bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNTNAP2 is a direct FoxP2 target in vitro and in vivo in zebra finches: complex regulation by age and activity
Authors: Adam I. , Mendoza E. , Kobalz U. , Wohlgemuth S. , Scharff C.
Published: May 2017

Mutations of FOXP2 are associated with altered brain structure, including the striatal part of the basal ganglia, and cause a severe speech and language disorder. Songbirds serve as a tractable neurobiological model for speech and language research. Experimental downregulation of FoxP2 in zebra finch Area X, a nucleus of the striatal song control circuitry, affects synaptic transmission and spine densities. It also renders song learning and production inaccurate and imprecise, similar to the speech impairment of patients carrying FOXP2 mutations. Here we show that experimental downregulation of FoxP2 in Area X using lentiviral vectors leads to reduced expression of CNTNAP2, a FOXP2 target gene in humans. In addition, natural downregulation of FoxP2 by age or by singing also downregulated CNTNAP2 expression. Furthermore, we report that FoxP2 binds to and activates the avian CNTNAP2 promoter in vitro. Taken together these data establish CNTNAP2 as a direct FoxP2 target gene in songbirds, likely affecting synaptic function relevant for song learning and song maintenance.
Do sociodemographic, behavioral or health status variables affect longitudinal anthropometric changes in older adults? Population‐based cohort study in Southern Brazil
Authors: Goes Vanessa Fernanda , Wazlawik Elisabeth , d'Orsi Eleonora , Navarro Albert , González‐Chica David Alejandro
Published: May 2017

Aim

To assess the influence of sociodemographic, behavioral and health status variables on longitudinal changes in height, weight, and waist circumference in older adults.

Methods

This is a population‐based cohort study in Southern Brazil (EpiFloripa Study) investigating 1702 individuals aged 70.6 ± 8.0 years (62.5% women). Height, weight and waist circumference were measured in 2009/10 and 2013/14 (n = 1197). Linear mixed regression models were used to estimate age‐related changes in anthropometric measurements according to the explanatory variables.

Results

Unmarried individuals, with higher education level or household income, with excessive alcohol consumption, former smokers and positives for some chronic disease were heavier than their counterparts. Similar associations were observed for waist circumference in terms of marital status, smoking and the presence of chronic diseases. Height was higher among the wealthiest, in former smokers and those physically active. Only in men were a lower education level and being unmarried associated with higher weight loss after the age of 75 years, but not with waist circumference reduction.

Conclusions

Despite their association with current height, weight and waist circumference, neither behavioral variables nor the presence of chronic diseases influenced the anthropometric changes. Less educated and unmarried men lose weight at a higher rate, showing a higher risk of sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2074–2082.
Retinoic acid modulates lipid accumulation glucose concentration dependently through inverse regulation of SREBP‐1 expression in 3T3L1 adipocytes
Authors: Abd Eldaim Mabrouk Attia , Matsuoka Shinya , Okamatsu‐Ogura Yuko , Kamikawa Akihiro , Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed , Terao Akira , Nakajima Kei‐ichi , Kimura Kazuhiro
Published: May 2017

It is well known that retinoic acid (RA) suppresses adipogenesis, although there are some contradicting reports. In this study, we examined the effect of extracellular glucose on RA‐induced suppression of adipogenesis in 3T3L1 cell culture. When the cells were cultured in normal glucose medium (NG), the addition of RA suppressed lipid accumulation. However, when cultured in high glucose medium (HG), addition of RA to the cells enhanced lipid accumulation. These changes were accompanied by parallel alterations in fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP)‐1 gene expression. Transfection of SREBP‐1 siRNA suppressed RA‐induced enhancement of lipid accumulation and FAS expression in the cells cultured with HG. Transfection of the nuclear form of SREBP‐1a cDNA into the cells cultured with NG inhibited RA‐induced suppression of lipid accumulation and FAS expression. Moreover, RA‐ and HG‐induced SREBP‐1a expression occurred at the early phase of adipogenesis and was dependent on glucocorticoid to induce liver X receptor (LXR) β, peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ and retinoid X receptor (RXR), the key nuclear factors influencing the SREBP‐1a gene expression. These results suggest that RA suppresses and enhances lipid accumulation through extracellular glucose concentration‐dependent modulation of SREBP‐1 expression.
Neuron‐specific knockdown of the Drosophila fat induces reduction of life span, deficient locomotive ability, shortening of motoneuron terminal branches and defects in axonal targeting
Authors: Nakamura Aya , Tanaka Ryo , Morishita Kazushige , Yoshida Hideki , Higuchi Yujiro , Takashima Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Masamitsu
Published: May 2017

Mutations in FAT4 gene, one of the human FAT family genes, have been identified in Van Maldergem syndrome (VMS) and Hennekam lymphangiectasia‐lymphedema syndrome (HS). The FAT4 gene encodes a large protein with extracellular cadherin repeats, EGF‐like domains and Laminin G‐like domains. FAT4 plays a role in tumor suppression and planar cell polarity. Drosophila contains a human FAT4 homologue, fat. Drosophila fat has been mainly studied with Drosophila eye and wing systems. Here, we specially knocked down Drosophila fat in nerve system. Neuron‐specific knockdown of fat shortened the life span and induced the defect in locomotive abilities of adult flies. In consistent with these phenotypes, defects in synapse structure at neuromuscular junction were observed in neuron‐specific fat‐knockdown flies. In addition, aberrations in axonal targeting of photoreceptor neuron in third‐instar larvae were also observed, suggesting that fat involves in axonal targeting. Taken together, the results indicate that Drosophila fat plays an essential role in formation and/or maintenance of neuron. Both VMS and HS show mental retardation and neuronal defects. We therefore consider that these two rare human diseases could possibly be caused by the defect in FAT4 function in neuronal cells.
An Elitist Multiobjective Tabu Search for Optimal Design of Groundwater Remediation Systems
Authors: Yang Yun , Wu Jianfeng , Wang Jinguo , Zhou Zhifang
Published: May 2017

This study presents a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA), the elitist multiobjective tabu search (EMOTS), and incorporates it with MODFLOW/MT3DMS to develop a groundwater simulation‐optimization (SO) framework based on modular design for optimal design of groundwater remediation systems using pump‐and‐treat (PAT) technique. The most notable improvement of EMOTS over the original multiple objective tabu search (MOTS) lies in the elitist strategy, selection strategy, and neighborhood move rule. The elitist strategy is to maintain all nondominated solutions within later search process for better converging to the true Pareto front. The elitism‐based selection operator is modified to choose two most remote solutions from current candidate list as seed solutions to increase the diversity of searching space. Moreover, neighborhood solutions are uniformly generated using the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) in the bounded neighborhood space around each seed solution. To demonstrate the performance of the EMOTS, we consider a synthetic groundwater remediation example. Problem formulations consist of two objective functions with continuous decision variables of pumping rates while meeting water quality requirements. Especially, sensitivity analysis is evaluated through the synthetic case for determination of optimal combination of the heuristic parameters. Furthermore, the EMOTS is successfully applied to evaluate remediation options at the field site of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. With both the hypothetical and the large‐scale field remediation sites, the EMOTS‐based SO framework is demonstrated to outperform the original MOTS in achieving the performance metrics of optimality and diversity of nondominated frontiers with desirable stability and robustness.
New Daily Persistent Headache: Historical Review and an Interview with Dr. Walter Vanast
Authors: Robbins Matthew S. , Vanast Walter J. , Purdy R. Allan
Published: May 2017

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is an idiopathic headache syndrome characterized by the abrupt onset of an unremitting, daily, continuous headache without an antecedent escalating headache pattern, and not attributable to other primary or secondary headache disorders. We review the history of NDPH in terms of its characterization and classification, and then interview Dr. Walter Vanast, the neurologist who initially described NDPH three decades ago, to gain his perspective now that there is more widespread recognition and interest in this syndrome.
Cracking induction in health libraries: is there a right way?
Authors: Forgham‐Healey Nicola
Published: May 2017

In most instances, inductions are the first time that users will be introduced to health library services. The time available in which to deliver library orientation sessions within a broader, Trust induction programme is often limited, and this can present challenges for health librarians. Inductions are a great marketing tool, and it is important that induction sessions make the right impact. Within a brief window of opportunity, the health librarian must impart key information to the inductees whilst ensuring the session is relevant and memorable. In this article, guest writer Nicola Healey, Library Manager of North Somerset Healthcare Library, discusses the range of approaches she and her colleagues have explored in delivering library inductions, explaining what worked, what did not and what areas still remain for development.

H. S.
Predictive formula of coma onset and prothrombin time to distinguish patients who recover from acute liver injury
Authors: Kakisaka Keisuke , Suzuki Yuji , Kataoka Kojiro , Okada Yohei , Miyamoto Yasuhiro , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: May 2017

Background and Aim

Acute liver failure (ALF) is defined as acute liver injury (ALI) associated with coagulopathy. A follow‐up strategy for ALI and characterization of ALI patients with a risk of progressing to ALF have never been established. To establish predictive markers for progression from ALI to ALF, this study compared the clinical characteristics and laboratory data on the day of registration to data from a regional referral system of patients with ALI.

Methods

This prospective, observational study enrolled 365 consecutive patients with ALI/ALF between 2007 and 2016. We evaluated 109 ALI patients, 27 of whom satisfied the ALF criteria during observation and another 82 patients who recovered without progression to ALF.

Results

Four patients died; all were in the ALF group. The variables of age, incidence of autoimmune hepatitis, model of end‐stage liver disease score, values for total bilirubin and prothrombin time (PT)‐international ratio, and Japan Hepatic Encephalopathy Prediction Model (JHEPM) probability at registration were significantly higher in ALF patients than in ALI patients. In multivariate analysis, PT and JHEPM were identified as risk factors for progression to ALF. The cut‐off values of 13%, 4.9%, 65%, and 1.32% for the model of end‐stage liver disease score, JHEPM probability, PT, and PT‐international ratio values, respectively, had high negative predictive values. Furthermore, among patients whose JHEPM was underestimated, none died due to ALF.

Conclusion

The JHEPM probability is a predictive parameter that can be used to decide a follow‐up treatment strategy for ALI patients.
Astrocytes contribute to Aβ‐induced blood–brain barrier damage through activation of endothelial MMP9
Authors: Spampinato Simona Federica , Merlo Sara , Sano Yasuteru , Kanda Takashi , Sortino Maria Angela
Published: May 2017

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) plays an important role in the maintenance of the brain homeostasis, and its proper functions are warranted by the interplay between different cellular components (endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes). BBB dysfunctions in pathological conditions, and particularly in Alzheimer's disease, have been documented. Here, using an in vitroBBB model, the interaction between endothelial cells and astrocytes exposed to Aβ1‐42 was investigated. Human endothelial cells, cultured in monolayer or co‐cultured with astrocytes, were exposed to Aβ1‐42 (2 μM for 18 h). Aβ induced dysfunction of endothelial barrier, as assessed by enhanced permeability to FITC‐conjugated dextran and reduced expression of claudin‐5; these modifications were observed in the co‐culture model, but not in endothelial cells cultured in monolayer. Similarly, Aβ‐induced damage at the barrier was observed when endothelial cells were challenged in the presence of conditioned medium generated by astrocytes previously exposed to Aβ (ACM Aβ). Endothelial barrier damages were associated with enhanced matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) activity, known to mediate claudin‐5 disruption. These events were not related to the direct effects played by Aβ on endothelial cells, but they were rather the consequence of Aβ‐induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in astrocytes. Indeed, when vascular endothelial growth factor expression was down‐regulated in astrocytes, neither barrier properties or MMP9 expression in endothelial cells were affected after Aβ exposure both in the co‐culture model or in the presence of ACM Aβ. These data point out the importance of astrocytes’ mediation in inducing endothelial sensitivity to Aβ1‐42.

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The efficacy of a lip balm containing pseudo‐ceramide on the dry lips of sensitive skin‐conscious subjects
Authors: Isoda Keiichi , Nakamura Tadashi , Yoshida Kensuke , Tamura Eiko , Atsuta Nami , Ishida Koichi , Takagi Yutaka , Mizutani Hitoshi
Published: May 2017

Background

Many people use lip care products daily to prevent dry lips. However, some people, especially those with sensitive skin‐consciousness, complain of various skin problems on their lips including contact dermatitis caused by lip care products. Dry lips have decreased water holding capacity and cutaneous barrier function as well as reduced stratum corneum ceramide levels. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of a newly formulated lip balm containing pseudo‐ceramide for the dry lips of subjects with sensitive skin.

Method

Thirty subjects with dry lips and sensitive skin‐consciousness used the test lip balm more than twice a day for 4 weeks. Lip conditions were evaluated before and after 2 and 4 weeks.

Result

Visual evaluation by a dermatologist showed that overall improvements were observed in all subjects as early as week 2. After 4 weeks of usage, 27% of the subjects were objectively judged as “markedly improved” and 60% of the subjects were judged as “improved”. No adverse event developed throughout the test period, and all subjects were able to use the lip balm safely for 4 weeks. Usefulness was judged based on all evaluation items, and 27%, 70%, and 3% of the subjects were judged as “very useful,” “useful,” and “slightly useful,” respectively. Ninety percentage of the subjects expressed improvement and acceptance of the lip balm.

Conclusion

Based on these results, the newly formulated lip balm containing pseudo‐ceramide is very useful for the lip care of sensitive skin‐conscious subjects as well as for daily use by healthy subjects.
Molecular alterations in odontogenic keratocysts as potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Gomes Carolina Cavalieri , Guimarães Letícia Martins , Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Gomez Ricardo Santiago
Published: May 2017

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a cystic lesion, lined by uniformly thickened parakeratinized epithelium. Some lesions are large and tend to recur after surgical treatment. The neoplastic nature of OKCs remains a matter of dispute. It is known that some sporadic OKCs harbor PTCH1 mutations, and via the dissection of cyst epithelium, these mutations were demonstrated to occur much more frequently than previously thought. In addition to the classical PTCH1 mutations, Hedgehog pathway disturbance and Bcl‐2 protein overexpression, as detected via genome‐wide expression analysis of OKCs, have been published. Changes in DNA methylation patterns and alterations in microRNA expression levels have recently been reported in these lesions. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of OKCs as described over the past few years and explored the molecular alterations that can be therapeutically targeted.
Local Governance and Redistributive Policy: Explaining Local Funding for Public Defense
Authors: Davies Andrew Lucas Blaize , Worden Alissa Pollitz
Published: May 2017

In many American states, public defense is provided at the county rather than state level (Langton & Farole 2009). Local governments have discretion over implementing and funding the right to counsel, resulting in considerable variability in programs and funding levels. Placing this issue in the theoretical context of redistributive policies and politics, we investigate decisions on funding this service across upstate New York counties. Using as a point of departure Paul Peterson's classic explication of community politics, we first model variation in funding as a function of counties' fiscal capacity, need for services, and costs of supplying legal representation. We also test Peterson's prediction that local political factors will play little if any role in budget decisions. Second, through interviews with program administrators we explore the characters of twelve defender programs in which expenditures departed from the model's predictions. We find that three factors—which we term “influence,” “infrastructure,” and “ideas”—also vary directly with levels of funding. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for theoretical thinking about due process policies and local politics, and for policy debate over how best to ensure adequate counsel in criminal court.
Climate change and human colonization triggered habitat loss and fragmentation in Madagascar
Authors: Salmona Jordi , Heller Rasmus , Quéméré Erwan , Chikhi Lounès
Published: May 2017

The relative effect of past climate fluctuations and anthropogenic activities on current biome distribution is subject to increasing attention, notably in biodiversity hot spots. In Madagascar, where humans arrived in the last ~4 to 5,000 years, the exact causes of the demise of large vertebrates that cohabited with humans are yet unclear. The prevailing narrative holds that Madagascar was covered with forest before human arrival and that the expansion of grasslands was the result of human‐driven deforestation. However, recent studies have shown that vegetation and fauna structure substantially fluctuated during the Holocene. Here, we study the Holocene history of habitat fragmentation in the north of Madagascar using a population genetics approach. To do so, we infer the demographic history of two northern Madagascar neighbouring, congeneric and critically endangered forest dwelling lemur species—Propithecus tattersalli and Propithecus perrieri—using population genetic analyses. Our results highlight the necessity to consider population structure and changes in connectivity in demographic history inferences. We show that both species underwent demographic fluctuations which most likely occurred after the mid‐Holocene transition. While mid‐Holocene climate change probably triggered major demographic changes in the two lemur species range and connectivity, human settlements that expanded over the last four millennia in northern Madagascar likely played a role in the loss and fragmentation of the forest cover.
Intestinal epithelial claudins: expression and regulation in homeostasis and inflammation
Authors: Garcia‐Hernandez Vicky , Quiros Miguel , Nusrat Asma
Published: May 2017

The intestinal epithelium forms a highly dynamic and selective barrier that controls absorption of fluid and solutes while restricting pathogen access to underlying tissues. Barrier properties are achieved by intercellular junctions that include an apical tight junction (TJ) and subjacent adherens junctions and desmosomes. The TJ tetraspan claudin proteins form pores between epithelial cells to control paracellular fluid and ion movement. In addition to regulation of barrier function, claudin family members control epithelial homeostasis and are expressed in a spatiotemporal manner in the intestinal crypt–luminal axis. This delicate balance of physiologic differential claudin protein expression is altered during mucosal inflammation. Inflammatory mediators influence transcriptional regulation, as well as endocytic trafficking, targeting, and retention of claudins in the TJ. Increased expression of intestinal epithelial claudin‐1, ‐2, and ‐18 with downregulation of claudin‐3, ‐4, ‐5, ‐7, ‐8, and ‐12 has been observed in intestinal inflammatory disorders. Such changes in claudin proteins modify the epithelial barrier function in addition to influencing epithelial and mucosal homeostasis. An improved understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that control epithelial claudin proteins will provide strategies to strengthen the epithelial barrier function and restore mucosal homeostasis in inflammatory disorders.
Advance care planning with individuals experiencing homelessness: Literature review and recommendations for public health practice
Authors: Hubbell Sarah A.
Published: May 2017

Vulnerable populations in the United States experience disparities in access to advance care planning and may have significant unmet health care needs at the end of life, including unrelieved suffering. People who are homeless have increased morbidity and mortality risks, yet lack opportunities to communicate end‐of‐life preferences. This paper includes a narrative literature review of advance care planning interventions and qualitative investigations into end‐of‐life concerns among people experiencing homelessness. Trials of clinician‐guided interventions with homeless individuals demonstrated effectiveness in achieving advance directive completion and surrogate decision‐maker designation. End‐of‐life concerns among homeless persons included fears of dying alone, dying unnoticed, or remaining unidentified after death. Research participants also reported concerns regarding burial and notification of family members. Public health practitioners should facilitate advance care planning for people who are homeless by providing opportunities for education and discussion on care options and advance directives.
The Current Status of Research on the Integration of Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Services
Authors: Warren Charlotte E. , Mayhew Susannah H. , Hopkins Jonathan
Published: May 2017

Integration of services for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV has been widely promoted globally in the belief that both clients and health providers benefit through improvements in quality, efficient use of resources, and lower costs, helping to maximize limited health resources and provide comprehensive client‐centered care. This article builds on the growing body of research on integrated sexual SRH and HIV services. It brings together critical reviews on issues within the wider SRH and rights agenda and synthesizes recent research on integrated services, drawing on the Integra Initiative and other major research. Unintended pregnancy and HIV are intrinsically interrelated SRH issues, however broadening the constellation of services, scaling up, and mainstreaming integration continue to be challenging. Overcoming stigma, reducing gender‐based violence, and meeting key populations’ SRH needs are critical. Health systems research using SRH as the entry point for integrated services and interaction with communities and clients is needed to realize universal health coverage.
Weed communities respond to changes in the diversity of crop sequence composition and double cropping
Authors: Andrade J F , Satorre E H , Ermácora C M , Poggio S L
Published: May 2017

Agricultural intensification, besides increasing land productivity, also affects weed communities. We studied weed shifts in cropping sequences differing in the identity and number of crops grown. We also evaluated whether dissimilar weed communities in different cropping systems converge towards more similar communities, when the same sequence is cropped during 2 years. In three locations in the Rolling Pampa, Argentina, field experiments were conducted including five cropping systems in the first year (winter cereal/soyabean, field pea/soyabean, and field pea/maize double crops, and maize and soyabean as single crops), while the same sequence was grown in the following 2 years (wheat/soyabean double crop and maize). Changes in weed community composition and structure were analysed through multivariate analyses and frequency–species ranking plots. Weed communities differed first among sites, while weed shifts within each site were mainly associated with growing season and crop type. Differences among crop sequences were higher in the first year, mostly related to specific crop grown, rather than to the number of crops in the sequences. Differences were reduced when the same sequence was grown during two consecutive seasons. Frequency of highly common weeds was negatively associated with the number of days with high crop cover. Our findings contribute to understand weed shifts in consecutive growing seasons, which may help readapting crop sequences to reduce the occurrence of abundant weed species.
Non-commutative thickening of moduli spaces of stable sheaves
Authors: Toda Yukinobu
Published: May 2017

We show that the moduli spaces of stable sheaves on projective schemes admit certain non-commutative structures, which we call quasi-NC structures, generalizing Kapranov’s NC structures. The completion of our quasi-NC structure at a closed point of the moduli space gives a pro-representable hull of the non-commutative deformation functor of the corresponding sheaf developed by Laudal, Eriksen, Segal and Efimov–Lunts–Orlov. We also show that the framed stable moduli spaces of sheaves have canonical NC structures.
Theta bases are atomic
Authors: Mandel Travis
Published: May 2017

Fock and Goncharov conjectured that the indecomposable universally positive (i.e. atomic) elements of a cluster algebra should form a basis for the algebra. This was shown to be false by Lee, Li and Zelevinsky. However, we find that the theta bases of Gross, Hacking, Keel and Kontsevich do satisfy this conjecture for a slightly modified definition of universal positivity in which one replaces the positive atlas consisting of the clusters by an enlargement we call the scattering atlas. In particular, this uniquely characterizes the theta functions.
Functorial destackification of tame stacks with abelian stabilisers
Authors: Bergh Daniel
Published: May 2017

We give an algorithm for removing stackiness from smooth, tame Artin stacks with abelian stabilisers by repeatedly applying stacky blow-ups. The construction works over a general base and is functorial with respect to base change and compositions with gerbes and smooth, stabiliser-preserving maps. As applications, we indicate how the result can be used for destackifying general Deligne–Mumford stacks in characteristic$0$, and to obtain a weak factorisation theorem for such stacks. Over an arbitrary field, the method can be used to obtain a functorial algorithm for desingularising varieties with simplicial toric quotient singularities, without assuming the presence of a toroidal structure.
Coupled cell networks: Boolean perspective
Authors: Swirydowicz Katarzyna
Published: May 2017

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Martin Golubitsky and Ian Stewart В formulated and developed a theory of "coupled cell networks" (CCNs). Their research was primarily focused onquadrupeds' gaits and they applied the framework of differential equations. Golubitsky and Stewart were particularly interested in change of synchrony between $4$ legs of an animal. For example what happens when the animal speeds up from walk to gallop.В The most important concept of their theory is a {\it cell}. The cell captures the dynamics of one unit and a dynamical system consists of many identical (governed by the same principles) cells influencing (coupling to) each other. Models based on identical cooperating units are fairly common in many areas, especially in biology, ecology and sociology.В The goal of investigation in Coupled Cell Networks theory В is understanding the dependencies and interplay between dynamics of an individual cell, graph of connections between cells, and the nature of couplings.В \vspace*{0.2em}In this paper, I redefine Coupled Cell Networks using framework of Boolean functions. This moves the entire theory to a new setting. Some phenomena proved to be very similar as for continuous networks and some are completely different. Also, for discrete networks we ask questions differently and study different phenomena. The paper presents two examples: networks that bring 2-cell bidirectional ring as a quotient and networks that bring 3-cell bidirectional ring as a quotient.
A new species of Cydnipolipus (Acari: Heterostigmata: Podapolipidae), parasite of Cydnidae (Hexapoda: Hemiptera), Cydnipolipus patpsalmondsae on Lobostoma giganteum (Burmeister) in Honduras and on Onalips bisinuatus Froeschner in Brazil
Authors: Husband Robert Wayne , Husband David O.
Published: May 2017

A new species of parasitic mite, Cydnipolipus patpsalmondsae sp. nov. (Podapolipidae), is described from Lobostoma giganteum from Honduras and Onalips bisinuatus (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) from Brazil. The new species is compared with the single other species of the genus Cydnipolipus, Cydnipolipus miyamotoi Kurosa and Husband 1994, from Japan. A new distribution record of C. miyamotoi from Aethus indicus from Okinawa, Japan is reported.
Upper Echelons in Professional Sport: The Impact of NBA General Managers on Team Performance
Authors: Juravich Matthew , Salaga Steven , Babiak Kathy
Published: May 2017

This study integrates upper echelons theory into the sport management literature by investigating general manager (GM) strategic decision-making in the National Basketball Association. Specifically, this research examines individual contextual variables as they relate to the human resource decision-making tendencies of GMs. Utilizing 17 seasons of data on team performance and individual GM characteristics, we estimate two-stage panel regression models to examine the relationship between GM-related variables and organizational performance. We find that both GM technical experience and GM education are positively related to winning and efficiency. The results also illustrate the importance of acquiring elite-level talent and indicate positive returns to GMs whom are able to do so. These findings are relevant for team ownership and suggest a link between organizational performance and the personal characteristics of league GMs. The analysis furthers our understanding of the GM–team player talent–organizational performance relationship in professional sport.
Recreational Sport Participant Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men: An Exploratory Study of Participation, Religion, Socioeconomic Status, and Sexual Identity
Authors: Anderson Austin R.
Published: May 2017

This exploratory study investigated attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among the general student population of a midsized university, paying special attention to differences in demographic measures and attitudes across campus recreational sport participants and nonparticipants. Specifically, the study sought to investigate differences in attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among the following groups: campus recreational sporting participants/nonparticipants, differing religious affiliations, socioeconomic status classifications, and participant self-identified sexual orientation. This study used a modified version of the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men scale administered in person to acquire attitudinal scores and demographics of respondents. Multivariate analysis of variance statistical testing procedures were used, revealing significant differences in attitudes of campus recreational sport participants based on religion, and sexual orientation. Overall, participants who identified as Evangelical Christian held more negative attitudes toward nonnormative sexualities than Roman Catholic or nonreligious participants, and participants who identified as heterosexual held more negative attitudes than gay or lesbian participants.
Perceptions of Higher Education Administrators regarding the Role of Club Sports in the Recruitment and Retention of Male Students
Authors: Weaver Anthony G. , Forte Drew J. , McFadden Cara W.
Published: May 2017

A current challenge for higher education is the declining trend of men attending college. Because of this downward trend, universities are working hard to attract male students. Club sports are a potential strategy to help recruit and retain male students. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of higher education administrators concerning the role club sports play in recruiting and retaining male students. Using a case study approach, administrators at four North Carolina schools were interviewed. In addition, campus tours and club sports facilities were observed, and document analysis was conducted on admissions, campus recreation, and club sports brochures, pamphlets and webpages. Results indicated that club sports are used at each institution to recruit and retain male students at varying levels. Although challenges exist, administrators acknowledged the possibility for success with a specific male market interested in club sport.
Game Theory for Cyber Security and Privacy
Authors: Do Cuong T. , Tran Nguyen H. , Hong Choongseon , Kamhoua Charles A. , Kwiat Kevin A. , Blasch Erik , Ren Shaolei , Pissinou Niki , Iyengar Sundaraja Sitharama
Published: May 2017

In this survey, we review the existing game-theoretic approaches for cyber security and privacy issues, categorizing their application into two classes, security and privacy. To show how game theory is utilized in cyberspace security and privacy, we select research regarding three main applications: cyber-physical security, communication security, and privacy. We present game models, features, and solutions of the selected works and describe their advantages and limitations from design to implementation of the defense mechanisms. We also identify some emerging trends and topics for future research. This survey not only demonstrates how to employ game-theoretic approaches to security and privacy but also encourages researchers to employ game theory to establish a comprehensive understanding of emerging security and privacy problems in cyberspace and potential solutions.
Dirty-Block Tracking in a Direct-Mapped DRAM Cache with Self-Balancing Dispatch
Authors: Lee Dongwoo , Lee Sangheon , Ryu Soojung , Choi Kiyoung
Published: May 2017

Recently, processors have begun integrating 3D stacked DRAMs with the cores on the same package, and there have been several approaches to effectively utilizing the on-package DRAMs as caches. This article presents an approach that combines the previous approaches in a synergistic way by devising a module called the dirty-block tracker to maintain the dirtiness of each block in a dirty region. The approach avoids unnecessary tag checking for a write operation if the corresponding block in the cache is not dirty. Our simulation results show that the proposed technique achieves a 10.3% performance improvement on average over the state-of-the-art DRAM cache technique.
Fluid Petri Nets for the Performance Evaluation of MapReduce and Spark Applications
Authors: Gianniti Eugenio , Rizzi Alessandro Maria , Barbierato Enrico , Gribaudo Marco , Ardagna Danilo
Published: May 2017

Big Data applications allow to successfully analyze large amounts of data not necessarily structured, though at the same time they present new challenges. For example, predicting the performance of frameworks such as Hadoop and Spark can be a costly task, hence the necessity to provide models that can be a valuable support for designers and developers. Big Data systems are becoming a central force in society and the use of models can also enable the development of intelligent systems providing Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees to their users through runtime system reconfiguration. This paper provides a new contribution in studying a novel modeling approach based on fluid Petri nets to predict MapReduce and Spark applications execution time which is suitable for runtime performance prediction. Models have been validated by an extensive experimental campaign performed at CINECA, the Italian supercomputing center, and on the Microsoft Azure HDInsight data platform. Results have shown that the achieved accuracy is around 9.5% for Map Reduce and about 10% for Spark of the actual measurements on average.
Overcoming the lack of kinetic information in biochemical reactions networks
Authors: Totis Niccoló , Follia Laura , Riganti Chiara , Novelli Francesco , Cordero Francesca , Beccuti Marco
Published: May 2017

A main aspect in computational modelling of biological systems is the determination of model structure and model parameters. Due to economical and technical reasons, only part of these details are well characterized, while the rest are unknown. To deal with this difficulty, many reverse engineering and parameter estimation methods have been proposed in the literature, however these methods often need an amount of experimental data not always available.

In this paper we propose an alternative approach, which overcomes model indetermination solving an Optimization Problem (OP) with an objective function that, similarly to Flux Balance Analysis, is derived from an empirical biological knowledge and does not require large amounts of data. The system behaviour is described by a set of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE). Model indetermination is resolved selecting time-varying coefficients that maximize/ minimize the objective function at each ODE integration step. Moreover, to facilitate the modelling phase we provide a graphical formalism, based on Petri Nets, which can be used to derive the corresponding ODEs and OP. Finally, the approach is illustrated on a case study focused on cancer metabolism.
Mechanisms and Functions of Spatial Protein Quality Control
Authors: Sontag Emily Mitchell , Samant Rahul S. , Frydman Judith
Published: May 2017

A healthy proteome is essential for cell survival. Protein misfolding is linked to a rapidly expanding list of human diseases, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to aging and cancer. Many of these diseases are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in intra- and extracellular inclusions, such as amyloid plaques. The clear link between protein misfolding and disease highlights the need to better understand the elaborate machinery that manages proteome homeostasis, or proteostasis, in the cell. Proteostasis depends on a network of molecular chaperones and clearance pathways involved in the recognition, refolding, and/or clearance of aberrant proteins. Recent studies reveal that an integral part of the cellular management of misfolded proteins is their spatial sequestration into several defined compartments. Here, we review the properties, function, and formation of these compartments. Spatial sequestration plays a central role in protein quality control and cellular fitness and represents a critical link to the pathogenesis of protein aggregation-linked diseases.
Statin Use, Serum Lipids, and Prostate Inflammation in Men with a Negative Prostate Biopsy: Results from the REDUCE Trial
Authors: Allott Emma H. , Howard Lauren E. , Vidal Adriana C. , Moreira Daniel M. , Castro-Santamaria Ramiro , Andriole Gerald L. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: May 2017

Statin use is associated with lower advanced prostate cancer risk. In addition to cholesterol lowering, statins have systemic anti-inflammatory properties. However, their effect on histologic prostate inflammation is not well understood, particularly among men at increased prostate cancer risk but with a negative prostate biopsy. We examined associations between serum lipid levels, statin use, and histologic prostate inflammation using data from 6,655 men with a negative baseline prostate biopsy in the REduction by DUtasteride of prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial. Statin use and lipid levels [total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides] were assessed at baseline. Inflammation was assessed by central review. Logistic regression was used to examine the effects of lipids and statin use on presence and extent of chronic and acute prostate inflammation [none, moderate (<20%), severe (≥20% biopsy cores)]. Chronic and acute inflammation affected 77% and 15% of men, respectively. Men with high HDL (≥60 vs. <40 mg/dL) had reduced presence of acute inflammation [OR, 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63–0.99] and were less likely to have severe acute inflammation (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45–0.97), but there were no other associations between lipids and inflammation. Statin users had reduced presence of chronic inflammation (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69–0.95) and were less likely to have severe chronic (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68–0.95) and severe acute inflammation (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53–1.00), relative to non-users. Given the possible role for inflammation in prostate cancer, the inverse association between statins and prostate inflammation suggests a mechanism linking statins with lower advanced prostate cancer risk. Cancer Prev Res; 10(6); 319–26. ©2017 AACR.
To Treat or Not to Treat
Authors: Appelros Peter , Farahmand Bahman , Terént Andreas , Åsberg Signild
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Anticoagulant treatment is effective for preventing recurrent ischemic strokes in patients who have atrial fibrillation. This benefit is paid by a small increase of hemorrhages. Anticoagulant-related hemorrhages seem to increase with age, but there are few studies showing whether the benefits of treatment persist in old age.

Methods—

For this observational study, 4 different registers were used, among them Riksstroke, the Swedish Stroke Register. Patients who have had a recent ischemic stroke, were 80 to 100 years of age, and had atrial fibrillation, were included from 2006 through 2013. The patients were stratified into 3 age groups: 80 to 84, 85 to 89, and ≥90 years of age. Information on stroke severity, risk factors, drugs, and comorbidities was gathered from the registers. The patients were followed with respect to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, other hemorrhages, or death.

Results—

Of all 23 356 patients with atrial fibrillation, 6361 (27%) used anticoagulants after an ischemic stroke. Anticoagulant treatment was associated with less recurrent ischemic stroke in all age groups. Hemorrhages increased most in the ≥90-year age group, but this did not offset the overall beneficial effect of the anticoagulant. Apart from age, no other cardiovascular risk factor or comorbidity was identified that influenced the risk of anticoagulant-associated hemorrhage. Drugs other than anticoagulants did not influence the incidence of major hemorrhage.

Conclusions—

Given the patient characteristics in this study, there is room for more patients to be treated with anticoagulants, without hemorrhages to prevail. In nonagenarians, hemorrhages increased somewhat more, but this did not affect the overall outcome in this age stratum.
On Proportions of Fit Individuals in Population of Mutation-Based Evolutionary Algorithm with Tournament Selection
Authors: Eremeev Anton V.
Published: May 2017

In this article, we consider a fitness-level model of a non-elitist mutation-only evolutionary algorithm (EA) with tournament selection. The model provides upper and lower bounds for the expected proportion of the individuals with fitness above given thresholds. In the case of so-called monotone mutation, the obtained bounds imply that increasing the tournament size improves the EA performance. As corollaries, we obtain an exponentially vanishing tail bound for the Randomized Local Search on unimodal functions and polynomial upper bounds on the runtime of EAs on the 2-SAT problem and on a family of Set Cover problems proposed by E. Balas.
Overlapping Mental Magisteria: Implications of Experimental Psychology for a Theory of Religious Belief as Misattribution
Authors: Galen Luke
Published: May 2017

Subjective religious and spiritual experiences (rs) are believed by many to be reliable indicators of external agency. A set of related phenomena are used to support this view that typically involve intuitions or attributions of mental interaction or experiences withrsagents. The present review integrates empirical findings from the fields of the Cognitive Sciences of Religion, experimental social psychology, and neuropsychology to support the position that individuals misattributersthoughts and experiences. That is, these experiences are believed to be veridical indicators of external agency when in fact they are subject to materialistic causal influences. This tendency varies as a function of individual differences and contextual conditions.rsphenomena can be artificially generated in a way that is phenomenologically indistinguishable from spontaneous experiences. Intuitions of external agency are rationalized and confabulated, leaving the mistaken impression of validation by analytic processes. The theoretical and philosophical implications of findings are discussed.
Some Comments on the Alleged Innateness of Religion
Authors: Purzycki Benjamin Grant
Published: May 2017

This response assesses the claim that Barrett views religious beliefs as non-cultural entities that stem from “innate” cognitive systems “meant for” a “singular idea of God.” By briefly reviewing the literature and Barrett’s actual position—that people are especially sensitive to learning religious beliefs by virtue of cognitive systems that function in domains more mundane than religion—I conclude that the target article misrepresents Barrett’s views about the naturalness of religion.