among these cases was 63%. Enlargement of the kidney was the most commonly associated initial ultrasound finding. The only ultrasound finding significantly associated with mortality was the presence of bilateral RVT. Discussion: The etiology of fetal RVT is still unclear. Considering the large number of cases with RVT that manifest in the first days of life, prenatal diagnosis of this condition has relevance.
Wegener's Granulomatosis with Nervous System Involvement: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Huang Yu-Hua , Ro Long-Sun , Lyu Rong-Kuo , Chang Hong-Shiu , Wu Yih-Ru , Chang Kuo-Hsuan , Kuo Hung-Chou
Published: March 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to ascertain the clinical manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) with the involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS). Summary: All neurologic inpatients in a hospital over a 12-year period were reviewed. Nine patients met both the ACR 1990 traditional format criteria for the classification of GPA and the Chapel Hill nomenclature mandatory criteria for GPA. We focused on the clinical presentation, serological data, biopsy reports, disease activities [as assessed by the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS)], electrophysiology, and brain images. Nine patients met the diagnostic criteria for GPA. The neurological signs of the initial manifestation of GPA were found in 6/9 (67%) patients. Eight patients had GPA-related CNS involvement, including four patients with chronic hypertrophic pachymeningitis, with either diffuse or focal thickening; three had intracranial hemorrhages and two had orbital mass lesions with optic nerve compression. In addition, six patients showed PNS involvement, including three with asymmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy, two with symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy, and one with bilateral mononeuropathy. Key Messages: Neurological manifestation is not uncommon and can be the first clinical sign of GPA. The involvement of both CNS and PNS raises the possibility of GPA in hospitalized neurologic patients.
The Effect of Creatine and Coenzyme Q10 Combination Therapy on Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Li Zhenguang , Wang Pengfei , Yu Zhancai , Cong Yannan , Sun Hairong , Zhang Jiangshan , Zhang Jinbiao , Sun Chao , Zhang Yong , Ju Xiaohua
Published: March 2015

Background: To investigate the effect of creatine and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) combination therapy on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson's disease (PD; PD-MCI) and its influences on plasma phospholipid (PL) levels in PD-MCI. Methods: The demographic data of 75 PD-MCI patients who enrolled in this collaborative PD study were collected. These patients were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). These 75 PD-MCI patients were randomly treated with creatine monohydrate 5 g b.i.d. and CoQ10 100 mg t.i.d. orally or placebo. MoCA evaluation and PL level measurements were performed after 12 and 18 months of treatment. Results: After 12 and 18 months of treatment, the differences in the MoCA scores of the combination therapy and control groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05 at 12 months and p < 0.01 at 18 months), and the plasma PL levels of the combination therapy group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01 at 12 months and p < 0.001 at 18 months). Conclusions: Combination therapy with creatine and CoQ10 could delay the decline of cognitive function in PD-MCI patients and could lower their plasma PL levels; therefore, this combination therapy may have a neuroprotective function.
Is ‘Bad Luck' an Important Determinant of Cancer Incidence and Does This Concept Apply to Kidney Tumors?
Authors: Garattini Enrico , Tavani Alessandra
Published: March 2015

A study recently published in Science demonstrates a strong correlation between the total number of stem cell divisions and the lifetime risk of cancer in various organs. The tumors considered are divided into two classes, that is, D (Deterministic) and R (Replicative). Stochastic factors presumably attributable to errors deriving from DNA replication are proposed to be at the basis of R-tumor frequency, leading to the conclusion that ‘bad luck' is a primary determinant of certain types of cancer. The present Second Opinion highlights potential problems associated with the hypothesis of the study, as some of these also apply to kidney cancer. The aim is to point out that chance is not a major cause of cancer incidence because it is not substantiated by the data available through epidemiological evidence. In particular, we highlight that differences in tumor incidence associated with sex and geographic areas are not in line with the ‘bad luck' hypothesis. Further aspects of tumor biology that do not entirely fit with the idea that stochastic events related to DNA replication of normal stem cells are the heterogeneity of the cancer cell phenotype and the heterogeneity of intra-organ localization, often observed in tumors originating from the same tissue. From a public health perspective, the points discussed here as well as the absence of data on prevalent tumors, like breast and prostate cancer, do not support the oversimplified message conveyed by the media that the majority of cancer cases cannot be prevented.
Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Amat-Santos Ignacio J. , Messika-Zeitoun David , Eltchaninoff Helene , Kapadia Samir , Lerakis Stamatios , Cheema Asim N. , Gutiérrez-Ibanes Enrique , Munoz-Garcia Antonio J. , Pan Manuel , Webb John G. , Herrmann Howard C. , Kodali Susheel , Nombela-Franco Luis , Tamburino Corrado , Jilaihawi Hasan , Masson Jean-Bernard , de Brito Fabio Sandoli , Ferreira Maria Cristina , Lima Valter Correa , Mangione José Armando , Iung Bernard , Vahanian Alec , Durand Eric , Tuzcu E. Murat , Hayek Salim S. , Angulo-Llanos Rocio , Gómez-Doblas Juan J. , Castillo Juan Carlos , Dvir Danny , Leon Martin B. , Garcia Eulogio , Cobiella Javier , Vilacosta Isidre , Barbanti Marco , R. Makkar Raj , Ribeiro Henrique Barbosa , Urena Marina , Dumont Eric , Pibarot Philippe , Lopez Javier , Roman Alberto San , Rodés-Cabau Josep
Published: March 2015

Background—

We aimed to determine the incidence, predictors, clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods and Results—

This multicenter registry included 53 patients (mean age, 79±8 years; men, 57%) who suffered IE after TAVI of 7944 patients after a mean follow-up of 1.1±1.2 years (incidence, 0.67%, 0.50% within the first year after TAVI). Mean time from TAVI was 6 months (interquartile range, 1–14 months). Orotracheal intubation (hazard ratio, 3.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.55–9.64;
P
=0.004) and the self-expandable CoreValve system (hazard ratio, 3.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–7.14;
P
=0.007) were associated with IE (multivariate analysis including 3067 patients with individual data). The most frequent causal microorganisms were
coagulase-negative staphylococci
(24%), followed by
Staphylococcus aureus
(21%) and
enterococci
(21%). Vegetations were present in 77% of patients (transcatheter valve leaflets, 39%; stent frame, 17%; mitral valve, 21%). At least 1 complication of IE occurred in 87% of patients (heart failure in 68%). However, only 11% of patients underwent valve intervention (valve explantation and valve-in-valve procedure in 4 and 2 patients, respectively). The mortality rate in hospital was 47.2% and increased to 66% at the 1-year follow-up. IE complications such as heart failure (
P
=0.037) and septic shock (
P
=0.002) were associated with increased in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions—

The incidence of IE at 1 year after TAVI was 0.50%, and the risk increased with the use of orotracheal intubation and a self-expandable valve system.
Staphylococci
and
enterococci
were the most common agents. Although most patients presented at least 1 complication of IE, valve intervention was performed in a minority of patients, and nearly half of the patients died during the hospitalization period.
Ten‐Year Blood Pressure Trajectories, Cardiovascular Mortality, and Life Years Lost in 2 Extinction Cohorts: the Minnesota Business and Professional Men Study and the Zutphen Study
Authors: Tielemans Susanne M. A. J. , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Menotti Alessandro , Boshuizen Hendriek C. , Soedamah‐Muthu Sabita S. , Jacobs David R. , Blackburn Henry , Kromhout Daan
Published: March 2015

Background

Blood pressure (
BP
) trajectories derived from measurements repeated over years have low measurement error and may improve cardiovascular disease prediction compared to single, average, and usual
BP
(single
BP
adjusted for regression dilution). We characterized 10‐year
BP
trajectories and examined their association with cardiovascular mortality, all‐cause mortality, and life years lost.

Methods and Results

Data from 2 prospective and nearly extinct cohorts of middle‐aged men—the Minnesota Business and Professional Men Study (n=261) and the Zutphen Study (n=632)—were used.
BP
was measured annually during 1947–1957 in Minnesota and 1960–1970 in Zutphen.
BP
trajectories were identified by latent mixture modeling. Cox proportional hazards and linear regression models examined
BP
trajectories with cardiovascular mortality, all‐cause mortality, and life years lost. Associations were adjusted for age, serum cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes mellitus. Mean initial age was about 50 years in both cohorts. After 10 years of
BP
measurements, men were followed until death on average 20 years later. All Minnesota men and 98% of Zutphen men died. Four
BP
trajectories were identified, in which mean systolic BP increased by 5 to 49 mm Hg in Minnesota and 5 to 20 mm Hg in Zutphen between age 50 and 60. The third systolic BP trajectories were associated with 2 to 4 times higher cardiovascular mortality risk, 2 times higher all‐cause mortality risk, and 4 to 8 life years lost, compared to the first trajectory.

Conclusions

Ten‐year
BP
trajectories were the strongest predictors, among different
BP
measures, of cardiovascular mortality, all‐cause mortality, and life years lost in Minnesota. However, average
BP
was the strongest predictor in Zutphen.
Moses, Statesman and Philosopher: The Philosophical Background of the Ideal of Assimilating to God and the Methodology of Clement of Alexandria’s Stromateis 1
Authors: Gibbons Kathleen
Published: March 2015

Clement’s so-called ‘eclectic’ style has long been noted by his modern readers, with several suggesting that this approach reflects his idea of Mosaic philosophy as having been scattered among the different philosophical traditions of his period. Here, I wish to argue that in his portrait of Moses in Strom. 1, Clement draws on Platonic and Stoic sources to provide a coherent picture of what it is to assimilate to God as a unification of the civic and contemplative lives. In doing so, Clement exploits actual historical connections between the two schools in using Stoicism as a hermeneutical lens through which to unify Plato’s dialogues, which themselves offer conflicting interpretations of the relationship between the statesman and the philosopher. This study also hopes to illuminate the ways in which conceptualizations of Judaism at times informed and controlled early Christian constructions of their relationship with pagan culture.
Ruling of Dubai Court of First Instance Calls into Question uae Courts’ Recent Acquis on International Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
Authors: Blanke Gordon
Published: March 2015

A recent ruling of the Dubai Court of First Instance questions de novo the uae courts’ compliance with their obligations under international enforcement instruments in the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Following the recent trend of consolidation of the uae courts’ practice to abide by the terms of international enforcement instruments—foremost amongst them the New York Convention, this ruling marks a sudden and unwelcome setback in what commentators had believed had become a turning-point in the uae enforcement practice of foreign arbitral awards. This case comment discusses the place of the Court of First Instance’s ruling in the enforcement history of the uae to date.
Six new species of the genus Opopaea Simon, 1891 from Xishuangbanna
Rainforest, southwestern China (Araneae: Oonopidae)
Authors: TONG YANFENG , LI SHUQIANG
Published: March 2015

Seven species of the genus Opopaea Simon, 1891 from Xishuangbanna Rainforest, Yunnan, China are recognized, including six new species: Opopaea auriforma sp. nov. (male, female), Opopaea cornuta Yin & Wang, 1984, Opopaea flabellata sp. nov. (female), Opopaea macula sp. nov. (male, female), Opopaea rigidula sp. nov. (male, female), Opopaea semilunata sp. nov. (female), and Opopaea zhengi sp. nov. (male, female). Morphological descriptions and illustrations of all the six new species are given. All the types are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing (IZCAS).
The Rediscovery of Sphenomorphus malayanus Doria, 1888 (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Titiwangsa Mountain Range of Peninsular Malaysia and its re-description as S. senja sp. nov.
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , QUAH EVAN S. H.
Published: March 2015

The discovery of an additional specimen of Sphenomorphus malayanus Doria, 1888 from Gunung Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia reveals that it is not conspecific with the type specimen from Gunung Singgalan, West Sumatra, 600 km to the south. The new specimen and an additional specimen previously collected from Gunung Gerah, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia, 56 km to the north, are described here as the new species S. senja sp. nov. and differ from S. malayanus by having a larger SVL (60.0–65 mm versus 53 mm); a deeply recessed as opposed to a shallow tympanum; 72 or 73 versus 76 paravertebral scales; eight or nine superciliary scales as opposed to 10; and the posteriormost superciliary scale being large as opposed to small. Cameron Highlands is unique among other upland areas in Peninsular Malaysia in that it harbors an unprecedented number of closely related ecological equivalents living in close sympatry or syntopy.
First record of the African-Indian centipede genus Digitipes Attems, 1930 (Scolopendromorpha: Otostigminae) from Myanmar, and the systematic position of a new species based on molecular phylogenetics
Authors: SIRIWUT WARUT , EDGECOMBE GREGORY D. , SUTCHARIT CHIRASAK , TONGKERD PIYOROS , PANHA SOMSAK
Published: March 2015

The first Southeast Asian record of the scolopendrid centipede Digitipes Attems, 1930, has been collected and analyzed based on a new species from Myanmar, males possessing a distomedial process on the ultimate leg femur that is diagnostic of the genus. Digitipes kalewaensis n. sp., described herein, is distinguished from other members of Digitipes by its 2.5 to 2.7 dorsally glabrous antennal articles, an unusually long basal suture on the tooth-plates, absence of a lateral spine on the coxopleural process, and a lack of median and dorso-median spines on the ultimate leg prefemur. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of two molecular markers (mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA) supported the proposal of a new species from Myanmar. The phylogenetic tree identifies Digitipes barnabasi from the Western Ghats, India, in a polytomy with members of other genera of Otostigminae (Otostigmus, Ethmostigmus and Rhysida) and a robust Indian-Burmese Digitipes clade in which D. kalewaensis n. sp. is resolved as sister group to a clade composed of most Indian species. Available molecular dates for the diversification of Indian Digitipes are consistent with introduction of the genus into SE Asia when the Indian subcontinent made contact with Myanmar in the early Palaeogene.
Prediction of Maize Yield Response to Climate Change with Climate and Crop Model Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhao Yanxia , Chen Sining , Guo Jianping , Wang Enli
Published: March 2015

Projections of climate change impacts on crop yields are subject to uncertainties, and quantification of such uncertainty is essential for the effective use of the projection results for adaptation and mitigation purposes. This work analyzes the uncertainties in maize yield predictions using two crop models together with three climate projections downscaled with one regional climate model nested with three global climate models under the A1B emission scenario in northeast China (NEC). Projections were evaluated for the Zhuanghe agrometeorological station in NEC for the 2021–50 period, taking 1971–2000 as the baseline period. The results indicated a yield reduction of 13% during 2021–50, with 95% probability intervals of (−41%, +12%) relative to 1971–2000. Variance decomposition of the yield projections showed that uncertainty in the projections caused by climate and crop models is likely to change with prediction period, and climate change uncertainty generally had a larger impact on projections than did crop model uncertainty during the 2021–50 period. In addition, downscaled climate projections had significant bias that can introduce significant uncertainties in yield projections. Therefore, they have to be bias corrected before use.
A Comparison of MODIS-Derived Cloud Fraction with Surface Observations at Five SURFRAD Sites
Authors: An Ning , Wang Kaicun
Published: March 2015

Clouds determine the amount of solar radiation incident to the surface. Accurately quantifying cloud fraction is of great importance but is difficult to accomplish. Satellite and surface cloud observations have different fields of view (FOVs); the lack of conformity of different FOVs may cause large discrepancies when comparing satellite- and surface-derived cloud fractions. From the viewpoint of surface-incident solar radiation, this paper compares Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) level-2 cloud-fraction data with three surface cloud-fraction datasets at five Surface Radiation Network (SURFRAD) sites. The correlation coefficients between MODIS and the surface cloud fractions are in the 0.80–0.91 range and vary at different SURFRAD sites. In a number of cases, MODIS observations show a large cloud-fraction bias when compared with surface data. The variances between MODIS and the surface cloud-fraction datasets are more apparent when small convective or broken clouds exist in the FOVs. The magnitude of the discrepancy between MODIS and surface-derived cloud fractions depends on the satellite’s view zenith angle (VZA). On average, relative to surface cloud-fraction data, MODIS observes a larger cloud fraction at VZA > 40° and a smaller cloud fraction at VZA < 20°. When comparing long-term MODIS averages with surface datasets, Aqua MODIS observes a higher annual mean cloud fraction, likely because convective clouds are better developed in the afternoon when Aqua is observing.
Summertime Potential Evapotranspiration in Eastern Washington State
Authors: Bond Nicholas A. , Bumbaco Karin A.
Published: March 2015

The demands for water in agricultural regions depend on the rate of evapotranspiration (ET). Daily records of potential ET (pET) are available from the late 1980s through the present for five stations in eastern Washington State (George, Harrah, LeGrow, Lind, and Odessa) through the Pacific Northwest Cooperative Agricultural Weather Network (AgriMet) under the auspices of the Bureau of Reclamation. These records reveal a secular increase in the summer (June–August) mean pET over the period 1987–2014. This increase can be attributed largely to an increase in solar irradiance of 20–30 W m−2over the same period. The seasonal mean solar irradiance accounts for approximately 35%–50% of the variance in the interannual variations in seasonal mean pET at the individual stations and for approximately 60% of the variance from a five-station average perspective. The period of analysis includes a mean increase of temperature of about 0.3°C (10 yr)−1, and the variability in temperature relates more to the year-to-year fluctuations in pET than to the overall increase in pET. The time series of surface relative humidity and wind speed exhibit only minor trends. Daily and seasonal mean data for 500-hPa geopotential height and other variables are used to determine aspects of the regional atmosphere associated with periods of high pET. Anomalous ridging aloft and negative anomalies in 925-hPa relative humidity tend to occur over the study area during the summers with the greatest pET. The relationships that are emerging may provide a basis for empirical downscaling of pET from global climate model projections.
Modulation of Midtropospheric CO2 by the South Atlantic Walker Circulation*
Authors: Jiang Xun , Olsen Edward T. , Pagano Thomas S. , Su Hui , Yung Yuk L.
Published: March 2015

Midtropospheric CO2 data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) are used in this study to explore the variability of CO2 over the South Atlantic Ocean. It was found that the area-averaged CO2 over the South Atlantic Ocean is less than that over South America by about 1 ppm during December–March. This CO2 contrast is due to the large-scale vertical circulation over this region. During December–March, there is sinking motion over the South Atlantic Ocean. The sinking motion brings high-altitude air with a slightly lower concentration of CO2 to the midtroposphere. Meanwhile, air rising over South America brings near-surface air with a higher concentration of CO2 to the midtroposphere. As a result, the AIRS midtropospheric CO2 concentration is lower over the South Atlantic Ocean than over South America during December–March. The detrended AIRS midtropospheric CO2 difference correlates well with the inverted and detrended 400-hPa vertical pressure velocity difference between the South Atlantic and South America. Results obtained from this study demonstrate the strong impact of large-scale circulation on the vertical distribution of CO2 in the free troposphere and suggest that midtropospheric CO2 measurements can be used as an innovative observational constraint on the simulation of large-scale circulations in climate models.
Decadal Variation of Summer Precipitation over China and Associated Atmospheric Circulation after the Late 1990s
Authors: Xu ZhiQing , Fan Ke , Wang HuiJun
Published: March 2015

In this study, the authors found that the summer precipitation over China experienced different decadal variation features from north to south after the late 1990s. In northeastern and North China and the lower–middle reaches of the Yangtze River, precipitation decreased after 1999, while precipitation experienced a significant reduction over South and southwestern China and a significant increase over the southern parts of Hetao region and Huaihe River valley after 2003. The authors next analyzed the associated decadal variation of the atmospheric circulation and attempted to identify the mechanisms causing the two decadal variations of precipitation. The wind anomalies for the former exhibit a barotropic meridional dipole pattern, with anticyclonic anomalies over Mongolia to northern China and cyclonic anomalies over the southeastern Chinese coast to the northwestern Pacific. For the latter, there is a southeast–northwest-oriented dipole pattern in the middle and lower troposphere, with cyclonic anomalies over the northern parts of the Tibetan Plateau and anticyclonic anomalies over the lower–middle reaches of the Yangtze River to southern Japan. An anomalous anticyclone dominates the upper troposphere over China south of 40°N. The authors further found that the summer sea surface temperature (SST) warming over the tropical Atlantic played an important role in the decadal variation around 2003 via inducing teleconnections over Eurasia. In contrast, the decadal variation around 1999 may be caused by the phase shift of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), as has previously been indicated.
Vertical Redistribution of Oceanic Heat Content
Authors: Liang Xinfeng , Wunsch Carl , Heimbach Patrick , Forget Gael
Published: March 2015

Estimated values of recent oceanic heat uptake are on the order of a few tenths of a W m−2, and are a very small residual of air–sea exchanges, with annual average regional magnitudes of hundreds of W m−2. Using a dynamically consistent state estimate, the redistribution of heat within the ocean is calculated over a 20-yr period. The 20-yr mean vertical heat flux shows strong variations in both the lateral and vertical directions, consistent with the ocean being a dynamically active and spatially complex heat exchanger. Between mixing and advection, the two processes determining the vertical heat transport in the deep ocean, advection plays a more important role in setting the spatial patterns of vertical heat exchange and its temporal variations. The global integral of vertical heat flux shows an upward heat transport in the deep ocean, suggesting a cooling trend in the deep ocean. These results support an inference that the near-surface thermal properties of the ocean are a consequence, at least in part, of internal redistributions of heat, some of which must reflect water that has undergone long trajectories since last exposure to the atmosphere. The small residual heat exchange with the atmosphere today is unlikely to represent the interaction with an ocean that was in thermal equilibrium at the start of global warming. An analogy is drawn with carbon-14 “reservoir ages,” which range from over hundreds to a thousand years.
Is the Tropical Atmosphere in Convective Quasi-Equilibrium?
Authors: Lin Jia-Lin , Qian Taotao , Shinoda Toshiaki , Li Shuanglin
Published: March 2015

The hypothesis of convective quasi-equilibrium (CQE) has dominated thinking about the interaction between deep moist convection and the environment for at least two decades. In this view, deep convection develops or decays almost instantly to remove any changes of convective instability, making the tropospheric temperature always tied to the boundary layer moist static energy. The present study examines the validity of the CQE hypothesis at different vertical levels using long-term sounding data from tropical convection centers. The results show that the tropical atmosphere is far from the CQE with much weaker warming in the middle and upper troposphere associated with the increase of boundary layer moist static energy. This is true for all the time scales resolved by the observational data, ranging from hourly to interannual and decadal variability. It is possibly caused by the ubiquitous existence of shallow convection and stratiform precipitation, both leading to sign reversal of heating from lower to upper troposphere. The simulations by 42 global climate models from phases 3 and 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparsion Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5) are also analyzed and compared with the observations.
A Method to Estimate the 3D–Time Structure of the Raindrop Size Distribution Using Radar and Disdrometer Data*
Authors: Schleiss Marc , Smith James
Published: March 2015

A geostatistical method to quantify the small-scale 3D–time structure of the drop size distribution (DSD) from the ground level up to the melting layer using radar and disdrometer data is presented. First, 3D–time radar reflectivity fields are used to estimate the large-scale properties of a rain event, such as the apparent motion, spatial anisotropy, and temporal innovation. The retrieved quantities are then combined with independent disdrometer time series to estimate the 3D–time variogram of each DSD parameter. A key point in the procedure is the use of a new metric for measuring distances in moving anisotropic rainfall fields. This metric has the property of being invariant with respect to the specific rainfall parameter being considered, that is, it is identical for the radar reflectivity, rain rate, mean drop diameter, drop concentration, or any other weighted moment of the DSD. Evidence is shown of this fact and some illustrations for a stratiform event in southern France and a convective case in the midwestern United States are provided. The proposed framework offers a series of new and interesting applications, including the possibility to compare the space–time structure of different rain events, to interpolate radar reflectivity fields in space–time and to simulate 3D–time DSD fields at high spatial and temporal resolutions.