bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad Spectrum Anticancer Activity of Myo-Inositol and Inositol Hexakisphosphate
Authors: Bizzarri Mariano , Dinicola Simona , Bevilacqua Arturo , Cucina Alessandra
Published: October 2016

Inositols (myo-inositol and inositol hexakisphosphate) exert a wide range of critical activities in both physiological and pathological settings. Deregulated inositol metabolism has been recorded in a number of diseases, including cancer, where inositol modulates different critical pathways. Inositols inhibit pRB phosphorylation, fostering the pRB/E2F complexes formation and blocking progression along the cell cycle. Inositols reduce PI3K levels, thus counteracting the activation of the PKC/RAS/ERK pathway downstream of PI3K activation. Upstream of that pathway, inositols disrupt the ligand interaction between FGF and its receptor as well as with the EGF-transduction processes involving IGF-II receptor and AP-1 complexes. Additionally, Akt activation is severely impaired upon inositol addition. Downregulation of both Akt and ERK leads consequently to NF-kB inhibition and reduced expression of inflammatory markers (COX-2 and PGE2). Remarkably, inositol-induced downregulation of presenilin-1 interferes with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reduces Wnt-activation,β-catenin translocation, Notch-1, N-cadherin, and SNAI1 release. Inositols interfere also with the cytoskeleton by upregulating Focal Adhesion Kinase and E-cadherin and decreasing Fascin and Cofilin, two main components of pseudopodia, leading hence to invasiveness impairment. This effect is reinforced by the inositol-induced inhibition on metalloproteinases and ROCK1/2 release. Overall, these effects enable inositols to remodel the cytoskeleton architecture.
Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome Developing After Restart of Sunitinib Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fukui Shinji , Toyoshima Yuta , Inoue Takeshi , Kagebayashi Yoriaki , Samma Shoji
Published: October 2016

A 64-year-old Japanese man had started molecular-targeted therapy with sunitinib for lymph node metastasis 5 years after nephrectomy for left renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma, G2, pT2N0M0). He was transported to our emergency department because of generalized tonic-clonic seizure, vision loss, and impaired consciousness with acute hypertension after 8 cycles of treatment (2 years after the initiation of sunitinib therapy, including a drug withdrawal period for one year). MRI of the brain (FLAIR images) showed multiple high-intensity lesions in the white matter of the occipital and cerebellar lobes, dorsal brain stem, and left thalamus. Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome caused by sunitinib was suspected. In addition to the immediate discontinuation of sunitinib therapy, the administration of antihypertensive agents and anticonvulsants improved the clinical symptoms without neurological damage. Physicians should be aware that sunitinib causes reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome. The early recognition of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome is critical to avoid irreversible neurological damage.
Sedimentary Organic Matter and Phosphate along the Kapuas River (West Kalimantan, Indonesia)
Authors: Loh Pei Sun , Chen Chen-Tung Arthur , Anshari Gusti Z. , Lou Jiann-Yuh , Wang Jough-Tai , Wang Shu-Lun , Wang Bing-Jye
Published: October 2016

This study assessed the sedimentary organic matter (OM) and phosphate along the world’s longest river on an island: the Kapuas River in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The surface sediment was tested using the loss-on-ignition experiment to determine the % labile OM, % refractory OM, and % total OM and the Rp values (the ratio of refractory to total OM). The C/N ratios and the inorganic phosphate (IP), organic phosphate (OP), and total phosphate (TP) levels were also determined. The combination of high Rp values and low C/N ratios along the upper river indicated the possible presence of relatively degraded material; the low Rp values and high C/N ratios downstream were indicative of a fresher terrestrial signal. Sedimentary P levels were the highest along the densely populated areas downstream from the Kapuas River; the second highest along the midstream river, which is surrounded by oil palm plantations; and the lowest along the upper river, which is surrounded by forest. Higher levels of OM, IP, OP, and TP downstream along the Kapuas River indicated the presence of anthropogenic sources of OM and P.
Biological Characteristics and Antimicrobial Activity of EndophyticStreptomycessp. TQR12-4 Isolated from EliteCitrus nobilisCultivar Ham Yen of Vietnam
Authors: Hong-Thao Phan Thi , Mai-Linh Nguyen Vu , Hong-Lien Nguyen Thi , Van Hieu Nguyen
Published: October 2016

Ham Yen orange (Citrus nobilisLour) is the highly valuable commercial fruit of Vietnam. With the blooming of fruit production and farming area, this specialty crop is facing threats from several serious diseases; therefore the search for new effective biocontrollers is required to prevent the existing excessive use of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals. Endophytic actinomycetes are of great scientific interest due to their high potential of application in agriculture and pharmaceutical research. In this work, endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from a native orange species of Northeast mountainous province Tuyen Quang. Among 49 isolates obtained, the isolate TQR12-4 strongly inhibited test pathogensColletotrichum truncatum,Geotrichum candidum,Fusarium oxysporum, andF. udum. This isolate gave comparatively high biomass yields on different substrates, for example, carboxy methyl cellulose, starch, protein, and chitin, within a wide range of temperature from 15 to 45°C and pH from 4 to 10. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA gene showed that TQR12-4 shared 99% similarity toStreptomyces prasinopilosus; however, it slightly differed from the latter in spore morphology and hence was named asStreptomycessp. TQR12-4. A thermostable antifungal substance of nonpeptide nature produced byStreptomycessp. TQR12-4 had MIC againstFusarium udumof 100 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL respective to extract fractionsX4andX5.
Human Depth Sensors-Based Activity Recognition Using Spatiotemporal Features and Hidden Markov Model for Smart Environments
Authors: Jalal Ahmad , Kamal Shaharyar , Kim Daijin
Published: October 2016

Nowadays, advancements in depth imaging technologies have made human activity recognition (HAR) reliable without attaching optical markers or any other motion sensors to human body parts. This study presents a depth imaging-based HAR system to monitor and recognize human activities. In this work, we proposed spatiotemporal features approach to detect, track, and recognize human silhouettes using a sequence of RGB-D images. Under our proposed HAR framework, the required procedure includes detection of human depth silhouettes from the raw depth image sequence, removing background noise, and tracking of human silhouettes using frame differentiation constraints of human motion information. These depth silhouettes extract the spatiotemporal features based on depth sequential history, motion identification, optical flow, and joints information. Then, these features are processed by principal component analysis for dimension reduction and better feature representation. Finally, these optimal features are trained and they recognized activity using hidden Markov model. During experimental results, we demonstrate our proposed approach on three challenging depth videos datasets including IM-DailyDepthActivity, MSRAction3D, and MSRDailyActivity3D. All experimental results show the superiority of the proposed approach over the state-of-the-art methods.
BMP4 Cooperates with Retinoic Acid to Induce the Expression of Differentiation Markers in Cultured Mouse Spermatogonia
Authors: Yang Yongguang , Feng Yanmin , Feng Xue , Liao Shangying , Wang Xiuxia , Gan Haiyun , Wang Lixian , Lin Xiwen , Han Chunsheng
Published: October 2016

Spermatogenesis is sustained by the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). However, the molecules controlling these processes remain largely unknown. Here, we developed a simplified high concentration serum‐containing system for the culture of mouse SSCs. Analysis of SSCs markers and transplantation results revealed that the cultured spermatogonia retained stem cell characteristics after long‐term in vitro propagation. Using this culture system, the expression and function of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) were explored. Immunostaining showed that BMP4 was predominantly expressed in germ cells and that its level increased as spermatogenesis progresses. BMP4 receptors BMPR1A and BMPRII were present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and round spermatids. Moreover, despite the mRNAs of these two genes being present in mouse Sertoli cells, only BMPRII was detected by using Western blotting assays. While exogenous BMP4 by itself did not induce the expression of Stra8 and c‐Kit, two marker genes of differentiating spermatogonia, a significant cooperative effect of BMP4 and retinoic acid (RA) was observed. Moreover, pretreatment of cultured spermatogonia with the BMP4 antagonist Noggin could inhibit RA‐induced expression of these two marker genes. In conclusion, BMP4 may exert autocrine effects and act cooperatively with RA to induce the differentiation of spermatogonia in vivo.
Tissue Engineering Approaches to Modulate the Inflammatory Milieu following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Dumont Courtney M. , Margul Daniel J. , Shea Lonnie D.
Published: October 2016

Tissue engineering strategies have shown promise in promoting healing and regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI); however, these strategies are limited by inflammation and the immune response. Infiltration of cells of the innate and adaptive immune responses and the inflammation that follows cause secondary damage adjacent to the injury, increased scarring, and a potently inhibitory environment for the regeneration of damaged neurons. While the inflammation that ensues is typically associated with limited regeneration, the immune response is a crucial element in the closing of the blood-brain barrier, minimizing the spread of injury, and initiating healing. This review summarizes the strategies that have been developed to modulate the immune response towards an anti-inflammatory environment that is permissive to the regeneration of neurons, glia, and parenchyma. We focus on the use of biomaterials, biologically active molecules, gene therapy, nanoparticles, and stem cells to modulate the immune response, and illustrate concepts for future therapies. Current clinical treatments for SCI are limited to systemic hypothermia or methylprednisolone, which both act by systemically mitigating the effects of immune response but have marginal efficacy. Herein, we discuss emerging research strategies to further enhance these clinical treatments by directly targeting specific aspects of the immune response.
Cytological Characteristics of Endometrial Phasing Using the Specimens Prepared with the Liquid-Based Procedure: Comparison with the Conventional Procedure
Authors: Kuramoto Hiroyuki , Iwami Yoshiko , Sugimoto Naoko , Miyagawa Jun , Banno Midori , Iida Manichi
Published: October 2016

Objective: To evaluate whether or not the liquid-based procedure (LBP) for endometrial cytology is as worthwhile for endometrial phasing as conventional slides. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 81 women who underwent endometrial cytology and were defined as negative. The specimens obtained by either Endocyte® or Masubuchi aspiration tube® were processed first with the conventional procedure and then with LBP using TACAS™. Results: (1) The number of subjects diagnosed by the conventional method as having proliferative, mid-, middle-secretory and late-secretory and atrophic phases was 40, 11, 10, 0 and 20, respectively. The rate of agreement with those using LBP was 87.7%. (2) Incidences of large clusters, ductal clusters, palisade arrangement, uneven staining and dirty mucous background detected were significantly higher with the conventional method, whereas with LBP clean background, inconspicuous bonding of cells, scattered solitary glandular cells, clear well-stained cytoplasm and cell compactness were higher. (3) Especially in the proliferative phase, clusters tended to be smaller and lose their architectural structures, and scattered solitary columnar cells were present. (4) Cells in the mid-phase tended to have loose contact and to mimic other phases. Conclusions: Cytodiagnosis of endometrial phasing prepared with LBP is feasible to perform when some modifications are implemented.
The Clinical Outcomes after Total Pancreatectomy
Authors: Suzuki Shuji , Kajiyama Hideki , Takemura Akira , Shimazaki Jiro , Nishida Kiyotaka , Shimoda Mitsugi
Published: October 2016

Background: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is not more beneficial than less aggressive resection techniques for the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, with advances in surgical techniques and glycemic monitoring, and the development of synthetic insulin and pancreatic enzymes for postoperative treatment, TP has been increasingly indicated. This is a review of the recent literature reporting the clinical outcomes after TP. Methods: We reviewed the publications reporting the use of TP starting 2007. The clinicophysiological and survival data were analyzed. Results: Few studies evaluated the differences in clinical outcomes between TP and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with inconsistent results. It was reported that while the perioperative morbidity did not decrease, the mortality decreased compared to previous literature. All patients who underwent TP required insulin and high dose of pancreatic enzyme supplements. The 5-year survival rates after TP and PD for pancreatic cancer were similar. Conclusion: The perioperative mortality decreased in patients who underwent TP with advances in the operative procedures and perioperative care. The long-term survival rates were similar for TP and PD. Therefore, treating pancreatic neoplasms using TP is feasible. Patients undergoing TP should receive adequate treatment with synthetic insulin and pancreatic enzyme supplements.
REDES DE INOVAÇÃO E A DIFUSÃO DA TECNOLOGIA SOLAR NO BRASIL
Authors: Conejero Maria Carolina , Calia Rogério Cerávolo , Sauaia Antonio Carlos Aidar
Published: October 2016

Este estudo tem como objetivo responder ao seguinte problema central de pesquisa: de que forma a gestão de relacionamentos em redes interorganizacionais da Soletrol favoreceu a criação de processos inovativos para o desenvolvimento de aquecedores solares de água como proposta de substituição ao chuveiro elétrico? Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e qualitativa, por meio de um estudo de caso. O profissional-chave da Soletrol foi entrevistado para identificar e descrever as estruturas de relacionamentos interorganizacionais que resultaram em uma contribuição inovativa para a sustentabilidade ambiental. O estudo mostra os impactos ambientais da energia elétrica no Brasil, enfatizando que a redução do uso do chuveiro elétrico pode ajudar a amenizar os problemas na rede de distribuição de energia, causados pela sobrecarga deste sistema nos horários de pico, trazendo uma revisão da literatura acadêmica sobre a inovação tecnológica ambiental e as redes de inovação. Por fim, mostra a importância da gestão de relacionamentos interorganizacionais para o desenvolvimento de um produto sustentável com uso da tecnologia solar no Brasil.
Extent of Vascular Remodeling Is Dependent on the Balance Between Estrogen Receptor α and G-Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor
Authors: Gros Robert , Hussain Yasin , Chorazyczewski Jozef , Pickering J. Geoffrey , Ding Qingming , Feldman Ross D.
Published: October 2016

Estrogens are important regulators of cardiovascular function. Some of estrogen’s cardiovascular effects are mediated by a G-protein–coupled receptor mechanism, namely, G-protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Estradiol-mediated regulation of vascular cell programmed cell death reflects the balance of the opposing actions of GPER versus estrogen receptor α (ERα). However, the significance of these opposing actions on the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation or migration in vitro is unclear, and the significance in vivo is unknown. To determine the effects of GPER activation in vitro, we studied rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells maintained in primary culture. GPER was reintroduced using adenoviral gene transfer. Both estradiol and G1, a GPER agonist, inhibited both proliferation and cell migration effects that were blocked by the GPER antagonist, G15. To determine the importance of the GPER-ERα balance in regulating vascular remodeling in a rat model of carotid ligation, we studied the effects of upregulation of GPER expression versus downregulation of ERα. Reintroduction of GPER significantly attenuated the extent of medial hypertrophy and attenuated the extent of CD45 labeling. Downregulation of ERα expression comparably attenuated the extent of medial hypertrophy and inflammation after carotid ligation. These studies demonstrate that the balance between GPER and ERα regulates vascular remodeling. Receptor-specific modulation of estrogen’s effects may be an important new approach in modifying vascular remodeling in both acute settings like vascular injury and perhaps in longer term regulation like in hypertension.
Cardioprotective Angiotensin-(1–7) Peptide Acts as a Natural-Biased Ligand at the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor
Authors: Galandrin Ségolène , Denis Colette , Boularan Cédric , Marie Jacky , M’Kadmi Céline , Pilette Claire , Dubroca Caroline , Nicaise Yvan , Seguelas Marie-Hélène , N’Guyen Du , Banères Jean-Louis , Pathak Atul , Sénard Jean-Michel , Galés Céline
Published: October 2016

Hyperactivity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system through the angiotensin II (Ang II)/Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1-R) axis constitutes a hallmark of hypertension. Recent findings indicate that only a subset of AT1-R signaling pathways is cardiodeleterious, and their selective inhibition by biased ligands promotes therapeutic benefit. To date, only synthetic biased ligands have been described, and whether natural renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system peptides exhibit functional selectivity at AT1-R remains unknown. In this study, we systematically determined efficacy and potency of Ang II, Ang III, Ang IV, and Ang-(1–7) in AT1-R–expressing HEK293T cells on the activation of cardiodeleterious G-proteins and cardioprotective β-arrestin2. Ang III and Ang IV fully activate similar G-proteins than Ang II, the prototypical AT1-R agonist, despite weaker potency of Ang IV. Interestingly, Ang-(1–7) that binds AT1-R fails to promote G-protein activation but behaves as a competitive antagonist for Ang II/Gi and Ang II/Gq pathways. Conversely, all renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system peptides act as agonists on the AT1-R/β-arrestin2 axis but display biased activities relative to Ang II as indicated by their differences in potency and AT1-R/β-arrestin2 intracellular routing. Importantly, we reveal Ang-(1–7) a known Mas receptor-specific ligand, as an AT1-R–biased agonist, selectively promoting β-arrestin activation while blocking the detrimental Ang II/AT1-R/Gq axis. This original pharmacological profile of Ang-(1–7) at AT1-R, similar to that of synthetic AT1-R–biased agonists, could, in part, contribute to its cardiovascular benefits. Accordingly, in vivo, Ang-(1–7) counteracts the phenylephrine-induced aorta contraction, which was blunted in AT1-R knockout mice. Collectively, these data suggest that Ang-(1–7) natural-biased agonism at AT1-R could fine-tune the physiology of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.
CODEX: Mapping Co-Created Data for Speculative Geographies
Authors: Corby Tom , Baily Gavin , de Sabbata Stefano
Published: October 2016

This article discusses a series of artworks named CODEX, produced by the authors as part of a collaborative research project between the Centre for Research in Education, Art and Media (CREAM), University of Westminster and the Oxford Internet Institute. Taking the form of experimental maps, large-scale installations and prints, the series shows how big data can be employed to reflect upon social phenomena through the formulation of critical, aesthetic and speculative geographies.
Concrete Photography: (In-Between) Light Image and Data Image
Authors: Jäger Gottfried
Published: October 2016

The author discusses his works of concrete photography contributed to the Peter C. Ruppert Collection, Concrete Art in Europe after 1945, in the Museum im Kulturspeicher Würzburg. He discusses Concrete Photography as a form of nonrepresentational photography in which the medium itself moves away from its classical role of representing the external world to take on a strict self-referential role, in between both traditional light-images and images of the digital world.
Biokinesis: A Soft Kinetic Architectural
Skin
Authors: Park Jae Wan , Kim Ju Yeon
Published: October 2016

This article proposes a soft kinetic architectural skin that represents natural, formative intelligence. Biokinesis is an interactive kinetic installation that performs soft, dynamic movements through morphological transformations based on a genetic algorithm. In this article, the authors present new possibilities for the kinetic skin by interpreting mechanical movements as holistic, biological dynamics.
Heirloom: Living Portraits of and for the
Artist’s Daughters Created out of Their Own Cultured Cells
Authors: Czarnecki Gina , Hunt John
Published: October 2016

This article presents the artwork Heirloom created by artist Gina Czarnecki and scientist John Hunt. Heirloom grows living portraits of Gina Czarnecki’s daughters from their own cells cultured from buccal swabs. The resulting artwork is an ongoing exploration in “culture,” “nurture” and “media” from the scientific, parental and artistic perspectives. The experiment is ongoing as new methods for sustaining life outside the lab have been developed for this work, potentially facilitating future DIY biotechnology for others and helping with maxillofacial reconstruction in the future. Heirloom has been presented within Trust Me, I’m an Artist, an EU Creative Europe supported project.
Displaying the Researched Body: Growing Cell Portraits in a Medical Museum
Authors: Whiteley Louise , Tybjerg Karin , Pedersen Bente Vinge
Published: October 2016

In Heirloom, artist Gina Czarnecki and scientist John Hunt grow portraits of the artist’s daughters from the daughters’ own cells onto glass casts of their faces. This required the development of novel scientific techniques to allow the growth of human cells in a gallery. Heirloom was exhibited at Medical Museion as a part of the EU Creative Europe project Trust Me, I’m an Artist. Here, the authors discuss three key issues raised by the artwork and its curation; (1) consent and ownership with regard to bodily materials, (2) biological portraiture and identity, and (3) DIY and depicting the future.
Dispossession without Labour: Bridging Abolition and Decolonisation
Authors: Ciccariello-Maher George
Published: October 2016

Glen Coulthard’s Red Skin, White Masks makes two decisive interventions. First, it shifts our lens from the capital relation to the colonial relation, disarticulating the process of primitive accumulation to emphasise its component parts: dispossession and proletarianisation. To do so is to both liberate the concept from its European origins by centring those contexts in which dispossession is not followed by proletarianisation, and to pose the political unity of different forms of dispossession: of land (as in settler-colonialism) as well as labour (as in chattel slavery). Second, Coulthard draws convincingly upon Frantz Fanon, whose work is essential for grasping both colonialism and white supremacy, but crucially their complex interrelation.
Taxonomic novelties in Praxelis (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae): a new species and a new combination
Authors: TELES ARISTÔNIO M. , VIANA PEDRO L. , ESTEVES ROBERTO L.
Published: October 2016

A new species, Praxelis minima, is described from the Minas Gerais State, Brazil. It appears to be closely related to P. kleinioides; illustrations, comments, distribution map, and conservation status for the new species are provided. Additionaly a new combination, P. decumbens based on Chromolaena decumbens, is proposed because of its conical receptacle and conspicuously asymmetrical carpopodium. A key to the species of Praxelis occurring in Minas Gerais is provided.
New species of tree cricket Oecanthus Serville, 1831 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Oecanthinae) from Reserva Natural Vale, Espírito Santo, Brazil, with chromosome complement
Authors: MILACH ELISA MACHADO , COSTA MARIA KÁTIA MATIOTTI DA , MARTINS LUCIANO DE PINHO , NUNES LORENA ANDRADE , SILVA DANIELA SANTOS MARTINS , GARCIA FLÁVIO ROBERTO MELLO , OLIVEIRA ELLIOTT CENTENO DE , ZEFA EDISON
Published: October 2016

A new species of the genus Oecanthus Serville, 1831 from Reserva Natural Vale, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil is described. The new species differs from other of this genus in characteristics of the pseudepiphallus main lobe, endophallic sclerites, posterior median lobe of the metanotal gland and black spots on the femora and tibiae. The chromosome number is 2n=16+XY♂=18 and 2n=16+XX♀=18, and this complement present one pair of autosomes less than the other five cytological studied species.
Time-Dependent Variations in the Arctic’s Surface Albedo Feedback and the Link to Seasonality in Sea Ice
Authors: Andry Olivier , Bintanja Richard , Hazeleger Wilco
Published: October 2016

The Arctic is warming 2 to 3 times faster than the global average. Arctic sea ice cover is very sensitive to this warming and has reached historic minima in late summer in recent years (e.g., 2007 and 2012). Considering that the Arctic Ocean is mainly ice covered and that the albedo of sea ice is very high compared to that of open water, any change in sea ice cover will have a strong impact on the climate response through the radiative surface albedo feedback. Since sea ice area is projected to shrink considerably, this feedback will likely vary considerably in time. Feedbacks are usually evaluated as being constant in time, even though feedbacks and climate sensitivity depend on the climate state. Here the authors assess and quantify these temporal changes in the strength of the surface albedo feedback in response to global warming. Analyses unequivocally demonstrate that the strength of the surface albedo feedback exhibits considerable temporal variations. Specifically, the strength of the surface albedo feedback in the Arctic, evaluated for simulations of the future climate (CMIP5 RCP8.5) using a kernel method, shows a distinct peak around the year 2100. This maximum is found to be linked to increased seasonality in sea ice cover when sea ice recedes, in which sea ice retreat during spring turns out to be the dominant factor affecting the strength of the annual surface albedo feedback in the Arctic. Hence, changes in sea ice seasonality and the associated fluctuations in surface albedo feedback strength will exert a time-varying effect on Arctic amplification during the projected warming over the next century.
Transporting and re-inventing conflicts: Conflict-generated diasporas and conflict autonomisation
Authors: Féron Élise
Published: October 2016

Like other types of diaspora groups, conflict-generated diasporas display a strong attachment to their countries of origin, and structure their identities and ideologies around discourses referring to their homeland. However, their inner cleavages, born out of the conflicts raging in their home countries, can run very deep. The maintenance of their ethnic, religious, linguistic or political divisions even generations after the migration process has taken place sometimes leads to conflict transportation processes, whereby the conflicts raging in their home countries are reproduced and maintained in countries of settlement. Incidents opposing rival diaspora groups are thus often interpreted as a prolongation or reproduction of core conflicts raging in their regions of origin. Against this assumption, this article argues that if transported conflicts often formally take the shape of core conflicts, and emulate them by using the same language, symbols and ethnic/religious/linguistic categories, they are also deeply transformed by the migration process itself. In this perspective, this article explores the transformation and reinvention of conflict-generated diasporas’ politics, and proposes to look at the autonomisation processes they display vis-à-vis the core conflicts, in terms of content but also of objectives, ultimately generating a drift at the political and organisational levels.
Postcolonial Reflections on Sociology
Authors: Bhambra Gurminder K
Published: October 2016

This contribution addresses the impact of postcolonial critiques on sociology by drawing parallels with the emergence of feminism and queer theory within the academy. These critiques were facilitated by the expansion of public higher education over the last five decades and the article also addresses the implications of the privatisation and marketisation of the university on the processes of knowledge production.
Feeling and Being at the (Postcolonial) Museum: Presencing the Affective Politics of ‘Race’ and Culture
Authors: Tolia-Kelly Divya P
Published: October 2016

This article posits the value in considering the affective politics in the everyday space of the British Museum with a postcolonial lens. Based on research collaborations with artist Rosanna Raymond the article argues that the gallery space becomes a theatre of pain. The museum acts as a site of materialising the pain of epistemic violence, the rupture of genocide and the deadening of artefacts. The article examines the embodied experience of encountering these galleries as for Māori visitors, the art museum becomes a mausoleum for the European eye, but which petrifies living cultures. In particular the article considers the petrification as it operates along racial lines. The museum space from critical postcolonial perspectives is presenced through Māori bodies looking at ‘self’, as ‘other’. This approach seeks to disturb the ways in which museums are read as texts, disembodied and removed from communities which are represented therein. The article argues for heritage sites as being forged through affective politics, and that race and postcolonial sensibilities resonate within their affective atmospheres.
Effect of Liraglutide Treatment on Jejunostomy Output in Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome: An Open‐Label Pilot Study
Authors: Hvistendahl Mark , Brandt Christopher Filtenborg , Tribler Siri , Naimi Rahim Mohammad , Hartmann Bolette , Holst Jens Juul , Rehfeld Jens Frederik , Hornum Mads , Andersen Jens Rikardt , Henriksen Birthe Merete , Brøbech Mortensen Per , Jeppesen Palle Bekker
Published: October 2016

Background: An impaired hormonal “ileo‐colonic brake” may contribute to rapid gastric emptying, gastric hypersecretion, high ostomy losses, and the need for parenteral support in end‐jejunostomy short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients with intestinal failure (IF). Liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist, may reduce gastric hypersecretion and dampen gastric emptying, thereby improving conditions for intestinal absorption. Materials and Methods: In an 8‐week, open‐label pilot study, liraglutide was given subcutaneously once daily to 8 end‐jejunostomy patients, aged 63.4 ± 10.9 years (mean ± SD) and with small bowel lengths of 110 ± 66 cm. The 72‐hour metabolic balance studies were performed before and at the end of treatment. Food intake was unrestricted. Oral fluid intake and parenteral support volume were kept constant. The primary end point was change in the ostomy wet weight output. Results: Liraglutide reduced ostomy wet weight output by 474 ± 563 g/d from 3249 ± 1352 to 2775 ± 1187 g/d (P = .049, Student t test). Intestinal wet weight absorption tended to increase by 464 ± 557 g/d (P = .05), as did urine production by 765 ± 759 g/d (P = .02). Intestinal energy absorption improved by 902 ± 882 kJ/d (P = .02). Conclusion: Liraglutide reduced ostomy wet weight output in end‐jejunostomy patients with SBS‐IF and increased their intestinal wet weight and energy absorption. If larger, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies confirm these effects, it adds to the hypothesis that many ileo‐colonic brake hormones in conjunction may be involved in the process of intestinal adaptation. By identification of key hormones and addressing their potential synergistic effects, better treatments may be provided to patients with SBS‐IF. This trial was registered at clinicaltrialsregister.eu as 2013‐005499‐16.
Acculturation and School Adjustment of Early-Adolescent Immigrant Boys and Girls in Germany: Conditions in School, Family, and Ethnic Group
Authors: Schachner Maja K. , Van de Vijver Fons J. R. , Noack Peter
Published: October 2016

Navigating between cultures in addition to developmental changes and challenges in early adolescence can be difficult. We investigated school, family, and ethnic group as conditions for acculturation and school adjustment among early-adolescent boys and girls. Analyses were based on 860 mostly second- and third-generation immigrant students from 71 countries (50% male; Mage = 11.59 years), attending German secondary schools. Perceived support for inclusion and integration in school and family were associated with a stronger orientation toward both cultures (integration) and better adjustment (e.g., higher school marks, more well-being). Perceived cultural distance and ethnic discrimination were associated with a stronger ethnic and weaker mainstream orientation (separation), and lower adjustment. Boys perceived contextual conditions more negatively, had a weaker mainstream orientation, and showed more behavioral problems but did not differ from girls in the associations between contextual conditions and acculturation and adjustment. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Flexural performance of U-shape fiber-reinforced polymers profile-concrete composite beams under static and cyclic loads
Authors: Zhang Pu , Zhu Hong , Wu Gang , Meng Shaoping , Wu Zhishen
Published: October 2016

This paper mainly focuses on flexural behavior of U-shape HFRP profile-concrete composite beams under static and cyclic loading. Four-point-bending experiments of eight pieces of HFRP-RC composite T-shaped beams with shear keys combined with wet-bond interface under both static and cyclic loads were conducted. The fiber-reinforced polymers profiles were produced by using vacuum infusion molding process. Experiment phenomena were detailed, and flexural performance such as failure mode, capacity, stiffness and load–displacement curves was also analyzed. Result shows that the shear keys combined with wet-bond interface is effective. Meanwhile, the flexural performance of the fiber-reinforced polymers-reinforced concrete beams under cyclic load was simulated based on the OpenSees software, in which special constitutive models of different materials were chosen to consider the cyclic loading. The simulation results and the experimental results such as the load–displacement curves, unloading stiffness, residual displacements, etc. were compared. The results show that OpenSees system can simulate the flexural performance of the fiber-reinforced polymers-reinforced concrete beams under both monotonic loads and cyclic loads very well. And then parameters study was conducted by using simulation method, and the influence factors such as concrete strength, steel bar ratio, fiber-reinforced polymers types, tensile stiffness of the longitudinal fiber-reinforced polymers, etc. were analyzed. Meanwhile, the recoverability of the fiber-reinforced polymers-reinforced concrete composite beams was evaluated, and a modified formula for the residual deformation was put forward. Finally, an idealized type of fiber-reinforced polymers-reinforced concrete beams with a medium reinforcement ratio and high post-yield stiffness was proposed, and reasonable values of the secondary stiffness ratio (defined as post-yield tangent stiffness divided by post-crack tangent stiffness) are recommended.
Social Class and the Motivational Relevance of Other Human Beings
Authors: Dietze Pia , Knowles Eric D.
Published: October 2016

We theorize that people’s social class affects their appraisals of others’ motivational relevance—the degree to which others are seen as potentially rewarding, threatening, or otherwise worth attending to. Supporting this account, three studies indicate that social classes differ in the amount of attention their members direct toward other human beings. In Study 1, wearable technology was used to film the visual fields of pedestrians on city streets; higher-class participants looked less at other people than did lower-class participants. In Studies 2a and 2b, participants’ eye movements were tracked while they viewed street scenes; higher class was associated with reduced attention to people in the images. In Study 3, a change-detection procedure assessed the degree to which human faces spontaneously attract visual attention; faces proved less effective at drawing the attention of high-class than low-class participants, which implies that class affects spontaneous relevance appraisals. The measurement and conceptualization of social class are discussed.
Evaluation of supervised machine-learning algorithms to distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease and alimentary lymphoma in cats
Authors: Awaysheh Abdullah , Wilcke Jeffrey , Elvinger François , Rees Loren , Fan Weiguo , Zimmerman Kurt L.
Published: October 2016

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and alimentary lymphoma (ALA) are common gastrointestinal diseases in cats. The very similar clinical signs and histopathologic features of these diseases make the distinction between them diagnostically challenging. We tested the use of supervised machine-learning algorithms to differentiate between the 2 diseases using data generated from noninvasive diagnostic tests. Three prediction models were developed using 3 machine-learning algorithms: naive Bayes, decision trees, and artificial neural networks. The models were trained and tested on data from complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry (SC) results for the following 3 groups of client-owned cats: normal, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or alimentary lymphoma (ALA). Naive Bayes and artificial neural networks achieved higher classification accuracy (sensitivities of 70.8% and 69.2%, respectively) than the decision tree algorithm (63%, p < 0.0001). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for classifying cases into the 3 categories was 83% by naive Bayes, 79% by decision tree, and 82% by artificial neural networks. Prediction models using machine learning provided a method for distinguishing between ALA–IBD, ALA–normal, and IBD–normal. The naive Bayes and artificial neural networks classifiers used 10 and 4 of the CBC and SC variables, respectively, to outperform the C4.5 decision tree, which used 5 CBC and SC variables in classifying cats into the 3 classes. These models can provide another noninvasive diagnostic tool to assist clinicians with differentiating between IBD and ALA, and between diseased and nondiseased cats.
Canine mammary minute oncocytomas with neuroendocrine differentiation associated with multifocal acinar cell oncocytic metaplasia
Authors: Nagahara Rei , Kimura Masayuki , Itahashi Megu , Sugahara Go , Kawashima Masashi , Murayama Hirotada , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibutani Makoto
Published: October 2016

Two solitary and minute tumors of 1 and 1.5 mm diameter were identified by microscopy in the left fourth mammary gland of a 13-year-old female Labrador Retriever dog, in addition to multiple mammary gland tumors. The former tumors were well circumscribed and were composed of small-to-large polyhedral neoplastic oncocytes with finely granular eosinophilic cytoplasm, and were arranged in solid nests separated by fine fibrovascular septa. Scattered lumina of variable sizes containing eosinophilic secretory material were evident. Cellular atypia was minimal, and no mitotic figures were visible. One tumor had several oncocytic cellular foci revealing cellular transition, with perivascular pseudorosettes consisting of columnar epithelial cells surrounding the fine vasculature. Scattered foci of mammary acinar cell hyperplasia showing oncocytic metaplasia were also observed. Immunohistochemically, the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells of the 2 microtumors showed diffuse immunoreactivity to anti-cytokeratin antibody AE1/AE3, and finely granular immunoreactivity for 60-kDa heat shock protein, mitochondrial membrane ATP synthase complex V beta subunit, and chromogranin A. One tumor also had oncocytic cellular foci forming perivascular pseudorosettes showing cellular membrane immunoreactivity for neural cell adhesion molecule. The tumors were negative for smooth muscle actin, neuron-specific enolase, vimentin, desmin, S100, and synaptophysin. Ultrastructural observation confirmed the abundant mitochondria in the cytoplasm of both neoplastic and hyperplastic cells, the former cells also having neuroendocrine granule–like electron-dense bodies. From these results, our case was diagnosed with mammary oncocytomas accompanied by neuroendocrine differentiation. Scattered foci of mammary oncocytosis might be related to the multicentric occurrence of these oncocytomas.
The Utility of Assessing Neck Acne
Authors: Desai Karishma , Frey Marc Philip , Tan Jerry
Published: October 2016

Background:

Acne grading is an essential component in establishing treatment options, but little is known on how neck acne should be incorporated into grading scales.

Objective:

Our objective was to explore the prevalence of neck acne and determine if its own severity category on an acne global grading scale was warranted.

Methods:

Acne severity was assessed in 6 categories: face, chest, back, anterior upper (AUN), anterior lower neck (ALN), and posterior neck (PN).

Results:

The overall prevalence of neck acne was 49%. Of these, 44% had AUN acne, 18.5% had ALN acne, and 19.8% had PN acne. AUN and facial acne had a significant correlation ( r = 0.37, P < .05). No correlation was seen amongst other areas. Males presented with a significantly higher severity of AUN (mean [SD], 1.37 [1.09]) than females (mean [SD], 0.52 [0.91]), on average.

Conclusions:

While neck acne has proven to be common amongst those with acne on other areas of the body, facial acne can be used as a proxy for classification, as neck severity is usually milder.
Mementos from Boots multisensory boxes – Qualitative evaluation of an intervention for people with dementia: Innovative practice
Authors: Griffiths Sarah , Dening Tom , Beer Charlotte , Tischler Victoria
Published: October 2016

This qualitative study explored a multisensory (including olfactory) intervention for people with dementia. Six themed boxes (e.g. Childhood) containing items chosen from the Boots archive designed to encourage conversation were used in weekly group sessions. Session participants were people with dementia and care staff from a local care home, a trained facilitator and archivists from Boots UK. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences of the sessions. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The three major themes Engagement (subthemes: Inclusiveness; Emotional involvement; Factors that supported engagement), What’s in the box (subthemes: Contents stimulate memories; Mystery, variety and age of items; Value of olfactory stimuli), and A conversation starter (subtheme: Opportunity for self-expression) reveal the success of the intervention and the value of olfactory stimuli. Multisensory boxes including olfactory stimulation can be an engaging intervention with scope to refine it for people with dementia and their carers in the wider community.
Ischemic Hand Complications From Intra-Arterial Injection of Sublingual Buprenorphine/Naloxone Among Patients With Opioid Dependency
Authors: Wilson Ryan M. , Elmaraghi Shady , Rinker Brian D.
Published: October 2016

Background: Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone, a common treatment for opioid dependence, is frequently abused by intravenous injection. Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of buprenorphine/naloxone can produce acute ischemic insult to the hand due to gelatin embolism. Our purpose was to review a series of these patients in order to describe the clinical entity, review the outcomes, and propose a rational treatment algorithm. Methods: Clinical records of all patients evaluated by the hand surgery team between 2011 and 2015 for ischemia of the hand after buprenorphine/naloxone injection were reviewed. Treatment, complications, and amount of tissue loss were recorded. Patients presenting within 48 hours of the injection were treated with intravenous heparin for 5 days, followed by oral aspirin and clopidogrel for 30 days. Those presenting after 48 hours were treated with aspirin and clopidogrel only. Results: Ten patients presented during the review period. Average follow-up time was 13 weeks. Eight had ischemia of the radial side of the hand, 1 of the ulnar side, and 1 had bilateral ischemia. Three patients were treated with intravenous heparin and 5 with oral agents. Two presented with dry gangrene and did not receive anticoagulation. All patients experienced tissue loss. There was no difference in outcome regardless of treatment. Conclusions: With the increasing use of sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone in opioid dependency, ischemic hand injuries will be seen with greater frequency. Whereas outcomes did not vary with treatment modality in this series, further study is needed to determine the most effective treatment of these injuries.
Dispersal Modes and Spatial Patterns of Tree Species in a Tropical Forest in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India
Authors: Datta Aparajita , Rawat G.S.
Published: October 2016

We characterized the dispersal modes and spatial patterns of 128 tree species in a tropical semi-evergreen forest of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. A high percentage of species are animal-dispersed (78%), while about 22% (28) are dispersed abiotically (wind or gravity-dispersed). Of the animal-dispersed species, 54 species were primarily bird-dispersed, 25 were mammal-dispersed, and 21 were dispersed by both groups. We hypothesized that adult tree distribution patterns were related to dispersal mode and fruit size. We predicted that tree species with mechanisms for long-distance seed dispersal are likely to show more uniform or random spatial patterns than those with limited seed dispersal. Tree species with large fruits were also predicted to have greater levels of clumping than those that have small fruits. However, all tree species had a clumped distribution pattern. At the community level, we found no differences in spatial patterns based on dispersal mode for a subset of 50 tree species. Fruit size was, however, positively correlated with higher levels of spatial aggregation suggesting that tree species distributions are to an extent limited by dispersal. The importance of dispersal mode in determining adult tree distribution patterns at the community level may be obscured by interacting effects of other factors such as patchy habitat conditions and density-dependent mortality factors at different life-history stages that ultimately determine adult tree distributions.