bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INPP4B and PTEN Loss Leads to PI-3,4-P2 Accumulation and Inhibition of PI3K in TNBC
Authors: Reed Darien E. , Shokat Kevan M.
Published: February 2017

Triple-negative breast cancer [TNBC, lacks expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and amplification of HER2/Neu] remains one of the most aggressive subtypes, affects the youngest patients, and still lacks an effective targeted therapy. Both phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-α and -β contribute to oncogenesis of solid tumors, including the development of breast cancer. Inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B) catalyzes the removal of the 4′-phosphate of phosphatidylinositol-(3, 4)-bisphosphate (PI-3,4-P2), creating phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate. There is debate concerning whether PI-3,4-P2 contributes to Akt and downstream effector activation with the known canonical signaling second messenger, phosphatidylinositol-(3, 4, 5)-trisphosphate (PIP3). If PI-3,4-P2 is a positive effector, INPP4B would be a negative regulator of PI3K signaling, and there is some evidence to support this. Utilizing phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)-null triple-negative breast tumor cell lines, it was unexpectedly found that silencing INPP4B decreased basal phospho-Akt (pAkt) and cellular proliferation, and in most cases sensitized cells to PI3K-α and PI3K-β isoform-specific inhibitors. Conversely, overexpression of INPP4B desensitized cells to PI3K inhibitors in a phosphatase activity-dependent manner. In summary, the current investigation of INPP4B in PTEN-null TNBC suggests new mechanistic insight and the potential for targeted therapy for this aggressive subset of breast cancer.

Implications: These data support a model where PI-3,4-P2 is inhibitory toward PI3K, revealing a novel feedback mechanism under conditions of excessive signaling, and potentially an indication for PI3K-β isoform-specific inhibitors in PTEN-null TNBC that have lost INPP4B expression. Mol Cancer Res; 15(6); 765–75. ©2017 AACR.
Intraoperative Thresholds for Capsular Stimulation Are Reliable for Chronic Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation in Dystonia
Authors: Reese René , Reich Martin M. , Falk Daniela , Deuschl Günther , Mehdorn H. Maximilian , Volkmann Jens
Published: February 2017

Background: The threshold current for inducing muscle contractions by stimulation of pyramidal tract fibres adjacent to the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is, besides microelectrode recordings for the determination of nuclear boundaries, currently the only neurophysiological marker for intraoperative refinement of the anatomically planned target point for pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi-DBS) in dystonia. Objectives: To determine the relationship between intraoperative thresholds for muscle contractions under general anaesthesia and postoperative thresholds in GPi-DBS. Methods: Intraoperatively, current amplitude thresholds (120 µs, 130 Hz) were determined in 6 dystonic patients under general anaesthesia (through the uninsulated tip of the microelectrode guide tube). Postoperative localization of chronic stimulation electrodes by MRI and image fusion with the stereotactic planning determined the stimulation contact for comparing thresholds with intraoperative values. Results: Current thresholds were 3.3 ± 0.8 mA intraoperatively (follow-up 0, FU0; n = 12), 2.9 ± 1.2 mA within 1 week after surgery (FU1; n = 12), and 3.5 ± 1.6 mA after 6-17 months (FU2; n = 8). FU0 and FU1 differed by trend, and FU1 and FU2 were significantly different (Friedman test, p = 0.0048; post hoc Dunn multiple comparison test, p < 0.05). FU0 and FU2 were not different. Discussion: The threshold amplitude to induce tonic muscular contractions may constitute a valid approach of functionally refining the anatomically guided electrode placement in GPi-DBS for dystonia, because intraoperative values are predictive for postoperative thresholds with the chronically implanted neurostimulation system.
Specificities of Ischemic Stroke Risk Factors in Arab-Speaking Countries
Authors: Abboud Halim , Sissani Leila , Labreuche Julien , Arauz Antonio , Bousser Marie-Germaine , Bryer Alain , Chamorro Angel , Fisher Marc , Ford Ian , Fox Kim M. , Hennerici Michael G. , Lavados Pablo M. , Massaro Ayrton , Mattle Heinrich P. , Munoz Collazos Mario , Rothwell Peter M. , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Vicaut Eric , Yamouth Bassem , Amarenco Pierre ,   on behalf of the OPTIC Registry and PERFORM Trial Investigators
Published: February 2017

Background: Stroke is largely preventable, and therefore, a better understanding of risk factors is an essential step in reducing the population stroke rate and resulting disease burden in Arab countries. Summary: We performed 2 separate analyses in 2 similar populations of patients with noncardioembolic ischemic stroke. This first involved 3,635 patients in the Outcomes in Patients with TIA and Cerebrovascular disease (OPTIC) registry (followed for 2 years), with baseline collection of the usual risk factors and 5 socioeconomic variables (unemployment status, residence in rural area, living in fully serviced accommodation, no health-insurance coverage, and low educational level). The second involved patients in the PERFORM trial (n = 19,100 followed up for 2 years), with baseline collection of the usual risk factors and 1 socioeconomic variable (low educational level). The primary outcome was a composite of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular death. Stroke risk factors were more prevalent in patients in Arab countries. The incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE; age- and gender-adjusted) was higher in Arab countries (OPTIC, 18.5 vs. 13.3%; PERFORM, 18.4 vs. 9.7%; both p ≤ 0.0001). These results remained significant after adjustment on risk factors and were attenuated in OPTIC after further adjustment on socioeconomic variables (hazard ratio 1.24; 95% CI 0.98-1.55; p = 0.07). Key Messages: Patients with ischemic stroke living in Arab countries had a lower mean socioeconomic status, a much higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and a higher rate of MACE compared with patients from non-Arab countries. This finding is partly explained by a higher prevalence of risk factors and also by a high prevalence of poverty and low educational level.
Fragile Genes That Are Frequently Altered in Cancer: Players Not Passengers
Authors: Karras Jenna R. , Schrock Morgan S. , Batar Bahadir , Huebner Kay
Published: February 2017

FHIT, located at FRA3B, is one of the most commonly deleted genes in human cancers, and loss of FHIT protein is one of the earliest events in cancer initiation. However, location of FHIT at a chromosomal fragile site, a locus prone to breakage and gap formation under even mild replication stress, has encouraged claims that FHIT loss is a passenger event in cancers. We summarize accumulated evidence that FHIT protein functions as a genome “caretaker” required to protect the stability of genomes of normal cells of most tissues from agents causing intrinsic and extrinsic DNA damage. FHIT loss leads to intracellular replication stress and subsequent genome instability, which provides an opportunistic mutational landscape in preneoplasias for selection of a variety of other cancer-driving mutations. We also review evidence showing that FHIT loss leads to enhanced activation of other common fragile sites, including the FRA16D/WWOX locus, and creates optimal single-stranded DNA substrates for the hypermutator enzyme, APOBEC3B.
Primary Extranodal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Prostate: A Case Report
Authors: Ezekwudo Daniel E. , Ogunleye Foluso , Gbadamosi Bolanle , Blankenship LeAnn M. , Kinoyan Michael , Krauss Daniel , Hollander Mitchell , Haberichter Kristle , Jaiyesimi Ishmael
Published: February 2017

We report a case of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the prostate in a 54-year-old Caucasian male who presented with urinary retention and benign prostatic hyperplasia. We discuss the rare presentation of this disease and its clinicopathologic features and review the literature for up-to-date information on the diagnosis and clinical management. Despite the low incidence of lymphoma involving the prostate gland, it should always be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in cases of prostate gland enlargement with urinary tract obstructive symptoms resistant to medical therapy. Treatment modalities for this rare disease are also discussed.
Association between Montreal Cognitive Assessment Sub-Item Scores and Corresponding Cognitive Test Performance in Patients with Frontotemporal Dementia and Related Disorders
Authors: Coleman Kristy K.L. , Coleman Brenda L. , MacKinley Julia D. , Pasternak Stephen H. , Finger Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2017

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief screening test developed to detect patients with mild cognitive impairment, is used in clinical settings across North America [Nasreddine et al.: J Am Geriatr Soc 2005;53:695-699]. The MoCA has been demonstrated to be sensitive to cognitive deficits in frontotemporal dementias (FTD) and related disorders [Coleman et al.: Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2016;30:258-263]. Given attentional impairments in patients with FTD, whether and to what extent the abbreviated items on the MoCA may predict performance on corresponding assessments is not known. Testing and demographic data were extracted from a clinical database using a sample of 91 patients with FTD and related disorders. The relationship between MoCA items and corresponding neuropsychological tasks was assessed through McNemar tests and Spearman correlations. While some MoCA items such as letter fluency, orientation, and clock drawing were strongly correlated with the corresponding standard cognitive test, the MoCA trails were insensitive to impairment compared to the full Trail Making B Test (p = 0.01). In contrast, MoCA naming and delayed recall sub-items detected cognitive impairment more frequently than available comparison tests. The MoCA is a sensitive screening measure to detect impairment in patients with FTD and related disorders, but cognitive deficits specific to FTD result in differential performance on MoCA items compared to longer standard cognitive tests.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for M2 Occlusions: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Bücke Philipp , Aguilar Pérez Marta , Ganslandt Oliver , Bäzner Hansjörg , Henkes Hans
Published: February 2017

Background: The recent success of several mechanical thrombectomy trials has resulted in a significant change in the management of patients presenting with stroke. However, questions still remain as to whether certain groups will benefit from mechanical thrombectomy. In particular, it is still uncertain whether mechanical thrombectomy should be performed in the M2 branches and, more generally, in the distal vasculature. Methods: We retrospectively analysed our prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy between January 2008 and August 2016. We collected demographic, radiological, procedural and outcome data. Results: We identified 106 patients that met our inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 68 ± 13.8 years, and there were 58 (54.7%) male patients. Associated medical conditions were common with hypertension seen in 71% of the patients. The average Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score on admission was 8.5 ± 1.7. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 11.8 ± 7.02. The mean duration of the procedure was 103 ± 3.4 min, and the average number of thrombectomy attempts required was 1.8 (range 1-8). Angiographically, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Scale (TICI) ≥2b was obtained in 90.5% of the patients. Five patients (4.7%) had symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage on follow-up. At 90-day follow-up, 54.6% of the patients had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2, and 71.5% had an mRS score ≤3. There were 15 deaths at 90 days (14.1%). Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy in patients with solitary M2 clots is technically possible and carries a high degree of success with a good safety profile. Patients with confirmed M2 occlusion should be considered for mechanical thrombectomy.
Increased Radial Access Is Not Associated With Worse Femoral Outcomes for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hulme William , Sperrin Matthew , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Ratib Karim , Ludman Peter , Sirker Alex , Kinnaird Tim , Curzen Nick , Kwok Chun Shing , De Belder Mark , Nolan James , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: February 2017

Background—

The radial artery is increasingly adopted as the primary access site for cardiac catheterization because of patient preference, lower bleeding rates, cost effectiveness, and reduced risk of mortality in high-risk patient groups. Concerns have been expressed that operators/centers have become increasingly unfamiliar with transfemoral access. The aim of this study was to assess whether a change in access site practice toward transradial access nationally has led to worse outcomes in percutaneous coronary intervention procedures performed through the transfemoral access approach.

Methods and Results—

Using the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) database, a retrospective analysis of 235 250 transfemoral access percutaneous coronary intervention procedures was undertaken in all 92 centers in England and Wales between 2007 and 2013. Recent femoral proportion and recent femoral volume were determined, and in-hospital vascular complications and 30-day mortality were evaluated. After case-mix adjustment, no independent association was observed between 30-day mortality for cases undertaken through the transfemoral access and center femoral proportion, the risk-adjusted odds ratio for recent femoral proportion was nonsignificant (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.02;
P
=0.472 per 0.1 increase in proportion), and similarly recent femoral volume (per 100 procedures) was not found to be significant (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.01;
P
=0.869). The in-hospital vascular complication rate was 1.0%, and this outcome was not significantly associated with recent femoral proportion after risk-adjustment (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.00;
P
=0.060 per 0.1 increase in proportion).

Conclusions—

The outcome gains achieved by the national adoption of radial access are not associated with a loss of femoral proficiency, and centers should be encouraged to continue to adopt radial access as the default access site for percutaneous coronary intervention wherever possible in line with current best evidence.
Comparison of Carotid Plaque Score and Coronary Artery Calcium Score for Predicting Cardiovascular Disease Events: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Gepner Adam D. , Young Rebekah , Delaney Joseph A. , Budoff Matthew J. , Polak Joseph F. , Blaha Michael J. , Post Wendy S. , Michos Erin D. , Kaufman Joel , Stein James H.
Published: February 2017

Background

Coronary artery calcium (
CAC
) predicts coronary heart disease (
CHD
) events better than carotid wall plaque presence; however, differences in the utility of
CAC
burden and carotid plaque burden across the spectrum of cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) events is unknown.

Methods and Results

CVD
,
CHD
and stroke/transient ischemic attack (
TIA
) events were evaluated prospectively in a multiethnic cohort without
CVD
at baseline. Carotid plaque score was determined by the number of ultrasound‐detected plaques in the common, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery segments.
CAC
was detected by computed tomography. Predictive values were compared using Cox proportional hazards models, C‐statistics, and net reclassification, adjusting for traditional
CVD
risk factors. At baseline, the 4955 participants were mean (SD) 61.6 (10.1) years old and 52.8% female; 48.9% had
CAC
>0 and 50.8% had at least 1 carotid plaque. After 11.3 (3.0) years of follow‐up, 709
CVD
, 498
CHD
, and 262 stroke/
TIA
events occurred.
CAC
score compared to carotid plaque score was a stronger predictor of
CVD
(hazard ratio [
HR
], 1.78; 95%
CI
, 1.16–1.98;
P
<0.001 vs
HR
, 1.27; 95%
CI
, 1.16–1.40;
P
<0.001) and
CHD
events (
HR
, 2.09; 95%
CI
, 1.84–2.38;
P
<0.001 vs
HR
, 1.35; 95%
CI
, 1.21–1.51;
P
<0.001).
CAC
score and carotid plaque score were weak predictors of stroke/
TIA
.
CAC
score had better reclassification statistics than carotid plaque score, except for stroke/
TIA
, which had similar predictive values.

Conclusions

CAC
score improved prediction, discrimination, and reclassification of
CVD
and
CHD
better than carotid ultrasound measures, although prediction and discrimination were similar for stroke/
TIA
.
Roles of Changing Physical Function and Caregiver Burden on Quality of Life in Stroke
Authors: Pucciarelli Gianluca , Vellone Ercole , Savini Serenella , Simeone Silvio , Ausili Davide , Alvaro Rosaria , Lee Christopher S. , Lyons Karen S.
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in stroke survivor and caregiver quality of life (QOL) and to determine whether changes in survivor physical functioning and caregiver burden (ie, the impact of the physical, psychological, and social demands of caregiving) influence changes in QOL.

Methods—

Longitudinal design with 226 stroke survivor–caregiver dyads enrolled at survivor discharge from rehabilitation hospitals. Data collection was performed over 12 months. We measured survivor physical functioning, caregiver burden, and QOL (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) in both survivor and caregiver. Multilevel modeling was used to control for the interdependence of the data.

Results—

Survivors (50% male sex) and caregivers (66% female sex) were 70.8 (SD=11.9) and 52.4 (SD=13.1) years old, respectively. Over the 12 months, stroke survivor’s physical (γ=1.59;
P
<0.001) and psychological (γ=0.86;
P
<0.05) QOL significantly improved; social and environmental QOL did not
P
>0.05. Caregiver QOL, on average, did not significantly change over time
P
>0.05. Improvements in survivor physical functioning were associated with increases in survivor and caregiver physical and psychological QOL and survivor environmental QOL. Decreases in caregiver burden were significantly associated with improvements in caregiver physical, psychological, and environmental QOL but not with survivor QOL.

Conclusions—

QOL of stroke survivors and caregivers covaries and is greatly impacted by the physical function changes of the survivor. Dyadic approaches to stroke rehabilitation that acknowledge the interdependence of dyads are needed.
Transnational Baye-fallism
Authors: Massó Guijarro Ester
Published: February 2017

This article examines the transformation of the Baye-fall movement (Baye-fallism, henceforth), a particular form of Senegalese Muridism, as it extends into the Senegalese diaspora. In particular, the article explores shifts in understandings of what it means to be a ‘good’ Baye-fall, as Senegalese migrants in Spain become confronted with hostility in their new social context, and as the need for spiritual engagement and community belonging intensifies. Starting with the origins of Baye-fallism as a Sufi heterodoxy in Senegal, the paper then focuses on Senegalese migrants in Lavapiés (Madrid, Spain) and in Granada (Andalusia, Spain). The central argument is that in this diasporic context, adhesion to Baye-fallism becomes more intense, and that the performance of Sufi orthodoxy takes on new meaning, which also informs discussions about being a ‘good’ Baye-fall in Senegal.
Researching the Image of the Yellow Emperor in China’s Early Textual Sources and Archaeological Materials
Authors: Su Xiaowei
Published: February 2017

In China’s early textual sources and archaeological materials, the Yellow Emperor 黄帝 appears in the following three contexts: in genealogical records, among predynastic rulers, and in sacrificial rituals. The earliest appearance of the Yellow Emperor is probably in genealogical records; then, after being an ancestral ruler, he becomes the earliest emperor and a legendary ruler. This demonstrates his shift from an ancestral context to a monarchic context and illustrates the gradual yet colossal shift in ancient Chinese political thought from a system of enfeoffment built on blood relations to a system of prefectures and counties based on regional ties. The image of the Yellow Emperor in the context of sacrifice is closely linked to the yin-yang and five elements theories beginning in the later stage of the Warring States period; as society developed, this image also became associated with a certain Daoist path, thereby acquiring a religious value.
From Myth to History: Historicizing a Sage for the Sake of Persuasion in the Yellow Emperor Narratives
Authors: Zhang Hanmo
Published: February 2017

Among the many depictions of the Yellow Emperor that survive in a number of early Chinese texts, the historicized image of this purported ancient sage king has been accepted by many Chinese scholars as that of a historical figure and has greatly inspired their reconstruction of China’s remote past. In examining some of the extant Huangdi narratives, especially passages preserved in theDiscourses of the States[Guoyu],Records of the Grand Historian[Shiji], andRemaining Zhou Documents[Yi Zhoushu], this paper reveals a trend of historicizing an originally mythical Yellow Emperor presented in early Chinese writings. It also explores the historiographical reasoning behind such historicization and provides an alternative approach emphasizing the role of persuasion in the Huangdi narratives.
Two new species of Vanilla (Orchidaceae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Authors: FRAGA CLAUDIO NICOLETTI DE , COUTO DAYVID RODRIGUES , PANSARIN EMERSON RICARDO
Published: February 2017

Two new species of Vanilla are described and illustrated based on specimens collected in mesophytic semideciduous forests of southeastern Brazil. Vanilla capixaba occurs in southeastern of Espírito Santo and Vanilla paulista occurs in São Paulo. Both species are closely related to members of the Vanilla planifolia group, V. cristagalli, V. dubia and V. dungsii.
Epimedium zhaotongense (Berberidaceae), a New Species from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: WEI NENG , ZHANG YAN-JUN , XU ZHUN , KAMANDE ELIZABETH MWIHAKI , NGUMBAU VERONICAH MUTELE , HU GUANG-WAN
Published: February 2017

Epimedium zhaotongense, a new species of Berberidaceae from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated here. It is similar to E. membranaceum but differs by its simple raceme, leaflet shape, the microstructure of abaxial leaflet surface, flower size, relative ratio of length to width of inner sepals, and prolonged rhizome.
New species, notes and new records of Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in Brazil
Authors: QUERINO RANYSE B. , MENDES JACI V. , COSTA VALMIR A. , ZUCCHI ROBERTO A.
Published: February 2017

Two new species of Trichogramma are described: Trichogramma piracicabense sp. nov. and T. valmiri sp. nov. Additionally, T. manicobai from eggs of the cassava hornworm Erinnyis ello is redescribed, and new records on the distribution and host associations of species of Trichogramma from Brazil are presented.
The NCAA Cartel, Monopsonistic Restrictions, and Antitrust Policy
Authors: Blair Roger D. , Whitman Joseph
Published: February 2017

NCAA members behave like a buyer cartel and use the bylaws of the NCAA to maintain their collusive agreement. We model the NCAA as a collusive monopsony and demonstrate the impact on compensation and employment for student athletes, as well as the consequences for social welfare and distribution of surplus. Then we identify specific NCAA bylaws that restrain competition among cartel members, such as limits on the number of athletic scholarships awarded, recruiting, player transfers, and athletic housing. Lastly, we discuss the effects of the NCAA’s recent move to lift the restriction on contract durations for student athletes and the recent Agnew antitrust litigation which may have precipitated this change.
Deconstructing the NCAA’s Procompetitive Justifications to Demonstrate Antitrust Injury and Calculate Lost Compensation
Authors: Tatos Ted
Published: February 2017

Faced with significant antitrust scrutiny, particularly from ongoing cases, the NCAA has sought to justify, under the rule of reason, the competitive restrictions its collegiate model of amateurism imposes by claiming procompetitive benefits. This article examines the NCAA’s arguments and presents five findings: (1) the procompetitive justifications that the NCAA has offered for its restraint on athlete payments have little, if any, economic merit and do not justify the consumer injury resulting from the restraint; (2) absent the restraint, the minimum amount public P5 conference schools alone could have paid athletes is approximately $5.2 billion between 2003–2004 and 2014–2015, approximately two-thirds of which would have been used to compensate football and men’s basketball players, indicating that the consumer injury resulting from the NCAA’s restraint on trade has caused significant antitrust damages; (3) contrary to the NCAA’s claims, empirical and documentary evidence demonstrates that directly compensating FBS/D1 athletes would not result in decreased consumer demand; (4) “competitive balance,” when analyzed in an antitrust setting, does not support the NCAA’s claims; and (5) evidence, including the over one million documents released from the academic/athletic fraud investigation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, demonstrates significant consumer injury associated with the integration of academics and amateur revenue sport athletics. Such findings stand in direct opposition to the NCAA’s claim of procompetitive benefits from integrating athletics and academics under its amateur model.
College Sports Competitive Balance “Beliefs” and the Rule of Reason
Authors: Fort Rodney
Published: February 2017

In college sports antitrust cases where the rule of reason is applied, courts weigh the anticompetitive effects of, say, the amateur requirement against a presumed welfare offset, say, enhanced competitive balance. This article examines these “belief” underpinnings. Theoretically, whether fans prefer more balance is a hypothesis about preferences. As such, it needs to be examined empirically in every case. The limited empirical work on attendance and TV viewing supports the hypothesis for the top-level teams in FBS football, but not for any other college football, and there is no work on basketball. Applied theory also suggests that neither the amateur requirement nor mobility restrictions enhance balance as claimed. The empirical work is even more limited on this question and supports the theory for football, but not for basketball. However, the only evidence on basketball is that the amateur requirement makes balance worse. Finally, applied theory suggests that revenue sharing can improve balance, but only under specific circumstances. There is no additional empirical work on this question, but indirectly past work finds no impacts of revenue sharing on competitive balance. Ultimately, then, the answer to the rule of reason question may only be settled empirically, and there is only limited help in the extant literature on college sports. Understanding these issues leads to a clear prescription for courts to follow.
An Empirical Analysis of the NCAA’s Competitive Behavior
Authors: Sheehan Richard G.
Published: February 2017

While the NCAA contends that its rules and regulations are necessary to ensure competitive balance on the playing fields, there is a rich theoretical literature examining why the NCAA should be considered a cartel. This study examines the issue of competitive behavior from an empirical perspective. Prior studies that have empirically examined collegiate competitive balance have focused on winning percentages and have limited their analysis to football and, to a lesser extent, basketball. This study extends the playing field by considering competitive balance as measured by both financial and playing field metrics and by examining the most commonly offered NCAA sports. It also emphasizes differences across groups of conferences. The results indicate that the Power 5 conferences differ dramatically from all other conferences, while the differences between other conference groupings appear relatively minor. Profits are limited to a subset of the Power 5 members, there is virtually no movement in or out of the Power 5, and higher costs may lead to increase wins and increased wins lead to increased revenue only for Power 5 schools and not for other schools.
DC-STAMP Is an Osteoclast Fusogen Engaged in Periodontal Bone Resorption
Authors: Wisitrasameewong W. , Kajiya M. , Movila A. , Rittling S. , Ishii T. , Suzuki M. , Matsuda S. , Mazda Y. , Torruella M.R. , Azuma M.M. , Egashira K. , Freire M.O. , Sasaki H. , Wang C.Y. , Han X. , Taubman M.A. , Kawai T.
Published: February 2017

Dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) plays a key role in the induction of osteoclast (OC) cell fusion, as well as DC-mediated immune regulation. While DC-STAMP gene expression is upregulated in the gingival tissue with periodontitis, its pathophysiological roles in periodontitis remain unclear. To evaluate the effects of DC-STAMP in periodontitis, anti-DC-STAMP–monoclonal antibody (mAb) was tested in a mouse model of ligature-induced periodontitis ( n = 6–7/group) where Pasteurella pneumotropica ( Pp)-reactive immune response activated T cells to produce receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), which, in turn, promotes the periodontal bone loss via upregulation of osteoclastogenesis. DC-STAMP was expressed on the cell surface of mature multinuclear OCs, as well as immature mononuclear OCs, in primary cultures of RANKL-stimulated bone marrow cells. Anti-DC-STAMP-mAb suppressed the emergence of large, but not small, multinuclear OCs, suggesting that DC-STAMP is engaged in the late stage of cell fusion. Anti-DC-STAMP-mAb also inhibited pit formation caused by RANKL-stimulated bone marrow cells. Attachment of ligature to a second maxillary molar induced DC-STAMP messenger RNA and protein, along with elevated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive (TRAP+) OCs and alveolar bone loss. As we expected, systemic administration of anti-DC-STAMP-mAb downregulated the ligature-induced alveolar bone loss. Importantly, local injection of anti-DC-STAMP-mAb also suppressed alveolar bone loss and reduced the total number of multinucleated TRAP+ cells in mice that received ligature attachment. Attachment of ligature induced significantly elevated tumor necrosis factor–α, interleukin-1β, and RANKL in the gingival tissue compared with the control site without ligature ( P < 0.05), which was unaffected by local injection with either anti-DC-STAMP-mAb or control-mAb. Neither in vivo anti- Pp IgG antibody nor in vitro anti- Pp T-cell response and resultant production of RANKL was affected by anti-DC-STAMP-mAb. This study illustrated the roles of DC-STAMP in promoting local OC cell fusion without affecting adaptive immune responses to oral bacteria. Therefore, it is plausible that a novel therapeutic regimen targeting DC-STAMP could suppress periodontal bone loss.
Overcoming Abundance: Social Capital and Managing Floods in Inner Melbourne during the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Dobbie Meredith , Morgan Ruth , Frost Lionel
Published: February 2017

Before effective drainage and flood protection systems were built in the early twentieth century, areas of inner Melbourne close to the Yarra River were prone to flooding. An overabundance of water and a need to limit its impact on lives, livelihoods, and the built environment drove changes in the engineered structure of a rapidly growing city. Through a case study of a working-class district, we consider how private citizens, drawing on stocks of social capital, responded to major floods in 1863 and 1891. In addition to the process of “top-down” governing, as revealed in public documents, less visible “bottom-up” pressure from local communities played an important role in influencing improvements in water-related infrastructure, such as flood mitigation works. By the turn of the twentieth century, this local pressure increasingly manifested in a centralist approach to water management, whereby metropolitan-wide public authorities took greater charge of local environmental problems.
Experienced Probabilities Increase Understanding of Diagnostic Test Results in Younger and Older Adults
Authors: Armstrong Bonnie , Spaniol Julia
Published: February 2017

Background. With advancing age, the frequency of medical screening increases. Interpreting the results of medical tests involves estimation of posterior probabilities such as positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs). Both laypeople and experts are typically poor at estimating posterior probabilities when the relevant statistics are communicated descriptively. The current study examined whether an experience format would improve posterior probability judgments in younger and older adults, relative to a description format. Method. Eighty younger (ages 17–34 y) and 80 older adults (ages 65–87 y) completed an experimental task in which information about medical screening tests for 2 fictitious diseases was presented either through description or experience. Participants in the descriptive format read a passage containing statistical information, whereas participants in the experience format viewed a slideshow of representative cases that illustrated the relative frequency of the disease as well as the relative frequency of positive and negative test results. Results. Both younger and older adults made more accurate posterior probability estimates in the experience format, relative to the description format. In the descriptive format, PPVs were overestimated and NPVs were underestimated. Regardless of format type, participants reported that they would prefer to rely on a physician to make medical decisions on their behalf compared with themselves. Discussion. These findings are indicative of a description-experience gap in Bayesian inference, and they suggest possible avenues for enhancing medical risk communication for both younger and older patients.
Toxicity of internalized laser generated pure silver nanoparticles to the isolated rat hippocampus cells
Authors: Kursungoz Canan , Taş Sadık Taşkın , Sargon Mustafa F , Sara Yıldırım , Ortaç Bülend
Published: February 2017

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most commonly used nanoparticles (NPs) in medicine, industry and cosmetics. They are generally considered as biocompatible. However, contradictory reports on their biosafety render them difficult to accept as ‘safe’. In this study, we evaluated the neurotoxicity of direct AgNP treatment in rat hippocampal slices. We produced pure uncoated AgNPs by a pulsed laser ablation method. NP characterization was performed by Ultraviolet (UV) visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Rat hippocampal slices were treated with AgNPs for an hour. AgNP exposure of hippocampal tissue resulted in a significant decrease in cell survival in a dose-dependent manner. Our TEM results showed that AgNPs were distributed in the extracellular matrix and were taken into the cytoplasm of the neurons. Moreover, we found that only larger AgNPs were taken into the neurons via phagocytosis. This study showed that the pure AgNPs produced by laser ablation are toxic to the neural tissue. We also found that neurons internalized only the large NPs by phagocytosis which seems to be the major mechanism in AgNP neurotoxicity.
From Critical Theory to Critical Pragmatism: Capability and the Assessment of Freedom
Authors: Zimmermann Bénédicte
Published: February 2017

This article discusses the implications of the double dimension of the capability concept, which is simultaneously normative and descriptive, in sustaining a critical approach toward freedom. Capability may provide a key concept for critical theory. It may also fuel critical pragmatism as anchored in committed empirical inquiry. Building on John Dewey’s pragmatist account, the article advocates a critical approach that is as much a matter of conceptual yardstick as of empirical inquiry. Taking reforms in the area of French continuing vocational training as a case in point, it demonstrates the analytical and critical power, when it comes to the idea of freedom, of a capability approach confronting three levels of inquiry that are usually investigated separately: the institutional (public policy) level, the organizational (in this case company) level, and the individual (biographical) level.
Insights From Evolutionary Anthropology on the (Pre)history of the Nuclear Family
Authors: Fortunato Laura
Published: February 2017

My aim in this article is to elucidate the relevance of the evolutionary paradigm to the study of kinship and marriage systems. I begin with a discussion of conceptual and methodological issues that arise in approaching human social systems from an evolutionary perspective. I then narrow the focus on key tools used in contemporary cross-cultural research within evolutionary anthropology. Next, as a case study, I provide an overview of work aimed at reconstructing the (pre)history of the nuclear family in Indo-European-speaking societies, focusing on the interplay between monogamous marriage and neolocal residence. I conclude with musings on the prospect of a biologically based social anthropology.
Developing a Transliteracies Framework for a Connected World
Authors: Stornaiuolo Amy , Smith Anna , Phillips Nathan C.
Published: February 2017

This article introduces a transliteracies framework to conceptually account for the contingency and instability of literacy practices on the move and to offer a set of methodological tools for investigating these mobilities. Taking the paradox of mobility—the simultaneous restricting or regulation of movement that accompanies mobility—as its central dialectic, a transliteracies framework functions as a flexible heuristic for attending to how meaning making and power are intertwined in and distributed across social and material relationships. We argue that a transliteracies framework encompasses two primary dimensions of mobile literacy practices: (a) the everyday activity of creating, maintaining, and disassembling associations across movements of people and things (indicated by the prefix trans-) and (b) the dynamic and material nature of meaning making in activity (indicated by the plural root word literacies). To trace the emergent and consequential ways mobilities are managed within and across systems, we introduce four analytical tools for inquiry: emergence, uptake, resonance, and scale. These inquiry tools address the paradox of mobility by highlighting the systemic dimensions of practice that create and perpetuate inequities. We argue that these transliteracies tools facilitate an inquiry stance that positions researchers to attend to people’s emic meaning-making processes, work to balance multiple perspectives, account for privilege and position, question normative assumptions and beliefs, and engage in and value multiple ways of knowing.
Diversifying Teaching and Teacher Education
Authors: Haddix Marcelle M.
Published: February 2017

In this column, the author raises and explores questions about new teacher diversity initiatives and the call for more teachers of color. Such questions include, why is there now a heightened awareness and focus on the need for more teachers of color? How are these new initiatives different than those that came before? How has the context-politically, socially, and economically-shifted and evolved to warrant successful teacher diversity reform? Or has it? The author examines the historical conditions that influence the presence and lack thereof of teachers of color and the policy reforms that both support and undercut teacher diversity initiatives.
Underreporting of Homicides by Police in the United States, 1976-2013
Authors: Loftin Colin , McDowall David , Xie Min
Published: February 2017

To identify sources of error in estimates of the number of homicides committed by police officers in the United States, we examined data from the Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) and the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) between 1976 and 2013. Coverage and nonresponse errors were the primary reasons for underreporting in the SHR, with some agencies not participating or failing to submit some monthly reports. Measurement errors were the primary source of underreporting in the NVSS. If police involvement was not mentioned on death certificate, the death was misclassified as a civilian homicide.
Naming to Own Place Names as Indicators of Human Interaction with the Environment
Authors: Carter Lyn
Published: February 2017

In New Zealand there is ongoing tension between how indigenous Māori (native to New Zealand) people and non-Māori New Zealanders speak about the ways in which they occupy their space on the landscape. The ways that different groups identify their relationships with the landscape often conflict rather than complement each other, which has consequences for overall resource and environmental management plans. Using an environmental literacy framework—that is, how people ‘read’, ‘see’ and understand their relationships with the landscape—this paper will focus on the way that distinct groups use their own languages to explain how they, in the fullest sense, know themselves to occupy it. This paper accepts as a ‘given’ that there are a number of theorists who acknowledge the importance of language in defining the landscape, and the influence that language has on people's perceptions of what it is they are perceiving. However, this paper is based on a body of knowledge that legitimates the Māori world view and understanding as a valid process of knowing the world. More specifically, contemporary Māori theorists have developed a mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge) framework, which stems from a tradition-based value system. This paper seeks to apply this knowledge base to the conceptual framework of how the geography of Aotearoa/New Zealand is viewed and understood through different cultural lenses.
Indigenous Well-Being in Australian Government Policy Contexts
Authors: Grieves Vicki
Published: February 2017

This paper is designed to be the beginning of a dialogue about Indigenous well-being in government policy contexts in Australia rather than a definitive analysis. It arises from a larger report prepared for the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC; Grieves, 2006). The Cultural Heritage Branch seeks to analyse current government policy approaches to Indigenous Australian well-being to establish where Aboriginal cultural heritage activities are included and can be included. The major project, of which the large report is a component, addresses the research question: How does cultural heritage, as an activity field, enhance Aboriginal well-being and how can cultural notions of well-being be applied to government policies concerned with Aboriginal people in NSW?

Cultural heritage has been defined as ‘consisting of places and objects which are valued by the community. As well as buildings and landscapes, it includes objects representing traditional ways of life and symbols of events which have touched communities’ (English & Gay, 2005). Importantly, Indigenous Australians also have a unique heritage as the first people of Australia, which is acknowledged by the Australian Government as Native Title. Moreover, Indigenous Australian cultural heritage includes intangible factors, which have their basis in ways of being and doing, and also expressed in oral and performative expression, for example, Indigenous Australian languages, music and dance that connect people to the land.

This article includes findings about Commonwealth Government policies relating to well-being, with a focus on: Indigenous Australian culture and heritage; the alignment between government's well-being policies (and relevant legislation); the nature of Indigenous Australian community participation in this area; and consideration of the conceptual framework that underpins the current government policy framework.
Accessing the Oldest Thread: Tauparapara: A performance exercise in hybridity
Authors: Rakena Te Oti
Published: February 2017

This article reports on a project conceived in workshop and performed as part of the University of Auckland School of Music 2005 Annual Voice Class Concert. A key factor in the creation of this project was the ethnicity of the voice class and teaching staff. Two thirds of the voice faculty were indigenous Māori, and over one third of the students participating were of Māori or indigenous Pacific Island ancestry, or foreign born. This unusually high percentage of indigenous and acculturated students allowed us to explore the theme of hybridity by sharing knowledge stored in the oldest thread. By juxtaposing standard works from the established Western art-music repertoire with music from the students’ individual sound worlds, we created a work in which ‘cultural ideas and traditions are exchanged and conjoined in an artistic third space’ (Rutherford, 1990).
The Development of Emotional Competency through the use of Aboriginal Literature
Authors: Brown Lee , Daniels Lyn
Published: February 2017

The Emotional Competency Through the Use of Aboriginal Literature Project explored the development of emotional competency with students from cross-cultural backgrounds. The project focused on developing teachers’ abilities to plan and create learning opportunities for students to engage with the emotions of characters in Aboriginal literature as a means of developing their own emotional skills. In addition, the project created an understanding of how emotions are developed into values and enhanced respect for the diverse value systems represented by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in the classroom as an aspect of emotional competency.

The teachers attended a one-day workshop on emotional competency with an introduction to Aboriginal literature. Teachers were provided with an emotional competency curriculum development guide to help them apply the principles of emotional development to their lesson plans. In addition, they were provided with an introduction to the methods by which literature informs identity.

This article will focus on the initial findings of the project. We will examine the implementation of the six principles of emotional competency into classroom practice. The article examines the difficulties and successes of using Aboriginal literature to develop emotional competency and explores the effect the project had on the emotional and identity development of those involved in the project.