bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraception for women with multiple sclerosis: Guidance for healthcare providers
Authors: Houtchens Maria K , Zapata Lauren B , Curtis Kathryn M , Whiteman Maura K
Published: March 2017

Family planning is essential for any comprehensive treatment plan for women of reproductive age with multiple sclerosis (MS), including counseling on using effective contraception to optimally time desired and prevent unintended pregnancies. This topical review summarizes the first evidence-based recommendations on contraception safety for women with MS. In 2016, evidence-based recommendations for contraceptive use by women with MS were included in US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. They were developed after review of published scientific evidence on contraception safety and consultation with experts. We summarize and expand on the main conclusions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Most contraceptive methods appear based on current evidence to be safe for women with MS. The only restriction is use of combined hormonal contraceptives among women with MS with prolonged immobility because of concerns about possible venous thromboembolism. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) do not appear to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraception although formal drug–drug interaction studies are limited. Neurologists can help women with MS make contraceptive choices that factor their level of disability, immobility, and medication use. For women with MS taking potentially teratogenic medications, highly effective methods that are long-acting (e.g. intrauterine devices, implants) might be the best option.
Nature relatedness is connected with modern health worries and electromagnetic hypersensitivity
Authors: Dömötör Zsuzsanna , Szemerszky Renáta , Köteles Ferenc
Published: March 2017

Although nature relatedness is considered a positive characteristic, its relationship to constructs involving worries about the negative effects of artificial environmental factors is also feasible. A questionnaire assessing modern health worries, electrosensitivity, somatosensory amplification, spirituality, and nature relatedness was completed by 510 individuals. Nature relatedness was related to electrosensitivity, modern health worries, and spirituality. In a binary logistic regression analysis, somatosensory amplification, modern health worries, and nature relatedness were associated with electrosensitivity, and nature relatedness moderated the connection between modern health worries and electrosensitivity. In naive representations, “natural” might be associated with health, whereas “modern” and “artificial” evoke negative associations.
The problem of bias in behavioural intervention studies: Lessons from the PACE trial
Authors: Wilshire Carolyn
Published: March 2017

Geraghty’s recent editorial on the PACE trial for chronic fatigue syndrome has stimulated a lively discussion. Here, I consider whether the published claims are justified by the data. I also discuss wider issues concerning trial procedures, researcher allegiance and participant reporting bias. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy had modest, time-limited effects on self-report measures, but little effect on more objective measures such as fitness and employment status. Given that the trial was non-blinded, and the favoured treatments were promoted to participants as ‘highly effective’, these effects may reflect participant response bias. In non-blinded trials, the issue of reporting biases deserves greater attention in future.
A Benign but Unusual Radiological Sign During EVAS Follow-up
Authors: Bonardelli Stefano , Ravanelli Marco , Paro Barbara , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To report a heretofore undescribed complication seen on imaging after endovascular aortic sealing (EVAS). Case Report: A 77-year-old woman was treated with the Nellix EVAS device for an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. After a normal computed tomography (CT) scan at 15 days, the 6-month CT showed the onset of perianeurysmal inflammatory tissue. The patient was asymptomatic, and blood tests were normal. Imaging suggested a nonaggressive inflammatory process, so a conservative approach was adopted with close follow-up. The periaortic tissue remitted without any treatment after a further 9 months (16 months after EVAS). Conclusion: The cause of this nonacute complication is unclear. Some clues suggest that interaction between the endobags and aneurysm wall could be involved. Imaging and clinical data led to a successful conservative strategy.
Physical Activity Behavior After a Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Differs Between Countries: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Ni Jun , Denehy Linda , Feng Jian , Xu Liqin , Wu Yi , Granger Catherine L.
Published: March 2017

Introduction. Physical activity (PA) is important in lung cancer. Objectives. To investigate PA levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with lung cancer in China and compare this to a similar cohort in Australia. Methods. Prospective cohort study. 71 patients from China (group CH) and 90 patients from Australia (group AU) with newly diagnosed lung cancer. Questionnaires assessed self-reported PA levels and HRQoL at baseline (diagnosis) and 8 weeks. Results. At baseline, group CH were engaged in less overall PA than group AU (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly [PASE] total score: median [IQR] group CH, 56 [32-59]; group AU, 66 [38-116]; P < .005), and less occupational and household activity ( P < .005). However, at baseline, group CH reported significantly more walking time than group AU (median [IQR]: group CH, 210 [150-315] min/wk; group AU, 55[0-210] min/wk; P < .0005). Global HRQoL scores were similar between groups (P = .038). Over 8 weeks, group CH increased their overall PA levels ( P < .005) and walking time ( P = .008), and HRQoL remained unchanged. The comparison group AU experienced a reduction in PA levels ( P = .02) and HRQoL ( P < .005). Conclusions. A diagnosis, patients in China were less physically active than those in Australia. Following diagnosis, patients in China increased their PA levels, whereas those in Australia reduced their PA levels. Research is required to explore potential reasons behind differences, and this may inform research/clinical services to facilitate patients with lung cancer to be more active.
Performance of computed tomography angiography to determine anterograde and collateral blood flow status in patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Jia Baixue , Liebeskind David S , Song Ligang , Xu Xiaotong , Sun Xuan , Liu Lian , Wang Bo , Miao Zhongrong
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) by using a scoring system to predict anterograde and collateral blood flow status in patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis with use of conventional angiography as standard reference.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all consecutive patients with unilateral symptomatic MCA stenosis in our center who underwent conventional angiography and CTA within 1 month. The anterograde and collateral blood flow (AnCo) scoring system consisted of anterograde score (AnS) and collateral score (CoS). Evaluation of the CTA images was done independently by two readers, based on the AnCo scoring system. The conventional angiography was assessed by using the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) and American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology (ASITN/SIR) scoring system to determine the status of anterograde and collateral blood flow. Diagnostic performance of AnCo was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 61 patients were included in the analysis with mean age of 53.4 ± 11.0 years. AnS demonstrated a strong correlation with TICI with statistical significance ( r = 0.786; p < 0.001). CoS had a modest yet statistically significant correlation with ASITN/SIR ( r = 0.574; p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis for AnS demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.894 ( p < 0.001) and the ROC curve analysis for CoS showed an AUC of 0.824 ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CTA was a potential method to evaluate anterograde and collateral blood flow status in patients with symptomatic unilateral MCA stenosis.
Safety and efficacy of balloon angioplasty of the anterior cerebral artery for vasospasm treatment after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Chaudhry Nauman S , Orning Jennifer L , Shakur Sophia F , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Aletich Victor A , Charbel Fady T , Alaraj Ali
Published: March 2017

Balloon angioplasty is often performed for symptomatic vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angioplasty of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), however, is perceived to be a challenging endeavor and not routinely performed due to technical and safety concerns. Here, we evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon angioplasty of the anterior cerebral artery for vasospasm treatment. Patients with vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent balloon angioplasty at our institution between 2011 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All ACA angioplasty segments were analyzed for pre- and post-angioplasty radiographic measurements. The degree of vasospasm was categorized as mild (<25%), moderate (25–50%), or severe (>50%), and relative change in caliber was measured following treatment. Clinical outcomes following treatment were also assessed. Among 17 patients, 82 total vessel segments and 35 ACA segments were treated with balloon angioplasty. Following angioplasty, 94% of segments had increased caliber. Neurological improvement was noted in 75% of awake patients. There were no intra-procedural complications, but two patients developed ACA territory infarction, despite angioplasty treatment. We demonstrate that balloon angioplasty of the ACA for vasospasm treatment is safe and effective. Thus, ACA angioplasty should be considered to treat vasospasm in symptomatic patients recalcitrant to vasodilation infusion therapy.
Railway service quality in northern Italy: A multilevel synthetic assessment
Authors: Fu Yanbing , Eboli Laura , Mazzulla Gabriella , Zhang Yuming
Published: March 2017

In order to reasonably assess the railway service quality, a multilevel extensible assessment model is proposed based on the matter element theory and the extension theory. The proposed model is applied to a real case study of some railway lines. The matter element to assess the railway service quality is established on the basis of the characteristics of passenger transit which included 7 primary assessment indices and 26 senior assessment indices. The index weights are determined by the passengers who were interviewed on board during their journey. Railway service quality is assessed by the values of the correlation degree of the matter element with all the assessment grades. The multilevel extensible assessment method can fully reflect the distance between the overall railway service quality or one kind of service attribute and the assessment grades and then it can realize the continuous assessment. The method can provide not only the passengers’ overall satisfaction degree on the railway service quality but also the passengers’ satisfaction degree on one assessment index.
Up-regulation of CXCR4 expression contributes to persistent abdominal pain in rats with chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Zhu Hong-Yan , Liu Xuelian , Miao Xiuhua , Li Di , Wang Shusheng , Xu Guang-Yin
Published: March 2017

Background

Pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis is critical hallmark that accompanied inflammation, fibrosis, and destruction of glandular pancreas. Many researchers have demonstrated that stromal cell-derived factor 1 (also named as CXCL12) and its cognate receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) involved in mediating neuropathic and bone cancer pain. However, their roles in chronic pancreatic pain remain largely unclear.

Methods

Chronic pancreatitis was induced by intraductal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to the pancreas. Von Frey filament tests were conducted to evaluate pancreas hypersensitivity of rat. Expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, NaV1.8, and pERK in rat dorsal root ganglion was detected by Western blot analyses. Dorsal root ganglion neuronal excitability was assessed by electrophysiological recordings.

Results

We showed that both CXCL12 and CXCR4 were dramatically up-regulated in the dorsal root ganglion in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced chronic pancreatitis pain model. Intrathecal application with AMD3100, a potent and selective CXCR4 inhibitor, reversed the hyperexcitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating the pancreas of rats following trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid injection. Furthermore, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and Nav1.8 up-regulation in dorsal root ganglias were reversed by intrathecal application with AMD3100 as well as by blockade of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by intrathecal U0126. More importantly, the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced persistent pain was significantly suppressed by CXCR4 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitors.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that the activation of CXCL12–CXCR4 signaling might contribute to pancreatic pain and that extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent Nav1.8 up-regulation might lead to hyperexcitability of the primary nociceptor neurons in rats with chronic pancreatitis.
Ballistic resistance of mild steel plates of various thicknesses against 7.62 AP projectiles
Authors: Senthil K , Iqbal MA , Gupta NK
Published: March 2017

The ballistic resistance of mild steel plates has been studied against 7.62 AP projectiles through numerical simulations using ABAQUS/Explicit commercial finite element package. The projectiles were impacted on 4.7, 6, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 25 mm thick target plates at varying incidence angles. The material parameters proposed by authors for the Johnson–Cook model were used to predict the material behavior of target, while the material behavior of projectile was incorporated from the available literature. The numerical results thus obtained have been compared with the experiments available in the literature. The experimental and numerical results with respect to failure mechanism, residual projectile velocity, and maximum angle for perforation and the effect of configurations on spacing and critical angle of ricochet have been compared. A close correlation between the experimental findings and the predicted results has been found. In general, the resistance of target has been found to increase with an increase in target obliquity. The critical angle of the projectile ricochet has been found to decrease with an increase in target thickness. The ballistic limit for all given thicknesses of mild steel targets has also been obtained numerically. The ballistic limit thus obtained has been used to calibrate the Recht–Ipson empirical model for calculating the residual projectile velocity corresponding to a given incidence velocity. Simulations were also done for three-layered target of 4.7- and 6-mm-thick plate and spacing was varied to study its effect on their ballistic resistance. The variation of spacing at normal impact was found to have an influence as long as the spacing was smaller than the projectile length.
Successful withdrawal from high-dose benzodiazepine in a young patient through electronic monitoring of polypharmacy: a case report in an ambulatory setting
Authors: Loscertales Hèctor R. , Wentzky Valerie , Dürsteler Kenneth , Strasser Johannes , Hersberger Kurt E. , Arnet Isabelle
Published: March 2017

Background:

Dependence on high-dose benzodiazepines (BZDs) is well known and discontinuation attempts are generally unsuccessful. A well established protocol for high-dose BZD withdrawal management is lacking. We present the case of withdrawal from high-dose lorazepam (>20 mg daily) in an unemployed 35-year-old male outpatient through agonist substitution with long-acting clonazepam and electronic monitoring over 28 weeks.

Methods:

All medicines were repacked into weekly 7 × 4 cavity multidose punch cards with an electronic monitoring system. The prescribed daily dosages of BZDs were translated into an optimal number of daily tablets, divided into up to four units of use. Withdrawal was achieved by individual leftover of a small quantity of BZDs that was placed in a separate compartment. Feedback with visualization of intake over the past week was given during weekly psychosocial sessions.

Results:

Stepwise reduction was obtained by reducing the mg content of the cavities proportionally to the leftovers, keeping the number of cavities in order to maintain regular intake behavior, and to determine the dosage decrease. At week 28, the primary objectives were achieved, that is, lorazepam reduction to 5 mg daily and cannabis abstinence. Therapy was continued using multidrug punch cards without electronic monitoring to maintain the management system. At week 48, a smaller size weekly pill organizer with detachable daily containers was dispensed. At week 68, the patient’s therapy was constant with 1.5 mg clonazepam + 5 mg lorazepam daily for anxiety symptoms and the last steps of withdrawal were started.

Conclusions:

Several key factors led to successful withdrawal from high-dose BZD in this outpatient, such as the use of weekly punch cards coupled with electronic monitoring, the patient’s empowerment over the withdrawal process, and the collaboration of several healthcare professionals. The major implication for clinical care is reduction by following the leftovers, and not a diktat from the healthcare professionals.
Neonatal Diabetes
Authors: Sood Shawn , Landreth Hannah , Bustinza Jessee , Chalmers Laura , Thukaram Roopa
Published: March 2017

Context: Neonatal diabetes mellitus, a rare condition occurring in approximately 1 in 500 000 live births, is defined as insulin-requiring hyperglycemia presenting in the first months of life. Neonatal diabetes can be transient or permanent, with studies characterizing the condition as a monogenic disorder. Case Report: We describe a case of a 9-week-old infant with neonatal diabetes who presented in diabetic ketoacidosis due to a mutation affecting the ABCC8 gene that encodes the SUR1 subunit of the potassium ATP channel. Conclusion: This genetic diagnosis has therapeutic implications regarding the initiation of sulfonylurea administration as 85% of patients with neonatal diabetes due to ABCC8 gene mutations can be successfully treated with oral sulfonylurea treatment.
Preparing to Lead: A Leadership Philosophy Exercise for Business Students
Authors: Tyran Kristi Lewis
Published: March 2017

This article introduces a leadership philosophy exercise where students reflect on their values and prepare a statement of what they intend to do as a leader in their careers. This exercise has the potential to add value to leadership classes or seminars where personal leadership is the focus. By using the leadership philosophy exercise, I argue that management instructors can facilitate student self-reflection and better prepare students to lead effectively in their careers.
Osseointegration Pharmacology
Authors: Tamimi F. , Wu X.
Published: March 2017

The process of osseointegration around dental implants is similar to the biological events occurring during bone repair and fracture healing. Therefore, bone metabolic activity plays a crucial role on the success of osseointegration, and dysregulation of bone metabolism can have a negative impact on bone healing and implant osseointegration. Accordingly, it could be hypothesized that drugs interfering with healing and bone metabolism could affect osseointegration and implant survival. Looking into the relationship between pharmacology, osseointegration, and dental implants, drugs can open the door for new pharmacological innovations to improve implant success and avoid unnecessary complications, and it is also of special interest because most implant patients are elder adults who are often polymedicated. In this commentary, we discuss the discoveries made by us as well as by other researchers regarding the effect of several drugs on bone, osseointegration, and implant survival. Of particular interest is the growing evidence showing that commonly used drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and proton pump inhibitors could lead to implant failure.
A phase 1 clinical trial of single-agent selinexor in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Garzon Ramiro , Savona Michael , Baz Rachid , Andreeff Michael , Gabrail Nashat , Gutierrez Martin , Savoie Lynn , Mau-Sorensen Paul Morten , Wagner-Johnston Nina , Yee Karen , Unger Thaddeus J. , Saint-Martin Jean-Richard , Carlson Robert , Rashal Tami , Kashyap Trinayan , Klebanov Boris , Shacham Sharon , Kauffman Michael , Stone Richard
Published: March 2017

Selinexor is a novel, first-in-class, selective inhibitor of nuclear export compound, which blocks exportin 1 (XPO1) function, leads to nuclear accumulation of tumor suppressor proteins, and induces cancer cell death. A phase 1 dose-escalation study was initiated to examine the safety and efficacy of selinexor in patients with advanced hematological malignancies. Ninety-five patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were enrolled between January 2013 and June 2014 to receive 4, 8, or 10 doses of selinexor in a 21- or 28-day cycle. The most frequently reported adverse events (AEs) in patients with AML were grade 1 or 2 constitutional and gastrointestinal toxicities, which were generally manageable with supportive care. The only nonhematological grade 3/4 AE, occurring in >5% of the patient population, was fatigue (14%). There were no reported dose-limiting toxicities or evidence of cumulative toxicity. The recommended phase 2 dose was established at 60 mg (∼35 mg/m2) given twice weekly in a 4-week cycle based on the totality of safety and efficacy data. Overall, 14% of the 81 evaluable patients achieved an objective response (OR) and 31% percent showed ≥50% decrease in bone marrow blasts from baseline. Patients achieving an OR had a significant improvement in median progression-free survival (PFS) (5.1 vs 1.3 months; P = .008; hazard ratio [HR], 3.1) and overall survival (9.7 vs 2.7 months; P = .01; HR, 3.1) compared with nonresponders. These findings suggest that selinexor is safe as a monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory AML and have informed subsequent phase 2 clinical development. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01607892.
MeDeCom: discovery and quantification of latent components of heterogeneous methylomes
Authors: Lutsik Pavlo , Slawski Martin , Gasparoni Gilles , Vedeneev Nikita , Hein Matthias , Walter Jörn
Published: March 2017

It is important for large-scale epigenomic studies to determine and explore the nature of hidden confounding variation, most importantly cell composition. We developed MeDeCom as a novel reference-free computational framework that allows the decomposition of complex DNA methylomes into latent methylation components and their proportions in each sample. MeDeCom is based on constrained non-negative matrix factorization with a new biologically motivated regularization function. It accurately recovers cell-type-specific latent methylation components and their proportions. MeDeCom is a new unsupervised tool for the exploratory study of the major sources of methylation variation, which should lead to a deeper understanding and better biological interpretation.
Lacking of palladin leads to multiple cellular events changes which contribute to NTD
Authors: Tan Juan , Chen Xue-Jiao , Shen Chun-Ling , Zhang Hong-Xin , Tang Ling-Yun , Lu Shun-Yuan , Wu Wen-Ting , Kuang Ying , Fei Jian , Wang Zhu-Gang
Published: March 2017

Background

The actin cytoskeleton-associated protein palladin plays an important role in cell motility, morphogenesis and adhesion. In mice, Palladin deficient embryos are lethal before embryonic day (E) 15.5, and exhibit severe cranial neural tube and body wall closure defects. However, the mechanism how palladin regulates the process of cranial neural tube closure (NTC) remains unknown.

Methods

In this paper, we use gene knockout mouse to elucidate the function of palladin in the regulation of NTC process.

Results

We initially focuse on the expression pattern of palladin and found that in embryonic brain, palladin is predominantly expressed in the neural folds at E9.5. We further check the major cellular events in the neural epithelium that may contribute to NTC during the early embryogenesis. Palladin deficiency leads to a disturbance of cytoskeleton in the neural tube and the cultured neural progenitors. Furthermore, increased cell proliferation, decreased cell differentiation and diminished apical cell apoptosis of neural epithelium are found in palladin deficient embryos. Cell cycle of neural progenitors in Palladin

-/-
embryos is much shorter than that in wt ones. Cell adhesion shows a reduction in Palladin

-/-
neural tubes.

Conclusions

Palladin is expressed with proper spatio-temporal pattern in the neural folds. It plays a crucial role in regulating mouse cranial NTC by modulating cytoskeleton, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and adhesion of neural epithelium. Our findings facilitate further study of the function of palladin and the underlying molecular mechanism involved in NTC.
Interference suppression by adaptive cancellation in a high Arctic seismic experiment
Authors: Harris David , Albaric Julie , Goertz-Allmann Bettina , Kuehn Daniela , Sikora Sebastian , Oye Volker
Published: March 2017

Mechanical and electromagnetic interference (process noise) is common in seismic data recorded to monitor and characterize induced microseismicity during industrial injection and production operations. We have developed a case study of adaptive cancellation to reduce observed process noise in passive seismic data recorded during the 2014 injection test at the [Formula: see text] Lab research site in Spitsbergen. Our results suggest that adaptive cancellation is effective when major sources of interference are readily identifiable. Adaptive cancellation requires these sources to be instrumented separately but conceivably with low-cost sensors. We suggest that adaptive cancellation should be considered routinely when planning microseismic monitoring operations when strong industrial or anthropogenic noise is anticipated. Interference suppression algorithms are sufficiently simple that they could be implemented in acquisition systems to avoid archival of noise reference data.
Mental health among young adults in prison: The importance of childhood-onset conduct disorder
Authors: Hofvander Björn , Anckarsäter Henrik , Wallinius Märta , Billstedt Eva
Published: March 2017

Background

The psychiatric health burden of prisoners is substantial. However, there is a lack of high-quality studies of psychiatric disorders among young adults with a high risk of reoffending.

Aims

To investigate the lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders and use of mental health services among young male violent offenders and the impact of childhood-onset conduct disorder (COCD).

Method

A nationally representative cohort (n= 270, age 18–25) of male offenders was followed back in medical records and clinically assessed by gold standard methods. Lifetime prevalences are presented together with odds ratios (ORs) as risk estimates in relation to COCD.

Results

Previous use of psychiatric services among the participants was high but their lifetime psychiatric morbidity was even higher, with 93% meeting criteria for at least one Axis I disorder. The COCD group was overrepresented in most clinical categories and carried five times higher odds (OR = 5.1, 95% CI 2.0–12.8) of a psychotic disorder, three times higher odds (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.2–8.5) of a substance use disorder and two times higher odds of a mood disorder (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.0) or anxiety disorder (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.5).

Conclusions

The mental health burden is substantial among young violent offenders, and COCD is an important indicator of future mental health problems which must be a priority for public health efforts.
An ELISA DYRK1A non-radioactive kinase assay suitable for the characterization of inhibitors
Authors: Liu Yong , Adayev Tatyana , Hwang Yu-Wen
Published: March 2017

The DYRK1A (dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A) gene encodes a proline-directed Ser/Thr kinase. Elevated expression and/or altered distribution of the kinase have been implicated in the neurological impairments associated with Down syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Consequently, DYRK1A inhibition has been of significant interest as a potential strategy for therapeutic intervention of DS and AD. Many classes of novel inhibitors have been described in the past decade. Although non-radioactive methods for analyzing DYRK1A inhibition have been developed, methods employing radioactive tracers are still commonly used for quantitative characterization of DYRK1A inhibitors. Here, we present a non-radioactive ELISA assay based on the detection of DYRK1A-phosphorylated dynamin 1a fragment using a phosphorylation site-specific antibody. The assay was verified by the use of two well-characterized DYRK1A inhibitors, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and harmine. The IC50s for EGCG and harmine determined by the ELISA method were found to be comparable to those previously measured by radioactive tracing methods.  Furthermore, we determined the mode of inhibition for EGCG and harmine by a modification of the ELISA assay. This assay confirms the mode of inhibition of EGCG (non-ATP-competitive) and harmine (ATP-competitive), as previously determined. We conclude that the ELISA platform demonstrated here is a viable alternative to the traditional radioactive tracer assays for analyzing DYRK1A inhibitors.
Studying human immunodeficiencies in humans: advances in fundamental concepts and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Su Helen
Published: March 2017

Immunodeficiencies reveal the crucial role of the immune system in defending the body against microbial pathogens. Given advances in genomics and other technologies, this is currently best studied in humans who have inherited monogenic diseases. Such investigations have provided insights into how gene products normally function in the natural environment and have opened the door to new, exciting treatments for these diseases.
Hermaphroditism in the white spot grouper Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus (Pisces: Serranidae) harvested from Padang City waters, Indonesia
Authors: Bulanin Usman , Masrizal Masrizal , Muchlisin Zainal A.
Published: March 2017

The objective of the present study was to determine the length (mm) for sex transformation of hermaphroditism in white spot grouper Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus as a basis for developing breeding technology. Fish sampling was carried out between April and October 2013 in Padang City waters, Indonesia. A total of 56 white spot groupers were recorded during the study; of these 22 were male, 28 female and 6 samples were not recognized regarding sex preference. Sex differentiation was detected at a length of 183 mm, and at this size the fish are female. Sex transformation to male begun to occur at 302 mm total length.
МЕТОДИКА ДИАГНОСТИКИ РЕЗУЛЬТАТИВНОСТИ ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННЫХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ В АВТОТРАНСПОРТНЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯХ СФЕРЫ ГРУЗОВЫХ ПЕРЕВОЗОК
Authors: Antipov Denis Sergeevich
Published: March 2017

В статье предложена методика диагностики результативности организационных изменений в автотранспортных организациях сферы грузовых перевозок. Приведены основные результаты апробации разработанной методики диагностики результативности организационных изменений в 37 автотранспортных организациях сферы грузовых перевозок Санкт-Петербурга и Ленинградской области. Построены диаграммы соответствия состояний удельных весов, в результате реализации организационных изменений. Представлены диаграммы результативности организационных изменений в автотранспортных организациях сферы грузовых перевозок на каждой стадии жизненного цикла.Цель статьи – разработка методики диагностики результативности организационных изменений в грузовых автотранспортных организациях.
In-Store Advertising by Competitors
Authors: Kuksov Dmitri , Prasad Ashutosh , Zia Mohammad
Published: March 2017

Conventional advice to firms in competitive markets is to raise barriers against competitive poaching of their customers. However, we see instances where a firm enables competitor advertising to its customers. For example, Walmart hosts banner ads for TVs from Sears to customers searching for TVs on Walmart.com, risking a loss of customers in exchange for a commission. This paper explores whether and under what conditions allowing competitor advertising in one’s store may be a beneficial strategy. We analyze a duopoly market where customers are heterogeneous in search costs, information, and preferences. We find that hosting a competitor ad for an undifferentiated product can mitigate price competition and boost profits of both firms if the advertising commission is high enough. Otherwise, hosting competitor advertising may decrease the profits of both firms. Thus, there is no conflict of interest between firms in advertising and in setting the ad commission level. Yet the host prefers more efficient ads while the advertiser does not. Furthermore, the equilibrium outcome is asymmetric, with only one store featuring ads of the other. If stores are sufficiently differentiated in marginal costs of the product, the cost disadvantaged store will be the host. We show that the results are robust to displaying price in the ad, to different commission structures, and to customer uncertainty about the commission rate.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2016.1015 .
The diversity of undergrowth plants on Acacia nilotica stands as food resources of banteng (Bos javanicus) in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: DJUFRI DJUFRI , WARDIAH WARDIAH
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Djufri, Wardiah. 2017. The diversity of undergrowth plants on Acacia nilotica stands as food resources of banteng (Bos javanicus) in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 288-294. The objectives of this research were to determine species composition, importance value of species, diversity index and evenness index of the undergrowth plants of Acacia nilotica stands. The quadratic method was used in this study. The similarity indeks and cluster analysis were performed to classify the community structure of undergrowth plants of Acacia nilotica. The results of this study showed that there were 63 species of plant belonging to 18 families. The importance value ranged between 0.97-42.58 and high and medium importance values belonged to Brachiaria reptans, Thespesia lampas, Oplismenus burmannii, Dichanthium coricosum, Axonopus compressus, and Synedrella nodiflora. The diversity index and evenness ranged 1.1504-2.7556 and 1.1067-1.7854, respectivelly. The Brachiaria reptans, Dichantium coricosum, Thespesia lanpas, Achyrantes aspera, Stachytarpeta indica, Axonopus compressus and Oplismenus burmanii were predominant in study area. In addition the invasion of A. nilotica has decreased the carryng capacity of savanna in Baluran National Park to the banteng.

Keywords: Acacia nilotica, species composition, banteng, Baluran National Park
Morphological variations and sex expression in gametophytes of Cibotium barometz under in vitro conditions
Authors: PRAPTOSUWIRYO TITIEN NGATINEM , ISNAINI YUPI
Published: March 2017

Abstract. PraptosuwiryoTNg, Isnaini Y. 2017. Morphological variations and sex expression in gametophytes of Cibotium barometz under in vitro conditions. Biodiversitas 18: 312-320. Characteristics of gametophytes in ferns have been shown to be phylogenetically significant. Studies of fern gametophytes have become essential to fill the gaps in our knowledge of fern morphology, ecology, reproduction, evolution and distribution. The purposes of this study were: (i) to observe morphological variations and sex expression in gametophytes of Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm., and (ii) to understand how gametophyte densities affect sex expression in the species. Spores of five collection numbers of C. barometz from Sumatra, Indonesia, were sown on half-strength Murashige & Skoog (Â½MS) basal medium. Eleven weeks after germination of spores, prothalli were subcultured on Â½MS medium along with sugar (30 g/L) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA, 0.5 mg/L). After eight months subculturing of prothalli (prothallus density: 100-150 individuals per cm2), 100 gametophytes were observed for each collection number to determine their shapes and sex expression. Between 9- 12 months after subculturing, gametophytes growing at different population densities (between 100-500 individuals per cm2) were sampled. One hundred prothalli were selected among the ten replicates for each collection number. The percentage of each identified gametophyte shape and their genders were recorded. Eight morphological types of adult gametophyte were recorded: (i) Branching filament (asexual), (ii) ribbon-like shape (male), (iii) spatulate shape (asexual, male, female), (iv) heart shape (male, female, bisexual), (v) gemmiferous heart shape (asexual, female, bisexual), (vi) long heart shape (male, bisexual); (vii) gemmiferous long heart shape (asexual, male, bisexual), and (viii) gemmiferous irregular shape (asexual, male, female, bisexual). We conclude that gametophyte morphology is simply â€œtoo plasticâ€ to be used in suporting species delimitation in ferns if the prothalli is to be cultured in a high population density. There is a correlation between gametophyte size, shape and sex expression that is related to the population density. The presence of unisexual and bisexual gametophytes indicates that both intergametophytic and intragametophytic selfing occur in C. barometz.

Keywords: Cibotium barometz, Environmental Sex Determination theory, gametophyte, morphology, sex expression
Short Communication: Waterbird species distribution between natural and manmade wetland in Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: SAINI VIKAS , JOSHI KAMAL , BHATT DINESH , SINGH ASHUTOSH , JOSHI RITESH
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Saini V, Joshi K, Bhatt D, Singh A, Joshi R. 2017. Short Communication: Waterbird species distribution between natural and manmade wetland in Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, India. Biodiversitas 18: 334-340. A comparative study on waterbird diversity and abundance was conducted at natural and man-made wetland of District Hardwar from 2010 to 2013. A total of 37 waterbirds belonging to 11 families were recorded of which 14 species were winter migrant in the wetlands of the study area. Among these waterbird species, two species viz. Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus; River Lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii were near threatened (IUCN status Ver. 2013.1.) and two species namely Woolly-necked Stork, Ciconia episcopus; andÂ  Marbled Duck, Marmaronetta angustirostris were Vulnerable (IUCN status). The avian species diversity and abundance were recorded significantly high (t = 4.16, p < 0.01) at natural wetland site. It is also observed that vegetation variety and food availability is the responsible causes of waterbird species variation in the natural and manmade wetland. The results of this study suggest that freshwater natural wetland site is more suitable habitat for short and long-distance water migratory birds. This natural wetland should be protected to enhance the abundance and diversity of water migrant community.

Keywords: Diversity, man-made wetland, migratory species, natural wetland
Survey of the impacts of soil and climatic variations on the production of essential oils in Heracleum persicum
Authors: HASANI RAHELE , MEHREGAN IRAJ , LARIJANI KAMBIZ , NEJADSATTARI TAHER , SCALONE ROMAIN
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Hasani R, Mehregan I, Larijani K, Nejadsattari T, Scalone R.2017. Survey of the impacts of soil and climatic variations on the production of essential oils in Heracleum persicum Biodiversitas 18: 365-377.Essential oils have been extracted from different parts of the Heracleum persicum plants (Apiaceae) since many years. However, the effect of the climate and the soil composition on their quality and quantity of the essential oils have never been investigated in this species. For this aim, ten populations of Persian hogweed were selected regarding their different localities in Iran and their essential oils were extracted from dry fruits by hydrodistilation clevenger type, GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. During the sampling of the Heracleum populations, certain climatic and edaphic parameters were also recorded. Within these ten populations, 18 to 43 different oil compounds were identified expanding the diversity of chemical compounds found in Iranian populations. Certain rare molecules as per example the isopropyl-2-methyl butyrate, the isopropyl-3-methyl butyrate, the Î³-terpinene or the p-cymene should be considered to categorize the different populations between them within the species. Certain environmental factors (e.g., EC, Cl, P) are related with the production of certain essential oils within the studied populations and are providing crucial information for the production of these oils by this aromatic herb. To conclude, the study of the environment of the populations can help to improve the utility of this aromatic plant, although certain preliminary results have still to be confirmed by controlled-environment experiments.

Keywords: Apiaceae, chemotaxonomy, ecological factors, Persian hogweed
Bioeconomic and environmental valuation of dipterocarp estate forest based on local wisdom in Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesia
Authors: MULIADI MUS , LAHJIE ABUBAKAR M. , SIMARANGKIR B. D.A.S. , RUSLIM YOSEP
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Muliadi M, Lahjie AM, Simarangkir B.D.A.S., Ruslim Y. 2017. Bioeconomic and enviromental valuation of dipterocarp estate forest based on local wisdom in Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 18: 401-408. Research was conducted in the dipterocarp estate forest in Kutai Kartanegara District, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia and aimed (i) to find out the potentials of logs; (ii) to find out the correlation among variables based on bioeconomic and environmental analysis; (iii) to analyze the value of bioeconomic and environmental equilibrium; (iv) to find out the price of logs based on local wisdom. Findings showed that bioeconomic analysis based on local wisdom in dipterocarp plantation forest at different estating distance had different potential and increment, while the same maximum increment was found at 40 years and their equilibrium was found at 30 years. Other local wisdom also showed there was a strong relationship between bioeconomic and environmental variables. Diameter influenced the price of logs and local wisdom suggested higher than the market prices at the diameter of 35 cm at $ 230.50 USD, while the price of log in the market was actually $145 USD. Thus the unpaid environmental services amounted to $ 85.5 USD m-3. Therefore the government should change the amount of the current levy. If there is no change, the government will not be able to finance the restoration of estate forest and natural forest and have further impacts on climate change.

Keywords: Bioeconomic and environmental valuation, dipterocarp estate forest, local wisdom
Agro-morphological diversity of some accessions of bread wheat (Triticuma estivum) in western Algeria
Authors: BELLATRECHE AMINA , MAHDAD MOUSTAFA YASSINE , KAHOUADJI ZOUBEYDA , GAOUAR SEMIR BECHIR SUHEIL
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Bellatreche A, Mahdad MY, Kaouadji Z, Gaouar SBS. 2017. Agro-morphological diversity of some accessions of breadwheat (Triticum aestivum) in western Algeria. Biodiversitas 18: 409-415. The diversity of wheat in Algeria is well known. An inventory has been conducted in the west of Algeria (North and South) to collect local accessions of bread wheat Triticuma aestivum for their morphological characterization. In this context, a collection of 23 traditional and new accessions of bread wheat was investigated using nine quantitative agro-morphological traits. The phenotypic diversity was determined by the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') at different levels (sample Totality which is by type of wheat and varietal name). The H' showed a wide phenotypic variability for different traits with Hâ€™ average of 0.59. The results of the multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering showed a clear distinction between different accessions. The results of this work have revealed the great phenotypic diversity of wheat accessions. These accessions were partially matched the names of varieties because of the existence of homonyms and synonyms in the names given by farmers. The results showed that these local accessions (that genetic composition should be studied more precisely) are mainly cultivated by traditional farmers who conserve this genetic resource, often on very small plots in the oases or in an inaccessible terrains.

Keywords: Algeria, morphological diversity, morphological traits, Triticuma aestivum
Short Communication: Tidal swamp rice cultivars of South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia: A case study of diversity and local culture
Authors: MURSYIDIN DINDIN HIDAYATUL , NAZARI YUDHI AHMAD , DARYONO BUDI SETIADI
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Mursyidin DH, Nazari YA, Daryono BS.2017. Tidal swamp rice cultivars of South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia: A case study of diversity and local culture.Biodiversitas 18: 427-432.Traditional rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars may become an indispensable part of the local culture and traditions of rice-growing people across Asia over many generations. The existence of this germplasm in the tidal swamp area of South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia has been observed morphologically and showed a close relationship with the local culture. A total of forty (40) traditional rice cultivars with different morphological characteristics have been found in this country, and still preserved sustainable by the local farmers along with their local culture and traditions. The tradition of 'wadai 41' may become a good example for this relationship. In this tradition, some traditional foods are made by the local people and use some of the local rice as basic ingredients. This information may be useful as guidance for conservation and rice breeding programs in the future.

Keywords: Oryza sativa, genetic diversity, traditional cultivar, local culture, tidal swamp area
Dimension growth of Azadirachta excelsa and Phyllanthus spp. in agroforestry system
Authors: DEWI NILASARI , WIJAYANTO NURHENI , GUSMAINI GUSMAINI
Published: March 2017

Dewi N, Wijayanto N, Gusmaini. 2017. Dimension growth of Azadirachta excelsa and Phyllanthus spp. in agroforestry system. Biodiversitas 18: 494-499. Azadirachta excelsa Jack. is one of the fast growing species which have high resistance to pest and disease, good quality of wood, and high economic value. A. excelsa planting can be integrated with Phyllanthus spp. in agroforestry system. The research about meniran and sentang in agroforestry system was conducted to analyze the influence of A. excelsa allelopathy towards the growth of meniran and to analyze the growth of both plants. This research was conducted for six months in Bogor, West Java. This study was divided into three parts, (i) analyze the effect of allelopathy in A. excelsa leaf and twig on the growth of P. urinaria and Phyllanthus debilis, (ii) analyze the growth of A. excelsa in monoculture and agroforestry systems and (iii) analyze the growth of meniran in monoculture and agroforestry systems. The result showed that leaf and twigs litter of A. excelsa did not have negative allelopathic effect for the growth of P. urinaria and P. debilis. Agroforestry system did not give significant effect to the growth of A. excelsa . Agroforestry systems reduced the growth of both P. urinaria and P. debilis due to light deficiency.