bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cordyceps cicadae Mycelia Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK and Activating the HO-1/Nrf2 and Sirt-1/AMPK Pathways in Mice
Authors: Deng Jeng-Shyan , Jiang Wen-Ping , Chen Chin-Chu , Lee Li-Ya , Li Pei-Ying , Huang Wen-Chin , Liao Jung-Chun , Chen Hung-Yi , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: February 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem, characterized by a sudden loss of renal function, a high risk of death, and the eventual development of renal fibrosis and renal failure. Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional Chinese medicine with the potential function of kidney protection. We analyze two sputum extracts, a water extract (WCC), and an ethanol extract (ECC), to assess the potential of treating AKI in an animal model of kidney injury induced by cisplatin. A nephrotoxic mouse model was first established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. Subsequently, WCC and ECC were orally administered in these mice. The results show that WCC and ECC significantly alleviated cisplatin-induced AKI renal histological changes, serum creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) production, and the levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were suppressed by administration of WCC and ECC. However, WCC treatment prevented these changes significantly better than ECC treatment. In addition, Western blot data showed that WCC attenuated the cisplatin-induced protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS), as well as inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in the kidney tissues. Furthermore, WCC greatly inhibited the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and cisplatin-induced NF-κB activation, as well as dramatically increasing the production of antioxidative enzymes (i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)), silent information regulator T1 (Sirt1), and p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the kidney tissues. In addition, we found that WCC increased the expression levels of the autophagy-related proteins LC3B and Beclin-1; proapoptotic proteins, including cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1; and organic anion transporters 1 (OAT1) and 3 (OAT3) in the kidney tissues. Finally, WCC, ECC, and two bioactive compounds—adenosine and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl) adenosine (HEA)—inhibited the production of nitrite oxide (NO) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Collectively, WCC could provide a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of cisplatin-induced kidney injury through the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Experimental Study on Deformation Behavior and Compressive Strength of Concrete Cast in Steel Tube Arches under Low‐Temperature Conditions
Authors: Shi Tuo , Deng Nianchun , Guo Xiao , Xu Wen , Wang Shi
Published: February 2020

Taking the construction of a concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) arch bridge (part of the Sichuan‐Tibet Railway) in low temperatures as the test site, firstly the deformation performance test of concrete was carried out. Following this initial testing, measurement of compressive strength and shrinkage performance was conducted in large‐diameter CFSTs under a variety of curing conditions. Experimental results showed that the expansion effect of Ca‐Mg composite expansive agent in concrete was better than that of other expansive agents at any stage. Under low‐temperature curing (0°C), the sampling strength of the large‐diameter CFSTs reached 73.5% of the design strength at 28 d in the presence of a nonthermal curing system. The design strength itself was reached, when a curing system involving a thermal insulation film was applied, and use of this film also led to improvements in concrete shrinkage. The results suggested that a Ca‐Mg composite expansive agent, combined with an insulation film curing system, should be the technique selected for concrete pumping construction of CFST arch bridges in Tibet.
UBR5 Is Coamplified with MYC in Breast Tumors and Encodes an Ubiquitin Ligase That Limits MYC-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Qiao Xi , Liu Ying , Prada Maria Llamazares , Mohan Aravind K. , Gupta Abhishekh , Jaiswal Alok , Sharma Mukund , Merisaari Joni , Haikala Heidi M. , Talvinen Kati , Yetukuri Laxman , Pylvänäinen Joanna W. , Klefström Juha , Kronqvist Pauliina , Meinander Annika , Aittokallio Tero , Hietakangas Ville , Eilers Martin , Westermarck Jukka
Published: February 2020

For maximal oncogenic activity, cellular MYC protein levels need to be tightly controlled so that they do not induce apoptosis. Here, we show how ubiquitin ligase UBR5 functions as a molecular rheostat to prevent excess accumulation of MYC protein. UBR5 ubiquitinates MYC and its effects on MYC protein stability are independent of FBXW7. Silencing of endogenous UBR5 induced MYC protein expression and regulated MYC target genes. Consistent with the tumor suppressor function of UBR5 (HYD) in Drosophila, HYD suppressed dMYC-dependent overgrowth of wing imaginal discs. In contrast, in cancer cells, UBR5 suppressed MYC-dependent priming to therapy-induced apoptosis. Of direct cancer relevance, MYC and UBR5 genes were coamplified in MYC-driven human cancers. Functionally, UBR5 suppressed MYC-mediated apoptosis in p53-mutant breast cancer cells with UBR5/MYC coamplification. Furthermore, single-cell immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated reciprocal expression of UBR5 and MYC in human basal-type breast cancer tissues. In summary, UBR5 is a novel MYC ubiquitin ligase and an endogenous rheostat for MYC activity. In MYC-amplified, and p53-mutant breast cancer cells, UBR5 has an important role in suppressing MYC-mediated apoptosis priming and in protection from drug-induced apoptosis.

Significance:

These findings identify UBR5 as a novel MYC regulator, the inactivation of which could be very important for understanding of MYC dysregulation on cancer cells.
Randomized Trial of Intermediate-dose Cytarabine in Induction and Consolidation Therapy in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wei Hui , Wang Ying , Gale Robert Peter , Lin Dong , Zhou Chunlin , Liu Bingcheng , Qiu Shaowei , Gu Runxia , Li Yan , Zhao Xingli , Wei Shuning , Gong Benfa , Liu Kaiqi , Gong Xiaoyuan , Liu Yuntao , Zhang Guangji , Song Zhen , Wang Yang , Li Wei , Mi Yingchang , Wang Jianxiang
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

Cytarabine, 100–200 mg/mE+2/day, is commonly used in induction therapy of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Whether a higher dose of cytarabine would be more effective is unknown. Also, there is controversy whether high-dose cytarabine is better than an intermediate-dose combined with other drugs for post-remission therapy. In this open-label, randomized controlled, parallel group study, roles of intermediate-dose cytarabine were investigated.

Patients and Methods:

Subjects with AML age 15–55 years were randomized to receive daunorubicin, omacetaxine mepesuccinate, and conventional- or intermediate-dose cytarabine. Subjects achieving complete remission were randomized to receive 3 courses of high-dose cytarabine or 2 courses of intermediate-dose cytarabine with daunorubicin in the 1st and mitoxantrone in the 2nd course. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS).

Results:

591 subjects were randomized to intermediate- (N = 295) or conventional-dose (N = 296) cytarabine group. Three-year DFSs were 67% [95% confidence interval (CI), 61–73] in the intermediate-dose cohort compared with 54% (95% CI, 48–61) in the conventional-dose cohort [Hazard Ratio (HR), 0.67; 95%CI, 0.51–0.89; P = 0.005). Three-year survivals were 68% (95%CI, 63–74) and 59% (95%CI, 53–65; HR, 0.720; 95%CI, 0.56–0.94; P = 0.014). Two courses of intermediate-dose cytarabine with daunorubicin or mitoxantrone resulted in similar DFS and survival as three courses of high-dose cytarabine when used for post-remission therapy.

Conclusions:

Induction therapy with intermediate-dose cytarabine with daunorubicin and omacetaxine mepesuccinate increases DFS and survival in persons with AML ages 15–55 years compared with conventional-dose cytarabine.

See related commentary by Watts and Bradley, p. 3073
Genomic Profiling of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma and Clinical Results of a Phase I Study of the Protein Kinase C Inhibitor AEB071
Authors: Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Larkin James , Carvajal Richard D. , Luke Jason J. , Schwartz Gary K. , Hodi F. Stephen , Sablin Marie-Paule , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Szpakowski Sebastian , Chowdhury Niladri Roy , Brannon A. Rose , Ramkumar Thiruvamoor , de Koning Leanne , Derti Adnan , Emery Caroline , Yerramilli-Rao Padmaja , Kapiteijn Ellen
Published: February 2020

Up to 50% of patients with uveal melanoma (UM) develop metastatic disease, for which there is no effective systemic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the orally available protein kinase C inhibitor, AEB071, in patients with metastatic UM, and to perform genomic profiling of metastatic tumor samples, with the aim to propose combination therapies. Patients with metastatic UM (n = 153) were treated with AEB071 in a phase I, single-arm study. Patients received total daily doses of AEB071 ranging from 450 to 1,400 mg. First-cycle dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 13 patients (13%). These were most commonly gastrointestinal system toxicities and were dose related, occurring at doses ≥700 mg/day. Preliminary clinical activity was observed, with 3% of patients achieving a partial response and 50% with stable disease (median duration 15 weeks). High-depth, targeted next-generation DNA sequencing was performed on 89 metastatic tumor biopsy samples. Mutations previously identified in UM were observed, including mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, BAP1, SF3B1, PLCB4, and amplification of chromosome arm 8q. GNAQ/GNA11 mutations were observed at a similar frequency (93%) as previously reported, confirming a therapeutic window for inhibition of the downstream effector PKC in metastatic UM.

In conclusion, the protein kinase C inhibitor AEB071 was well tolerated, and modest clinical activity was observed in metastatic UM. The genomic findings were consistent with previous reports in primary UM. Together, our data allow envisaging combination therapies of protein kinase C inhibitors with other compounds in metastatic UM.
Oxaliplatin–DNA Adducts as Predictive Biomarkers of FOLFOX Response in Colorectal Cancer: A Potential Treatment Optimization Strategy
Authors: Zimmermann Maike , Li Tao , Semrad Thomas J. , Wu Chun-Yi , Yu Aiming , Cimino George , Malfatti Michael , Haack Kurt , Turteltaub Kenneth W. , Pan Chong-xian , Cho May , Kim Edward J. , Henderson Paul T.
Published: February 2020

FOLFOX is one of the most effective treatments for advanced colorectal cancer. However, cumulative oxaliplatin neurotoxicity often results in halting the therapy. Oxaliplatin functions predominantly via the formation of toxic covalent drug–DNA adducts. We hypothesize that oxaliplatin–DNA adduct levels formed in vivo in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are proportional to tumor shrinkage caused by FOLFOX therapy. We further hypothesize that adducts induced by subtherapeutic “diagnostic microdoses” are proportional to those induced by therapeutic doses and are also predictive of response to FOLFOX therapy. These hypotheses were tested in colorectal cancer cell lines and a pilot clinical study. Four colorectal cancer cell lines were cultured with therapeutically relevant (100 μmol/L) or diagnostic microdose (1 μmol/L) concentrations of [14C]oxaliplatin. The C-14 label enabled quantification of oxaliplatin–DNA adduct level with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Oxaliplatin–DNA adduct formation was correlated with oxaliplatin cytotoxicity for each cell line as measured by the MTT viability assay. Six colorectal cancer patients received by intravenous route a diagnostic microdose containing [14C]oxaliplatin prior to treatment, as well as a second [14C]oxaliplatin dose during FOLFOX chemotherapy, termed a “therapeutic dose.” Oxaliplatin–DNA adduct levels from PBMC correlated significantly to mean tumor volume change of evaluable target lesions (5 of the 6 patients had measurable disease). Oxaliplatin–DNA adduct levels were linearly proportional between microdose and therapeutically relevant concentrations in cell culture experiments and patient samples, as was plasma pharmacokinetics, indicating potential utility of diagnostic microdosing.
Case Report: Pure Red Cell Aplasia due to Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Vitorino Marina , Nunes Filipa , Costa Mariana , Porteiro Beatriz , Borges Alexys Reis , Machado João
Published: February 2020

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare bone marrow failure characterized by a progressive normocytic anemia and reticulocytopenia without leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. It can be associated with various hematological disorders but exceedingly rarely with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with PRCA associated with AITL. The patient presented with severe anemia (hemoglobin 2.6 g/dL) and a low reticulocyte count 0.7%. Direct and indirect Coombs tests were positive. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed multiple lymphadenopathies. A cervical lymph node biopsy was compatible with AITL. A bone marrow biopsy showed medullary involvement by AITL and a severe erythroid hypoplasia with a myeloid:erythroid ratio of 19.70. The patient was started on CHOP and after 6 cycles the PET scan confirmed complete remission.
Square Depression de Bruce Nauman: a experiência no espaço público
Authors: Santos Mayra Simone dos
Published: February 2020

Este artigo trata da análise da obra Square Depression de Bruce Nauman, uma escultura que reaviva o debate sobre aproximação da arte com a arquitetura no espaço público. Uma obra que se desenvolve no chão, construindo uma nova topografia, se assemelhando a ideia de piso rampado arquitetônico, mas que no entanto procura trazer uma experiência diferente no cenário artístico com relação aos domínios público e privado. O trabalho procura também enquadrar a obra dentro do panorama das esculturas do artista revelando assim seu aspecto único.
2019
ATVB
Plenary Lecture
Authors: Zhao Tian X. , Newland Stephen A. , Mallat Ziad
Published: February 2020

Regulatory T cells and type-2 innate lymphoid cells represent 2 subsets of immune cells, which have been shown in preclinical models to be important in atherosclerosis and myocardial repair. Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in immune homeostasis and tolerance via their interactions with effector T cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes/macrophages. They also utilize and secrete inhibitory cytokines, including interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β, to regulate or suppress pathogenic immune responses. Type-2 innate lymphoid cells have an important role in type-2 immune responses and tissue repair through secreting interleukins 5 and 13, as well as a variety of biological mediators and growth factors. Intriguingly, interleukin-2 has emerged as a common cytokine, which can be harnessed to upregulate both cell types, and also has important translational consequences as clinical trials are ongoing for its use in cardiovascular disease. Here, we briefly review the biology of these regulatory immune cell types, discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence for their functions in cardiovascular disease, examine the prospects for clinical translation and current ongoing trials, and finally, postulate how overlap in the mechanisms of upregulation may be leveraged in future treatments for patients.
Atherosclerosis Immunoimaging by Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Pérez-Medina Carlos , Fayad Zahi A. , Mulder Willem J.M.
Published: February 2020

The immune system’s role in atherosclerosis has long been an important research topic and is increasingly investigated for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Therefore, noninvasive imaging of hematopoietic organs and immune cells will undoubtedly improve atherosclerosis phenotyping and serve as a monitoring method for immunotherapeutic treatments. Among the available imaging techniques, positron emission tomography’s unique features make it an ideal tool to quantitatively image the immune response in the context of atherosclerosis and afford reliable readouts to guide medical interventions in cardiovascular disease. Here, we summarize the state of the art in the field of atherosclerosis positron emission tomography immunoimaging and provide an outlook on current and future applications.
VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein)-Apo E (Apolipoprotein E) May Influence Lp(a) (Lipoprotein [a]) Synthesis or Assembly
Authors: Croyal Mikaël , Blanchard Valentin , Ouguerram Khadija , Chétiveaux Maud , Cabioch Léa , Moyon Thomas , Billon-Crossouard Stéphanie , Aguesse Audrey , Bernardeau Karine , Le May Cédric , Flet Laurent , Lambert Gilles , Hadjadj Samy , Cariou Bertrand , Krempf Michel , Nobécourt-Dupuy Estelle
Published: February 2020

Objective:

To clarify the association between PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) and Lp(a) (lipoprotein [a]), we studied Lp(a) kinetics in patients with loss-of-function and gain-of-function
PCSK9
mutations and in patients in whom extended-release niacin reduced Lp(a) and PCSK9 concentrations.

Approach and Results:

Six healthy controls, 9 heterozygous patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (5 with low-density lipoprotein receptor [
LDLR
] mutations and 4 with
PCSK9
gain-of-function mutations) and 3 patients with heterozygous dominant-negative
PCSK9
loss-of-function mutations were included in the preliminary study. Eight patients were enrolled in a second study assessing the effects of 2 g/day extended-release niacin. Apolipoprotein kinetics in VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and Lp(a) were studied using stable isotope techniques. Plasma Lp(a) concentrations were increased in
PCSK9
-gain-of-function and familial hypercholesterolemia-
LDLR
groups compared with controls and
PCSK9
-loss-of-function groups (14±12 versus 5±4 mg/dL;
P
=0.04), but no change was observed in Lp(a) fractional catabolic rate. Subjects with
PCSK9
-loss-of-function mutations displayed reduced apoE (apolipoprotein E) concentrations associated with a VLDL-apoE absolute production rate reduction. Lp(a) and VLDL-apoE absolute production rates were correlated (
r
=0.50;
P
<0.05). ApoE-to-apolipoprotein (a) molar ratios in Lp(a) increased with plasma Lp(a) (
r
=0.96;
P
<0.001) but not with PCSK9 levels. Extended-release niacin-induced reductions in Lp(a) and VLDL-apoE absolute production rate were correlated (
r
=0.83;
P
=0.015). In contrast, PCSK9 reduction (−35%;
P
=0.008) was only correlated with that of VLDL-apoE absolute production rate (
r
=0.79;
P
=0.028).

Conclusions:

VLDL-apoE production could determine Lp(a) production and/or assembly. As PCSK9 inhibitors reduce plasma apoE and Lp(a) concentrations, apoE could be the link between PCSK9 and Lp(a).
Burden and Consequences of Financial Hardship From Medical Bills Among Nonelderly Adults With Diabetes Mellitus in the United States
Authors: Caraballo César , Valero-Elizondo Javier , Khera Rohan , Mahajan Shiwani , Grandhi Gowtham R. , Virani Salim S. , Mszar Reed , Krumholz Harlan M. , Nasir Khurram
Published: February 2020

Background:

The trend of increasing total and out-of-pocket expenditure among patients with diabetes mellitus represents a risk of financial hardship for Americans and a threat to medical and nonmedical needs. We aimed to describe the national scope and associated tradeoffs of financial hardship from medical bills among nonelderly individuals with diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results:

We used the National Health Interview Survey data from 2013 to 2017, including adults ≤64 years old with a self-reported diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Among 164 696 surveyed individuals, 8967 adults ≤64 years old reported having diabetes mellitus, representing 13.1 million individuals annually across the United States. The mean age was 51.6 years (SD 10.3), and 49.1% were female. A total of 41.1% were part of families that reported having financial hardship from medical bills, with 15.6% reporting an inability to pay medical bills at all. In multivariate analyses, individuals who lacked insurance, were non-Hispanic black, had low income, or had high-comorbidity burden were at higher odds of being in families with financial hardship from medical bills. When comparing the graded categories of financial hardship, there was a stepwise increase in the prevalence of high financial distress, food insecurity, cost-related nonadherence, and foregone/delayed medical care, reaching 70.5%, 49.4%, 49.5%, and 74% among those unable to pay bills, respectively. Compared with those without diabetes mellitus, individuals with diabetes mellitus had higher odds of financial hardship from medical bills (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.27 [95% CI, 1.18–1.36]) or any of its consequences, including high financial distress (aOR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.05–1.24]), food insecurity (aOR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.16–1.40]), cost-related medication nonadherence (aOR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.30–1.57]), and foregone/delayed medical care (aOR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.20–1.40]).

Conclusions:

Nonelderly patients with diabetes mellitus have a high prevalence of financial hardship from medical bills, with deleterious consequences.
An Investigation into the Origin of Autopoiesis
Authors: Beer Randall D.
Published: February 2020

Using a glider in the Game of Life cellular automaton as a toy model of minimal persistent individuals, this article explores how questions regarding the origin of life might be approached from the perspective of autopoiesis. Specifically, I examine how the density of gliders evolves over time from random initial conditions and then develop a statistical mechanics of gliders that explains this time evolution in terms of the processes of glider creation, persistence, and destruction that underlie it.
Pre-output Language Monitoring in Sign Production
Authors: Riès Stephanie K. , Nadalet Linda , Mickelsen Soren , Mott Megan , Midgley Katherine J. , Holcomb Phillip J. , Emmorey Karen
Published: February 2020

A domain-general monitoring mechanism is proposed to be involved in overt speech monitoring. This mechanism is reflected in a medial frontal component, the error negativity (Ne), present in both errors and correct trials (Ne-like wave) but larger in errors than correct trials. In overt speech production, this negativity starts to rise before speech onset and is therefore associated with inner speech monitoring. Here, we investigate whether the same monitoring mechanism is involved in sign language production. Twenty deaf signers (American Sign Language [ASL] dominant) and 16 hearing signers (English dominant) participated in a picture–word interference paradigm in ASL. As in previous studies, ASL naming latencies were measured using the keyboard release time. EEG results revealed a medial frontal negativity peaking within 15 msec after keyboard release in the deaf signers. This negativity was larger in errors than correct trials, as previously observed in spoken language production. No clear negativity was present in the hearing signers. In addition, the slope of the Ne was correlated with ASL proficiency (measured by the ASL Sentence Repetition Task) across signers. Our results indicate that a similar medial frontal mechanism is engaged in preoutput language monitoring in sign and spoken language production. These results suggest that the monitoring mechanism reflected by the Ne/Ne-like wave is independent of output modality (i.e., spoken or signed) and likely monitors prearticulatory representations of language. Differences between groups may be linked to several factors including differences in language proficiency or more variable lexical access to motor programming latencies for hearing than deaf signers.
Resting-state Functional Connectivity of the Right Temporoparietal Junction Relates to Belief Updating and Reorienting during Spatial Attention
Authors: Käsbauer Anne-Sophie , Mengotti Paola , Fink Gereon R. , Vossel Simone
Published: February 2020

Although multiple studies characterized the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ), little is known about the link between rTPJ rsFC and cognitive functions. Given a putative involvement of rTPJ in both reorienting of attention and the updating of probabilistic beliefs, this study characterized the relationship between rsFC of rTPJ with dorsal and ventral attention systems and these two cognitive processes. Twenty-three healthy young participants performed a modified location-cueing paradigm with true and false prior information about the percentage of cue validity to assess belief updating and attentional reorienting. Resting-state fMRI was recorded before and after the task. Seed-based correlation analysis was employed, and correlations of each behavioral parameter with rsFC before the task, as well as with changes in rsFC after the task, were assessed in an ROI-based approach. Weaker rsFC between rTPJ and right intraparietal sulcus before the task was associated with relatively faster updating of the belief that the cue will be valid after false prior information. Moreover, relatively faster belief updating, as well as faster reorienting, were related to an increase in the interhemispheric rsFC between rTPJ and left TPJ after the task. These findings are in line with task-based connectivity studies on related attentional functions and extend results from stroke patients demonstrating the importance of interhemispheric parietal interactions for behavioral performance. The present results not only highlight the essential role of parietal rsFC for attentional functions but also suggest that cognitive processing during a task changes connectivity patterns in a performance-dependent manner.
Zebra finches go wild! Experimental cultural evolution of birdsong
Authors: Diez Adriana , MacDougall-Shackleton Scott A.
Published: February 2020

Vocal learning in songbirds is guided by experience and experience-independent factors. Previously, lineages of zebra finches founded by isolate-reared tutors showed cultural evolution to wild-type song. This suggests that experience-independent biases affect song development even in the absence of wild-type song. We hypothesized that cultural evolution of song depends on both experience-independent biases and tutor songs available. We predicted that songs more distant from wild-type would take longer to culturally evolve toward wild-type features. We bred zebra finches in three groups of lineages in which offspring of each generation served as tutors for the next. Lineages were founded with males singing wild-type song, isolate song, or heterospecific song. The two experimental lineages exhibited rapid cultural evolution of song with many temporal and spectral features converging to wild-type within two generations. However the rate of change differed depending on song features measured, and took longer for lineages founded with heterospecific song.
The Inadequacies of the French System Regarding Access and Benefit-sharing and Its Evolution through the Recognition of the Notion of Local Community in the Nagoya Protocol
Authors: Collot Pierre-Alain
Published: February 2020

The French law for the reconquest of biodiversity aims to transpose the Nagoya Protocol into national law. Rather than supporting the notion of an autochthonous and local community or even taking into account the autochthonous character of the concept of a local community, the legislature has chosen to use the notion of a community of inhabitants. The notion of local community, which is specific to environmental law, nevertheless satisfies the requirements of constitutional jurisprudence, as it does not consist of a community of origin, culture, language or belief. Beyond the logic inherent in the Law of 8 August 2016, the recognition of local communities, which is at the heart of the mechanism for sharing access and benefits, could make it possible to correct the multiple shortcomings, in terms of access to both genetic resources and traditional knowledge, associated with the sharing of the benefits that result from their use.
Ordering the Church: Ecumenism and the Three-Fold Ministry
Authors: Small Joseph D.
Published: February 2020

The shape of ordered ministry remains an ecumenical stumbling stone. There is a wide gap between churches ordered by the threefold ministry of bishop-priest-deacon and churches ordered by different patterns of ministry. It may be possible to narrow the gap by detecting a pervasive threefold ministry of episcope/keygma-didache/diakonos in both presbyterial and congregational ordered churches. That recognition can prompt ecumenical exchanges concerning the relationship between office and function. The case of Reformed and Presbyterian churches, among the least open to bishops, is examined, recovering the possibility of personal episcope that can open episcopal, presbyterial, and associational churches to deepening mutuality and forms of reconciliation.
Wolfhart Pannenberg’s Postfoundational Ecclesiology
Authors: Yang Jae
Published: February 2020

This article interprets Wolfhart Pannenberg’s ecclesiology through a postfoundational framework. Pannenberg’s postfoundational theological methodology, based around the centrality of sub ratione Dei, is a dialectical relationship between the ‘from below’ movement of context (‘true infinite’) and the ‘from above’ movement of universal truth (Trinity) which reflects the differentiation-in-unity found in the immanent and economic Trinity. Accordingly, this article argues, Pannenberg’s ecclesiology, including his understanding of church essence (its role in creation and its constitutive members) and its activities (baptism, Eucharist, ministry) displays postfoundational relations between the particular and the universal bridging the divide between the secular and the sacred, the past, present, and future, and individual and community. In the discussion, concepts such as Christ’s ‘person,’ ‘transignification,’ Christocentric election, and social trinitarianism are used to move the discussion past modern dualism and postmodern relativism and toward postfoundational relationality.
The Cultural-rootedness of Christian Distinctiveness: James K.A. Smith and Schleiermacher on Theologies of Culture
Authors: Hayes Andrew
Published: February 2020

This article argues that all conceptions of Christian distinctiveness are culturally rooted in ways which necessarily determine conceptions of and approaches to formation and discipleship. No argument shall be made for a particular vision of Christian distinctiveness. Rather, the focus is on how distinctiveness itself is understood, constructed and determines accounts which seek to order Christian lives qua Christian. Recent presentations of Christian distinctiveness are summarized via engagement with James K.A. Smith. Schleiermacher’s understanding of Christian distinctiveness, rooted in nineteenth century cultural trends and assumptions, is employed as a juxtaposition demonstrating the culturally rootedness of both approaches to formation and discipleship presenting a clearer picture of the assumptions carried in many contemporary calls for Christian distinctiveness. The final section builds on Kathryn Tanner’s relational understanding of distinctiveness, arguing for an approach that determines Christian distinctiveness collaboratively in recognition of different and multi-layered cultural contexts.
Stanhopeinae Mesoamericanae VI. On the identity of Polycycnis barbata (Orchidaceae), and other notes on the genus Polycycnis

Authors: GERLACH GÜNTER , PUPULIN FRANCO
Published: February 2020

The identity of Polycycnis barbata is discussed and, upon examination of the type, the name is lectotypified and synonymized under the species with erect, small-flowered inflorescence traditionally known as P. muscifera. The large-flowered species of Polycycnis from Costa Rica and northwestern Panama is described as P. grandiflora and illustrated based on Costa Rican material. Notes on distribution, chemistry and pollination of the new species and an overview of the genus Polycycnis are provided.
Development and Initial Validation of the Perceived Classism Experiences Scale
Authors: Cavalhieri Klaus E. , Chwalisz Kathleen
Published: February 2020

This article describes the development and initial validation of the Perceived Classism Experiences Scale (PCES), a scale created to measure experiences of classism based on the Social Class Worldview Model. In Study 1, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 309 participants, revealing three distinct factors: Downward Classism, Upward Classism, and Lateral Classism. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis with data from a distinct sample of 341 participants provided further support for the bifactor structure of the PCES. Significant correlations with subjective social status, self-rated health, stress, state and trait anxiety, life satisfaction, and well-being further supported criterion validity of the PCES. The PCES advances on previous scales of classism, as it is theory-driven and it is not restricted to academic environments. We discuss research and practical implications of the PCES.
Altered States of Combat: Veteran Trauma and the Quest for Novel Therapeutics in Psychedelic Substances
Authors: Hooyer Katinka , Applbaum Kalman , Kasza Daniel
Published: February 2020

For veterans with moral conflicts brought on by war work, evidence-based approaches designed for posttraumatic stress disorder tend not to attend to resulting spiritual and ethical forms of suffering. These “treatment-resistant” veterans are at high risk for self-harm. While new medical treatments are being developed, it is also clear that veterans themselves are experimenting in collective, ritualistic, and community-based ceremonial uses of psychedelic medicine. This article introduces the concept of altered states of combat (ASCombat) to refer to the specific mind-set soldiers experience in combat. As a preliminary analytical framework, we associate ASCombat to the widely studied altered states of consciousness as a way to advance understanding on the use and effectiveness of psychedelics and collective healing in the veteran population. The notion of ASCombat and typology is grounded in 4 years of veteran-engaged research in community-based healing approaches. The self-report of one case, by the veteran author of this article, provides suggestive materials for analysis, discussion, and future research.
Influence of Work and Life Stressors on Marital Quality among Dual and Nondual Military Couples
Authors: Woodall Kelly A. , Richardson Sabrina M. , Pflieger Jacqueline C. , Hawkins Stacy Ann , Stander Valerie A.
Published: February 2020

Maintaining a healthy marriage may be challenging for military couples as they attempt to balance the demands of work and family; for dual-military couples, this can be even more challenging. Using data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study, we examined whether military stress experiences negatively impact marital quality through the mediation of work–family conflict. Spouse gender and dual-military status were included as moderators. Spouses reported on marital quality, work–family conflict, military stress experiences, and personal military experience. Spouse and service member demographics were also included. Results demonstrated that experiencing more military stress experiences was related to lower marital quality, which was mediated by work–family conflict. Additionally, female dual spouses reported lower marital quality than male dual spouses and civilian spouses. Findings from this study highlight the importance of providing support to military spouses for stressful military events and potentially tailoring support services for female dual spouses to improve marital quality.
How Women on Probation and Parole Incorporate Trauma Into Their Identities
Authors: Hoskins Kayla M. , Morash Merry
Published: February 2020

The many court-involved women who have experienced trauma in their lifetimes are particularly vulnerable to the negative outcomes of trauma. The purpose of this qualitative inquiry is to understand how women who have repeatedly broken the law incorporate traumatic experiences into their identities in such a way that they increase their agency, communion, or spirituality. The research also documents the types of traumatic experiences the women included in their life stories. Informed by narrative identity theory and the related theory of posttraumatic growth, the life stories of 118 women on probation and parole were examined for themes indicative of identity transformation through redemption or indicative of contamination and stagnation. The narrative accounts considered in this study involved sexual, physical, and psychological abuse; neglect; sudden or unexpected loss; violence exposure; and severe illness or injury. Nearly all women reported having at least one traumatic experience in their lifetime, and the majority incorporated the experiences into their identities. Posttraumatic growth most often included gains in communion (i.e., helping others and caring for others) and gains in individual agency (i.e., empowerment). Thirty women also described having generative concerns or taking generative actions to improve the well-being of others as an outcome of their traumatic experience(s). For women with children, becoming better mothers and protecting their children from victimization were the overarching themes of their redemption, communion, and generative narratives. The findings highlight the importance of community responses to traumatized girls and of counseling and therapy for justice-involved women. Several specific suggestions for supporting the development of trauma and survivor narratives as a therapeutic tool are provided as a means for clients to develop interpersonal connections and empowerment.
Discursive representation of masculinity and femininity in Tinder and Grindr: Hegemonic masculinity, feminine devaluation and femmephobia
Authors: García-Gómez Antonio
Published: February 2020

By analysing 200 Tinder profiles of Spanish heterosexual men and 200 Grindr profiles of Spanish queer men, this article examines these men’s online gendered and sexualised self-representation strategies. More specifically, the study develops a discourse and feminist analysis of post-feminist media cultures which contrasts these men’s discursive representations. In so doing, the article attempts to cast light on the (d-)evaluating discursive strategies these Spanish heterosexual and queer men deploy when creating their profiles. Importantly, the analysis gives evidence of how occupying the masculine or the feminine position goes hand in hand with the devaluation and policing of femininity. Furthermore, the analysis calls attention to the contradictory gender ideas present in their personal profiles and this, in turn, sheds further light on the ways they construct multiple masculine identities to negotiate their sexual gendered identities.
Preparation and properties of melamine formaldehyde resin modified by functionalized nano-SiO2 and polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Xiong Zhu , Chen Ning , Wang Qi
Published: February 2020

Melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin is a thermosetting polymer with superior flame retardancy and high thermal stability and is widely used in fire-retardant coatings, flame-retardant sheets, heat-resistant filter materials, and so on. However, its further application is restricted by its extreme brittleness and poor impact strength. In this article, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble polymer with high toughness and elasticity, which can be well blended with MF prepolymer in hot water, was used to improve the toughness of MF resin. The nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles modified by KH-550 were used to improve the compatibility between MF prepolymer and PVA. Moreover, the modified nano-SiO2 can simultaneously enhance the toughness and impact the strength of MF resin. The interaction of components, fractography, thermal stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of the modified MF resin was studied systematically. Fourier transform infrared results indicate that KH-550 was successfully grafted onto the surface of nano-SiO2. The grafted nano-SiO2 shows better dispersion in the matrix than the unmodified one, furthermore improving the compatibility and interface adhesion between MF and PVA. When PVA content is 20%, the obtained material has good thermal stability ( T max > 350°C), flame-retardant properties (UL-94 V-0 rating and limited oxygen index = 42%), and toughness (elongation at break > 20% and unnotched impact strength > 13 kJ m−2).
Sufis or Demons: Looking at the Social Context of Siyah Qalam’s Paintings
Authors: Shams Elham , Farrokhfar Farzaneh
Published: February 2020

The paintings of demons attributed to Muhammad Siyah Qalam, which are primarily in album H. 2153 in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, have been the centre of debate for many years. Basic questions are asked concerning their provenance. Demons performing human actions have raised several problems of interpretation and form the analytical focus of this article. Searching a certain historical period, the article seeks a socio-political reality that can be connected with these paintings. Iconographic elements and authentic Chinese paintings known to be sources of inspiration provide the possibility of discussing the Aq Qoyunlu era in the late fifteenth century as the social context, a time when the rising power of Sufism caused resentment in the court. Notes regarding Sufis written in the official chronicle during the reign of Yaqub Aq Qoyunlu, Tārikh-e-ĀlamĀrāy-e-Amini, relate to certain of the paintings and have not been mentioned prior to this article.
Conflict Management Style Asymmetry in Short-Term Project Groups
Authors: Rispens Sonja , Jehn Karen A. , Steinel Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Relatively little is known about how the composition of individual conflict management styles affects group functioning. This is unfortunate because, specifically in short-term project groups, this conflict management style composition may be pivotal given the strong task focus rather than establishing norms to guide or manage conflict. Therefore, we examined whether conflict style asymmetry within short-term project groups affects the link between intragroup conflict and the performance of groups. Data were collected among short-term project groups and the results suggest that asymmetry in both forcing and the problem-solving conflict management styles moderates the negative effect of task, relationship, and process conflicts on the performance of groups. We offer a discussion of the implications of these findings.
Life Skill Development and Transfer: “They’re Not Just Meant for Playing Sports”
Authors: Newman Tarkington J.
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

In response to the Grand Challenge of promoting the Healthy Development for All Youth, many programs aim to enhance the development and transfer of life skills. However, within sport-based positive youth development (PYD) programs, life skills are understood through adult-centric perspectives. To better serve youth, research is needed that explores life skills through the lived experiences of youth.

Method:

Thirteen youth, who met the purposive sampling criteria, participated in the study. Data were collected using two methods. Semi-structured interviews explored life skill development, while photo-elicitation interviews explored life skill transfer.

Results:

Findings illustrated youth developed, as well as transferred, a variety of intrapersonal and interpersonal life skills. Youth identified, defined, and applied life skills that were both explicitly taught by the program and others that were not.

Conclusions:

Findings can be used to inform the strategic design of sport-based PYD programs and intentional facilitative coaching practices of their staff.
The effect of cross-section shape on deformation, damage and failure of rock-like materials under uniaxial compression from both a macro and micro viewpoint
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Lin Hang , Qiu Caimou , Jiang Tingting , Zhang Jianhua
Published: February 2020

The mechanical properties of rock-like materials always attract the interest of many researchers. In this paper, we study the influence of specimen cross-section shape on uniaxial compressive strength as well as their deformation, damage and failure characteristics by uniaxial compression tests. The diameter and height of circular cross-section specimens are 50 and 100 mm, respectively, and the height and cross-sectional area of other specimens are equal to that of circular cross-sectional ones. Simulation and experimental results show that the cross-sectional shape has little effect on uniaxial compressive strength. Moreover, the effect on other mechanical properties is also very limited before the peak strength, such as stress–strain curve, rotation and motion of particles, contact damage and energy evolution of particles; however, it gradually becomes obvious after the peak strength. This is a very important feature, which affects the macroscopic form of failure of specimens and reflects the difference between failure surfaces. The shapes of failure surfaces obtained from numerical simulations are quite similar to the experimental results, which verify the reliability of numerical simulation results. Finally, the achievements can serve as a reference for related engineering issues.
Outcome of Critically Ill Patients With Influenza Infection: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Abaziou Timothée , Delmas Clément , Vardon Bounes Fanny , Bignon Fabien , Crognier Laure , Seguin Thierry , Riu-Poulenc Béatrice , Ruiz Stéphanie , Rouget Antoine , Cougot Pierre , Georges Bernard , Conil Jean-Marie , Minville Vincent
Published: February 2020

Background:

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality in adults, and numerous patients require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is clearly described in this context, but other clinical presentations exist that need to be assessed for incidence and outcome. The primary goal of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients admitted in ICU for influenza, their clinical presentation, and the 3-month mortality rate. The second objective was to search for 3-month mortality risk factors.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study including all patients admitted to 3 ICUs due to influenza-related disease between October 2013 and June 2016, which assesses the 3-month mortality rate. We compared clinical presentation, biological data, and outcome at 3 months between survivors and non-survivors. We created a predicting 3-month mortality model with Classification and Regression Tree analysis.

Results:

Sixty-nine patients were included, 50 patients (72.5%) for ARDS, 5 (7.2%) for myocarditis, and 14 (20.3%) for acute respiratory failure without ARDS criteria. Non-typed influenza A was found in 30 cases (43.5%), influenza A H1N1 in 18 (26.1%), H3N2 in 3 (4.3%), and influenza B in 18 cases (27.5%). The 3-month mortality rate was 29% ( n = 20). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was implanted in 23 patients, without any significant increase in mortality (39% vs 24% without ECMO, P = .19). A creatinine serum superior to 96 μmol/L, an aspartate aminotransferase level superior to 68 UI/L, and a Pao2/Fio2 ration below 110 were associated with 3-month mortality in our predictive mortality model.

Conclusion:

Influenza in ICUs may have several clinical presentations. The mortality rate is high, but ECMO may be an effective rescue therapy.