bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hypoxic Injury in Mood Disorder
Authors: Zhao Fenglian , Yang Junling , Cui Ranji
Published: June 2017

Hypoxemia is a common complication of the diseases associated with the central nervous system, and neurons are highly sensitive to the availability of oxygen. Neuroplasticity is an important property of the neural system controlling breathing, memory, and cognitive ability. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been clearly elucidated. In recent years, several pieces of evidence have highlighted the effect of hypoxic injury on neuronal plasticity in the pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorder. Therefore, the present study reviewed the relevant articles regarding hypoxic injury and neuronal plasticity and discussed the pathological changes and physiological functions of neurons in hypoxemia in order to provide a translational perspective to the relevance of hypoxic injury and mood disorder.
Fusion to Flaviviral Leader Peptide Targets HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase for Secretion and Reduces Its Enzymatic Activity and Ability to Induce Oxidative Stress but Has No Major Effects on Its Immunogenic Performance in DNA-Immunized Mice
Authors: Latanova Anastasia , Petkov Stefan , Kuzmenko Yulia , Kilpeläinen Athina , Ivanov Alexander , Smirnova Olga , Krotova Olga , Korolev Sergey , Hinkula Jorma , Karpov Vadim , Isaguliants Maria , Starodubova Elizaveta
Published: June 2017

Reverse transcriptase (RT) is a key enzyme in viral replication and susceptibility to ART and a crucial target of immunotherapy against drug-resistant HIV-1. RT induces oxidative stress which undermines the attempts to make it immunogenic. We hypothesized that artificial secretion may reduce the stress and make RT more immunogenic. Inactivated multidrug-resistant RT (RT1.14opt-in) was N-terminally fused to the signal providing secretion of NS1 protein of TBEV (Ld) generating optimized inactivated Ld-carrying enzyme RT1.14oil. Promotion of secretion prohibited proteasomal degradation increasing the half-life and content of RT1.14oil in cells and cell culture medium, drastically reduced the residual polymerase activity, and downmodulated oxidative stress. BALB/c mice were DNA-immunized with RT1.14opt-in or parental RT1.14oil by intradermal injections with electroporation. Fluorospot and ELISA tests revealed that RT1.14opt-in and RT1.14oil induced IFN-γ/IL-2, RT1.14opt-in induced granzyme B, and RT1.14oil induced perforin production. Perforin secretion correlated with coproduction of IFN-γand IL-2 (R=0,97). Both DNA immunogens induced strong anti-RT antibody response. Ld peptide was not immunogenic. Thus, Ld-driven secretion inferred little change to RT performance in DNA immunization. Positive outcome was the abrogation of polymerase activity increasing safety of RT-based DNA vaccines. Identification of the molecular determinants of low cellular immunogenicity of RT requires further studies.
Effect of Bentonite on the Pelleting Properties of Iron Concentrate
Authors: Liu Hao , Xie Bing , Qin Yue-lin
Published: June 2017

The physical and chemical properties such as particle size, montmorillonite content, swelling degree, water absorption, and blue absorption of A, B, and C bentonites were studied under laboratory conditions. The effects of adding different quality and different proportion of bentonite on falling strength, compression strength, and shock temperature of green pellet were investigated. The experimental results show that the montmorillonite content, water absorption, and methylene blue absorption of bentonite-B are the highest. And the quality of bentonite-B is the best, followed by bentonite-C and bentonite-A poor quality. When the amount of bentonite-B reduced from 1.5% to 1.0%, the strength of green pellets and the shock temperature both decrease. As the same proportion of A, B, and C bentonites, the green-ball strength and shock temperature are as follows: bentonite-A > bentonite-B > bentonite-C.
Morphological Study of the Anterior Surface of the Distal Radius
Authors: Cho Ho-Jung , Kim Soyeon , Kwak Dai-Soon
Published: June 2017

The shape of the anterior surface of the distal radius is important for designing a distal radius plate for wrist fracture surgery. The aim of this study was to describe the shape of the anterior surface of the distal radius and to compare the results between female and male. We used 90 sides from three-dimensional radial models based on computer tomography images from Korean adult cadavers for this study. The anterior surface was measured in two dimensions in the coronal view, and we sectioned the anterior surface of the models to obtain intermediate and radial sections to measure the curved shape of the anterior surface in sagittal view. Several parameters were statistically different between females and males; however, there were no differences between the right and left sides for any parameters. The width of the anterior surface in the coronal view was larger in males than females, and the curved part of the anterior surface of the males was longer and more concave than that of females. In both the female and male specimens, the intermediate section was longer and more concave than the radial section. Our results are useful for anthropological studies and for designing distal radial plates.
Association of the CFH Y402H Polymorphism with the 1-Year Response of Exudative AMD to Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment in the Brazilian Population
Authors: Medina Flavio Mac Cord , Motta Augusto Alves Lopes da , Takahashi Walter Yukihiko , Carricondo Pedro Carlos , Motta Mario Martins dos Santos , Melo Monica B. , Vasconcellos Jose Paulo C.
Published: June 2017

Aim: Evidence of the relationship between the polymorphism of the complement factor H (CFH) gene at position 402 (Y402H) and the response to the treatment of wet AMD is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and morphological 1-year evolution of patients with exudative AMD treated with antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs with the CFH Y402H polymorphism in the Brazilian population. Methods: Forty-six patients treated for wet AMD with bevacizumab or ranibizumab in a pro re nata regimen were included. The evolution of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), and the number of injections over 1 year of follow-up were correlated with CFH genotypes. Results: The analysis of variance for the difference between the BCVA denoted as logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) values showed an improvement at 1 year when compared to baseline (p = 0.039). Profile contrast analysis showed that this difference was significant only in the group without the C allele (p = 0.049), without significance in patients presenting with the risk allele (p = 0.241). CRT showed a mean reduction at 1 year compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Significant differences in the profile contrast test were found in the group without the C allele (p < 0.001) and in patients with the risk allele (p = 0.002). No difference was found in the number of injections among the different groups (p = 0.787). Conclusions: The presence of the risk allele of the Y402H polymorphism in the CFH gene was related to a less favorable evolution over 1 year in this sample of the Brazilian population with exudative AMD who were being treated with anti-VEGF drugs. In agreement with similar previous studies, this study concludes that the CFH risk genotypes may affect the disease response to treatment.
Health-Related Genetic Direct-to-Consumer Tests in the German Setting: The Available Offer and the Potential Implications for a Solidarily Financed Health-Care System
Authors: Plöthner Marika , Klora Mike , Rudolph Daniel , Graf von der Schulenburg Johann-Matthias
Published: June 2017

Background: The global genetic direct-to-consumer (DTC) market will reach a volume of USD 230 billion in 2018. The expenditures for this genetic analysis are borne by the customer, whereas consequential costs may arise for a solidarily financed system. In a first step, it is essential to gain an overview of the currently available offer in the German setting. Methods: In April 2016, we conducted a systematic internet search in the Google search engine. In November 2016, we updated the information of the webpages in terms of country, language, types of health-related tests, additional offer of non-health-related DTC test, information about sensitivity and specificity, certification and accreditation, costs as well as reference to German Act on Genetic Testing. Results: Thirty-five webpages were included in the final overview. A plurality of different predictive analysis options was identified. Price information was not available for all offered genetic analyses. Costs for predictive analysis in one disease vary between EUR 90 and 990, for predictive package analysis between EUR 232.18 and 375, and for genetic lifestyle analysis between EUR 84.55 and 570.20. Conclusions: Genetic results may lead to uncertainty and anxiety; therefore, subsequent costs for a solidarily financed system may arise. Genetic DTC tests may have an influence on different players on the micro-, meso- and macro-levels, which may have a cost-cutting or cost-increasing effect on health-care expenditures. The increased interest in genetic analysis as well as the possibility of worldwide internet-based access to genetic tests requires population-wide education.
Effect of Bexarotene on Platelet Activation and Apoptosis
Authors: Cao Hang , Bissinger Rosi , Umbach Anja T. , Gawaz Meinrad , Lang Florian
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: The retinoid X receptor (RXRs) stimulator Bexarotene ((4-[1-(3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-naphthyl)ethynyl] benzoic acid) is used for the treatment of several malignancies. Bexarotene is at least in part effective by stimulation of apoptosis of tumor cells. Moreover, Bexarotene triggers eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes. Similar to erythrocytes, blood platelets lack nuclei but are nevertheless able to enter an apoptosis-like phenotype, characterized by caspase activation, cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phospha-tidylserine translocation to the cell surface. Platelet apoptosis is triggered by increase of cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i), which further leads to degranulation and integrin activation. Platelet activation and apoptosis could be elicited by thrombin or collagen related peptide (CRP). The present study explored whether treatment of platelets with bexarotene modifies platelet activation and apoptosis following exposure to thrombin or CRP. Methods: Platelets isolated from wild-type mice were exposed for 30 minutes to bexarotene (6 µg/ml) without or with an additional treatment with thrombin (0.01 U/ml) or CRP (2 µg/ml or 5 µg/ml). Flow cytometry was employed to estimate cytosolic Ca2+-activity ([Ca2+]i) from Fluo-3 fluorescence, platelet degranulation from P-selectin abundance, integrin activation from αIIbβ3 integrin abundance, caspase activity utilizing an Active Caspase-3 Staining kit, phosphatidylserine abundance from annexin-V-binding, and relative platelet volume from forward scatter. Results: In the absence of thrombin or CRP, the administration of bexarotene slightly but significantly increased [Ca2+]i, but did not significantly modify P-selectin abundance, activated αIIbβ3 integrin, annexin-V-binding, cell volume, or caspase activity. Exposure of platelets to thrombin or CRP was followed by significant increase of [Ca2+]i, P-selectin abundance, active αIIbβ3 integrin, annexin-V-binding, and caspase activity. The effects of thrombin on [Ca2+]i, annexin-V-binding, cell volume, and caspase activity as well as the effects of CRP on [Ca2+]i, P-selectin abundance, activated αIIbβ3 integrin, annexin-V-binding, cell volume, and caspase activity were significantly augmented in the presence of bexarotene. Conclusions: Bexarotene sensitizes blood platelets for thrombin and/or CRP induced activation and apoptosis.
Paradoxical Suppression of Atherosclerosis in the Absence of microRNA-146a
Authors: Cheng Henry S. , Besla Rickvinder , Li Angela , Chen Zhiqi , Shikatani Eric A. , Nazari-Jahantigh Maliheh , Hammoutène Adel , Nguyen My-Anh , Geoffrion Michele , Cai Lei , Khyzha Nadiya , Li Tong , MacParland Sonya A. , Husain Mansoor , Cybulsky Myron I. , Boulanger Chantal M. , Temel Ryan E. , Schober Andreas , Rayner Katey J. , Robbins Clinton S. , Fish Jason E.
Published: June 2017

Rationale:

Inflammation is a key contributor to atherosclerosis. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) has been identified as a critical brake on proinflammatory nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells signaling in several cell types, including endothelial cells and bone marrow (BM)–derived cells. Importantly, miR-146a expression is elevated in human atherosclerotic plaques, and polymorphisms in the
miR-146a
precursor have been associated with risk of coronary artery disease.

Objective:

To define the role of endogenous miR-146a during atherogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Paradoxically,
Ldlr
−/−
(low-density lipoprotein receptor null) mice deficient in
miR-146a
develop less atherosclerosis, despite having highly elevated levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, cytokine levels are normalized in
Ldlr
−/−
;miR-146a
−/−
mice receiving wild-type BM transplantation, and these mice have enhanced endothelial cell activation and elevated atherosclerotic plaque burden compared with
Ldlr
−/−
mice receiving wild-type BM, demonstrating the atheroprotective role of miR-146a in the endothelium. We find that deficiency of
miR-146a
in BM-derived cells precipitates defects in hematopoietic stem cell function, contributing to extramedullary hematopoiesis, splenomegaly, BM failure, and decreased levels of circulating proatherogenic cells in mice fed an atherogenic diet. These hematopoietic phenotypes seem to be driven by unrestrained inflammatory signaling that leads to the expansion and eventual exhaustion of hematopoietic cells, and this occurs in the face of lower levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in mice lacking
miR-146a
in BM-derived cells. Furthermore, we identify sortilin-1(
Sort1
), a known regulator of circulating low-density lipoprotein levels in humans, as a novel target of miR-146a.

Conclusions:

Our study reveals that miR-146a regulates cholesterol metabolism and tempers chronic inflammatory responses to atherogenic diet by restraining proinflammatory signaling in endothelial cells and BM-derived cells.
Racial Differences in Arterial Stiffness are Mainly Determined by Blood Pressure Levels: Results From the ELSA‐Brasil Study
Authors: Baldo Marcelo P. , Cunha Roberto S. , Ribeiro Antônio L.P. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Chor Dora , Barreto Sandhi M. , Bensenor Isabela M. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Mill José Geraldo
Published: June 2017

Background

Black people have a higher risk of developing hypertension and presenting higher vascular stiffening. Our aim was to investigate whether the association between race and aortic stiffness could be explained by differences in the primary risk factors.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from 11 472 adults (mean age, 51.9±8.9; 53.8% female) self‐reported as white (n=6173), brown (n=3364), or black (n=1935). Their carotid‐to‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV) as well as clinical and anthropometric parameters were measured. cf‐PWV was higher in blacks than in whites or browns (men: white, 9.63±1.81; brown, 9.63±1.88; black, 9.98±1.99; women: white, 8.84±1.64; brown, 9.02±1.68; black, 9.34±1.91;
P
<0.05). However, this difference disappeared after adjustments for age, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and glomerular filtration rate (men: white, 9.68±1.54; brown, 9.68±1.50; black, 9.73±1.52; women: white, 8.93±1.32; brown, 8.98±1.29; black, 9.02±1.32;
P
>0.05). The association between race and arterial stiffness was significant for brown and black women in the highest cf‐PWV quartile, even after controlling for covariates. There were no differences in the age‐related increase in cf‐PWV among the racial groups after adjustment, confirming the strong effect of age and mean arterial pressure on cf‐PWV revealed by the multiple linear regression.

Conclusions

Racial differences in cf‐PWV were mainly attributed to differences in mean arterial pressure and age, although they cannot fully explain the association between race and cf‐PWV in women in the highest cf‐PWV values. This suggests that therapeutic approaches to overcome the effects of aging on the vascular system should focus on blood pressure control, especially in the black population.
Construction Activities of Kavād I in Caucasian Albania
Authors: Gadjiev Murtazali
Published: June 2017

The article, on the basis of written sources and archaeological data, focuses on the Sasanian fortification construction activities in the territory of Caucasian Albania during the reign of Shahanshah Kavād I (488-531). This policy was aimed at creating both a stronghold against the nomads (the Sabirs, Huns, etc.), and an Iranian mainstay in the strategically important region of the Eastern Caucasus.
Theory and Practice on the Charitable Trust System in a “Post-Charity Law Era”
Authors: Zhao Lianhui
Published: June 2017

There are still many theoretical and practical issues of urgency to be interpreted, following the enactment of the Charity Law. This article explores such issues as a charitable trust filing system, whether charitable trusts can carry out public fundraising, whether charitable organizations and natural persons can become trustees, and whether supervisors can be appointed at one’s discretion, and goes on to conclude that theorists and practitioners should, when understanding and applying charitable trust legislation, not be self-limited but make good use of such merits of the trust system as flexibility and convenience to promote the charity trust system and the cause of charity.
Comparative Study of the Non-Profit Sectors of Pakistan and India
Authors: Saqib Zunaira , Fournier Valerie , Lightfoot Geoff
Published: June 2017

This is a theoretical paper that has analysed more than 55 publications to draw comparison between Pakistan and India non-profit sectors. The two countries share their history under British rule before 1947 partition. Before the partition the non-profit sector saw a rise under different religious umbrellas, however after the partition the sectors saw a rise in nonreligious, non-political organizations in both countries. The paper draws the similarities and differences among the types of organizations, funding sources, giving, and legal framework. The paper debates the reasons for different evolutions of the sectors in post-independence era and its reasons. The findings show that both sectors evolved different due to differences in religious influence, political instability, and check and balance systems. The paper aims to contribute in depth analysis of the both sectors in the literature.
New species and records of coelidiine leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) from Brazil
Authors: BARBOSA JULIANNA FREIRES , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA
Published: June 2017

Three new coelidiine species from Brazil are described: Paraterulia sakakibarai sp. nov. (from Amazonas State), Stalolidia amazonensis sp. nov. (from Amazonas State), and Youngolidia brasiliensis sp. nov. (from Minas Gerais State). The last species represents the first record of Youngolidia Nielson, 1983 in Brazil. In addition, Sandersellus delongi Nielson, 1975 (Sandersellini), Docalidia gracilis Nielson, 1979, Cochanga spinosa Nielson, 1979, Perulidia pilosa Nielson, 1979, Stalolidia setacea Nielson, 2011 (Teruliini), Pilosana bifurcata Nielson, 1983, and Pilosana panna Nielson, 1983 (Youngolidiini) are newly recorded from Brazil. Finally, first records for the following three species from Amazonas State (Brazil) are also provided: Paraterulia magna (Baker, 1898), Stalolidia clava Nielson, 2011 (Teruliini), and Pilosana stylata Nielson, 1992 (Youngolidiini).
Sakakibarana, a new genus of Gyponini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Iassinae) from the Amazon Rainforest
Authors: GONÇALVES CLAYTON CORRÊA , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA , MEJDALANI GABRIEL
Published: June 2017

A new genus of Gyponini, Sakakibarana gen. nov., is proposed and its type species S. amazonica sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on specimens from the Amazon Rainforest of Northern Brazil (states of Amazonas and Pará) and French Guiana. The new genus can be distinguished from other members of the Gyponini by the following morphological features: robust body, short crown, crown and face transition distinct and subfoliaceous, pronotum strongly declivous, male pygofer with caudal process, and aedeagus with dorsal apodemes with a pair of processes. A discussion comparing the new genus with the related genus Tenuacia DeLong, 1977 is provided.
Notes on the genus Sakakibarella Creão-Duarte with description of three new species (Membracidae: Membracinae: Hoplophorionini)
Authors: CAMACHO LUIS F. , FLÓREZ-V CAMILO , EVANGELISTA OLIVIA
Published: June 2017

Three new species of Sakakibarella Creão-Duarte are described from Colombia: S. albinoi Flórez-V and Camacho sp. nov., S. crassa Flórez-V and Camacho sp. nov., and S. santaceciliae Flórez-V and Camacho sp. nov. The taxonomic identity of the genus with regard to other taxa in the tribe is discussed. A key to species of Sakakibarella is presented, as well as illustrations of the holotypes of six of the seven species currently recognized in the genus. Remarks concerning the biology of the new species are also provided.
Aircraft Observations of Cumulus Microphysics Ranging from the Tropics to Midlatitudes: Implications for a “New” Secondary Ice Process
Authors: Lawson Paul , Gurganus Colin , Woods Sarah , Bruintjes Roelof
Published: June 2017

In situ data collected by three research aircraft in four geographical locations are analyzed to determine the relationship between cloud-base temperature, drop size distribution, and the development of supercooled water drops and ice in strong updraft cores of convective clouds. Data were collected in towering cumulus and feeder cells in the Caribbean, over the Gulf of Mexico, over land near the Gulf Coast, over land in the southeastern United States, and the high plains in Colorado and Wyoming. Convective clouds in the Caribbean, over the Gulf of Mexico and its coast, and over the southeastern United States all develop millimeter-diameter supercooled drops in updraft cores. Clouds over the high plains do not generate supercooled large drops, and rarely are drops >70 μm observed in updraft cores. Commensurate with the production of supercooled large drops, ice is generated and rapidly glaciates updraft cores through a hypothesized secondary ice process that is based on laboratory observations of large drops freezing and emitting tiny ice particles. Clouds over the high plains do not experience the secondary ice process and significant concentrations of supercooled liquid in the form of small drops are carried much higher (up to −35.5°C) in the updraft cores. An empirical relationship that estimates the maximum level to which supercooled liquid water will be transported, based on cloud-base drop size distribution and temperature, is developed. Implications have applications for modeling the transport of water vapor and particles into the upper troposphere and hygroscopic seeding of cumulus clouds.
The Summer Circulation in the Gulf of Suez and Its Influence in the Red Sea Thermohaline Circulation
Authors: Sofianos S. , Johns W. E.
Published: June 2017

The Gulf of Suez is accepted as an important location for Red Sea Deep Water formation, but the circulation and exchange with the Red Sea around the year remains elusive. A summer cruise in the area gives the opportunity to investigate features of the summertime hydrological structure and exchange with the Red Sea. An inverse estuarine circulation and exchange with the Red Sea is evident. The topographic patterns of the gulf play an important role in the circulation. Two sills, one in midbasin and a second at the mouth of the gulf, inhibit the bottom flow, topographically trapping waters that were formed in the cold season. Although the water mass characteristics of the outflowing waters during the other seasons are not directly related to the deep waters, they can influence the water column structure of the northern Red Sea. A simple box model shows that their contribution can have a significant influence in the formation of the intermediate layer. A hypersaline (40.6 psu) but relatively warm (23°C) water mass, originating in the Gulf of Suez, is detected at intermediate depths (100–150 m), with a strong signal in the western part of the Red Sea.
Impact of Assimilated Precipitation-Sensitive Radiances on the NU-WRF Simulation of the West African Monsoon
Authors: Zhang Sara Q. , Matsui T. , Cheung S. , Zupanski M. , Peters-Lidard C.
Published: June 2017

This work assimilates multisensor precipitation-sensitive microwave radiance observations into a storm-scale NASA Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (NU-WRF) Model simulation of the West African monsoon. The analysis consists of a full description of the atmospheric states and a realistic cloud and precipitation distribution that is consistent with the observed dynamic and physical features. The analysis shows an improved representation of monsoon precipitation and its interaction with dynamics over West Africa. Most significantly, assimilation of precipitation-affected microwave radiance has a positive impact on the distribution of precipitation intensity and also modulates the propagation of cloud precipitation systems associated with the African easterly jet. Using an ensemble-based assimilation technique that allows state-dependent forecast error covariance among dynamical and microphysical variables, this work shows that the assimilation of precipitation-sensitive microwave radiances over the West African monsoon rainband enables initialization of storms. These storms show the characteristics of continental tropical convection that enhance the connection between tropical waves and organized convection systems.
Modular representation of asynchronous geometric integrators with support for dynamic topology
Authors: Barros Fernando J
Published: June 2017

Geometric integrators play an essential role for simulating second-order energy preserving systems, offering an alternative to the decomposition of systems into first-order Ordinary Differential Equations. This approach, although commonly used nowadays in modeling and simulation software, is not acceptable when long simulation runs are required. In this work we develop a modular representation of geometric, adaptive step-size integrators using the Heterogeneous Flow Systems Specification (HyFlow) formalism. Modularity is achieved in HyFlow through the use of an explicit definition of sampling that is treated as a first-order construct, enabling a novel representation of continuous systems and their seamless integration. We show that the HyFlow representation enables the interoperability of geometrical integrators with other families of models including, for example, conventional integrators, enhancing the ability to represent complex systems. HyFlow sampling enables geometric integrators to operate asynchronously, contributing to simulation efficiency by allowing the sampling rate to de defined independently by each component. We demonstrate that HyFlow-based geometric integrators can be used to model systems with a dynamic topology. In addition, we show that the modifying model topology at run-time can provide an effective solution to some systems exhibiting Zeno behavior.
Pretreatment with MK-801 or the Lazaroid U-83836E does not Enhance Striatal Graft Survival
Authors: Mundt-Petersen Ulrika , Karlsson Jenny , Schierle Gabriele S. Kaminski , Brundin Patrik
Published: June 2017

A large proportion of grafted striatal neurons die, and mechanisms by which they succumb may involve excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. We investigated the effects of pretreatment of the graft tissue with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (+)dizocilpine hydrogen maleate (MK-801) and lipid peroxidation inhibitor lazaroid U-83836E on the survival of transplanted striatal neurons. Neither compound increased the survival of grafts, suggesting that NMDA-related excitotoxicity or oxidative stress may not be primary mediators of cell death in striatal grafts.
Hmga2 promotes the development of myelofibrosis in Jak2V617F knockin mice by enhancing TGF-β1 and Cxcl12 pathways
Authors: Dutta Avik , Hutchison Robert E. , Mohi Golam
Published: June 2017

Key Points

Expression of Hmga2 enhances megakaryopoiesis in Jak2V617F knockin mice. Hmga2 cooperates with Jak2V617F in the development of MF.
The full transforming capacity of MLL-Af4 is interlinked with lymphoid lineage commitment
Authors: Lin Shan , Luo Roger T. , Shrestha Mahesh , Thirman Michael J. , Mulloy James C.
Published: June 2017

Chromosome rearrangements involving the mixed-lineage leukemia gene (MLL) create MLL-fusion proteins, which could drive both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The lineage decision of MLL-fusion leukemia is influenced by the fusion partner and microenvironment. To investigate the interplay of fusion proteins and microenvironment in lineage choice, we transplanted human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) expressing MLL-AF9 or MLL-Af4 into immunodeficient NSGS mice, which strongly promote myeloid development. Cells expressing MLL-AF9 efficiently developed AML in NSGS mice. In contrast, MLL-Af4 cells, which were fully oncogenic under lymphoid conditions present in NSG mice, displayed compromised transformation capacity in a myeloid microenvironment. MLL-Af4 activated a self-renewal program in a lineage-dependent manner, showing the leukemogenic activity of MLL-Af4 was interlinked with lymphoid lineage commitment. The C-terminal homology domain (CHD) of Af4 was sufficient to confer this linkage. Although the MLL-CHD fusion protein failed to immortalize HSPCs in myeloid conditions in vitro, it could successfully induce ALL in NSG mice. Our data suggest that defective self-renewal ability and leukemogenesis of MLL-Af4 myeloid cells could contribute to the strong B-cell ALL association of MLL-AF4 leukemia observed in the clinic.
From Words to Worldview: Framing Narrative Genres
Authors: Sinding Michael
Published: June 2017

This article draws together overlapping cognitive analyses of political thought, emotion, and language and shows how they can be supplemented with literary analyses of genre to illuminate the workings of the French Revolution debate of 1790s Britain. It focuses on enriching George Lakoff 's theory of the multiple levels of framing in discourse, concentrating on the interplay of argument and narrative frames. Studies of emotion and mood in narrative genres are adapted to refine Lakoff's account of narrative, making it more complex, systematic, and sensitive to historical context. Applying the revised theory, the essay characterizes contrasts between Edmund Burke's and Thomas Paine's thought at all levels of framing. It shows how their lexical frames for “revolution” diverge as their main arguments craft opposing issue-defining frames for the central moral issue of revolution versus reform. Those arguments highlight different key figures and events yet draw on similar narrative genres to frame them. Importantly, high genres of heroic romance inspire elevation toward one's own side by celebrating victories and lamenting tragedies, and low genres of satire inspire contempt toward opponents by ridiculing deserved failures and absurd successes. Thus narrative genre ties surface-frame phrases like “rights of man” and “swinish multitude” to deep-frame assumptions about more fundamental concepts (human nature, society, government).
Titin force enhancement following active stretch of skinned skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Powers Krysta , Joumaa Venus , Jinha Azim , Moo Eng Kuan , Smith Ian Curtis , Nishikawa Kiisa , Herzog Walter
Published: June 2017

In actively stretched skeletal muscle sarcomeres, titin-based force is enhanced, increasing the stiffness of active sarcomeres. Titin force enhancement in sarcomeres is vastly reduced in mdm, a genetic mutation with a deletion in titin. Whether loss of titin force enhancement is associated with compensatory mechanisms at higher structural levels of organization, such as single fibres or entire muscles, is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether mechanical deficiencies in titin force enhancement are also observed at the fibre level, and whether mechanisms compensate for the loss of titin force enhancement. Single skinned fibres from control and mutant mice were stretched actively and passively beyond filament overlap to observe titin-based force. Mutant fibres generated lower contractile stress (force divided by cross-sectional area) than control fibres. Titin force enhancement was observed in control fibres stretched beyond filament overlap, but was overshadowed in mutant fibres by an abundance of collagen and high variability in mechanics. However, titin force enhancement could be measured in all control fibers and most mutant fibres following short stretches, accounting for ∼25% of the total stress following active stretch. Our results show that the partial loss of titin force enhancement in myofibrils is not preserved in all mutant fibres and this mutation likely affects fibres differentially within a muscle. An increase in collagen helps to reestablish total force at long sarcomere lengths with the loss in titin force enhancement in some mutant fibres, increasing the overall strength of mutant fibres.
La política internacional de la regulación del cannabis en Uruguay. Un análisis de la respuesta uruguaya a los desafíos y oportunidades del régimen internacional de drogas
Authors: Álvarez Nicolás , Pose Nicolás , Luján Carlos
Published: June 2017

Este artículo analiza la estrategia uruguaya de regulación del cannabis en el ámbito internacional. Cuatro son las preguntas abordadas a lo largo del trabajo: (i) ¿Cómo un pequeño país logró modificar su política hacia el cannabis en un contexto internacional a priori hostil a las innovaciones? (ii) ¿Cómo logró sortear los obstáculos políticos y legales? (iii) ¿Cuáles fueron las consecuencias para Uruguay en términos internacionales? ¿Y (iv) las consecuencias para otros países y para el régimen internacional de combate a las drogas? Tras la identificación de tres etapas distintivas de la estrategia, influenciadas por factores tanto exógenos como endógenos, se afirma que una ventana de oportunidad, capitalizada por los representantes del Estado uruguayo, permitió al gobierno asegurar un espacio de autonomía en la esfera internacional que posibilitó la implementación de la política deseada.
Más allá de los límites del Estado. Instituciones católicas y evangélicas de partidos del Gran Buenos Aires (Argentina) en la implementación de políticas públicas sobre drogas
Authors: Jones Daniel , Cunial Santiago
Published: June 2017

El artículo explora las relaciones de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil (OSC) identificadas con un credo religioso que se dedican al tratamiento de los consumos de drogas, con el Estado, otras OSC y otros actores no estatales. El objetivo es describir y analizar los vínculos entre dichas organizaciones, el Estado (en sus distintos niveles, organismos y poderes) y otras organizaciones no estatales (iglesias, federaciones de Organizaciones No Gubernamentales, redes trasnacionales, partidos políticos), en el proceso de implementación de políticas públicas de drogas en partidos del Gran Buenos Aires (PGBA), territorio conocido popularmente como el “conurbano”. Analizamos tres dimensiones de los vínculos entre estas OSC religiosas y el Estado: las relaciones económicas; la articulación en los tratamientos propiamente dichos; y los argumentos de sus referentes para explicar la falta de apoyo y/o articulación. Además, describimos el tipo de relaciones de estas instituciones con otras OSC y otros actores no estatales que dan origen, colaboran en el funcionamiento y permiten el sustento económico de estos dispositivos. El artículo se basa en observaciones y entrevistas a referentes instituciones evangélicas y católicas orientadas a la atención de usuarios con consumos de drogas en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y los partidos del GBA.
¿Esto es por el cambio climático? Los fenómenos meteorológicos extremos en la prensa española (2000-2010): ocurrencia y atención mediática
Authors: Lopera Pareja Emilia Hermelinda
Published: June 2017

La ocurrencia de fenómenos meteorológicos extremos (FME) ocupa el segundo puesto en la lista de riesgos derivados del cambio climático (CC), según el IPCC. Desde la aproximación de la teoría de la amplificación social del riesgo, la cobertura informativa de esta conexión causal contribuiría a “amplificar” la sensación de vulnerabilidad y exposición a estas catástrofes naturales y, en última instancia, a facilitar y agilizar las medidas de mitigación y adaptación. El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar el papel de la información periodística sobre la ciencia del clima como vector para popularizar la relación entre CC y FME. Para ello se monitorizan la ocurrencia e impactos de los FME y una muestra de informaciones sobre la ciencia del clima en la prensa española en el periodo 2000-2010. Los resultados revelan que la conexión CC-FME está presente en más de un tercio de la cobertura informativa de la ciencia del clima, bien sea asociada al aumento de las temperaturas o al impacto socioeconómico; su inclusión en el discurso mediático no depende tanto del periódico como del marco temporal, detectándose cierta permeabilidad los años en que ocurren grandes catástrofes.
Why self-care is key to providing high-quality care to others
Authors: McCormick Jo , Hayes Sally
Published: June 2017

Jo McCormick, Consultant Nurse and Associate Director of Nursing, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Joanna.McCormick@belfasttrust.hscni.net , and Sally Hayes, Director of Strategy, Planning and Resources at the Open University, share their insights from undertaking a Florence Nightingale Leadership Scholarship
Professionalism in practice
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: June 2017

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses a new publication from the Nursing and Midwifery Council that offers a toolkit designed to strengthen professionalism in nursing
Fungating wounds: management and treatment options
Authors: Tandler Suzanne , Stephen-Haynes Jackie
Published: June 2017

This article defines fungating wounds and considers the underlying cause, location and presentation. The clinical challenges presented by fungating wounds are discussed, with reference to evidence-based care delivery. This includes wound assessment, cleansing, debridement and management of malodour, infection, bleeding and exudate.

Guidance on the use of wound management dressings is considered in relation to symptom management. The importance of clinical decision-making and educational preparation in the delivery of evidenced-based care for those with fungating wounds is emphasised. A conclusion is made that the clinician can support the patient with a fungating wound by the delivery of evidenced-based care.
NEWLY DESCRIBED AND NEWLY RECORDED OF INFRASPECIFIC TAXA OF MUSA BORNEENSIS BECC. (MUSACEAE) FROM SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Authors: Sulistyaningsih Lulut Dwi
Published: June 2017

SULISTYANINGSIH, L. D. 2016. Newly described and newly recorded of infraspecific taxa of Musa borneensis Becc. (Musaceae) from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 16 (1): 19 - 24. - A new variety of Musa borneensis, M. borneensis var. donggalaensis Sulis. is proposed based upon specimens from Donggala, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Endemic status of M. borneensis was rejected. The description, distribution map and the identification key are provided.
PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE MONTANE FOREST ON THE SOUTH SLOPE OF MT. WILIS, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA
Authors: Purwaningsih Purwaningsih , Polosakan Ruddy , Yusuf Razali , Kartawinata Kuswata
Published: June 2017

PURWANINGSIH, POLOSOKAN, R., YUSUF, R. & KARTAWINATA, K. 2017. Phytosociological study of the montane forest on the south slope of Mt. Wilis, East Java. Indonesia. Reinwardtia 16(1): 31 - 45. —A phytosociological stud y of a montane forest was carried out on the south slope of Mount Wilis, Kediri, East Java. The objective of the study was to do quantitative measurements of floristic composition and structure of the montane forest located within the seasonally dry climatic region as to date no such study has been undertaken there. It was conducted using the quadrat method by establishing plots of 2500 m2 each at five locations at the altitudes of 1100 m asl (above sea level), 1200 m asl, 1300 m asl, 1400 m asl and 1500 m asl, thus the total area sampled was 1.25 ha. They were Plot1100 at Bekayang, Plot1200 at Bukit Bendera, Plot1300 at Batutulis, Plot1400 at Mergosepi and Plot1500 at Brak. A total of 1045 trees comprising 74 species of 50 genera and 33 families were recorded. Based on a species constancy index of 100 %, the Saurauia nudiflora-Weinmannia blumei association was established. The association consisted of (1) the Cyathea-Polycias subassociation, representing the heavily disturbed forest, currently dominated by Cyathea contaminans and (2) the Villebrunea-Syzygium subassociation, representing the least disturbed forests, dominated by Syzygium lineatum and Villebrunea rubescens. The lowest number of species (13) was recorded in Plot1100 and the highest number (39) in Plot1300. Important species recorded included Cyathea contaminans (Importance Value, IV= 47.97); Lithocarpus sp. (IV= 22.07); Lithocarpus sundaicus (IV= 14.05); Saurauia pendula (IV= 12.85); Villebrunea rubescens (IV= 12.12) and Syzygium lineatum (IV= 11.22). Diameter measurements showed that 76.60 % of trees in Plot1100 and 86.60 % in Plot1200 consist of small individuals with diameters between 10 and 30 cm. Trees with large diameters of >30 cm occurred in Plot1300, Plot1400 and Plot1500. The presence of large numbers of small trees and lesser numbers of trees with large diameters in a forest stand indicated that the stand was regenerating after heavy disturbance. The presence of the majority of trees with height of < 20 m (99 %) further confirmed the forest’s dynamic status.
Early Cretaceous flora from the Pranhita-Godavari Basin (east coast of India): taxonomic, taphonomic and palaeoecological considerations
Authors: Chinnappa Chopparapu , Rajanikanth Annamraju
Published: June 2017

The Early Cretaceous flora from the Gangapur Formation (Pranhita-Godavari Basin, east coast of India) was studied. Its plant diversity and abundance patterns were examined, and its palaeoecology and environment were interpreted, based on the micro- and macrofloras and sedimentological inputs. The flora is rich and diverse, and consists of bryophytes, pteridophytes, pteridosperms, gymnosperms and angiosperms. The microflora shows higher taxonomic diversity and abundance than the macroflora. Overall, the study indicated an abundance of conifers, particularly Podocarpaceae. The taphocoenosis of the flora comprises local to regional elements derived from riverbank, floodplain, backswamp and valley settings. Taken together, the data on the flora and sedimentology suggest that warm and humid environments prevailed.
Bias Drift Estimation for MEMS Gyroscope Used in Inertial Navigation
Authors: Cechowicz Radosław
Published: June 2017

MEMS gyroscopes can provide useful information for dead-reckoning navigation systems if suitable error compensation algorithm is applied. If there is information from other sources available, usually the Kalman filter is used for this task. This work focuses on improving the performance of the sensor if no other information is available and the integration error should be kept low during periods of still (no movement) operation. A filtering algorithm is proposed to follow bias change during sensor operation to reduce integration error and extend time between successive sensor calibrations. The advantage of the proposed solution is its low computational complexity which allows implementing it directly in the micro-controller of controlling the MEMS gyroscope. An intelligent sensor can be build this way, suitable for use in control systems for mobile platforms. Presented results of a simple experiment show the improvement of the angle estimation. During the 12 hours experiment with a common MEMS sensor and no thermal compensation, the maximum orientation angle error was below 8 degrees.
Determination of Dispersion Curves for Composite Materials with the Use of Stiffness Matrix Method
Authors: Barski Marek , Pająk Piotr
Published: June 2017

Elastic waves used in Structural Health Monitoring systems have strongly dispersive character. Therefore it is necessary to determine the appropriate dispersion curves in order to proper interpretation of a received dynamic response of an analyzed structure. The shape of dispersion curves as well as number of wave modes depends on mechanical properties of layers and frequency of an excited signal. In the current work, the relatively new approach is utilized, namely stiffness matrix method. In contrast to transfer matrix method or global matrix method, this algorithm is considered as numerically unconditionally stable and as effective as transfer matrix approach. However, it will be demonstrated that in the case of hybrid composites, where mechanical properties of particular layers differ significantly, obtaining results could be difficult. The theoretical relationships are presented for the composite plate of arbitrary stacking sequence and arbitrary direction of elastic waves propagation. As a numerical example, the dispersion curves are estimated for the lamina, which is made of carbon fibers and epoxy resin. It is assumed that elastic waves travel in the parallel, perpendicular and arbitrary direction to the fibers in lamina. Next, the dispersion curves are determined for the following laminate [0°, 90°, 0°, 90°, 0°, 90°, 0°, 90°] and hybrid [Al, 90°, 0°, 90°, 0°, 90°, 0°], where Al is the aluminum alloy PA38 and the rest of layers are made of carbon fibers and epoxy resin.
Present-day Problems and Methods of Optimization in Mechatronics
Authors: Tarnowski Wojciech
Published: June 2017

It is justified that design is an inverse problem, and the optimization is a paradigm. Classes of design problems are proposed and typical obstacles are recognized. Peculiarities of the mechatronic designing are specified as a proof of a particle importance of optimization in the mechatronic design. Two main obstacles of optimization are discussed: a complexity of mathematical models and an uncertainty of the value system, in concrete case. Then a set of non-standard approaches and methods are presented and discussed, illustrated by examples: a fuzzy description, a constraint-based iterative optimization, AHP ranking method and a few MADM functions in Matlab.
Spike detection using a multiresolution entropy based method
Authors: Farashi Sajjad
Published: June 2017

Correct interpretation of neural mechanisms depends on the accurate detection of neuronal activities, which become visible as spikes in the electrical activity of neurons. In the present work, a novel entropy based method is proposed for spike detection which employs the fact that transient spike events change the entropy level of the neural time series. In this regard, the time-dependent entropy method can be used for detecting spike times, where the entropy of a selected segment of a neural time series, using a sliding window approach, is calculated and the time of the events are highlighted by sharp peaks in the output of the time-dependent entropy method. It is shown that the length of the sliding window determines the resolution of the time series in entropy space, therefore, the calculation is performed with a different window length for obtaining a multiresolution transform. The final decision threshold for detecting spike events is applied to the point-wise product of the time dependent entropy calculations with different resolutions. The proposed detection method has been assessed using several simulated and real neural data sets. The results show that the proposed method detects spikes in their exact times while compared with other traditional methods, relatively lower false alarm rate is obtained.