bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs1014290 of the SLC2A9 Gene Is Associated with Uric Acid Metabolism in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Miao Jiangfang , Liu Jing , Xiao Li , Zheng Jiedi , Liu Chunfeng , Zhu Zufu , Li Kai , Luo Weifeng
Published: October 2017

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have lower uric acid levels than those without PD, and the CC genotype and C minor allele of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1014290 of SLC2A9, are associated with lower uric acid levels. We investigated the association of rs1014290 with uric acid metabolism in a cohort of PD cases (220) and controls (110) in a Han Chinese population. Uric acid levels were determined and rs1014290 was assayed using a mutation-sensitive on/off switch technology. PD uric acid levels (291.65 ± 76.29 μmol/L) were significantly lower than the controls (325.73 ± 74.23 μmol/L, P<0.001, t-test). Individuals with rs1014290 TT and CT genotypes had higher uric acid levels, and those with the CC genotype had the lowest uric acid levels among both control and PD cases. The CC genotype and the C minor allele were statistically more frequent in the PD group compared to the control group. Those with the CC genotype had a statistically significant higher risk of PD than those with the TT or TC genotype (odds ratio [OR] = 2.249, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.129–4.480, and P=0.021). Thus, SLC2A9 rs1014290 is related to lower uric acid levels in PD patients and can be a risk factor for PD in the Han population.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm for Developing Deterministic OTP Key Generator
Authors: Jain Ashish , Chaudhari Narendra S.
Published: October 2017

Recently, a genetic-based random key generator (GRKG) for the one-time pad (OTP) cryptosystem has been proposed in the literature which has certain limitations. In this paper, two main characteristics (speed and randomness) of the GRKG method are significantly improved by presenting the IGRKG method (improved genetic-based random key generator method). The proposed IGRKG method generates an initial pad by using linear congruential generator (LCG) and improves the randomness of the initial pad using genetic algorithm. There are three reasons behind the use of LCG: it is easy to implement, it can run efficiently on computer hardware, and it has good statistical properties. The experimental results show the superiority of the IGRKG over GRKG in terms of speed and randomness. Hereby we would like to mention that no prior experimental work has been presented in the literature which is directly related to the OTP key generation using evolutionary algorithms. Therefore, this work can be considered as a guideline for future research.
The Influence of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen on the Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Targeted Biopsy versus Saturation Biopsy in Patients with Previous Negative Biopsy
Authors: Chang Chao-Hsiang , Chiu Hung-Chieh , Lin Wei-Ching , Ho Tzu-Lung , Chang Han , Chang Yi-Huei , Huang Chi-Ping , Wu Hsi-Chin , Yang Chi-Rei , Hsieh Po-Fan
Published: October 2017

Objective. We compared the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rates of targeted biopsy (TB) and saturation biopsy (SB) in patients with previous negative biopsy and the accuracy of TB and SB stratified by different serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Materials and Methods. Overall 185 patients were enrolled. In the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) group, 65 men underwent TB and SB. In the control group, 120 men underwent SB alone. The primary outcome was the difference in PCa detection rate between the MRI group and control group. The secondary outcome was the difference in accuracy between TB and SB in detecting clinically significant PCa by stratifying the patients in the MRI group into those with PSA < 10 ng/ml and PSA ≥ 10 ng/ml. Results. The detection rates for overall and clinically significant PCa were higher in the MRI group than in the control group (46.2% versus 20.9% and 43.1% versus 16.7%, both p<0.001). In the MRI group, the accuracy of TB was higher than SB (94.7% versus 84.2%, p=0.001) for the patients with PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL. Conclusions. Combining TB and SB achieved the best cancer detection rate. The accuracy of TB was better than SB in the patients with serum PSA ≥ 10 ng/mL.
Atypical Distant Metastasis of Breast Malignant Phyllodes Tumors: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: de Foucher Tiphaine , Roussel Hélène , Hivelin Mikael , Rossi Léa , Cornou Caroline , Bats Anne-Sophie , Deloménie Myriam , Lécuru Fabrice , Ngô Charlotte
Published: October 2017

Malignant phyllodes tumors (MPT) are rare breast neoplasms. Preoperative diagnosis is often challenging due to the unspecific clinical, radiological, and histological characteristics of the tumor. Dissemination pathways are local with chest wall invasion, regional with lymph nodes metastasis, and distant, hematogenous, mostly to the lungs, bones, and brain. Distant metastasis (DM) can be synchronous or appear months to years after the diagnosis and initial management. The current report describes the case of a 57-year-old woman presenting with a giant/neglected MPT of the breast, with no DM at initial staging, treated by radical modified mastectomy. Motor disorders due to medullar compression by a paravertebral mass appeared at short follow-up, also treated surgically. The patient died from several DM of rapid evolution. To our knowledge, this is the only case described of MPT with metastases to soft tissue causing medullar compression. We present a literature review on unusual metastatic localizations of MPT.
SMARCA4-Deficient Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Presenting with Fatal Paraneoplastic Hypercalcemia in a Heart Transplant Recipient: First Report in a Male Patient
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Strobel Deike , Strecker Thomas
Published: October 2017

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT), is a rare SMARCA4-driven aggressive malignancy of young age characteristically associated with paraneoplastic hypercalcemia. Comparable neoplasms/presentations have not been reported in males. A 39-year-old male heart transplant recipient (HTX 40 months previously) presented with multiple liver nodules and hypercalcemic crisis. The serum parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrp) was significantly elevated (241 pg/ml; reference value < 57). Liver biopsy showed poorly differentiated partially rhabdoid neoplasm expressing pancytokeratin, CK20, and focally GATA3, SATB2, p63, and SALL4. The tumor cells showed dual loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2. He died of irreversible multiorgan failure one week after admission. To our knowledge, this is the first report highlighting the rare occurrence of paraneoplastic hypercalcemia associated with SMARCA4-deficient malignancies in males. Although the immunophenotype suggests urothelial or upper gastrointestinal tract origin, the exact primary tumor site could not be ascertained due to rapid death of the patient. SMARCA4 immunohistochemistry should be included in the workup of neoplasms associated with hypercalcemia irrespective of gender and site.
miR-34a Regulates Expression of the Stathmin-1 Oncoprotein and Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Chakravarthi Balabhadrapatruni V.S.K. , Chandrashekar Darshan S. , Agarwal Sumit , Balasubramanya Sai Akshaya Hodigere , Pathi Satya S. , Goswami Moloy T. , Jing Xiaojun , Wang Rui , Mehra Rohit , Asangani Irfan A. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Manne Upender , Sonpavde Guru , Netto George J. , Gordetsky Jennifer , Varambally Sooryanarayana
Published: October 2017

In aggressive prostate cancers, the oncoprotein STMN1 (also known as stathmin 1 and oncoprotein 18) is often overexpressed. STMN1 is involved in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, motility, and tumor metastasis. Here, it was found that the expression of STMN1 RNA and protein is elevated in metastatic prostate cancers. Knockdown of STMN1 resulted in reduced proliferation and invasion of cells and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, miR-34a downregulated STMN1 by directly binding to its 3′-UTR. Overexpression of miR-34a in prostate cancer cells reduced proliferation and colony formation, suggesting that it is a tumor suppressor. The transcriptional corepressor C-terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1) negatively regulated expression of miR-34a. Furthermore, gene expression profiling of STMN1-modulated prostate cancer cells revealed molecular alterations, including elevated expression of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), which is involved in cancer progression and potentially in STMN1-mediated oncogenesis. Thus, in prostate cancer, CtBP1-regulated miR-34a modulates STMN1 expression and is involved in cancer progression through the CtBP1\miR-34a\STMN1\GDF15 axis.

Implications: The CtBP1\miR-34a\STMN1\GDF15 axis is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of aggressive prostate cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 16(7); 1125–37. ©2017 AACR.
Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Dichotomy, Origin and Classifications
Authors: Klöppel Günter
Published: October 2017

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are heterogeneous tumors with a common phenotype. There are two fundamentally different groups of NENs: well-differentiated, low-proliferating NENs, called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) or carcinoids, and poorly differentiated, highly proliferating NENs, called small- or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). This NEN dichotomy is probably due to an origin from different neuroendocrine progenitor cells. The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of gastrointestinal NENs uses the Ki67 proliferation index to grade NETs as G1 or G2, and NECs as G3. In the pancreas, NETs and NECs may overlap in their proliferation index, making the distinction between them difficult and leading to therapeutic uncertainties. Therefore, the WHO classification of pancreatic NENs (PanNENs) from 2017 introduced a new NET G3 category. Helpful for the distinction of NETs G3 from NECs is the expression of p53 and rb1 that is usually negative in PanNETs. Comparison of the WHO classification of digestive system NENs with other NEN classifications reveals site-specific differences in terminology and a general lack of grading systems. However, all classifications recognize the existence of the two major NEN families and provide a general basis for their prognostic and therapeutic stratification. A development of a common NEN classification across organs is desirable.
Proatherogenic Flow Increases Endothelial Stiffness via Enhanced CD36-Mediated Uptake of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Le Master Elizabeth , Huang Ru-Ting , Zhang Chongxu , Bogachkov Yedida , Coles Cassandre , Shentu Tzu-Pin , Sheng Yue , Fancher Ibra S. , Ng Carlos , Christoforidis Theodore , Subbaiah Pappasani V. , Berdyshev Evgeny , Qain Zhijian , Eddington David T. , Lee James , Cho Michael , Fang Yun , Minshall Richard D. , Levitan Irena
Published: October 2017

Objective—

Disturbed flow (DF) is well-known to induce endothelial dysfunction and synergistically with plasma dyslipidemia facilitate plaque formation. Little is known, however, about the synergistic impact of DF and dyslipidemia on endothelial biomechanics. Our goal was to determine the impact of DF on endothelial stiffness and evaluate the role of dyslipidemia/oxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoprotein) in this process.

Approach and Results—

Endothelial elastic modulus of intact mouse aortas ex vivo and of human aortic endothelial cells exposed to laminar flow or DF was measured using atomic force microscopy. Endothelial monolayer of the aortic arch is found to be significantly stiffer than the descending aorta (4.2+1.1 versus 2.5+0.2 kPa for aortic arch versus descending aorta) in mice maintained on low-fat diet. This effect is significantly exacerbated by short-term high-fat diet (8.7+2.5 versus 4.5+1.2 kPa for aortic arch versus descending aorta). Exposure of human aortic endothelial cells to DF in vitro resulted in 50% increase in oxLDL uptake and significant endothelial stiffening in the presence but not in the absence of oxLDL. DF also increased the expression of oxLDL receptor CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36), whereas downregulation of CD36 abrogated DF-induced endothelial oxLDL uptake and stiffening. Furthermore, genetic deficiency of CD36 abrogated endothelial stiffening in the aortic arch in vivo in mice fed either low-fat diet or high-fat diet. We also show that the loss of endothelial stiffening in CD36 knockout aortas is not mediated by the loss of CD36 in circulating cells.

Conclusions—

DF facilitates endothelial CD36-dependent uptake of oxidized lipids resulting in local increase of endothelial stiffness in proatherogenic areas of the aorta.
Differentiation, Evaluation, and Application of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lin Yang , Gil Chang-Hyun , Yoder Mervin C.
Published: October 2017

The emergence of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology paves the way to generate large numbers of patient-specific endothelial cells (ECs) that can be potentially delivered for regenerative medicine in patients with cardiovascular disease. In the last decade, numerous protocols that differentiate EC from iPSC have been developed by many groups. In this review, we will discuss several common strategies that have been optimized for human iPSC-EC differentiation and subsequent studies that have evaluated the potential of human iPSC-EC as a cell therapy or as a tool in disease modeling. In addition, we will emphasize the importance of using in vivo vessel-forming ability and in vitro clonogenic colony–forming potential as a gold standard with which to evaluate the quality of human iPSC-EC derived from various protocols.
Association of Persistent, Incident, and Remittent Proteinuria With Stroke Risk in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus or Prediabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Anxin , Jiang Ruixuan , Su Zhaoping , Zhang Jia , Zhao Xingquan , Wu Shouling , Guo Xiuhua
Published: October 2017

Background

Proteinuria often changes dynamically, showing either regression or progression. The impact of changes in proteinuria on future stroke risk remains largely unknown. We hypothesized that changes in proteinuria would be associated with stroke risk in patients with diabetes mellitus and prediabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

The study population included 17 380 participants with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes mellitus enrolled in a prospective Chinese cohort. From the baseline and 2‐year dipstick screening results, participants were classified as having no proteinuria or remittent, incident, or persistent proteinuria. Reduction in proteinuria was calculated as the baseline minus 2‐year proteinuria. Stroke outcomes were assessed in subsequent follow‐ups. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional‐hazards models. During a median follow‐up of 6.9 years, we identified 751 patients with stroke. Stroke risk was increased for participants with persistent (hazard ratio [HR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 1.18–2.30), incident (
HR
, 1.52; 95%
CI
, 1.22–1.89), and remittent (
HR
, 1.42; 95%
CI
, 1.01–2.02) proteinuria compared with those with no proteinuria. Persistent proteinuria was associated with a higher risk of stroke for participants with prediabetes mellitus (
HR
, 2.58; 95%
CI
, 1.58–4.22) compared with those with diabetes mellitus (
HR
, 1.35; 95%
CI
, 0.86–2.12 [
P
for interaction=0.0083]). Proteinuria reduction contributed to a decrease in stroke incidence (
HR
, 0.88; 95%
CI
, 0.81–0.95). The results were confirmed by sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Persistent, incident, and remittent proteinuria are independent indicators of stroke risk in both diabetic and prediabetic populations.
Relation of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Microvascular Injury and Clinical Outcome in Revascularized ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Reindl Martin , Reinstadler Sebastian Johannes , Feistritzer Hans‐Josef , Theurl Markus , Basic Daniel , Eigler Christopher , Holzknecht Magdalena , Mair Johannes , Mayr Agnes , Klug Gert , Metzler Bernhard
Published: October 2017

Background

Microvascular injury (
MVI
) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for
ST
‐elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
) is a major determinant of adverse clinical outcome. Experimental data indicate an impact of hypercholesterolemia on
MVI
; however, there is a lack of clinical studies confirming this relation. We aimed to investigate the association of cholesterol concentrations on admission with
MVI
visualized by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and clinical outcome in
STEMI
patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

In this prospective, observational study, we included 235 consecutive revascularized
STEMI
patients. Cholesterol (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein [
LDL
], and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) and triglyceride concentrations were determined at presentation. Cardiac magnetic resonance scans were performed 2 (2–4) days after infarction to assess infarct characteristics, including
MVI
. Clinical end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (
MACE
) comprising all‐cause mortality, nonfatal reinfarction, and new congestive heart failure. Patients with
MVI
(n=129; 55%) showed higher levels of total cholesterol (204 [172–226] versus 185 [168–212] mg/dL;
P
=0.01) and
LDL
cholesterol (142 [113–166] versus 118 [103–149] mg/dL;
P
=0.001), whereas high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides did not differ significantly. In multivariable analysis, including all significant clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance determinants of
MVI
,
LDL
concentration emerged as an independent predictor of
MVI
(odds ratio, 1.02 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.02];
P
=0.002). Furthermore, increased
LDL
cholesterol (>150 mg/dL) significantly predicted the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio, 3.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.22–7.87];
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

In
STEMI
patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, baseline
LDL
cholesterol concentrations were independently associated with
MVI
, revealing a clinically relevant link between
LDL
metabolism and
MVI
in acute
STEMI
.
Short Sleep Duration, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Shiftwork, and the Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients After an Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Barger Laura K. , Rajaratnam Shantha M.W. , Cannon Christopher P. , Lukas Mary Ann , Im KyungAh , Goodrich Erica L. , Czeisler Charles A. , O'Donoghue Michelle L.
Published: October 2017

Background

It is unknown whether short sleep duration, obstructive sleep apnea, and overnight shift work are associated with the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients after an acute coronary syndrome.

Methods and Results

SOLID
‐
TIMI
52 (The Stabilization of PLaques UsIng Darapladib‐Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 52 Trial) was a multinational, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial that enrolled 13 026 patients ≤30 days of acute coronary syndrome. At baseline, all patients were to complete the Berlin questionnaire to assess risk of obstructive sleep apnea and a sleep and shift work survey. Median follow‐up was 2.5 years. The primary outcome was major coronary events (
MCE
; coronary heart disease death, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization). Cox models were adjusted for clinical predictors. Patients who reported <6 hours sleep per night had a 29% higher risk of
MCE
(adjusted hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.49;
P
<0.001) compared with those with longer sleep. Patients who screened positive for obstructive sleep apnea had a 12% higher risk of
MCE
(1.12; 1.00–1.24;
P
=0.04) than those who did not screen positive. Overnight shift work (≥3 night shifts/week for ≥1 year) was associated with a 15% higher risk of
MCE
(1.15; 1.03–1.29;
P
=0.01). A step‐wise increase in cardiovascular risk was observed for individuals with more than 1 sleep‐related risk factor. Individuals with all 3 sleep‐related risk factors had a 2‐fold higher risk of
MCE
(2.01; 1.49–2.71;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Short sleep duration, obstructive sleep apnea, and overnight shift work are under‐recognized as predictors of adverse outcomes after acute coronary syndrome. Increased efforts should be made to identify, treat, and educate patients about the importance of sleep for the potential prevention of cardiovascular events.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01000727.
One-Stop Management of Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Behme Daniel , Schregel Katharina , Tsogkas Ioannis , Maier Ilko L. , Leyhe Johanna Rosemarie , Zapf Antonia , Tran Julia , Bähr Mathias , Liman Jan , Knauth Michael
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose—

Intrahospital time delays significantly affect the neurological outcome of stroke patients with large-vessel occlusion. This study was conducted to determine whether a one-stop management can reduce intrahospital times of patients with acute large-vessel occlusion.

Methods—

In this observational study, we report the first 30 consecutive stroke patients imaged and treated in the same room. As part of our protocol, we transported patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥10 directly to the angio suite, bypassing multidetector computed tomography (CT). Preinterventional imaging consisted of noncontrast flat detector CT and flat detector CT angiography, acquired with an angiography system. Patients with large-vessel occlusions remained on the angio table and were treated with mechanical thrombectomy; patients with small artery occlusions were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, whereas patients with an intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics were treated as per guidelines. Door-to-groin puncture times were recorded and compared with our past results.

Results—

Thirty patients were transferred directly to our angio suite from June to December 2016. The time from symptom onset to admission was 105 minutes. Ischemic stroke was diagnosed in 22 of 30 (73%) patients, 4 of 30 (13.5%) had an intracranial hemorrhage, and 4 of 30 (13.5) were diagnosed with a Todd’s paresis. Time from admission to groin puncture was 20.5 minutes. Compared with 44 patients imaged with multidetector CT in the first 6 months of 2016, door-to-groin times were significantly reduced (54.5 minutes [95% confidence interval, 47–61] versus 20.5 minutes [95% confidence interval, 17–26]).

Conclusions—

In this small series, a one-stop management protocol of selected stroke patients using latest generation flat detector CT led to a significant reduction of intrahospital times.
Corneal Confocal Microscopy Detects Corneal Nerve Damage in Patients Admitted With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Khan Adnan , Akhtar Naveed , Kamran Saadat , Ponirakis Georgios , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Tunio Nahel A. , Dargham Soha R. , Imam Yahia , Sartaj Faheem , Parray Aijaz , Bourke Paula , Khan Rabia , Santos Mark , Joseph Sujatha , Shuaib Ashfaq , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose—

Corneal confocal microscopy can identify corneal nerve damage in patients with peripheral and central neurodegeneration. However, the use of corneal confocal microscopy in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke is unknown.

Methods—

One hundred thirty patients (57 without diabetes mellitus [normal glucose tolerance], 32 with impaired glucose tolerance, and 41 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) admitted with acute ischemic stroke, and 28 age-matched healthy control participants underwent corneal confocal microscopy to quantify corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, and corneal nerve fiber length.

Results—

There was a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, and corneal nerve fiber length in stroke patients with normal glucose tolerance (
P
<0.001,
P
<0.001,
P
<0.001), impaired glucose tolerance (
P
=0.004,
P
<0.001,
P
=0.002), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (
P
<0.001,
P
<0.001,
P
<0.001) compared with controls. HbA1c and triglycerides correlated with corneal nerve fiber density (
r
=−0.187,
P
=0.03;
r
=−0.229
P
=0.01), corneal nerve fiber length (
r
=−0.228,
P
=0.009;
r
=−0.285;
P
=0.001), and corneal nerve branch density (
r
=−0.187,
P
=0.033;
r
=−0.229,
P
=0.01). Multiple linear regression showed no independent associations between corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, and corneal nerve fiber length and relevant risk factors for stroke.

Conclusions—

Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid noninvasive ophthalmic imaging technique that identifies corneal nerve fiber loss in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Personality is correlated with natal dispersal in North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Authors: Cooper Eve B. , Taylor Ryan W. , Kelley Amanda D. , Martinig April Robin , Boutin Stan , Humphries Murray M. , Dantzer Ben , Lane Jeffrey E. , McAdam Andrew G.
Published: October 2017

Individual natal dispersal behaviour is often difficult to predict as it can be influenced by multiple extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Individual differences in personality have been shown to be an important correlate of dispersal behaviour. However, the relationships between personality traits and dispersal are often inconsistent within and across studies and the causes of these discrepancies are often unknown. Here we sought to determine how individual differences in activity and aggression, as measured in an open-field trial, were related to natal dispersal distance in a wild population of North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). For 14 cohorts, while individual aggression consistently had no association with dispersal distance, the association between activity and dispersal fluctuated through time, mediated by population density. The environmental-dependence of the relationship between personality and dispersal in this population is indicative of the importance of considering external conditions when predicting dispersal behaviour.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection and identification of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus – three closely related species within the xylophilus group
Authors: Filipiak Anna , Wieczorek Przemysław , Tomalak Marek
Published: October 2017

Differentiation between Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and other related, non-pathogenic species can be ambiguous when based exclusively on morphological characters. The morphology of B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus most closely resembles that of B. xylophilus. Moreover, all of these nematodes are found in both Asia and Europe and can colonise various species of pine. Therefore, for phytosanitary purposes it is necessary to identify the three species precisely and rapidly. We report the results of a multiplex PCR that utilises four primers to identify and discriminate the three Bursaphelenchus species simultaneously. The multiplex PCR yielded DNA fragments of 767, 305 and 132 bp, for B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus and B. fraudulentus, respectively. This primer combination has produced reliable results in multiplex PCR assays with a number of different populations of the listed species, and no cross-reactions were observed with other Bursaphelenchus species. The described approach is simple, reliable and cheaper than other molecular methods presently used for simultaneous identification of the above three species within the xylophilus group.
Northern Gods for Northern Folk: Racial Identity and Right-wing Ideology among Britain’s Folkish Heathens
Authors: White Ethan Doyle
Published: October 2017

Heathenry, the modern Pagan religion inspired by the Germanic societies of pre-Christian Europe, is broadly divided between those embracing an inclusive, Universalist perspective, and those who favour a racially exclusive, Folkish alternative. This article represents the first academic analysis of Folkish Heathenry in Britain, focusing on the country’s three most visible groups: the Odinic Rite, the Odinist Fellowship, and Woden’s Folk. Examining how they promote themselves online, it explores how these organisations present an extreme right-wing socio-political vision focusing around the centrality of ‘the folk,’ while at the same time professing an officially apolitical stance.
Three new species of the fern genus Pteridrys (Tectariaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: ZHANG LIANG , LU NGAN THI , ZHOU XIN-MAO , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: October 2017

The fern genus Pteridrys is characterized by having free veins and a tooth on each sinus between two pinna or pinnule lobes. This genus is currently known from nine to ten species. Here we add three new species of Pteridrys from northern Vietnam found in an expedition in 2013.
Two new species of freshwater Macrostomum (Rhabditophora: Macrostomorpha) found in China
Authors: LIN YITAO , ZHOU WEIWEI , XIAO PENG , ZHENG YIHONG , LU JUN , LI JIANCHENG , WANG ANTAI
Published: October 2017

There is limited information about the ecology of freshwater flatworms in China, in particular, the members of the genus Macrostomum. Surveying freshwater bodies to explore the species diversity is the first step to obtain more ecological information about those flatworms. We hereby report the discovery of two new species of freshwater flatworms in Macrostomum. Macrostomum chongqingensis Lin and Wang, n. sp. was discovered from stones in the shallow water of Jialing River bed near Chongqing. Macrostomum zhaoqingensis Lin and Wang, n. sp. was discovered in the water of Xing Lake near Zhaoqing city, Guangdong province. Xing Lake is a part of an ancient river that has changed its course. For each species, we describe the morphology of the whole specimen, penis stylet, and sperm, as well as other internal anatomical features based on serial sections. We determined 18S, 28S rDNA and COI sequences from the two new species, and performed a phylogenetic analysis to confirm the status and evolutionary position of the two new species. We discuss the significance of our discoveries in terms of flatworm biodiversity studies in China and the Oriental realm.
Widening of the Hadley Cell from Last Glacial Maximum to Future Climate
Authors: Son Seok-Woo , Kim Seo-Yeon , Min Seung-Ki
Published: October 2017

The Hadley cell (HC) change from paleoclimate to future climate is examined by comparing coupled model simulations archived for the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project phase 3 (PMIP3) and phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Specifically, HC width and strength are evaluated using 100-yr equilibrium simulations for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), preindustrial (PI), and extended concentration pathway 4.5 (ECP4.5) conditions. Where available, ECP8.5 simulations are also examined to increase the sample size. All models show a systematic widening of the HC from the LGM to the PI and to the ECP4.5 and ECP8.5 simulations. Such widening, which is found in both hemispheres with more robust change in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) than in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), is significantly correlated with global-mean surface air temperature change and the associated static stability change in the subtropics. Based on the zero-crossing latitude of 500-hPa mass streamfunction, about 4.5° latitude widening of the HC results from global warming of 10°C. HC strength also exhibits a systematic weakening in the NH. However, in the SH, HC strength shows a rather minor change from LGM to ECP4.5 conditions because of the cancellation between HC weakening during the austral summer–fall and its strengthening during the spring. This result, which suggests no systematic relationship between HC width and strength changes, is discussed in the context of quasigeostrophic zonal-mean dynamics. Overall findings are also compared with recent studies that are based on transient climate model simulations.
Wind-Driven Circulation in a Shelf Valley. Part I: Mechanism of the Asymmetrical Response to Along-Shelf Winds in Opposite Directions
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Lentz Steven J.
Published: October 2017

Motivated by observations in Hudson shelf valley showing stronger onshore than offshore flows, this study investigates wind-driven flows in idealized shallow shelf valleys. This first part of a two-part sequence focuses on the mechanism of the asymmetrical flow response in a valley to along-shelf winds of opposite directions. Model simulations show that (i) when the wind is in the opposite direction to coastal-trapped wave (CTW) phase propagation, the shelf flow turns onshore in the valley and generates strong up-valley transport and a standing meander on the upstream side (in the sense of CTW phase propagation) of the valley, and (ii) when the wind is in the same direction as CTW phase propagation, the flow forms a symmetric onshore detour pattern over the valley with negligible down-valley transport. Comparison of the modeled upstream meanders in the first scenario with CTW characteristics confirms that the up-valley flow results from CTWs being arrested by the wind-driven shelf flow establishing lee waves. The valley bathymetry generates an initial excessive onshore pressure gradient force that drives the up-valley flow and induces CTW lee waves that sustain the up-valley flow. When the wind-driven shelf flow aligns with CTW phase propagation, the initial disturbance generated in the valley propagates away, allowing the valley flow to adjust to roughly follow isobaths. Because of the similarity in the physical setup, this mechanism of arrested CTWs generating stronger onshore than offshore flow is expected to be applicable to the flow response in slope canyons to along-isobath background flows of opposite directions.
Markets as Governance Environments for Organizations at the Edge of Illegality: Insights From Social Network Analysis
Authors: Odabaş Meltem , Holt Thomas J. , Breiger Ronald L.
Published: October 2017

In the past two decades, researchers have examined the practices of online forums operating markets for the sale of stolen credit card data. Participants cannot rely on traditional legal system regulations in the event of disputes between buyers and sellers. Thus, this analysis focuses on two forms of monitoring within these forums: one based on an emergent social network of transactions among community members (second-party monitoring) and the other consisting of regulatory (third-party) monitoring by forum administrators. Using social network analyses of a series of posts from a data market forum, the findings demonstrate that governance of these forums is enabled by their functioning as a particular kind of market that economists characterize as a platform, or two-sided market. Specifically, second- and third-party trust-creating mechanisms are vital in establishing sustainability in illicit markets by increasing perceived market trustworthiness, which in turn leads to increased market demand.
Clinical Analysis of Recurrence Patterns in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Lijun , Guo Yesong , Xu Jianhua , Chen Zhenzhang , Jiang Xuesong , Zhang Lanfang , Huang Shengfu , He Xia , Zhang Yiqin
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the characteristics and risk factors for locoregional recurrence in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods:

The clinical diagnosis and treatment data of 195 patients with NPC treated with IMRT from March 2005 to May 2010 (including 9, 24, 70, and 92 cases of stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively, according to the 7th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer staging criteria) were retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and logistic regression was used to conduct univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

The 5-year recurrence rate was 10.8%, and the 5-year local and regional recurrence rates were 8.7% and 3.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the short axis of the cervical lymph nodes (≥3 cm) was an influencing factor for regional lymph node recurrence after IMRT.

Conclusion:

In-field and high-dose region failures were the main patterns associated with local-regional recurrence, and nasopharyngeal recurrence was most commonly detected. Newly diagnosed patients with large cervical lymph nodes (short diameter ≥3 cm) should be carefully followed up considering regional lymph node recurrence.
On worshiping the same God: What exactly is the question?
Authors: Netland Harold A.
Published: October 2017

Although the question “Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?” has been widely discussed, it is an ambiguous question that can be interpreted in various ways. Some complex theological, linguistic, philosophical, and cultural issues are embedded in the question. I distinguish a number of these implicit questions, especially as they pertain to reference to the same God, suggesting possible answers to them. I conclude that although it makes sense to say that Muslims and Christians are referring to the same God, they understand this God in different ways.
Perspectives on the missiological legacy of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation
Authors: Starcher Richard L. , Huber Philip C. , Jennings J. Nelson , Hartley Benjamin L. , Nussbaum Stan , Burrows William R.
Published: October 2017

Upon the occasion of the 500th anniversary Martin Luther’s publication of his 95 theses, this composite article brings together five perspectives on the missiological legacy of the reformer and the subsequent Protestant Reformation. The blend of voices makes clear that Luther and the subsequent Protestant Reformation do not have a simple missiological legacy but rather various legacies: theological, ecclesiological, political, and practical; some of which co-exist, and even collide, in the same ecclesiastical community. The scandalous legacy of a splintered and splintering church remains. Yet, demonstrations of mutual recognition, reciprocal respect, and genuine fellowship can be found in certain missiological circles.
Neoliberal Workfare and the Battle for Grassroots Control in Argentina
Authors: Araujo Steven
Published: October 2017

While the vast majority of the academic literature on the popular classes and social programs in Argentina revolves around the concept of clientelism, it has largely ignored organizations that administer these programs without participating in clientelist networks and thus giving up their political autonomy. The struggle for grassroots control of an Argentine unemployed workers’ movement known as the Frente de Organizaciones en Lucha depends on the use of neoliberal workfare programs. Its ability to take resources from the state and administer them according to its own principles and priorities challenges the inference that receiving social programs necessarily leads to co-optation.

La mayor parte de la literatura académica sobre las clases populares y los planes sociales en Argentina gira en torno al concepto del clientelismo. Se han ignorado, sin embargo y en gran medida, las organizaciones que administran estos programas sin participar en dichas redes ni renunciar a su autonomía política. La lucha por la autogestión del Frente de Organizaciones en Lucha, un movimiento de trabajadores desocupados, depende del uso de programas de contraprestación laboral (workfare) neoliberales. Su capacidad de tomar recursos del estado y administrarlos según sus principios y prioridades desafía la idea de que recibir la ayuda otorgada por planes sociales inevitablemente lleva a la cooptación.
The developmental path to adult-like prosodic focus-marking in Mandarin Chinese-speaking children
Authors: Yang Anqi , Chen Aoju
Published: October 2017

This study investigates how children acquire prosodic focus-marking in Mandarin Chinese. Using a picture-matching game, we elicited spontaneous production of sentences in various focus conditions from children aged four to eleven. We found that Mandarin Chinese-speaking children use some pitch-related cues in some tones and duration in all tones in an adult-like way to distinguish focus from non-focus at the age of four to five. Their use of pitch-related cues is not yet fully adult-like in certain tones at the age of eleven. Further, they are adult-like in the use of duration in distinguishing narrow focus from broad focus at four or five but in not using pitch-related cues for this purpose at seven or eight. The later acquisition of pitch-related cues may be related to the use of pitch for lexical purposes, and the differences in the use of pitch in different tones can be explained by differences in how easy it is to vary pitch-related parameters without changing tonal identity.
A “We” Problem for Bioethics and the Social Sciences
Authors: Simpson Bob
Published: October 2017

In her article “The ‘We’ in the Me: Solidarity in the Era of Personalized Medicine,” Barbara Prainsack develops an earlier interest in the relationship between solidarity and autonomy and the way that these notions operate once passed through the lens of bioethical thought and practice. In his response to this article, Simpson introduces the perspective of two South Asian physicians on these issues. The piece highlights issues of personhood upon which the informed consent transaction is based and draws attention to the culturally specific versions of how people conceive of relationality, duty, care, and the obligations they feel they owe to others. The piece highlights the pronomial shifts between the “we” and the “me” and the way that these dispositions emerge in sociopolitically configured spaces. By paying careful attention to the settings and situations in which the movements between different positions actually take place, the ways in which the fabric of ethical life is made rather than simply given is revealed. Ethnographic inquiry is seen as crucial in understanding this process because it points to disjunctions between the categories that we are provided to apprehend the world and what it is actually like to live in that world.
Validation of the Family Educational and Learning Capitals Questionnaire: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Phillipson Shane N. , Phillipson Sivanes , Francis Mariko A.
Published: October 2017

There is a growing recognition that parents play an important role in the academic achievement of their children. This role includes both the interactions they have with their children and the management of resources that can contribute to their children’s achievement. To better understand parents’ roles, it is important to understand their perceptions regarding the availability of these resources. This article reports the validation of the Family Educational and Learning Capitals Questionnaire (FELCQ), an instrument that measures parents’ perceptions of educational and learning resources. Based on the Actiotope Model of Giftedness, the FELCQ consists of five educational and five learning capitals plus parental aspirations for their children’s achievement. The responses of 1,917 Australian parents to the 53-item FELCQ were Rasch analyzed and the Rasch person estimates were utilized in a confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the FELCQ as a valid measure of parents’ perceptions of the capitals. The results showed that the FELCQ reflects the underlying theoretical factor structure of the Actiotope Model, including the extension of the model to include parental aspirations as an educational capital for parents in relation to their children’s education. The implications and future use of the FELCQ are discussed.
Leucine and resistance training improve hyperglycemia, white adipose tissue loss, and inflammatory parameters in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ribeiro Henrique Quintas Teixeira , Coqueiro Audrey Yule , Lima Vanessa Batista de Sousa , Martins Carlos Eduardo Carvalho , Tirapegui Julio
Published: October 2017

Background:

Loss of white adipose tissue (WAT), associated with type 1 diabetes (DM1), contributes to increased chronic systemic inflammation.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leucine supplementation and resistance training (RT) in attenuating WAT loss and improving inflammatory parameters and glucose metabolism in DM1 rats.

Methods:

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: DA (sedentary and supplemented with non-essential amino acids (NEAA)), DL (sedentary and supplemented with leucine), DTA (submitted to RT and supplemented with NEAA) and DTL (submitted to RT and supplemented with leucine). DM1 was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). An 8-week period of RT consisted of climbing a ladder with a progressively increased load, and supplementation was offered in the feed.

Results:

Glycemia, polyphagia and polydipsia were lower in DL, DTA and DTL groups compared with the DA group by approximately 20% ( p<.0001), 28% ( p=.004) and 64% ( p<.0001), respectively. Weight of total WAT and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RPAT) were higher by approximately 21% ( p=.01) and 54% ( p=.0004), respectively, in DL, DTA and DTL groups compared with DA. However, gene expression of adiponectin and leptin in RPAT was only increased by RT (DTA and DTL) compared with DA and DL by approximately 93% ( p<.0001) and 78% ( p=.0002), respectively. Similarly, the levels of adiponectin in the serum, tissue IL-10 (RPAT) and serum IL-10 were only increased in DTA and DTL compared with DA and DL by approximately 31% ( p=.03), 45% ( p=.0009) and 35% ( p=.003), respectively.

Conclusions:

Both interventions, isolated or together, reduced hyperglycemia and excessive loss of WAT, but RT was the main factor responsible for attenuating inflammation.
Educators’ perspectives on facilitating computer-assisted speech intervention in early childhood settings
Authors: Crowe Kathryn , Cumming Tamara , McCormack Jane , Baker Elise , McLeod Sharynne , Wren Yvonne , Roulstone Sue , Masso Sarah
Published: October 2017

Early childhood educators are frequently called on to support preschool-aged children with speech sound disorders and to engage these children in activities that target their speech production. This study explored factors that acted as facilitators and/or barriers to the provision of computer-based support for children with speech sound disorders (SSD) in early childhood centres. Participants were 23 early childhood educators at 13 centres who participated in the Sound Start Study, a randomized controlled trial that examined the effectiveness of the Phoneme Factory Sound Sorter® (PFSS) computer program (Wren and Roulstone, 2013). Following the trial, participants completed a telephone interview discussing their experiences implementing the program. Transcripts from the interviews were analysed and three categories emerged as factors that influenced the provision of support: (1) personal factors that related to the children (engagement with PFSS, inclusion/exclusion experience), peers, and educators (service provision, educator engagement, support of child PFSS use); (2) environmental factors that related to policies and philosophies (child-centred practice, technology), the physical environment (inclusion/exclusion), and logistics (time, technology); and (3) program factors that related specifically to PFSS (program format, specific games, game duration). In order to best meet the needs of children, parents, educators, and clinicians, these factors need to be taken into consideration in the provision of speech and language therapy services in early childhood centres.