bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurofibroma of the Colon: A Diagnostic Mimicker of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Ahn Soomin , Chung Choon Sik , Kim Kyoung-Mee
Published: November 2016

Gastrointestinal neurofibroma usually develops as diffuse gastrointestinal involvement in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients. Only 4 cases of sporadic colonic neurofibroma in a patient without neurofibromatosis type 1 have been reported in the English literature. A 26-year-old female patient underwent colonoscopy, and a 4-cm-sized polypoid mass was identified in the sigmoid colon. Wedge resection of the mass showed a yellowish, hard submucosal tumor. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of wavy spindle cells, fibroblasts, and strands of collagen; the stroma showed scattered myxoid areas. The differential diagnoses included gastrointestinal stromal tumor, schwannoma, and neurofibroma. Immunohistochemistry for c-Kit, DOG (discovered on gastrointestinal stromal tumors)-1, smooth muscle actin, S-100 protein, and CD34 was performed. The tumor cells were diffusely positive for CD34 and S-100 protein, while they were completely negative for c-Kit, DOG-1, and smooth muscle actin. The final diagnosis was neurofibroma. Sporadic colonic neurofibroma is very rare. Given the diffuse positivity for CD34 and its rarity, colonic neurofibroma can be easily misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Recognition of this entity would be beneficial for pathologists to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome with Epibulbar Dermoid: An Unusual Association in a Patient with 4p Deletion and Functional Xp Disomy
Authors: Bragagnolo Silvia , Colovati Mileny E.S. , Guilherme Roberta S. , Dantas Anelisa G. , de Souza Malú Zamariolli , de Soares Maria F. , Melaragno Maria I. , Perez Ana B.
Published: November 2016

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is a contiguous gene and multiple malformation syndrome that results from a deletion in the 4p16.3 region. We describe here a 6-month-old girl that presented with WHS features but also displayed unusual findings, such as epibulbar dermoid in the left eye, ear tags, and left microtia. Although on G-banding her karyotype appeared to be normal, chromosomal microarray analysis revealed an ∼13-Mb 4p16.3p15.33 deletion and an ∼9-Mb Xp22.33p22.31 duplication, resulting from a balanced maternal t(X;4)(p22.31;p15.33) translocation. The patient presented with functional Xp disomy due to an unbalanced X-autosome translocation, a rare cytogenetic finding in females with unbalanced rearrangements. Sequencing of both chromosome breakpoints detected no gene disruption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first patient described in the literature with WHS and epibulbar dermoid, a typical characteristic of the oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS). Our data suggest that possible candidate genes for OAVS may have been deleted along with the WHS critical region.
Splenic Angiosarcoma: A Diagnostic Splenectomy Finding
Authors: Schmidt de Azevedo Otavio , do Nascimento Santos Bruna , de Souza Liboni Nelson , Fernandes da Costa Juliano , Daniel de Campos Olimpio
Published: November 2016

Splenic tumors are not frequent. Blood vessel neoplasms are a rare category of tumors and have an extremely low incidence in the spleen. This case report aims to describe a 57-year-old woman in whom a routine imaging examination had shown splenic cysts. During her follow-up, the cysts became larger and increased in number. A diagnostic splenectomy was performed and its analysis showed a rare splenic angiosarcoma.
Targeted Therapy of CLL
Authors: Al-Sawaf Othman , Fischer Kirsten , Eichhorst Barbara , Hallek Michael
Published: November 2016

The landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has undergone profound changes in the past years. First, the addition of CD20-targeting antibodies to conventional chemotherapy has improved the therapeutic outcome in the majority of CLL patients. Since the establishment of the critical role of the B cell receptor signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CLL, several agents have been developed to target this pathway. Ibrutinib and idelalisib, 2 potent kinase inhibitors, have both become available for CLL therapy in the first and second line. Additionally, the observation of high expression levels of the anti-apoptotic mitochondrial protein Bcl-2 in CLL has led to the development of venetoclax, a BH3 mimetic compound that inhibits Bcl-2 and has shown high efficacy in CLL. This short review summarizes preclinical and clinical data on currently available agents in CLL and provides an outlook on upcoming new challenges in the targeted therapy of CLL.
Acute Clinical Worsening after Steroid Administration in Cervical Myelitis May Reveal a Subdural Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Rain Silvia , Udding Jan , Broere Daniel
Published: November 2016

Subdural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a rare condition characterized by clinical manifestations ranging from mild bilateral sensory deficits to quadriplegia. The diagnosis is often delayed due to unspecific neurological symptoms, initially diagnosed as polyneuropathy or myelopathy. The diagnosis can be delayed for as long as 1–15 years. The following report describes a cervical SDAVF case initially misdiagnosed as myelitis transversa and treated with intravenous steroids. A 56-year-old male presented with sensory deficits and mild leg and right arm weakness. Cervical MRI showed a central medullary hyperintense lesion with contrast enhancement. After metabolic, infectious, and malignant causes were excluded, myelitis transversa was presumed and the patient was treated intravenously with methylprednisolone. Shortly after that, he developed quadriplegia. Cervical MRI imaging showed engorged cervical perimedullary vessels, which were not visible on the initial MRI. The diagnosis was revised and a SDAVF identified. Prompt surgical treatment led to a complete recovery. The effect of intravenous steroids in SDAVF is controversial. Acute clinical worsening after steroid administration is previously reported in several publications; however, due to the paucity of clinical studies on SDAVF, this effect remains mostly overlooked or unknown. The findings in this patient support the causative relation between SDAVF clinical worsening and steroid administration. We propose that acute clinical worsening under steroids in patients initially diagnosed with myelitis should raise suspicion of an SDAVF.
Endothelial SCUBE2 Interacts With VEGFR2 and Regulates VEGF-Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Lin Yuh-Charn , Chao Tsu-Yi , Yeh Chi-Tai , Roffler Steve R. , Kannagi Reiji , Yang Ruey-Bing
Published: November 2016

Objective—

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of angiogenesis, exerts its proangiogenic action by binding to VEGFR2 (VEGF receptor 2), the activity of which is further modulated by VEGFR2 coreceptors such as neuropilins. However, whether VEGFR2 is regulated by additional coreceptors is not clear. To investigate whether SCUBE2 (signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 2), a peripheral membrane protein expressed in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) known to bind other signaling receptors, functions as a VEGFR2 coreceptor and to verify the role of SCUBE2 in the VEGF-induced angiogenesis.

Approach and Results—

SCUBE2 lentiviral overexpression in human ECs increased and short hairpin RNA knockdown inhibited VEGF-induced EC growth and capillary-like network formation on Matrigel. Like VEGF, endothelial SCUBE2 was upregulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α at both mRNA and protein levels. EC-specific
Scube2
knockout mice were not defective in vascular development but showed impaired VEGF-induced neovascularization in implanted Matrigel plugs and recovery of blood flow after hind-limb ischemia. Coimmunoprecipitation and ligand-binding assays showed that SCUBE2 forms a complex with VEGF and VEGFR2, thus acting as a coreceptor to facilitate VEGF binding and augment VEGFR2 signal activity. SCUBE2 knockdown or genetic knockout suppressed and its overexpression promoted the VEGF-induced activation of downstream proangiogenic and proliferating signals, including VEGFR2 phosphorylation and mitogen-activated protein kinase or AKT activation.

Conclusions—

Endothelial SCUBE2 may be a novel coreceptor for VEGFR2 and potentiate VEGF-induced signaling in adult angiogenesis.
Discovering and Developing Successful Cardiovascular Therapeutics
Authors: Topper James N. , Rutherford John D.
Published: November 2016

Dr James (also known as Jamie) N. Topper, MD, PhD, serves as Managing General Partner at Frazier Healthcare Partners, where he leads the Life Science Venture practice. In 2011, and 2016, he was named to the Midas List of leading venture capitalists, and, in 2013, he was recognized by Forbes as one of the top 10 healthcare investors. He has >25 years of experience working with entrepreneurs to found and build successful therapeutics-focused companies. Dr Topper holds a BS from the University of Michigan. He received an MD and PhD (in biophysics) from Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed postgraduate training in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and is board certified in both disciplines.
Altered Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in Blood After Ischemic Stroke and Proximity to Putative Stroke Risk Loci
Authors: Dykstra-Aiello Cheryl , Jickling Glen C. , Ander Bradley P. , Shroff Natasha , Zhan Xinhua , Liu DaZhi , Hull Heather , Orantia Miles , Stamova Boryana S. , Sharp Frank R.
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

Although peripheral blood mRNA and micro-RNA change after ischemic stroke, any role for long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which comprise most of the genome and have been implicated in various diseases, is unknown. Thus, we hypothesized that lncRNA expression also changes after stroke.

Methods—

lncRNA expression was assessed in 266 whole-blood RNA samples drawn once per individual from patients with ischemic stroke and matched with vascular risk factor controls. Differential lncRNA expression was assessed by ANCOVA (
P
<0.005; fold change>|1.2|), principal components analysis, and hierarchical clustering on a derivation set (n=176) and confirmed on a validation set (n=90). Poststroke temporal lncRNA expression changes were assessed using ANCOVA with confounding factor correction (
P
<0.005; partial correlation with time since event >|0.4|). Because sexual dimorphism exists in stroke, analyses were performed for each sex separately.

Results—

A total of 299 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between stroke and control males, whereas 97 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between stroke and control females. Significant changes of lncRNA expression with time after stroke were detected for 49 lncRNAs in men and 31 lncRNAs in women. Some differentially expressed lncRNAs mapped close to genomic locations of previously identified putative stroke-risk genes, including lipoprotein, lipoprotein(a)-like 2, ABO (transferase A, α1-3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase; transferase B, α1-3-galactosyltransferase) blood group, prostaglandin 12 synthase, and α-adducins.

Conclusions—

This study provides evidence of altered and sexually dimorphic lncRNA expression in peripheral blood of patients with stroke compared with that of controls and suggests that lncRNAs have potential for stroke biomarker development. Some regulated lncRNA could regulate some previously identified putative stroke-risk genes.
Impact of Clinical Trial Results on the Temporal Trends of Carotid Endarterectomy and Stenting From 2002 to 2014
Authors: Hussain Mohamad A. , Mamdani Muhammad , Tu Jack V. , Saposnik Gustavo , Khoushhal Zeyad , Aljabri Badr , Verma Subdoh , Al-Omran Mohammed
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

Randomized trials provide conflicting data for the efficacy of carotid-artery stenting compared with endarterectomy. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of conflicting clinical trial publications on the utilization rates of carotid revascularization procedures.

Methods—

We conducted a population-level time-series analysis of all individuals who underwent carotid endarterectomy and stenting in Ontario, Canada (2002–2014). The primary analysis examined temporal changes in the rates of carotid revascularization procedures after publications of major randomized trials. Secondary analyses examined changes in overall and age, sex, carotid-artery symptom, and operator specialty–specific procedure rates.

Results—

A total of 16 772 patients were studied (14 394 endarterectomy [86%]; 2378 stenting [14%]). The overall rate of carotid revascularization decreased from 6.0 procedures per 100 000 individuals ≥40 years old in April 2002 to 4.3 procedures in the first quarter of 2014 (29% decrease;
P
<0.001). The rate of endarterectomy decreased by 36% (
P
<0.001), whereas the rate of carotid-artery stenting increased by 72% (
P
=0.006). We observed a marked increase (
P
=0.01) in stenting after publication of the SAPPHIRE trial (Stenting and Angioplasty With Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy) in 2004, whereas stenting remained relatively unchanged after subsequent randomized trials published in 2006 (
P
=0.11) and 2010 (
P
=0.34). In contrast, endarterectomy decreased after trials published in 2006 (
P
=0.04) and 2010 (
P
=0.005).

Conclusions—

Although the overall rates of carotid revascularization and endarterectomy have fallen since 2002, the rate of carotid-artery stenting has risen since the publication of stenting-favorable SAPPHIRE trial. Subsequent conflicting randomized trials were associated with a decreasing rate of carotid endarterectomy.
The Court of the Eurasian Economic Union: An Adequate Body for Facilitating Eurasian Integration?
Authors: Kembayev Zhenis
Published: November 2016

This article examines the structure and competences of the Court of the Eurasian Economic Union (eaeu Court). In doing so, it provides a comparative analysis of the eaeu Court with other judicial bodies created in the post-Soviet area, the Economic Court of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Court of the Eurasian Economic Community (Community Court), as well as in some respects with the Court of Justice of the European Union (cjeu). Summarizing major problems of the eaeu Court and setting out the Court’s first case, the article argues that the rules governing the activities of the eaeu Court represent a significant setback against the progress achieved previously by the Community Court. This setback reflects the lack of political will of the eaeu members to transform the eaeu Court into an effective judicial body similar to the cjeu and their insufficient commitment to the rule of law.
Improving the Simulation of Large Lakes in Regional Climate Modeling: Two-Way Lake–Atmosphere Coupling with a 3D Hydrodynamic Model of the Great Lakes
Authors: Xue Pengfei , Pal Jeremy S. , Ye Xinyu , Lenters John D. , Huang Chenfu , Chu Philip Y.
Published: November 2016

Accurate representations of lake–ice–atmosphere interactions in regional climate modeling remain one of the most critical and unresolved issues for understanding large-lake ecosystems and their watersheds. To date, the representation of the Great Lakes two-way interactions in regional climate models is achieved with one-dimensional (1D) lake models applied at the atmospheric model lake grid points distributed spatially across a 2D domain. While some progress has been made in refining 1D lake model processes, such models are fundamentally incapable of realistically resolving a number of physical processes in the Great Lakes. In this study, a two-way coupled 3D lake-ice–climate modeling system [Great Lakes–Atmosphere Regional Model (GLARM)] is developed to improve the simulation of large lakes in regional climate models and accurately resolve the hydroclimatic interactions. Model results are compared to a wide variety of observational data and demonstrate the unique skill of the coupled 3D modeling system in reproducing trends and variability in the Great Lakes regional climate, as well as in capturing the physical characteristics of the Great Lakes by fully resolving the lake hydrodynamics. Simulations of the climatology and spatiotemporal variability of lake thermal structure and ice are significantly improved over previous coupled, 1D simulations. At seasonal and annual time scales, differences in model results are primarily observed for variables that are directly affected by lake surface temperature (e.g., evaporation, precipitation, sensible heat flux) while no significant differences are found in other atmospheric variables (e.g., solar radiation, cloud cover). Underlying physical mechanisms for the simulation improvements using GLARM are also discussed.
L‘Orologio: Il romanzo della politica
Authors: Leogrande Alessandro
Published: November 2016

L’eccesso di politica produce paradossalmente una spoliazione della politica, per come essa era stata immaginata nei lunghi anni dell’esilio in bilico tra la vita e la morte: è questa la riflessione posta al centro del secondo romanzo di Carlo Levi, L’Orologio, uscito nel 1950. L’Orologio è un libro che narra l’origine e la deflagrazione di una crisi politica (quella dei partiti politici che avevano fatto la Resistenza al nazifascismo, già negli ultimi mesi del 1945), i rapporti tra le diverse forze partitiche in quel frangente della storia d’Italia, e soprattutto le vicissitudini del Partito d’Azione, il piccolo partito liberal-socialista, o socialista-libertario, nato dall’esperienza di Giustizia e libertà, a cui Levi (già autore con Leone Ginzburg del fondamentale saggio Il concetto di autonomia nel programma di G.L.) aveva aderito.

Il saggio si propone di analizzare la genesi e la struttura del romanzo, il rapporto tra esso e l’attività politico-giornalistica di Levi in quegli anni, lo stile del suo autore, le relazioni che egli intrattiene con un’Italia socialmente vivissima, eppure incamminata verso nuove restaurazioni.
Contadini del Sud tra valore documentario e dimensione letteraria
Authors: Mirizzi Ferdinando
Published: November 2016

Nel saggio si ricostruisce, tenendo sullo sfondo i temi del dibattito intorno alla vicenda politica, intellettuale e umana di Rocco Scotellaro, la genesi di Contadini del Sud dal progetto di ricerca proposto all’editore Vito Laterza alle edizioni a stampa delle sole cinque vite completate dallo stesso Scotellaro prima che la morte, all’età di trent’anni, lo cogliesse improvvisamente e prematuramente. Se ne discutono quindi il metodo adottato e la scelta stilistica, tra letteratura, realismo poetico e il valore di documento attribuito ai racconti pubblicati nel libro. Infine si evidenzia la funzione di Contadini del Sud come opera fondatrice di una tradizione di studi sulle storie di vita, alla quale l’opera di Scotellaro ha variamente lasciato come forme ereditarie, tra le altre cose, il senso della ricerca come forma di partecipazione e la capacità di ascolto delle voci e il loro conseguente farsene interprete in un universo culturale altro rispetto a quello di provenienza.
La scrittura di viaggio di Carlo Levi
Authors: Scianatico Giovanna
Published: November 2016

Partendo dall’analisi di Cristo si è fermato ad Eboli in chiave odeporica, se ne individua lo schema di approccio al diverso, poi messo in atto nei successivi reportages dall’Europa e dall’Oriente (in particolare Russia, Cina, India).

Si tratta di viaggi all’interno di una dimensione spaziotemporale, dove si congiungono dialetticamente arcaico e moderno, dove nell’ignoto dell’altrove si rintraccia l’identità dell’io, e all’esotismo pittorico e fantasmagorico delle immagini è correlata la problematica politico-sociale dei Paesi attraversati.
Carlo Levi a Roma
Authors: Petrignani Sandra
Published: November 2016

Il rapporto di Carlo Levi con Roma, città d’adozione, che fu teatro di grandi amicizie e della sua molteplice attività di narratore, polemista, poeta, pittore, uomo politico. Dalla giovinezza antifascista alla Dolce Vita, dal successo di “Cristo si è fermato a Eboli” alle battaglie come parlamentare nella sinistra indipendente. I grandi amori, la paternità negata, le forti amicizie (Alberto Moravia, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Palma Bucarelli, Renato Guttuso, Sartre e Simone de Beauvoir). Un ritratto dell’uomo e dell’artista, infedele alle donne, ma fedelissimo ai sentimenti, ai propri principi e alle città del cuore, prima di tutto Roma.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 activity is required for allogeneic T-cell responses after hematopoietic cell transplantation in mice
Authors: Askew David , Pareek Tej K. , Eid Saada , Ganguly Sudipto , Tyler Megan , Huang Alex Y. , Letterio John J. , Cooke Kenneth R.
Published: November 2016

Key Points

Cdk5 function is required for optimal lymphocyte activation and migration following allo-HCT. Targeting Cdk5 may be a particularly attractive strategy to reduce GVHD and maintain antitumor activity.
SABRE: a method for assessing the stability of gene modules in complex tissues and subject populations
Authors: Shannon Casey P. , Chen Virginia , Takhar Mandeep , Hollander Zsuzsanna , Balshaw Robert , McManus Bruce M. , Tebbutt Scott J. , Sin Don D. , Ng Raymond T.
Published: November 2016

Background

Gene network inference (GNI) algorithms can be used to identify sets of coordinately expressed genes, termed network modules from whole transcriptome gene expression data. The identification of such modules has become a popular approach to systems biology, with important applications in translational research. Although diverse computational and statistical approaches have been devised to identify such modules, their performance behavior is still not fully understood, particularly in complex human tissues. Given human heterogeneity, one important question is how the outputs of these computational methods are sensitive to the input sample set, or stability. A related question is how this sensitivity depends on the size of the sample set. We describe here the SABRE (Similarity Across Bootstrap RE-sampling) procedure for assessing the stability of gene network modules using a re-sampling strategy, introduce a novel criterion for identifying stable modules, and demonstrate the utility of this approach in a clinically-relevant cohort, using two different gene network module discovery algorithms.

Results

The stability of modules increased as sample size increased and stable modules were more likely to be replicated in larger sets of samples. Random modules derived from permutated gene expression data were consistently unstable, as assessed by SABRE, and provide a useful baseline value for our proposed stability criterion. Gene module sets identified by different algorithms varied with respect to their stability, as assessed by SABRE. Finally, stable modules were more readily annotated in various curated gene set databases.

Conclusions

The SABRE procedure and proposed stability criterion may provide guidance when designing systems biology studies in complex human disease and tissues.
Defined three-dimensional culture conditions mediate efficient induction of definitive endoderm lineage from human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Al Madhoun Ashraf , Ali Hamad , AlKandari Sarah , Atizado Valerie Lopez , Akhter Nadeem , Al-Mulla Fahd , Atari Maher
Published: November 2016

Background

Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are gaining increasing interest as an alternative source of stem cells for regenerative medicine applications. Definitive endoderm (DE) specification is a prerequisite for the development of vital organs such as liver and pancreas. Hence, efficient induction of the DE lineage from stem cells is crucial for subsequent generation of clinically relevant cell types. Here we present a defined 3D differentiation protocol of WJ-MSCs into DE cells.

Methods

WJ-MSCs were cultured in suspension to generate spheroids, about 1500 cells each, for 7 days. The serum-free differentiation media contained specific growth factors, cytokines, and small molecules that specifically regulate signaling pathways including sonic hedgehog, bone morphogenetic protein, Activin/Wnt, and Notch.

Results

We obtained more than 85 % DE cells as shown with FACS analysis using antibodies directed against the DE marker CXCR4. In addition, biochemical and molecular analysis of bona-fide DE markers revealed a time-course induction of Sox17, CXCR4, and FoxA2. Focused PCR-based array also indicated a specific induction into the DE lineage.

Conclusions

In this study, we report an efficient serum-free protocol to differentiate WJ-MSCs into DE cells utilizing 3D spheroid formation. Our approach might aid in the development of new protocols to obtain DE-derivative lineages including liver-like and pancreatic insulin-producing cells.
Reluctant civilian world powers? How nationalism threatens the soft power image of Japan and Germany
Authors: Hein Patrick
Published: November 2016

The article examines how Japan and Germany face the challenge of maintaining their self-images of global civilian powers in an unstable and unstructured world order. Both Japan and Germany have been struggling since 1945 with defining and identifying norms and interests that would help them interpret the lessons of history and enable them to act responsibly and constructively in a globalizing world. Even though multilateralism and anti-militarism have characterized the foreign policy of both states in the past, the article holds that Germany and Japan have exposed discrepancies between norms they avow and interests they pursue. It also contends that nationalist policies worsen those discrepancies. Indeed, nationalist ideas of restoring pride and honor in Japan explain why Japan has interpreted its war history differently from Germany. Likewise the quest for an equal military status explains why Germany has endorsed the selective use of force abroad whereas Japan has not. A comparison of migration policies shows that Japan embraces a more closed and descent based concept of nationhood, whereas Germany’s national identity norms of openness, respect for difference and tolerance have been strained by nationalist immigration fears and terrorist threats. It is concluded that Japan’s and Germany’s ability to be perceived as respected international partners depends on their continued ability to act in full agreement with the high principles they claim to hold dear.
Estimating geomechanical parameters from microseismic plane focal mechanisms recorded during multistage hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Kuang Wenhuan , Zoback Mark , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2016

We extend a full-waveform modeling method to invert source focal-plane mechanisms for microseismic data recorded with dual-borehole seismic arrays. Combining inverted focal-plane mechanisms with geomechanics knowledge, we map the pore pressure distribution in the reservoir. Determining focal mechanisms for microseismic events is challenging due to poor geometry coverage. We use the P-wave polarities, the P- and S-wave similarities, the SV/P amplitude ratio, and the SH/P amplitude ratio to invert the focal-plane mechanisms. A synthetic study proves that this method can effectively resolve focal mechanisms with dual-array geometry. We apply this method to 47 relatively large events recorded during a hydraulic fracturing operation in the Barnett Shale. The focal mechanisms are used to invert for the orientation and relative magnitudes of the principal stress axes, the orientation of the planes slipping in shear, and the approximate pore pressure perturbation that caused the slip. The analysis of the focal mechanisms consistently shows a normal faulting stress state with the maximum principal stress near vertical, the maximum horizontal stress near horizontal at an azimuth of N60°E, and the minimum horizontal stress near horizontal at an azimuth of S30°E. We propose a general method that can be used to obtain microseismic focal-plane mechanisms and use them to improve the geomechanical understanding of the stimulation process during multistage hydraulic fracturing.
Multi- and Transgenerational Consequences of Bisphenol A on Sexually Dimorphic Cell Populations in Mouse Brain
Authors: Goldsby Jessica A. , Wolstenholme Jennifer T. , Rissman Emilie F.
Published: November 2016

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound used to manufacture plastics; it is present in linings of food cans, bottles, thermal receipts, and many other everyday items and is detectable in human urine and blood. Exposure to BPA during development can disrupt sexual differentiation of some brain regions. Moreover, BPA can have transgenerational effects on gene expression and behaviors. Here, we used a diet and breeding regimen that produces transgenerational effects on behaviors. C57BL/6J mice consumed control or BPA-containing diets during pregnancy. We examined vasopressin (AVP) and estrogen receptor α (ERα) immunoreactivity (ir) in sexually dimorphic brain regions from first-generation (F1) offspring and transgenerational effects of BPA in third-generation offspring. In all but one brain region examined, the expected sex differences were noted in both generations of control mice. In F1 mice, a diet by sex interaction was present for AVP-ir in the lateral septum and posterodorsal medial amygdala. In both regions, BPA exposure reduced immunoreactivity in male brains. An interaction between diet and sex for ERα-ir in the ventromedial hypothalamus was caused by reduced immunoreactivity in BPA-exposed females. Of interest, BPA had transgenerational effects on ERα-ir in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Our data show that BPA produces immunoreactive differences in ERα-ir generations after exposure to BPA. We speculate that actions of BPA in utero on ERα-ir in brain have long-term consequences for reproduction and social behavior.
The Method Effect: Empiricism and Form in Sherlock Holmes
Authors: Parker Ben
Published: November 2016

This essay reconsiders the connection between the narrative closure of the Sherlock Holmes stories and their ideological and scientific contexts. Previous studies have taken contemporary scientific discourse to provide Holmes with his famed method of solving crimes. I argue that said method is merely a narrative effect, nowhere carried out in the narrative structure: scientific (or other) contemporary discourse is not the “real” of literary form. By examining the retrospective closure and focalization of the Holmes formula, especially in A Study in Scarlet, I propose a different relationship between novelistic subjectivity and empiricism from that given by Watt in The Rise of the Novel. Far from providing an effective epistemological procedure for the fictional detective, empiricism—considered as a picture of subjectivity and temporality—instead describes a set of narrative hitches and obstacles to closure.
The apparently contradictory energetics of hopping and running: the counter-intuitive effect of constraints resolves the paradox
Authors: Gutmann Anne K. , Bertram John E. A.
Published: November 2016

Metabolic rate appears to increase with rate of force application for running. Leg function during ground contact is similar in hopping and running so one might expect that this relationship would hold for hopping as well. Surprisingly, metabolic rate appeared to decrease with increasing force rate for hopping. However, this paradox is the result of comparing different cross sections of the metabolic cost landscapes for hopping and running. The apparent relationship between metabolic rate and force rate observed in treadmill running is likely not a fundamental characteristic of muscle physiology, but a result of runners responding to speed constraints, i.e. runners selecting step frequencies that minimize metabolic cost/distance for a series of treadmill-specified speeds. Evaluating hopping metabolic rate over a narrow range of hop frequencies similar to that selected by treadmill runners yields energy use trends similar to running.
Autoregulation of cardiac output is overcome by adrenergic stimulation in the anaconda heart
Authors: Joyce William , Axelsson Michael , Wang Tobias
Published: November 2016

Most vertebrates increase cardiac output during activity by elevating heart rate with relatively stable stroke volume. However, several studies have demonstrated ‘intrinsic autoregulation’ of cardiac output where artificially increased heart rate is associated with decreased stroke volume, leaving cardiac output unchanged. We explored the capacity of noradrenaline to overcome autoregulation in the anaconda heart. Electrically pacing in situ perfused hearts from the intrinsic heart rate to the maximum attainable resulted in a proportional decrease in stroke volume. However, noradrenaline, which increased heart rate to the same frequency as pacing, maintained stroke volume and thus increased cardiac output. In atrial and ventricular preparations noradrenaline significantly increased the force of contraction and contraction kinetics. Thus, the increased contractility associated with adrenergic stimulation ameliorates filling limitations at high heart rates. Although heart rate appears the primary regulated variable during activity, this may only be achieved with compensatory amendments in myocardial contractility provided by adrenergic stimulation.
Reversible developmental stasis in response to nutrient availability in theXenopus laevisCNS
Authors: McKeown C. R. , Thompson C. K. , Cline H. T.
Published: November 2016

Many organisms confront intermittent nutrient restriction, but the mechanisms to cope with nutrient fluctuations during development are not well understood. This is particularly true of the brain, the development and function of which is energy intensive. Here we examine the effects of nutrient availability on visual system development in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. During the first week of development, tadpoles draw nutrients from maternally-provided yolk. Upon yolk depletion, animals forage for food. By altering access to external nutrients after yolk depletion, we identified a period of reversible stasis during tadpole development. We demonstrate that nutrient restriction (NR) results in developmental stasis characterized by a decrease in overall growth of the animals, a failure to progress through developmental stages, and a decrease in volume of the optic tectum. During NR, neural progenitors virtually cease proliferation, but tadpoles swim and behave normally. Introducing food after temporary NR increased neural progenitor cell proliferation more than 10 fold relative to NR tadpoles, and cell proliferation was comparable to fed counterparts a week after delayed feeding. Delayed feeding also rescued NR-induced body length and tectal volume deficits and partially rescued developmental progression defects. Tadpoles recover from developmental stasis if food is provided within the first 9 days of NR, after which access to food fails to increase cell proliferation. These results show that early stages of tadpole brain development are acutely sensitive to fluctuations in nutrient availability and that NR induces developmental stasis from which animals can recover if food becomes available within a critical window.
The pH Dependent Protein Structure Transitions and Related Spin-State Transition of Cytochrome c′ from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans NCIMB 11015
Authors: Takashina Akiko , Tiedemann Michael T , Unno Masaki , Yamaguchi Takahide , Stillman Martin J , Kohzuma Takamitsu
Published: November 2016

The unusual magnetic/spectroscopic properties of Cytochrome c′ (Cyt c′) have been discussed, especially concerning the possibility of a quantum mechanically mixed-spin configuration of heme Fe(III). Here, four unique-spin species were identified from the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of Cyt c′ from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (AxCyt c′). The electrospray ionization mass spectrometric (ESI-MS) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic data showed the overall conformation of AxCyt c′ was unchanged, in complete contrast to the drastic changes in the heme MCD spectra over the range of pH 3.5 and 11.8. The pH dependency of ESI-MS, electronic absorption, MCD, and CD spectroscopic properties of AxCyt c′ enabled us to reveal the undiscovered correlation between the protein-folding state and the electronic structure of the active site as a function of pH. The mechanism of alkaline spin-state transition through the rearrangement of the hydrogen-bonding linkage between Helix C and D is also proposed on the basis of atomic resolution crystal structure analyses (A. Takashina, M. Unno, T. Kohzuma, Chem. Lett. 2015, 44, 268).
Zika mosquito vectors: the jury is still out
Authors: Leal Walter S.
Published: November 2016

After a 40-year hiatus, the International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2016) convened in Orlando, Florida (September 25-30, 2016). One of the symposia at ICE 2016, the Zika Symposium, covered multiple aspects of the Zika epidemic, including epidemiology, sexual transmission, genetic tools for reducing transmission, and particularly vector competence. While there was a consensus among participants that the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a vector of the Zika virus, there is growing evidence indicating that the range of mosquito vectors might be wider than anticipated. In particular, three independent groups from Canada, China, and Brazil presented and discussed laboratory and field data strongly suggesting that the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as the common mosquito, is highly likely to be a vector in certain environments.
Investigation of vibroisolating device reliability in grinding machine
Authors: Братан С. , Bratan S. , Владецкая Екатерина , Vladetskaya Ekaterina
Published: November 2016

For the search of rational engineering solutions on the design of vibroisolating devices of a machine functioning under conditions of a floating shop there is used a method of a morphological analysis. The undertakings carried out allowed solving a problem at the level of a structural arrangement optimization and parametric synthesis and creating new designs of a vibroisolating support and a vibroisolating device. On the basis of the regulations of a mass service theory there is offered a method for the operation reliability estimation of a machine vibroisolating device with the use of a graduated graph of states taking into account failure and restoration flows. The state of the system is determined by a set of equations of final likelihoods. A machine experiment has shown maintainability high enough of a vibroisolating device (more than 96 % of its life the device is in its operational status, and about 4% - in the repair (restoration) state of its subsystems). To the least reliable subsystem it should be related a drive (failure probability – 2.11%), further – vibro-isolator (failure probability – 1%), then – a body – (0.52%) and a fastening device (0.26%). The method allows defining device maintainability with the aid of a machine experiment and revealing least reliable subsystems and elements and also an expediency of their parametrical optimization.
Additive laser techniques of metal powder fritting to manufacture products of aerospace industry
Authors: Мисюров Александр , Misyurov Aleksandr , Богданов Александр , Bogdanov Aleksandr , Соловьев Алексей , Soloviyev Aleksey , Ильичев Игорь , Ilichev Igor , Егоров Эдуард , Egorov Eduard , Васильцов Виктор , Vasiltsov Viktor , Смирнова Наталья , Smirnova Natalya
Published: November 2016

A domestic plant for additive techniques of different materials fritting is presented. The plant in its basis has a high-powered (up to 2.5 kW) waveguide CO2 – laser possessing a unique in the uniformity of emission power density distribution on a target. The results of nickel-based heat-resistant alloy fritting of TCNA-1VR, VZhL12U and VZh159 types developed for manufacturing complex contoured parts of gas turbine engines (GTE) by a method of layered laser alloying and for complex contoured parts GTE repair by a method of gas powder laser surfacing are shown. During laser remelting of these powders it is possible to grow a billet with a homogeneous fine-grain structure which manufacturing is impossible at common techniques of casting.
How to keep hold of your teachers
Authors: Lynch Sarah
Published: November 2016

New research into teacher retention has uncovered some of the reasons why teachers quit the profession, as well as those vital ‘protective factors’ that can help a school to retain, engage and motivate their teachers. Researcher Sarah Lynch breaks downs the key findings
Teaching memory skills
Authors: Hancock Jonathan
Published: November 2016

Memory champion and school leader Jonathan Hancock has always been amazed that more schools don't focus on memory skills. He argues why they should and offers some ideas for memory games and other approaches
Your Anti-Bullying Policy
Authors: Seager-Smith Lauren
Published: November 2016

What does your anti-bullying policy say about your school? As Anti-Bullying Week approaches, Lauren Seager-Smith looks at the key ingredients of an effective policy
A smooth transition into the early years
Authors: Aubrey-Smith Fiona
Published: November 2016

Pupils' transition into the early years of primary school can be daunting. Drawing on practice she has seen across the country, Fiona Aubrey-Smith offers some practical advice and ideas to help ensure your youngest pupils get the best possible welcome
Ministers have ‘their heads in the sand’ on careers advice
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: November 2016

MPs are furious at the government's ‘complacent’ response to their inquiry into ‘inadequate and patchy’ careers provision in England
Depression in our children
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: November 2016

Research suggests that we are more depressed than ever – with our young people particularly affected. Dr Stephanie Thornton discusses why this might be and offers some advice for schools
Teaching critical thinking
Authors: Dabell John
Published: November 2016

We all agree that critical thinking is essential for today's young people – but just how do you teach these crucial skills? John Dabell advises
Propiedades psicométricas del Inventario para la construcción del contexto de intervención en el Trabajo Social de Casos CCIP - Versión II
Authors: Cardona Cardona Josefa , Gili Planas Margalida , Campos Vidal José F.
Published: November 2016

Objetivo: Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar las características psicométricas del Inventario para el análisis de la relación de ayuda entre el Trabajador Social y el Cliente durante la fase de estudio y evaluación de la situación problema (Cardona y Campos, 2009). El instrumento está diseñado para conocer cuáles son los criterios de intervención que los trabajadores sociales ponen preferentemente en práctica para determinar, junto a sus clientes, cuál será el contexto de intervención para el cambio. El trabajo busca depurar el instrumento atendiendo a criterios de consistencia interna y presentar una segunda versión del mismo. Material y métodos: La muestra, no probabilística e intencional, estuvo compuesta por el total de trabajadores sociales ubicados en proyectos de atención directa individual y familiar. Participaron un total de 115 profesionales de los cuales 9,5% eran hombres y el 90,5% mujeres. Respondieron al cuestionario 84 (73%) profesionales y 31 personas rechazaron la invitación a participar o no pudieron hacerlo. El instrumento inicial, constituido por 137 ítems, buscaba identificar y valorar los criterios de intervención más utilizados a la hora de determinar el contexto de intervención. El instrumento fue sometido a revisión de expertos para determinar su validez lógica y sus contenidos. Posteriormente, se procedió a una depuración del instrumento, se realizó un análisis exploratorio de componentes principales y un análisis factorial con rotación varimax y se determinó el coeficiente de fiabilidad (alfa de Cronbach). Resultados y conclusiones: El banco de 137 ítems quedó reducido a 75. La solución factorial final mostró que el cuestionario estaba constituido por una única dimensión, en consonancia con la lógica procesual del instrumento. El coeficiente de consistencia interna del cuestionario reflejó un alfa de Cronbach de 0.97. Ello nos indica que se trata de un inventario cuyo contenido pone de relieve una robusta consistencia interna. La versión revisada del instrumento permite conocer los procesos implicados y aplicados en la formulación de contextos de intervención, y sirve de guía para la supervisión, el entrenamiento y la formación para la práctica del Trabajo Social de Casos.
First record of Pseudopaludicola boliviana Parker, 1927 (Anura, Leptodactylidae, Leiuperinae) in the Brazilian state of Amapá, with comments on its advertisement call and distribution
Authors: Costa-Campos Carlos Eduardo , De Carvalho Tiago Ribeiro , Freire Eliza Maria Xavier
Published: November 2016

We provide the first record of Pseudopaludicola boliviana from the state of Amapá (municipality of Macapá), northern Brazil. It is also the species easternmost record, extending its known geographic distribution in Brazil about 1,260 km from the state of Roraima, northern Brazil. Additionally, we also provide a call description for this population of P. boliviana and make comparisons with the available acoustic data for the species from Bolivia and Argentina. This new record fills a gap in the distribution of P. boliviana in northern Brazil.
TEKNIK PRODUKSI MASSAL Amphora sp. SEBAGAI BAHAN KONSENTRAT UNTUK PAKAN LARVA ABALON (Haliotis squamata)
Authors: Sujarwani Siyam , Saifuddin Saifuddin , Wisnawa I Gede Sridana
Published: November 2016

Amphora sp. merupakan kelompok bentik diatom bersel tunggal, hidup pada substrat kasar, dapat membentuk koloni, berkelompok membentuk flok, dan sangat banyak ditemukan pada pemeliharaan larva ikan udang dan kekerangan. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh konsentrat Amphora sp. sebagai pakan larva abalon. Produksi konsentrat dilakukan melalui kultur Amphora sp. skala kecil hingga massal. Konsentrat yang diperoleh melalui pemanenan menggunakan bak volume 100 L disaring menggunakan saringan ukuran 30 µm dan keranjang yang dibuat dengan mengendapkan sel Amphora sp. Konsentrat yang diperoleh disimpan dalam laboratorium dan lemari es. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa kultur Amphora sp. dengan menggunakan bak ukuran 1 m3 diperoleh kepadatan sel sebesar 75 x 104 - 200 x 104 sel/cm2 dan jumlah konsentrat Amphora sp. sebesar 272,8-882,87 g. Pengembangan pakan alami sebagai bahan konsentrat diharapkan dapat menjamin ketersediaan pakan alami pada proses pembenihan sehingga dapat meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan sintasan benih abalon
INVENTARISASI KASUS INFEKSI PARASIT PADA USAHA BUDIDAYA LAUT DI KECAMATAN GEROKGAK, BALI
Authors: Haryanto Slamet , Suratmi Sri , Ansari Mohamad
Published: November 2016

Kecamatan Gerokgak, Bali merupakan salah satu pusat kegiatan budidaya laut di Indonesia yang lokasinya tersebar sepanjang pesisir Kecamatan Gerokgak. Salah satu permasalahan yang timbul pada usaha budidaya ikan adalah terjadinya penyakit akibat infeksi parasit. Untuk itu, maka perlu dilakukan kegiatan inventarisasi kasus infeksi parasit dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui jenis-jenis parasit yang sering menginfeksi komoditas budidaya laut khususnya di wilayah Kecamatan Gerokgak yang nantinya berguna bagi para pembudidaya untuk mengantisipasinya. Inventarisasi dilakukan terhadap data analisis sampel Laboratorium Patologi Balai Besar Penelitian dan Pengembangan Budidaya Laut (BBPPBL), Gondol mulai tahun 2013 sampai dengan 2015. Identifikasi parasit dilakukan dengan cara scrapping lendir badan ikan dan pemotongan ujung lamella insang, serta perendaman dengan air tawar selama 15 menit kemudian diamati menggunakan mikroskop. Hasil inventarisasi menunjukkan bahwa kasus infeksi parasit pada budidaya laut di wilayah Kecamatan Gerokgak selama tiga tahun terakhir didominasi oleh trematoda insang sebanyak 10 kasus diikuti oleh Trichodina spp. tujuh kasus, kemudian Scutica enam kasus, dan yang terakhir Cryptocaryon irritans dan trematoda kulit masing-masing dua kasus