bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Immunoglobulin E-Binding Proteins of the Xerophilic Fungus Aspergillus penicillioides Crude Mycelial Mat Extract and Serological Reactivity Assessment in Subjects with Different Allergen Reactivity Profiles
Authors: González De León Joenice , González Méndez Ricardo , Cadilla Carmen L. , Rivera-Mariani Félix E. , Bolaños-Rosero Benjamín
Published: February 2018

Background:Aspergillus penicillioides is a very common indoor xerophilic fungus and potential causative agent of respiratory conditions. Although people are constantly exposed to A. penicillioides, no proteins with allergenic potential have been described. Therefore, we aim to confirm allergic sensitization to A. penicillioides through reactivity in serological assays and detect immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding proteins. Methods: In an indirect ELISA, we compared the serological reactivity to A. penicillioides between subjects with specific IgE (sIgE) (group 1, n = 54) and no sIgE reactivity (group 2, n = 15) against commercial allergens. Correlations and principal component analysis were performed to identify associations between reactivity to commercial allergens and A. penicillioides. IgE-binding proteins in A. penicillioides were visualized using Western blotting (WB) in group 1. The IgE-binding proteins with the highest reactivity were analyzed by mass spectrometry and confirmed by transcript matching. Results: There was no statistical significance (p = 0.1656) between the study groups in serological reactivity. Correlations between reactivity to A. penicillioides, dog epithelia, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium chrysogenum were observed. WB experiments showed 6 IgE-binding proteins with molecular weights ranging from 45 to 145 kDa. Proteins of 108, 83, and 56 kDa showed higher reactivity. Mass spectrometry analysis of these 3 proteins led to the putative identification of NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase and catalase B. This was confirmed with transcriptome analysis. Conclusions: These results provide evidence of the presence of potential allergenic components in A. penicillioides. Further analysis of the putatively identified proteins should reveal their allergenic potential.
Rs1520220 and Rs2195239 Polymorphisms of IGF-1 Gene Associated with Histopathological Grades in IgA Nephropathy in Northwestern Chinese Han Population
Authors: Wei Linting , Fu Rongguo , Liu Xinghan , Wang Li , Wang Meng , Yu Qiaoling , Tian Tian , Niu Dan , Jin Tianbo , Dai Zhijun , Gao Jie
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays important roles in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Previous studies showed that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IGF-1 are associated with various diseases. This case-control study aimed to examine the relationship between IGF-1 polymorphisms and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) risk in a Chinese Han population. Methods: We recruited 351 IgAN patients and 310 healthy controls from Northwestern China. Sequenom MassARRAY was utilized to examine the genotypes of two common IGF-1 SNPs (rs1520220 and rs2195239). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by the Chi square test to evaluate the associations between IGF-1 and IgAN. Results: Our study demonstrated that IGF-1 gene rs1520220 and rs2195239 polymorphisms did not confer susceptibility to IgAN. We found no correlation between gender, blood pressure, proteinuria, eGFR, and IgAN in both SNPs. However, the rs1520220 and rs2195239 variants were correlated with M1 and E1 in patients with IgAN (M0/M1: CC vs. CG+GG: OR = 1.62, P = 0.04; E0/E1: CC vs. CG+GG: OR = 1.95, P = 0.004; GG vs. GC+CC: OR = 1.90, P = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: These results indicate that IGF-1 gene polymorphisms play crucial roles in the histopathological progression of IgAN in the Chinese Han population.
The CFTR-Associated Ligand Arrests the Trafficking of the Mutant ΔF508 CFTR Channel in the ER Contributing to Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bergbower Emily , Boinot Clement , Sabirzhanova Inna , Guggino William , Cebotaru Liudmila
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: The CFTR-Associated Ligand (CAL), a PDZ domain containing protein with two coiled-coil domains, reduces cell surface WT CFTR through degradation in the lysosome by a well-characterized mechanism. However, CAL’s regulatory effect on ΔF508 CFTR has remained almost entirely uninvestigated. Methods: In this study, we describe a previously unknown pathway for CAL by which it regulates the membrane expression of ΔF508 CFTR through arrest of ΔF508 CFTR trafficking in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) using a combination of cell biology, biochemistry and electrophysiology. Results: We demonstrate that CAL is an ER localized protein that binds to ΔF508 CFTR and is degraded in the 26S proteasome. When CAL is inhibited, ΔF508 CFTR retention in the ER decreases and cell surface expression of mature functional ΔF508 CFTR is observed alongside of enhanced expression of plasma membrane scaffolding protein NHERF1. Chaperone proteins regulate this novel process, and ΔF508 CFTR binding to HSP40, HSP90, HSP70, VCP, and Aha1 changes to improve ΔF508 CFTR cell surface trafficking. Conclusion: Our results reveal a pathway in which CAL regulates the cell surface availability and intracellular retention of ΔF508 CFTR.
ANÁLISE DO PERFIL DOS GESTORES DE ESPAÇOS MAKERS
Authors: Rosa Pâmela Cardoso da , Bernardes Maurício Moreira e Silva , Bruscato Underléa Miotto
Published: February 2018

Os espaços makers são espaços comunitários onde os membros compartilham o acesso à ferramentas com a finalidade de produzir bens físicos. Estes locais surgiram concomitantemente a outras manifestações da cultura maker e objetivam inspirar seus usuários a transformar ideias abstratas em produtos reais. Os gestores destes espaços iniciaram seus históricos como makers e devido ao empreendorismo em pequena escala, incentivado pelo movimento, tornaram-se empresários dos seus espaços. Estes empresários tendem a desenvolver negócios estreitamente relacionados com as suas áreas de interesse pessoal e as suas paixões. Ou seja, ao considerar os gestores como tomadores de decisão, capazes de definir as políticas e estratégias adotadas na organização, observa-se que as motivações de cada indivíduo influenciarão nas decisões tomadas a respeito do espaço. Neste contexto o perfil do gestor é crucial para o direcionamento do espaço, tendendo a moldar o perfil organizacional do mesmo. O presente artigo investiga o perfil do gestor por meio de uma análise qualitativa exploratória, baseada na aplicação de entrevista semiestruturada a três gestores de espaços makers em Porto Alegre - RS. No qual, gerou-se, três tipologias de perfil dos gestores de espaços makers com base na seleção dos resultados relacionando-se com a literatura: (1) gestor de espaço maker empresário, que caracteriza-se por uma alta consciência social e orientação para o futuro; (2) gestor de espaço maker artesão, que caracteriza-se pela fidelidade à educação e às práticas tradicionais; e (3) gestor de espaço maker tecnológico, que apresenta um perfil curioso para novas tecnologias e apoia a colaboração em redes digitais. Este último está estreitamente relacionado a uma parte do movimento maker que o entende como uma manifestação de práticas oriundas do acesso à novas tecnologias emergentes, como por exemplo, a fabricação digital. O desenvolvimento deste estudo trouxe um entendimento de que os espaços makers podem convergir na sua estrutura física, entretanto, terão características distintas que são geradas de acordo com o perfil da sua gestão.
Behavioral and Neural Adaptation in Approach Behavior
Authors: Wang Shuo , Falvello Virginia , Porter Jenny , Said Christopher P. , Todorov Alexander
Published: February 2018

People often make approachability decisions based on perceived facial trustworthiness. However, it remains unclear how people learn trustworthiness from a population of faces and whether this learning influences their approachability decisions. Here we investigated the neural underpinning of approach behavior and tested two important hypotheses: whether the amygdala adapts to different trustworthiness ranges and whether the amygdala is modulated by task instructions and evaluative goals. We showed that participants adapted to the stimulus range of perceived trustworthiness when making approach decisions and that these decisions were further modulated by the social context. The right amygdala showed both linear response and quadratic response to trustworthiness level, as observed in prior studies. Notably, the amygdala's response to trustworthiness was not modulated by stimulus range or social context, a possible neural dynamic adaptation. Together, our data have revealed a robust behavioral adaptation to different trustworthiness ranges as well as a neural substrate underlying approach behavior based on perceived facial trustworthiness.
The Scenography of Power in Al-Andalus and the ʿAbbasid and Byzantine Ceremonials: Christian Ambassadorial Receptions in the Court of Cordoba in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Cardoso Elsa
Published: February 2018

This essay considers ceremonial features represented during Christian diplomatic receptions held at the court of Cordoba, under the rule of Caliphs ʿAbd al-Raḥmān III (912‒961) and al-Ḥakam II (961‒976), in a comparative perspective. The declaration of the Umayyad Caliphate of the West by ʿAbd al-Raḥmān III marked the institutionalization of a carefully elaborated court ceremonial, reaching its greatest development under the rule of al-Ḥakam II. Detailed official ambassadorial ceremonies will be addressed, such as receptions of ambassadors from Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos, and King Otto I, or the reception and submission of Ordoño IV, deposed king of Leon, accounted by both Muslim and Christian sources. Such ceremonies will be compared with ʿAbbasid and Byzantine similar receptions, analyzing furthermore the origin and symbology of those rituals within the framework of diplomatic and cultural exchanges and encounters.
Messianism as a Philosophical Problem: The Liber de Adventv Messiae by Ramon Llull
Authors: López Alcalde Celia
Published: February 2018

The Liber de aduentu Messiae is one of Ramon Llull’s major contributions to Jewish-Christian polemics. However, oddly enough, it has been neglected by scholars. The present study consists of two parts: the first contains an analysis and description of certain contextual and internal features of the work in question; and the second a critical edition of the text, which until now has remained unedited in its totality.
Henry Maine and the Modern Invention of Peace
Authors: Kustermans Jorg
Published: February 2018

This articles examines Henry Maine’s arguments about the prospects of achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace. In a series of lectures on International Law, Maine famously held that ‘war is as old as mankind but peace is a modern invention’. The sentence situates Maine within a long-standing debate on the state of nature. The article reconstructs the meaning of the sentence by interpreting it in light of Maine’s broader theoretical framework and comparative-historical approach. An important conclusion of the article is that Maine never meant the sentence to express a gullible evolutionist perspective on the problem of war and peace. The invention of peace would not, Maine understood, solve the problem of war. Another important finding concerns the centrality of historical arguments to the debate on the state of nature. Proper historical consideration, the article concludes, does not resolve the problem of the state of nature, but dissolves it.
International Criminal Responsibility of Individuals in Case of Cyberattacks
Authors: Chaumette Anne-Laure
Published: February 2018

The use of cyberspace to commit crimes under international law requires that branch of law to renew itself and to rethink its categories because of a déterritorialisation of cyberspace and the subsequent anonymity it bestows. While déterritorialisation has consequences for the definition of the crimes and for the establishment of the jurisdiction of the icc, the anonymity raises concerns as to the identification of the person responsible for the crime and for the choice of the mode of liability.
Junewangia aquatica (Junewangiaceae), a new species from freshwater habitats in China
Authors: SONG HAI-YAN , ZHONG PING-AN , LIAO JIANG-LIN , WANG ZHAO-HAI , HU DIAN-MING , HUANG YING-JIN
Published: February 2018

Junewangia aquatica sp. nov., a new Acrodictys-like fungus was collected on submerged wood from freshwater habitats in Yunnan Province, China. J. aquatica is characterized by its flared conidiophores with percurrent proliferations, monoblastic, terminal or intercalary, cylindrical conidiogenous cells, and subglobose to broadly ellipsoidal conidia with transverse and oblique septa. A phylogenetic tree of Acrodictys-like species was inferred from multi-locus (SSU, ITS and LSU) sequences. A key to the species of Junewangia is provided.
Review of the genus Eridolius Förster from the Oriental Region (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Tryphoninae)
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY
Published: February 2018

The Oriental species of the genus Eridolius Förster, 1869 are reviewed, and a new species, E. xui Reshchikov, sp. nov. is described from Southern China. This is the seventh record of the genus from the Oriental region. The new species can be distinguished from all other Oriental species of the genus by its lower mandibular tooth longer than upper one, face entirely black, and coxae, hind femur and most of metasoma reddish. An illustrated key to the Oriental species of the genus is provided. Eridolius guptai is recorded for the first time from Lao and E. niger is recorded for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh (India).
Theoretical Analysis of Liquid–Ice Interaction in the Unsaturated Environment with Application to the Problem of Homogeneous Mixing
Authors: Pinsky M. , Khain A. , Korolev A.
Published: February 2018

The process of ice–liquid water interaction in the unsaturated environment is explored both analytically and with the help of a numerical simulation. Ice–liquid water interaction via the condensation–evaporation mechanism is considered in relation to the problem of homogeneous mixing in an unmovable air volume. The process is separated into three stages: the homogenization stage, during which the rapid alignment of thermodynamic and microphysical parameters in the mixing volume takes place; the glaciation stage, during which the liquid droplets evaporate; and the ice stage, which leads to attaining a thermodynamic equilibrium. Depending on the initial temperature, humidity, and mixing ratios of liquid water and of ice water, the third stage may result in two outcomes: existence of ice particles under zero supersaturation with respect to ice or a complete disappearance of ice particles.

Three characteristic times are associated with the microphysical stages: the phase relaxation time associated with droplets, the glaciation time determined by the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process, and the phase relaxation time associated with ice. Since the duration of the second and third microphysical stages may be of the same order as the homogenization time or even longer, the homogeneous mixing scenario is more probable in mixed-phase clouds than in liquid clouds.

It is shown that mixing of a mixed-phase cloud with a dry environment accelerates cloud glaciation, leading to a decrease in the glaciation time by more than 2 times. The conditions of fast ice particles’ disappearance due to sublimation are analyzed as well.
When Will We Detect Changes in Short-Duration Precipitation Extremes?
Authors: Kendon Elizabeth J. , Blenkinsop Stephen , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: February 2018

The question of when the influence of climate change on U.K. rainfall extremes may be detected is important from a planning perspective, providing a time scale for necessary climate change adaptation measures. Short-duration intense rainfall is responsible for flash flooding, and several studies have suggested an amplified response to warming for rainfall extremes on hourly and subhourly time scales. However, there are very few studies examining the detection of changes in subdaily rainfall. This is due to the high cost of very high-resolution (kilometer scale) climate models needed to capture hourly rainfall extremes and to a lack of sufficiently long, high-quality, subdaily observational records. Results using output from a 1.5-km climate model over the southern United Kingdom indicate that changes in 10-min and hourly precipitation emerge before changes in daily precipitation. In particular, model results suggest detection times for short-duration rainfall intensity in the 2040s in winter and the 2080s in summer, which are, respectively, 5–10 years and decades earlier than for daily extremes. Results from a new quality-controlled observational dataset of hourly rainfall over the United Kingdom do not show a similar difference between daily and hourly trends. Natural variability appears to dominate current observed trends (including an increase in the intensity of heavy summer rainfall over the last 30 years), with some suggestion of larger daily than hourly trends for recent decades. The expectation of the reverse, namely, larger trends for short-duration rainfall, as the signature of underlying climate change has potentially important implications for detection and attribution studies.
The NOAA/CIMSS ProbSevere Model: Incorporation of Total Lightning and Validation
Authors: Cintineo John L. , Pavolonis Michael J. , Sieglaff Justin M. , Lindsey Daniel T. , Cronce Lee , Gerth Jordan , Rodenkirch Benjamin , Brunner Jason , Gravelle Chad
Published: February 2018

The empirical Probability of Severe (ProbSevere) model, developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), automatically extracts information related to thunderstorm development from several data sources to produce timely, short-term, statistical forecasts of thunderstorm intensity. More specifically, ProbSevere utilizes short-term numerical weather prediction guidance (NWP), geostationary satellite, ground-based radar, and ground-based lightning data to determine the probability that convective storm cells will produce severe weather up to 90 min in the future. ProbSevere guidance, which updates approximately every 2 min, is available to National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices with very short latency. This paper focuses on the integration of ground-based lightning detection data into ProbSevere. In addition, a thorough validation analysis is presented. The validation analysis demonstrates that ProbSevere has slightly less skill compared to NWS severe weather warnings, but can offer greater lead time to initial hazards. Feedback from NWS users has been highly favorable, with most forecasters responding that ProbSevere increases confidence and lead time in numerous warning situations.
Unified learning to enhance adaptive behavior of simulation objects
Authors: Lee Hyo-Cheol , Lee Seok-Won
Published: February 2018

Modeling and simulation are methods of validating new systems that are risky to be directly deployed in the real world. During the simulation, the simulation environment continuously changes and simulation objects correspondingly behave according to the changing situations. In general, modeling the behavior for all possible situations is extremely difficult when the rationale is unknown. Therefore, in order to adapt to the changing situation, it is important to recognize the rationale behind the behaviors of the simulation object. However, in many cases, even though the rationale is unknown or difficult to recognize, the simulation requires reasonable behaviors such as a commander’s decision in a war game simulation and a driver’s behavior in rush hours. In this study, we propose a new approach to determine the behavior of simulation objects under changing situations. The proposal is a unified learning approach that integrates two methods, data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches, which allow simulation objects to learn behavioral knowledge from experience as well as from domain experts performing the simulation and reuse verified knowledge. By combining both approaches, we supplement the shortcomings of one method with the strengths of the other. To verify our method, we apply the proposed approach to a military training simulation.
Marketing to Tourists from Unfriendly Countries: Should We Even Try?
Authors: Stepchenkova Svetlana , Su Lijuan , Shichkova Elena
Published: February 2018

This study employs a two-group pretest–posttest experimental design to investigate to what extent promotional materials affect the image perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of potential tourists toward a country-vacation destination in a situation of political and economic conflict between the two nations. Specifically, the study focuses on such psychographic characteristics of tourists as animosity toward the destination country, national attachment to their own country, and consumer ethnocentrism to investigate whether these traits can inhibit the effectiveness of the promotional materials. The findings of the study indicate that intermediate effects of destination advertising include changes in perceptions of country values and overall attitudes. The results also suggest that the amount of change depends on the individual’s level of psychographic variables, most notably animosity.
Metastasis to the F344 Rat Pancreas from Lung Cancer Induced by 4-(Methylnitrosamino)- 1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone and Enantiomers of Its Metabolite 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)- 1-butanol, Constituents of Tobacco Products
Authors: Kovi Ramesh C. , Johnson Charles S. , Balbo Silvia , Hecht Stephen S. , O’Sullivan M. Gerard
Published: February 2018

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in humans worldwide. There is strong evidence that the tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and its metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) play an important role in carcinogenesis caused by tobacco products. NNK and racemic NNAL are reported to induce lung and pancreatic tumors in rats. The carcinogenicity in Fischer 344 rats of NNK, NNAL, and its enantiomers ( R)-NNAL and ( S)-NNAL has been studied recently, and all test compounds induced significant numbers of lung tumors. We report here the detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of these tumors and their aggressive nature as shown by their metastasis locally and to the pancreas. The spectrum of treatment-related histopathological findings comprised pulmonary alveolar/bronchiolar (A/B) epithelial hyperplasia, A/B adenomas, and A/B carcinomas. A/B carcinomas frequently exhibited local invasion/metastasis within the mediastinum and thoracic cavity and distant metastasis to the pancreas that was confirmed by immunohistochemistry using the lung-specific markers prosurfactant protein-C and club (Clara) cell-10. Our observation regarding metastasis to the pancreas was an important, and unexpected, finding in this study both for the experimental animal model and potential human relevance.
Effects of biology project studies on gifted and talented students’ motivation toward learning biology
Authors: Özarslan Murat , Çetin Gülcan
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of biology project studies on gifted and talented students’ motivation toward learning biology. In the study, one group pretest– posttest design is conducted. Study group consisted of 46 gifted and talented students participating in biology projects at two science and art centers (SACs) located at Marmara region in Turkey in the fall term of 2012–2013 academic year. The study group was selected through purposive sampling method. Biology projects were carried out by the students under the guidance of biology teachers in SACs. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. Data were collected through Motivation towards Learning Biology Questionnaire as pre- and posttests and through semi-structured interview form after the biology projects were completed. While quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t tests with SPSS 20, qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis method with ATLAS.ti 6.2 qualitative data analysis software. According to the study results, biology projects had a statistically significant negative effect on the students’ motivation toward learning biology.
Differences in the Lateral Compartment Joint Space Width After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Data From the MOON Onsite Cohort
Authors: Jones Morgan H. ,   the MOON Knee Group, Spindler Kurt P. , Andrish Jack T. , Cox Charles L. , Dunn Warren R. , Duryea Jeff , Duong Carol L. , Flanigan David C. , Fleming Braden C. , Huston Laura J. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Matava Matthew J. , Obuchowski Nancy A. , Oksendahl Heidi L. , Parker Richard D. , Scaramuzza Erica A. , Smith Matthew V. , Winalski Carl S. , Wright Rick W. , Reinke Emily K.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can effectively return athletes to the playing field, but they are still at risk of developing posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). No studies have used multivariable analysis to evaluate the predictors of radiographic PTOA in the lateral compartment of the knee at short-term follow-up after ACL reconstruction.

Purpose:

To determine the predictors of radiographic joint space narrowing in the lateral compartment 2 to 3 years after ACL reconstruction in a young, active cohort.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A nested cohort of 358 patients from the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) prospective cohort who were aged ≤33 years, were injured playing a sport, and had never undergone surgery on the contralateral knee were followed up 2 years after ACL reconstruction with questionnaires and with weightbearing knee radiographs using the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint technique. The joint space width in the lateral compartment was measured using a semiautomatic computerized method, and multivariable predictive modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between meniscus treatment, cartilage injury, graft type, and joint space while adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and Marx activity score.

Results:

The mean lateral joint space width was 0.11 mm narrower on the ACL-reconstructed knee compared with the contralateral healthy knee (7.69 mm vs 7.80 mm, respectively; P < .01). Statistically significant predictors of a narrower joint space width on the ACL-reconstructed knee included lateral meniscectomy ( P < .001) and a Marx activity score less than 16 points ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

This study identifies lateral meniscectomy and a lower baseline Marx activity score to be predictors of radiographic joint space narrowing in the lateral compartment 2 to 3 years after ACL reconstruction in young, active patients without a prior knee injury.
Do Achievement Factors Change Across Development? An Investigation With the KTEA-3
Authors: Parkin Jason R.
Published: February 2018

Theories of reading and writing development suggest that the factor structure of achievement batteries could change across development. As a result, it is important to test achievement batteries for invariance across development. The purpose of these analyses is to determine whether the factor structure of reading, writing, and oral language measures is invariant across grade ranges in the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, 3rd Edition. Results suggest that multiple interpretational models demonstrate measurement and structural invariance. Implications for practice are discussed.
A Civic Engagement Approach to Encourage Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Towns: The HEART Club Pilot Project
Authors: Seguin Rebecca A. , Sriram Urshila , Connor Leah M. , Silver Ashley E. , Niu Beining , Bartholomew Alexis N.
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a civic engagement curriculum (encouraging Healthy Eating and Activity in Rural Towns [HEART] Club) designed to engage rural residents in improving their local food or physical activity environment.

Design:

Pre–post surveys and focus groups.

Setting:

Three rural Northeastern towns in the United States.

Participants:

Twenty-six rural residents (7-12 per town) recruited by local extension educators.

Measures:

Online surveys were used to assess outcomes related to feasibility (satisfaction) and effectiveness (knowledge, awareness, motivation, self-efficacy, and group efficacy for community change). Feasibility was also assessed through attendance logs, benchmark achievement records, and post-implementation focus groups.

Analysis:

Participant characteristics and feasibility measures were summarized using descriptive statistics. Pre–post changes in effectiveness outcomes were assessed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Focus group data were thematically examined to identify barriers to and facilitators of HEART Club progress.

Results:

Meeting attendance and program satisfaction were high (88% and 91%). Participants reported improvements in awareness; however, no other significant changes were observed. All HEART Clubs accomplished 3 or more project benchmarks after 6 months of implementation. Despite competing priorities and limited finances, groups effectively leveraged existing resources to achieve their goals. Important facilitators of success included stakeholder support, effective leadership, and positive group dynamics.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that resident-driven initiatives that build upon local resources and establish feasible goals can successfully foster environmental change in rural communities.
Measuring diagnostic accuracy for biomarkers under tree-ordering
Authors: Feng Yingdong , Tian Lili
Published: February 2018

In the field of diagnostic studies for tree or umbrella ordering, under which the marker measurement for one class is lower or higher than those for the rest unordered classes, there exist a few diagnostic measures such as the naive AUC ( NAUC), the umbrella volume ( UV), and the recently proposed TAUC, i.e. area under a ROC curve for tree or umbrella ordering (TROC). However, an important characteristic about tree or umbrella ordering has been neglected. This paper mainly focuses on promoting the use of the integrated false negative rate under tree ordering ( ITFNR) as an additional diagnostic measure besides TAUC, and proposing the idea of using ( TAUC, ITFNR) instead of TAUC to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a biomarker under tree or umbrella ordering. Parametric and non-parametric approaches for constructing joint confidence region of ( TAUC, ITFNR) are proposed. Simulation studies under a variety of settings are carried out to assess and compare the performance of these methods. In the end, a published microarray data set is analyzed.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Improve the Healing of Colonic Anastomoses Following High Dose of Irradiation Through Anti-Inflammatory and Angiogenic Processes
Authors: Van de putte Dirk , Demarquay Christelle , Van Daele Elke , Moussa Lara , Vanhove Christian , Benderitter Marc , Ceelen Wim , Pattyn Piet , Mathieu Noëlle
Published: February 2018

Cancer patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) could develop severe late side effects that affect their quality of life. Long-term bowel complications after RT are mainly characterized by a transmural fibrosis that could lead to intestinal obstruction. Today, surgical resection is the only effective treatment. However, preoperative RT increases the risk of anastomotic leakage. In this study, we attempted to use mesenchymal stromal cells from adipose tissue (Ad-MSCs) to improve colonic anastomosis after high-dose irradiation. MSCs were isolated from the subcutaneous fat of rats, amplified in vitro, and characterized by flow cytometry. An animal model of late radiation side effects was induced by local irradiation of the colon. Colonic anastomosis was performed 4 wk after irradiation. It was analyzed another 4 wk later (i.e., 8 wk after irradiation). The Ad-MSC-treated group received injections several times before and after the surgical procedure. The therapeutic benefit of the Ad-MSC treatment was determined by colonoscopy and histology. The inflammatory process was investigated using Fluorine-182-Fluoro-2-Deoxy-d-Glucose Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) imaging and macrophage infiltrate analyses. Vascular density was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Results show that Ad-MSC treatment reduces ulcer size, increases mucosal vascular density, and limits hemorrhage. We also determined that 1 Ad-MSC injection limits the inflammatory process, as evaluated through 18F-FDG-PET-CT (at 4 wk), with a greater proportion of type 2 macrophages after iterative cell injections (8 wk). In conclusion, Ad-MSC injections promote anastomotic healing in an irradiated colon through enhanced vessel formation and reduced inflammation. This study also determined parameters that could be improved in further investigations.
Monitoring of pin connection loosening using eletromechanical impedance: Numerical simulation with experimental verification
Authors: Fan Shuli , Li Weijie , Kong Qingzhao , Feng Qian , Song Gangbing
Published: February 2018

Pin connection, as an important structural connection mechanism, is widely used in various structures, especially spatial structures. In this article, numerical and experimental investigations are performed for monitoring the loosening of pin-connected structures using the electromechanical impedance technique. For this purpose, a finite element model for a pin-connected structure considering the contact interfaces between the pin and the support base is proposed to study the effect of pin connection loosening on the electromechanical impedance signatures. A multi-physics analysis is conducted to simulate the electromechanical behavior of lead zirconate titanate transducers bonded on the pin head and the steel base. The relationship between the force applied on the pin connection and the variation in electromechanical impedance signatures is established. Experiments are carried out to verify the accuracy of the proposed finite element model. The results show that the changes in the electromechanical impedance signatures consist of frequency shifts and peak splitting. The contact condition of the pin connection can be assessed by observing the changes in the electromechanical impedance signatures. The location of the piezoelectric patch has significant effect on the sensitivity of the electromechanical impedance signatures. The numerical study in this research helps to optimize the design of sensor placement and improve the detection accuracy of the electromechanical impedance method in practical applications of detecting the loosening of pin-connected structures.
Association of Statin Therapy With Risk of Epilepsy in 2 Propensity Score–Matched Cohorts
Authors: Trivedi Lakshya U. , Alvarez Carlos A. , Mansi Ishak A.
Published: February 2018

Background: Studies have suggested that statins may have a neuroprotective effect against epilepsy. However, evidence from rat models and case reports have suggested an opposite effect. Overall data are limited. Objective: To examine the association between statin use and epilepsy risk in a general population and in a healthy population (individuals with no severe comorbidities). Methods: Patients were Tricare beneficiaries from October 2003 to March 2012. Based on patients’ characteristics during baseline phase (fiscal year [FY] 2004-2005), 2 propensity score (PS)-matched cohorts of statin users and nonusers were formed: (1) a PS-matched general cohort and (2) a PS-matched healthy cohort. Our outcome was defined using inpatient or outpatient ICD-9 codes for epilepsy during the follow-up phase (FY 2006 to March 2012) in the cohorts of statin users and nonusers. Results: The study included a total of 43 438 patients (13 626 statin users and 29 812 nonusers). The PS-matched general cohort matched 6342 statin users to 6342 nonusers; the odds ratio (OR) of epilepsy in this cohort during follow-up was 0.91; 95% CI = 0.67-1.23. The PS-matched healthy cohort matched 3351 statin users to 3351 nonusers; OR in the PS-matched healthy cohort during follow-up was 1.08; 95% CI = 0.64-1.83. Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate a significant beneficial or deleterious effect of statin use on risk of being diagnosed with epilepsy. Clinicians should not withhold statins, whenever indicated, in patients with epilepsy.
Of Mindsets and Men: Tackling Masculinity, Patriarchy, and Privilege in Delhi
Authors: Gilbertson Amanda
Published: February 2018

As efforts to engage men and boys in gender justice work have proliferated across the globe, so too has evidence of the potential for this work to reinforce rather than deconstruct gender inequalities, resulting in calls to assess the assumptions that underpin this work. Although a significant amount of male-based gender justice work is based in the Global South, analytical literature on efforts to engage men and boys and on pro-feminist men has been largely confined to the Global North. This article responds to the need for a better understanding of how the tensions and risks of involving men in gender justice work are dealt with in the Global South, with an exploration of the narratives of fifteen male and one assigned male at birth (AMAB) middle-class young people working to promote gender equality in New Delhi, India. I demonstrate that there is great diversity in perspectives and approach among male and AMAB gender justice workers in Delhi. While many identified as feminists, felt the need to be accountable to women’s organizations and critiqued the idea of men as victims of patriarchy, others distanced themselves from the “radical” and “political” nature of feminism, expressed concerns about the centrality of women in gender justice work and framed men as equal victims of patriarchy. I argue that the latter approach is underpinned by a focus on “mind sets” and individuals as the locus of change. In the absence of discussion of power, the structural and the political, a focus on the personal risks creating room to question the extent of female oppression and male privilege, undermining feminist goals in the interests of a more “inclusive” approach to gender justice.
The soft power of commercialised nationalist symbols: Using media analysis to understand nation branding campaigns
Authors: Bolin Göran , Miazhevich Galina
Published: February 2018

Since the late 1990s, nation branding has attracted a lot of attention from academics, professional consultants and government actors. The ideas and practices of nation branding are frequently presented by branding advocates as necessary and even inevitable in the light of changing dynamics of political power and influence in a globalised and media-saturated world. In this context, some have argued that nation branding is a way to reduce international conflict and supplant ethno-nationalism with a new form of market-based, national image management. However, a growing body of critical studies has documented that branding campaigns tend to produce ahistorical and exclusionary representations of the nation and advance a form of ‘commercial nationalism’ that is problematic. Importantly, the critical scholarship on nation branding has relied primarily on sociological and anthropological theories of nationhood, identities and markets. By contrast, the role of the media – as institutions, systems and societal storytellers – has been undertheorised in relation to nation branding. The majority of the existing literature tends to treat the media as ‘neutral’ vehicles for the delivery of branding messages to various audiences. This is the guest editors’ introduction to the Special Issue ‘Theorizing Media in Nation Branding’, which seeks to problematise this overly simplistic view of ‘the media’ and aims to articulate the various ways in which specific media are an integral part of nation branding. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach and problematises both the enabling and the inhibiting potentialities of different types of media as they perpetuate nation branding ideas, images, ideologies, discourses and practices.
An efficient design method for LED surface sources in three-dimensional rotational geometry using projected angle difference  An efficient design method for LED surface sources
Authors: Li X , Ge P , Wang H
Published: February 2018

An efficient method is proposed for the design of prescribed rotational illumination on the far or near field using the edge-ray principle. By this method, the prescribed illuminance on the prescribed location can be determined by projected angle difference in a two-dimensional design process for LED extended sources. Profiles of the lens with two initial curves on the centre can be calculated based on the relationship between the illuminance and the projected angle difference. The initial optical systems we calculated are close to the prescribed illumination despite the influence of skew rays. More importantly, a prescribed illumination on the near field can be achieved accurately and quickly by using this method, which is better than the usual luminous intensity distribution design methods for LED extended sources.
Assessment of association between lipoxygenase genes variants in elderly Greek population and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tsekmekidou Xanthippi A , Kotsa Kalliopi D , Tsetsos Fotis S , Didangelos Triantafyllos P , Georgitsi Marianthi A , Roumeliotis Athanasios K , Panagoutsos Stylianos A , Thodis Elias D , Theodoridis Marios T , Papanas Nikolaos P , Papazoglou Dimitrios A , Pasadakis Ploumis S , Eustratios Maltezos S , Paschou Peristera I , Yovos John G
Published: February 2018

Background:

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Arachidonic acid lipoxygenases have been intensively studied in their role in inflammation in metabolic pathways. Thus, we aimed to explore variants of lipoxygenase genes (arachidonate lipoxygenase genes) in a diabetes adult population using a case-control study design.

Methods:

Study population consisted of 1285 elderly participants, 716 of whom had type 2 diabetes mellitus. The control group consisted of non-diabetes individuals with no history of diabetes history and with a glycated haemoglobin <6.5% (<48 mmol/mol)] and fasting plasma glucose levels <126 mg/dL. Blood samples were genotyped on Illumina Infinium PsychArray. Variants of ALOX5, ALOX5AP, ALOX12, ALOX15 were selected. All statistical analyses were undertaken within PLINK and SPSS packages utilising permutation analysis tests.

Results:

Our findings showed an association of rs9669952 (odds ratio = 0.738, p = 0.013) and rs1132340 (odds ratio = 0.652, p = 0.008) in ALOX5AP and rs11239524 in ALOX5 gene with disease (odds ratio = 0.808, p = 0.038). Rs9315029 which is located near arachidonate ALOX5AP also associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.025). No variant of ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes associated with disease.

Conclusion:

These results indicate a potential protective role of ALOX5AP and 5-arachidonate lipoxygenase gene in diabetes pathogenesis, indicating further the importance of the relationship between diabetes and inflammation. Larger population studies are required to replicate our findings.
Beyond Social Media Determinism? How Artists Reshape the Organization of Social Movements
Authors: Cossu Alberto
Published: February 2018

Artists and creative workers are engaged once more in the social and political space. In the current wave, which started in the early 2010s, they have taken part in broad social movements (e.g., Occupy, Tahrir Square), created movements of their own (e.g., Network of Occupied Theaters in Italy and Greece), experimented with alternative economic models and currencies (e.g., Macao and D-CENT), carried out social research and radical education, partnered with institutional and social actors, supported neighborhoods, filled the void left by states’ retreat from the social, and hosted and co-produced art at a time when the budget for culture and independent art is being decreased in numerous countries across the world. This article aims to investigate the organizational and relational aspects of artistic social movements. Drawing on a 2-year-long ethnographic study conducted for my PhD dissertation and deploying a number of research techniques, including participant observation, digital methods, and semi-structured interviews, I propose a new understanding of the meaning of organization in contemporary artistic social movements. My article, focusing especially on data gathered on Macao, “The New Centre for Arts, Culture and Research of Milan,” constitutes an attempt to reflect on emerging organizational models in social movements.
Can Practical Nurses Identify Older Home Care Clients at Risk of Drug-Related Problems–Geriatricians’ Appraisal of Their Risk Screenings: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dimitrow Maarit , Puustinen Juha , Viikari Paula , Puumalainen Emmi , Vahlberg Tero , Airaksinen Marja S. A. , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa
Published: February 2018

Background: Home care (HC) clients are increasingly older, have many chronic diseases, and use multiple medicines and thus are at high risk for drug-related problems (DRPs). Objective: Establish the sensitivity of practical nurse (PN) administered DRP risk assessment tool (DRP-RAT) compared with geriatrician’s assessment of the medical record. Identify the clinically most significant DRPs needing action. Methods: Twenty-six PNs working in HC of Härkätie Health Center in Lieto, Finland, 46 HC clients (≥65 years), and a geriatrician participated in this pilot study. The geriatrician reviewed HC clients’ medications using 3 different methods. The reviews were based on the following: (1) the PN’s risk screening (ie, PN-completed DRP-RAT) and medication list, (2) health center’s medical records, and (3) methods 1 and 2 together. The main outcome was the number of “at-risk patients” (ie, the patient is at risk of clinically significant DRPs) by using each review method. Secondary outcomes were clinically most significant DRP-risk predicting factors identified by the geriatrician. Results: The geriatrician reviewed 45 clients’ medications using all 3 methods. Based on PN-completed DRP-RAT and medication list, 93% (42/45) of the clients were classified as “at-risk patients.” Two other review methods resulted in 45/45 (100%) “at-risk patients.” Symptoms suggestive of adverse drug reactions were the most significant risk predicting factors. Small sample size limits the generalizability of the results. Conclusions: The PN-completed DRP-RAT was able to provide clinically important timely patient information for clinical decision making. DRP-RAT could make it possible to more effectively involve PNs in medication risk management among older HC clients.