bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of Using Lumbar Spine Trabecular Bone Score to Adjust Fracture Probability: The Manitoba BMD Cohort
Authors: Martineau Patrick , Leslie William D , Johansson Helena , Oden Anders , McCloskey Eugene V , Hans Didier , Kanis John A
Published: March 2017

Decreased lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS), a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived image texture measurement, is a risk factor for major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) independent of 10-year fracture probability estimated using FRAX. We determined how often applying the TBS adjustment to fracture probability altered treatment qualification. Using a population-based registry containing all clinical DXA results for Manitoba, Canada, we identified 34,316 women with baseline spine and hip DXA, FRAX-based fracture probability measurements (computed with femoral neck bone mineral density), lumbar spine TBS, and minimum 5 years of observation (mean 8.7 years). Population-based health services data were used to identify incident non-traumatic MOF and HF in 3503 and 945 women, respectively. Baseline MOF and HF probabilities were estimated using FRAX before and after applying the TBS adjustment. Risk recategorization was assessed using net reclassification improvement (NRI) for individual FRAX-based intervention criteria and three national clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) (US National Osteoporosis Foundation, Osteoporosis Canada, and UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group). Overall, proportions of women reclassified with the TBS adjustment to FRAX were small (less than 5%) with more than 90% of the reclassification occurring close to the intervention threshold. For women close to an intervention cut-off reclassification, rates ranged from 9.0% to 17.9% and were <1% otherwise. There was a small but significant improvement in overall NRI for all individual FRAX-based intervention criteria (range 0.007 to 0.018) and all three national CPGs (range 0.008 to 0.011). NRI was larger in women below age 65 years (up to 0.056 for hip fracture). In summary, a small but significant improvement in MOF and HF risk assessment was found by using lumbar spine TBS to adjust FRAX probability. An improvement in risk reclassification was observed for CPGs from three different countries, with almost all of the benefit found in individuals close to an intervention threshold. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Influence of oral contraceptives on lipid profile and paraoxonase and commonly hepatic enzymes activities
Authors: Kowalska Katarzyna , Ściskalska Milena , Bizoń Anna , Śliwińska‐Mossoń Mariola , Milnerowicz Halina
Published: March 2017

Background

The aim of the study was to verify the influence of oral contraceptives (OCs) on lipid profile and the arylesterase, lactonase and phosphotriesterase activities of paraoxonase 1 (PON1). Also commonly hepatic enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ‐glutamyltranspherase (GGT) were measured.

Methods

Lipid profile and hepatic enzymes were determined using commercial available reagents. Paraoxonase activities were estimated using earlier published procedures. Blood samples were collected from 120 women of similar age (22.6±1.0 years) with similar BMI (20.71±2.20 kg/m2). Participations were divided into two groups: 74 females do not take (group A) and 46 women taking OCs (group B).

Results

Higher triglycerides and lower low‐density lipoproteins levels were observed in group B than in group A) (56.9±19.7 mg/dL. Castelli risk index I was significantly higher in group B when compared to group A (P<.0001), whereas we did not observe any statistically significant differences in Castelli risk index II value between studied groups. In group B, increase in ALT, AST and GGT activities were found, while the de Ritis ratio was lower in group B than in group A.

In group B, lower phosphotriesterase activity and higher arylesterase and lactonase activities were found when compared to group A.

Conclusion

Higher ALT, AST and GGT activities in serum as well as changes in lipid profile and PON activities can indicate that OCs usage can cause disorder in these parameters in the serum of women taking OCs.
A novel feedstuff: ensiling of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) stover and apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) mixtures. Evaluation of the nutritive value, fermentation quality and aerobic stability
Authors: Andrade Ederson , Gonçalves Alexandre , Mendes‐Ferreira Ana , Silva Valéria , Pinheiro Victor , Rodrigues Miguel , Ferreira Luis
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Agro‐industrial by‐products are of low economic value as foods for human consumption but may have potential value as animal feedstuffs. This study evaluated a novel feedstuff, ensiled discarded apple (85%) and cowpea stover (15%) mixtures with two different ensiling periods (45 and 60 days), regarding the nutritive value, fermentation quality and aerobic stability.

RESULTS

Generally, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between ensiling periods for nutritive value and fermentation characteristics. Silages were stable after ensiling, presenting high lactic acid (77.3 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)) and acetic acid (54.7 g kg−1 DM) and low ethanol (15.7 g kg−1 DM) and NH3‐N (105.6 g kg−1 total N) concentrations. No butyric acid was detected in silages, and they were aerobically stable for up to 216 h. Lactic acid bacteria numbers were high at silo opening (7.14 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1), while Enterobacteriaceae were not detected and yeasts/moulds were low (2.44 log CFU g−1). Yeast/mould and Enterobacteriaceae numbers grew considerably during 12 days of air exposure.

CONCLUSION

A mixture of low calibre discarded apples with cowpea stover can be used as animal feed after the ensiling process owing to its nutritive value and long aerobic stability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance and Intellectual Capital: How Enablers Drive Value Creation in Organisations
Authors: Vargas Nancy , Lloria M. Begoña
Published: March 2017

The main aim of this study is to establish the relationships between diverse research fields that academics traditionally address separately. Specifically, this paper explores the links between the resource‐based view, intellectual capital and knowledge creation. To achieve this, we developed a novel theoretical model of relationships and tested this model empirically. We quantitatively test this model using data from firms in the Spanish biotechnology sector. The main practical implication is the intense relationship between intellectual capital, performance and the mediating variables. The model indicates the existence of 10 useful channels through which to direct efforts to improve organisational performance. We define a theoretical relational model between these fields, thus marking an innovation in the subject‐specific literature because of the inclusion of intermediate or mediating variables, and their relationship with organisational performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technological Impacts on Market Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Baines Paul R.
Published: March 2017

Technology has had a profound effect on twentieth‐century society and is increasingly changing the nature of the way we live our lives in the twenty‐first century, particularly, but not solely, through innovations in digital and social media marketing. As media and other technologies change, the question arising concerns how these changes impact on consumers’ attitudes and behaviors, and consequently on their lives. In this special edition, nine papers are presented, outlining cutting‐edge research exploring how changing technologies affect consumer attitudes, emotions, and behaviors in a variety of country settings and industries. In this introductory editorial, the papers are outlined in further detail, with a brief exposition of their contribution.
How Does Serious M‐Game Technology Encourage Low‐Income Households To Perform Socially Responsible Behaviors?
Authors: Yam Alpha , Russell‐Bennett Rebekah , Foth Marcus , Mulcahy Rory
Published: March 2017

Despite the increasing use of technology, there is little research in the marketing literature that examines how games can encourage households to achieve socially responsible behaviors such as energy efficiency. Social marketing is a subdiscipline of marketing that applies technology such as serious games in the pursuit of socially responsible behaviors. We investigate in this study how a serious mobile game (m‐game) (Reduce Your Juice) can encourage households to perform energy‐efficient behaviors by conducting group interviews with six households (n = 17) in Brisbane, Australia. The findings reveal that households gained knowledge and were motivated and persuaded to engage in energy‐efficient behaviors as the result of the customer experience of playing the serious m‐game. We provide practitioners with implications for game design and evidence that serious m‐games can encourage group level behaviors such as household energy efficiency.
Pride in Technology‐Based Health Interventions: A Double‐Edged Sword
Authors: Manika Danae , Gregory‐Smith Diana , Antonetti Paolo
Published: March 2017

We examine in this study the contrasting effects (positive and negative) of hubristic pride about one's weight, after exposure to a weight control Web site, on consumers’ attitudes and self‐regulatory behavior. Using an experiment embedded in a survey, we offer in this study insights into the multifaceted consequences generated by pride, when elicited by technology‐based social marketing interventions. Greater feelings of hubristic pride about one's weight translate into positive attitudes toward the Web site information but reduce the perceived relevance of the information to the self. This reduced perceived relevance leads to poor perceptions of Web site interactivity with consequent negative effects on behavioral regulation. Thus, increasing feelings of pride can be a double‐edge sword. Hubristic pride directly affects technology‐based behavioral intentions, such as intentions to download a health‐related mobile application, but indirectly influences nontechnology‐oriented intentions to take health action through attitudes. Marketers should be cautious of the mixed attitudinal and behavioral effects of pride.
Consumer Branded #Hashtag Engagement: Can Creativity in TV Advertising Influence Hashtag Engagement?
Authors: Stathopoulou Anastasia , Borel Laurence , Christodoulides George , West Douglas
Published: March 2017

This study examines the effects of creativity on consumer branded hashtag engagement in the context of TV advertising. Applying a qualitative design, two types of TV commercials were selected: humorous and warmth. This was followed by a quantitative study with 259 participants suggesting that novelty and relevance in TV advertisements together with brand familiarity are important drivers of consumer branded hashtag engagement. Consumer branded hashtag engagement, in turn, encourages consumers to share advertisements online through different social media platforms. In addition, brand familiarity and the type of TV advertisement were found to be significant moderators. The results of this study highlight the pertinence of hashtags for consumer–brand engagement, and contribute to a better understanding of consumer branded hashtag engagement in advertising. Guidance to advertisers on how to utilize creativity in TV advertisements to encourage consumer engagement with the brand is offered.
(E)‐2‐methoxy‐4‐(3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)prop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenol suppresses ovarian cancer cell growth via inhibition of ERK and STAT3
Authors: Zheng Jie , Son Dong Ju , Lee Hye Lim , Lee Hee Pom , Kim Tae Hoon , Joo Jung Heun , Ham Young Wan , Kim Wun Jae , Jung Jae Kyung , Han Sang‐Bae , Hong Jin Tae
Published: March 2017

In the present study, we synthesized several non‐aldehyde analogues of (E)‐2,4‐bis(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butenal which showed anti‐cancer effect. Interestingly, among the 16 compounds, we found that (E)‐2‐methoxy‐4‐(3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)prop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenol (MMPP) showed the most significant anti‐proliferative effect on PA‐1 and SK‐OV‐3 ovarian epithelial cancer cells. MMPP treatment (0‐15 µg/mL) induced apoptotic cell death, enhanced the expression of cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved caspase‐9 in a concentration dependent manner. Notably, DNA binding activity of STAT3, phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 was significantly decreased by MMPP treatment. However, ERK siRNA augmented MMPP‐induced inhibitory effect on cell growth rather than p38 siRNA or JNK siRNA. Moreover, combination treatment of MMPP with ERK inhibitor U0126 (10 µM) augmented MMPP‐induced inhibitory effect on cell growth and DNA binding activity of STAT3, and enhanced expression of cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9. In addition, STAT3 siRNA transfection augmented MMPP‐induced cell growth inhibition. In PA‐1 bearing xenograft mice model, MMPP (5 mg/kg) suppressed tumor growth significantly. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression levels of p‐ERK, PCNA, p‐STAT3 were decreased while the expression level of caspase‐3 was increased by MMPP treatment. Thus, MMPP may be a promising anti‐cancer agent in ovarian epithelial cancer treatment.
Identification of a functional polymorphism affecting microRNA binding in the susceptibility locus 1q25.3 for colorectal cancer
Authors: Ke Juntao , Tian Jianbo , Li Jiaoyuan , Gong Yajie , Yang Yang , Zhu Ying , Zhang Yi , Zhong Rong , Chang Jiang , Gong Jing
Published: March 2017

Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have identified dozens of susceptibility loci for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, most of them lack functional genetic variants and clear biological mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs involved in a variety of physiological and tumorigenic processes. Here we hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect miRNAs biogenesis and binding, could contribute to CRC risk in the Chinese population. To locate miRNA‐related SNPs in established GWAS loci, we initially screened out five candidate SNPs using a systematic bioinformatics analysis. Then, we performed a two‐stage case‐control study consisting of 2347 cases and 3390 controls, and found a positive polymorphism rs1062044, which presented consistently significant associations with CRC in both stages, and with an odds ratio (OR) = 1.32 (95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.18‐1.49, P = 3.43E‐06) under the dominant model in the combined study. Further luciferase reporter gene assays indicated that the variant G allele obviously improved the specific binding between miR‐423‐5p and the gene LAMC1. These findings suggested that the functional SNP rs1062044 at 1q25.3 might be a genetic modifier for the occurrence and development of CRC.
Talbot‐Lau X‐ray phase contrast for tiling‐based acquisitions without reference scanning
Authors: Kaeppler Sebastian , Seifert Maria , Horn Florian , Pelzer Georg , Rieger Jens , Michel Thilo , Maier Andreas , Anton Gisela , Riess Christian
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Grating‐based Talbot‐Lau interferometers are a popular choice for phase‐contrast X‐ray acquisitions. Here, an air reference scan has to be acquired prior to an object scan. This particularly complicates acquisition of large objects: large objects are tiled into multiple scans due to the small field of view of current gratings. However, phase reference drifts occurring between these scans may require to repeatedly move the object in and out of the X‐ray beam to update the reference information.

Methods

We developed an image processing technique that completely removes the need for phase reference scans in tiled acquisitions. We estimate the reference from object scans using a tailored iterated robust regression, using a novel efficient optimizer.

Results

Our evaluation indicates that the estimated reference is not only close to the acquired reference but also improves the final image quality. We hypothesize that this is because we mitigate errors that are introduced when actually acquiring the reference phase.

Conclusion

Phase‐contrast imaging of larger objects may benefit from computational estimation of phase reference data due to reduced scanning complexity and improved image quality.
Alcohol and binge eating as mediators between posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity and body mass index
Authors: Cronce Jessica M. , Bedard‐Gilligan Michele A. , Zimmerman Lindsey , Hodge Kimberley A. , Kaysen Debra
Published: March 2017

Objective

Sexual‐minority women are at elevated risk for obesity, as well as exposure to traumatic events. Rates of obesity are elevated in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little is known about why this relationship exists. Behavioral mechanisms, such as eating patterns and alcohol use, are possible explanations that would be clinically useful to identify.

Methods

Binge eating and alcohol use were longitudinally investigated as mediators of the relationship between PTSD symptom severity and body mass index (BMI) in a large sample of young‐adult, sexual‐minority women (N = 425). PTSD symptom severity was assessed at baseline, binge eating and alcohol use were assessed 12 months later, and BMI was assessed 24 months after baseline.

Results

Using a multiple mediator model, higher baseline PTSD symptom severity was found to be significantly associated with higher BMI 2 years later, operating through binge‐eating behavior but not through alcohol use. Exploratory moderator analyses found that this effect was higher for those with lower baseline BMI.

Conclusions

Results suggest that higher PTSD symptoms are longitudinally associated with increased BMI and that binge eating behavior is one factor that explains this relationship.
Poverty, Race, and Police: A Conversation
Authors: Cline Andrew
Published: March 2017

This article examines the role of the hashtag #blacklivesmatter in the response to the Black Lives Matter movement. It is suggested that the hashtagging of ideas allows anyone to appropriate a message and, thus, allows any opposition to create salient exemplars from the worst abusers.
Is Random Forest a Superior Methodology for Predicting Poverty? An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Sohnesen Thomas Pave , Stender Niels
Published: March 2017

Random forest (RF) is in many fields of research a common method for data‐driven predictions. Within economics and prediction of poverty, RF is rarely used. Comparing out‐of‐sample predictions in surveys for the same year in six countries shows that RF is often more accurate than current common practice (multiple imputations with variables selected by Stepwise and Lasso), suggesting that this method could contribute to better poverty predictions. However, none of the methods consistently provides accurate predictions of poverty over time, highlighting that technical model fitting by any method within a single year is not always, by itself, sufficient for accurate predictions of poverty over time.
Is the ACA's Dependent Coverage Provision Generating Positive Feedback Effects Among Young Adults?
Authors: Chattopadhyay Jacqueline
Published: March 2017

Has the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) 2010 dependent coverage provision (DCP) created a positive policy‐opinion feedback loop among its stated beneficiaries—adults under age 26? Such feedbacks are well documented around programs like Social Security that make explicit government transfers, but may be more limited around policies that—like the DCP—channel private‐sector resources to their target populations. It is also unknown whether single provisions within multipronged policies can elicit feedbacks around the parent policy as a whole. This article tests whether 19–25‐year‐olds differ from adults aged 26–34 in support for the ACA, civic predisposition, political efficacy, and political participation in 2012. Analyses also compare 2012 to 2008. The article then studies insured 19–25‐year‐olds in 2014, testing whether those using parental insurance differed from those using other insurance in ACA support, responses to threats to the ACA, and beliefs that the ACA is personally helpful. Young adults show virtually no signs of DCP‐inspired political feedbacks. These results do not appear strictly attributable to the youth of this target population. Rather, feeble feedbacks may owe to ACA attitudes resting on factors other than the DCP, to Democrats failing to mobilize young adults, and to the DCP's limited ability to reach low‐income earners.
Structural and functional characterization of a ubiquitin variant engineered for tight and specific binding to an alpha‐helical ubiquitin interacting motif
Authors: Manczyk Noah , Yates Bradley P. , Veggiani Gianluca , Ernst Andreas , Sicheri Frank , Sidhu Sachdev S.
Published: March 2017

Ubiquitin interacting motifs (UIMs) are short α‐helices found in a number of eukaryotic proteins. UIMs interact weakly but specifically with ubiquitin conjugated to other proteins, and in so doing, mediate specific cellular signals. Here we used phage display to generate ubiquitin variants (UbVs) targeting the N‐terminal UIM of the yeast Vps27 protein. Selections yielded UbV.v27.1, which recognized the cognate UIM with high specificity relative to other yeast UIMs and bound with an affinity more than two orders of magnitude higher than that of ubiquitin. Structural and mutational studies of the UbV.v27.1‐UIM complex revealed the molecular details for the enhanced affinity and specificity of UbV.v27.1, and underscored the importance of changes at the binding interface as well as at positions that do not contact the UIM. Our study highlights the power of the phage display approach for selecting UbVs with unprecedented affinity and high selectivity for particular α‐helical UIM domains within proteomes, and it establishes a general approach for the development of inhibitors targeting interactions of this type.
Sulfur‐Doped Graphene with Iron Pyrite (FeS2) as an Efficient and Stable Electrocatalyst for the Iodine Reduction Reaction in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Shrestha Aabhash , Gao Guo , Yu Leping , Zhao Jing , Biggs Mark J. , Shearer Cameron J. , Shapter Joseph G.
Published: March 2017

As an alternative to platinum (Pt), hybrid electrocatalysts based on sulfur‐doped graphene with FeS2 microspheres (SGN‐FeS2) were used as a counter electrode (CE) in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Benefiting from the high conductivity of SGN and excellent electrocatalytic activity of the FeS2, the bifunctional hybrid electrocatalyst‐based device displays a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.1%, which is comparable to that (8.3%) of traditional Pt CE‐based DSSC, while also exhibiting excellent stability in ambient conditions. These characteristics, in addition to its low‐cost and facile preparation, make the SGN–FeS2 hybrid an ideal CE material for DSSCs.
Accurate logistic variational message passing: algebraic and numerical details
Authors: Nolan Tui H. , Wand Matt P.
Published: March 2017

We provide full algebraic and numerical details required for fitting accurate logistic likelihood regression‐type models via variational message passing with factor graph fragments. Existing methodology of this type involves the Jaakkola–Jordan device, which is prone to poor accuracy. We examine two alternatives: the Saul–Jordan tilted bound device and conjugacy enforcement via multivariate normal prespecification of a key message. Both of these approaches appear in related literature. Our contributions facilitate immediate implementation within variational message passing schemes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multifactorial Experimental Design to Optimize the Anti-Inflammatory and Proangiogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids
Authors: Murphy Kaitlin C. , Whitehead Jacklyn , Falahee Patrick C. , Zhou Dejie , Simon Scott I. , Leach J. Kent
Published: March 2017

Mesenchymal stem cell therapies promote wound healing by manipulating the local environment to enhance the function of host cells. Aggregation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into three-dimensional spheroids increases cell survival and augments their anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic potential, yet there is no consensus on the preferred conditions for maximizing spheroid function in this application. The objective of this study was to optimize conditions for forming MSC spheroids that simultaneously enhance their anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic nature. We applied a design of experiments (DOE) approach to determine the interaction between three input variables (number of cells per spheroid, oxygen tension, and inflammatory stimulus) on MSC spheroids by quantifying secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), two potent molecules in the MSC secretome. DOE results revealed that MSC spheroids formed with 40,000 cells per spheroid in 1% oxygen with an inflammatory stimulus (Spheroid 1) would exhibit enhanced PGE2 and VEGF production versus those formed with 10,000 cells per spheroid in 21% oxygen with no inflammatory stimulus (Spheroid 2). Compared to Spheroid 2, Spheroid 1 produced fivefold more PGE2 and fourfold more VEGF, providing the opportunity to simultaneously upregulate the secretion of these factors from the same spheroid. The spheroids induced macrophage polarization, sprout formation with endothelial cells, and keratinocyte migration in a human skin equivalent model—demonstrating efficacy on three key cell types that are dysfunctional in chronic non-healing wounds. We conclude that DOE-based analysis effectively identifies optimal culture conditions to enhance the anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic potential of MSC spheroids.
Pattern recognition for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine in cancer
Authors: Cheng Tingting , Zhan Xianquan
Published: March 2017

Predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) is the hot spot and future direction in the field of cancer. Cancer is a complex, whole-body disease that involved multi-factors, multi-processes, and multi-consequences. A series of molecular alterations at different levels of genes (genome), RNAs (transcriptome), proteins (proteome), peptides (peptidome), metabolites (metabolome), and imaging characteristics (radiome) that resulted from exogenous and endogenous carcinogens are involved in tumorigenesis and mutually associate and function in a network system, thus determines the difficulty in the use of a single molecule as biomarker for personalized prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for cancer. A key molecule-panel is necessary for accurate PPPM practice. Pattern recognition is an effective methodology to discover key molecule-panel for cancer. The modern omics, computation biology, and systems biology technologies lead to the possibility in recognizing really reliable molecular pattern for PPPM practice in cancer. The present article reviewed the pathophysiological basis, methodology, and perspective usages of pattern recognition for PPPM in cancer so that our previous opinion on multi-parameter strategies for PPPM in cancer is translated into real research and development of PPPM or precision medicine (PM) in cancer.
Malthus in the Bedroom: Birth Spacing as Birth Control in Pre-Transition England
Authors: Cinnirella Francesco , Klemp Marc , Weisdorf Jacob
Published: March 2017

We use duration models on a well-known historical data set of more than 15,000 families and 60,000 births in England for the period 1540–1850 to show that the sampled families adjusted the timing of their births in accordance with the economic conditions as well as their stock of dependent children. The effects were larger among the lower socioeconomic ranks. Our findings on the existence of parity-dependent as well as parity-independent birth spacing in England are consistent with the growing evidence that marital birth control was present in pre-transitional populations.
Reconfigurable dynamic control allocation for aircraft with actuator failures
Authors: Almutairi S. H. , Aouf N.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the development of a fault-tolerant control system for an aircraft that exploits both the hardware and analytical redundancy in the system is considered. A control allocation approach is developed where the total control command is computed and distributed among the available control surfaces. The actuator’s position and rate limits are taken into account in the optimisation problem. Existing fault-tolerant control allocation techniques produce look-up tables of control gains based on certain faults in the model. In contrast, the developed reconfigurable approach presented here incorporates a new process that redistributes control efforts which is updated whenever a fault occurs. In order to correlate between control effort redistribution and the fault magnitude, a fuzzy logic scheme is implemented, which handles a wide range of fault magnitudes on-line. The approach is applied for the most severe type of fault, which is the “lock-in-place” (jam) fault. Results show that the developed approach successfully handles the faulty situations and enhances aircraft flying responses by utilising the available healthy controls.
CREATURELY LAW
Authors: Brewbaker William S.
Published: March 2017

Theological explorations of law have sometimes followed a “prophetic” model in which scripture or theological ethics serves as the primary norm for human law. After all, if God has spoken his Law into the world, especially a world beset by sin and oppression, should not human law answer to that Law? Moreover, is not law more authoritative when it is “found” or “discovered” within the framework of divine revelation than when it is “made” autonomously by fallen human beings?
GROWTH AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF TWO LINEAGES OF THE SEA ASPARAGUS SARCOCORNIA AMBIGUA IRRIGATED WITH SHRIMP FARM SALINE EFFLUENT
Authors: DONCATO KENNIA BRUM , COSTA CÉSAR SERRA BONIFÁCIO
Published: March 2017

The sea asparagus Sarcocornia ambigua is a widespread coastal halophyte of South America that has a recent history of successful cultivation with saline shrimp farm effluent and nutritional quality for human and animal diets, as well as chemical characteristics for biofuel production. Two morphologically distinct lineages (BTH1 and BTH2) of S. ambigua were obtained by crossing pure lineages of natural biotypes. The growth and biomass production of f3 and f4 progenies of S. ambigua lineages were evaluated, as well as their macro- and micro-mineral components were investigated by spectrophotometry. The BTH2 lineage showed a 43% higher shoot growth rate, a two times faster branch production and a higher biomass allocation to shoots than in BTH1. BTH1 shoots showed higher concentrations of N, K and Cu than did the BTH2 progenies. The average levels of N, K, P and Ca in BTH1-f4 shoots were higher than those in wild plants of S. ambigua and ranked in the mid-upper range of these mineral contents in other species of the subfamily Salicorniodeae and gourmet vegetables. The mineral profile of the two selected lineages of S. ambigua confirms high nutritional quality of these plants for humans and animals. They can be presented as alternatives to food production with saline effluent from aquaculture on the temperate and tropical coast and/or inland salt-affected soils of South America.
The philometrid nematodePhilometroides acreanensis n. sp. from the stomach wall of the catfishPimelodus blochiiin north-western Brazil
Authors: Cavalcante P.H.O. , Moravec F. , Santos C.P.
Published: March 2017

A new nematode species,Philometroides acreanensisn. sp. (Philometridae), is described from female specimens recovered from the stomach wall of the freshwater catfishPimelodus blochiiValenciennes (Pimelodidae) collected in the Acre River (Amazon River basin), Acre State, Brazil. Based on examination by light and scanning electron microscopy, the new species differs from the two other South American congeneric species mainly in the body length of the gravid female (240–280 mm), the length of the oesophagus (1.25 mm in holotype) representing 0.5% of the entire body length, the range of cuticular embossment, as well as the location in the host (stomach), order of the fish host (Siluriformes) and the geographical distribution (Amazon River drainage system). This is the third known species ofPhilometroidesYamaguti, 1935 reported from South America. A key to species ofPhilometroidesoccurring in the fish of America is provided.
Simulating surfactant spreading: Influence of a physically motivated equation of state
Authors: SINCLAIR DINA , LEVY RACHEL , DANIELS KAREN E.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we present numerical simulations that demonstrate the effect of the particular choice of the equation of state (EoS) relating the surfactant concentration to the surface tension in surfactant-driven thin liquid films. Previous choices of the model EoS have been an ad-hoc decreasing function. Here, we instead propose an empirically motivated EoS; this provides a route to resolve some discrepancies and raises new issues to be pursued in future experiments. In addition, we test the influence of the choice of initial conditions and values for the non-dimensional groups. We demonstrate that the choice of EoS improves the agreement in surfactant distribution morphology between simulations and experiments, and influences the dynamics of the simulations. Because an empirically motivated EoS has regions with distinct gradients, future mathematical models may be improved by considering more than one timescale. We observe that the non-dimensional number controlling the relative importance of gravitational versus capillary forces has a larger influence on the dynamics than the other non-dimensional groups, but is nonetheless not a likely cause of discrepancy between simulations and experiments. Finally, we observe that the experimental approach using a ring to contain the surfactant could affect the surfactant and fluid dynamics if it disrupts the intended initial surfactant distribution. However, the fluid meniscus itself does not significantly affect the dynamics.
TAXONOMY OF THE BEGONIA TILIIFOLIA GROUP, INCLUDING DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES
Authors: Tebbitt M. C. , Hughes M. , Pérez Á. J. , Moonlight P. W.
Published: March 2017

Begonia albomaculata as circumscribed in the Flora of Ecuador and related publications is shown to be a misapplied name and represents an undescribed species. This is described as Begonia botryoides Moonlight & Tebbitt sp. nov., and is recorded from the Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Napo, Cotopaxi, Azuay and El Oro provinces in Ecuador, and the Antioquia and Chocó departments of Colombia. The taxonomic study of this species prompted a re-evaluation of related species. It was subsequently found that the Central American material previously included in Begonia tiliifolia C.DC. is distinct from the type and other South American material of this species and represents an undescribed species. This is described as Begonia boreoharlingii Tebbitt & Moonlight sp. nov., and is recorded from the Limón province in Costa Rica, and the Bocas del Toro and Coclé provinces in Panama. Four species, Begonia tiliifolia C.DC., Begonia harlingii L.B.Sm. & Wassh., B. botryoides and B. boreoharlingii, are placed in the informally named Begonia tiliifolia group. A key, descriptions, illustrations and distribution maps are provided for the members of the Begonia tiliifolia group, and its sectional classification is discussed.
Treatment decision-making capacity in non-consensual psychiatric treatment: a multicentre study
Authors: Mandarelli G. , Carabellese F. , Parmigiani G. , Bernardini F. , Pauselli L. , Quartesan R. , Catanesi R. , Ferracuti S.
Published: March 2017

Aims.

To evaluate treatment decision-making capacity (DMC) to consent to psychiatric treatment in involuntarily committed patients and to further investigate possible associations with clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of patients.

Methods.

131 involuntarily hospitalised patients were recruited in three university hospitals. Mental capacity to consent to treatment was measured with the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for Treatment (MacCAT-T); psychiatric symptoms severity (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, BPRS-E) and cognitive functioning (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE) were also assessed.

Results.

Mental capacity ratings for the 131 involuntarily hospitalised patients showed that patients affected by bipolar disorders (BD) scored generally better than those affected by schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) in MacCAT-T appreciation (p< 0.05) and reasoning (p< 0.01). Positive symptoms were associated with poorer capacity to appreciate (r= −0.24;p< 0.01) and reason (r= −0.27;p< 0.01) about one's own treatment. Negative symptoms were associated with poorer understanding of treatment (r= −0.23;p< 0.01). Poorer cognitive functioning, as measured by MMSE, negatively affected MacCAT-T understanding in patients affected by SSD, but not in those affected by BD (SSDr= 0.37;p< 0.01; BDr= −0.01;p= 0.9). Poorer MacCAT-T reasoning was associated with more manic symptoms in the BD group of patients but not in the SSD group (BDr= −0.32;p< 0.05; SSDr= 0.03;p= 0.8). Twenty-two per cent (n= 29) of the 131 recruited patients showed high treatment DMC as defined by having scored higher than 75% ofunderstanding, appreciating and reasoningMacCAT-T subscales maximum sores and 2 atexpressing a choice. The remaining involuntarily hospitalised patients where considered to have low treatment DMC. Chi-squared disclosed that 32% of BD patients had high treatment DMC compared with 9% of SSD patients (p< 0.001).

Conclusions.

Treatment DMC can be routinely assessed in non-consensual psychiatric settings by the MacCAT-T, as is the case of other clinical variables. Such approach can lead to the identification of patients with high treatment DMC, thus drawing attention to possible dichotomy between legal and clinical status.
Vor- und Nachteile vegetarischer Ernährungsformen – aktueller wissenschaftlicher Kenntnisstand
Authors: Ströhle Alexander , Hahn Andreas
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der Vegetarismus ist keine einheitliche Ernährungsform, sondern wird in unterschiedlichen Ausprägungen praktiziert. Am bekanntesten sind lakto-ovo-vegetarische und vegane Kostformen. Die in westlichen Industrieländern lebenden Vegetarier unterscheiden sich nicht nur in ihrer Ernährungsweise von der Durchschnittsbevölkerung. Auch ihr sonstiger Lebensstil differiert. Eine vegetarische Lebensweise geht mit einem um 40 – 50 % reduzierten Risiko für Typ-2-Diabetes und einem um 20 – 30 % verminderten Risiko für ischämische Ereignisse einher. Krebserkrankungen treten bei Vegetariern 8 – 15 % seltener auf, während bei der Krebsmortalität kein Unterscheid zu Nicht-Vegetariern besteht. Keine Vorteile übt die vegetarische Ernährung auf die Knochengesundheit aus. Auch bei der Gesamtsterblichkeit lässt sich kein eindeutig vorteilhafter Effekt nachweisen. Eine auf einer breiten Lebensmittelauswahl beruhende lakto-ovo-vegetarische Kost mit reichlich Gemüse, Obst, Hülsenfrüchten, Vollkornprodukte, Samen und Nüssen, ergänzt um mäßige Anteile an Milchprodukten und Eiern, stellt bei Erwachsenen im Allgemeinen die Versorgung mit allen Nährstoffen sicher (Ausnahmen: Vitamin D und Iod sowie potenzielle Defizite bei Eisen, ggf. Zink und langkettigen Omega-3-Fettsäuren). Vegane Kostformen bergen mehr Risiken hinsichtlich einer defizitären Nährstoffversorgung als eine lakto-ovo-vegetarische Kost. Bei entsprechenden Ernährungskenntnissen, breiter Lebensmittelauswahl sowie gezielter Supplementierung bzw. dem Konsum von angereicherten Lebensmitteln mit Vitamin B12 und D, Iod und ggf. an Docosahexaensäure (DHA) und Eicosapentaensäure (EPA) reichen Mikroalgenzubereitungen ist eine adäquate Nährstoffversorgung auch bei einer vielseitigen veganen Ernährung für Erwachsene möglich.
Moderner Lifestyle – Dermatologische Kosmetik
Authors: Lerch Marianne , Murer Carla
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der vorliegende Beitrag hat zum Ziel, den praktisch tätigen Ärzten und Ärztinnen einen Überblick über die im Rahmen der physiologischen Hautalterung (Turgorverlust, Klimakterium) bzw. beschleunigter Hautalterungsprozesse (Photoaging, Rosazea etc.) auftretenden dermatologischen Probleme zu geben. Im Zusammenhang mit der Lichtalterung ist bei neu auftretenden Veränderungen ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die Abgrenzung benigner Läsionen wie Lentigines von malignen Tumoren zu richten. Die nachfolgenden Ausführungen sollen es den primär versorgenden Ärzten und Ärztinnen ermöglichen, den kosmetologischen Bedürfnissen ihrer Patienten bei nicht-malignen aktinischen Hautschäden gerecht zu werden und abgestufte Behandlungsvorschläge zu machen. Zudem sollen die Angaben als Wegleitung dienen, um die Patienten in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Dermatologen hinsichtlich ästhetisch-dermatologischer Methoden zu beraten bzw. die richtigen Massnahmen bei Verdacht auf Hautmalignom ergreifen zu können.
Überdiagnostik – Risiken und Gefahren
Authors: Conen Dieter
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung. Traditionell stellen Anamneseerhebung mit genauer Charakterisierung der Symptome und klinische Untersuchung die Grundlage der Diagnostik dar. Die rasche technologische Entwicklung sowohl bei den labortechnischen als auch bei den bildgebenden Verfahren haben die diagnostischen Möglichkeiten dramatisch verändert und den Druck, jedem Symptom eine fassbare Diagnose zuzuordnen, erhöht. Krankheiten insbesondere maligne Leiden sollen bei Screeninguntersuchungen zu einem möglichst frühen Zeitpunkt entdeckt und entsprechend behandelt werden, unabhängig davon, ob der so diagnostizierte Tumor tatsächlich zum Tode führt oder nur ein indolenter Tumor ist. Parallel dazu haben sich die Interventionsmöglichkeiten erhöht, die den Einsatz der therapeutischen Optionen bei symptomatischen Personen ebenso möglich macht wie bei asymptomatischen. Das führt zu einem Verwischen der Grenzen zwischen Gesundheit, vorhandenem Risiko für eine Erkrankung und der Krankheit selbst. Diese Entwicklungen werden durch Überdiagnostik gefördert, die dadurch definiert ist, dass bei asymptomatischen Personen oder bei Personen mit uncharakteristischen Beschwerden Diagnosen gestellt werden, die in der Regel keine Symptome machen oder gar zum Tode führen. Die Überdiagnostik als Ursache einer «modernen Epidemie». Die Ursachen der Überdiagnostik liegen in der technologischen Entwicklung, in der Technikgläubigkeit, in der irrigen Vorstellung absolute diagnostische Sicherheit sei möglich, in einer defensiven Medizin, die einerseits aus medikolegalen Gründen andererseits aus übertriebener Sorge, eine Diagnose zu verpassen, zur Überdiagnostik führt. Im weiteren kann sie begünstigt werden durch die Vorstellung, dass negative Testergebnisse besorgte Patienten beruhigen können. Falsch gesetzte Anreize können ebenso zur Überdiagnostik beitragen, wie mangelndes Wissen über Sensitivität und Spezifität verschiedener Tests und die Wahrscheinlichkeit für das Zutreffen oder Nicht-Zutreffen einer bestimmten Diagnose in einem konkreten klinischen Setting. Massnahmen, die Überdiagnostik zu reduzieren, werden diskutiert.
The FOXM1–ABCC5 axis contributes to paclitaxel resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Hou Youxiang , Zhu Qianling , Li Zheng , Peng Yongbo , Yu Xiaohui , Yuan Bowen , Liu Yijun , Liu Youhong , Yin Linglong , Peng Yuchong , Jiang Zhenghua , Li Jinping , Xie Bowen , Duan Yumei , Tan Guolin , Gulina Kurban , Gong Zhicheng , Sun Lunquan , Fan Xuegong , Li Xiong
Published: March 2017

Paclitaxel is clinically used as a first-line chemotherapeutic regimen for several cancer types, including head and neck cancers. However, acquired drug resistance results in the failure of therapy, metastasis and relapse. The drug efflux mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and the survival signals activated by forkhead box (FOX) molecules are critical in the development of paclitaxel drug resistance. Whether FOX molecules promote paclitaxel resistance through drug efflux remains unknown. In this study, we developed several types of paclitaxel-resistant (TR) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. These TR NPC cells acquired cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes and underwent epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and developed multidrug resistance. TR cells exhibited stronger drug efflux than parental NPC cells, leading to the reduction of intracellular drug concentrations and drug insensitivity. After screening the gene expression of ABC transporters and FOX molecules, we found that FOXM1 and ABCC5 were consistently overexpressed in the TR NPC cells and in patient tumor tissues. Further studies demonstrated that FOXM1 regulated abcc5 gene transcription by binding to the FHK consensus motifs at the promoter. The depletion of FOXM1 or ABCC5 with siRNA significantly blocked drug efflux and increased the intracellular concentrations of paclitaxel, thereby promoting paclitaxel-induced cell death. Siomycin A, a FOXM1 inhibitor, significantly enhanced in vitro cell killing by paclitaxel in drug-resistant NPC cells. This study is the first to identify the roles of FOXM1 in drug efflux and paclitaxel resistance by regulating the gene transcription of abcc5, one of the ABC transporters. Small molecular inhibitors of FOXM1 or ABCC5 have the potential to overcome paclitaxel chemoresistance in NPC patients.
Deconvolution of Buparlisib’s mechanism of action defines specific PI3K and tubulin inhibitors for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Bohnacker Thomas , Prota Andrea E. , Beaufils Florent , Burke John E. , Melone Anna , Inglis Alison J. , Rageot Denise , Sele Alexander M. , Cmiljanovic Vladimir , Cmiljanovic Natasa , Bargsten Katja , Aher Amol , Akhmanova Anna , Díaz J. Fernando , Fabbro Doriano , Zvelebil Marketa , Williams Roger L. , Steinmetz Michel O. , Wymann Matthias P.
Published: March 2017

BKM120 (Buparlisib) is one of the most advanced phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, but it interferes as an off-target effect with microtubule polymerization. Here, we developed two chemical derivatives that differ from BKM120 by only one atom. We show that these minute changes separate the dual activity of BKM120 into discrete PI3K and tubulin inhibitors. Analysis of the compounds cellular growth arrest phenotypes and microtubule dynamics suggest that the antiproliferative activity of BKM120 is mainly due to microtubule-dependent cytotoxicity rather than through inhibition of PI3K. Crystal structures of BKM120 and derivatives in complex with tubulin and PI3K provide insights into the selective mode of action of this class of drugs. Our results raise concerns over BKM120’s generally accepted mode of action, and provide a unique mechanistic basis for next-generation PI3K inhibitors with improved safety profiles and flexibility for use in combination therapies.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: TRIB2 confers resistance to anti-cancer therapy by activating the serine/threonine protein kinase AKT
Authors: Hill Richard , Madureira Patricia A. , Ferreira Bibiana , Baptista Inês , Machado Susana , Colaço Laura , dos Santos Marta , Liu Ningshu , Dopazo Ana , Ugurel Selma , Adrienn Angyal , Kiss-Toth Endre , Isbilen Murat , Gure Ali O. , Link Wolfgang
Published: March 2017

Intrinsic and acquired resistance to chemotherapy is the fundamental reason for treatment failure for many cancer patients. The identification of molecular mechanisms involved in drug resistance or sensitization is imperative. Here we report that tribbles homologue 2 (TRIB2) ablates forkhead box O activation and disrupts the p53/MDM2 regulatory axis, conferring resistance to various chemotherapeutics. TRIB2 suppression is exerted via direct interaction with AKT a key signalling protein in cell proliferation, survival and metabolism pathways. Ectopic or intrinsic high expression of TRIB2 induces drug resistance by promoting phospho-AKT (at Ser473) via its COP1 domain. TRIB2 expression is significantly increased in tumour tissues from patients correlating with an increased phosphorylation of AKT, FOXO3a, MDM2 and an impaired therapeutic response. This culminates in an extremely poor clinical outcome. Our study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism underlying drug resistance and suggests that TRIB2 functions as a regulatory component of the PI3K network, activating AKT in cancer cells.