bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations on the theme of musical expertise: cognitive and sensory processing in percussionists, vocalists and non‐musicians
Authors: Slater Jessica , Azem Andrea , Nicol Trent , Swedenborg Britta , Kraus Nina
Published: February 2017

Comparisons of musicians and non‐musicians have revealed enhanced cognitive and sensory processing in musicians, with longitudinal studies suggesting these enhancements may be due in part to experience‐based plasticity. Here, we investigate the impact of primary instrument on the musician signature of expertise by assessing three groups of young adults: percussionists, vocalists, and non‐musician controls. We hypothesize that primary instrument engenders selective enhancements reflecting the most salient acoustic features to that instrument, whereas cognitive functions are enhanced regardless of instrument. Consistent with our hypotheses, percussionists show more precise encoding of the fast‐changing acoustic features of speech than non‐musicians, whereas vocalists have better frequency discrimination and show stronger encoding of speech harmonics than non‐musicians. There were no strong advantages to specialization in sight‐reading vs. improvisation. These effects represent subtle nuances to the signature since the musician groups do not differ from each other in these measures. Interestingly, percussionists outperform both non‐musicians and vocalists in inhibitory control. Follow‐up analyses reveal that within the vocalists and non‐musicians, better proficiency on an instrument other than voice is correlated with better inhibitory control. Taken together, these outcomes suggest the more extensive engagement of motor systems during instrumental practice may be an important factor for enhancements in inhibitory control, consistent with evidence for overlapping neural circuitry involved in both motor and cognitive control. These findings contribute to the ongoing refinement of the musician signature of expertise and may help to inform the use of music in training and intervention to strengthen cognitive function.
Splenius capitis is a reliable target for measuring cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in adults
Authors: Camp Aaron J. , Gu Chao , Cushing Sharon L. , Gordon Karen A. , Corneil Brian D.
Published: February 2017

The cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) is a common and simple test of vestibulospinal reflex patency. In the clinic, cVEMPs are measured in response to loud sounds from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) on the ventral neck, as subjects maintain an uncomfortable head posture needed to recruit SCM. Here we characterize the cVEMP in a dorsal neck turner (splenius capitis; SPL), and compare it with the SCM cVEMP. cVEMPs were recorded simultaneously via surface electromyography from SCM and SPL from 17 healthy subjects in a variety of postures, including head‐turned postures adopted while either seated or standing, and the clinical posture. Like the SCM cVEMP recorded ipsilateral to the side of sound stimulation, the cVEMP on the contralateral SPL (synergistic with ipsilateral SCM) was characterized by a biphasic wave of muscle activity that began at ~ 13 ms. cVEMP reliability was higher on SPL vs. SCM in standing postures (chi‐squared; P < 0.05), and equivalent results were obtained from SPL in a standing or seated posture. In 9 of the 17 subjects, we also obtained bilateral intramuscular (IM) recordings from SPL at the same time as the surface recordings. In these subjects, the initial surface response in SPL was associated with a consistent decrease in multi‐unit IM SPL activity. Overall, these results demonstrate that SPL recordings offer a complimentary target for cVEMP assessments. The expression of SPL cVEMPs in simple head‐turned postures may also improve the utility of cVEMP testing for vestibular assessment in children, the elderly, or non‐compliant.
Learning new sequential stepping patterns requires striatal plasticity during the earliest phase of acquisition
Authors: Nakamura Toru , Nagata Masatoshi , Yagi Takeshi , Graybiel Ann M. , Yamamori Tetsuo , Kitsukawa Takashi
Published: February 2017

Animals including humans execute motor behavior to reach their goals. For this purpose, they must choose correct strategies according to environmental conditions and shape many parameters of their movements, including their serial order and timing. To investigate the neurobiology underlying such skills, we used a multi‐sensor equipped, motor‐driven running wheel with adjustable sequences of foothold pegs on which mice ran to obtain water reward. When the peg patterns changed from a familiar pattern to a new pattern, the mice had to learn and implement new locomotor strategies in order to receive reward. We found that the accuracy of stepping and the achievement of water reward improved with the new learning after changes in the peg‐pattern, and c‐Fos expression levels assayed after the first post‐switch session were high in both dorsolateral striatum and motor cortex, relative to post‐switch plateau levels. Combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of striatal sections demonstrated that both enkephalin‐positive (indirect pathway) neurons and substance P‐positive (direct pathway) neurons were recruited specifically after the pattern switches, as were interneurons expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase. When we blocked N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the dorsolateral striatum by injecting the NMDA receptor antagonist, D‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), we found delays in early post‐switch improvement in performance. These findings suggest that the dorsolateral striatum is activated on detecting shifts in environment to adapt motor behavior to the new context via NMDA‐dependent plasticity, and that this plasticity may underlie forming and breaking skills and habits as well as to behavioral difficulties in clinical disorders.
Designing ecological climate change impact assessments to reflect key climatic drivers
Authors: Sofaer Helen R. , Barsugli Joseph J. , Jarnevich Catherine S. , Abatzoglou John T. , Talbert Marian K. , Miller Brian W. , Morisette Jeffrey T.
Published: February 2017

Identifying the climatic drivers of an ecological system is a key step in assessing its vulnerability to climate change. The climatic dimensions to which a species or system is most sensitive – such as means or extremes – can guide methodological decisions for projections of ecological impacts and vulnerabilities. However, scientific workflows for combining climate projections with ecological models have received little explicit attention. We review Global Climate Model (GCM) performance along different dimensions of change and compare frameworks for integrating GCM output into ecological models. In systems sensitive to climatological means, it is straightforward to base ecological impact assessments on mean projected changes from several GCMs. Ecological systems sensitive to climatic extremes may benefit from what we term the ‘model space’ approach: a comparison of ecological projections based on simulated climate from historical and future time periods. This approach leverages the experimental framework used in climate modeling, in which historical climate simulations serve as controls for future projections. Moreover, it can capture projected changes in the intensity and frequency of climatic extremes, rather than assuming that future means will determine future extremes. Given the recent emphasis on the ecological impacts of climatic extremes, the strategies we describe will be applicable across species and systems. We also highlight practical considerations for the selection of climate models and data products, emphasizing that the spatial resolution of the climate change signal is generally coarser than the grid cell size of downscaled climate model output. Our review illustrates how an understanding of how climate model outputs are derived and downscaled can improve the selection and application of climatic data used in ecological modeling.
Benford and the Internal Capital Market: A Useful Indicator of Managerial Engagement
Authors: El Mouaaouy Florian , Riepe Jan
Published: February 2017

We propose the application of digit analysis using the Benford law to indicate managerial engagement in the capital allocation process. First, we motivate the potential of the Benford digit analysis to identify allocation outcomes that are shaped by human engagement instead of fixed decision rules. Second, we provide a case study to illustrate how the Benford digit analysis can be used to detect allocations affected by managerial interventions. We are unaware of any study applying the Benford test to internal capital markets, while this approach appears very useful in this context. It is commonly used in the auditing, financial accounting, and fraud detection literature.
Involving Latina/o parents in patient‐centered outcomes research: Contributions to research study design, implementation and outcomes
Authors: Pérez Jolles Mónica , Martinez Maria , Garcia San Juanita , Stein Gabriela L. ,   Mentor Parent Group Members, Thomas Kathleen C.
Published: February 2017

Background

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is supported by policymakers as a way to provide service providers and patients with evidence‐based information to make better health‐care decisions and ultimately improve services for patients. However, Latina/o patients are rarely involved as study advisors, and there is a lack of documentation on how their voices contribute to the research process when they are included as collaborators.

Objectives

The purpose of this article was to contribute to the literature by presenting concrete contributions of Latina/o parent involvement to study design, implementation and outcomes in the context of a CER study called Padres Efectivos (Parent Activation).

Methods

Researchers facilitated a collaborative relationship with parents by establishing a mentor parent group. The contributions of parent involvement in the following stages of the research process are described: (i) proposal development, (ii) implementation of protocols, (iii) analysis plan and (iv) dissemination of results.

Results

Mentor parents’ contributions helped tailor the content of the intervention to their needs during proposal, increased recruitment, validated the main outcome measure and added two important outcome measures, emphasized the importance of controlling for novice treatment status and developed innovative dissemination strategies.

Conclusions

Mentor parents’ guidance to the researchers has contributed to reaching recruitment goals, strengthened the study protocol, expanded findings, supported broad ownership of study implications and enriched the overall study data collection efforts. These findings can inform future research efforts seeking an active Latino parent collaboration and the timely incorporation of parent voices in each phase of the research process.
Biopsy undergrading in men with Gleason score 6 and fatal prostate cancer in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam
Authors: Alberts Arnout R , Bokhorst Leonard P , Kweldam Charlotte F , Schoots Ivo G , van der Kwast Theo H , van Leenders Geert J , Roobol Monique J
Published: February 2017

Objectives

A total of 15 men who died of prostate cancer had cT1/2 biopsy Gleason score ≤6 prostate cancer at prevalence screening in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam. Our objective was to explain (part of) these prostate cancer deaths by undergrading with the classical Gleason score.

Methods

Biopsy specimens of 98 men with classical Gleason score ≤6 or 3 + 4 = 7 at prevalence screening in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam were retrospectively reviewed by two pathologists using the International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 modified Gleason score. These 98 men included 15 men with cT1/2 classical Gleason score ≤6 who died of prostate cancer (cases) and 83 randomly selected men with classical Gleason score ≤6 or 3 + 4 = 7 (controls). The primary outcome was the reclassification rate from classical Gleason score ≤6 to modified classical Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7 (grade group 2) stratified for prostate cancer death. The secondary outcome was the rate of cribriform/intraductal carcinoma in Gleason score‐reclassified men stratified for prostate cancer death.

Results

A total of 79 out of 98 men had classical Gleason score ≤6 prostate cancer. A total of eight out of 15 (53%) prostate cancer deaths with classical Gleason score ≤6 were reclassified to modified Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7, compared with 16 out of 64 (25%) men with non‐fatal prostate cancer (P = 0.017). A total of five out of eight (63%) Gleason score‐reclassified men with fatal prostate cancer had cribriform/intraductal carcinoma, compared with two out of 16 (13%) Gleason score‐reclassified men with non‐fatal prostate cancer (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Part of the prostate cancer deaths with Gleason score ≤6 at prevalence screening in the European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer Rotterdam could be explained by biopsy undergrading. The present study confirms that the International Society of Urological Pathology 2014 modified Gleason score is more accurate for prognostic assessment based on prostate biopsy than the classical Gleason score.
Foreign retirement income among new older immigrants in the United States
Authors: Vega Alma , Aguila Emma
Published: February 2017

Older adults make up an increasing share of new legal immigrants to the United States. These immigrants are often financially dependent on family since they are often barred from receiving several US support programmes and are less likely to receive US retirement benefits than natives. However, little information exists as to whether they receive retirement income from abroad. Using the New Immigrant Survey (N=2,150), we find that only 8.1 per cent of older recent immigrants report receiving foreign retirement income. In logistic modelling, older immigrants from Asia and Latin America were less likely to receive retirement income from abroad than those from Europe (Odds ratio = 0.50, p<0.05; Odds ratio = 0.22, p<0.001, respectively). Results suggest that newly admitted older immigrants from Asia and Latin America face an additional economic disadvantage compared with older Europeans that cannot be attributed to their demographic and migration characteristics.
Siting of HIV/AIDS diagnostic equipment in South Africa: a case study in locational analysis
Authors: Smith Honora K. , Smith Jon P. , Glencross Deborah K. , Cassim Naseem , Coetzee Lindi M. , Carmona Sergio , Stevens Wendy
Published: February 2017

This paper describes a practical application of locational analysis to the siting of HIV/AIDS diagnostic equipment in laboratories across South Africa. Classical location analytical techniques were extended to ensure that laboratories are sited as close as possible to major centers of demand from hospitals and clinics. A particular advantage of the modified set covering algorithm developed is that choices between laboratory sites are made in a transparent manner. In order to find appropriate numbers and ideal placement of CD4 laboratories, runs were undertaken for various scenarios based on maximum travel time from health facilities to laboratory sites. Results demonstrated to decision makers showed close comparisons with pilot review projects undertaken in four health districts of South Africa. The research has potential to impact health‐care delivery to HIV sufferers in the poorest rural regions of the country.
A new modeling approach for the biobjective exact optimization of satellite payload configuration
Authors: Kieffer Emmanuel , Danoy Grégoire , Bouvry Pascal , Nagih Anass
Published: February 2017

Communication satellites have the crucial role to forward signals to customers. They filter and amplify uplink signals coming from Earth stations to improve the signal quality before reaching customers. These operations are performed by the payload component of the satellite that embeds reconfigurable components (e.g., switches). These components route signals to appropriate signal processing components (e.g., amplifiers, filters) and lead amplified signals to the output antenna. In order to route the channels that compose signals, satellite engineers can remotely modify switch states. These are typically updated when one or more new channels must be connected or when failures occur. However, satellites embed always more switches to answer customer demands, which makes their reconfiguration time consuming and error prone without appropriate decision aid tools. Power transmission is a crucial objective to ensure a maximum quality of service at reasonable cost. This is why satellite operators aim at minimizing incoming power signals while guaranteeing a maximum factor of amplification at the output antenna. This problem is referred to as the “satellite payload power problem.” Previous works have outlined the difficulty to solve exactly large instances of this problem. This work proposes to improve the existing mathematical formulation of the switch network. We show that it can be modeled as a static network and switch states can be deduced after optimization, thus limiting the combinatorial explosion. Computational experiments on different sizes of realistic instances using the adaptive ε‐constraint method demonstrate the computational time gain with this new model and the possibility to solve larger instances.
Population differentiation in whiskered auklets Aethia pygmaea: do diurnal and nocturnal colonies differ in genetics, morphometry and acoustics?
Authors: Pshenichnikova Olesya S. , Klenova Anna V. , Sorokin Pavel A. , Konyukhov Nikolay B. , Andreev Aleхander V. , Kharitonov Sergei P. , Zubakin Victor A. , Artukhin Yuri B. , Schacter Carley R.
Published: February 2017

Despite a great number of empirical studies, the mechanisms of population differentiation and the factors that influence this process, particularly in seabirds, remain insufficiently understood. Here we analyzed population structure in the whiskered auklet Aethia pygmaea, a previously poorly studied alcid species with unusual differentiation in colony attendance rhythms (i.e. diurnal in the Sea of Okhotsk vs nocturnal in the Bering Sea), and examined the influence of it on intraspecific differentiation. For this study, we analyzed morphometric measurements, acoustic variables, mitochondrial control region fragment and five microsatellite loci from nine whiskered auklet colonies spanning the breeding range. Previous research has shown a clinal morphometric variation in this species. We build on this analysis by adding auklets from more colonies, for the first time analyzing vocalizations from different colonies and genetic structure of this species. Our data supports a clinal variation in morphometric and acoustic characters with the largest size and the lowest call frequency in western birds, and the smallest size and highest call frequency in the east. We also found two mitochondrial lineages – whiskered auklets from colonies in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Commander Is. (Bering Sea) and from the Aleutian Is. (Bering Sea), that were presumably formed during Sangamonian interglacial period (115 000–130 000 years ago). Genetic clusters found did not reflect differences in colony attendance rhythms, suggesting that they were shaped by other factors (e.g. differences in predator pressure) and are unlikely to have participated in the formation of population structure. Colony fidelity, mobility of birds, proximity of foraging grounds and location of colonies in relation to seasonal ice pack, seem to be more likely determinants of population differentiation.
Does Europe Matter? The Role of Europe in Chinese Narratives of ‘One Belt One Road’ and ‘New Type of Great Power Relations’
Authors: Zeng Jinghan
Published: February 2017

The rise of China as a global power has significantly reshaped its global ambition. Under the leadership of Chinese president Xi Jinping, China has proposed a series of diplomatic initiatives – most notably ‘new type of great power relations’ and ‘one belt one road’ – in order to shift the international order in its favour. Does Europe matter in China's major initiatives under the leadership of Xi Jinping? How does Europe (and the EU) fit into China's strategic narratives? This article aims to address these questions by analyzing Chinese scholarly writings and conducting interviews in China. It also explores the evolution process of China's strategic narratives with a focus on the gradual appearances of Europe. This article argues that the EU/Europe is a second order concern for China, and Europe only plays a marginalized role in China's policy discussion. Appreciation of the internal dynamics of China is essential for Europe to develop a more accurate understanding of EU–China relations.
Response surface model for the reduction of Salmonella biofilm on stainless steel with lactic acid, ethanol, and chlorine as controlling factors
Authors: Zhang Qiu Qin , Ye Ke Ping , Juneja Vijay K. , Xu Xinglian
Published: February 2017

A disinfectant containing chlorine (Cl), ethanol (EtOH), and lactic acid (LA) was investigated to reduce Salmonella biofilm on stainless steel. The present experiment was employed with disinfectants: Cl (50, 100, 150 ppm), LA (1, 2, and 3%), EtOH (10, 20, and 30%) and exposure times (ET; .5, 2, 3.5 min). A response surface model developed to predict the reduction of Salmonella biofilms was found to be significant (p < .0001) with a regression coefficient of .8019 and an insignificant lack of fit (p = .364). Interaction of ethanol with other variables resulted in a significant reduction of Salmonella biofilm. As compared to Cl and EtOH, Salmonella biofilms showed low sensitivity to LA. Extending ETs showed a significant positive effect on Salmonella biofilm reduction. The antimicrobial effect of mixed disinfectants depended on ET. Therefore, Cl, EtOH, and LA can be used in a mixture to achieve a synergistic effect and can potentially remove Salmonella biofilms.

Practical application

This study was undertaken to assess and quantify the efficacy of combinations of various concentrations of chlorine, lactic acid, and ethanol in eradicating the formed biofilms of Salmonella on a stainless steel surface. Chlorine acidified with lactic acid and then, added to ethanol‐based disinfectants can be effectively used to reduce Salmonella biofilms on stainless steel equipment. The reduction of Salmonella biofilms on stainless steel as treated with the mixed disinfectants can be estimated by the quadratic model developed in the present study.
Changes in liver stiffness measurements and fibrosis scores following sofosbuvir based treatment regimens without interferon
Authors: Elsharkawy Aisha , Alem Shereen Abdel , Fouad Rabab , El Raziky Maissa , El Akel Wafaa , Abdo Mahmoud , Tantawi Omnia , AbdAllah Mohamed , Bourliere Marc , Esmat Gamal
Published: February 2017

Background and Aim

Accurate evaluation of the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases is crucial, as liver fibrosis is important in order to make therapeutic decisions, determine prognosis of liver disease and to follow‐up disease progression. Multiple non‐invasive methods have been used successfully in the prediction of fibrosis; however, early changes in non‐invasive biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis under effective antiviral therapy are widely unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes of transient elastography values as well as FIB‐4 and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) in patients treated with Sofosbuvir‐based treatment regimen.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including 337 chronic HCV Egyptian patients with genotype 4 mainly. They were treated with Sofosbuvir‐based treatment regimen. Transient elastography values were recorded as well as FIB‐4 and APRI were calculated at baseline and SVR12.

Results

There was a significant improvement of platelets counts, ALT and AST levels, which in turn cause significant improvement in FIB‐4 and APRI scores at SVR12. Liver stiffness measurements were significantly lower in SVR12 (14.8 ± 10.7 vs 11.8 ± 8.8 kPa, P = 0.000). About 77% of responders and 81.1% of cirrhotic patients showed improvement in liver stiffness measurements at SVR12.Univariate and multivariate regression analysis showed that failure to achieve improvement in liver stiffness measurements were significantly associated with relapsers and low baseline liver stiffness measurement.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir‐based treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in parameters of liver fibrosis.
Reduced prevalence and severity of wounds following implementation of the Champions for Skin Integrity model to facilitate uptake of evidence‐based practice in aged care
Authors: Edwards Helen E. , Chang Anne M. , Gibb Michelle , Finlayson Kathleen J. , Parker Christina , O'Reilly Maria , McDowell Jan , Shuter Patricia
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the implementation of the Champions for Skin Integrity model on facilitating uptake of evidence‐based wound management and improving skin integrity in residents of aged care facilities.

Background

The incidence of skin tears, pressure injuries and leg ulcers increases with age, and such wounds can be a serious issue in aged care facilities. Older adults are not only at higher risk for wounds related to chronic disease but also injuries related to falls and manual handling requirements.

Design

A longitudinal, pre–post design.

Methods

The Champions for Skin Integrity model was developed using evidence‐based strategies for transfer of evidence into practice. Data were collected before and six months after implementation of the model. Data on wound management and skin integrity were obtained from two random samples of residents (n = 200 pre; n = 201 post) from seven aged care facilities. A staff survey was also undertaken (n = 126 pre; n = 143 post) of experience, knowledge and evidence‐based wound management. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. Where relevant, chi‐square for independence or t‐tests were used to identify differences between the pre‐/postdata.

Results

There was a significant decrease in the number of residents with a wound of any type (54% pre vs 43% post, χ2 4·2, p = 0·041), as well as a significant reduction in specific wound types, for example pressure injuries (24% pre vs 10% post, χ2 14·1, p < 0·001), following implementation of the model. An increase in implementation of evidence‐based wound management and prevention strategies was observed in the postimplementation sample in comparison with the preimplementation sample. This included use of limb protectors and/or protective clothing 6% pre vs 20% post (χ2 17·0, p < 0·001) and use of an emollient or soap alternative for bathing residents (50% pre vs 74% post, χ2 13·9, p = 0·001).

Conclusions

Implementation of the model in this sample fostered an increase in implementation of evidence‐based wound management and prevention strategies, which was associated with a decrease in the prevalence and severity of wounds.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study suggests the Champions for Skin Integrity model has the potential to improve uptake of evidence‐based wound management and improve skin integrity for older adults.
Domestic violence in pregnancy: prevalence and characteristics of the pregnant woman
Authors: Almeida Fátima Susana Jesus , Coutinho Emília Carvalho , Duarte João Carvalho , Chaves Cláudia Margarida Balula , Nelas Paula Alexandra Batista , Amaral Odete Pereira , Parreira Vitória Castro
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To determine the prevalence of domestic violence (physical, psychological or sexual) during pregnancy and to characterise these women.

Background

Pregnant women are not immune to domestic violence and therefore may be subject to any form of physical, psychological or sexual violence by partners. Health professionals’ knowledge and awareness are important in the identification and intervention of pregnant women who experience domestic violence.

Methods

Quantitative, descriptive, correlational study, using a nonprobabilistic convenience sample consisting of a total of 852 postpartum women, of whom 370 were experiencing domestic violence according to the criteria adopted through the modified scale of prevalence, applied between February–June 2012 in two Portuguese public health institutions. Authorisation was given by the Ethics Committees/Administration Councils of both institutions involved and the National Committee of Data Protection.

Results

The prevalence of DV during pregnancy was 43·4% (physical violence – 21·9%; psychological violence – 43·2%; and sexual violence – 19·6%). These women had the following profile: immigrant (OR = 5·70; IC95% 3·32–9·78), non‐Caucasian (OR = 6·27; IC95% 3·76–10·46), single/divorced/widowed (OR = 2·28; IC95% 1·70–3·05), academic qualifications up to year 9 (OR = 4·94; IC95% 3·31–7·37); between 10–12 years of schooling (OR = 2·36; IC95% 1·70–3·29); unemployed (OR = 2·01; IC95% 1·50–2·69); and with a monthly income <1000 euros (OR = 1·90; IC95% 1·44–2·50). Through logistic regression, the following protective factors have been identified: nationality (Portuguese), race (Caucasian) and place of residence (city).

Conclusions

Almost half of the sample had experienced some form of domestic violence. This is associated with certain sociodemographic factors identified in the study. Psychological violence was the most prevalent during pregnancy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of the prevalence and characteristics of pregnant women who experience domestic violence is of paramount importance in planning appropriate strategies for their needs during pregnancy. Results indicate the need for nurses to intervene when warning signs of domestic violence against pregnant women are detected.
Histone deacetylase 7 silencing induces apoptosis and autophagy in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells
Authors: Ahn Mee‐Young , Yoon Jung‐Hoon
Published: February 2017

Background

The overexpression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) has been observed in many cancers, and inhibition of specific HDACs has emerged as a new target for cancer therapy. We found that HDAC7 expression was selectively reduced by HDAC inhibitor apicidin in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) cells. Here, we show that HDAC7 suppression has a potent antitumor effect in MEC cells.

Methods

Histone deacetylases7 was knocked down using HDAC7 siRNAs, and cell proliferation was quantified. Cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and autophagy were measured by flow cytometry and immunoblotting.

Results

Histone deacetylases 7 siRNAs inhibited cell proliferation and c‐Myc expression, increased p27 expression, and caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in both YD‐15 and Mc3 cells. HDAC7 silencing increased the sub‐G1 population, Annexin V positive apoptotic cells and cleaved caspase3 levels. HDAC7 silencing induced an increase in autophagic markers, number of acidic vesicular organelles, and LC3B II levels, and decrease in p62 levels. HDAC7 siRNAs reduced the activation of ERK. HDAC7 knockdown resulted in growth inhibition through G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and induced both apoptosis and autophagy in MEC cells.

Conclusions

This study indicates that inhibition of HDAC7 might become a novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating to MEC.
Pre‐ischemia melatonin treatment alleviated acute neuronal injury after ischemic stroke by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress‐dependent autophagy via PERK and IRE1 signalings
Authors: Feng Dayun , Wang Bao , Wang Lei , Abraham Neeta , Tao Kai , Huang Lu , Shi Wei , Dong Yushu , Qu Yan
Published: February 2017

Melatonin has demonstrated a potential protective effect in central nervous system. Thus, it is interesting to determine whether pre‐ischemia melatonin administration could protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR)‐related injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we revealed that IR injury significantly activated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in a middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse model. Pre‐ischemia melatonin treatment was able to attenuate IR‐induced ER stress and autophagy. In addition, with tandem RFP‐GFP‐LC3 adeno‐associated virus, we demonstrated pre‐ischemic melatonin significantly alleviated IR‐induced autophagic flux. Furthermore, we showed that IR induced neuronal apoptosis through ER stress related signalings. Moreover, IR‐induced autophagy was significantly blocked by ER stress inhibitor (4‐PBA), as well as ER‐related signaling inhibitors (PERK inhibitor, GSK; IRE1 inhibitor, 3,5‐dibromosalicylaldehyde). Finally, we revealed that melatonin significantly alleviated cerebral infarction, brain edema, neuronal apoptosis, and neurological deficiency, which were remarkably abolished by tunicamycin (ER stress activator) and rapamycin (autophagy activator), respectively. In summary, our study provides strong evidence that pre‐ischemia melatonin administration significantly protects against cerebral IR injury through inhibiting ER stress‐dependent autophagy. Our findings shed light on the novel preventive and therapeutic strategy of daily administration of melatonin, especially among the population with high risk of cerebral ischemic stroke.
Melatonin protects oocyte quality from Bisphenol A‐induced deterioration in the mouse
Authors: Zhang Mianqun , Dai Xiaoxin , Lu Yajuan , Miao Yilong , Zhou Changyin , Cui Zhaokang , Liu Honglin , Xiong Bo
Published: February 2017

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been reported to adversely affect the mammalian reproductive system in both sexes. However, the underlying mechanisms regarding how BPA disrupts the mammalian oocyte quality and how to prevent it have not been fully defined. Here, we document that BPA weakens oocyte quality by impairing both oocyte meiotic maturation and fertilization ability. We find that oral administration of BPA (100 μg/kg body weight per day for 7 days) compromises the first polar body extrusion (78.0% vs 57.0%, P<.05) by disrupting normal spindle assembly, chromosome alignment, and kinetochore‐microtubule attachment. This defect could be remarkably ameliorated (76.7%, P<.05) by concurrent oral administration of melatonin (30 mg/kg body weight per day for 7 days). In addition, BPA administration significantly decreases the fertilization rate of oocytes (87.2% vs 41.1%, P<.05) by reducing the number of sperm binding to the zona pellucida, which is consistent with the premature cleavage of ZP2 as well as the mis‐localization and decreased protein level of ovastacin. Also, the localization and protein level of Juno, the sperm receptor on the egg membrane, are strikingly impaired in BPA‐administered oocytes. Finally, we show that melatonin administration substantially elevates the in vitro fertilization rate (63.0%, P<.05) by restoring above defects of fertilization proteins and events, which might be mediated by the improvement of oocyte quality via reduction of ROS levels and inhibition of apoptosis. Collectively, our data reveal that melatonin has a protective action against BPA‐induced deterioration of oocyte quality in mice.
Novel taxa of thermally dimorphic systemic pathogens in the Ajellomycetaceae (Onygenales)
Authors: Dukik Karolina , Muñoz Jose F. , Jiang Yanping , Feng Peiying , Sigler Lynne , Stielow J. Benjamin , Freeke Joanna , Jamalian Azadeh , Gerrits van den Ende Bert , McEwen Juan G. , Clay Oliver K. , Schwartz Ilan S. , Govender Nelesh P. , Maphanga Tsidiso G. , Cuomo Christina A. , Moreno Leandro F. , Kenyon Chris , Borman Andrew M. , de Hoog Sybren
Published: February 2017

Recent discoveries of novel systemic fungal pathogens with thermally dimorphic yeast‐like phases have challenged the current taxonomy of the Ajellomycetaceae, a family currently comprising the genera Blastomyces, Emmonsia, Emmonsiellopsis, Helicocarpus, Histoplasma, Lacazia and Paracoccidioides. Our morphological, phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses demonstrated species relationships and their specific phenotypes, clarified generic boundaries and provided the first annotated genome assemblies to support the description of two new species. A new genus, Emergomyces, accommodates Emmonsia pasteuriana as type species, and the new species Emergomyces africanus, the aetiological agent of case series of disseminated infections in South Africa. Both species produce small yeast cells that bud at a narrow base at 37°C and lack adiaspores, classically associated with the genus Emmonsia. Another novel dimorphic pathogen, producing broad‐based budding cells at 37°C and occurring outside North America, proved to belong to the genus Blastomyces, and is described as Blastomyces percursus.
Against Satanic Economics: Aquinas’ Theology of Virtue and Political Economy
Authors: Lentz Ralph Eugene
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this essay is to challenge the Modern assertion that economics is a theologically neutral science founded in the pure rationality of number, yet also connected to morality, particularly in regards to the ancient virtue of justice—“to render to each one their due”. Such an understanding has come at great philosophical, moral, and economic cost, as the Great World Recession of 2008–2013 is demonstrating. Instead, I argue that today's current economic crises are due precisely to a loss of orthodox Christian theological understanding of economics and virtue. I make this argument by examining St. Thomas Aquinas’ theological understanding of the virtues and his consequent understanding of political economy in the Summa Theologica. To evaluate the viability of applying Aquinas’ thought in addressing today's severe economic and ethical crises, I also consider Alasdair MacIntyre's call for a revival of Aristotelian virtue ethics along with his advocacy of Thomisic rationalism to combat the West's ethical decline. However, with John Milbank, I maintain that the integral deprivation of Western moral philosophy and political economy requires a distinctly theological solution that supersedes MacIntyre's neo‐Aristotelianism and neo‐Thomism. This is to be found in a (radical) orthodox reading of Aquinas’ Summa.
Recurrent atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome post kidney transplant due to a CD46 mutation in the setting of SMARCAL1‐mediated inherited kidney disease
Authors: Chan Samuel , Mallett Andrew J , Patel Chirag , Francis Ross S , Johnson David W , Mudge David W , Isbel Nicole M
Published: February 2017

Disorders in the regulation of the alternate complement pathway often result in complement‐mediated damage to the microvascular endothelium and can be associated with both glomerulonephritis and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Inherited defects in complement regulatory genes or autoantibodies against complement regulatory proteins are predictive of the severity of the disease and the risk of recurrence post kidney transplantation. Heterozygous mutations in CD46, which codes for a transmembrane cofactor glycoprotein membrane cofactor protein, usually have a lower incidence of end‐stage kidney disease and decreased risk of recurrent disease post transplant, as wild‐type membrane cofactor protein is present in the transplanted kidney. However, some patients with CD46 mutations have a second variant in other complement regulatory genes increasing the severity of disease. The following case report illustrates the course of a young adult patient with end‐stage kidney disease initially ascribed to seronegative systemic lupus erythematosus, who presented with biopsy‐proven thrombotic microangiopathy following kidney transplantation. It highlights the complexity associated with disorders of complement regulation and the need for a high index of suspicion and genetic testing in patients who present with thrombotic microangiopathy post‐transplant.
Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance triggering atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome
Authors: Mahmood Usman , Isbel Nicole , Mollee Peter , Mallett Andrew , Govindarajulu Sridevi , Francis Ross
Published: February 2017

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare condition with an overall incidence of one to two cases in a population of 100 000 and approximately 10% of these cases are classified as atypical. Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. aHUS can be genetic, acquired or idiopathic (negative genetic screening and no environmental triggers). We describe a case of aHUS triggered by monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) successfully treated with plasmapheresis and a bortezomib‐based chemotherapy regimen, resulting in marked improvement in renal function and other markers of haemolysis. This patient has been in remission for more than 2 years currently.
Phylogeographic insights on the evolutionary breakdown of heterostyly
Authors: Zhou Wei , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Li Hai‐Dong , Wu Zhi‐Kun , Wang Xin‐Jia , Wang Hong , Li De‐Zhu
Published: February 2017

The breakdown of heterostyly to homostyly is a classic system for the investigation of evolutionary transitions from outcrossing to selfing. Loss of sexual polymorphism is characterized by changes to population morph structure and floral morphology. Here, we used molecular phylogeography to investigate the geographical context for the breakdown process in Primula chungensis, a species with distylous and homostylous populations.

We genotyped plants from 20 populations throughout the entire range in south‐west China using the chloroplast intergenic spacer (trnL‐trnF), nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci, and determined the genetic relationships among populations and the variation in floral traits associated with homostyle evolution.

The marker data identified two multi‐population lineages (Tibet and Sichuan) and one single‐population lineage (Yunnan), a pattern consistent with at least two independent origins of homostyly. Evidence from flower and pollen size variation is consistent with the hypothesis that transitions to selfing have arisen by the same genetic mechanism involving recombination and/or mutation at the distyly linkage group. Nevertheless, flowers of homostylous lineages have followed divergent evolutionary trajectories following their origin, resulting in populations with both approach and reverse herkogamy.

Our study illustrates a rare example of the near‐complete replacement of sexual polymorphism by floral monomorphism in a heterostylous species.
Pricing in the Norwegian Interbank Market – the Effects of Liquidity and Implicit Government Support
Authors: Akram Q. Farooq , Christophersen Casper
Published: February 2017

We investigate the effects of central bank liquidity and possible implicit government guarantees against default on Norwegian overnight interbank interest rates. We conduct an econometric study of these interest rates over the period 2006–09, which includes the sharp fall in interbank trading during the financial crisis. Our findings suggest relatively lower funding costs for banks of systemic importance, particularly for banks with many and valuable linkages to other banks. Moreover, interest rates are found to depend not only on overall liquidity in the interbank market, but on its distribution among banks as well. There is also evidence of stronger effects on interest rates of systemic importance, creditworthiness and liquidity demand and supply factors during the financial crisis.
Quantifying pearl millet response to high temperature stress: thresholds, sensitive stages, genetic variability and relative sensitivity of pollen and pistil
Authors: Djanaguiraman M. , Perumal R. , Ciampitti I.A. , Gupta S.K. , Prasad P.V.V.
Published: February 2017

The objectives were to (1) quantify high temperature (HT) stress impacts at different growth stages (season long, booting to seed‐set and booting to maturity) on various yield components; (2) identify the most sensitive stage(s) to short episodes of HT stress during reproductive development; (3) understand the genetic variations for HT stress tolerance based on cardinal temperatures for pollen germination; and (4) determine relative sensitivity of pollen and pistil to HT stress and associated tolerance or susceptible mechanisms in pearl millet. High temperature stress (≥36/26°C) imposed at different stages and durations caused decrease in number of seeds, individual seed weight and seed yield. Two periods (10–12 days and 2–0 days before anthesis) were identified as most sensitive to short episodes of stress, causing maximum decreases in pollen germination percentage and seeds numbers. HT stresses of ≥36/26°C results in floret sterility. Pistils were relatively more sensitive than pollen grains, causing decreased number of seeds and seed yield. HT stress increased the reactive oxygen species contents and decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in both pollen and pistils. Under HT stress, pistils had relatively higher reactive oxygen species and lower antioxidant enzymes activity compared with pollen grains, which explains greater susceptibility of pistils.
Effect of bronchopulmonary dysplasia on early intellectual development in preterm infants
Authors: Lin Fatao , Dong Haipeng , Song Yanyan , Zhang Tengwei , Qi Junye , Xiao Xuwen , Cai Yueju
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on the early intellectual development of preterm infants.

Methods

From 2011 to 2015, 83 preterm infants diagnosed with BPD were recruited to the BPD group, and 89 preterm infants without BPD and 98 healthy term infants were randomly recruited to the non‐BPD and term group, respectively. Neural and intellectual development according to the Gesell Development Scale were evaluated and compared between groups at 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–9 months, and 9–12 months of adjusted age for preterm infants and real age for term infants. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the associations between BPD and adverse neurological outcomes at 9–12 months of adjusted age.

Results

Compared with term infants, preterm infants had significantly lower developmental quotients for adaptability, gross motor, fine motor, language and social skills. At follow up, deficits in one or more neurofunctions related to adaptability, gross motor, fine motor, language and social skills were significantly more frequent in preterm children with BPD than in those with no history of BPD. BPD was independently associated with adverse neurological outcome at 9–12 months of adjusted age in preterm infants.

Conclusions

Early intelligence disturbances occurred significantly more frequently in BPD infants than in non‐BPD infants. Monitoring of the development of the nervous system in BPD infants should be strengthened.
Mirror Self‐Recognition and Self‐Identification
Authors: Boyle Alexandria
Published: February 2017

That great apes are the only primates to recognise their reflections is often taken to show that they are self‐aware—however, there has been much recent debate about whether the self‐awareness in question is psychological or bodily self‐awareness. This paper argues that whilst self‐recognition does not require psychological self‐awareness, to claim that it requires only bodily self‐awareness would leave something out. That is that self‐recognition requires ‘objective self‐awareness’—the capacity for first person thoughts like ‘that's me’, which involve self‐identification and so are vulnerable to error through misidentification. This objective self‐awareness is distinct from bodily or psychological self‐awareness, requires cognitive sophistication and provides the beginnings of a more conceptual self‐representation which might play a role in planning, mental time travel and theory of mind.