bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voxel‐based morphometric magnetic resonance imaging postprocessing in non‐lesional pediatric epilepsy patients using pediatric normal databases
Authors: Wang W. , Lin Y. , Wang S. , Jones S. , Prayson R. , Moosa A. N. V. , McBride A. , Gonzalez‐Martinez J. , Bingaman W. , Najm I. , Alexopoulos A. ,   Pediatric Imaging, Neurocognition and Genetics Study, Wang Z. I.
Published: January 2019

Background and purpose

Pre‐surgical evaluation of pediatric patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and negative (non‐lesional) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly challenging. Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a frequent pathological substrate in such setting, may be subtle on MRI and evade detection. The aim of this study was to use voxel‐based MRI postprocessing to improve the detection of subtle FCD in pediatric surgical candidates.

Methods

A consecutive cohort of pediatric patients undergoing pre‐surgical evaluation with a negative MRI by visual analysis was included. MRI postprocessing was performed using a voxel‐based morphometric analysis program (MAP) on T1‐weighted volumetric MRI, with comparison to an age‐specific normal pediatric database. The pertinence of MAP‐positive areas was confirmed by surgical outcome and pathology.

Results

A total of 78 patients were included. Forty‐four patients (56%) had positive MAP regions. Complete resection of the MAP‐positive regions was positively associated with seizure‐free outcome compared with the no/partial resection group (P < 0.001). Patients with no/partial resection of the MAP‐positive regions had worse seizure outcomes than the MAP‐negative group (P = 0.002). The MAP‐positive rate was 100%, 77%, 63% and 40% in the 3–5, 5–10, 10–15 and 15–21 year age groups, respectively. MAP‐positive rates were 45% in patients with temporal resection and 63% in patients with extratemporal resection. Complete resection of the MAP‐positive regions was positively associated with seizure‐free outcome in the extratemporal group (P = 0.001) but not in the temporal group (P = 0.070).

Conclusion

Our data suggest the importance of using MRI postprocessing in the pre‐surgical evaluation process of pediatric epilepsy patients with apparently normal MRI.
Linking genotype to phenotype to identify genetic variation relating to host susceptibility in the mountain pine beetle system
Authors: Cullingham Catherine I. , Peery Rhiannon M. , Fortier Colleen E. , Mahon Elizabeth L. , Cooke Janice E. K. , Coltman David W.
Published: January 2019

Identifying genetic variants responsible for phenotypic variation under selective pressure has the potential to enable productive gains in natural resource conservation and management. Despite this potential, identifying adaptive candidate loci is not trivial, and linking genotype to phenotype is a major challenge in contemporary genetics. Many of the population genetic approaches commonly used to identify adaptive candidates will simultaneously detect false positives, particularly in nonmodel species, where experimental evidence is seldom provided for putative roles of the adaptive candidates identified by outlier approaches. In this study, we use outcomes from population genetics, phenotype association, and gene expression analyses as multiple lines of evidence to validate candidate genes. Using lodgepole and jack pine as our nonmodel study species, we analyzed 17 adaptive candidate loci together with 78 putatively neutral loci at 58 locations across Canada (N > 800) to determine whether relationships could be established between these candidate loci and phenotype related to mountain pine beetle susceptibility. We identified two candidate loci that were significant across all population genetic tests, and demonstrated significant changes in transcript abundance in trees subjected to wounding or inoculation with the mountain pine beetle fungal associate Grosmannia clavigera. Both candidates are involved in central physiological processes that are likely to be invoked in a trees response to stress. One of these two candidate loci showed a significant association with mountain pine beetle attack status in lodgepole pine. The spatial distribution of the attack‐associated allele further coincides with other indicators of susceptibility in lodgepole pine. These analyses, in which population genetics was combined with laboratory and field experimental validation approaches, represent first steps toward linking genetic variation to the phenotype of mountain pine beetle susceptibility in lodgepole and jack pine, and provide a roadmap for more comprehensive analyses.
The impact of carbonylated proteins on the skin and potential agents to block their effects
Authors: Yamawaki Yumiko , Mizutani Taeko , Okano Yuri , Masaki Hitoshi
Published: January 2019

Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are synthesized by reactions between amino groups in proteins and reactive aldehyde compounds (RAC) yielded from lipid peroxidation initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the skin, CPs are detected in a higher frequency at sun‐exposed sites of the skin in elderly subjects. Since CPs in the stratum corneum (SC) have been reported to correlate with skin water content and transepidermal water loss, it is considered that the accumulation of CPs in the SC involves the loss of skin moisture functions. However, the roles of CPs in the dermis on skin physiology are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of CPs in the dermis during the progression of photoaged skin and to propose a method to prevent or reduce the synthesis of CPs. The exposure of human normal dermal fibroblasts to CPs increased intracellular ROS levels and the synthesis of intracellular CPs. In addition, CPs caused morphological changes of fibroblasts. Furthermore, CPs caused alterations of mRNA expression levels of dermal matrix‐related proteins, such as upregulating MMP‐1 and IL‐8. These results indicated that CPs disrupt construction of the dermal matrix. On the other hand, α‐tocopherol and β‐carotene suppressed the synthesis of RAC during lipid peroxidation which resulted in the reduction of UVA‐induced CPs in the SC. From these results, we propose that extracellular CPs increase intracellular ROS levels and contribute to alterations of the dermal matrix. To prevent the synthesis of CPs, the application of α‐tocopherol or β‐carotene could be effective.
Mechanisms of repigmentation induced by photobiomodulation therapy in vitiligo
Authors: Yu Sebastian , Lan Cheng‐Che E. , Yu Hsin‐Su
Published: January 2019

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is based on the exposure of biological tissues to low‐level laser light (coherent light) or light‐emitting diodes (LEDs; noncoherent light), leading to the modulation of cellular functions, such as proliferation and migration, which result in tissue regeneration. PBM therapy has important clinical applications in regenerative medicine. Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary disorder resulting from disappearance of functional melanocytes in the involved skin. Vitiligo repigmentation depends on available melanocytes derived from (a) melanocyte stem cells located in the bulge area of hair follicles and (b) the epidermis at the lesional borders, which contains a pool of functional melanocytes. Since follicular melanoblasts (MBs) are derived from the melanocyte stem cells residing at the bulge area of hair follicle, the process of vitiligo repigmentation presents a research model for studying the regenerative effect of PBM therapy. Previous reports have shown favourable response for treatment of vitiligo with a low‐energy helium‐neon (He‐Ne) laser. This review focuses on the molecular events that took place during the repigmentation process of vitiligo triggered by He‐Ne laser (632.8 nm, red light). Monochromatic radiation in the visible and infrared A (IRA) range sustains matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), improves mitochondrial function, and increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and O2 consumption, which lead to cellular regenerative pathways. Cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria was reported to be the photoacceptor upon which He‐Ne laser exerts its effects. Mitochondrial retrograde signalling is responsible for the cellular events by red light. This review shows that He‐Ne laser initiated mitochondrial retrograde signalling via a Ca2+‐dependent cascade. The impact on cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria, an event that results in activation of CREB (cyclic‐AMP response element binding protein)‐related cascade, is responsible for the He‐Ne laser promoting functional development at different stages of MBs and boosting functional melanocytes. He‐Ne laser irradiation induced (a) melanocyte stem cell differentiation; (b) immature outer root sheath MB migration; (c) differentiated outer root sheath MB melanogenesis and migration; and (d) perilesional melanocyte migration and proliferation. These photobiomodulation effects result in perifollocular and marginal repigmentation in vitiligo.
Facial site distribution of basal cell carcinoma in Japanese
Authors: Oda Takao , Kato Hiroshi , Watanabe Shoichi , Morita Akimichi
Published: January 2019

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) occurs preferentially on the face. We retrospectively analyzed 200 cases of BCC treated at Nagoya City University Hospital from April 2004 to October 2015 and examined regional features based on modified facial aesthetic units. BCC occurred more frequently on the cheek, nasal and orbital areas. There was no significant difference between sides, and age was the only factor affecting tumor size.
Shape of the power spectral density matrix components: Influence on fatigue damage
Authors: Vantadori Sabrina , Fortese Giovanni , Carpinteri Andrea
Published: January 2019

The damage estimation for a structure under random loading is a challenge in fatigue assessment, especially when the loading is multiaxial. The comparison of the effect of different spectra on fatigue damage is essential when the structure can be subjected to different types of loadings. Therefore, in the present paper, the expected fatigue damage produced on metallic structures by combined bending and torsion stationary proportional and nonproportional loading is evaluated varying the shape of spectra of the normal and shear stress tensor components.
Optimization of mesoporous alumina sol‐gel synthesis by Taguchi and response surface methodology
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Sarpoolaky Hossein
Published: January 2019

Taguchi method (TM) and response surface methodology (RSM) have been employed to optimize three parameters, including the amounts of P123, the amounts of nitric acid and calcination temperature, in order to define an optimal setting for sol‐gel synthesis of high surface area mesoporous alumina powder (MA). Herein, the comparison of the both statistical approaches has been examined and discussed considering the nitrogen adsorption as the response variable because this important character for mesoporous materials is exceedingly sensitive to the synthesis parameters. The BET surface area (SBET) and pore volume of MA under Taguchi optimal condition were 323.5 m2 g−1 and 0.551 cm3 g−1, respectively, by conducting confirmation test. Furthermore, the confirmation test showed high SBET of MA (363.4 m2 g−1), which was in a good agreement with calculated SBET result (431.25 m2 g−1) by a quadratic model under RSM optimal condition. Moreover, 3D response surface plots and 2D contour plots of desirability have been discussed to visualize the influence of input factors on response variable. It is also concluded that RSM shows more appropriate (12.33% higher SBET than TM) and efficient optimal condition with determining a quadratic function as the relationship between SBET and synthesis parameters.
Implementing primary healthcare nurse practitioners in long‐term care teams: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelley , Jabbour Mira , Tchouaket Éric , Acorn Michelle , Donald Faith , Hains Sylvie
Published: January 2019

Aim

To identify the conditions needed to implement nurse practitioners (NP) in long‐term care (LTC) in Québec, Canada.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews (N = 91) and socio‐demographic questionnaires were completed with providers and managers from May 2016–March 2017. Nurse practitioner activity logs were compiled at three sites. Content analysis was used.

Results

All sites initially implemented a shared care model but not all sites successfully implemented a consultative model. The progression was influenced by physicians’ level of comfort in moving towards a consultative model. Weekly meetings with physicians and nurse managers and an office for NPs located near healthcare teams facilitated communication and improved implementation. Half‐time NP positions facilitated recruitment. Improvements were noted in timely care for residents, family involvement and quality of documentation of the healthcare team. Regulatory restrictions on prescribing medications used frequently in LTC and daily physician presence at some sites limited implementation.

Conclusion

The project fostered an understanding of the conditions needed to successfully implement NPs in LTC. An examination of the perspective of residents and families is needed.
Effects of thrombolysis within 6 hours on acute cerebral infarction in an improved rat embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion model for ischaemic stroke
Authors: Si Zhihua , Liu Jinzhi , Hu Ke , Lin Yan , Liu Jie , Wang Aihua
Published: January 2019

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) is the first‐line drug for revascularization in acute cerebral infarction (ACI) treatment. In this study, an improved rat embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion model for ischaemic stroke was used and the rats were killed on the first, third and seventh day after model establishment. Increases in infarct volume were significantly less in the thrombolytic group than in the conventional group at every time‐point. The microvascular density (MVD) in the thrombolytic group was significantly higher than that in the conventional group at every time‐point, especially on the seventh day. Increases in the expressions of neuronal nitric‐oxide synthase (NOS) and caspase‐3 in the ischaemic region and in the nitric oxide contents, malondialdehyde contents, and inducible NOS activities in the cortex of infarct side were significantly less in the thrombolytic group than in the conventional group. Furthermore, decreases in the superoxide dismutase activities in the thrombolytic group were significantly less than those in the conventional group. In conclusion, thrombolytic rt‐PA therapy within a broadened therapeutic window (6 hours) could significantly decrease the infarct volume after ACI, possibly by increasing MVD in the ischaemic region, decreasing apoptotic molecule expression, and alleviating the oxidative stress response.
Vitamin D and Falls in Older African American Women: The PODA Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Aloia John F. , Rubinova Rakhil , Fazzari Melissa , Islam Shahidul , Mikhail Mageda , Ragolia Louis
Published: January 2019

Background

Limited information is available on the influence of vitamin D on falls in older high‐functioning black American women. Endocrine Society guidelines propose serum 25(OH)D levels over 30 ng/mL.

Objective

To determine if maintenance of serum 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL protects against falls.

Design

The Physical Performance, Osteoporosis and Vitamin D in African American Women (PODA) trial had a prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐dummy design with two arms: one with placebo and one with vitamin D3 adjusted to maintain serum 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL. The primary outcomes were the prevention of bone loss and the decline in physical performance.

Patients

The target population was healthy black women older than 60 years with serum 25(OH)D between 8 and 26 ng/mL. The trial was 3 years in duration with a falls questionnaire administered every 3 months. A total of 260 women entered the study, and 184 completed the 3 years. Mean age was 68.2 years.

Setting

Research center in an academic health center.

Main Outcomes Measure

Prevention of falls.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to placebo or active vitamin D. Vitamin D3 dose was adjusted to maintain serum 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL in the active group using a double‐dummy design.

Results

Baseline 25(OH)D was 22 ng/mL. Mean serum 25(OH)D reached 47 ng/mL in the active group compared with 21 ng/mL in the placebo group. There were 14.2% falls in the previous year recalled at baseline. During the study, 46% reported falling in the treatment group compared with 47% in the placebo group. There was no association of serum 25(OH)D or vitamin D dose with the risk of falling.

Conclusions

There is no benefit of maintaining serum 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL compared with the Institute of Medicine recommendation (20 ng/mL) in preventing falls in healthy older black American women. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1043–1049, 2019.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Checklist and Learning Collaborative to Promote Quality and Safety in the Perinatal Care of Women with Opioid Use Disorders
Authors: Goodman Daisy , Zagaria Alexandra B. , Flanagan Victoria , Deselle Farrah Sheehan , Hitchings Amanda R. , Maloney Renee , Small Themarge A. , Vergo Autumn Versace , Bruce Martha L.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Perinatal opioid use disorder (OUD) represents a maternal‐child health crisis in the United States. Untreated, OUD is associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity due to infectious disease, polysubstance use, co‐occurring mental health conditions, prematurity, neonatal opioid withdrawal, and maternal mortality from overdose. Although national guidelines exist to optimize perinatal care for women with OUD, wide variation persists in health care providers’ experience caring for this population and in the quality of care delivered.

Process

We conducted a pilot study to determine whether the use of a checklist summarizing best practice could improve perinatal care for women with OUD. Implementation was supported by a learning collaborative of maternity care providers at 8 diverse sites across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Outcomes before and after implementation were compared to determine whether practice change occurred.

Outcomes

Data were collected from the records of 223 women with OUD who received prenatal care at pilot sites. All sites endorsed use of the checklist as a practice guide, and it was integrated in 78% of records reviewed. Across sites, significant improvement occurred in key elements of care, including increasing the proportion of women with access to the lifesaving drug naloxone (10.9% vs 36.3%, P < .001), receiving counseling about the benefits of breastfeeding (50.9% vs 72.0%, P < .01), and treating with nicotine replacement when indicated (9.1% vs 26.8%, P = .01). No significant change occurred in rates of prematurity, low birth weight, or breastfeeding at hospital discharge.

Discussion

Implementation of a checklist to facilitate best practice in the care of pregnant women with OUD is feasible, acceptable to maternity care providers, and represents a promising approach to improving quality of care for this vulnerable population. Additional research is needed to determine whether improvement in quality can transform perinatal outcomes.
FipoQ/FBXO33, a Cullin‐1‐based ubiquitin ligase complex component modulates ubiquitination and solubility of polyglutamine disease protein
Authors: Chen Zhefan Stephen , Wong Azaria Kam Yan , Cheng Tat Cheung , Koon Alex Chun , Chan Ho Yin Edwin
Published: January 2019

Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases describe a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders caused by the CAG triplet repeat expansion in the coding region of the disease genes. To date, nine such diseases, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), have been reported. The formation of SDS‐insoluble protein aggregates in neurons causes cellular dysfunctions, such as impairment of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, and contributes to polyQ pathologies. Recently, the E3 ubiquitin ligases, which govern substrate specificity of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, have been implicated in polyQ pathogenesis. The Cullin (Cul) proteins are major components of Cullin‐RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) complexes that are evolutionarily conserved in the Drosophila genome. In this study, we examined the effect of individual Culs on SCA3 pathogenesis and found that the knockdown of Cul1 expression enhances SCA3‐induced neurodegeneration and reduces the solubility of expanded SCA3‐polyQ proteins. The F‐box proteins are substrate receptors of Cul1‐based CRL. We further performed a genetic modifier screen of the 19 Drosophila F‐box genes and identified F‐box involved in polyQ pathogenesis (FipoQ) as a genetic modifier of SCA3 degeneration that modulates the ubiquitination and solubility of expanded SCA3‐polyQ proteins. In the human SK‐N‐MC cell model, we identified that F‐box only protein 33 (FBXO33) exerts similar functions as FipoQ in modulating the ubiquitination and solubility of expanded SCA3‐polyQ proteins. Taken together, our study demonstrates that Cul1‐based CRL and its associated F‐box protein, FipoQ/FBXO33, modify SCA3 protein toxicity. These findings will lead to a better understanding of the disease mechanism of SCA3 and provide insights for developing treatments against SCA3.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14510.
An educational intervention on foot self‐care behaviour among diabetic retinopathy patients with visual disability and their primary caregivers
Authors: Li Jiayu , Gu Lipei , Guo Yujie
Published: January 2019

Aims and objectives

To assess the effectiveness of a 12‐week educational intervention on foot self‐care behaviour among diabetic retinopathy patients with visual disability and their primary caregivers in China.

Background

Diabetes with the coexistence of diabetic retinopathy and foot problems complicating diabetes not only represents a personal disaster, but also becomes a serious burden to public health in China. A foot self‐care educational intervention is both cost‐effective and feasible even in a health resource‐limited setting, which should be developed and evaluated.

Design

Quasi‐experimental.

Methods

From July–September 2017, we enrolled 80 eligible hospitalised diabetic retinopathy patients and their primary caregivers by convenient sampling method in a first‐class comprehensive hospital in Nantong, in China. Before and after the educational intervention that is in accordance with the TREND statement (for details, see the “Supplementary File 1”), researchers and subjects filled out the self‐designed questionnaire on foot problems complicating diabetes and the Diabetic Foot Self‐care Behavior Scale, respectively.

Results

Scores of foot self‐care behaviour among the subjects significantly improved from 54.19 ± 8.01–75.85 ± 5.04. The number of patients with fasting blood glucoses <7.0 mmol/L improved from 43 (53.75%)–80 (100%). The results of incidence of foot problems complicating diabetes were not statistically significant. The complete execution of each item in Diabetic Foot Self‐care Behavior Scale of subjects was apparently higher.

Conclusions

This educational intervention can facilitate positive foot self‐care behaviours among the diabetic retinopathy patients with visual disability and their primary caregivers in China.

Relevance to clinical practice.

This study adds to the evidence of the effectiveness of an educational intervention to foster positive foot self‐care behaviours. This educational intervention appears to be prospective in promoting diabetic home‐based self‐management in China, and the delivery method of the intervention may be applied to other chronic diseases.
Use of therapeutic plasma exchange to treat nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug overdose in dogs
Authors: Rosenthal Melisa G. , Labato Mary A.
Published: January 2019

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may be an effective technique for treatment of accidental nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) overdose, but information regarding the use of this technique in veterinary medicine is currently limited.

Objectives

To evaluate the overall outcome for dogs with NSAID overdose treated with TPE and to determine if any presenting factors can predict or influence overall outcome. Secondary objectives included investigating TPE complications as well as the utility of other adjunctive treatments.

Animals

Eleven client‐owned dogs presented for NSAID overdose that received TPE. All patients also received additional supportive treatment including IV lipid infusion.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records.

Results

Eleven cases were included in the study. Of these, the NSAID ingested was ibuprofen in 6 (54.5%), naproxen in 4 (36.4%), and deracoxib in 1 (9.1%). All dogs survived to discharge with 3 (27.3%) developing acute kidney injury during hospitalization. A larger initial dose of NSAID ingested was associated with a higher maximum serum creatinine concentration during hospitalization (P= .04) and larger change in serum creatinine concentration from baseline (P= .02). Six dogs (54.5%) developed complications associated with TPE. The use of other treatments did not affect the overall outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We identified TPE as an effective treatment for NSAID overdose with good outcomes despite high doses of NSAID ingestion in dogs treated with a single TPE treatment. Complications were common but did not affect the final outcome. Therapeutic plasma exchange should be considered in patients presenting for high‐dose NSAID ingestion.
Mucormycosis—A clinicoepidemiological review of cases over 10 years
Authors: Manesh Abi , Rupali Priscilla , Sullivan Maire O. , Mohanraj Promila , Rupa Vedantam , George Biju , Michael Joy S.
Published: January 2019

Background

Limited data exist for epidemiology and outcomes of various agents causing mucormycosis in various clinical settings from developing countries like India.

Objectives

To study the epidemiology and outcomes of various agents causing mucormycosis in different clinical settings in a tertiary care hospital from South India.

Patients and methods

We reviewed details of 184 consecutive patients with culture‐proven mucormycosis with consistent clinical syndrome and supporting features from September 2005 to September 2015.

Results

The mean age of patients was 50.42 years; 70.97% were male. Unlike developed countries, R microsporus (29/184; 15.7%) and Apophysomyces elegans (20/184; 10.8%) also evolved as important pathogens in addition to R arrhizus in our setting. Paranasal sinuses (136/184; 73.9%) followed by musculoskeletal system (28/184; 15.2%) were the common areas of involvement. Apophysomyces elegans typically produced skin and musculoskeletal disease in immune‐competent individuals with trauma (12/20; 60%) and caused significantly lower mortality (P = 0.03). R microsporus was more common in patients with haematological conditions (25% vs 15.7%) and was less frequently a cause for sinusitis than R arrhizus (27.58% vs 10.9%). The overall mortality was 30.97%. Combination therapy with surgery and antifungals offered the best chance for cure.

Conclusions

Agents causing mucormycosis may have unique clinical and epidemiological characteristics.
The descent of nations: social evolutionary theory, modernism and ethno‐symbolism
Authors: Kerr William
Published: January 2019

This article explores the use of a revised conception of social evolutionary theory towards an understanding of nationalism. First, I review the debate between ethno‐symbolism and modernism, through the lens of the Warwick Debate between Gellner and Smith, arguing that both are partly right. Secondly, I outline what the revised conception of social evolution is looking first at its traditional conception before outlining a Darwinian view of social evolutionary theory. Finally, I examine how Darwinian social evolutionary theory can help fruitfully bring the ethno‐symbolic and modernist perspectives together. This is done by a sustained engagement primarily with the theories of Anthony Smith and Ernest Gellner pointing to how Darwinian social evolutionary theory can provide a link between the two theories that makes them mutually supportive rather than opposed.
Taming a land. Power politics and the growth of complexity in the north‐east of the iberian peninsula during the first millennium BC: The lower ebro region
Authors: Castaño David Bea , Fons Jordi Diloli
Published: January 2019

In this paper we examine the structure of politically complex societies in the north‐east of the Iberian Peninsula during the first millennium BC, using the Lower Ebro region as an example. Drawing on data provided in recent years by archaeological research, we discuss the combination of territorially hierarchical and heterarchical phenomena. At the same time we reassess the chronological framework in which this sociopolitical process took place. To do so, we rely more on information about the evolution of the protohistoric societies in the region under study than on information about material culture. We present a model that may serve as a starting point for future research.
Long and Short‐distance Transhumance in Ancient Greece: The Case of Arkadia
Authors: Cardete María Cruz
Published: January 2019

We argue for short‐distance transhumance as a system of livestock mobility in ancient Arkadia, as well as in many other parts of ancient Greece. This model is a sustainable system of animal husbandry that resolves the technical and political issues posed by long‐distance transhumance and provides a historical interpretation of ancient Arkadian economies using a household herding model. Moreover, it helps us to integrate economy and socio‐political identity in mountainous areas. For this reason, we argue that it is necessary to revamp the traditional model for understanding ancient Greek husbandry, which is based on the opposition between astu and chora. This model has contributed greatly to fostering an image of ancient Arkadia as a territory especially dedicated to pastoralism, with the possible presence of long‐distance transhumance. However, archaeological, environmental and historical studies call into question the traditional models and point to other interpretations.
Threat Perception and Perspective Taking as Mediators Between Competitive Victimhood and Evaluations of Collective Action: The Gezi Park Protests
Authors: Demirdağ Ahmet , Hasta Derya
Published: January 2019

The 2013 Gezi Park protests in Turkey, which are one of the major social movements in the last decade, have sharpened the sociopolitical polarization in the country. The present study employed a moderated mediation model in which symbolic threat, realistic threat, and perspective taking were examined as mediators between competitive victimhood and opposing groups’ differential evaluations of the protests. Further, the pro‐Gezi versus the anti‐Gezi group membership was hypothesized to moderate the mediation effects. Proponents (N = 337) and opponents (N = 138) of the protests were asked to respond to the measures corresponding to the variables in the model. Results revealed that for protest supporters, competitive victimhood predicted evaluations of the protests through realistic threat, but not through symbolic threat; in contrast, for opponents, it predicted evaluations of the protests through symbolic but not realistic threat. Further, perspective taking turned out to be a weak mediator. The results are discussed in terms of the differential power relationships between the groups in the cultural and political domains.
The Historical Presidency: Fear and Loathing in Presidential Candidate Rhetoric, 1952–2016
Authors: Rhodes Jesse H. , Vayo Amber B.
Published: January 2019

In this article, we build on research on affective (emotion‐based) polarization in American politics by investigating whether and how it has manifested in campaigns for the presidency. Drawing on a new data set of more than 11,000 statements about opponents from presidential stump speeches over the 1952–2016 period, we use quantitative content analysis to examine trends in negativity, fearful content, and anger content in these statements. We also conduct case studies of the 1968, 1992, and 2016 elections to examine qualitative patterns in these statements. We find compelling evidence that negative, fearful, and angry content in candidate statements about their opponents has been increasing over time among presidential candidates. We also find indications that fearful and angry rhetoric toward opponents is becoming more directed toward opponents’ character flaws rather than their issue stances. Our research suggests that affective polarization in presidential campaigns is a long‐term, and likely durable, development.
Organic geochemical investigation of far‐field tsunami deposits of the Kahana Valley, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Authors: Bellanova Piero , Frenken Mike , Richmond Bruce , Schwarzbauer Jan , La Selle Seanpaul , Griswold Frances , Jaffe Bruce , Nelson Alan , Reicherter Klaus
Published: January 2019

Far‐field tsunami deposits observed in the Kahana Valley, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i (USA), were investigated for their organic‐geochemical content. During short high‐energy events, (tsunamis and storms) organic and chemical components are transported with sediment from marine to terrestrial areas. This study investigates the use of anthropogenic based organic geochemical compounds (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides and organochlorides) as a means to identify tsunami deposits. Samples were processed by solid–liquid extraction and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A total of 21 anthropogenic marker compounds were identified, of which 11 compounds were selected for detailed analysis. Although the tsunami deposits pre‐date industrial activity in Hawai‘i by several hundred years, distinct changes were found in the concentrations of anthropogenic marker compounds between sandy tsunami deposits and the surrounding mud/peat layers, which may help in identifying tsunami deposits within cores. As expected, low overall concentrations of anthropogenic markers and pollutants were observed due to the lack of industrial input‐sources and little anthropogenic environmental impact at the study site. This geochemical characterization of tsunami deposits shows that anthropogenic markers have significant potential as another high‐resolution, multi‐proxy method for identifying tsunamis in the sedimentary record.
A Hybrid Experimental-Computational Modeling Framework for Cardiovascular Device Testing
Authors: Kung Ethan , Farahmand Masoud , Gupta Akash
Published: January 2019

Significant advances in biomedical science often leverage powerful computational and experimental modeling platforms. We present a framework named physiology simulation coupled experiment (“PSCOPE”) that can capitalize on the strengths of both types of platforms in a single hybrid model. PSCOPE uses an iterative method to couple an in vitro mock circuit to a lumped-parameter numerical simulation of physiology, obtaining closed-loop feedback between the two. We first compared the results of Fontan graft obstruction scenarios modeled using both PSCOPE and an established multiscale computational fluid dynamics method; the normalized root-mean-square error values of important physiologic parameters were between 0.1% and 2.1%, confirming the fidelity of the PSCOPE framework. Next, we demonstrate an example application of PSCOPE to model a scenario beyond the current capabilities of multiscale computational methods—the implantation of a Jarvik 2000 blood pump for cavopulmonary support in the single-ventricle circulation; we found that the commercial Jarvik 2000 controller can be modified to produce a suitable rotor speed for augmenting cardiac output by approximately 20% while maintaining blood pressures within safe ranges. The unified modeling framework enables a testing environment which simultaneously operates a medical device and performs computational simulations of the resulting physiology, providing a tool for physically testing medical devices with simulated physiologic feedback.
Fast acquisition of full-range auditory event-related potentials using an interleaved deconvolution approach
Authors: Kohl Manuel C. , Schebsdat Erik , Schneider Elena N. , Niehl Annika , Strauss Daniel J. , Özdamar Özcan , Bohórquez Jorge
Published: January 2019

This work relates to recent advances in the field of auditory event-related potentials (ERP), specifically deconvolution-based ERP acquisition and single-trial processing. An efficient stimulus sequence optimization method for ERP deconvolution is proposed, achieving consistent noise attenuation within a broad designated frequency range. Furthermore, a stimulus presentation paradigm for the fast, interleaved acquisition of auditory brainstem, middle-latency and late responses featuring alternating periods of high-rate deconvolution sequences, and subsequent low-rate stimulation is investigated in 20 normal hearing subjects. Deconvolved sequence responses containing early and middle-latency ERP components are fused with subsequent late responses using a time-frequency resolved weighted averaging method based on cross-trial regularity, yielding a uniform signal-to-noise ratio of the full-range auditory ERP across investigated timescales. Obtained average ERP waveforms exhibit morphologies consistent with both literature values and reference recordings acquired in 15 normal hearing subjects using a prior art approach to full-range auditory ERP acquisition, with all prominent waves being visible in the grand average waveforms. Results suggest the proposed interleaved stimulus presentation and associated ERP processing methodology to be suitable for the fast, reliable extraction of full-range auditory processing correlates in future ERP studies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus crispatus CO3MRSI1
Authors: McComb Elias , Holm Johanna , Ma Bing , Ravel Jacques
Published: January 2019

Lactobacillus crispatus
is a commonly found bacterium in vertebrate microbiota, particularly the human vagina. We report the first complete genome of a strain isolated from a human vagina,
L. crispatus
CO3MRSI1.
Techniques for screening Cercospora leaf spot resistant fenugreek genotypes
Authors: Subedi U. , Acharya S. , Chatterton S. , Thomas J. , Friebel D.
Published: January 2019

Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by Cercospora traversiana is an important phyto-pathological problem of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), a multiuse legume crop. Field screenings for resistant plants, although accurate and effective, demand significant time and a sizable workforce to accomplish. Also, weather conditions in the field may not always be favourable for uniform disease spread, which eventually may lead to failure of the overall experiment. Whole-plant assays (WPA) and detached leaf assays (DLA) with artificial inoculation not only help in scaling up the number of plants screened but also reduce the space, time, and amount of inoculum needed for the experiment. The results from our two experiments indicate that both the WPA and DLA methods can be used reliably to differentiate resistant and susceptible genotypes of fenugreek. In addition, the correlation coefficient between WPA and DLA (r = 0.875, P < 0.01), derived from the mean disease score of each genotype, shows that they can be used interchangeably while screening fenugreek for CLS. DLA was found to be temperature-sensitive for the development of CLS symptoms and wounded leaves developed symptoms faster than non-wounded leaves. These indoor methods can be used for the development of CLS-resistant fenugreek cultivars in areas where disease development is difficult under field conditions.
ITRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Proteome Profiles of Primary Duck Embryo Fibroblast Cells Infected with Duck Tembusu Virus
Authors: Hu Feng , Li Yufeng , Yu Kexiang , Huang Bing , Ma Xiuli , Liu Cunxia , Guo Xiaozhen , Song Minxun , Wu Jiaqiang
Published: January 2019

Outbreaks of duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV) have caused substantial economic losses in the major duck-producing regions of China since 2010. To improve our understanding of the host cellular responses to virus infection and the pathogenesis of DTMUV infection, we applied isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling coupled with multidimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to detect the protein changes in duck embryo fibroblast cells (DEFs) infected and mock-infected with DTMUV. In total, 434 cellular proteins were differentially expressed, among which 116, 76, and 339 proteins were differentially expressed in the DTMUV-infected DEFs at 12, 24, and 42 hours postinfection, respectively. The Gene Ontology analysis indicated that the biological processes of the differentially expressed proteins were primarily related to cellular processes, metabolic processes, biological regulation, response to stimulus, and cellular organismal processes and that the molecular functions in which the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved were binding and catalytic activity. Some selected proteins that were found to be differentially expressed in DTMUV-infected DEFs were further confirmed by real-time PCR. The results of this study provide valuable insight into DTMUV-host interactions. This could lead to a better understanding of DTMUV infection mechanisms.
Numerical Investigations on Charging/Discharging Performance of a Novel Truncated Cone Thermal Energy Storage Tank on a Concentrated Solar Power System
Authors: Mao Qianjun , Liu Ning , Peng Li
Published: January 2019

Developing a concentrated solar power (CSP) technology is one of the most effective methods to solve energy shortage and environmental pollution all over the world. Thermal energy storage (TES) system coupling with phase change materials (PCM) is one of the most significant methods to mitigate the intermittence of solar energy. In this paper, firstly, a 2D physical and mathematical model of a novel truncated cone shell-and-tube TES tank has been proposed based on enthalpy method. Secondly, the performance during the charging/discharging process of the truncated cone tank has been compared with the traditional cylindrical tank. Finally, the effects of inlet conditions of heat transfer fluid (HTF), and thickness of tube on the charging/discharging process, stored/released energy capacity; energy storage/release rate and heat storage efficiency have been investigated. The results show that the performance of truncated cone tank is better, and the charging/discharging time reduces 32.08% and 21.59%, respectively, compared with the cylindrical tank. The effect of wall thickness on the truncated cone TES tank can be ignored. And the inlet temperature and velocity of HTF have the significant influence on the charging/discharging performance of TES tank. And the maximum heat storage efficiency of the truncated cone TES tank can reach 93%. However, some appropriate methods should be taken for improving the thermal energy utilization rate of HTF in the future. This research will provide insights and significant reference towards geometric design and operating conditions in TES system.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals the Altered Gene Expression of Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Using Liuweidihuang Pills Treatment
Authors: Gong Rui , Ren Shan , Chen Menghui , Wang Yanli , Zhang Guoliang , Shi Lijuan , Zhang Cuizhao , Su Ruihong , Li Yukun
Published: January 2019

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP), as well as its associated increased risk for fragility fracture, is one of the most disabling consequences of aging in women. This present study aimed to identify candidate genes that involve pathogenesis of PMOP and the therapeutic mechanism of Liuweidihuang (LWDH) pills on PMOP. We integrated microarray datasets of PMOP derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PMOP and normal controls as well as patients with PMOP and patients after treatment of LWDH pills. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis for DEGs were performed. The shared DEGs, associated with both the pathogenesis of PMOP and the therapeutic mechanism of LWDH, were further analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the DEGs obtained by our integrated analysis. Compared with normal controls, 1732 DEGs in PMOP were obtained with p<0.05. According to the qRT-PCR results, expression of ATF2, FBXW7, RDX, and RBBP4 was consistent with that in our integrated analysis, generally. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that those DEGs were significantly enriched in regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent, cytoplasm, protein binding, and MAPK signaling pathway. A total of 58 shared DEGs in PMOP versus normal control and in patients with PMOP versus patients after LWDH treatment were identified, which had opposite expression trend in these two comparisons. In the PPI network, CSNK2A1, ATF2, and FBXW7 were three hub proteins. Three genes including ATF2, FBXW7, and RDX were speculated to be therapeutic targets of LWDH for PMOP based on BATMAN-TCM database. We speculated that three genes of ATF2, FBXW7, and RDX may play crucial roles in both pathogenesis of PMOP and therapeutic mechanism of LWDH on PMOP. Our results may provide clues for the molecular pathogenesis of PMOP and offer new possibilities for treatment of PMOP.
Angiogenic Properties of Menstrual Stem Cells Are Impaired in Women with a History of Preeclampsia
Authors: Varas-Godoy Manuel , Acuña-Gallardo Stephanie , Venegas-Duarte Sebastian , Hill Charlotte , Caceres-Verschae Albano , Realini Ornella , Monteiro Lara J. , Zavala Gabriela , Khoury Maroun , Romero Roberto , Rice Gregory , Illanes Sebastian E.
Published: January 2019

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder defined by the new onset of hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Although its precise etiology is still unknown, there is evidence suggesting that it may be a consequence of impaired decidual and stromal cell function. Recently, a stem cell population derived from endometrial tissue and isolated from menstrual effluent called menstrual stem cells (MenSCs) has been identified. MenSCs exhibit important angiogenic and inflammatory properties that may contribute to both normal and pathological complications of implantation and placentation, including preeclampsia. We hypothesized that the angiogenic and inflammatory activity of MenSCs is altered in women who have a past history of preeclampsia and that this phenotype persists postpartum. The primary outcome measures were stromal progenitor cell formation, in vitro induction of endothelial tube formation, and release of proinflammatory cytokines. MenSCs obtained from women with a previous normal or preeclamptic pregnancy displayed similar phenotypic characteristics, tri-differentiation capacity, and proliferation. MenSCs derived from women who had preeclampsia on their previous pregnancy had reduced angiogenic capacity (~30% fewer junctions and nodes, p<0.05) and stromal progenitor cell formation (<50% measured at a serial dilution of 1 : 10.000, p<0.05) when compared to controls. In vitro, MenSCs obtained from patients with a history of preeclampsia expressed less endoglin and secreted less VEGF but more IL-6 than controls did. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the angiogenic and inflammatory properties of MenSCs of women with a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia have reduced angiogenic capacity and are more proinflammatory than those of MenSCs of women with a previous normal pregnancy. This altered phenotype of MenSCs observed following preeclampsia could either be present before the development of the pathology, predisposing the endometrial milieu to and consequently leading to limited vascular remodeling, or be a consequence of preeclampsia itself. The former may afford opportunity for targeted therapeutic intervention; the latter, a putative biomarker for future risk of pregnancy complications.