bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep neural network with FGL for small dataset classification
Authors: Guo Chunsheng , Li Ruizhe , Yang Meng , Tang Xianghong
Published: November 2018

In certain applications, classification models have to be trained with small datasets. This study proposes a new deep neural network with a feature generalisation layer (FGL). First, instead of using a generative network for data augmentation, the FGL is modelled using a latent variable model to diversify features directly by sharing other layers. Then, dual‐objective functions are defined to optimise the parameters of the network: one minimises the generation error and the other minimises the classification error. Finally, a parallel multibranch structure is used in the FGL to improve the convergence of model training. The classification accuracy obtained using various quantities of training samples increased up to 4.63% on the MNIST dataset, up to 3.00% on the CIFAR10 nature image dataset, over the reference model. These experimental results illustrate the effectiveness of the authors’ method for training classification models with small datasets.
High‐resolution DEM building with SAR interferometry and high‐resolution optical image
Authors: Hadj‐Sahraoui Omar , Fizazi Hadria , Berrichi Faouzi , Chamakhi Djemoui , Kebir Lahcen Wahib
Published: November 2018

There have been many published articles describing Interferometry algorithms for DEM generation in different applications. The best uncertainty achieved in most of these articles is greater than ±1 m calculating the elevation. Enabling scientists to gain experience with new techniques at low cost. Interferometry with synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is one of the best technique for measuring the altimetry surface, its different changes and degradation over time, and the characteristics detailed of the surface. To take a better resolution of the surfaces, the authors propose their approach; it's to merge the results of the interferometry and data from segmentation of an optical high‐resolution image. In this report, they describe a procedure for hybridisation of interferometry algorithm (InSAR) and the use of geospatial data from the image segmentation, with extraction of the building to calculate the zonal statistic parameter and mapping all segments comprising the highest elevations. This report is written in a step by step format to simplify the complicated steps described in this study, with a focus on the hybridisation instead of the interferometry. The tests of this method were carried out on several sites, and showed good results.
Sliding‐mode control of a boost converter under constant power loading conditions
Authors: Martinez‐Treviño Blanca A. , El Aroudi Abdelali , Vidal‐Idiarte Enric , Cid‐Pastor Angel , Martinez‐Salamero Luis
Published: November 2018

The cascade connection of two dc–dc switching converters for constant power supply is studied. The source converter is of boost type while the load converter is of buck type. The natural unstable behaviour of the cascade connection for both on and off states of the boost converter is counteracted by a sliding‐mode control strategy that combines unstable trajectories to generate a stable one for the regulated boost converter dynamics. Experimental results using an electronic load to emulate a buck converter‐based constant power load are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. A similar agreement is later obtained when a buck converter with a dynamic behaviour close to an instantaneous constant power load is employed instead of the electronic load.
Approach to synthesis of fault tolerant reduced device count multilevel inverters (FT RDC MLIs)
Authors: Dewangan Niraj Kumar , Gupta Shubhrata , Gupta Krishna Kumar
Published: November 2018

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) are rapidly acquiring techno‐economic feasibility for both high‐power and medium‐power applications. Increased number of power switches has been cited as one of the most important limitations of MLIs; and to overcome it, a whole new class of MLI topologies has come up. These topologies are commonly called ‘reduced device count’ MLIs (RDC‐MLIs). As the number of controlled switches is significantly reduced in RDC‐MLIs, the redundant states are also reduced. Hence, the possibility of fault tolerant operation is severely affected. This study looks at the possibility of imparting fault‐tolerant characteristics to RDC‐MLIs. In this study, some of the recently proposed RDC‐MLI topologies are first analysed for the possibility of fault tolerant operation in the case of ‘any single switch open‐circuit fault (ASSOF)’. Thereafter, an optimal addition of power switch is proposed which enables fault tolerant operation in the event of ASSOF. Furthermore, these modified RDC‐MLIs are verified under normal and faulty conditions using software simulations and experimental set‐ups and these results are presented.
Demand response for indirect load control in smart grid using novel price modification algorithm
Authors: Ismael Islam , Saeed Mohammed , Kaddah Sahar , Abdelkader Sobhy
Published: November 2018

This study presents a novel algorithm for reshaping the load demand profile of smart grid via modifying the price signal based on demand response principle. This modification in price is performed in a way that encourages customers to change their consumption pattern in order to achieve maximum saving. The proposed algorithm takes into consideration the customer willingness to participate in demand response, demand elasticity, price change limit, and comfort level of customers by determining a price signal, which maximises their saving when shifting their flexible load for certain limited hours and satisfying the daily energy consumption. The proposed method is formulated in a way, which avoids the problem of load synchronisation in which the maximum demand point is shifted to the point of lowest price. The proposed algorithm is applied to a typical benchmark of smart grid with residential, commercial, and industrial loads. The simulation results prove the success of the proposed algorithm for maximising customer saving and achieving the objective of energy management via a new consumption pattern.
Constant false alarm rate detector based on sparsity regularisation in multi‐target interfering Weibull clutter
Authors: Yang Li , Longshan Wu , Ning Zhang , Xinyang Wang
Published: November 2018

In this study, the authors propose a new constant false alarm rate detection algorithm in the non‐homogeneous Weibull clutter caused by point‐like targets interference. In their algorithm, sparsity regularisation is imposed on the target, which makes use of the target minority in detection background. On the basis of the regularised estimate of outliers, the indicator function is introduced to select the clean samples out of the background to estimate the distribution parameters, which further improves the robustness of the proposed detector. Simulation and experimental results verify the performance of the proposed detector which illustrates its superiority by making a comparison with the conventional detectors.
Large‐scale uniform fabrication and morphology control of ultrafine perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: He Zhengda , Hao Yanan , Bi Meihua , Guo Limin , Bi Ke
Published: November 2018

Nanomaterials are playing more and more important roles in modern industry, while the large‐scale fabrication and dispersibility still need to be addressed. This report explores the uniform fabrication and morphology control of ultrafine BaTiO3 (BT) nanocrystals using a ‘TEG‐sol’ method. By varying the reactant concentration, the obtained product sols, Ba/Ti ratios, structure and morphology of the nanocrystals are investigated. The results reveal that under low concentrations (0.4–0.8 mol/L), transparent sols with uniform BT nanocrystals are obtained. Increasing the concentration to higher than 1.0 mol/L, BT precipitates with abnormal large crystals are obtained. Moreover, the Ba/Ti ratio variation further reveals that the surface organics are critical to the control of crystal size and morphology. This investigation is potential to be extended to the synthesis of various perovskite nanocrystals.
Hyper Suprime-Cam view of the CMASS galaxy sample
Authors: Sonnenfeld Alessandro , Wang Wenting , Bahcall Neta
Published: November 2018

Aims. We wish to determine the distribution of dark matter halo masses as a function of the stellar mass and the stellar mass profile for massive galaxies in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) constant-mass (CMASS) sample.

Methods. We usedgrizyphotometry from the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) to obtain Sérsic fits and stellar masses of CMASS galaxies for which HSC weak-lensing data are available. This sample was visually selected to have spheroidal morphology. We applied a cut in stellar mass, logM*/M⊙ >  11.0, and selected ∼10 000 objects thus. Using a Bayesian hierarchical inference method, we first investigated the distribution of Sérsic index and size as a function of stellar mass. Then, making use of shear measurements from HSC, we measured the distribution of halo mass as a function of stellar mass, size, and Sérsic index.

Results. Our data reveal a steep stellar mass-size relationRe∝M*βR, withβRlarger than unity, and a positive correlation between Sérsic index and stellar mass:n∝M*0.46. The halo mass scales approximately with the 1.7 power of the stellar mass. We do not find evidence for an additional dependence of halo mass on size or Sérsic index at fixed stellar mass.

Conclusions. Our results disfavour galaxy evolution models that predict significant differences in the size growth efficiency of galaxies living in low- and high-mass halos.
Gifts and Kinship: Women as Men’s Signs in ʿArus-e Ātash
Authors: Sadeghi Kahmini Mostafa , Behroozi Moghadam Nima
Published: November 2018

This essay investigates the Iranian film ʿArus-e Ātash, directed by Khosrow Sināʾi in 1999, through the lens of gender studies. In doing so, it employs Claude Lévi-Strauss’ theory of kinship and elementary structures in order to create a context for the social structure of ʿashira as the prevailing unit of society among Khuzestāni Arabs of Iran. The significance of gift exchange as the predominant form of making alliances, as well as the position of women as the nucleus of these exchanges, is further discussed to shed light on the different socialization of male and female individuals in the ʿashira. Using Lévi-Strauss’ ideas in conjunction with the gender feminism of Kate Millett and Catharine A. MacKinnon, the study explores how women in primitive societies have the dual function of being the men’s property on an objective level as well as the means for alliance-making on a subjective one—a sign and a value at the same time. The essay concludes that men can also be considered as the victims of the patriarchal system since it creates a cultural image of men imbued with excessive masculinity that they may not be able live up to.
Microstructure formation of silicide coating on Nb–W–Mo–Zr alloy
Authors: Qiao Yanqiang , Zheng Kewei , Guo Xiping
Published: November 2018

Silicide coatings were deposited on the Nb–5W–2.5Mo–1Zr alloy by pack cementation method. The microstructure, phase distribution, growth kinetics and oxidation behaviour of the coatings were studied. The results show that the coatings were mainly composed of an outer NbSi2 layer, an acicular Nb5Si3-dispersed NbSi2 two-phase layer and a Nb5Si3 inner layer, exhibiting a three-layer structure. The temperature and holding time both have a significant effect on the coating formation. It was found that the coating growth kinetics at 1250°C followed a parabolic law. The coating exhibited a relatively good short-term protection to the substrate in static air at 850 and 1250°C. Both scales formed at the two oxidation temperatures consisted mainly of a mixture of SiO2, Nb2O5 and NbO.
Wo/andering about walls: a reply to Elizabeth Mills
Authors: Camminga B
Published: November 2018

This paper is a response to Elizabeth Mills article ‘Gender, Sexuality and the Limits of the Law’. Mills provides concise evidence based unpacking of how domestic law can inhibit or impact the lived realities of sexual and gender minorities in the Global South. Drawing on research carried out within the UK based Sexuality, Poverty and Law Programme (SPLP) Mills considers what (and who) shapes the law and what, in turn, shapes peoples experiences of the law. Mills is particularly concerned with issues of embodiment, materiality and precarity in the lives of those who often find themselves excluded from the law - either actively or through negation. As we see an increasing reliance on homonationalism as an indicator of modernity, linked to investment by the Global North in the Global South, the article raises several key questions that are pertinent to the current global moment.
The problem of visibility in LGBT human rights: a reply to Camminga and Mills
Authors: Clark Phoebe
Published: November 2018

This reply responds to contributions by Camminga and Mills to the issue's sub-theme of ‘The Role of International and Domestic Law in Attaining Gender and Sexual Equality’.

This reply argues that the papers show how increased visibility exposes queer people to a greater risk of discrimination, which law-makers must navigate when crafting policy. The reply also notes that a neo-colonial power dynamic exists between Global North and South policies which influences the creation of symbolic queer-specific human rights policy. This dynamic prompts the spread of Western language and conceptualizations of gender and sexual identity. Clark develops examples from Mills’ and Camminga's articles to present a possible alternative way to create policy to protect LGBT human rights and rethink identity informed by experiences of discrimination.
The limits of law in securing reproductive freedoms: midwife-assisted homebirth in the United States
Authors: Cramer Renée Ann
Published: November 2018

Recent years have seen increased activism on behalf of homebirth midwives, with grassroots movements in many states focused on gaining professional status for midwives, and legislation regulating and decriminalizing their practice. However, changing the legal status of homebirth midwifery in the United States may not be the most important issue in creating access for maternal services of this type; in fact, legal status is relatively unimportant to this issue. Participant-observation and interviews indicate that, regardless of legal status, homebirth midwives may be subject to prosecutorial discretion, onerous reporting and insurance requirements, and increased state reach via administrative agencies. These findings reaffirm other studies that have pointed to the limits of law; the gap between doctrine and legislation, and implementation; and the contingent and constitutive relationships between law and transformational change.
Refined Measurement of Verbal Learning and Memory: Application of Item Response Theory to California Verbal Learning Test – Second Edition (CVLT-II) Learning Trials
Authors: Thiruselvam Indrani , Hoelzle James B
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate how items contained within the California Verbal Learning Test – Second Edition (CVLT-II; Delis, D. C., Kramer, J. H., Kaplan, E., & Ober, B. A. (2000). California Verbal Learning Test (2nd ed.). San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation) learning trials function and to evaluate whether weighted scoring approaches might improve quantification of verbal memory.

Method

Archival data from 577 individuals (338 healthy young adults, 239 medical or psychiatric patients referred to a neuropsychology clinic) were obtained and evaluated using item response theory.

Results

The serial position effect was evident across trials, but was most evident in Trials 1, 2, and 3. CVLT-II Trial 5 was the most effective among the five learning trials in quantifying verbal memory, although it was most effective when measuring lower memory ability levels. In contrast, CVLT-II Trial 1 items had, on average, the highest difficulty levels. Various weighted scoring approaches did not appear incrementally helpful in improving prediction of memory performance.

Conclusion

Specific items and trials differentially discriminate between examinees with low levels of memory ability; it is important to thoroughly evaluate item properties of tests used in clinical decision-making.
Maternal anthropometry: trends and inequalities in four population-based birth cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil, 1982–2015
Authors: Horta Bernardo L , Barros Fernando C , Lima Natália P , Assunção Maria C F , Santos Iná S , Domingues Marlos R , Victora Cesar G ,   Pelotas Cohorts Study Group, Barros Aluisio J D , Matijasevich Alicia , Menezes Ana M B , Bertoldi Andrea Dâmaso , Bassani Diego G , Wehrmeister Fernando C , Gonçalves Helen , Murray Joseph , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana , Silveira Mariangela F , Hallal Pedro R C
Published: November 2018

Background

Pre-pregnancy nutritional status and weight gain during pregnancy have short- and long-term consequences for the health of women and children. This study was aimed at evaluating maternal height,- and overweight or obesity at the beginning of the pregnancy and gestational weight gain, according to socioeconomic status and maternal skin colour of mothers in Pelotas, a southern Brazilian city, in 1982, 1993, 2004 and 2015.

Methods

In 1982, 1993, 2004 and 2015, the maternity hospitals in Pelotas were visited daily, all deliveries were identified and mothers who lived in the urban area of the city were interviewed. Maternal weight at the beginning of the pregnancy was self-reported by the mother or obtained from the antenatal card. Maternal height was collected from the maternity records or measured by the research team. Overweight or obesity was defined by a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Gestational weight gain was evaluated according to the Institute of Medicine guidelines.

Results

In the four cohorts, we evaluated 19 931 women. From 1982 to 2015, the prevalence of overweight or obesity at the beginning of the pregnancy increased from 22.1% to 47.0% and height increased by an average of 5.2 cm, whereas gestational weight gain did not change. Socioeconomic status was positively associated with maternal height, and the difference between the poorest and the wealthiest decreased. Overweight or obesity was lower among those mothers in the extreme categories of family income.

Conclusions

Over the 33-year span, mothers were taller at the beginning of the pregnancy, but the prevalence of overweight or obesity more than doubled.
MAGE genes in the kidney: identification of MAGED2 as upregulated during kidney injury and in stressed tubular cells
Authors: Valiño-Rivas Lara , Cuarental Leticia , Agustin Mateo , Husi Holger , Cannata-Ortiz Pablo , Sanz Ana B , Mischak Harald , Ortiz Alberto , Sanchez-Niño Maria Dolores
Published: November 2018

Background

Mutations in Melanoma Antigen-encoding Gene D2 (MAGED2) promote tubular dysfunction, suggesting that MAGE proteins may play a role in kidney pathophysiology. We have characterized the expression and regulation of MAGE genes in normal kidneys and during kidney disease.

Methods

The expression of MAGE genes and their encoded proteins was explored by systems biology multi-omics (kidney transcriptomics and proteomics) in healthy adult murine kidneys and following induction of experimental acute kidney injury (AKI) by a folic acid overdose. Changes in kidney expression during nephrotoxic AKI were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry. Factors regulating gene expression were studied in cultured tubular cells.

Results

Five MAGE genes (MAGED1, MAGED2, MAGED3, MAGEH1, MAGEE1) were expressed at the mRNA level in healthy adult mouse kidneys, as assessed by RNA-Seq. Additionally, MAGED2 was significantly upregulated during experimental AKI as assessed by array transcriptomics. Kidney proteomics also identified MAGED2 as upregulated during AKI. The increased kidney expression of MAGED2 mRNA and protein was confirmed by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively, in murine folic acid- and cisplatin-induced AKI. Immunohistochemistry located MAGED2 to tubular cells in experimental and human kidney injury. Tubular cell stressors [serum deprivation and the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)] upregulated MAGED2 in cultured tubular cells.

Conclusions

MAGED2 is upregulated in tubular cells in experimental and human kidney injury and is increased by stressors in cultured tubular cells. This points to a role of MAGED2 in tubular cell injury during kidney disease that should be dissected by carefully designed functional approaches.
A White Matter Fiber Microdissection Study of the Anterior Perforated Substance and the Basal Forebrain: A Gateway to the Basal Ganglia?
Authors: Serra Carlo , Akeret Kevin , Maldaner Nicolai , Staartjes Victor E , Regli Luca , Baltsavias Gerasimos , Krayenbühl Niklaus
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Studies detailing the anatomy of the basal forebrain (BF) from a neurosurgical perspective are missing.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the anatomy of the BF and of the anterior perforated substance (APS), the BF emphasizing surgical useful anatomical relationship between surface landmarks and deep structures.

METHODS

White matter fiber microdissection was performed on 5 brain specimens to analyze the topographic anatomy of the APS and expose layer-by-layer fiber tracts and nuclei of the BF.

RESULTS

The APS, as identified anatomically, surgically, and neuroradiologically, has clear borders measured 23.3 ± 3.4 mm (19-27) in the mediolateral and 12.5 ± 1.2 mm (11-14) in the anteroposterior directions. A detailed stratigraphy of the BF was performed from the APS up to basal ganglia and thalamus allowing identification and dissection of the main components of the BF (septum, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, innominate substance) and its white matter tracts (band of Broca, extracapsular thalamic peduncle, ventral amygdalohypothalamic fibers). The olfactory trigone together with diagonal gyrus and the APS proper is a relevant superficial landmark for the basal ganglia (inferior to the nucleus accumbens, lateral to the caudate head, and medial to the lentiform nucleus).

CONCLUSION

The findings in our study supplement available anatomic knowledge of APS and BF, providing reliable landmarks for precise topographic diagnosis of BF lesions and for intraoperative orientation. Surgically relevant relationships between surface and deep anatomic structures are highlighted offering thus a contribution to neurosurgeons willing to perform surgery in this delicate area.
Endovascular Flow Diversion for Hemifacial Spasm Induced by a Vertebral Artery Aneurysm: First Experience
Authors: Santiago-Dieppa David R , McDonald Marin A , Brandel Michael G , Rennert Robert C , Khalessi Alexander A , Olson Scott E
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Flow diversion for the treatment of aneurysm-induced hemifacial spasm (HFS) has not been previously described.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The authors present the case of a 60-yr-old woman who presented with 1 yr of progressive left HFS secondary to a vertebral artery aneurysm compressing the root entry zone of cranial nerve VII. The patient's aneurysm was successfully treated with a flow diverting stent.

CONCLUSION

In the immediate postoperative period, the patient had near complete resolution of her HFS symptoms. At her 6-mo follow-up the patient had no angiographic filling of the aneurysm and her HFS symptoms had completely resolved.
How does avian seed dispersal shape the structure of early successional tropical forests?
Authors: González‐Castro Aarón , Yang Suann , Carlo Tomás A.
Published: November 2018

Frugivores shape plant communities via seed dispersal of fleshy‐fruited plant species. However, the structural characteristics that frugivores impart to plant communities are little understood. Evaluating how frugivores structure plant communities via the nonproportional use of available fruit resources is critical to understand the functioning of ecosystems where fleshy‐fruited plant species are dominant, such as tropical forests.

We performed a seed‐addition field experiment to investigate how frugivorous birds shape the composition and richness of forests during early stages of secondary succession in cleared areas in Puerto Rico. The experiment tested whether the bird‐generated seed rain and the subsequent early successional plant communities were proportional representations of the fleshy‐fruited species that dominated the surrounding community. Experimental treatments consisted of patches with (a) seed‐additions by wild birds attracted to experimental patches with pole perches, (b) manual seed‐additions proportional to fruit abundance at the local scale (≤50 m from experimental plots) and (c) manual seed‐additions proportional to fruit abundance at the landscape scale (entire study site).

Birds' seed‐additions differed in composition and abundance to expectations based on fruit availability at local and landscape scales. Treatments with seeds added by birds had the highest species richness in both the seed rain and the emergence stages despite how, on average, the monthly richness in the landscape‐scale treatment was double that of birds and the local‐scale treatment. This phenomenon was explained by the highest heterogeneity from the bird seed‐addition treatment across months, and the lowest seed per capita emergence rates in landscape treatments. Rather than reflecting relative fruit abundance, birds biased seed rain and per capita emergence towards a non‐random mixture of both small‐ and large‐seeded species, resulting in richer and distinct plant communities.

Because frugivory and seed dispersal patterns depart from random encounters between frugivores and plants in communities, successional forests are characterized by an overrepresentation of proportionally rare plant species, and decreases in the dominance of many common species. Thus, for regenerating tropical forests, frugivory can function as mechanism that promotes persistence of rare plant species and their coexistence with more abundant plants.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Ashes to ashes: Intense fires extinguish populations of urban short‐range endemics
Authors: Mason Leanda , Bateman PHILIP WILLIAM , Miller Ben P. , Wardell‐Johnson Grant Wesley
Published: November 2018

Native bushland fragmented by urbanization often experiences increased cover of flammable weeds, reduced biomass turnover and an absence of fuel management combined with increased ignitions. Depending on species’ mobility and dispersal traits, and the extent of burns within urban remnants, such fires may reduce individual survival rates or limit natural recolonization. We monitored the survival of mygalomorph spiders for a year following high‐intensity and low‐intensity fires in Banksia woodland remnants in urban Perth. Of the 257 burrows found, 115 spiders were confirmed to initially survive after intense wildfire, but none were confirmed alive after 12 months. In sharp contrast, only one spider from 103 observed burrows was confirmed dead after a low‐intensity prescribed fire. As there were instances of our monitored mygalomorphs relocating a short distance following only low intensity fires, we also tested whether predation rates were higher in burnt than unburnt areas. Higher rates of predation were found in burnt areas, but this was strongly influenced by both site and predator type. We recommend further consideration of low‐intensity prescribed fire as well as alternative fuel management approaches in urban remnants to better conserve mygalomorph spider populations and other taxa with limited dispersal and/or mobility capabilities.
Mary Griffith’sThree Hundred Years Hence:Utopia, Women, and Marriage
Authors: Purdy Lillian M.
Published: November 2018

Mary Griffith’sThree Hundred Years Hence(1836) is the first attempt by an American woman to create a literary utopia. With this work, Griffith begins a literary conversation on women and marriage, including women’s rights and gender equality, and she imagines new laws and reforms that strengthen marriages, married life, and family satisfaction. Griffith’s work situates marriage as an integral part of a successful environment and imagines solutions to national concerns regarding women that will be addressed later in the century. Griffith tackles slavery, alcoholism, and divorce laws, as well as issues that directly affected married women, particularly white married women. In the novel, women have earned equality without negatively affecting domesticity or female purity. Women’s daily lives are improved, educational opportunities are opened to women, children’s lives are valued in the new community, and order in the home and community serve as the basis for utopia. Griffith’s vision is bold even as it is limited because, while women are often the creative minds behind the utopian improvements that are described, in the plot itself, women are silent. Other weaknesses in the plot include the oversimplified solution to slavery and the ambiguous resolution of the fate of Native Americans within the utopia. Tragically, in her vision, Griffith has eliminated both groups from the community. Griffith mixes futuristic technological improvements with biting commentary on contemporary social issues and the treatment of women. Griffith uses the genre of utopian vision to present solutions to many challenges facing 19th‐century white women.
Naming a Star: Ursula Le Guin’s The Dispossessed and the Reimagining of Utopianism
Authors: Cross Katherine
Published: November 2018

More than most of her works, Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Dispossessed feels unfinished, its perspective blurred. But through its flawed aperture one nevertheless sees why: its subject is all that is left unsaid and undone after a revolution. In this tale of two worlds, anarchist Anarres and statist Urras are implacably opposed. Yet each is continuous with the other. For its flaws, The Dispossessed, as a sociological novel, brilliantly analyzes where emancipatory politics can go wrong, using insights that were new even to social scientists in the early 1970s: the notion that power need not be formally titled or openly hierarchical in order to be effective and oppressive. In short, this is a novel about the dangers of informal power, and how revolutionary dogma can rhetorically mask it. But it stands out among Cold War era fiction for not portraying a flawed leftist society as a dystopia. Instead, Le Guin’s vision of Anarres is of a society that has become complacent, that has forgotten the permanence of revolution, where bad actors take advantage of political dogma and “non‐hierarchical” stations to exercise power in grotesque ways. Power never goes away, and Le Guin’s genius in The Dispossessed lies in showing us the myriad ways it endures.
Impact of chronic lead exposure on liver and kidney function and haematologic parameters
Authors: Nakhaee Samaneh , Amirabadizadeh Alireza , Brent Jeffery , Mehrpour Omid
Published: November 2018

Background

Lead, one of the most widely used metals because of its beneficial physical properties, has been reported to adversely influence several different organs and organ systems. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of lead exposure on liver and renal function and haematologic parameters.

Methods

This was a case‐cohort study comparing adults with occupational, environmental or opium‐related lead exposure with blood lead levels [BLL] >10 μg/dL (High blood lead level (HBLL) group and age‐ and gender‐matched normal healthy individuals (Low blood lead level [LBLL] group with BLL <10 μg/dL). The complete blood count and concentrations of serum creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were recorded for subsequent investigation.

Results

The mean BLL was significantly higher in the HBLL than in the LBLL groups (51.36 ± 44.72 vs 4.17 ± 1.97 µg/dL). The Spearman's rho revealed a significant association between BLL and urea (r = 0.25, P < 0.001), creatinine (r = 0.16, P = 0.02), AST (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) and ALT (r = 0.27, P < 0.001). The median [IQR] serum urea (34 mg/dL [27‐221]) vs (30 [27‐36]), creatinine (0.9 mg/dL [0.8‐1]) vs (0.8 [0.7‐0.9]), ALT (25 mg/dL [16‐49]) vs (22 [16‐30]) and AST concentrations (29 mg/dL [20‐42]) vs (20 [18‐24]) were all significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the HBLL group compared to the LBLL group. The median [IQR] haemoglobin (12.6 g/dL [10.4‐15.4]) vs (15.2 [14.6‐16.3] and haematocrit (36.9% [31‐44.8]) vs (45.6 [43.6‐48.2]) were both significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the HBLL group than in the LBLL group.

Conclusion

The results indicated that people with chronic lead exposure with BLLs greater than 10 μg/dL are at risk of renal, liver and haematologic impairments.
β‐Adrenoceptors as drug targets in melanoma: novel preclinical evidence for a role of β3‐adrenoceptors
Authors: Dal Monte Massimo , Calvani Maura , Cammalleri Maurizio , Favre Claudio , Filippi Luca , Bagnoli Paola
Published: November 2018

Stress plays a role in tumourigenesis through catecholamines acting at β‐adrenoceptors including β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptors, and the use of β‐adrenoceptor antagonists seems to counteract tumour growth and progression. Preclinical evidence and meta‐analysis data demonstrate that melanoma shows a positive response to β‐adrenoceptor blockers and in particular to propranolol acting mainly at β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptors. Although evidence suggesting that β3‐adrenoceptors may play a role as a therapeutic target in infantile haemangiomas has been recently reviewed, a comprehensive analysis of the data available from preclinical studies supporting a possible role of β3‐adrenoceptors in melanoma was not available. Here, we review data from the literature demonstrating that propranolol may be effective at counteracting melanoma growth, and we provide preclinical evidence that β3‐adrenoceptors may also play a role in the pathophysiology of melanoma, thus opening the door for further clinical assays trying to explore β3‐adrenoceptor blockers as novel alternatives for its treatment.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Adrenoceptors—New Roles for Old Players. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.14/issuetoc
Hypoglycaemic effects of glimepiride in sulfonylurea receptor 1 deficient rat
Authors: Zhou Xiaojun , Zhang Rui , Zou Zhiwei , Shen Xue , Xie Tianyue , Xu Chunmei , Dong Jianjun , Liao Lin
Published: November 2018

Background and Purpose

Sulfonylureas (SUs) have been suggested to have an insulin‐independent blood glucose‐decreasing activity due to an extrapancreatic effect. However, a lack of adequate in vivo evidence makes this statement controversial. Here, we aimed to evaluate whether glimepiride has extrapancreatic blood glucose‐lowering activity in vivo.

Experimental Approach

Sulfonylurea receptor 1 deficient (SUR1−/−) rats were created by means of transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALEN)‐mediated gene targeting technology. Type 2 diabetic models were established by feeding a high‐fat diet and administering a low‐dose of streptozotocin. These rats were then randomly divided into four groups: glimepiride, gliclazide, metformin and saline. All rats were treated for 2 weeks.

Key Results

Glimepiride decreased blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity without elevating insulin levels. Gliclazide showed similar effects as glimepiride. Both agents were weaker than metformin. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that glimepiride increased hepatic glycogen synthesis and decreased gluconeogenesis, which were accompanied by the activation of Akt in the liver. Moreover, glimepiride increased both total and membrane glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) levels in muscle and fat, which might be attributed to insulin receptor‐independent IRS1/Akt activation.

Conclusion and Implications

Glimepiride possesses an extrapancreatic blood glucose‐lowering effect in vivo, which might be attributed to its direct effect on insulin‐sensitive tissues. Therefore, the combination of glimepiride with multiple insulin injections should not be excluded per se.
A HS6ST2 gene variant associated with X‐linked intellectual disability and severe myopia in two male twins
Authors: Paganini Leda , Hadi Loubna A. , Chetta Massimiliano , Rovina Davide , Fontana Laura , Colapietro Patrizia , Bonaparte Eleonora , Pezzani Lidia , Marchisio Paola , Tabano Silvia M. , Costanza Jole , Sirchia Silvia M. , Riboni Laura , Milani Donatella , Miozzo Monica
Published: November 2018

X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) refers to a clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, in which males are more heavily affected than females. Among the syndromic forms of XLID, identified by additional clinical signs as part of the disease spectrum, the association between XLID and severe myopia has been poorly characterized. We used whole exome sequencing (WES) to study two Italian male twins presenting impaired intellectual function and adaptive behavior, in association with severe myopia and mild facial dysmorphisms. WES analysis detected the novel, maternally inherited, mutation c.916G > C (G306R) in the X‐linked heparan sulfate 6‐O‐sulfotransferase 2 (HS6ST2) gene. HS6ST2 transfers sulfate from adenosine 3′‐phosphate, 5′‐phosphosulfate to the sixth position of the N‐sulphoglucosamine residue in heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans. Low HS sulfation levels are associated with defective optic disc and stalk morphogenesis during mammalian visual system development. The c.916G>C variant affects the HS6ST2 substrate binding site, and its effect was considered “deleterious” by in‐silico tools. An in‐vitro enzymatic assay showed that the HS6ST2 mutant isoform had significantly reduced sulphotransferase activity. Taken together, the results suggest that mutant HS6ST2 is possibly involved in the development of myopia and cognitive impairment, characteristics of the probands reported here.
Assessment of lateral mitral, septal and tricuspid myocardial performance indices by tissue Doppler imaging in asthmatic children
Authors: Elseify Magda Yehia , Alsharkawy Asmaa Alhusseiny , Al‐Fahham Marwa Moustapha , ElHady Mahmoud Muhamed
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Recurrent hypoxia makes asthmatics at risk for pulmonary hypertension and ventricular dysfunction. Early stages of these cardiovascular diseases cannot be detected by conventional echocardiography. Tissue Doppler imaging has been introduced recently as a more sensitive and more accurate tool for investigating cardiovascular diseases.

Objective

Investigating ventricular functions in asymptomatic asthmatic children using tissue Doppler echocardiography.

Method

Fifty asthmatic children and 50 controls were examined by conventional echocrdiography. Tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure the myocardial performance (Tei) index at the lateral mitral, septal and tricuspid annuli.

Results

Septal Tei indices among patients and uncontrolled asthmatics were significantly higher than healthy subjects and controlled asthmatics, respectively (P < 0.05). Septal and tricuspid Tei indices were significantly higher among severe asthmatics and patients with concomitant nasal allergy than those with mild asthma and those without concomitant nasal allergy, respectively (P < 0.05). Septal Tei index correlated negatively with daily inhaled corticosteroid dose (r = –0.412, P = 0.003) and forced expiratory volume in the 1st second/forced vital capacity (r = –0.877, P < 0.001). Lateral Tei index correlated positively with the patient age (r = 0.312, P = 0.027) and duration of asthma (r = 0.359, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

Tei index can detect subclinical ventricular dysfunction in asthmatics and is affected by asthma duration, control and severity. It can be used for future scoring of asthma severity. Septal annulus seems to be the best location for assessing Tei index in asthmatics.
Evidence for a sensitive period in the effects of early life stress on hippocampal volume
Authors: Humphreys Kathryn L. , King Lucy S. , Sacchet Matthew D. , Camacho M. Catalina , Colich Natalie L. , Ordaz Sarah J. , Ho Tiffany C. , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: November 2018

Exposure to stress has been causally linked to changes in hippocampal volume (HV). Given that the hippocampus undergoes rapid changes in the first years of life, stressful experiences during this period may be particularly important in understanding individual differences in the development of the hippocampus. One hundred seventy‐eight early adolescents (ages 9–13 years; 43% male) were interviewed regarding exposure to and age of onset of experiences of stress; the severity of each stressful event was rated by an objective panel. All participants underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging, from which HVs were automatically segmented. Without considering the age of onset for stressful experiences, there was a small but statistically significant negative association of stress severity with bilateral HV. When considering the age of onset, there was a moderate and significant negative association between stress severity during early childhood (through 5 years of age) and HV; there was no association between stress severity during later childhood (age 6 years and older) and HV. We provide evidence of a sensitive period through 5 years of age for the effects of life stress on HV in adolescence. It will be important in future research to elucidate how reduced HV stemming from early life stress may contribute to stress‐related health outcomes.
Reflections on the sulphonylurea story: A drug class at risk of extinction or a drug class worth reviving?
Authors: Cordiner Ruth L. M. , Pearson Ewan R.
Published: November 2018

The role of sulphonylureas (SUs) in modern clinical practice poses ongoing clinical debate. With the advent of newer agents in diabetes management, there is an increasing shift away from the prescribing of SUs, but not necessarily to more effective agents. This review provides a different perspective on the debate, reflecting in depth upon the physiology of SUs, drawing on insights gained from monogenic diabetes to highlight the potential benefit of lower doses of SUs, and the probable benefit of gliclazide over most other, if not all SUs, in terms of sulphonylurea failure and cardiovascular outcomes.
Chaldean Christian Refugees & the Myth of Return: A Narrative Study
Authors: Byle Joseph James
Published: November 2018

This study analyzed the narratives of Chaldean refugees in the Detroit Metropolitan area, in an attempt to better understand the various changes experienced by the refugees while still living in Iraq, and after their relocation. In addition, this research considered whether the concept of “The Myth of Return” was present or absent among the sample of Chaldean refugees in the Detroit area. The Myth of Return posits that immigrants will almost always hold on to the idea of one day returning to the homeland, even when all practical reality suggests the possibility of returning is not likely. The literature suggests for immigrants to reject the Myth of Return is essentially the equivalent of rejecting the homeland as well as the immigrant community in the host country. However, the literature also suggests the presence or absence of the myth is also influenced by the nature of the immigrant’s relationship to the homeland as well as to the relationship with the host country. If the immigrant was a part of the dominant group in the homeland, then the immigrant is more likely to hold on to the myth. However, if the immigrant was a part of a minority group in the homeland, then the immigrant is less likely to hold on to the myth. Considering the Chaldean minority status in Iraq, it would not seem likely that Chaldean refugees would entertain the idea of returning; however, given their strong ties to Iraq, the possibility of such a return is perhaps not out of the question.
Efficacy of the GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol in Burkitt leukemia/lymphoma and aggressive non‐Hodgkin‐lymphomas with or without CNS involvement
Authors: Sakarou Maria , Eisele Lewin , Dührsen Ulrich , Hüttmann Andreas
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol is effective in Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia (BL). Its role in other aggressive lymphomas and in patients with simultaneous central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral involvement is unclear.

Methods

This is a retrospective outcome analysis in 76 patients with BL (n = 26), B‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (B‐LBL; n = 3), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 31), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; n = 6), transformed B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (tB‐NHL; n = 7), and T‐cell NHL (T‐NHL; n = 3) treated with the GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol.

Results

73.1% of scheduled chemotherapy cycles were administered. Treatment was discontinued in 38 patients (50.0%) due to progression (n = 14), toxicities (n = 11), scheduled treatment change (n = 6), and unknown reasons (n = 7). All BL/B‐LBL patients were treated first‐line, and at a median follow‐up of 124.7 months, median progression‐free survival was not reached. In DLBCL, median PFS was 68.4 months in first‐line treated patients and 3.7 months in relapsed/refractory patients. CNS involvement was present in 10 non‐BL/B‐LBL cases and did not have a negative impact on survival in first‐line treated patients but was fatal in all relapsed/refractory patients.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the activity of the GMALL‐B‐ALL/NHL2002 protocol in BL/B‐LBL. It was also effective in first‐line treated non‐BL/B‐LBL lymphomas with and without simultaneous CNS‐/peripheral involvement, but ineffective in relapsed/refractory disease.
Insulin in the ventral tegmental area reduces cocaine‐evoked dopamine in the nucleus accumbens in vivo
Authors: Naef Lindsay , Seabrook Lauren , Hsiao Jeff , Li Calvin , Borgland Stephanie L.
Published: November 2018

Mesolimbic dopamine circuits, implicated in incentive motivation, are sensitive to changes in metabolic state such as weight loss and diet‐induced obesity. These neurons are important targets for metabolic hormones such as leptin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1, ghrelin and insulin. Insulin receptors are located on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and we have previously demonstrated that insulin induces long‐term depression of excitatory synapses onto VTA dopamine neurons. While insulin can decrease dopamine concentration in somatodendritic regions, it can increase dopamine in striatal slices. Whether insulin directly targets the VTA to alter dopamine release in projection areas, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), remains unknown. The main goal of the present experiments was to examine NAc dopamine concentration following VTA administration of insulin. Using in vivo FSCV to detect rapid fluctuations in dopamine concentration, we showed that intra‐VTA insulin via action at insulin receptors reduced pedunculopontine nucleus‐evoked dopamine release in the NAc. Furthermore, intra‐VTA insulin reduced cocaine‐potentiated NAc dopamine. Finally, intra‐VTA or intranasal insulin decreased locomotor responses to cocaine, an effect blocked by an intra‐VTA administered insulin receptor antagonist. Together, these data demonstrate that mesolimbic dopaminergic projections are important targets of the metabolic hormone, insulin.
Compliance with international guidelines for chronic inflammatory neuropathies
Authors: Rajabally Y. A. , van den Bergh P. ,   European Study Group on Guidelines for Neuropathy
Published: November 2018

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