bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug–drug interactions of cytostatics with regular medicines in lung cancer patients
Authors: Rompelman Florentine MV , Smit Adrianus AJ , Franssen Eric JF , Crul Mirjam
Published: August 2016

Background

Lung cancer patients have a high risk for drug–drug interactions, as they use numerous types of concomitant medicines including antineoplastic agents, cancer treatment co-medication, and medicines aimed at several types of comorbidities.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to determine the incidence and the clinical relevance of the drug–drug interactions between antineoplastic agents and regular medication used by lung cancer patients. Secondary objectives are (i) to determine the effectiveness of the medication review by the hospital pharmacists concerned, (ii) to establish which patients are most at risk of drug–drug interactions and (iii) to determine whether physicians comply with advice given by hospital pharmacists.

Setting

This prospective study was undertaken in a Dutch hospital pharmacy, at Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG), Amsterdam.

Methods

All lung cancer patients receiving one or more cytotoxic agents during the period 21 June 2010 till 2 December 2014 at OLVG were included. The medication list of the patients was obtained electronically from the community pharmacy and checked for interactions by a hospital pharmacist. Interactions that required intervention according to the national database were the only ones taken into account. Interventions were recorded in the patients’ electronic charts. All medication reviews were cross-checked and analyzed by an independent pharmacist at the end of the study period.

Main outcome measure

Prevalence and clinical relevance of drug–drug interactions between antineoplastic agents and other types of medication in lung cancer patients.

Results

A total of 298 lung cancer patients were included in this study. In 53 patients (18%), a total of 73 interactions with potential clinical relevance were found. The most frequent interaction was between cytostatics and coumarins while the most relevant one was between cisplatin and furosemide. According to statistical analysis, gender as well as the number of drugs prescribed were significant predictors for drug–drug interactions. Eighty-four percent of the interactions were discovered by pharmacists during daily routine. In 92% of the cases, the pulmonary physicians complied with the advice of the pharmacist.

Conclusion

Eighteen percent of lung cancer patients treated with cytotoxic therapy had one or more relevant drug–drug interactions. This study shows that medication surveillance by a hospital pharmacist is necessary to prevent possible negative drug–drug interactions. Further research should focus on the clinical outcome of the interactions as well as on interactions between cytostatics and alternative medicines and/or over-the-counter medicines.
Daily Associations of Stress and Eating in Mother–Child Dyads
Authors: Dunton Genevieve F. , Dzubur Eldin , Huh Jimi , Belcher Britni R. , Maher Jaclyn P. , O’Connor Sydney , Margolin Gayla
Published: August 2016

Background and Aims. This study used Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in mother–child dyads to examine the day-level associations of stress and eating. Method. Mothers and their 8- to 12-year-old children ( N = 167 dyads) completed between three (weekday) and eight (weekend) EMA survey prompts per day at random nonschool times across 8 days. EMA measured perceived stress, and past 2-hour healthy (i.e., fruit and vegetables) and unhealthy (e.g., pastries/sweets, soda/energy drinks) eating. Results. Children reported more healthy and unhealthy eating on days when their mothers also engaged in more healthy and unhealthy eating, respectively. On days when mothers’ perceived stress was greater than usual, they reported more healthy eating. Discussion and Conclusions. Eating behaviors were coupled between mothers and children at the day level. Mothers’ stress was related to their own eating but not to children’s eating.
Current Status and Future of Skin Substitutes for Chronic Wound Healing
Authors: Nicholas Mathew N. , Yeung Jensen
Published: August 2016

Chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and arterial insufficiency ulcers, are both difficult and expensive to treat. Conventional wound care may sometimes lead to suboptimal wound healing and significant morbidity and mortality for patients. The use of skin substitutes provides an alternative therapy showing superior efficacy and, in some cases, similar cost-effectiveness compared to traditional treatments. This review discusses the different types of currently available commercial skin substitutes for use in chronic wounds as well as the paucity of strong evidence supporting their use. It then delves into the limitations of these skin substitutes and examines the most recent research targeting these limitations.
Tagging: Deviant behavior or adolescent rites of passage?
Authors: Brown Gregory Hippolyte , Brunelle Lisa M , Malhotra Vikas
Published: August 2016

Tagging is a category of graffiti defined as a stylized signature, monogram, word, or name marked on public and private physical spaces. It is an illegal action seen as a disfigurement to many communities, yet it remains a pre-occupation for adolescents worldwide. This theoretical article explores the hidden aspects of taggers and their subculture. We argue that tagging is a ritualistic act that is part of a psychological growth process suggestive of Arnold van Gennep and Victor Turner’s research on traditional rites of passage practices. We use the developmental theories of Winnicott and Erikson to investigate how these rites of passage experiences are integrated into the adolescent tagger’s psyche. Graffiti writing gives taggers the freedom to discover different aspects of the self; a dynamic interaction with unconscious processes that mirror traditional rites of passage rituals.
Structural displacement and strain monitoring based on the edge detection operator
Authors: Lu Wei , Cui Yan , Teng Jun
Published: August 2016

To decrease the cost of instrumentation for the strain and displacement monitoring method that uses sensors as well as considers the structural health monitoring challenges in sensor installation, it is necessary to develop a machine vision-based monitoring method. For this method, the most important step is the accurate extraction of the image feature. In this article, the edge detection operator based on multi-scale structure elements and the compound mathematical morphological operator is proposed to provide improved image feature extraction. The proposed method can not only achieve an improved filtering effect and anti-noise ability but can also detect the edge more accurately. Furthermore, the required image features (vertex of a square calibration board and centroid of a circular target) can be accurately extracted using the extracted image edge information. For validation, the monitoring tests for the structural local mean strain and in-plane displacement were designed accordingly. Through analysis of the error between the measured and calculated values of the structural strain and displacement, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed edge detection operator are verified.
Drone casino mimesis: Telewarfare and civil militarization
Authors: Pugliese Joseph
Published: August 2016

This article stages an examination of the complex imbrication of contemporary civil society with war and militarized violence. I ground my investigation in the context of the increasing cooption of civil sites, practices and technologies by the United States military in order to facilitate their conduct of war and the manner in which drone warfare has now been seamlessly accommodated within major metropolitan cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada. In the context of the article, I coin and deploy the term civil militarization. Civil militarization articulates the colonizing of civilian sites, practices and technologies by the military; it names the conversion of such civilian technologies as video games and mobile phones into technologies of war; and it addresses the now quasi-seamless flow that telewarfare enables between military sites and the larger suburban grid and practices of everyday life. In examining drone kills in the context of Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, I bring into focus a new military configuration that I term ‘drone casino mimesis’.
The effect of police paramilitary unit raids on crime at micro-places in Buffalo, New York
Authors: Phillips Scott W , Wheeler Andrew , Kim Dae-Young
Published: August 2016

This study examines the deterrent effect of the short-term application of police paramilitary units. The police in Buffalo conducted 39 police paramilitary unit raids during a two-day period in 2012. It is hypothesized that if police paramilitary units are used then there will be a reduction in calls for service, Part 1 crimes and drug arrests. The effect of the police paramilitary unit raids at micro-place street units was estimated by drawing a comparable sample of control units via propensity score modeling. A fixed effects negative binomial panel model was estimated for counts 35 weeks before and 35 weeks after the intervention. Calls for service and drug arrests increased in the treated areas compared with controls. There is slight evidence of a deterrent effect for Part 1 crimes in the two weeks after the intervention. The null findings suggest that, at best, police paramilitary unit raids have a short-term deterrent effect on crime.
What is known and not known about volunteer policing in the United States
Authors: Dobrin Adam , Wolf Ross
Published: August 2016

Volunteer police have always been a part of policing, and currently field approximately 20% of the numbers of full-time paid officers in the United States. Given this long history and significant participation, it is surprising how little is known about this aspect of policing. This article reviews what is known about modern volunteer police in the United States, then explores what is not known. The implications for future research include a discussion of what researchers “need to know” and “should know” in order to have valuable evidence to guide evidence-based decision making for relevant stakeholders and policy-makers.
In situ process monitoring for automated fibre placement using fibre Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Oromiehie Ebrahim , Prusty B Gangadhara , Compston Paul , Rajan Ginu
Published: August 2016

The potential for increased productivity offered by automated fibre placement method has opened up a wider range of applications as well as new markets for composite materials. However, like many other manufacturing methods, different flaws such as voids or delamination may still occur during or after lay-up. Therefore, the use of automated fibre placement as an open-mould process where fibre/tape material is fed brings with it a need and an opportunity to establish a reliable inspection and monitoring method to ensure structural integrity not only after fabrication but also one step earlier, during the manufacturing process. Since optical fibre–based photonic sensing technologies are increasingly common for structural health monitoring of composite structures, selection of optical fibre Bragg grating sensors for manufacturing process monitoring has been successfully implemented here. Experiments are carried out on glass fibre/high-density polyethylene laminates with embedded fibre Bragg grating in the automated fibre placement method. The lay-up process conditions are monitored by the fibre Bragg grating sensors via measuring the reflected wavelengths which are related to pressure and temperature. The results presented in this article indicate that fibre Bragg grating sensing technique can be reliably employed for online monitoring of lay-up process to ensure the quality of final product.
In-Between Mobile Maps and Media: Movement
Authors: Wilmott Clancy
Published: August 2016

This article moves beyond the textuality of the map to focus on the way in which mobile mapping is constructed discursively, semiotically, and experientially. It centers on the autoethnographic and reflective experience of the researcher analyzing video and Global Positioning System (GPS) recordings of walking interviews, during which the interviewees conversed about, and engaged in, mobile mapping practices. This reductive process can be considered in light of its re-presentation to the researcher for analytical purposes—a ghostly abstraction of a past spatial experience. The article considers the manifold hauntings stirred in the process of abstraction and the creation of multiple layers of experience: that of the firsthand experience of the walking interview and that of the secondhand analysis of the video and geocoded data. The discrepancy between firsthand movement and secondhand analysis underscores questions about the relationship between mobile maps, representation, and movement and about those epistemologies and ontologies that haunt the interstices between individual records.
Monday Night Football and the Racial Roots of the Network TV Event
Authors: Vogan Travis
Published: August 2016

Launched in 1970, American Broadcasting Company’s (ABC) Monday Night Football made live prime time sports television viable when most sports broadcasts were relegated to weekends. It did so in part by packaging games for a crossover viewership. To this end, it suppressed racial divisiveness that might splinter the mainstream audience it sought. ABC parlayed Monday Night Football’s widespread popularity into prime time TV events beyond sports broadcasts that grew out of the programming flows it established and reflected its racial politics, including the made-for-TV melodrama Brian’s Song (1971) and the miniseries Roots (1977). Like Monday Night Football, these marquee TV events courted a crossover audience in part by downplaying racial discord. Although overlooked in scholarship that historicizes and critiques network television’s racial politics, Monday Night Football established intersecting representational conventions and programming norms that informed the mediation of race on some of U.S. television’s most visible, celebrated, and influential TV events.
An Automated Test of Rat Forelimb Supination Quantifies Motor Function Loss and Recovery After Corticospinal Injury
Authors: Sindhurakar Anil , Butensky Samuel D. , Meyers Eric , Santos Joshua , Bethea Thelma , Khalili Ashley , Sloan Andrew P. , Rennaker Robert L. , Carmel Jason B.
Published: August 2016

Background. Rodents are the primary animal model of corticospinal injury and repair, yet current behavioral tests do not show the large deficits after injury observed in humans. Forearm supination is critical for hand function and is highly impaired by corticospinal injury in both humans and rats. Current tests of rodent forelimb function do not measure this movement. Objective. To determine if quantification of forelimb supination in rats reveals large-scale functional loss and partial recovery after corticospinal injury. Methods. We developed a knob supination device that quantifies supination using automated and objective methods. Rats in a reaching box have to grasp and turn a knob in supination in order to receive a food reward. Performance on this task and the single pellet reaching task were measured before and after 2 manipulations of the pyramidal tract: a cut lesion of 1 pyramid and inactivation of motor cortex using 2 different drug doses. Results. A cut lesion of the corticospinal tract produced a large deficit in supination. In contrast, there was no change in pellet retrieval success. Supination function recovered partially over 6 weeks after injury, and a large deficit remained. Motor cortex inactivation produced a dose-dependent loss of knob supination; the effect on pellet reaching was more subtle. Conclusions. The knob supination task reveals in rodents 3 signature hand function changes observed in humans with corticospinal injury: (1) large-scale loss with injury, (2) partial recovery in the weeks after injury, and (3) loss proportional to degree of dysfunction.
Leading Change Authentically
Authors: Alavi Seyyed Babak , Gill Carol
Published: August 2016

Organizational change has become complex and challenging, and employee attitudes and beliefs toward change are even more important. This article proposes a theoretical framework on how authentic leadership may influence followers’ change-oriented attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through follower psychological resources including hope, trust, optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience, which influence readiness for change and change implementation. We maintain that an authentic leader’s behavior can influence his or her followers’ change-oriented behaviors in participation in decision-making processes and change initiatives, organization citizenship behavior, organizational learning processes, and forming coalition for change. We developed propositions for further empirical investigation.
Ethical Considerations in Research Participation Virality
Authors: Ellis-Barton Carol
Published: August 2016

This article seeks to commence and encourage discussion around the upcoming ethical challenges of virality in network structures. When the call for participation in a research project on lupus in Ireland went from an advertisement in a newsletter to a meme (unit of transmissible information) on a closed Facebook page, the ethical considerations of virality were raised. The article analyzes the Association of Internet Researchers guidelines, Facebook policies, and the context of privacy in relation to virality. Virality creates the leverage for methodological pluralism. The nature of the inquiry can determine the method rather than the other way around. Viral ethical considerations are evolving due to the cyber world becoming the primary meme of communication, with flexibility in the researcher’s protocol providing opportunities for efficient, cost-effective, and diverse recruitment.
Upper and Lower Body Muscle Power Increases After 3-Month Resistance Training in Overweight and Obese Men
Authors: Zemková Erika , Kyselovičová Oľga , Jeleň Michal , Kováčiková Zuzana , Ollé Gábor , Štefániková Gabriela , Vilman Tomáš , Baláž Miroslav , Kurdiová Timea , Ukropec Jozef , Ukropcová Barbara
Published: August 2016

This study evaluates the effect of 3 months resistance and aerobic training on muscle strength and power in 17 male overweight and obese men. Subjects underwent either a resistance or aerobic training for a period of 3 months (three sessions per week). Peak isometric force, rate of force development, peak power and height of countermovement and squat jumps, reactive strength index, and mean power in the concentric phase of bench presses were all assessed prior to and after completing the training program. Results identified a significant increase of mean power during both countermovement bench presses at 30 kg (18.6%, p = .021), 40 kg (14.6%, p = .033), and 50 kg (13.1%, p = .042) and concentric-only bench presses at 30 kg (19.6%, p = .017) and 40 kg (13.9%, p = .037) after the resistance training. There was also a significant increase in the height of the jump (12.8%, p = .013), peak power (10.1%, p = .026), and peak velocity (9.7%, p = .037) during the countermovement jump and height of the jump (11.8%, p = .019), peak power (9.6%, p = .032), and peak velocity (9.5%, p = .040) during the squat jump. There were no significant changes in the reactive strength index, peak force, and the rate of force development after the resistance training. The aerobic group failed to show any significant improvements in these parameters. It may be concluded that 3 months of resistance training without caloric restriction enhances upper and lower body muscle power in overweight and obese men.
Transarterial venous sinus occlusion of dural arteriovenous fistulas using ONYX
Authors: Torok Collin M , Nogueira Raul G , Yoo Albert J , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M , Hirsch Joshua A , Stapleton Christopher J , Patel Aman B , Rabinov James D
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a case series of transarterial venous sinus occlusion for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses.

Materials and methods

From 2006 to 2012, 11 patients with DAVF of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses were treated with transarterial closure of the affected venous sinus using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (ONYX). The consecutive retrospective cohort included six female and five male patients with an age range of 30–79. Patients presented with stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, seizure, headache, focal neurologic deficit or cognitive change. Lesions were categorized as Cognard II a + b ( n = 5) or Cognard II b ( n = 6). Four of this latter group consisted of isolated sinus segments. Selection criteria for dural sinus occlusion included direct multi-hole fistulas involving a broad surface in length or circumference of the sinus wall. External carotid artery (ECA) branches were directly embolized when considered safe. High-risk arterial supply from ICA, PICA, AICA or ECA cranial nerve branches were closed via retrograde approach during sinus occlusion.

Results

DAVF closure was accomplished in all 11 patients with a total of 17 embolization procedures using ONYX. High-risk arterial collaterals were closed via artery-artery or artery-sinus-artery embolization. The vein of Labbe was spared in the four cases with initial antegrade flow. No neurologic complications occurred, and DAVF closures were durable on three-month angiography.

Conclusion

Transarterial closure of the transverse and sigmoid sinuses.
Diminished supraspinal pain modulation in patients with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Leung Albert , Shukla Shivshil , Yang Eric , Canlas Bryan , Kadokana Mawj , Heald Jason , Davani Ariea , Song David , Lin Lisa , Polston Greg , Tsai Alice , Lee Roland
Published: August 2016

Background

Chronic pain conditions are highly prevalent in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Supraspinal diffuse axonal injury is known to dissociate brain functional connectivity in these patients. The effect of this dissociated state on supraspinal pain network is largely unknown. A functional magnetic resonance imaging study was conducted to compare the supraspinal pain network in patients with mild traumatic brain injury to the gender and age-matched healthy controls with the hypothesis that the functional connectivities of the medial prefrontal cortices, a supraspinal pain modulatory region to other pain-related sensory discriminatory and affective regions in the mild traumatic brain injury subjects are significantly reduced in comparison to healthy controls.

Results

The mild traumatic brain injury group ( N = 15) demonstrated significantly ( P < 0.01, cluster threshold > 150 voxels) less activities in the thalamus, pons, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and medial prefrontal cortices than the healthy control group ( N = 15). Granger Causality Analyses (GCA) indicated while the left medial prefrontal cortices of the healthy control group cast a noticeable degree of outward (to affect) causality inference to multiple pain processing related regions, this outward inference pattern was not observed in the mild traumatic brain injury group. On the other hand, only patients’ bilateral anterior cingulate cortex received multiple inward (to be affected) causality inferences from regions including the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices and the inferior parietal lobe. Resting state functional connectivity analyses indicated that the medial prefrontal cortices of the mild traumatic brain injury group demonstrated a significantly ( P < 0.01, F = 3.6, cluster size > 150 voxels) higher degree of functional connectivity to the inferior parietal lobe, premotor and secondary somatosensory cortex than the controls. Conversely, the anterior cingulate cortex of the healthy group demonstrated significantly ( P < 0.01, F = 3.84, cluster size > 150 voxels) less degree of functional connectivities to the inferior parietal lobe and secondary somatosensory cortex than their mild traumatic brain injury counterparts.

Conclusions

In short, the current study demonstrates that patients with mild traumatic brain injury and headaches appear to have an altered state of supraspinal modulatory and affective functions related to pain perception.
Recommendations for Using Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (rtCGM) Data for Insulin Adjustments in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pettus Jeremy , Edelman Steven V.
Published: August 2016

The clinical benefits of real time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) use have been well demonstrated in both CSII- and MDI-treated individuals in large clinical trials. However, recommendations for patient use of rtCGM in everyday life situations are lacking. This article provides guidance to clinicians and patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in effective use of rtCGM data, including glucose rate of change (ROC) arrows, for insulin dosing adjustments and other treatment decisions. The recommendations presented here are based on our own clinical experiences as endocrinologists, our personal experiences living with T1D using rtCGM, and findings from a recent survey of T1D patients who have successfully used rtCGM in their self-management. It is important that both clinicians and people with diabetes understand the utility and limitations of rtCGM. Maintaining a collaborative clinician-user relationship remains an important factor in safe, successful rtCGM use.
Is size an essential criterion to define tumefactive plaque? MR features and clinical correlation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patriarca Lucia , Torlone Silvia , Ferrari Fabiana , Di Carmine Caterina , Totaro Rocco , di Cesare Ernesto , Splendiani Alessandra
Published: August 2016

Tumefactive multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It has recently been described as a rare subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS) characterised by the appearance of solitary or multiple space-occupying lesions associated with imaging characteristics mimicking neoplasm. Atypical features include plaque size >2 cm with mass effect, oedema, and/or ring enhancement on magnetic resonance (MR) images.

This study is a retrospective review designed to evaluate the prevalence of tumefactive plaques in a selected population of 440 MS patients referred to our MS centre in Southern Italy between 2005 and 2014. We analysed the radiographic features of lesions ranging in size from 0.5 to 2 cm to establish whether smaller plaques with MR characteristics similar to tumefactive plaques present different symptoms, disease evolution and prognosis. We also aimed to ascertain if MR features suggestive of biological aggressiveness could be useful prognostic criteria for a correct diagnosis of the disease and subsequent treatment. Our data suggest that lesions 0.5–2 cm and >2 cm have similar MR features and clinical evolution.
Neuroimaging findings in acute pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Barrot Alaysia , Huisman Thierry AGM , Poretti Andrea
Published: August 2016

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a state of severe insulin deficiency and a serious complication in children with diabetes mellitus type 1. In a small number of children, DKA is complicated by injury of the central nervous system. These children have a significant mortality and high long-term neurological morbidity. Cerebral edema is the most common neuroimaging finding in children with DKA and may cause brain herniation. Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during the acute DKA episode is less common and accounts for approximately 10% of intracerebral complications of DKA. Here we present the neuroimaging findings of two children with DKA and brain injury. Familiarity with the spectrum of neuroimaging findings seen in pediatric DKA is important to allow early detection as well as initiation of therapy and, hence, prevent complications of the central nervous system.
Estimation of the prevalence of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas in the French population through patients waiting for liver transplantation
Authors: Laurent Lucie , Vullierme Marie‐Pierre , Rebours Vinciane , Maire Frédérique , Hentic Olivia , Francoz Claire , Durand François , Ruszniewski Philippe , Lévy Philippe
Published: August 2016

Background and aims

Some studies have explored the prevalence of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Only one study based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) report examination focused specifically on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) in a European general population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of IPMN in a population of patients who had MRI for a non‐pancreatic disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, single‐center study. All consecutive patients placed on the French liver transplant waiting list who had MRI for a non‐pancreatic disease before liver transplantation between 2009 and 2013 were included. Only diagnoses consistent with IPMN were retained (cyst(s) clearly communicating with the main pancreatic duct).

Results

Among 315 patients on the national waiting list, 212 patients had an MRI. PCLs with ductal communication were diagnosed in 14 patients (6.6%; six women, eight men, median age 62 years (45–70)). Liver disease was caused by a virus in seven cases, alcohol in three cases, other in four cases (multiple causes possible). Four patients had hepatocellular carcinoma. No patient had clinical or radiological sign of chronic pancreatitis. The median diameter of the largest cystic lesion was 14 mm (7–22). The number of PCLs was one (n  = 4), two (n  = 2), four (n  = 3), five (n  = 2), > 5 (n  = 3), respectively. There was no worrisome or main pancreatic duct involvement.

Conclusions

Prevalence of pancreatic cystic lesions consistent with the diagnosis of IPMN was 6.6% in French patients waiting for liver transplantation. These results underscore that IPMN can be considered as a public health problem and justify a screening.
Progressive and Conservative “Freedom” Through the Lens of FOX and MSNBC
Authors: McDonald Lauren E. , Morgaine Karen
Published: August 2016

This research examines the framing of health care and immigration policy debates by high profile cable television (TV) pundits on FOX News and MSNBC. The study uses an interpretive framework to apply Lakoff’s (2006) conceptualization of “freedom” as a contested idea within political discourse in the United States. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine 322 TV transcripts. Findings indicate that in both the health care debates of 2009 and immigration debates of 2010, conservative and progressive cable TV pundits overtly drew on deep frames that produced inherently contradictory conceptualizations of “freedom” in political discourse. Conservatives framed government health care as an intrusion on personal freedom, yet applauded government intervention on the issue of immigration in the name of security, whereas progressives framed access to health care as security for the greater good, while viewing immigration legislation as racial profiling and a violation of personal freedom. Employing a qualitative approach to the study of cable TV pundits provides insight into how framing processes are communicated and reinforced in the midst of political debate.
Mismatch Analysis of Elementary School Furniture in Several Regions of Central Java, Indonesia, and Redesign Recommendations
Authors: Rosyidi Cucuk Nur , Susmartini Susy , Purwaningrum Lulu , Muraki Satoshi
Published: August 2016

The aim of this article was to determine the mismatch between the existing desks and chairs in elementary schools and the anthropometric measurements of students in several regions of Central Java, Indonesia. Based on the mismatch, recommendations are given to improve the fit of the desks and chairs with the students’ anthropometry. Five critical dimensions of desk and chair were included in the analysis: seat height (SH), seat depth (SD), seat width (SW), desk height (DH), and under-desk clearance (DC). The analysis provided three critical chair dimensions and two critical desk dimensions with a high degree of mismatch. ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed to determine the grouping of students’ anthropometric data. Four sizes of chair and three sizes of desk are proposed based on the results of the analysis. The proposed dimensions lower mismatch more than the existing dimensions.
Adaptive Motivation and Emotion in Education
Authors: Linnenbrink-Garcia Lisa , Patall Erika A. , Pekrun Reinhard
Published: August 2016

Students frequently experience various types of motivation and emotion that contribute to their engagement and learning. However, translating research on motivation and emotion into educational practice and policy has so far been limited. To facilitate greater synergy among research, practice, and policy, this overview addresses educationally relevant motivation and emotion. This summary discusses different forms of motivation or emotion, their relevant theoretical basis, evidence on how they relate to academic engagement and learning, and potential classroom supports for adaptive motivation and emotion. The article concludes with five instructional design principles that can guide educators and policymakers in promoting adaptive student motivation and emotion: (a) support students’ feelings of competence, (b) enhance autonomy, (c) use personally relevant and active tasks, (d) emphasize learning and de-emphasize social comparison, and (e) encourage feelings of belonging.
Using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound as a Means to Provide Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: McClure Ashley
Published: August 2016

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)–mediated drug delivery is a relatively novel technique used to deliver drugs to a targeted location in the body. High-intensity focused ultrasound–mediated drug delivery has a broad range of applications, such as tumor therapy, treating central nervous diseases, transsclera drug delivery, and cardiovascular treatments. Targeted treatments prove to be advantageous to systemic treatments due to the reduction in the associated side effects. Thus, this literature review focuses on the various applications of HIFU-mediated drug delivery as well as the mechanism involved. This article is intended to supply the reader with a detailed description of how this technique can be used as well as describe its potential to surpass other treatment methods. Further discussion on the efficiency, limitations, and future of HIFU-mediated drug delivery is addressed. Furthermore, the gaps in the published literature, relative to this topic, are discussed. Ultimately, HIFU-mediated drug delivery is a developing technique that could provide patients with exciting treatment options.
A machine learning strategy for predicting localization of post-translational modification sites in protein-protein interacting regions
Authors: Saethang Thammakorn , Payne D. Michael , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Pisitkun Trairak
Published: August 2016

Background

One very important functional domain of proteins is the protein-protein interacting region (PPIR), which forms the binding interface between interacting polypeptide chains. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) that occur in the PPIR can either interfere with or facilitate the interaction between proteins. The ability to predict whether sites of protein modifications are inside or outside of PPIRs would be useful in further elucidating the regulatory mechanisms by which modifications of specific proteins regulate their cellular functions.

Results

Using two of the comprehensive databases for protein-protein interaction and protein modification site data (PDB and PhosphoSitePlus, respectively), we created new databases that map PTMs to their locations inside or outside of PPIRs. The mapped PTMs represented only 5 % of all known PTMs. Thus, in order to predict localization within or outside of PPIRs for the vast majority of PTMs, a machine learning strategy was used to generate predictive models from these mapped databases. For the three mapped PTM databases which had sufficient numbers of modification sites for generating models (acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitylation), the resulting models yielded high overall predictive performance as judged by a combined performance score (CPS). Among the multiple properties of amino acids that were used in the classification tasks, hydrophobicity was found to contribute substantially to the performance of the final predictive models. Compared to the other classifiers we also evaluated, the SVM provided the best performance overall.

Conclusions

These models are the first to predict whether PTMs are located inside or outside of PPIRs, as demonstrated by their high predictive performance. The models and data presented here should be useful in prioritizing both known and newly identified PTMs for further studies to determine the functional relationship between specific PTMs and protein-protein interactions. The implemented R package is available online (http://sysbio.chula.ac.th/PtmPPIR).
Characterization of FRM-36143 as a new γ-secretase modulator for the potential treatment of familial Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Blain Jean-François , Bursavich Matthew G. , Freeman Emily A. , Hrdlicka Lori A. , Hodgdon Hilliary E. , Chen Ting , Costa Don E. , Harrison Bryce A. , Kapadnis Sudarshan , Murphy Deirdre A. , Nolan Scott , Tu Zhiming , Tang Cuyue , Burnett Duane A. , Patzke Holger , Koenig Gerhard
Published: August 2016

Background

Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) is caused by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or presenilin (PS). Most PS mutations, which account for the majority of FAD cases, lead to an increased ratio of longer to shorter forms of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide. The therapeutic rationale of γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) for Alzheimer’s disease is based on this genetic evidence as well as on enzyme kinetics measurements showing changes in the processivity of the γ-secretase complex. This analysis suggests that GSMs could potentially offset some of the effects of PS mutations on APP processing, thereby addressing the root cause of early onset FAD. Unfortunately, the field has generated few, if any, molecules with good central nervous system (CNS) drug-like properties to enable proof-of-mechanism studies.

Method

We characterized the novel GSM FRM-36143 using multiple cellular assays to determine its in vitro potency and off-target activity as well as its potential to reverse the effect of PS mutations. We also tested its efficacy in vivo in wild-type mice and rats.

Results

FRM-36143 has much improved CNS drug-like properties compared to published GSMs. It has an in vitro EC50 for Aβ42 of 35 nM in H4 cells, can reduce Aβ42 to 58 % of the baseline in rat cerebrospinal fluid, and also increases the non-amyloidogenic peptides Aβ37 and Aβ38. It does not inhibit Notch processing, nor does it inhibit 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) activity. Most interestingly, it can reverse the effects of presenilin mutations on APP processing in vitro.

Conclusions

FRM-36143 possesses all the characteristics of a GSM in terms of Aβ modulation Because FRM-36143 was able to reverse the effect of PS mutations, we suggest that targeting patients with this genetic defect would be the best approach at testing the efficacy of a GSM in the clinic. While the amyloid hypothesis is still being tested with β-site APP-cleaving enzyme inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies in sporadic AD, we believe it is not a hypothesis for FAD. Since GSMs can correct the molecular defect caused by PS mutations, they have the promise to provide benefits to the patients when treated early enough in the course of the disease.
The ACVR1 R206H mutation found in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva increases human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cell formation and collagen production through BMP-mediated SMAD1/5/8 signaling
Authors: Barruet Emilie , Morales Blanca M. , Lwin Wint , White Mark P. , Theodoris Christina V. , Kim Hannah , Urrutia Ashley , Wong Sarah Anne , Srivastava Deepak , Hsiao Edward C.
Published: August 2016

Background

The Activin A and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways are critical regulators of the immune system and of bone formation. Inappropriate activation of these pathways, as in conditions of congenital heterotopic ossification, are thought to activate an osteogenic program in endothelial cells. However, if and how this occurs in human endothelial cells remains unclear.

Methods

We used a new directed differentiation protocol to create human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived endothelial cells (iECs) from patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a congenital disease of heterotopic ossification caused by an activating R206H mutation in the Activin A type I receptor (ACVR1). This strategy allowed the direct assay of the cell-autonomous effects of ACVR1 R206H in the endogenous locus without the use of transgenic expression. These cells were challenged with BMP or Activin A ligand, and tested for their ability to activate osteogenesis, extracellular matrix production, and differential downstream signaling in the BMP/Activin A pathways.

Results

We found that FOP iECs could form in conditions with low or absent BMP4. These conditions are not normally permissive in control cells. FOP iECs cultured in mineralization media showed increased alkaline phosphatase staining, suggesting formation of immature osteoblasts, but failed to show mature osteoblastic features. However, FOP iECs expressed more fibroblastic genes and Collagen 1/2 compared to control iECs, suggesting a mechanism for the tissue fibrosis seen in early heterotopic lesions. Finally, FOP iECs showed increased SMAD1/5/8 signaling upon BMP4 stimulation. Contrary to FOP hiPSCs, FOP iECs did not show a significant increase in SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation upon Activin A stimulation, suggesting that the ACVR1 R206H mutation has a cell type-specific effect. In addition, we found that the expression of ACVR1 and type II receptors were different in hiPSCs and iECs, which could explain the cell type-specific SMAD signaling.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the ACVR1 R206H mutation may not directly increase the formation of mature chondrogenic or osteogenic cells by FOP iECs. Our results also show that BMP can induce endothelial cell dysfunction, increase expression of fibrogenic matrix proteins, and cause differential downstream signaling of the ACVR1 R206H mutation. This iPSC model provides new insight into how human endothelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of heterotopic ossification.
Vitamin D machinery and metabolism in porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Valle Yovani Llamas , Almalki Sami G. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: August 2016

Background

Vitamin D, a hormone once thought to have a role limited to calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization, has pleiotropic effects on different types of cells. Vitamin D receptors are reported in vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes. Adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSCs) are multipotent cells with the capacity to differentiate into cells of different lineages. To our knowledge, the presence of vitamin D machinery on porcine ADMSCs has not yet been examined. In this study, we investigated the presence of vitamin D machinery and metabolism in ADMSCs by analyzing the expression levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D metabolizing enzymes (CYP24A1 and CYP27B1) after in vitro stimulation with active vitamin D, calcitriol.

Methods and results

ADMSCs isolated from porcine adipose tissue were characterized by positive staining for ADMSC markers, CD44, CD73, and CD90, and negative staining for macrophage marker CD11b and hematopoietic stem cell markers CD34 and CD45, and trilineage differentiation to osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. No cytotoxicity was observed when MSCs were stimulated with 0.1–10 nM calcitriol. The ADMSCs were analyzed for mRNA and protein expression of CYP24A1, CYP27B1, and VDR by immunostaining, qPCR, and ELISA. A significant increase (p <0.01) in the mRNA expression of CYP24A1, CYP27B1, and VDR was observed after stimulation of ADMSCs with calcitriol (10 nM). The in vitro time-dependent effect of calcitriol (10 nM) on the components of vitamin D machinery in cultured MSCs was determined by qPCR. The VDR and CYP27B1 expression peaked at 3 h and CYP24A1 at 24 h, respectively. The in vitro biosynthesis of 1, 25(OH)2D3 by ADMSCs was analyzed by ELISA and Western blot. The levels of the active form of vitamin D were significantly decreased once the CYP enzymes were inhibited (p <0.01), demonstrating the ability of ADMSCs to convert inactive vitamin D into active vitamin D for cellular action.

Conclusions

Porcine ADMSCs possess vitamin D hydrolases and VDR to metabolize and respond to vitamin D. Hence, in vivo circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels may have a significant role in regulating the differentiation of ADMSCs into different lineages, which might assist in stem cell-based therapy.
The genome of the largest bony fish, ocean sunfish (Mola mola), provides insights into its fast growth rate
Authors: Pan Hailin , Yu Hao , Ravi Vydianathan , Li Cai , Lee Alison P , Lian Michelle M , Tay Boon-Hui , Brenner Sydney , Wang Jian , Yang Huanming , Zhang Guojie , Venkatesh Byrappa
Published: August 2016

Background

The ocean sunfish (Mola mola), which can grow up to a length of 2.7 m and weigh 2.3 tons, is the world's largest bony fish. It has an extremely fast growth rate and its endoskeleton is mainly composed of cartilage. Another unique feature of the sunfish is its lack of a caudal fin, which is replaced by a broad and stiff lobe that results in the characteristic truncated appearance of the fish.

Results

To gain insights into the genomic basis of these phenotypic traits, we sequenced the sunfish genome and performed a comparative analysis with other teleost genomes. Several sunfish genes involved in the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF1) axis signalling pathway were found to be under positive selection or accelerated evolution, which might explain its fast growth rate and large body size. A number of genes associated with the extracellular matrix, some of which are involved in the regulation of bone and cartilage development, have also undergone positive selection or accelerated evolution. A comparison of the sunfish genome with that of the pufferfish (fugu), which has a caudal fin, revealed that the sunfish contains more homeobox (Hox) genes although both genomes contain seven Hox clusters. Thus, caudal fin loss in sunfish is not associated with the loss of a specific Hox gene.

Conclusions

Our analyses provide insights into the molecular basis of the fast growth rate and large size of the ocean sunfish. The high-quality genome assembly generated in this study should facilitate further studies of this ‘natural mutant'.
A PROBLEM IN SEISMIC DEPTH CALCULATION*
Authors: Beers Roland F.
Published: August 2016

In geologic provinces where surface erosion has removed several hundred feet of section the customary method of depth calculation for the reelection seismograph with an empirically determined velocity function frequently fails to show true sub-surface relief. Seismograph structure maps frequently show evidences of the surface topography and intervals between two reflection horizons may appear in excess of the true value. A method is presented here which seems to eliminate the effect of topography on the depth calculations.