bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of Oligodendrogenic Spinal Neural Progenitor Cells From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Khazaei Mohamad , Ahuja Christopher S. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: August 2017

This unit describes protocols for the efficient generation of oligodendrogenic neural progenitor cells (o‐NPCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Specifically, detailed methods are provided for the maintenance and differentiation of hiPSCs, human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neural progenitor cells (hiPS‐NPCs), and human induced pluripotent stem cell‐oligodendrogenic neural progenitor cells (hiPSC‐o‐NPCs) with the final products being suitable for in vitro experimentation or in vivo transplantation. Throughout, cell exposure to growth factors and patterning morphogens has been optimized for both concentration and timing, based on the literature and empirical experience, resulting in a robust and highly efficient protocol. Using this derivation procedure, it is possible to obtain millions of oligodendrogenic‐NPCs within 40 days of initial cell plating which is substantially shorter than other protocols for similar cell types. This protocol has also been optimized to use translationally relevant human iPSCs as the parent cell line. The resultant cells have been extensively characterized both in vitro and in vivo and express key markers of an oligodendrogenic lineage. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Direct Cell Labeling to Image Transplanted Stem Cells in Real Time Using a Dual‐Contrast MRI Technique
Authors: Ngen Ethel J. , Kato Yoshinori , Artemov Dmitri
Published: August 2017

Exogenous direct cell labeling with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) is currently the most employed cell‐labeling technique for tracking transplanted cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although SPION‐based cell labeling is effective for monitoring cell delivery and migration, monitoring cell survival is still a challenge. This unit describes an MRI technique that permits detection of the delivery, migration, and death of transplanted cells. This dual‐contrast technique involves labeling cells with two different classes of MRI contrast agents, possessing different diffusion coefficients: SPIONs (T2/T2
* contrast agents, with lower diffusion coefficients) and gadolinium chelates (T1 contrast agents, with higher diffusion coefficients). In live cells, where both agents are in close proximity, the T2/T2
* contrast predominates and the T1 contrast is quenched. In dead cells, where the cell membrane is breached, gadolinium chelates diffuse from the SPIONs and generate a signature T1 contrast enhancement in the vicinity of dead cells. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of Hepatocyte‐like Cell Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem cell as a Host for Clinically Isolated Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Sa‐ngiamsuntorn Khanit , Hongeng Suradej , Wongkajornsilp Adisak
Published: August 2017

This unit describes protocols to develop hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) starting from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a natural host for hepatitis C virus (HCV). These include the preparation of MSCs from bone marrow, the reprogramming of MSCs into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and the differentiation of iPSCs into HLCs. This unit also incorporates the characterization of the resulting cells at each stage. Another section entails the preparations of HCV. The sources of HCV are either the clinically isolated HCV (HCVser) and the conventional JFH‐1 genotype. The last section is the infection protocol coupled with the measurement of viral titer. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthetic Manipulation of Hybrid Perovskite Systems in Search of New and Enhanced Functionalities
Authors: Naphade Rounak , Nagane Satyawan , Bansode Umesh , Tathavadekar Mukta , Sadhanala Aditya , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: August 2017

Over the past few years the organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite systems have emerged as a promising class of materials for photovoltaic and electroluminescent thin‐film device applications, in view of their unique set of tunable optoelectronic properties. Importantly, these materials can be easily solution‐processed at low temperatures and as such are amenable to facile molecular engineering. Thus, a variety of low‐dimensional forms and quantum structures of these materials can be obtained through strategic synthetic manipulations through small molecule incorporation or molecular ion doping. In this Minireview, we specifically focus on these approaches and outline the possibilities of utilizing these for enhanced functionalities and newer application domains.
Time‐lapse camera trapping as an alternative to pitfall trapping for estimating activity of leaf litter arthropods
Authors: Collett Rachael A. , Fisher Diana O.
Published: August 2017

Pitfall trapping is the standard technique to estimate activity and relative abundance of leaf litter arthropods. Pitfall trapping is not ideal for long‐term sampling because it is lethal, labor‐intensive, and may have taxonomic sampling biases. We test an alternative sampling method that can be left in place for several months at a time: verticallyplaced time‐lapse camera traps that have a short focal distance, enabling identification of small arthropods. We tested the effectiveness of these time‐lapse cameras, and quantified escape and avoidance behavior of arthropod orders encountering pitfall traps by placing cameras programed with a range of sampling intervals above pitfalls, to assess numerical, taxonomic, and body size differences in samples collected by the two methods. Cameras programed with 1‐ or 15‐min intervals recorded around twice as many arthropod taxa per day and a third more individuals per day than pitfall traps. Hymenoptera (ants), Embioptera (webspinners), and Blattodea (cockroaches) frequently escaped from pitfalls so were particularly under‐sampled by them. The time‐lapse camera method effectively samples litter arthropods to collect long‐term data. It is standardized, non‐lethal, and does not alter the substrate or require frequent visits.
Clonal structure through space and time: High stability in the holothurianStichopus chloronotus(Echinodermata)
Authors: Pirog Agathe , Gélin Pauline , Bédier Alexandre , Bianchetti Grégoire , Georget Stéphane , Frouin Patrick , Magalon Hélène
Published: August 2017

Sea cucumbers are increasingly exploited for human consumption and for their curative properties, and many wild populations are now depleted or in danger of extinction. While aquaculture is seen as an alternative to fisheries and as a mean to restore wild populations, more knowledge is needed on their reproductive strategies to render this practice efficient, notably for fissiparous holothurians, which are some of the mobile animals able of asexual reproduction by transverse fission. Little information is available on their population genetic diversity and structure. Here, the clonal structure of populations of the fissiparous sea cucumberStichopus chloronotushas been investigated using nine microsatellite loci and a random sampling, at different spatial (intra‐reef and inter‐reef) and temporal (inter‐season and inter‐year) scales. Our findings highlight the importance of asexual reproduction in maintaining these populations, and the prevalence of the “initial seedling recruitment” strategy (ISR), leading to a high stability of clonal composition over seasons and years. It also seemed that clonal propagation was limited to the reef scale (<10 km) while reefs were connected by sexual dispersal. This is the first time that clonal structure in sea cucumbers has been studied at such a fine scale, with a specific sampling strategy. It provides key findings on the genetic diversity and structure of fissiparous sea cucumbers, which will be useful for the management of wild populations and aquaculture.
What can we learn from pulmonary function testing in heart failure?
Authors: Magnussen Helgo , Canepa Marco , Zambito Peter Emilio , Brusasco Vito , Meinertz Thomas , Rosenkranz Stephan
Published: August 2017

Pulmonary diseases frequently coexist in heart failure (HF), thus posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to cardiologists evaluating patients with overlapping symptoms and implementing recommended HF treatments. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that pulmonary function testing might provide useful information for the best management of these patients. The availability of portable devices, allowing the measurement of spirometry and lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide outside of hospital‐based pulmonary lung function laboratories, provides an opportunity for a more widespread use of these measures in the cardiology community, but their interpretation can be challenging. In this work, after a brief review of the methodologies, we discuss the interpretation of pulmonary function testing in patients with HF alone or associated with pulmonary diseases, and its contribution in differentiating cardiac and pulmonary symptoms and preventing acute cardiac decompensation. In addition, we examined recent evidence suggesting how the use of pulmonary function testing may provide independent prognostic information in HF patients with and without pulmonary disorders, and help therapeutic decisions to fill the treatment gap that still exists in HF patients with concomitant pulmonary diseases.
Conditioned pain modulation is affected by occlusion cuff conditioning stimulus intensity, but not duration
Authors: Smith A. , Pedler A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Various conditioned pain modulation (CPM) methodologies have been used to investigate diffuse noxious inhibitory control pain mechanisms in healthy and clinical populations. Occlusion cuff parameters have been poorly studied. We aimed to investigate whether occlusion cuff intensity and/or duration influenced CPM magnitudes. We also investigated the role of physical activity levels on CPM magnitude.

Methods

Two studies were performed to investigate the role of intensity and duration of occlusion cuff conditioning stimulus on test stimulus (tibialis anterior pressure pain thresholds). In Study 1, conditioning stimulus intensity of 2/10 or 5/10 (duration <20 s) was evaluated using a paired‐samples t‐test. In Study 2, duration of 2/10 conditioning stimulus was 3 min. One‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of time (0, 1, 2 and 3 min) on CPM magnitude.

Results

In Study 1, 27 healthy volunteers (mean ± SD: 24.9 years (±4.5); eight female) demonstrated that an occlusion cuff applied to the upper arm eliciting 5/10 local pain resulted in a significant (mean ± SD: 17% ± 46%) increase in CPM magnitude, when compared to 2/10 intensity (−3% ± 38%, p = 0.026), whereas in Study 2, 25 healthy volunteers (22.5 years (±2.7); 13 female) demonstrated that 3 min of 2/10 CS intensity did not result in a significant change in CPM (p = 0.21). There was no significant relationship between physical activity levels and CPM in either study (p > 0.22).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that an occlusion cuff of 5/10 conditioning stimulus intensity, when compared to 2/10, significantly increased CPM magnitude. Maintaining 2/10 conditioning stimulus for 3 min did not increase CPM magnitude.

Significance

Dysfunctional conditioned pain modulation (CPM) has been associated with poor health outcomes. Various factors can influence CPM outcomes. The role of occlusion cuff conditioning stimulus intensity and duration has not been previously investigated. Intensity (5/10), but not duration of lower intensity (2/10) conditioning stimulus, affects CPM magnitude.
Managerial Family Ties and Employee Risk Bearing in Family Firms: Evidence from Spanish Car Dealers
Authors: Gomez‐Mejia Luis R. , Larraza‐Kintana Martin , Moyano‐Fuentes Jose , Firfiray Shainaz
Published: August 2017

This article argues that family firms in which the top management team (TMT) is dominated by nonfamily managers are more likely to shift risk to employees through incentive pay schemes than family firms with TMTs dominated by family members. We also argue that this tendency is aggravated in firms of bigger size, as this condition makes nonfamily managers more vulnerable. We further note that differences between family‐ and non‐family‐dominated TMTs may lessen when the sales trend is negative. The analyses conducted on a sample of 219 family‐controlled car dealerships in Spain confirm our expectations.
IMPACT OF JOINT ATTENTION ON SOCIAL‐COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN INTERNATIONALLY ADOPTED CHILDREN
Authors: Moberg Stephanie A. , Ng Rowena , Johnson Dana E. , Kroupina Maria G.
Published: August 2017

Internationally adopted (IA) children have often experienced early adversity and are at risk for long‐term deficiencies in multiple developmental domains. This study examined the association between IA children's joint attention (JA) soon after arrival and later cognitive, communicative, and socioemotional competency 6 months’ postadoption. We expected a child's initial JA would positively predict later cognitive, communication, and social ability. IA children (n = 63) adopted from Eastern Europe were seen soon after their arrival into the United States to assess their JA. Their socioemotional competency, social communication, and cognitive abilities were measured at a follow‐up session 6 months’ postadoption. We found that higher order JA was positively associated with measures of social relatedness. Furthermore, individual hierarchical regressions of each measure of JA (higher order JA, initiating JA, responding to JA, and initiating behavior requests [BR]) considered with age‐at‐adoption showed that each measure was an independent and positive predictor of Mullen outcomes in the receptive and expressive language domains. These results suggest that JA may be a sensitive predictor of subsequent functioning in the social, communicative, and cognitive domains. Thus, assessing JA soon after arrival has the potential to identify at‐risk IA children, and interventions targeting JA may support those children in overcoming the negative impacts of early adversity.
Outcomes of post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy at a Regional Cancer Centre
Authors: Nicholls Luke , Winter Amber , Harwood Ashley , Plank Ashley , Bagga Preeti , Wong Winnie , Khoo Eric
Published: August 2017

Introduction

To investigate the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer at Radiation Oncology Centres, Toowoomba.

Methods

The electronic medical records of 130 consecutive patients with histologically proven prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent post‐prostatectomy RT between January 2008 and December 2014 were analysed. Primary endpoint was Biochemical Recurrence (BCR) after RT. BCR was defined by PSA > 0.2 ng/mL and BCR endpoints were analysed using Kaplan–Meier methods. The impact of RT technique and the rates of acute and late toxicities are also reported. Toxicities were graded according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.

Results

Median follow‐up time after RT (regardless of technique) was 28 months. BCR occurred in 32 of the 126 patients (25%) whose prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels have been monitored post‐RT. At 24 and 36 months, 85% and 75% of patients were BCR‐free, respectively. Patients with a pre‐RT PSA above 0.2 ng/mL had a higher probability of recurrence than patients with values below 0.2 ng/mL (P = 0.03). RT technique, pelvic nodal irradiation, androgen deprivation therapy, T staging or surgical margin did not significantly impact BCR results.

No patient experienced acute toxicities greater than grade 2. Grade 1 or 2 late gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity occurred in 11% and 1 patient experienced a grade 3 event. 12% of patients developed grade 1 or 2 late genitourinary (GU) toxicity, with evidence of grade 3 severity in only 1 patient. Evidence of a trend in reduction in late GI toxicity with the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was apparent but not with late GU toxicity.

Conclusion

At our regional centre, early RT (PSA < 0.2 ng/mL) was associated with significant improvement in BCR‐free survival. Rates of toxicity mirror those of landmark trials which suggest no detriment for our regional prostate cancer patients. The use of IMRT/VMAT techniques was associated with a trend towards reduced rates of GI toxicity.
Coefficient of Variance as Quality Criterion for Evaluation of Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis Using 2D Shear‐Wave Elastography
Authors: Lim Sanghyeok , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Yongsoo , Cho Young Seo , Kim Tae Yeob , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Sohn Joo Hyun
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic performance for advanced hepatic fibrosis measured by 2D shear‐wave elastography (SWE), using either the coefficient of variance (CV) or the interquartile range divided by the median value (IQR/M) as quality criteria.

Methods

In this retrospective study, from January 2011 to December 2013, 96 patients, who underwent both liver stiffness measurement by 2D SWE and liver biopsy for hepatic fibrosis grading, were enrolled. The diagnostic performances of the CV and the IQR/M were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves with areas under the curves (AUCs) and were compared by Fisher's Z test, based on matching the cutoff points in an interactive dot diagram. All P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

When using the cutoff value IQR/M of 0.21, the matched cutoff point of CV was 20%. When a cutoff value of CV of 20% was used, the diagnostic performance for advanced hepatic fibrosis ( ≥ F3 grade) with CV of less than 20% was better than that in the group with CV greater than or equal to 20% (AUC 0.967 versus 0.786, z statistic = 2.23, P = .025), whereas when the matched cutoff value IQR/M of 0.21 showed no difference (AUC 0.918 versus 0.927, z statistic = −0.178, P = .859).

Conclusions

The validity of liver stiffness measurements made by 2D SWE for assessing advanced hepatic fibrosis may be judged using CVs, and when the CV is less than 20% it can be considered “more reliable” than using IQR/M of less than 0.21.
Characterization of Hydrogels Made of a Novel Spider Silk Protein eMaSp1s and Evaluation for 3D Printing
Authors: Thamm Christopher , DeSimone Elise , Scheibel Thomas
Published: August 2017

Recombinantly produced spider silk proteins have high potential for bioengineering and various biomedical applications because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Here, the recently described small spider silk protein eMaSp1s is assembled into hydrogels, which can be 3D printed into scaffolds. Further, blending with a recombinantly produced MaSp2 derivative eADF4(C16) alters the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels. Different spider silk hydrogels also show a distinct recovery after a high shear stress deformation, exhibiting the tunability of their features for selected applications.
Azobenzene‐Incorporated Single‐ and Double‐Stranded Polynorbornenes: Facile Synthesis and Diverse Photoresponsive Property
Authors: Ding Liang , Li Tianjing , Li Juan , Song Wei
Published: August 2017

Double‐stranded polymeric ladderphane using azobenzene as linkers and the single‐stranded polynorbornene with azobenzene pendants are synthesized by the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization using Grubbs ruthenium‐based catalyst. Hydrolysis of these as‐prepared polynorbornenes gives the corresponding isotactic single‐stranded polynorbornene having similar polydispersity and degree of polymerization as those of the original polymers. The photosensitive property of double‐stranded ladderphane indicates significant interactions between adjacent chromophores. These single‐ and double‐stranded polynorbornenes incorporating azobenzene chromophores exhibit distinct photoresponsive performance in the dilute solutions. The rate of photoisomerization for double‐stranded ladderphane is found to be from 6 to 9 times slower than that obtained for single‐stranded polymer. This is ascribed to the differences in structure of polymers and the interaction between azobenzene chromophores in the polymers.
A symmetric fully optimized second‐order method for nonlinear homogenization
Authors: Furer Joshua , Ponte Castañeda Pedro
Published: August 2017

We consider an alternate formulation of the recently developed ‘fully optimized second‐order’ (FOSO) nonlinear homogenization method, which is based on a stationary variational principle for the macroscopic energy function. In this method, the trial fields are the properties of a suitably designed linear comparison composite (LCC), thus allowing for the estimation of the effective response and field statistics of the nonlinear composite in terms of available estimates for the corresponding quantities in the LCC. The formulation considered in this paper makes use of an alternative choice for the linear comparison composite, leading to homogenization estimates that are more symmetric with respect to Legendre duality than earlier FOSO estimates. The new ‘symmetric’ FOSO method is applied to a class of two‐phase power‐law composites with fibrous microstructures subjected to plane strain loading. The resulting estimates for the effective response and field statistics are found to improve on earlier estimates, and to be in good agreement with full‐field numerical simulations for nonlinear composite cylinder assemblages, as well as with available results for sequentially layered composites.
Radical Nephrectomy for Primary Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Near the Kidney has a Beneficial Effect on Disease‐Free Survival
Authors: Rhu Jinsoo , Cho Chan Woo , Lee Kyo Won , Park Hyojun , Park Jae Berm , Choi Yoon‐La , Kim Sung Joo
Published: August 2017

Background

The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical impact of radical nephrectomy on retroperitoneal liposarcoma near the kidney.

Methods

Data of patients who underwent surgery for unilateral primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma near the kidney were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into four groups according to whether they underwent nephrectomy and combined resection of other organs. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate disease‐free survival and overall survival. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to analyze factors related to disease‐free survival and overall survival.

Results

Nephrectomy (HR = 0.260, CI = 0.078–0.873, p = 0.029) had a beneficial effect on disease‐free survival, while interaction model of nephrectomy*other organ resection (HR = 4.655, CI = 1.767–12.263, p = 0.002) showed poor disease‐free survival. Other organ resection was not related to disease‐free survival (HR = 1.543, CI = 0.146–16.251, p = 0.718). Operation method (p = 0.007) and FNCLCC grade (p < 0.001; G2, HR = 1.833, CI = 0.684–4.915, p = 0.228; G3, HR = 9.190, CI = 3.351–25.199, p < 0.001) were significant factors for disease‐free survival. While combined organ resection without nephrectomy group (HR = 1.604, CI = 0.167–15.370, p = 0.682) and radical nephrectomy with combined organ resection group (HR = 1.309, CI = 0.448–3.825, p = 0.622) did not show significant difference in disease‐free survival from the mass excision only group, radical nephrectomy without combined organ resection group (HR = 0.279, CI = 0.078–0.991, p = 0.048) showed superior disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

Radical nephrectomy of unilateral primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma near the kidney has a beneficial effect on disease‐free survival.
Feasibility of Preoperative Axillary Lymph Node Marking with a Clip in Breast Cancer Patients Before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kim Eun Young , Byon Woo Seok , Lee Kwan Ho , Yun Ji‐Sup , Park Yong Lai , Park Chan Heun , Youn In Young , Choi Seon Hyeong , Choi Yoon Jung , Kook Shin Ho , Do Sung‐Im
Published: August 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of image‐guided marker‐clip placement in axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) for breast cancer upon initial presentation and to assess the reliability of this method with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for axillary restaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

Between June 2015 and August 2016, a marker clip was placed at a clinically positive ALN under ultrasonography (US) guidance before initiation of NAC in 20 patients. Preoperative localization of marker‐clipped LNs was performed, and the localized LNs were removed by SLNB. We compared the postoperative results of the marker‐clipped LNs, SLNs and ALNs.

Results

Image‐guided marker‐clip placements and localization of marker‐clipped LNs were performed successfully in 20 patients. A total of 24 marker clips were inserted, and 23 marker‐clipped LNs were successfully retrieved during surgery (identification rate, 23/24, 95.8%). In the 11 patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic marker‐clipped LNs, four became negative after NAC, and seven maintained metastatic residues on the marker‐clipped LNs. Three of the seven patients had metastatic residues on the ALNs, and two of the three patients also had negative SLNs. Marker‐clipped nodes accurately predicted the axillary nodal status in these two patients compared with SLNs alone.

Conclusion

Image‐guided marker‐clip placement on positive ALNs before NAC and removal with SLNB is technically feasible. This technique can improve the accuracy of the residual disease evaluation on the axilla, especially in patients with negative SLNB results, and can identify candidates for limited axillary surgery after NAC.
Orbitofrontal structural markers of negative affect in alcohol dependence and their associations with heavy relapse-risk at 6 months post-treatment
Authors: Zois E. , Vollstädt-Klein S. , Hoffmann S. , Reinhard I. , Charlet K. , Beck A. , Jorde A. , Kirsch M. , Walter H. , Heinz A. , Kiefer F.
Published: August 2017

Background

Alcohol relapse is often occurring to regulate negative affect during withdrawal. On the neurobiological level, alcoholism is associated with gray matter (GM) abnormalities in regions that regulate emotional experience such as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). However, no study to our knowledge has investigated the neurobiological unpinning of affect in alcoholism at early withdrawal and the associations of OFC volume with long-term relapse risk.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty-two participants were included, 95 recently detoxified alcohol dependent patients (ADP) and 87 healthy controls (HC). We measured affective states using the positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS). We collected T1-weighted brain structural images and performed Voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

Results:

Findings revealed GM volume decrease in alcoholics in the prefrontal cortex (including medial OFC), anterior cingulate gyrus, and insula. GM volume in the medial OFC was positively associated with NA in the ADP group. Cox regression analysis predicted that risk to heavy relapse at 6 months increases with decreased GM volume in the medial OFC.

Conclusions:

Negative affect during alcohol withdrawal was positively associated with OFC volume. What is more, increased GM volume in the OFC also moderated risk to heavy relapse at 6 months. Reduced GM in the OFC poses as risk to recovery from alcohol dependence and provides valuable insights into transient negative affect states during withdrawal that can trigger relapse. Implications exist for therapeutic interventions signifying the OFC as a neurobiological marker to relapse and could explain the inability of ADP to regulate internal negative affective states.
GM2 activator protein deficiency, mimic of Tay-Sachs disease
Authors: Kochumon Sheena , Yesodharan Dhanya , Vinayan KP , Radhakrishnan Natasha , Sheth Jayesh , Nampoothiri Sheela
Published: August 2017

GM2 Gangliosidoses are a group of autosomal recessive genetic disorders caused by intra-lysosomal deposition of ganglioside GM2 mainly in the neuronal cells. GM2-Activator protein deficiency is an extremely rare type of GM2 gangliosidosis (AB variant) caused by the mutation of GM2A.We report a case of a female child who presented with clinical features similar to classical Tay-Sachs disease, but with normal beta hexosaminidase enzyme levels. Molecular study revealed a novel homozygous intronic mutation which confirmed the diagnosis of GM2 Activator protein deficiency. GM2 Activator protein deficiency is a mimic of Classical Tay-Sachs disease and should be a differential diagnosis in children who present with neuroregression, cherry red spots without hepatosplenomegaly and with normal beta hexosaminidase enzyme levels.
Geometry of Quantum States
Authors: Bengtsson Ingemar , Życzkowski Karol
Published: August 2017

Quantum information theory is a branch of science at the frontier of physics, mathematics, and information science, and offers a variety of solutions that are impossible using classical theory. This book provides a detailed introduction to the key concepts used in processing quantum information and reveals that quantum mechanics is a generalisation of classical probability theory. The second edition contains new sections and entirely new chapters: the hot topic of multipartite entanglement; in-depth discussion of the discrete structures in finite dimensional Hilbert space, including unitary operator bases, mutually unbiased bases, symmetric informationally complete generalized measurements, discrete Wigner function, and unitary designs; the Gleason and Kochen–Specker theorems; the proof of the Lieb conjecture; the measure concentration phenomenon; and the Hastings' non-additivity theorem. This richly-illustrated book will be useful to a broad audience of graduates and researchers interested in quantum information theory. Exercises follow each chapter, with hints and answers supplied.
“The West of Their Imagination”: Transnational Impression Management and Canadian Migration in the Nigerian Youth Imaginary
Authors: Adeyanju Charles T.
Published: August 2017

This article examines the perceptions of Canada by Nigerian youths who have a desire to immigrate to Canada. It explicates why Canada remains an attraction to prospective immigrants in spite of documented accounts of racial discrimination against racial minorities in Canadian society. Based on semistructured and focus group interviews with thirty-five Nigerian youths, the study demonstrates that Nigerian youths chose Canada because the Canadian postsecondary education system can provide them with foreign credentials that will give them access to economic power and social prestige in an unfair and unequal Nigerian society. The youths are also impressed by the transnational lives of their peers and social groups residing in the West. Although the youths criticize the dysfunctions of key institutions of Nigerian society, especially the education institution, they do not deplore social inequality per se.
The Norwegian Model of Oil Extraction and Revenues Management in Uganda
Authors: Polus Andrzej , Tycholiz Wojciech J.
Published: August 2017

According to the latest figures, Uganda has 6.5 billion barrels of oil deposits, which makes it the third-largest oil holder in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently the country is preparing its legal and institutional framework for proper management of the oil revenues. However, developing an effective oil sector in any of the SSA states has so far proved to be a futile task. To ensure that Uganda is not going to repeat the mistakes of Nigeria, the country’s leaders have requested Norway’s assistance in preparing Uganda’s oil sector for the upcoming production phase. The major objective of this article is to determine whether the Norwegian model of oil extraction and revenues management is transplantable to the Ugandan political, economic, and social conditions.
Ethical Irony and the Relational Leader: Grappling with the Infinity of Ethics and the Finitude of Practice
Authors: Rhodes Carl , Badham Richard
Published: August 2017

Relational leadership invokes an ethics involving a leader’s affective engagement and genuine concern with the interests of others. This ethics faces practical difficulties given it implies a seemingly limitless responsibility to a set of incommensurable ethical demands. This article contributes to addressing the impasse this creates in three ways. First, it clarifies the nature of the tensions involved by theorising relational leadership as caught in an irreconcilable bind between an infinitely demanding ethics and the finite possibilities of a response to those demands. Second, it examines this ethical challenge in acknowledgement of the hierarchical discourses and power dynamics in which leadership relationships are constrained and enacted. Third, it proposes “ethical irony” as a way leaders can respond to the demand for ethics without resulting in either an escape from ethics, or being crushed by its burden. Three dimensions of ethical irony are examined: ironic perspective, ironic performance, and ironic predilection.
Adapting the buying funnel model of consumer behavior to the design of an online health research recruitment tool
Authors: Doshi Aalap , Connally Lisa , Spiroff Meghan , Johnson Anita , Mashour George A.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

UMHealthResearch is the University of Michigan’s digital health research recruitment platform. It allows health researchers to connect efficiently with potentially eligible volunteers.

Methods

In 2013, the UMHealthResearch team strategically adapted a consumer behavior model, the buying funnel, to create the Digital Health Research Participation Funnel. The Digital Health Research Participation Funnel was then used to design a more active way for potential participants to volunteer for research studies through UMHealthResearch.

Results

In the 5 years before the redesign (2007–2012), an average of 1844 new accounts were created every year, whereas in the completed years after the redesign (2013–2016) the annual average improved to 3906, an increase of 111%.

Conclusion

Although a randomized design was not possible in this instance, these preintervention and postintervention data suggest that the focus on user experience is an effective strategy for improving web-based research recruitment platforms.
Technology Transfers and Organization: The English East India Company and the Transfer of Piedmontese Silk Reeling Technology to Bengal, 1750s–1790s
Authors: HUTKOVÁ KAROLINA
Published: August 2017

This article addresses two questions: Why do firms centralize, and what determines the success and failure of technology transfers? First, it argues that centralization decreases the costs of technology transfers, especially if knowledge is tacit, by reducing transaction costs. Second, it argues that an important factor for the success of a technology transfer is the capacity of a firm to mitigate agency problems. The English East India Company (EEIC) is mostly studied as a trading body. This article analyzes the company’s attempt to become a producer of raw silk in Bengal. In order to improve the quality of Bengal raw silk and thus increase the silk’s trading potential, it decided to apply Piedmontese reeling technologies that relied on a centralized system of production, which significantly decreased the transmission costs of the technology transfer and was thus the key for its success. However, because the EEIC’s management system involved in silk manufacturing was not innovated, the transfer’s effectiveness was diminished.
Stability and sensitivity of a cross-flow-dominated Falkner–Skan–Cooke boundary layer with discrete surface roughness
Authors: Brynjell-Rahkola Mattias , Shahriari Nima , Schlatter Philipp , Hanifi Ardeshir , Henningson Dan S.
Published: August 2017

With the motivation of determining the critical roughness size, a global stability and sensitivity analysis of a three-dimensional Falkner–Skan–Cooke (FSC) boundary layer with a cylindrical surface roughness is performed. The roughness size is chosen such that breakdown to turbulence is initiated by a global version of traditional secondary instabilities of the cross-flow (CF) vortices instead of an immediate flow tripping at the roughness. The resulting global eigenvalue spectra of the systems are found to be very sensitive to numerical parameters and domain size. This sensitivity to numerical parameters is quantified using the $\unicode[STIX]{x1D700}$-pseudospectrum, and the dependency on the domain is analysed through an impulse response, structural sensitivity analysis and an energy budget. It is shown that while the frequencies remain relatively unchanged, the growth rates increase with domain size, which originates from the inclusion of stronger CF vortices in the baseflow. This is reflected in a change in the rate of advective energy transport by the baseflow. It is concluded that the onset of global instability in a FSC boundary layer as the roughness height is increased does not correspond to an immediate flow tripping behind the roughness, but occurs for lower roughness heights if sufficiently long domains are considered. However, the great sensitivity results in an inability to accurately pinpoint the exact parameter values for the bifurcation, and the large spatial growth of the disturbances in the long domains eventually becomes larger than can be resolved using finite-precision arithmetic.
Increased xenarthran diversity of the Great American Biotic Interchange: a new genus and species of ground sloth (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Megalonychidae) from the Hemphillian (late Miocene) of Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: McDonald H. Gregory , Carranza-Castañeda Oscar
Published: August 2017

A new genus and species of megalonychid sloth,Zacatzontli tecolotlanensisn. gen. n. sp., is described from the late Hemphillian of Jalisco, Mexico. Comparison and analysis of the type specimen, a mandible, with other megalonychid sloths shows a closer relationship to South American taxa than those from North America or the Caribbean. This suggests that during the early stages of the Great American Biotic Interchange there were two separate dispersal events of megalonychid sloths—an earlier one represented byPliometanastesand the later one byZacatzontlin. gen. While the morphology of the spout ofZacatzontlimore closely resembles that ofMegalonyx, based on the current record,Zacatzontlidoes does not enter North America until after the evolution ofMegalonyxfromPliometanastes. The role of the northern neotropics in South America as a staging area for South American taxa that entered North America is discussed.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR) profiling tests as diagnostic support for schizophrenia and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Juselius Baghdassarian Eva , Nilsson Markhed Maria , Lindström Eva , Nilsson Björn M , Lewander Tommy
Published: August 2017

Objective

To evaluate the performances of two auditory brainstem response (ABR) profiling tests as potential biomarkers and diagnostic support for schizophrenia and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), respectively, in an investigator-initiated blinded study design.

Method

Male and female patients with schizophrenia (n=26) and adult ADHD (n=24) meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM IV) diagnostic criteria and healthy controls (n=58) comprised the analysis set (n=108) of the total number of study participants (n=119). Coded sets of randomized ABR recordings were analysed by an independent party blinded to clinical diagnoses before a joint code-breaking session.

Results

The ABR profiling test for schizophrenia identified schizophrenia patients versus controls with a sensitivity of 84.6% and a specificity of 93.1%. The ADHD test identified patients with adult ADHD versus controls with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 91.4%.

Conclusion

The ABR profiling tests discriminated schizophrenia and ADHD versus healthy controls with high sensitivity and specificity. The methods deserve to be further explored in larger clinical studies including a broad range of psychiatric disorders to determine their utility as potential diagnostic biomarkers.
Political Conditions for Electoral Accountability in Federalism
Authors: Cutler Fred
Published: August 2017

A theory of voting under federalism requires that attributions of responsibility moderate the strength of retrospective voting. Scholars have spotty evidence that voters do this but put this down to the effects of institutions and citizens’ capabilities. I show thatpoliticalvariation also affects electoral accountability. Using panel surveys across provincial and federal elections and qualitative media content analysis, I show that voters only live up to a federal theory of voting when governments make policy changes independent of the other level and those changes and their consequences are prominent in political discourse. Federal institutions affect electoral accountability through the politics that they generate.
WEALTH-BASED INEQUALITY IN CHILD IMMUNIZATION IN INDIA: A DECOMPOSITION APPROACH
Authors: Debnath Avijit , Bhattacharjee Nairita
Published: August 2017

Despite years of health and medical advancement, children still suffer from infectious diseases that are vaccine preventable. India reacted in 1978 by launching the Expanded Programme on Immunization in an attempt to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Although the nation has made remarkable progress over the years, there is significant variation in immunization coverage across different socioeconomic strata. This study attempted to identify the determinants of wealth-based inequality in child immunization using a new, modified method. The present study was based on 11,001 eligible ever-married women aged 15–49 and their children aged 12–23 months. Data were from the third District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3) of India, 2007–08. Using an approximation of Erreyger’s decomposition technique, the study identified unequal access to antenatal care as the main factor associated with inequality in immunization coverage in India.
Technocrats’ Compromises: Defining Race and the Struggle for Equality in Brazil, 1970–2010
Authors: POWELL BRENNA MAREA , SILVA GRAZIELLA MORAES
Published: August 2017

This article focuses on census policy-making by analysing the decision-making processes behind the apparent stability of Brazilian racial categories within a context of multiple changes in racial politics and policies over the last four decades (1970–2010). Empirically, we rely on archival material, survey and census data, as well as key informant interviews with senior technocrats from the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics, IBGE). Our findings show the central role of technocratic actors in shaping and giving meaning to these categories in a context of uncertainty about the most valid approach to measurement. Their role is particularly evident in IBGE's early application of thenegrocategory to the non-white population and repeated rejection of themorenocategory. Beyond technical expertise, these census officials navigated various professional, political and ideological motivations. We develop the concept of technocratic compromise to capture census officials’ decision-making process and underscore its importance to explaining census policy outcomes.
Phonetics and phonology of soft ‘g’ in Turkish
Authors: Ünal-Logacev Özlem , Żygis Marzena , Fuchs Susanne
Published: August 2017

The present study aims to approach soft ‘g’, a highly disputable sound in Turkish phonetics and phonology, from a multidimensional perspective by (i) analysing its historical development, (ii) investigating its distribution in a dictionary of Modern Turkish, and (iii) studying its acoustic realization. In the Ottoman script soft ‘g’ was represented with two letters: <غ>, pronounced [ɣ], was used in the context of precedingbackvowels Vback_(Vback, C);<گ>, pronounced [j], was used in the context of precedingfrontvowels Vfront_(Vfront, C). In 1928, due to a reform in orthography, these two vocalic contexts were obscured by replacing both <غ> and <گ> with <ğ>. Our investigation of the distribution of /ğ/ in the native vocabulary of Modern Turkish reveals that /ğ/ is in complementary distribution with /ɡ/: /ğ/ appears word-finally and word-medially (i.e. syllable-finally Vğ.C and intervocalically V.ğV), while /ɡ/ is found word-initially and word-medially (i.e. syllable-initially when following a consonant C.ğV). However, in loan words which are well assimilated into Turkish by means of phono-morphological rules the complementary distribution is not attested. Moreover, the behavior of soft ‘g’ in phonological processes strongly suggests that the sound is part of the phonemic inventory of Turkish. Finally, the results of our two acoustic experiments show that /ğ/ is phonetically manifested in the lengthening of the preceding vowel (/Vğ/ → [Vː]) independently of the surrounding vowel environment, word position, and participant age. In addition, the results indicate that speakers of Modern Turkish do not realize acoustic properties of a velar gesture.
Evidence-informed decision making for nutrition: African experiences and way forward
Authors: Aryeetey Richmond , Holdsworth Michelle , Taljaard Christine , Hounkpatin Waliou Amoussa , Colecraft Esi , Lachat Carl , Nago Eunice , Hailu Tesfaye , Kolsteren Patrick , Verstraeten Roos
Published: August 2017

Although substantial amount of nutrition research is conducted in Africa, the research agenda is mainly donor-driven. There is a clear need for a revised research agenda in Africa which is both driven by and responding to local priorities. The present paper summarises proceedings of a symposium on how evidence can guide decision makers towards context-appropriate priorities and decisions in nutrition. The paper focuses on lessons learnt from case studies by the Evidence Informed Decision Making in Nutrition and Health Network implemented between 2015 and 2016 in Benin, Ghana and South Africa. Activities within these countries were organised around problem-oriented evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM), capacity strengthening and leadership and horizontal collaboration. Using a combination of desk-reviews, stakeholder influence-mapping, semi-structured interviews and convening platforms, these country-level studies demonstrated strong interest for partnership between researchers and decision makers, and use of research evidence for prioritisation and decision making in nutrition. Identified capacity gaps were addressed through training workshops on EIDM, systematic reviews, cost–benefit evaluations and evidence contextualisation. Investing in knowledge partnerships and development of capacity and leadership are key to drive appropriate use of evidence in nutrition policy and programming in Africa.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells as a research tool in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Robbins J. P. , Price J.
Published: August 2017

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a novel, timely approach for investigating the aetiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although we are starting to gain more insight into the specific mechanisms that cause Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, this has not resulted in therapies to slow the pathological processes. Animal models have been paramount in studying the neurobiological processes underlying psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, these human conditions cannot be entirely recapitulated in rodents. Human cell models derived from patients’ cells now offer new hope for improving our understanding of the early molecular stages of these diseases, through to validating therapeutics. The impact of dementia is increasing, and a new model to investigate the early stages of this disease is heralded as an essential, new platform for translational research. In this paper, we review current literature using iPSCs to study Alzheimer's disease, describe drug discovery efforts using this platform, and discuss the future potential for this technology in psychiatry research.