bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SMAD4 Suppresses WNT-Driven Dedifferentiation and Oncogenesis in the Differentiated Gut Epithelium
Authors: Perekatt Ansu O. , Shah Pooja P. , Cheung Shannon , Jariwala Nidhi , Wu Alex , Gandhi Vishal , Kumar Namit , Feng Qiang , Patel Neeket , Chen Lei , Joshi Shilpy , Zhou Anbo , Taketo M. Mark , Xing Jinchuan , White Eileen , Gao Nan , Gatza Michael L. , Verzi Michael P.
Published: July 2018

The cell of origin of colon cancer is typically thought to be the resident somatic stem cells, which are immortal and escape the continual cellular turnover characteristic of the intestinal epithelium. However, recent studies have identified certain conditions in which differentiated cells can acquire stem-like properties and give rise to tumors. Defining the origins of tumors will inform cancer prevention efforts as well as cancer therapies, as cancers with distinct origins often respond differently to treatments. We report here a new condition in which tumors arise from the differentiated intestinal epithelium. Inactivation of the differentiation-promoting transcription factor SMAD4 in the intestinal epithelium was surprisingly well tolerated in the short term. However, after several months, adenomas developed with characteristics of activated WNT signaling. Simultaneous loss of SMAD4 and activation of the WNT pathway led to dedifferentiation and rapid adenoma formation in differentiated tissue. Transcriptional profiling revealed acquisition of stem cell characteristics, and colabeling indicated that cells expressing differentiated enterocyte markers entered the cell cycle and reexpressed stem cell genes upon simultaneous loss of SMAD4 and activation of the WNT pathway. These results indicate that SMAD4 functions to maintain differentiated enterocytes in the presence of oncogenic WNT signaling, thus preventing dedifferentiation and tumor formation in the differentiated intestinal epithelium.

Significance: This work identifies a mechanism through which differentiated cells prevent tumor formation by suppressing oncogenic plasticity. Cancer Res; 78(17); 4878–90. ©2018 AACR.
Prognostic Significance of HPV and p16 Status in Men Diagnosed with Penile Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Sand Freja Lærke , Rasmussen Christina Louise , Frederiksen Marie Hoffmann , Andersen Klaus Kaae , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: July 2018

It has been shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) and p16 status has prognostic value in some HPV-associated cancers. However, studies examining survival in men with penile cancer according to HPV or p16 status are often inconclusive, mainly because of small study populations. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the association between HPV DNA and p16 status and survival in men diagnosed with penile cancer. Multiple electronic databases were searched. Twenty studies were ultimately included and study-specific and pooled HRs of overall survival and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated using a fixed effects model. In the analysis of DSS, we included 649 men with penile cancer tested for HPV (27% were HPV-positive) and 404 men tested for p16 expression (47% were p16-positive). The pooled HRHPV of DSS was 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38–0.98], and the pooled HRp16 of DSS was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.30–0.69). In conclusion, men with HPV or p16-positive penile cancer have a significantly more favorable DSS compared with men with HPV or p16-negative penile cancer. These findings point to the possible clinical value of HPV and p16 testing when planning the most optimal management and follow-up strategy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1123–32. ©2018 AACR.
The Effect of Light Spectrum on the Morphology and Cannabinoid Content of Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Magagnini Gianmaria , Grassi Gianpaolo , Kotiranta Stiina
Published: July 2018

Cannabis sativa L. flowers are the main source of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) used in medicine. One of the most important growth factors in cannabis cultivation is light; light quality, light intensity, and photoperiod play a big role in a successful growth protocol. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of 3 different light sources on morphology and cannabinoid production. Cannabis clones were grown under 3 different light spectra, namely high-pressure sodium (HPS), AP673L (LED), and NS1 (LED). Light intensity was set to ∼450 µmol/m2/s measured from the canopy top. The photoperiod was 18L: 6D/21 days during the vegetative phase and 12L: 12D/46 days during the generative phase, respectively. At the end of the experiment, plant dry weight partition, plant height, and cannabinoid content (THC, cannabidiol [CBD], tetrahydrocannabivarin [THCV], cannabigerol [CBG]) were measured under different light treatments. The experiment was repeated twice. The 3 light treatments (HPS, NS1, AP673L) resulted in differences in cannabis plant morphology and in cannabinoid content, but not in total yield of cannabinoids. Plants under HPS treatment were taller and had more flower dry weight than those under treatments AP673L and NS1. Treatment NS1 had the highest CBG content. Treatments NS1 and AP673L had higher CBD and THC concentrations than the HPS treatment. Results were similar between experiments 1 and 2. Our results show that the plant morphology can be manipulated with the light spectrum. Furthermore, it is possible to affect the accumulation of different cannabinoids to increase the potential of medicinal grade cannabis. In conclusion, an optimized light spectrum improves the value and quality of cannabis. Current LED technology showed significant differences in growth habit and cannabinoid profile compared to the traditional HPS light source. Finally, no difference of flowering time was observed under different R:FR (i.e., the ratio between red and far-red light).
Human Pharmacokinetics and Adverse Effects of Pulmonary and Intravenous THC-CBD Formulations
Authors: Meyer Pascale , Langos Manuela , Brenneisen Rudolf
Published: July 2018

Background: Due to variable absorption and extensive first-pass metabolism, the bioavailability of oral delta-9-tetra­hydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) is low, and, therefore, alternative application forms are necessary. Methods: In an open-label, 2-period phase-1 study on 11 healthy volunteers, a combination of THC and CBD was compared by pulmonary (inh) and intravenous (iv) application. The liquid aerosol was produced by an in vitro validated pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) device, releasing 41–44% of the cannabinoid dose, enabling a dosage of 81 µg THC and 87 µg CBD per actuation. Three subjects (pilot trial, low-dose session) received 324 and 348 μg THC and CBD, respectively, and 8 subjects (main trial, high-dose session) received 648 and 696 µg THC and CBD, respectively. The addition of the local anesthetic lidocaine to the inh preparation should prevent airways irritation and coughing. The pharmacokinetic evaluation was based on plasma profiles acquired by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Adverse effects were monitored by visual analog scales and measuring vital functions. Results: After low inh doses, THC and CBD were not measurable in plasma longer than 20 and 40 min after administration, respectively. Therefore, only plasma levels resulting after high doses were further evaluated. After inh and iv administration, THC plasma peaks were observed 5 min post-drug, with THC peak concentrations ranging from 3 to 22 and from 13 to 40 ng/mL, respectively. CBD peaks were also measured 5 min after inh and iv administration, with concentrations ranging from 2 to 17 and from 14 to 26 ng/mL, respectively. The elimination half-lives were 7 and 11 min after inh and 22 and 24 min after iv administration for THC and CBD, respectively. The mean inh bioavailability (calculated vs. iv) was 55 ± 37 and 59 ± 47% for THC and CBD, respectively. Conjugated 11-carboxy-THC was the main THC metabolite. The nebulized aerosol was generally well tolerated with little or no coughing and only slight psychological adverse effects. These were more distinct after iv administration, especially irritations and hallucinations. Besides moderate tachycardia, the vital functions stayed unchanged. Conclusions: We conclude that a THC-CBD inh aerosol shows favorable pharmacokinetic properties, which are similar to those of an iv preparation. Adding a local anesthetic is recommended to prevent coughing, which decreases absorption. The negligible psychoactivity may be due to an anti­psychotic effect of CBD, the low THC dosage, and/or the decreased formation of the psychoactive metabolite 11- hydroxy-THC. Therefore, the inhalation via a pMDI is a viable, safe, and well-tolerated alternative to the oral administration.
The Trouble with CBD Oil
Authors: Hazekamp Arno
Published: July 2018

In just a few years, cannabidiol (CBD) has become immensely popular around the world. After initially being discovered as an effective self-medication for Dravet syndrome in children, CBD is now sold and used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and lifestyle diseases. The cannabinoid CBD, a non-psychoactive isomer of the more infamous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is available in a growing number of administration modes, but the most commonly known is CBD oil. There are currently dozens, if not hundreds, of producers and sellers of CBD oils active in the market, and their number is increasing rapidly. Those involved vary from individuals who prepare oils on a small scale for family and (Facebook) friends to compounding pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and licensed cannabis producers. Despite the growing availability of CBD, many uncertainties remain about the legality, quality, and safety of this new “miracle cure.” As a result, CBD is under scrutiny on many levels, ranging from national health organizations and agricultural lobbyists to the WHO and FDA. The central question is whether CBD is simply a food supplement, an investigational new medicine, or even a narcotic. This overview paper looks into the known risks and issues related to the composition of CBD products, and makes recommendations for better regulatory control based on accurate labeling and more scientifically supported health claims. The intention of this paper is to create a better understanding of the benefits versus the risks of the current way CBD products are produced, used, and advertised.
An Aberrant Subclavius Posticus Muscle: A Case Report
Authors: Grigoriță Laura , Vaida Monica-Adriana , Jianu Adelina
Published: July 2018

Objective: An aberrant subclavius posticus muscle was found during routine dissection of the left infraclavicular fossa of a 60-year-old male cadaver. Presentation: This aberrant muscle arises antero-medially, from the costoclavicular ligament, runs postero-laterally, over the trunks of the brachial plexus, and postero-lateral has a common insertion with the omohyoid muscle. Conclusion: The presence of such an aberrant muscle may cause a dynamic compression of the subclavian artery and brachial plexus.
Electrophysiological Characteristics of Bundle Branch Reentry Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Chen Hongwu , Shi Linsheng , Yang Bing , Ju Weizhu , Zhang Fengxiang , Yang Gang , Gu Kai , Li Mingfang , Cao Kejiang , Ouyang Feifan , Chen Minglong
Published: July 2018

Background:

The distinct electrophysiological features of bundle branch reentry ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients without structural heart disease have not been systemically characterized.

Methods:

Nine patients (mean age, 29.6 years) with normal left ventricular function were enrolled. Bundle branch reentry VT with right and left bundle branch block (BBB) patterns was induced in 1 and 9 patients, respectively. The right bundle was attempted to record by a 6F decapolar or quadripolar catheter. Electroanatomic mapping of the left ventricle was performed in 6 patients. In all left BBB pattern VT, the mean VT cycle length was 329.3±89.1 ms, and the median HV interval during tachycardia was longer than that of baseline (78 [73–100] versus 71 [64.5–88] ms;
P
=0.11).

Results:

The H-RB interval during VT was slightly shorter (
P
=0.14); however, the median RB-V interval was markedly longer than that during sinus rhythm (50 [29.5–83] versus 30 [8–51] ms;
P
=0.043]. In 6 patients with 3-dimensional mapping of the left ventricle, a slow anterograde or retrograde conduction over left HIS-Purkinje system with normal myocardial voltage was identified. In addition, Purkinje-related VTs (1.0±1.3 types) were also induced in 5 patients. Ablation was applied in distal left BB in patients with baseline left BBB and in one narrow QRS patient with sustained Purkinje-related VT, whereas right BB was targeted in other patients. During a mean follow-up of 31.4 months, frequent premature ventricular contractions occurred in one patient, and new VT developed in the other patient.

Conclusions:

Bundle branch reentry VT can occur in young patients with extensive conduction disturbances within HIS-Purkinje system. Ablation targeting at the distal left BB which bifurcates into left posterior and anterior fascicle can preserve the residual atrioventricular conduction, but intensive follow-up is needed.
Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
Authors: Beale Anna L. , Meyer Philippe , Marwick Thomas H. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Kaye David M.
Published: July 2018

Consistent epidemiological data demonstrate that patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are more likely to be women than men. Exploring mechanisms behind this sex difference in heart failure epidemiology may enrich the understanding of underlying HFpEF pathophysiology and phenotypes, with the ultimate goal of identifying therapeutic approaches for the broader HFpEF population. In this review we evaluate the influence of sex on the key domains of cardiac structure and function, the systemic and pulmonary circulation, as well as extracardiac factors and comorbidities that may explain the predisposition of women to HFpEF. We highlight the potential role of factors exclusive to or more prevalent in women such as pregnancy, preeclampsia, and iron deficiency. Finally, we discuss existing controversies and gaps in knowledge, as well as the clinical importance of known sex differences in the context of the potential need for sex-specific diagnostic criteria, improved risk stratification models, and targeted therapies.
Mechanisms Responsible for Serotonin Vascular Reactivity Sex Differences in the Internal Mammary Artery
Authors: Lamin Victor , Jaghoori Amenah , Jakobczak Rachel , Stafford Irene , Heresztyn Tamila , Worthington Michael , Edwards James , Viana Fabiano , Stuklis Robert , Wilson David P. , Beltrame John F.
Published: July 2018

Background

The increased adverse cardiac events in women undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting are multifactorial and may include clinical, psychosocial, and biological factors. Potential contributing biological factors could include vascular hyperreactivity of the internal mammary artery (
IMA
) to endogenous vasoconstrictors in women, resulting in a predilection to myocardial ischemia. This study evaluated sex differences in serotonin and thromboxane A
2
dependent vasoconstriction in human isolated
IMA
, with the mechanistic role of (1) the endothelium, (2) nitric oxide (NO), (3) prostaglandins, and (4) receptor activity investigated for any observed sex difference.

Methods and Results

Viable isolated human
IMA
segments were obtained from 116 patients (44 women [mean age, 66.8±12.2 years] and 72 men [mean age, 66.6±10.4 years]) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Cumulative concentration‐response curves for serotonin and thromboxane A
2
mimetic, U46619, were determined and revealed an increased sensitivity to serotonin but not U46619 in women. This sex difference to serotonin was further assessed by the following: (1) endothelial denudation, (2) endothelial NO synthase inhibition and
NO
quantification using electron paramagnetic resonance, (3) cyclooxygenase inhibition and prostaglandin metabolite quantification using mass spectrometry, and (4) quantification of receptor activity status. The female hyperreactivity to serotonin was (1) abolished by endothelial denudation; (2) unaffected by NO synthase inhibition, with no difference in electron paramagnetic resonance–assessed
NO
levels; (3) abolished by cyclooxygenase inhibition (quantification of prostaglandins in
IMA
revealed a trend towards reduced 6‐keto prostaglandin F1α in female
IMA
;
P
=0.08); and (4) unrelated to receptor activity.

Conclusions

These data indicate that female
IMAs
are hyperreactive to serotonin but not U46619, with the former attributable to an endothelium‐dependent cyclooxygenase pathway.
Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection With Elevated D‐Dimer Concentration
Authors: Itagaki Ryo , Kimura Naoyuki , Mieno Makiko , Hori Daijiro , Itoh Satoshi , Akiyoshi Kei , Yuri Koichi , Tanno Keisuke , Kawahito Koji , Yamaguchi Atsushi
Published: July 2018

Background

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection with D‐dimer elevation have not been clarified.

Methods and Results

D‐dimer was measured preoperatively within 24 hours of symptom onset in 262 patients with
acute type A aortic dissection
. The median (and interquartile range) admission D‐dimer concentration in our total patient group was 26.7 (8.3–85.9) μg/
mL
. Median (interquartile range) D‐dimer concentrations were 5.0 (2.6–18.0) μg/
mL
for complete false lumen thrombosis (n=33), 60.9 (19.4–160.4) μg/
mL
for partial thrombosis (n=81), 26.5 (10.0–70.6) μg/
mL
for a patent
false lumen
(n=131), and 8.7 (3.2–26.9) μg/
mL
for ulcerlike projection (n=17) (
P<
0.01). With a D‐dimer concentration of ≤8.3 μg/
mL
representing the lower quartile, we then investigated predictors of a low D‐dimer level. Multivariate analysis showed dissection limited to the ascending aorta (
P<
0.01; odds ratio, 9.81) or descending aorta (
P<
0.01; odds ratio, 7.68), a completely thrombosed false lumen (
P<
0.01; odds ratio, 4.02), and absence of brain ischemia (
P=
0.013; odds ratio, 4.74) to be predictors of the lower D‐dimer concentration. Compared with patients with a low D‐dimer concentration (≤8.3 μg/
mL
, n=66), patients with a D‐dimer concentration >8.3 μg/
mL
(n=196) had a reduced preoperative platelet count and increased operation time and transfusion volume. In‐hospital mortality was elevated in this group (1.5% versus 11.2%;
P=
0.031), although 7‐year survival did not differ for hospital survivors (lower versus higher, 93.1% versus 79.1%;
P
=0.21).

Conclusions

D‐dimer concentrations are strongly influenced by the extent of dissection and false lumen status. Operative risks are increased in patients with a relatively high D‐dimer concentration.
Rates and Quality of Preinterventional Reperfusion in Patients With Direct Access to Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Kaesmacher Johannes , Giarrusso Mattia , Zibold Felix , Mosimann Pascal J. , Dobrocky Tomas , Piechowiak Eike , Bellwald Sebastian , Arnold Marcel , Jung Simon , El-Koussy Marwan , Mordasini Pasquale , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Preinterventional reperfusion before endovascular treatment (ET) is a benefit of bridging with intravenous tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator). However, detailed data on reperfusion quality and rates of obviating ET in a cohort of patients with immediate access to ET is lacking. Purpose of this analysis was to evaluate prevalence and quality of preinterventional reperfusion in mothership patients.

Methods—

All mothership patients (n=627) from a prospective registry subjected to angiography with an intention to perform ET were reviewed. Preinterventional change of occlusion site (COS) was categorized into COS with Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 0/1, COS with TICI ≥2a, COS with TICI ≥2b, and COS with perfusion worsening. Predictors and clinical relevance were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and results are displayed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results—

Prevalence of COS in all patients was 10.7% (95% CI, 8.3%–13.1%), subdividing into 2.7% COS with TICI 0/1, 6.2% COS with ≥TICI 2a (including 2.9% with TICI ≥2b), and 1.8% COS with perfusion worsening. Factors related to COS with ≥TICI 2a were intravenous tPA (aOR, 11.98; 95% CI, 4.5–31.6), cardiogenic thrombus origin (aOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.6), and thrombus length (aOR per 1 mm increase 0.926; 95% CI, 0.87–0.99). Additional ET was performed despite COS with ≥TICI 2a in 51.3%. COS with ≥TICI 2a showed a tendency for favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, ≤2; aOR, 2.65; 95% CI, 0.98–7.17). Rates of COS with ≥TICI 2a were particularly low in internal carotid artery and proximal M1 occlusions (2.2%; 95% CI, 0.9%–5%), where intravenous tPA was associated with perfusion worsening (aOR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.12–16.80).

Conclusions—

Prevalence of preinterventional reperfusion is non-negligible in patients with direct access to ET and is clearly favored by intravenous tPA treatment. However, it is often incomplete and often requires additional ET. Preinterventional reperfusion of internal carotid artery and proximal M1 occlusions is rare and usually of low quality, where intravenous tPA may also promote perfusion worsening.
Endovascular Treatment in the DEFUSE 3 Study
Authors: Marks Michael P. , Heit Jeremy J. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Kemp Stephanie , Christensen Soren , Derdeyn Colin P. , Rasmussen Peter A. , Zaidat Osama O. , Broderick Joseph P. , Yeatts Sharon D. , Hamilton Scott , Mlynash Michael , Albers Gregory W. ,   on behalf of the DEFUSE 3 Investigators
Published: July 2018

Background and Purpose—

Endovascular therapy in an extended time window has been shown to be beneficial in selected patients. This study correlated angiographic outcomes of patients randomized to endovascular therapy with clinical and imaging outcomes in the DEFUSE 3 study (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3).

Methods—

Angiograms were assessed for the primary arterial occlusive lesion and the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score at baseline and the final modified TICI score. Clinical outcomes were assessed using an ordinal analysis of 90-day modified Rankin Scale and a dichotomous analysis for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2). TICI scores were correlated with outcome, types of device used for thrombectomy, and 24-hour follow-up imaging.

Results—

TICI 2B-3 reperfusion was achieved in 70 of 92 patients (76%). TICI 2B-3 reperfusion showed a more favorable distribution of Rankin scores compared with TICI 0-2A; odds ratio, 2.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–6.56;
P
=0.019. Good functional outcome (90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) increased with better TICI scores (
P
=0.0028). There was less disability comparing TICI 3 patients to TICI 2B patients (
P
=0.037). Successful reperfusion (TICI 2B-3) was independent of the device used, the site of occlusion (internal carotid artery or M1) or adjunctive use of carotid angioplasty and stenting. Significantly less infarct growth at 24 hours was seen in TICI 3 patients compared with TICI 0-2A (
P
=0.0015) and TICI 2B (
P
=0.0002) patients.

Conclusions—

Thrombectomy in an extended time window demonstrates similar rates of TICI 2B-3 reperfusion to earlier time window studies. Successful reperfusion was independent of the device used, the site of occlusion or adjunctive use of carotid angioplasty and stenting. TICI 3 reperfusion was more likely to result in low rates of infarct growth at 24 hours and good functional outcome at 90 days.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02586415.
Reaction in Politics
Authors: Alexander James
Published: July 2018

Reaction is a subject usually avoided by political theorists, since it raises awkward historical, philosophical and political questions. Perhaps philosophers of history might make better sense of it. In this article I claim that reaction has to be understood in relation to the concepts of revolution, tradition, progress and conservatism. I argue that the specific meaning of reaction is a response to the specific action that establishes the principle that order should be established only on enlightened principles. The few theorists who have dealt with reaction have disagreed about whether it is the same as conservatism or not. I show that reaction is not an element in what I call a status quo conservatism, though it is an element in any conservatism conceived more broadly. I characterise reaction in full as the attempt to reverse the establishment of the principle that only enlightened principles shall be the basis of political order, the attempt to resist the further establishment of those enlightened principles, and also the attempt to criticise contemporary enlightened politics in terms of the unenlightened standards which existed before the revolution.
Freshwater Cyanobacteria of North-Eastern Australia: 3. Nostocales
Authors: MCGREGOR GLENN B.
Published: July 2018

This is the first detailed account of the Nostocales of north-eastern Australia, and the third and final volume in the series documenting the freshwater cyanobacterial flora of this region. This monophyletic group comprises filamentous cyanobacteria which produce heterocytes and akinetes. Amongst the cyanobacteria, this group is perhaps the most morphologically diverse, occurring as single filaments, unstructured aggregations, or colonies of various arrangements, which may exhibit false-, true-, or no-branching. This volume provides keys, morphological and ecological data, and photomicrographs for 35 genera, and 93 species from nine families to enable the identification of natural populations based on stable and recognizable characters observable by light microscopy. Distributional data are based on extensive surveys incompassing 358 sites which represent the major freshwater habitats of the region including rivers and streams, palustrine and lacustrine wetlands, thermal springs, and artificial reservoirs, as well as a review of the Australian phycological literature.
On the taxonomic status of amphidromous shrimp Paratya borealis Volk, 1938 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from the south of the Russian Far East
Authors: MARIN IVAN
Published: July 2018

One of the most northern representatives of the family Atyidae, an amphidromous shrimp Paratya borealis Volk, 1938 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae), is considered as a junior synonym of Paratya compressa (De Haan, 1844 [in De Haan, 1833-1850]) based on morphological and genetic investigations of the specimens collected in rivers flowing into Peter the Great Bay and Posyeta Bay along the Russian coasts of the Sea of Japan. The study greatly increases the area of distribution of P. compressa to north for more than 1000 km and suggests that the species probably inhabit rivers flowing into the Sea of Japan also along North and South Korean coasts.
Correlation-Cutoff Method for Covariance Localization in Strongly Coupled Data Assimilation
Authors: Yoshida Takuma , Kalnay Eugenia
Published: July 2018

Strongly coupled data assimilation (SCDA), where observations of one component of a coupled model are allowed to directly impact the analysis of other components, sometimes fails to improve the analysis accuracy with an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) as compared with weakly coupled data assimilation (WCDA). It is well known that an observation’s area of influence should be localized in EnKFs since the assimilation of distant observations often degrades the analysis because of spurious correlations. This study derives a method to estimate the reduction of the analysis error variance by using estimates of the cross covariances between the background errors of the state variables in an idealized situation. It is shown that the reduction of analysis error variance is proportional to the squared background error correlation between the analyzed and observed variables. From this, the authors propose an offline method to systematically select which observations should be assimilated into which model state variable by cutting off the assimilation of observations when the squared background error correlation between the observed and analyzed variables is small. The proposed method is tested with the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) and a nine-variable coupled model, in which three Lorenz models with different time scales are coupled with each other. The covariance localization with the correlation-cutoff method achieves an analysis more accurate than either the full SCDA or the WCDA methods, especially with smaller ensemble sizes.
Do Students’ Perceptions of Unsafe Schools and Experiences With Bullying Hinder the Effects of Family and School Social Capital in Deterring Violence?
Authors: Radu Monica Bixby
Published: July 2018

Prior research establishes that capital investments from both families and schools are imperative for youths’ socialization and development. Yet current research neglects to test if negative perceptions and negative experiences during adolescence may hinder the effectiveness of family and school capital on adolescent and young adult behavioral outcomes. Drawing from ecological systems theory and social capital theory, I examine the influence of youths’ perceptions of schools’ safety, bully victimization, and family and school social capital predicting violence. I use data from multiple waves from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (1997) ( N = 4,130). I find that the bonds between youths and their families and youths and their schools are important agents of social control. However, my findings suggest that being the victim of bullying may influence the process through which bonds to conventional institutions help prevent problem behaviors. This suggests that a theoretical approach that considers investments in youths from multiple contexts and youths’ experiences with victimization may be better suited for predicting adolescent and young adult violence.
Relative Education and the Advantage of a College Degree
Authors: Horowitz Jonathan
Published: July 2018

What is the worth of a college degree when higher education expands? The relative education hypothesis posits that when college degrees are rare, individuals with more education have less competition to enter highly-skilled occupations. When college degrees are more common, there may not be enough highly-skilled jobs to go around; some college-educated workers lose out to others and are pushed into less-skilled jobs. Using new measurements of occupation-level verbal, quantitative, and analytic skills, this study tests the changing effect of education on skill utilization across 70 years of birth cohorts from 1971 to 2010, net of all other age, period, and cohort trends. Higher-education expansion erodes the value of a college degree, and college-educated workers are at greater risk for underemployment in less cognitively demanding occupations. This raises questions about the sources of rising income inequality, skill utilization across the working life course, occupational sex segregation, and how returns to education have changed across different life domains.
‘A Pure Dwelling Place for the Holy Spirit’: John Wesley’s Reception of the Homilies of Macarius
Authors: Ford Coleman M.
Published: July 2018

The focus of this essay is on how, and to what extent, John Wesley’s doctrine of Christian perfection was influenced by his readings of the late fourth-century monastic preacher, Macarius Symeon. In this essay, I argue that Wesley focuses too narrowly upon Macarius’s language of Christian perfection to the neglect of his broader theological reflection. In doing so, Wesley sets out to paint upon a doctrinal canvas using fourth-century paint, yet neglects some of the necessary hues and tones. Wesley’s doctrine of Christian perfection evolved throughout his life, though his reliance upon Macarius is well noted in his writings. The difference, however, between the 18th-century revival preacher and the fourth century Egyptian monk is a greater recognition of earthly struggle and sin in this present life. While Macarius uses perfection language, his notion of the Christian life provided a much more grounded reality of sin and fallen human nature, contrary to Wesley’s rendering with his doctrinal formulation.
Hacking the Human: The Prevalence Paradox in Cybersecurity
Authors: Sawyer Ben D. , Hancock Peter A.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This work assesses the efficacy of the “prevalence effect” as a form of cyberattack in human-automation teaming, using an email task.

Background:

Under the prevalence effect, rare signals are more difficult to detect, even when taking into account their proportionally low occurrence. This decline represents diminished human capability to both detect and respond. As signal probability (SP) approaches zero, accuracy exhibits logarithmic decay. Cybersecurity, a context in which the environment is entirely artificial, provides an opportunity to manufacture conditions enhancing or degrading human performance, such as prevalence effects. Email cybersecurity prevalence effects have not previously been demonstrated, nor intentionally manipulated.

Method:

The Email Testbed (ET) provides a simulation of a clerical email work involving messages containing sensitive personal information. Using the ET, participants were presented with 300 email interactions and received cyberattacks at rates of either 1%, 5%, or 20%.

Results:

Results demonstrated the existence and power of prevalence effects in email cybersecurity. Attacks delivered at a rate of 1% were significantly more likely to succeed, and the overall pattern of accuracy across declining SP exhibited logarithmic decay.

Application:

These findings suggest a “prevalence paradox” within human-machine teams. As automation reduces attack SP, the human operator becomes increasingly likely to fail in detecting and reporting attacks that remain. In the cyber realm, the potential to artificially inflict this state on adversaries, hacking the human operator rather than algorithmic defense, is considered. Specific and general information security design countermeasures are offered.
Massive heterotopic ossification after distal femur fracture
Authors: Ozkocak Gokhan , Cakir Kandemirli Guzin , Ozcakir Suheda
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Heterotopic ossification is the formation of lamellar bone in periarticular soft tissue that can be seen in paralysed patients or following trauma. It can cause significant burden to already debilitated patients.

Case presentation

A 12-year-old boy with paraplegia due to neuromyelitis optica presented with progressive right knee pain and swelling. There was no history of trauma to the knee. Anteroposterior radiograph of femur at the initial presentation showed a supracondylar femur fracture for which casting was performed. Six weeks later, when casting was removed, swelling along with increased rubor in distal thigh region was noted. Radiography of the right femur revealed an unhealed distal femur fracture along with massive ossification extending from lesser trochanter to fracture line along the soft tissue around the femoral shaft.

Conclusion

This case presented the clinical and imaging findings of a giant heterotopic ossification in the thigh region following an extra-articular fracture.
Physical activity and disability measures in chronic non-specific low back pain: a study of responsiveness
Authors: Morelhão Priscila K , Franco Márcia R , Oliveira Crystian B , Hisamatsu Thalysi M , Ferreira Paulo H , Costa Leonardo OP , Maher Chris G , Pinto Rafael Zambelli
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

To compare the responsiveness of disability measures with physical activity measures in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) undergoing a course of physical therapy treatment.

Design:

This is a prospective cohort study with two-month follow-up.

Subjects:

A total of 106 patients presenting with non-specific CLBP of more than three months duration were recruited.

Main measures:

Disability measures investigated were Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. Physical activity measures analyzed include the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire and objective measures derived from an accelerometer (i.e. total time spent in moderate-to-vigorous and light physical activity, number of steps and counts per minute). Disability and physical activity measures were collected at the baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. For the responsiveness analyses, effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated. Correlations between the change in disability and physical activity measures were calculated.

Results:

Responsiveness for disability measures was considered to be large with ESs ranging from −1.03 to −1.45 and SRMs ranging from −0.99 to −1.34, whereas all physical activity measures showed values lower than 0.20. Changes in disability measures did not correlate with changes in physical activity measures (correlation coefficients ranged from −0.10 to 0.09).

Conclusion:

Disability measures were responsive after a course of physical therapy treatment in patients with CLBP. The lack of responsiveness in the physical activity measures might be due to the inability of these measures to detect change over time or the use of an intervention not designed to increase physical activity levels.
Path Dependency in Marketing Systems
Authors: Layton Roger , Duffy Sarah
Published: July 2018

Path dependency in marketing systems occurs when what has happened at an earlier time affects the possible outcomes of a sequence of events occurring at a later point in time (Sewell 1996). Unlike the wider category of all social systems, in marketing systems path dependency is innate in the evolutionary dynamics underlying the formation and growth of a marketing system, beginning with the historical framing of choices made by all participants, generating, through self-organization and emergence, four complex social mechanisms - delivery systems, stakeholder action fields, technology evolution systems and value change fields. These complex social mechanisms interact over time generating marketing system outcomes that feedback continually into participant choices. The paper argues that all marketing systems, whether micro, meso or macro in scale and level, exhibit path dependence, and explores the implications of this finding. The paper identifies three ways of approaching path dependence in marketing systems - a narrative, partial and strong approach. It concludes that in a specific marketing systems setting all three approaches complement each other, the first establishing in narrative terms what happened, the second identifying the key path dependencies in a partial analysis, and finally, the third, drawing on a detailed or strong understanding of the causal dynamics at work to provide insights needed to extend theories of marketing system formation and growth and to provide the foundations for policy prescription. The occurrence of path dependency in all marketing systems and the complementary nature of the three distinctive approaches are the two major contributions of this paper.
Giant intercostal nerve schwannoma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2
Authors: Ampollini Luca , Ventura Luigi , Gnetti Letizia , Carbognani Paolo , Silini Enrico Maria , Rusca Michele
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

To describe a case of giant intercostal nerve schwannoma successfully resected in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2.

Methods:

A 44-year-old woman, with a history of neurofibromatosis type 2, presented with chest discomfort and mild dyspnea. She had undergone a recent resection of a large frontal parasagittal benign meningioma. Radiologic examinations showed a large lesion (9×12×9 cm) of the left hemithorax causing a complete atelectasis of left upper lobe. Bronchoscopy did not show any endobronchial alterations, apart from an ab estriseco compression of the left upper bronchial tree. A transthoracic needle biopsy was then performed and microscopic examination revealed a mesenchymal tumor composed of spindle-like cells.

Results:

A video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure was proposed. The tumor mass appeared to be tenaciously adherent to the parietal pleura in its anterolateral aspect, confirming the radiologic appearance. No invasion of the lung parenchyma or parietal pleural metastases were visible. Therefore, a left posterolateral thoracotomy at the fifth intercostal space was performed and a macroscopic complete resection was carried out. The recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. The histologic examination revealed a moderate cellular proliferation of spindle-shaped and oval to polygonal cells with frequent Verocay bodies; mitotic figures were rare. The tumor cells were strongly S-100 positive. The microscopic features were consistent with benign intercostal schwannoma. Eight years later, the patient is disease-free and asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

An unusual case of giant intercostal nerve schwannoma successfully resected in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 2 is described.
Can the market be tamed? A thought experiment on the value(s) of planning
Authors: Lord Alexander , Gu Yiquan
Published: July 2018

In many contexts across the globe, the scope and remit of planning is being limited. Much of the academic literature identifies this tendency as arising from a tension between planning as a state-regulatory activity and the tenets of neoliberalism – particularly free market competition. In this essay, we seek to explore the degree to which this perceived incompatibility between planning and the neoliberal order is genuinely real by running a thought experiment. We hope to show that thinking about the development process in this way points to alternative ways of imagining the scope and remit of planning – and how the normative principles at the core of the activity might be reconciled, or even extended, within the context of a neoliberal polity.
State participation and artistic autonomy in creative city making
Authors: Chang Jung-Ying
Published: July 2018

Recent work on the development of cities based on culturally creative economies, or creative cities has opened up productive lines of theorization and empirical research. However, with its focus on the composition of a creative cluster or the ingredients of a creative city, the existing literature fails to clarify adequately the whys and hows of state participation in urban contexts. This can lead to flawed interpretations of contemporary creative city dynamics in China. This paper suggests the state and its related political processes shape urban social relationships and have wider and deeper impacts on the outcomes of creative networking, artistic autonomy, and creative city scripts. With reference to the cases of visual art clusters in Beijing and Xiamen, this paper reveals the specific paths of creative city development based on a conceptual framework by which the interrelationships among the participation of the state, creative networking, and artistic autonomy can be discovered. This paper argues that, unlike the implicit or hidden state participation in Euro-American experiences, the participation of the state in China is obvious and dominant, thus molding specific stories of state-led artistic urbanization or manufacturization. Rather than being simply the displacement of artists, the on-the-ground creative city is interwoven with a selective structure designed by the state and shaped by artists’ position-taking strategies, which are embedded in, and interlaced with, historical–geographical contexts and contingencies.
Wind resource assessment of Cuba in future climate scenarios
Authors: Alonso Díaz Yoandy , Bezanilla Arnoldo , Roque Alfredo , Centella Abel , Borrajero Israel , Martinez Yosvany
Published: July 2018

The future climatic behavior of the wind resource in Cuba has not been studied in the past. This study presents a preliminary analysis of the behavior of wind speed using the regional climate model PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies) in high-resolution scenarios of climate change SRES A1B (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios), driven with boundary conditions from the General Circulation Model ECHAM5 (European Centre/HAMburg climate model) and 6 of the 16 members of the set of perturbed physics HadCM3 (Hadley Center Coupled Model, version 3) global climate model. Changes in the distribution of wind speed for three periods of 30 years in the future—2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2099—are analyzed. The PRECIS model was also run with reanalysis data during the period of 1 January 1989 to 31 December 2002. It was found that changes in wind speed will be larger in the eastern and northern coast, becoming statistically significant for the second half of this century with an increase in wind magnitude between 0.1 and 0.4 m s−1. These areas of increased wind power match with the current projection of the Cuban wind program where the construction of 13 new wind farms are contemplated. Finally, this increase is added to the wind speed outputs of the numerical wind atlas of Cuba to estimate the values of wind speed over the three future periods.
Comment on John Weeks’s 2018 David M. Gordon Memorial Lecture: The Political Contradictions of Capitalism
Authors: Mongiovi Gary
Published: July 2018

This comment reflects upon the political contradictions of capitalism in the light of John Weeks’s essay on “Free Markets and the Decline of Democracy.”

JEL Classification: B5, P1
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells modulated by a chemically modified super-hydrophilic titanium implant surface
Authors: Kwon Yong-Su , Park Jin-Woo
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the osteogenic functionality of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modulated by a chemically modified super-hydrophilic titanium (Ti) bone implant surface to elucidate the biological mechanism underlying the bone healing capacity of this modified Ti surface. A microstructured Ti surface incorporating bioactive ions (in this study, phosphate (P) ions) was prepared by wet chemical treatment. The results showed that the hydrothermally obtained crystalline P-incorporated Ti surface (P surface) displayed long-term super-hydrophilicity (water contact angles <5°) during a 36-week observation period. The hydrophilic P surface enhanced early cellular functions and osteogenic differentiation of multipotent MSCs derived from mouse bone marrow and human adipose tissue. The expression of critical integrins affecting subsequent osteoblast function and osteoblast phenotype genes was notably upregulated in multipotent MSCs grown on the P surface compared with the commercially available grit-blasted microrough clinical oral implant surface. The P surface supported better cell spreading, focal adhesion and ALP activity of MSCs. These results indicate that a super-hydrophilic P-incorporated Ti surface accelerates implant bone healing by enhancing the early osteogenesis functions of multipotent MSCs.