bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Shape Correspondence by Dynamic Programming
Authors: Sahillioğlu Y. , Yemez Y.
Published: October 2014

We present a multiple shape correspondence method based on dynamic programming, that computes consistent bijective maps between all shape pairs in a given collection of initially unmatched shapes. As a fundamental distinction from previous work, our method aims to explicitly minimize the overall distortion, i.e., the average isometric distortion of the resulting maps over all shape pairs. We cast the problem as optimal path finding on a graph structure where vertices are maps between shape extremities. We exploit as much context information as possible using a dynamic programming based algorithm to approximate the optimal solution. Our method generates coarse multiple correspondences between shape extremities, as well as denser correspondences as by‐product. We assess the performance on various mesh sequences of (nearly) isometric shapes. Our experiments show that, for isometric shape collections with non‐uniform triangulation and noise, our method can compute relatively dense correspondences reasonably fast and outperform state of the art in terms of accuracy.
Structure Aware Visual Cryptography
Authors: Liu Bin , Martin Ralph R. , Huang Ji‐Wu , Hu Shi‐Min
Published: October 2014

Visual cryptography is an encryption technique that hides a secret image by distributing it between some shared images made up of seemingly random black‐and‐white pixels. Extended visual cryptography (EVC) goes further in that the shared images instead represent meaningful binary pictures. The original approach to EVC suffered from low contrast, so later papers considered how to improve the visual quality of the results by enhancing contrast of the shared images. This work further improves the appearance of the shared images by preserving edge structures within them using a framework of dithering followed by a detail recovery operation. We are also careful to suppress noise in smooth areas.
Advanced Hybrid Particle‐Grid Method with Sub‐Grid Particle Correction
Authors: Um Kiwon , Baek Seungho , Han JungHyun
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes a novel hybrid particle‐grid approach to liquid simulation, which uses the fluid‐implicit‐particle (FLIP) method to resolve the liquid motion and a grid‐based particle correction method to complement FLIP. The correction process addresses the high‐frequency errors in FLIP ensuring that the particles are properly distributed. The proposed approach enables the corrective procedure to avoid directly processing the particle relationships and supports flexible corrective forces. The proposed technique effectively and efficiently improves the distribution of the particles and therefore enhances the overall simulation quality. The experimental results confirm that the technique is able to conserve the liquid volume and to produce dynamic surface motions, thin liquid sheets, and smooth surfaces without disturbing artifacts such as bumpy noise.
Learning Natural Colors for Image Recoloring
Authors: Huang H.‐Z. , Zhang S.‐H. , Martin R. R. , Hu S.‐M.
Published: October 2014

We present a data‐driven method for automatically recoloring a photo to enhance its appearance or change a viewer's emotional response to it. A compact representation called a RegionNet summarizes color and geometric features of image regions, and geometric relationships between them. Correlations between color property distributions and geometric features of regions are learned from a database of well‐colored photos. A probabilistic factor graph model is used to summarize distributions of color properties and generate an overall probability distribution for color suggestions. Given a new input image, we can generate multiple recolored results which unlike previous automatic results, are both natural and artistic, and compatible with their spatial arrangements.
Fast Feature‐Oriented Visual Connection for Large Image Collections
Authors: Yan Qingan , Xu Zhan , Xiao Chunxia
Published: October 2014

Deriving the visual connectivity across large image collections is a computationally expensive task. Different from current image‐oriented match graph construction methods which build on pairwise image matching, we present a novel and scalable feature‐oriented image matching algorithm for large collections. Our method improves the match graph construction procedure in three ways. First, instead of building trees repeatedly, we put the feature points of the input image collection into a single kd‐tree and select the leaves as our anchor points. Then we construct an anchor graph from which each feature can intelligently find a small portion of related candidates to match. Finally, we design a new form of adjacency matrix for fast feature similarity measuring, and return all the matches in different photos across the whole dataset directly. Experiments show that our feature‐oriented correspondence algorithm can explore visual connectivity between images with significant improvement in speed.
Parsimony analysis of unaligned sequence data: maximization of homology and minimization of homoplasy, not minimization of operationally defined total cost or minimization of equally weighted transformations
Authors: De Laet Jan
Published: October 2014

Wheeler (2012) stated that minimization of ad hoc hypotheses as emphasized by Farris (1983) always leads to a preference for trivial optimizations when analysing unaligned sequence data, leaving no basis for tree choice. That is not correct. Farris's framework can be expressed as maximization of homology, a formulation that has been used to overcome the problems with inapplicables (it leads to the notion of subcharacters as a quantity to be co‐minimized in parsimony analysis) and that is known not to lead to a preference for trivial optimizations when analysing unaligned sequence data. Maximization of homology, in turn, can be formulated as a minimization of ad hoc hypotheses of homoplasy in the sense of Farris, as shown here. These issues are not just theoretical but have empirical relevance. It is therefore also discussed how maximization of homology can be approximated under various weighting schemes in heuristic tree alignment programs, such as POY, that do not take into account subcharacters. Empirical analyses that use the so‐called 3221 cost set (gap opening cost three, transversion and transition costs two, and gap extension cost one), the cost set that is known to be an optimal approximation under equally weighted homology in POY, are briefly reviewed. From a theoretical point of view, maximization of homology provides the general framework to understand such cost sets in terms that are biologically relevant and meaningful. Whether or not embedded in a sensitivity analysis, this is not the case for minimization of a cost that is defined in operational terms only. Neither is it the case for minimization of equally weighted transformations, a known problem that is not addressed by Kluge and Grant's (2006) proposal to invoke the anti‐superfluity principle as a rationale for this minimization.
Innovative assessment reveals speech production and language comprehension are dissociable skills in severe cerebral palsy
Authors: Morgan Angela T
Published: October 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Geytenbeek et al. on pages 294–300 of this issue.
Comprehension of spoken language in non‐speaking children with severe cerebral palsy: an explorative study on associations with motor type and disabilities
Authors: Geytenbeek Joke J M , Vermeulen R Jeroen , Becher Jules G , Oostrom Kim J
Published: October 2014

Aim

To assess spoken language comprehension in non‐speaking children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) and to explore possible associations with motor type and disability.

Method

Eighty‐seven non‐speaking children (44 males, 43 females, mean age 6y 8mo, SD 2y 1mo) with spastic (54%) or dyskinetic (46%) CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels IV [39%] and V [61%]) underwent spoken language comprehension assessment with the computer‐based instrument for low motor language testing (C‐BiLLT), a new and validated diagnostic instrument. A multiple linear regression model was used to investigate which variables explained the variation in C‐BiLLT scores. Associations between spoken language comprehension abilities (expressed in z‐score or age‐equivalent score) and motor type of CP, GMFCS and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) levels, gestational age, and epilepsy were analysed with Fisher's exact test. A p‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Chronological age, motor type, and GMFCS classification explained 33% (R=0.577, R2=0.33) of the variance in spoken language comprehension. Of the children aged younger than 6 years 6 months, 52.4% of the children with dyskinetic CP attained comprehension scores within the average range (z‐score ≥−1.6) as opposed to none of the children with spastic CP. Of the children aged older than 6 years 6 months, 32% of the children with dyskinetic CP reached the highest achievable age‐equivalent score compared to 4% of the children with spastic CP. No significant difference in disability was found between CP‐related variables (MACS levels, gestational age, epilepsy), with the exception of GMFCS which showed a significant difference in children aged younger than 6 years 6 months (p=0.043).

Interpretation

Despite communication disabilities in children with severe CP, particularly in dyskinetic CP, spoken language comprehension may show no or only moderate delay. These findings emphasize the importance of introducing alternative and/or augmentative communication devices from early childhood.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study on long‐term efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal impairment: results of the Long‐Term ASP1941 Safety Evaluation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Renal Impairment (LANTERN) study
Authors: Kashiwagi A. , Takahashi H. , Ishikawa H. , Yoshida S. , Kazuta K. , Utsuno A. , Ueyama E.
Published: October 2014

Aims

To assess the effects of renal impairment (RI) on the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

A cohort of Japanese patients with T2DM and mild to moderate RI and poor glycaemic control, despite diet/exercise therapy alone or diet/exercise therapy in combination with an oral hypoglycaemic agent (an α‐glucosidase inhibitor, a sulfonylurea, or pioglitazone), were randomized in a double‐blind manner to 50 mg ipragliflozin or placebo once daily for 24 weeks. The patients continued open‐label ipragliflozin for a 28‐week extension period (total treatment duration: 52 weeks).

Results

Ipragliflozin significantly decreased glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and body weight from baseline to week 24 (last observation carried forward) compared with placebo in all patients with RI. The decreases in HbA1c and FPG levels were statistically significant in patients with mild RI, but not in patients with moderate RI. Ipragliflozin significantly reduced body weight in both RI groups. The improvements in glycaemic control were maintained in the 28‐week extension period. Ipragliflozin was associated with no clinically significant safety concerns, and its safety profiles were not influenced by the severity of RI.

Conclusions

Ipragliflozin significantly improved glycaemic control and body weight in patients with T2DM with mild RI, but did not improve glycaemic control in patients with moderate RI. Ipragliflozin is a valid treatment option for patients with mild RI but not those with moderate RI.
Influence of colony associated factors on nest selection in an Indian queenless ant
Authors: KAUR RAJBIR , ANNAGIRI SUMANA
Published: October 2014

1. Organisms face the difficult task of selecting an optimal new nest from the available options during relocation. Studies on honeybees and ants in their natural habitat indicate that scouts encounter multiple options that vary in their physical and biotic characteristics.

2. Architectural features, location, odour, and the presence of nest mates impact their choice of nest site selection. In order to examine the influence of diverse parameters on final nest site selection we conducted choice experiments on ants in the context of relocation.

3. After controlling for any influence by physical characteristics, we found that the presence of brood, adults, and colony odour acted as attractants with more colonies relocating into these new nests than expected by chance alone. In contrast, the presence of a reproductive female, or familiarity of location had no influence on the choice. New nests containing dead ants evoked cleaning responses from scouts, which may interfere with relocation into these nests.

4. Even although colonies consist of hundreds of adults and brood, colony integrity was maintained in 98.7% of colonies. Furthermore, we found that none of the eight studied colonies relocated when faced with minor flooding in their natural habitat, indicating that the cost of relocation is non‐trivial and that this species is capable of minor damage repairs.

5. These observations highlight the complexity of relocation in general, allow the characterisation of desirable nest attributes in this species, and highlight the need for similar exploration in other social insects.
It Takes Two to Tango: Relative Influence of Male and Female Identity and Morphology on Complex Courtship Display in a Newt Species
Authors: Cornuau Jérémie H. , Schmeller Dirk S. , Courtois Elodie A. , Jolly Thomas , Loyau Adeline
Published: October 2014

Consistency in behaviour is currently receiving a renewed interest. Although courtship display is generally consistent in terms of behavioural sequence and structure, there is also commonly important variation in the intensity of courtship display between and within males of a given species. Indeed, not all males have the same ability to perform courtship display (variation between males), and each male can potentially adjust his courtship effort in response to the environment (variation within a male). Although the study of male courtship display has received considerable attention in recent years, it is still unclear which part of the variation can be explained by male ability or motivation. We investigated this issue on two phases of the complex courtship display of the palmate newt Lissotriton helveticus. Overall, we found that both male and female identities affected courtship behaviour, but the relative influence of each sex depended on the courtship phase. Male identity explained variation in fan and creep‐quiver display, whereas female identity explained variation in creep‐quiver only. Interestingly, we did not find any link between the expression of courtship display and male or female morphological traits. Our study showed consistency of male courtship display in newts and successfully dissects the different sources of variation that can affect behavioural repeatability/consistency of courtship display.
In vivo identification of the steps that control energy metabolism and survival of Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Pineda Erika , Encalada Rusely , Vázquez Citlali , Néquiz Mario , Olivos‐García Alfonso , Moreno‐Sánchez Rafael , Saavedra Emma
Published: October 2014

The steps that control the Entamoeba histolytica glycolytic flux were here identified by elasticity analysis, an experimental approach of metabolic control analysis. The concentrations of glycolytic metabolites were gradually varied in live trophozoites by (a) feeding with different glucose concentrations and (b) inhibiting the final pathway steps; in parallel, the changes in the pathway flux were determined. From the metabolite concentration–flux relationship, the elasticity coefficients of individual or groups of pathway reactions were determined and used to calculate their respective degrees of control on the glycolytic flux (flux control coefficients). The results indicated that the pathway flux was mainly controlled (72–86%) by the glucose transport/hexokinase/glycogen degradation group of reactions and by bifunctional aldehyde‐alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHE; 18%). Further, inhibition of the first pathway reactions with 2‐deoxyglucose (2DOG) decreased the glycolytic flux and ATP content by 75% and 50%, respectively. Cell viability was also decreased by 2DOG (25%) and more potently (50%) by 2DOG plus the ADHE inhibitor tetraethylthiuram disulfide (disulfiram). Biosate as an alternative carbon (amino acid) source was unable to replace glucose for ATP supply, which indicated that glucose was the main nutrient for amoebal ATP synthesis and survival. These results indicated that glycolysis in the parasite is mainly controlled by the initial pathway reactions and that their inhibition can decrease the parasite energy load and survival.
An Empirical Investigation of the Demand for Bank‐Owned Life Insurance
Authors: Davidson Travis R. , Shelor Roger M.
Published: October 2014

Key employee life insurance in the banking industry is called bank‐owned life insurance (BOLI). Banks use BOLI to provide financial support to help reduce disruptions due to the death of a key executive and as a part of the executive compensation package. We investigate the characteristics of banks related to the amount of BOLI purchased. We find that BOLI purchases are positively related to bank size and leverage and negatively related to tax rates and employee salaries. We also find that BOLI purchases are related to bank ownership structure and profitability.
Local population genetic structure of the montane caddisfly Drusus discolor is driven by overland dispersal and spatial scaling
Authors: Geismar Jutta , Haase Peter , Nowak Carsten , Sauer Jan , Pauls Steffen U.
Published: October 2014

Streams and rivers represent a special and complex case of dendritic networks, where comparable stretches of river habitat are isolated from each other by river stretches with different abiotic conditions as well as the terrestrial matrix. The capacity of stream insects for ‘within‐network’ (i.e. in‐stream) and ‘out‐of‐network’ (i.e. lateral overland) dispersal varies dramatically, making them good models for studying how these different dispersal modes affect community or population structure, and how landscape structure affects dispersal.

In this study, we genotyped 1129 individuals of the montane caddisfly species Drusus discolor from 44 sampling sites for 20 microsatellite loci to assess local population structure and the importance of overland dispersal and gene flow in two central German highlands. Using species distribution models, we assessed whether suitability of the terrestrial habitat between streams influenced genetic structuring among sampling sites.

Our results generally indicate high levels of overland dispersal at small and medium distances and show that the surrounding landscapes or catchment boundaries do not drive population structure in the study species. The data further show a significant change in spatial autocorrelation at about 20 km distance in both regions, indicating that dispersal is distance‐limited and reduced at distances above 20 km.
Effect of angiotensin II receptor blocker, olmesartan, on turnover of bone metabolism in bedridden elderly hypertensive women with disuse syndrome
Authors: Aoki Motokuni , Kawahata Hirohisa , Sotobayashi Daisuke , Yu Hisahiro , Moriguchi Atsushi , Nakagami Hironori , Ogihara Toshio , Morishita Ryuichi
Published: November 2014

Aims

Although recent studies suggest that several antihypertensive drugs could reduce the risk of bone fracture, it is still unclear how these drugs act on bone remodeling, especially in elderly women with severe osteoporosis with disuse syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) on bone metabolism in elderly bedridden women with hypertension and disuse syndrome.

Methods

Elderly bedridden women (aged >75 years) receiving antihypertensive therapy treated with CCB were recruited in the present study. The participants were divided into two groups – CCB group and ARB group – and followed up to 12 months.

Results

Markers of bone resorption were markedly increased, suggesting accelerated bone resorption in the participants of the present study. In the follow‐up period, the patients treated with a CCB showed a significant decrease in bone mineral density in a time‐dependent manner, accompanied by a significant increase in bone resorption markers, whereas treatment with olmesartan inhibited bone loss, associated with attenuation of increased bone resorption markers. Bone mineral density of femoral neck in the CCB group was significantly lower than that in the ARB group at 6 months.

Conclusion

The present study showed inhibitory effects of an ARB on bone resorption in hypertensive patients with accelerated bone resorption, such as elderly bedridden women, and indicated an important role of the renin–angiotensin system in bone metabolism. In elderly hypertensive patients, ARB might be expected to have additional beneficial potential to maintain bone health in bedridden patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1064–1072.
Identification of Suitability of Sites for Microenterprises for Value Chain Development: A Study in Gazipur District, Bangladesh
Authors: Khaleda Syeda , Murayama Yuji
Published: October 2014

In recent years, many commercial poultry farm microenterprises (MEs) have flourished in rural areas with the help of an extensive microfinance program in Bangladesh. These poultry MEs are in a key position for the profitable operation of other actors in the poultry subsector value chain. But not all these MEs are located in suitable places, which results in poor input supply and marketing facilities for their products and thus cause higher costs and less profit. The government, nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and donor agencies apply the same policy for providing support services to all these poultry farmers, irrespective of their locations. Thus, this paper tries to explain the poultry value chain in Gazipur District, where the concentration of poultry farms is highest, and to delineate suitable sites for poultry MEs using the multicriteria evaluation technique within a Geographic Information System context, utilizing factors such as flood‐free land, and infrastructures related to the poultry business‐enabling environment of the value chain. The delineation of suitable land areas for farms can help NGOs, as well as the government, to design interventions and appropriate policy development for farmers in different locations, and thus help all farmers to increase their profit and sustainability.
A simple vigor test for adjusting switchgrass seeding rate in marginal and fertile soils
Authors: Sadeghpour Amir , Hashemi Masoud , Herbert Stephen J.
Published: October 2014

Calculating switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) seeding rate is misleading and often causes stand failure. Our objective was to introduce a simple vigor test to adjust the seeding rate and enhance switchgrass establishment and productivity in the establishment year in fertile and marginal soils. Seeding rate for four switchgrass varieties (‘Blackwell,’ ‘Carthage,’ ‘Cave‐in‐Rock’ and ‘Shawnee’) was adjusted ranging from 25 to 125% based on a vigor test. Results indicated increase in seedling emergence and establishment with increasing the seeding rate. Higher established seedlings were recorded from the fertile soil (131 seedlings m−2) compared with the marginal soil (78 seedlings m−2). Based on our previous findings, 100 established seedlings often is considered as a successful establishment; therefore, a 50% (6.89 kg ha−1) and 100% (13.82 kg ha−1) adjusted seeding rates could provide sufficient stand density (111 and 94 seedlings m−2) in the establishment year in fertile and marginal soils, respectively.
Transfer of the perfect flower trait from Poa secunda to Poa arachnifera
Authors: Kindiger Bryan
Published: October 2014

A Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera) population has been developed that successfully integrates the perfect flower trait from Poa secunda through interspecific hybridization. The resulting perfect flowered P. arachnifera population is perennial, rhizomatous and lacks the cobweb‐like hairs that are a typical characteristic of the P. arachnifera parent. Inheritance of the perfect flowered trait suggests a relatively simple inheritance, perhaps allelic to the segregation of staminate and pistillate individuals in other dioecious systems. This material may have applications as a clean seeded, perfect flowered P. arachnifera cultivar; or as a germplasm resource in a P. arachnifera breeding program.
STAT3 paradoxically stimulates β‐catenin expression but inhibits β‐catenin function
Authors: Ibrahem Salih , Al‐Ghamdi Saleh , Baloch Kanwal , Muhammad Belal , Fadhil Wakkas , Jackson Darryl , Nateri Abdolrahman S. , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: October 2014

Wnt signalling and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are oncogenic signalling pathways which are deregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here we investigated the interaction of these two pathways. Firstly, we investigated biochemical interaction by inhibiting STAT3 and β‐catenin (through gene knock‐down and dominant‐negative TCF4 expression) in nine CRC cell lines. β‐catenin inhibition did not affect STAT3 levels, whereas STAT3 knock‐down resulted in reduced β‐catenin mRNA and protein levels. The reduction in β‐catenin protein was not prevented by proteasome inhibition, and IL6‐induced STAT3 activation resulted in increased β‐catenin mRNA. This suggests that STAT3 positively regulates β‐catenin (at a transcriptional level) and evaluation of 44 CRCs by immunostaining supported this by showing an association between nuclear STAT3 expression and nuclear β‐catenin (P = 0.022). We tested the functional interaction between STAT3 and Wnt signalling by knocking down STAT3 and β‐catenin individually and in combination. Knock‐down of β‐catenin and STAT3 individually inhibited cell proliferation (P < 0. 001 for each) through G1 arrest. However, simultaneous knock‐down of STAT3 and β‐catenin had a significantly weaker effect than knock‐down of β‐catenin alone (P < 0.01). Knock‐down of STAT3 and β‐catenin, individually and together, inhibited cell motility (P < 0.001) without evidence of interaction. We conclude that STAT3 regulates β‐catenin but β‐catenin does not regulate STAT3. The STAT3/β‐catenin interaction is complex but may reduce the proliferative activity of β‐catenin possibly by taking β‐catenin protein beyond the optimal level. This may indicate biological differences in tumours where both STAT3 and β‐catenin are activated compared to those where only one is activated.
Deliberative Democracy and the American Civil Jury
Authors: Hans Valerie P. , Gastil John , Feller Traci
Published: October 2014

Civil jury service should be a potent form of deliberative democracy, creating greater civic engagement. However, a 2010 seven‐state study of jury service and voting records found no overall boost in civic engagement following service on civil juries, whereas jurors who served on criminal cases did show increased civic engagement following their jury service. This article reports a project that augments the civil jury data set with information about jury decision rule, jury size, defendant identity, and case type and examines whether specific types of civil jury service influence postservice voting. Taking into account preservice voting records, jurors who serve on a civil jury that is required to reach unanimity or a civil jury of 12 are significantly more likely to vote after their service. Jurors who decide cases with organizational, as opposed to individual, defendants likewise show a boost in voting behavior, as do jurors deciding contract or nonautomotive torts cases compared to automotive torts. Limitations and implications of these findings for deliberative democracy theory and jury practice are discussed.
Sex Offender Law and the Geography of Victimization
Authors: Agan Amanda Y. , Prescott J.J.
Published: October 2014

Sex offender laws that target recidivism (e.g., community notification and residency restriction regimes) are premised—at least in part—on the idea that sex offender proximity and victimization risk are positively correlated. We examine this relationship by combining past and current address information of registered sex offenders (RSOs) with crime data from Baltimore County, Maryland, to study how crime rates vary across neighborhoods with different concentrations of resident RSOs. Contrary to the assumptions of policymakers and the public, we find that, all else equal, reported sex offense victimization risk is generally (although not uniformly) lower in neighborhoods where more RSOs live. To further probe the relationship between where RSOs live and where sex crime occurs, we consider whether public knowledge of the identity and proximity of RSOs may make offending in those areas more difficult for (or less attractive to) all potential sex offenders. We exploit the fact that Maryland's registry became searchable via the Internet during our sample period to investigate how laws that publicly identify RSOs may change the relationship between the residential concentration of RSOs and neighborhood victimization risk. Surprisingly, for some categories of sex crime, notification appears to increase the relative risk of victimization in neighborhoods with greater concentrations of RSOs.
Coordinated activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and autophagy regulates phorbol myristate acetate‐induced differentiation of SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Zogovic Nevena , Tovilovic‐Kovacevic Gordana , Misirkic‐Marjanovic Maja , Vucicevic Ljubica , Janjetovic Kristina , Harhaji‐Trajkovic Ljubica , Trajkovic Vladimir
Published: October 2014

We explored the interplay between the intracellular energy sensor AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and autophagy in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)‐induced neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. PMA‐triggered expression of neuronal markers (dopamine transporter, microtubule‐associated protein 2, β‐tubulin) was associated with an autophagic response, measured by the conversion of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)‐I to autophagosome‐bound LC3‐II, increase in autophagic flux, and expression of autophagy‐related (Atg) proteins Atg7 and beclin‐1. This coincided with the transient activation of AMPK and sustained activation of ERK. Pharmacological inhibition or RNA interference‐mediated silencing of AMPK suppressed PMA‐induced expression of neuronal markers, as well as ERK activation and autophagy. A selective pharmacological blockade of ERK prevented PMA‐induced neuronal differentiation and autophagy induction without affecting AMPK phosphorylation. Conversely, the inhibition of autophagy downstream of AMPK/ERK, either by pharmacological agents or LC3 knockdown, promoted the expression of neuronal markers, thus indicating a role of autophagy in the suppression of PMA‐induced differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells. Therefore, PMA‐induced neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells depends on a complex interplay between AMPK, ERK, and autophagy, in which the stimulatory effects of AMPK/ERK signaling are counteracted by the coinciding autophagic response.

image

Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) induces the expression of dopamine transporter, microtubule‐associated protein 2, and β‐tubulin, and subsequent neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells through AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐dependent activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). The activation of AMPK/ERK axis also induces the expression of beclin‐1 and Atg7, and increases LC3 conversion, thereby triggering the autophagic response that counteracts differentiation process.
Fluid resuscitation in acute medicine: what is the current situation?
Authors: Myburgh J. A.
Published: October 2014

The administration of intravenous fluids for resuscitation is the most common intervention in acute medicine. There is increasing evidence that the type of fluid may directly affect patient‐centred outcomes. There is a lack of evidence that colloids confer clinical benefit over crystalloids and they may be associated with harm. Hydroxyethyl starch preparations are associated with increased mortality and use of renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients, particularly those with sepsis; albumin is associated with increased mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Crystalloids, such as saline or balanced salt solutions, are increasingly recommended as first‐line resuscitation fluids for the majority of patients with hypovolaemia. There is emerging evidence that saline may be associated with adverse outcomes due to the development of hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis, although the safety of balanced salt solutions has not been established. Fluid requirements vary over the course of critical illness. The excessive use of fluids during the resuscitative period is associated with increased cumulative fluid balance and adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. The selection of fluid depends on the clinical context in which it is administered and requires careful consideration of the dose and potential for toxicity. There is an urgent need to conduct further high‐quality randomized controlled trials of currently available fluid therapy in patients with critical illness.
Citrullus lanatus is a New Natural Host of Groundnut ringspot virus in Brazil
Authors: Leão Evelynne Urzêdo , Spadotti David Marques de Almeida , Rocha Kelly Cristina Gonçalves , Pantoja Késsia de Fátima da Cunha , Rezende Jorge Alberto Marques , Pavan Marcelo Agenor , Krause‐Sakate Renate
Published: October 2014

In 2012 and 2013, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) plants from commercial crops in São Paulo State were found showing mosaic, necrotic lesions, leaf deformation and necrotic spots on the fruits, suggestive of tospovirus infection. Leaf and fruit samples were separately tested by PTA‐ELISA and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) against tospovirus was performed. The virus was identified as Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) and was sap transmissible. The host range was similar to isolates of GRSV found naturally infecting Solanaceae, except that this isolate infected watermelon systemically but did not infect tomato cvs. Santa Clara and Mariana. Thrips collected in the field transmitted GRSV to watermelon, sweet pepper and Nicotiana species. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the natural infection of watermelon by GRSV.
Analysis of Pathogenic Diversity of the Rice Bacterial Blight Pathogen (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) in the Andaman Islands and Identification of Effective Resistance Genes
Authors: Gautam Raj K. , Singh Pankaj K. , Sakthivel Krishnan , Srikumar Muthulingam , Kumar Naresh , Kumar Krishna , Singh Awnindra K. , Roy Sibnarayan Dam
Published: October 2014

Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a major disease of rice in the tropics for which genetic resistance in the host plants is the only effective solution. This study aimed at identification of resistance gene combinations effective against Xoo isolates and fingerprinting of the Xoo isolates of Andaman Islands (India). Here, we report the reaction of 21 rice BB differentials possessing Xa1 to Xa21 genes individually and in different combinations to various isolates of pathogen collected from Andaman Islands. Pathological screening results of 14 isolates revealed that among individual genes tested across 2 years, Xa4, Xa7 and Xa21 conferred resistance reaction across all isolates, whereas among combinations, IRBB 50 (Xa4 + xa5), IRBB 52 (Xa4 + Xa21) and IRBB 60 (Xa4 + xa5 + xa13 + Xa21) conveyed effective resistance against tested isolates. The nature of genetic diversity among four isolates selected on the basis of geographical isolation in the islands was studied through DNA finger printing. The RAPD primers S111, S119, S1117, S1109, S1103, S109 and S105 were found to be better indicators of molecular diversity among isolates than JEL primers. The diversity analysis grouped 14 isolates into three major clusters based on disease reaction wherein isolate no. 8 was found the most divergent as well as highly virulent. The remaining isolates were classified into two distinct groups. The importance of the study in the context of transfer of resistance gene(s) in the local cultivars specifically for tropical island conditions is presented and discussed.
SALL4 positive fetal gut‐like adenocarcinoma of the duodenum
Authors: Kinoshita Shoichi , Sho Masayuki , Enomoto Yasunori , Koyama Fumikazu , Akahori Takahiro , Nagai Minako , Ito Masahiro , Morita Kohei , Ohbayashi Chiho , Nakajima Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2014

Fetal gut‐like adenocarcinoma is a rare carcinoma, previously reported in the stomach, which features clear cytoplasm cell papillotubular carcinoma and morphology similar to the fetal gut epithelium. SALL4, a novel marker for progenitor‐type tumors, has shown high expression in fetal gut‐like adenocarcinoma, which may represent oncofetal protein expression and fetal differentiation. Herein, we report the first case of fetal gut‐like adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. An 81‐year‐old man was admitted on account of jaundice. A deeply ulcerating duodenal tumor formed a 4 cm periampullar mass. Pancreatoduodenectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed. Funicular and solid growth of clear cytoplasmic cells that resembled the fetal gut epithelium formed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Lymph node metastasis was present. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed diffuse nuclear positivity for SALL4. For postoperative therapy, S‐1 was administered. The patient is alive with no recurrence, 83 months postoperatively. This case may contribute to further elucidate the disease entity of SALL4 positive, fetal‐type carcinomas.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of E‐cadherin and ZEB1 in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Matsubara Daisuke , Kishaba Yuka , Yoshimoto Taichiro , Sakuma Yuji , Sakatani Takashi , Tamura Tomoko , Endo Shunsuke , Sugiyama Yukihiko , Murakami Yoshinori , Niki Toshiro
Published: October 2014

We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of zinc‐finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), a master regulator of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and determined its relationship with E‐cadherin in 157 non‐small cell lung carcinomas (93 adenocarcinomas, 36 squamous cell carcinomas, 18 large cell carcinomas, and 10 pleomorphic carcinomas). Although the expression of E‐cadherin was low in the subset of adenocarcinomas (10%) and squamous cell carcinomas (11%), ZEB1 expression was only observed in one case of squamous cell carcinoma and none of the adenocarcinomas. In contrast, the low expression of E‐cadherin (50% and 90%, respectively) and the positive expression of ZEB1 (11% and 50%, respectively) were more frequently observed in poorly differentiated carcinomas (large cell carcinomas and pleomorphic carcinomas). Overall, the expression of ZEB1 was inversely correlated with that of E‐cadherin. Furthermore, the distribution of ZEB1‐positive cancer cells was more restricted than in the area in which the expression of E‐cadherin was lost, and the former was detected within the latter. We concluded that the expression of ZEB1 was not necessarily associated with the low expression of E‐cadherin in lung adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The expression of ZEB1 correlated with an undifferentiated and/or sarcomatoid morphology that may occur in the late stage of EMT.
Emotional Subcultures
Authors: Kolb Kenneth H.
Published: October 2014

Scholars of emotional subcultures have produced a rich body of evidence in regard to how these communities operate and what makes them distinct from the mainstream. To assess the state of the field, I review in‐depth, qualitative investigations into how emotional subcultures indicate their collective identity by abiding by a shared set of norms regarding how members should feel – and display those feelings – in a given context. I organize my review along four dimensions of subcultural identity work (defining, coding, affirming, and policing) in order to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the subfield. In general, the current scholarship has successfully established the role that emotional subcultures play in the reproduction of inequality. However, it has not adequately explored an important domain of social life (namely, religion), it has not treated its core concepts with enough analytic precision, nor has it sufficiently addressed how subcultural feeling and display rules are generated in relation to local and broad structural constraints.
Gender In/equality in Worker‐owned Businesses
Authors: Sobering Katherine , Thomas Jessica , Williams Christine L.
Published: October 2014

Gender scholars have developed a significant body of scholarship on the reproduction of gender inequality in work organizations. However, the vast majority of that research has been conducted in non‐profit organizations or in employer‐owned businesses. In this article, we review the existing literature on gender in worker‐owned businesses. We begin by defining three distinctly different types of worker‐owned businesses: companies with employee stock ownership plans, worker cooperatives, and communes. Next we review the limited research on gender inequality in each of these organizational forms. The current literature finds that women benefit from working in these alternative organizations, but gender disparities nevertheless persist due to occupational segregation and the devaluation of domestic work. Exceptions are those organizations with strong ties to feminism and those with formal power‐sharing policies. Granted the scarcity of research on this topic, however, these conclusions are tentative. We conclude with a discussion of areas for further research.
Missing Teeth: Reviewing the Sociology of Oral Health and Healthcare
Authors: Kleinberger Jessica A. , Strickhouser Sara M.
Published: October 2014

Both the US Surgeon General and the World Health Organization have called for further social scientific research on the social determinants of oral health. Oral disease can have detrimental effects on quality of life, having been linked with physical, mental, and social impairments. This article reviews the recent literature pertaining to the sociology of oral health and healthcare. The purpose of this review is to summarize and revive a necessary field. In order to maintain a focus on the United States and expand into other social science disciplines, relevant anthropological works were also included. The review discusses five key areas in both the sociology and anthropology of oral health. Of the 25 included articles, research maintained a focus on the dental profession, the construction of oral health, the mouth and the social self, social factors in dental care, and cultural assumptions of oral health. While the reviewed studies have aided in closing the gap, much of the research has been conducted outside of the United States, has used oral health as a case study for larger arguments, and has not considered the role of social inequality. Future research is necessary to more fully frame oral health and healthcare in society.
Moving Beyond Agency: A Review of Gender and Intimate Relationships in Conservative Religions
Authors: Irby Courtney Ann
Published: October 2014

Studies of gender regimes within conservative religion have often focused on the dynamics of intimate relationships to separately analyze women's agency and men's authority. By bridging studies of men and women in a variety of intimate relationships, this article provides a relational analysis of how gender and religion intersect in daily life. Given the importance of marriage within conservative religions, I first review studies of married women and married men to illustrate the varied ways these institutions intersect. Next, I present findings from the limited but burgeoning scholarship on those who have not yet or cannot live up to the religious goal of heterosexual marriage: unmarried heterosexuals and gay and lesbian relationships.
Concept Development of Decimals in Chinese Elementary Students: A Conceptual Change Approach
Authors: Liu Ru‐De , Ding Yi , Zong Min , Zhang Dake
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the concept development of decimal numbers in 244 Chinese elementary students in grades 4–6. Three grades of students differed in their intuitive sense of decimals and conceptual understanding of decimals, with more strategic approaches used by older students. Misconceptions regarding the density nature of decimals indicated the progress in an ascending spiral trend (i.e., fourth graders performed the worst; fifth graders performed the best; and sixth graders regressed slightly), not in a linear trend. Misconceptions regarding decimal computation (i.e., multiplication makes bigger) generally decreased across grades. However, children's misconceptions regarding the density and infinity features of decimals appeared to be more persistent than misconceptions regarding decimal computation. Some students in higher grades continued to use the discreteness feature of whole numbers to explain the distance between two decimal numbers, indicating an intermediate level of understanding decimals. The findings revealed the effect of symbolic representation of interval end points and students' responses were contingent on the actual representations of interval end points. Students in all three grades demonstrated narrowed application of decimal values (e.g., merchandise), and their application of decimals was largely limited by their learning experiences.
Nodding syndrome since 2012: recent progress, challenges and recommendations for future research
Authors: Colebunders R. , Post R. , O'Neill S. , Haesaert G. , Opar B. , Lakwo T. , Laudisoit A. , Hendy A.
Published: October 2014

We aim to review the current epidemiology of nodding syndrome (NS) and discuss relevant gaps in research. NS and convulsive epilepsy of unknown aetiology are clustered within the same villages and families in onchocerciasis‐endemic areas. They are therefore potentially different clinical expressions of the same disease. It has been difficult to perform full autopsies on NS patients who die in remote villages. Adequate fixation of tissue immediately after death is critical for the examination of brain tissue. Therefore, post‐mortem transsphenoidal brain biopsies, performed immediately after death by trained nurses, will provide the best option for obtaining tissue for analysis. We suspect that certain blackflies in onchocerciasis‐endemic areas may transmit a novel pathogen that could cause NS and epilepsy. This is supported by a recent drop in the number of new NS cases coinciding with vector control activities aimed at reducing blackfly populations in northern Uganda. We propose that metagenomic studies of human samples, blackflies and microfilariae are conducted to screen for pathogens, and that a clinical trial is planned to evaluate the impact of larviciding against NS and epilepsy epidemics.