bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘Two Bridges Technique’ for sternal wound closure. The use of vacuum‐assisted closure for the treatment of deep sternal wound defects: a centre‐specific technique
Authors: Waked Karl , Ballaux Philippe , Goossens Dominique , Cathenis Koen
Published: February 2018

The objective is to describe the ‘Two Bridges Technique’ (TBT), which has proven to be successful and has been the standard technique at our centre for vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) of post‐sternotomy mediastinitis. An extensive literature search was performed in four databases to identify all published articles concerning VAC for post‐sternotomy mediastinitis. Several VAC methods have been used; however, no article has described our specific technique. TBT consists of a two‐bridges construction using two types of foam with different pore sizes, which ensures an equally divided negative pressure over the wound bed and stabilisation of the chest. This guarantees a continuous treatment of the sternal defect and prevents foam displacement. It maintains an airtight seal that prevents skin maceration and provides enough protection to avoid right ventricular rupture. The main advantage of TBT is the prevention of shifting or tilting of the foam during chest movements such as breathing or couching. Along with targeted antibiotic treatment, this alternative VAC technique can be an asset in the sometimes cumbersome treatment of post‐sternotomy mediastinitis.
Blockade of cannabinoid 1 receptor improves glucose responsiveness in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Shin Hanho , Han Ji Hye , Yoon Juhwan , Sim Hyo Jung , Park Tae Joo , Yang Siyoung , Lee Eun Kyung , Kulkarni Rohit N. , Egan Josephine M. , Kim Wook
Published: February 2018

Cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs) are expressed in peripheral tissues, including islets of Langerhans, where their function(s) is under scrutiny. Using mouse β‐cell lines, human islets and CB1R‐null (CB1R−/−) mice, we have now investigated the role of CB1Rs in modulating β‐cell function and glucose responsiveness. Synthetic CB1R agonists diminished GLP‐1‐mediated cAMP accumulation and insulin secretion as well as glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in mouse β‐cell lines and human islets. In addition, silencing CB1R in mouse β cells resulted in an increased expression of pro‐insulin, glucokinase (GCK) and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), but this increase was lost in β cells lacking insulin receptor. Furthermore, CB1R−/− mice had increased pro‐insulin, GCK and GLUT2 expression in β cells. Our results suggest that CB1R signalling in pancreatic islets may be harnessed to improve β‐cell glucose responsiveness and preserve their function. Thus, our findings further support that blocking peripheral CB1Rs would be beneficial to β‐cell function in type 2 diabetes.
RETRACTED: MiR‐129‐5p inhibits glioma cell progression in vitro and in vivo by targeting TGIF2
Authors: Diao Yuling , Jin Baozhe , Huang Liyong , Zhou Wenke
Published: February 2018

This study purposed to explore the correlation between miR‐129‐5p and TGIF2 and their impacts on glioma cell progression. Differentially expressed miRNA was screened through microarray analysis. MiR‐129‐5p expression levels in glioma tissues and cells were measured by qRT‐PCR. CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometer, transwell assay and wound‐healing assay were employed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis and cycle, invasiveness and migration, respectively. Dual‐luciferase reporting assay was performed to confirm the targeted relationship between miR‐129‐5p and TGIF2. The effects of TGIF2 expression on cell biological functions were also investigated using the indicated methods. Tumour xenograft was applied to explore the impact of miR‐129‐5p on tumorigenesis in vivo. MiR‐129‐5p expression was down‐regulated in both glioma tissues and glioma cells, while TGIF2 expression was aberrantly higher than normal level. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay validated the targeting relation between miR‐129‐5p and TGIF2. Overexpression of miR‐129‐5p or down‐regulation of TGIF2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration capacity of glioma cells U87 and U251, and meanwhile blocked the cell cycle as well as induced cell apoptosis. MiR‐129‐5p overexpression repressed the tumour development in vivo. MiR‐129‐5p and TGIF2 had opposite biological functions in glioma cells. MiR‐129‐5p could inhibit glioma cell progression by targeting TGIF2, shining light for the development of target treatment for glioma.
‘There's a Brand New Talk, but it's Not Very Clear’: Can the Contemporary EU Really be Characterized as Ordoliberal?
Authors: Cardwell Paul James , Snaith Holly
Published: February 2018

Ordoliberalism has undergone a dramatic resurgence as a characterization of the contemporary EU and its economic dimensions. Commentators have pointed to the ‘ordoliberalization’ of EU economic policy with Germany at its core, albeit with the latter taking the role of a ‘reluctant hegemon’. Perhaps as a result of this pervasive influence, some have claimed that the EU is itself ordoliberal, resting on a particular understanding of the relationship between ordoliberalism and an ‘economic constitution’. For this claim to be substantiated, the characterization of ordoliberalism needs to persist across time and the EU's law and policy‐making spaces. In this article, we examine this proposition, and argue that the influence of ordoliberalism can help a richer understanding of the contemporary EU beyond the confines of the economic constitution and into its evolving legal system(s).
Behavior‐ and characteristic‐based price discrimination
Authors: Colombo Stefano
Published: February 2018

We develop a model of behavior‐ and characteristic‐based discriminatory pricing where consumers are heterogeneous both in tastes and in price sensitivity. Each firm is able to distinguish between the consumers that have bought from it and those that have bought from the rival. Furthermore, each firm learns the price sensitivity of their own consumers. We show that using this additional information may yield higher profits than uniform pricing provided that consumers are heterogeneous enough with respect to price sensitivity. We also discuss consumer surplus implications of such behavior‐ and characteristic‐based price discrimination, and we show that the impact of price discrimination depends on both the consumer type and the level of consumers’ heterogeneity.
A rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss strain with higher aerobic scope in normoxia also has superior tolerance of hypoxia
Authors: Zhang Y. , Healy T. M. , Vandersteen W. , Schulte P. M. , Farrell A. P.
Published: February 2018

This study compared parr from three strains of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to examine intraspecific variation in metabolic traits, hypoxia tolerance and upper thermal tolerance in this species. At the strain level, variation in absolute aerobic scope (AAS), critical oxygen level (O2crit), incipient lethal oxygen saturation (ILOS) and critical thermal maximum (CTmax) generally exhibited consistent differences among the strains, suggesting the possibility of functional associations among these traits. This possibility was further supported at the individual level by a positive correlation between ILOS and O2crit and a negative correlation between O2crit and AAS. These results indicate that intraspecific differences in hypoxia tolerance among strains of O. mykiss may be primarily determined by differences in the ability to maintain oxygen uptake in hypoxia and that variation in aerobic scope in normoxia probably plays a role in determining the ability of these fish to sustain metabolism aerobically as water oxygen saturation is reduced.
Should Structured Exercise Be Promoted As a Model of Care? Dissemination of the Department of Veterans Affairs Gerofit Program
Authors: Morey Miriam C. , Lee Cathy C. , Castle Steven , Valencia Willy M. , Katzel Leslie , Giffuni Jamie , Kopp Teresa , Cammarata Heather , McDonald Michelle , Oursler Kris A. , Wamsley Timothy , Jain Chani , Bettger Janet P. , Pearson Megan , Manning Kenneth M. , Intrator Orna , Veazie Peter , Sloane Richard , Li Jiejin , Parker Daniel C.
Published: February 2018

Exercise provides a wide range of health‐promoting benefits, but support is limited for clinical programs that use exercise as a means of health promotion. This stands in contrast to restorative or rehabilitative exercise, which is considered an essential medical service. We propose that there is a place for ongoing, structured wellness and health promotion programs, with exercise as the primary therapeutic focus. Such programs have long‐lasting health benefits, are easily implementable, and are associated with high levels of participant satisfaction. We describe the dissemination and implementation of a long‐standing exercise and health promotion program, Gerofit, for which significant gains in physical function that have been maintained over 5 years of follow‐up, improvements in well‐being, and a 10‐year 25% survival benefit among program adherents have been documented. The program has been replicated at 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. The pooled characteristics of enrolled participants (n = 691) demonstrate substantial baseline functional impairment (usual gait speed 1.05 ± 0.3 m/s, 8‐foot up and go 8.7 ± 6.7 seconds, 30‐second chair stands 10.7 ± 5.1, 6‐minute walk distance 404.31 ± 141.9 m), highlighting the need for such programs. Change scores over baseline for 3, 6, and 12 months of follow‐up are clinically and statistically significant (P < .05 all measures) and replicate findings from the parent program. Patient satisfaction ratings of high ranged from 88% to 94%. We describe the implementation process and present 1‐year outcomes. We suggest that such programs be considered essential elements of healthcare systems.
Benzodiazepine Use in Older Adults in the United States, Ontario, and Australia from 2010 to 2016
Authors: Brett Jonathan , Maust Donovan T. , Bouck Zach , Ignacio Rosalinda V. , Mecredy Graham , Kerr Eve A. , Bhatia Sacha , Elshaug Adam G. , Pearson Sallie A.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVES

To detail annual trends in benzodiazepine incidence and prevalence in older adults between 2010 and 2016 in three countries.

Design

Observational multicountry cohort study with harmonized study protocol.

Setting

The United States (veteran population); Ontario, Canada; and Australia.

Participants

All people aged 65 and older (8,270,000 people).

Measurements

Annual incidence and prevalence of benzodiazepine use stratified according to age group (65–74, 75–84, ≥85) and sex. We performed multiple regression analyses to assess whether rates of incident and prevalent use changed significantly over time.

Results

Over the study period, we observed a significant decrease in incident benzodiazepine use in the United States (2.6% to 1.7%) and Ontario (6.0% to 4.4%) but not Australia (7.0% to 6.7%). We found significant declines in prevalent use in all countries (United States: 9.2% to 7.3%; Ontario: 18.2% to 13.4%; Australia: 20.2% to 16.8%). Although incidence and prevalence increased with age in Ontario and Australia, they decreased with age in the United States. Incidence and prevalence were higher in women in all countries.

Conclusion

Consistent with other international studies, there have been small but significant reductions in the incidence and prevalence of benzodiazepine use in older adults in all three countries, with the exception of incidence in Australia, although use remains inappropriately high—particularly in those aged 85 and older—which warrants further attention from clinicians and policy‐makers.
Strategic value‐directed learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease and behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Wong Stephanie , Irish Muireann , Savage Greg , Hodges John R. , Piguet Olivier , Hornberger Michael
Published: February 2018

In healthy adults, the ability to prioritize learning of highly valued information is supported by executive functions and enhances subsequent memory retrieval for this information. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioural‐variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), marked deficits are evident in learning and memory, presenting in the context of executive dysfunction. It is unclear whether these patients show a typical memory bias for higher valued stimuli. We administered a value‐directed word‐list learning task to AD (n = 10) and bvFTD (n = 21) patients and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 22). Each word was assigned a low, medium or high point value, and participants were instructed to maximize the number of points earned across three learning trials. Participants’ memory for the words was assessed on a delayed recall trial, followed by a recognition test for the words and corresponding point values. Relative to controls, both patient groups showed poorer overall learning, delayed recall and recognition. Despite these impairments, patients with AD preferentially recalled high‐value words on learning trials and showed significant value‐directed enhancement of recognition memory for the words and points. Conversely, bvFTD patients did not prioritize recall of high‐value words during learning trials, and this reduced selectivity was related to inhibitory dysfunction. Nonetheless, bvFTD patients showed value‐directed enhancement of recognition memory for the point values, suggesting a mismatch between memory of high‐value information and the ability to apply this in a motivationally salient context. Our findings demonstrate that value‐directed enhancement of memory may persist to some degree in patients with dementia, despite pronounced deficits in learning and memory.
Association of the NOD‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3) gene variability with recurrent aphthous stomatitis in the Czech population
Authors: Slezakova Simona , Borilova Linhartova Petra , Masopustova Lucie , Bartova Jirina , Petanova Jitka , Kuklinek Pavel , Fassmann Antonin , Dusek Ladislav , Izakovicova Holla Lydie
Published: February 2018

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a multifactorial disease with unclear etiopathogenesis in which disturbance of immunological processes may be involved. The aim of our study was to investigate three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3806265, rs4612666, rs10754558 in NOD‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3), the gene encoding the component of inflammasome, in patients with RAS and healthy controls in the Czech population.

Methods

A total of 207 subjects were included in this case‐control study. Sixty‐four patients with RAS and 143 healthy controls were genotyped by a method based on polymerase chain reaction using 5′ nuclease TaqMan® assays. Detailed anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained from all subjects.

Results

The allele and genotype frequencies of NLRP3 polymorphisms (rs10754558 and rs3806265) between both groups were similar. However, statistically significant differences in NLRP3 rs4612666 genotypes between the patients with RAS and controls were found; carriers of the TT genotype had a higher risk of developing RAS than subjects with the CT+CC genotypes (OR = 14.69, 95%CI = 1.73‐124.72, P = .004, Pcorr < .05). No associations between NLRP3 haplotypes and RAS were observed.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the NLRP3 rs4612666 polymorphism may be involved in the development of RAS in the Czech population.
Selective incentives and intragroup heterogeneity in collective contests
Authors: Nitzan Shmuel , Ueda Kaoru
Published: February 2018

A group taking part in a contest has to confront the collective action problem among its members, and devices of selective incentives are possible means of resolution. We argue that heterogeneous prize‐valuations in a competing group normally prevent effective use of such selective incentives. To substantiate this claim, we adopt cost‐sharing as a means of incentivizing the individual group members. We confirm that homogeneous prize valuations within a group result in a cost‐sharing rule inducing the first‐best individual contributions. As long as the cost‐sharing rule is dependent only on the members’ contributions, however, such a first‐best rule does not exist for a group with intragroup heterogeneity. Our main result clarifies how unequal prize valuations affect the cost‐sharing rule and, in particular, the degree of cost‐sharing. If the relative rate of change of the marginal effort costs is decreasing, it is reduced by intragroup heterogeneity. If the rate is increasing, the cost is fully shared, but it cannot induce the first‐best contributions for the group.
Flavonoids from Trollius europaeus flowers and evaluation of their biological activity
Authors: Witkowska-Banaszczak Ewa
Published: February 2018

Objectives

This article describes the flavonoid composition of the flowers of Trollius europaeus and the method of isolation thereof and provides an attempt at investigating the antioxidant activity of the isolated flavonoids and the antityrosinase activity of the extracts from the investigated material.

Methods

The compositional data were acquired by combining results of nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet spectroscopy, electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) analyses and those of an analysis of the products of acid hydrolysis of the compounds. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was studied using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and the tyrosinase inhibitory activity – with the use of mushroom tyrosinase.

Key findings

Ten flavonoid derivatives of luteolin and apigenin were isolated from the flowers of T. europaeus and identified. The investigation into the antioxidant activity revealed that orientin 2″-O-α-arabinopyranoside (4) and orientin 2″-O-β glucopyranoside (5) had a significant antioxidant effect.

Conclusions

The studies conducted led to the development of a method of isolating flavonoid, potentially antioxidant, compounds from T. europaeus. They allowed to determine which of the investigated flavonoids demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and could be used as natural antioxidants.
Effects of p.o. administered xylitol in cats
Authors: Jerzsele Á. , Karancsi Z. , Pászti‐Gere E. , Sterczer Á. , Bersényi A. , Fodor K. , Szabó D. , Vajdovich P.
Published: February 2018

Xylitol is commonly used as sugar substitute in households. While it has numerous beneficial effects on human health, it is highly toxic to dogs. The goal of this study was to examine whether xylitol has similar deleterious effects, such as hypoglycaemia and acute hepatic failure, on cats. Our research included six healthy middle‐aged cats. Xylitol was dissolved in deionized water and administered p.o. at three doses (100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight). These dosages have been considered toxic and can cause liver failure or even death in dogs. After every xylitol administration, the basic health status and the blood glucose of cats were observed regularly. Additionally, prior to and 6, 24 and 72 hr after xylitol administration, blood samples were taken to check complete blood count, clinical biochemical parameters and enzymes such as ALT, ALKP, GGT, GLDH, bile acids, BUN, creatinine, phosphate, total protein, albumin, sodium and potassium. There were no significant changes (p > .05) in any of the haematological or biochemical parameters. Blood glucose concentrations did not show any significant alterations, except at 1,000 mg/kg dose, where a mild but significant increase was observed, but it was in physiological range. Based on our results, xylitol did not induce toxic effects on cats.
Global distribution and status of introduced Siberian chipmunks Eutamias sibiricus
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Zozzoli Rudy , Menchetti Mattia
Published: February 2018

Among invasive alien species, squirrels are prominent because of their popularity as pets and their positive perception by the general public. In Europe, populations of five alien squirrel species are reported. The pet trade represents a high‐risk pathway for the introduction of rodents, which are likely to become invasive because of their reproductive biology and wide native distribution ranges. In the European Union, a trade ban has been imposed on some particularly impacting species, such as the eastern grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis. Eradication and numerical control is needed for most introduced squirrels in Europe (including the Siberian chipmunk), according to European Union Regulation 1143/2014 on alien species.

We summarise the current distribution of the ground‐dwelling Siberian chipmunk Eutamias sibiricus, one of the most common pet squirrels in Europe and Asia, in its invasive range.

Established populations of Siberian chipmunk, in most cases composed of small numbers of individuals, currently occur in France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Russia. The species was present in Austria, Sweden, and Hong Kong, and unsuccessful introductions occurred in Spain and the British Isles. The first records from Greece are also reported. Most introductions took place during the 1990s, when individuals were intentionally released (67% of extant populations result from such releases). Population size was correlated with the proximity to urban areas.

Human risk of infection with the agent of Lyme borreliosis seems to be the highest where populations of alien Siberian chipmunk occur. Other impacts have never been reported. Competition with native rodents (e.g. the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris and dormice, Gliridae) has been speculated on, as well as predation on nests of native warblers (Sylvidae).

Impacts by alien Siberian chipmunks have been overlooked for a long time. Despite this, given that the species may affect native biodiversity and human health, eradication of established populations is recommended.
Clinical Gait Evaluation of Patients with Lumbar Spine Stenosis
Authors: Sun Jun , Liu Yan‐cheng , Yan Song‐hua , Wang Sha‐sha , Lester D Kevin , Zeng Ji‐zhou , Miao Jun , Zhang Kuan
Published: February 2018

Objective

The third generation Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA3, MiniSun, CA) has been developed for clinical gait evaluation, and this study was designed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of IDEEA3 for the gait measurement of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients.

Methods

Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited to compare gait cycle, cadence, step length, velocity, and number of steps between a motion analysis system and a high‐speed video camera. Twenty hospitalized LSS patients were recruited for the comparison of the five parameters between the IDEEA3 and GoPro camera. Paired t‐test, intraclass correlation coefficient, concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman plots were used for the data analysis.

Results

The ratios of GoPro camera results to motion analysis system results, and the ratios of IDEEA3 results to GoPro camera results were all around 1.00. All P‐values of paired t‐tests for gait cycle, cadence, step length, and velocity were greater than 0.05, while all the ICC and CCC results were above 0.950 with P < 0.001.

Conclusions

The measurements for gait cycle, cadence, step length, velocity, and number of steps with the GoPro camera are highly consistent with the measurements with the motion analysis system. The measurements for IDEEA3 are consistent with those for the GoPro camera. IDEEA3 can be effectively used in the gait measurement of LSS patients.
Host‐induced gene silencing of a regulator of G protein signalling gene (VdRGS1) confers resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton
Authors: Xu Jun , Wang Xinyu , Li Yongqing , Zeng Jianguo , Wang Guilin , Deng Chaoyang , Guo Wangzhen
Published: February 2018

Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by soil‐borne fungi of the genus Verticillium, is a serious disease affecting a wide range of plants and leading to a constant and major challenge to agriculture worldwide. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the world's most important natural textile fibre and oil crop. VW of cotton is a highly devastating vascular disease; however, few resistant germplasms have been reported in cotton. An increasing number of studies have shown that RNA interference (RNAi)‐based host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an effective strategy for improving plant resistance to pathogens by silencing genes essential for the pathogenicity of these pathogens. Here, we have identified and characterized multifunctional regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) in the Verticillium dahliae virulence strain, Vd8. Of eight VdRGS genes, VdRGS1 showed the most significant increase in expression in V. dahliae after treating with the roots of cotton seedlings. Based on the phenotype detection of VdRGS1 deletion and complementation mutants, we found that VdRGS1 played crucial roles in spore production, hyphal development, microsclerotia formation and pathogenicity. Tobacco rattle virus‐mediated HIGS in cotton plants silenced VdRGS1 transcripts in invaded V. dahliae strains and enhanced broad‐spectrum resistance to cotton VW. Our data demonstrate that VdRGS1 is a conserved and essential gene for V. dahliae virulence. HIGS of VdRGS1 provides effective control against V. dahliae infection and could obtain the durable disease resistance in cotton and in other VW‐susceptible host crops by developing the stable transformants.
QTL mapping for six ear leaf architecture traits under water‐stressed and well‐watered conditions in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqiang , Fang Peng , Zhang Jinwen , Peng Yunling
Published: February 2018

Morphological traits for ear leaf are determinant traits influencing plant architecture and drought tolerance in maize. However, the genetic controls of ear leaf architecture traits remain poorly understood under drought stress. Here, we identified 100 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf angle, leaf orientation value, leaf length, leaf width, leaf size and leaf shape value of ear leaf across four populations under drought‐stressed and unstressed conditions, which explained 0.71%–20.62% of phenotypic variation in single watering condition. Forty‐five of the 100 QTLs were identified under water‐stressed conditions, and 29 stable QTLs (sQTLs) were identified under water‐stressed conditions, which could be useful for the genetic improvement of maize drought tolerance via QTL pyramiding. We further integrated 27 independent QTL studies in a meta‐analysis to identify 21 meta‐QTLs (mQTLs). Then, 24 candidate genes controlling leaf architecture traits coincided with 20 corresponding mQTLs. Thus, new/valuable information on quantitative traits has shed some light on the molecular mechanisms responsible for leaf architecture traits affected by watering conditions. Furthermore, alleles for leaf architecture traits provide useful targets for marker‐assisted selection to generate high‐yielding maize varieties.
Genetic characterization of reniform nematode resistance for Gossypium arboreum accession PI 417895
Authors: Erpelding John E. , Stetina Salliana R.
Published: February 2018

Rotylenchulus reniformis is an important root pathogen of cotton in the south‐eastern United States, and management is hindered by the lack of host‐plant resistance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). The G. arboreum accession PI 417895 is highly resistant to R. reniformis, and a segregating population of 300 F2 plants was developed for phenotypic characterization of resistance. The population showed quantitative variation for nematode infection. Twenty plants showed no infection and were classified as escapes. Fifty‐four plants were classified as resistant or moderately resistant, whereas, 226 were classified as moderately susceptible or susceptible based on the nematode response of the susceptible parent, indicating resistance is a recessive trait, but these data did not support the single recessive gene model. Alternatively, this model would be supported if the 77 plants with a similar nematode response as observed for PI 417895 were classified as resistant. Twelve plants showed high levels of resistance and these data would support a two recessive gene model. Accession PI 417895 represents a new source of R. reniformis resistance with two major genes conferring resistance. Introgression of multiple resistance genes into G. hirsutum will require the development of larger populations to recover the resistant phenotype.
Genetic analysis of late blight resistance in Solanum pimpinellifolium accession PI 270441: Heritability and response to selection
Authors: Sullenberger Matthew T. , Jia Mengyuan , Gao Sihui , Foolad Majid R.
Published: February 2018

Late blight (LB), caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a destructive disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) worldwide. Currently, there are few commercial cultivars of tomato with resistance to LB, and the disease is mainly controlled by heavy use of fungicides. Due to the emergence of fungicide‐resistant pathogen isolates, there is a concerted effort to identify new genetic sources of resistance and breed new resistant cultivars. A recent screening identified several new tomato accessions with strong resistance to LB. Here, we report on the genetic basis of LB resistance in S. pimpinellifolium accession PI 270441, as determined by generation means analysis and analysis of response to selection, using populations derived from crosses with LB‐susceptible breeding line Fla. 8059. Heritability of LB resistance ranged from 0.76 to 0.78, and the minimum number of genes was estimated 1—few. These results suggest that transfer of LB resistance from PI 270441 to the cultivated tomato should be feasible via a traditional backcross breeding approach. Genetic mapping studies are underway to identify molecular markers associated with resistance in this accession.
High temperature exposure did not affect induced 2n pollen viability in Populus
Authors: Tian Mengdi , Zhang Yuan , Liu Yan , Kang Xiangyang , Zhang Pingdong
Published: February 2018

High temperature exposure is widely used as a physical mutagenic agent to induce 2n gametes in Populus. However, whether high temperature exposure affects induced 2n pollen viability remains unknown. To clarify whether high temperature exposure affected the induced 2n pollen viability, 2n pollen induced by 38 and 41 °C temperatures, pollen morphology, 2n pollen germination in vitro, and crossing induced 2n pollen with normal gametes to produce a triploid was, based on observations of meiosis, conducted in Populus canescens. We found that the dominant meiotic stages (F = 56.6, p < .001) and the treatment duration (F = 21.4, p < .001) significantly affected the occurrence rate of induced 2n pollen. A significant decrease in pollen production and an increase in aborted pollen were observed (p < .001). High temperature sometimes affected in ectexine deposition and some narrow furrows were also analysed via details of ectexine structure. However, no significant difference in 2n pollen germination rate was observed between natural 2n pollen (26.7%) and high‐temperature‐induced 2n pollen (26.2%), and 42 triploids were created by crossing high‐temperature‐induced 2n pollen, suggesting that 38 and 41 °C temperatures exposure will not result in dysfunctional induced 2n pollen.
The prognostic significance of N‐myc downregulated gene 1 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dai Tomoko , Dai Yuichi , Murata Yoshihiko , Husni Ryan Edbert , Nakano Noriyuki , Sakashita Shingo , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: February 2018

It has been reported that N‐myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is related to the prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and associated with c‐Myc degradation in NSCLC cell lines. However, the relationship of NDRG1 to prognosis or c‐Myc expression in lung adenocarcinoma has not been well clarified. The present study was designed to investigate the prognostic significance of NDRG1 and/or c‐Myc expression in lung adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemistry with a tissue microarray. We examined 184 lung adenocarcinomas and observed low expression of NDRG1 in adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), whereas high expression of NDRG1 was seen in invasive adenocarcinoma. Each of the clinicopathological features except age was significantly correlated with NDRG1 expression. Kaplan‐Meier curves indicated that high expression of NDRG1 was significantly correlated with poor prognosis in comparison with low expression (log‐rank, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that vascular invasion (P = 0.012), lymphatic permeation (P = 0.038), and NDRG1 expression (P = 0.026) were independent prognostic factors. Expression of NDRG1 and positivity for c‐Myc were significantly correlated (P = 0.005). These findings indicate that NDRG1 expression is associated with both prognosis and c‐Myc expression in lung adenocarcinoma.
Basigin expression as a prognostic indicator in stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matsumoto Toshihide , Nagashio Ryo , Ryuge Shinichiro , Igawa Satoshi , Kobayashi Makoto , Fukuda Eriko , Goshima Naoki , Ichinoe Masaaki , Jiang Shi‐Xu , Satoh Yukitoshi , Masuda Noriyuki , Murakumo Yoshiki , Saegusa Makoto , Sato Yuichi
Published: February 2018

We established the KU‐Lu‐8 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) using a lung cancer cell line as an antigen and a random immunization method. The KU‐Lu‐8 MoAb recognizes basigin (BSG), which is a transmembrane‐type glycoprotein that is strongly expressed on the cell membranes of lung cancer cells. This study aimed to clarify the relationships between BSG expression and clinicopathological parameters and determine the prognostic significance of BSG expression in pulmonary adenocarcinoma (AC) patients. To evaluate the significance of BSG expression in lung cancer, we immunohistochemically analyzed 113 surgically resected pulmonary adenocarcinomas, and the associations between BSG expression and various clinicopathological parameters were evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the effects of BSG expression on survival. Clinicopathologically, BSG expression was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, vascular invasion, lymphatic invasion, and a poor prognosis. In particular, BSG expression was significantly correlated with poorer survival in patients with stage I AC. The high BSG expression group (compared with the low BSG expression group) exhibited adjusted hazard ratios for mortality of 4.694. BSG expression is indicative of a poor prognosis in AC patients, particularly in those with stage I disease.
Can Managerial Turnover Be a Good Thing? The Impact of City Manager Change on Local Fiscal Outcomes
Authors: Connolly Jennifer M.
Published: February 2018

A long line of private sector research outlines the positive and negative impacts of employee and managerial turnover on organizations. However, public administration scholars often treat turnover as a phenomenon to be avoided and focus more on the antecedents of managerial turnover than on its consequences for public organizations. Within the context of local government, the impact of city manager turnover on organizational outcomes is unclear. This article identifies how city manager turnover influenced local fiscal outcomes during the Great Recession. Analysis of 165 council‐manager municipalities in California, more than one‐third of which experienced turnover during the height of the recession, allows for empirical examination of the impact of turnover during the test period of 2008–11 on local fiscal outcomes in 2011 and 2012, specifically the degree and incidence of budget deficit spending. The results demonstrate that managerial turnover may lead to better fiscal outcomes, conditional on how long the new manager has held the position. This suggests that while cities that hired new managers during the recession did better than those that did not, the earlier in the recession a manager was hired, the better.
The localization and function of p38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase in rat oocytes
Authors: Hu S , Yu Q , Wang Y , Ke D , Zhou F , Cheng G , Xia W , Zhu C
Published: February 2018

Contents

P38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is a member of the canonical MAPK family, is activated in response to various extracellular stresses and plays a role in multiple cellular processes. In this study, we investigated the expression, subcellular localization and functional roles of p38α MAPK during the meiotic maturation of rat oocytes. We found that p38α MAPK phosphorylation (p‐p38α MAPK, indicative of p38α MAPK activation) was low at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, increased 3 hr after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and maintained its maximum at metaphase I (MI) or metaphase II (MII). The p‐p38α MAPK mainly accumulated in the GV and had no obvious expression in the nucleus. From GVBD to MII, p‐p38α MAPK was distributed in the cytoplasm around either the chromosomes or the spindle. We used SB203580, an inhibitor of p38α MAPK, to investigate the possible functional role of p38α MAPK during rat oocyte meiotic maturation. Treatment of GV stage oocytes with 20 μM SB203580 blocked p‐p38α MAPK activity, and the spindles appeared abnormal. Additionally, the rate of GVBD after 3 hr of culture with 20 μM SB203580 (58.8%) was significantly inhibited compared with the control (82.5%, p < .05), and the polar body extrusion rate after 12 hr of culture with SB203580 was also significantly decreased compared with the control (40.1% vs 73.3%, p < .05). Taken together, these data indicate that p38α MAPK may play a vital role in rat oocyte meiotic maturation.
Making the connection: expanding the role of restoration genetics in restoring and evaluating connectivity
Authors: Proft Kirstin M. , Jones Menna E. , Johnson Christopher N. , Burridge Christopher P.
Published: February 2018

The success of restoration activities is affected by connectivity with the surrounding landscape. From a genetic perspective, landscape connectivity can influence gene flow, effective size, and genetic diversity of populations, which in turn have impacts on the fitness and adaptive potential of species in restored areas. Researchers and practitioners are increasingly using genetic data to incorporate elements of connectivity into restoration planning and evaluation. We show that genetic studies of connectivity can improve restoration planning in three main ways. First, by comparing genetic estimates of contemporary and historical gene flow and population size, practitioners can establish historical baselines that may provide targets for restoration of connectivity. Second, empirical estimates of dispersal, landscape resistance to movement, and adaptive genetic variance can be derived from genetic data and used to parameterize existing restoration planning tools. Finally, restoration actions can also be targeted to remove barriers to gene flow or mitigate pinch‐points in corridors. We also discuss appropriate methods for evaluating the restoration of gene flow over timescales required by practitioners. Collaboration between restoration geneticists, ecologists, and practitioners is needed to develop practical and innovative ways to further incorporate connectivity into restoration practice.
Does the political party in the government increase intentional homicide in Brazil?
Authors: Loureiro Paulo R. A. , Moreira Tito B. S. , Nascimento Antônio , Ellery Roberto
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the impacts of the Workers’ Party (WP) in government on the homicide rate in Brazil from panel data for the Brazilian states between 1980 and 2011 using the system of generalized method of moments. An important explanatory factor in the homicide rate is the association between socioeconomic variables and left political parties in state governments. The results provide empirical evidence that the WP's control of the government increased the homicide rate more than the other political parties. This suggests that increasing the number of years of WP occupation of the presidency leads to a more pronounced increase in the homicide rate, compared with other political parties. Although the observed trend indicates increased rates of homicide, more substantial growth was observed in almost all states under WP rule during the period 2003 to 2011, contributing to a higher overall level of violence in Brazil.
Functional Principal Components Analysis on Moving Time Windows of Longitudinal Data: Dynamic Prediction of Times to Event
Authors: Yan Fangrong , Lin Xiao , Li Ruosha , Huang Xuelin
Published: February 2018

Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) is a powerful approach for modelling noisy and irregularly measured longitudinal data. Similarly to principal component analysis that extracts features from multivariate random vectors, FPCA can extract features from longitudinal biomarker data. We propose to use these features to update predictions for patients’ prognoses frequently. Traditional FPCA applies only to data observed in a common time window. In the setting of time-to-event analysis, the patterns of the biomarker trajectories may change over time, which poses a challenge for the application of FPCA to dynamic prediction. We propose to use a series of moving time windows to apply FPCA techniques, and we impose smoothness constraints between parameters for these moving windows. Simulation studies show that the approach proposed can provide more robust performance than predictions based on parametric models for longitudinal biomarker data, by prediction judged by performance measures such as the root-mean-square errors and area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics. We apply the method to a longitudinal study for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients, predicting their time to disease progression by using the transcript levels of an oncogene, BCR-ABL, which is repeatedly measured during their follow-up visits.
Self‐sensing damage in CNT infused epoxy panels with and without glass‐fibre reinforcement
Authors: Ikikardaslar K.T. , Delale F.
Published: February 2018

The objective of the study is to utilise a material's inherent electrical conductivity as means of damage quantification and damage location detection. After determining the percolation threshold for a carbon nanotube (CNT)‐epoxy mixture, an optimum concentration was chosen to infuse it into glass‐fabric reinforced panels to make them electrically conductive. Two different multiwalled CNT‐epoxy composites were manufactured for this study: CNT enhanced epoxy resin and glass‐fabric reinforced CNT epoxy resin. Epoxy resin‐based glass‐fabric reinforced composite panels enhanced with carbon nanotubes were manufactured with embedded electrodes and then subjected to damages. Rectangular panels of various proportions were studied. Disks made out of copper foil were affixed to surfaces of CNT epoxy panel, whereas in glass‐fabric CNT epoxy specimen, total of 64 electrodes (grid of 8 × 8) were embedded inside the composite panel under the top layer of the 10‐ply fabric. The disks acted as electrodes, enabling voltage measurements using in‐line 4‐probe technique, which minimises contact resistance between the electrodes and the material. Two different configurations of electrode network were employed to scan voltage change in the entire composite panel. The networks included evenly spaced (3 in. for inner ones) electrodes that spanned the surface of the panel. To further investigate influence of electrodes distribution, finite element simulations were used to solve the electrical potential distribution in the panel for various damage sizes and location. Predamage and postdamage voltage field was used as gauge in sensing the damage and its extent for quantification. The finite element method simulation results matched the experimental data closely. The results indicate that there is a consistent behaviour that can be correlated to the size and location of the damage. As spacing between electrodes is increased, they become less responsive to smaller damages. Forty‐eight electrodes (out of 64) were actively used and were enough to confirm that the method can be used as an alternative to electrical tomography method where fewer (boundary) electrodes per area are employed but at a higher cost of computational cost. One important aspect of this study with embedded and distributed electrodes is the fact that the method can be applied to larger panels increasing its utility in practical applications.
EVOLUTION OF RELIGIOUS CAPACITY IN THE GENUS HOMO: TRAIT COMPLEXITY IN ACTION THROUGH COMPASSION
Authors: Rappaport Margaret Boone , Corbally Christopher
Published: February 2018

In this third and last article on the evolution of religious capacity, the authors focus on compassion, one of religious expression's common companions. They explore the various meanings of compassion, using Biblical and early related documents, and derive general cognitive components before an evolutionary analysis of compassion using their model. Then, in taking on neural reuse theory, they adapt a model from linguistics theory to understand how neural reuse could have operated to fix religious capacity in the human genome. They present a teaching tool on “Religious Capacity in Action,” and develop an example of compassionate decision making in very earlyHomo sapiensin North Africa. They round out their analysis of compassion by exploring theory in neuroscience on a standard decision‐making model, and investigate what goes on in the human brain when a values‐based decision is made.
ISLAMIC MODERNITY AND THE CHALLENGES FOR SECULAR LIBERALISM
Authors: Blancke Stefaan
Published: February 2018

In his recent book Islam Evolving: Radicalism, Reformation, and the Uneasy Relationship with the Secular West, Taner Edis discusses Islamic responses to the modern world and how the West deals and should deal with them. He argues convincingly that the biggest threat to secular liberalism is not fundamentalism but an Islamic form of modernity. He attributes some of the latter's success to Western neoliberalism and to the failure of secular liberals to come up with persuasive arguments. He thus puts part of the blame on the West. However, although self‐criticism is an essential aspect of a well‐functioning democracy, we should not take it too far. Instead, there exist convincing reasons why a secular liberal society is strongly preferable to a religious conservative one.
A New Video Extensometer System for Testing Materials Undergoing Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Felling Andrea J. , Doman Darrel A.
Published: February 2018

Characterization of materials undergoing severe plastic deformation requires the careful measurement of instantaneous sample dimensions throughout testing. For compressive testing, it is insufficient to simply estimate sample diameter from an easily measured height and volume. Not all materials exhibit incompressibility, and friction during testing can lead to a barreled sample with diameter that varies with height. Video extensometry has the potential to greatly improve testing by capturing the full profile of a sample, allowing researchers to account for such effects. Common two-dimensional (2D) video extensometry algorithms require thin, planar samples, as they are unable to account for out-of-plane deformation. They are, therefore, inappropriate for standard compressive tests which use cylindrical samples that exhibit large degrees of out-of-plane deformation. In this paper, a new approach to 2D video extensometry is proposed. By using background subtraction, the profile of a cylindrical sample can be isolated and measured. Calibration experiments show that the proposed system has a 3.1% error on calculating true yield stress—similar to ASTM standard methods for compressive testing. The system is tested against Aluminum 2024-T351 in a series of cold upsetting tests. The results of these tests match very closely with similar tests from the literature. A preliminary finite element model constructed using data from these tests successfully reproduced experimental results. Diameter data from the finite element model undershot, but otherwise closely matched experimental data.