bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin Resistance and Endothelial Dysfunction Constitute a Common Therapeutic Target in Cardiometabolic Disorders
Authors: Janus A. , Szahidewicz-Krupska E. , Mazur G. , Doroszko A.
Published: June 2016

Insulin resistance and other risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, promote endothelial dysfunction and lead to development of metabolic syndrome which constitutes an introduction to cardiovascular disease. The insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction cross talk between each other by numerous metabolic pathways. Hence, targeting one of these pathologies with pleiotropic treatment exerts beneficial effect on another one. Combined and expletive treatment of hypertension, lipid disorders, and insulin resistance with nonpharmacological interventions and conventional pharmacotherapy may inhibit the transformation of metabolic disturbances to fully developed cardiovascular disease. This paper summarises the common therapeutic targets for insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular inflammatory reaction at molecular level and analyses the potential pleiotropic effects of drugs used currently in management of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
Using Genome-Wide SNP Discovery and Genotyping to Reveal the Main Source of Population Differentiation inNothofagus dombeyi(Mirb.) Oerst. in Chile
Authors: Hasbún Rodrigo , González Jorge , Iturra Carolina , Fuentes Glenda , Alarcón Diego , Ruiz Eduardo
Published: June 2016

Within a woody plant species, environmental heterogeneity has the potential to influence the distribution of genetic variation among populations through several evolutionary processes. In some species, a relationship between environmental characteristics and the distribution of genotypes can be detected, showing the importance of natural selection as the main source of differentiation.Nothofagus dombeyi(Mirb.) Oerst. (Nothofagaceae) is an endemic tree species occurring both in Chile and in Argentina temperate forests. Postglacial history has been studied with chloroplast DNA and evolutionary forces shaping genetic variation patterns have been analysed with isozymes but fine-scale genetic diversity studies are needed. The study of demographic and selection histories inNothofagus dombeyirequires more informative markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Genotyping-by-Sequencing tools now allow studying thousands of SNP markers at reasonable prices in nonmodel species. We investigated more than 10 K SNP loci for signatures of local adaptation and showed that interrogation of genomic resources can identify shifts in genetic diversity and putative adaptive signals in this nonmodel woody species.
Mechanoregulation of Wound Healing and Skin Homeostasis
Authors: Rosińczuk Joanna , Taradaj Jakub , Dymarek Robert , Sopel Mirosław
Published: June 2016

Basic and clinical studies on mechanobiology of cells and tissues point to the importance of mechanical forces in the process of skin regeneration and wound healing. These studies result in the development of new therapies that use mechanical force which supports effective healing. A better understanding of mechanobiology will make it possible to develop biomaterials with appropriate physical and chemical properties used to treat poorly healing wounds. In addition, it will make it possible to design devices precisely controlling wound mechanics and to individualize a therapy depending on the type, size, and anatomical location of the wound in specific patients, which will increase the clinical efficiency of the therapy. Linking mechanobiology with the science of biomaterials and nanotechnology will enable in the near future precise interference in abnormal cell signaling responsible for the proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and restoration of the biological balance. The objective of this study is to point to the importance of mechanobiology in regeneration of skin damage and wound healing. The study describes the influence of rigidity of extracellular matrix and special restrictions on cell physiology. The study also defines how and what mechanical changes influence tissue regeneration and wound healing. The influence of mechanical signals in the process of proliferation, differentiation, and skin regeneration is tagged in the study.
Uptake of HLA Alloantigens via CD89 and CD206 Does Not Enhance Antigen Presentation by Indirect Allorecognition
Authors: Breman Eytan , Ruben Jurjen M. , Franken Kees L. , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M. , Roelen Dave L. , Claas Frans H. , van Kooten Cees
Published: June 2016

In organ transplantation, alloantigens are taken up by antigen presenting cells and presented via the indirect pathway to T-cells which in turn can induce allograft rejection. Monitoring of these T-cells is of major importance; however no reliable assay is available to routinely monitor indirect allorecognition. Recently we showed that HLA monomers can be successfully used to monitor indirect allorecognition. Targeting antigens to endocytic receptors on antigen presenting cells may further enhance the presentation of antigens via HLA class II and improve the efficiency of this assay. In the current study we explored targeting of HLA monomers to either CD89 expressing monocytes or mannose receptor expressing dendritic cells. Monomer-antibody complexes were generated using biotin-labeled monomers and avidin labeling of the antibodies. We demonstrate that targeting the complexes to these receptors resulted in a dose-dependent HLA class II mediated presentation to a T-cell clone. The immune-complexes were efficiently taken up and presented to T-cells. However, the level of T-cell reactivity was similar to that when only exogenous antigen was added. We conclude that HLA-A2 monomers targeted for presentation through CD89 on monocytes or mannose receptor on dendritic cells lead to proper antigen presentation but do not enhance indirect allorecognition via HLA-DR.
Key-Insulated Undetachable Digital Signature Scheme and Solution for Secure Mobile Agents in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Shi Yang , Lin Jie , Xiong Guoyue , Wang Xiaoping , Fan Hongfei
Published: June 2016

Considering the security of both the customers’ hosts and the eShops’ servers, we introduce the idea of a key-insulated undetachable digital signature, enabling mobile agents to generate undetachable digital signatures on remote hosts with the key-insulated property of the original signer’s signing key. From the theoretical perspective, we provide the formal definition and security notion of a key-insulated undetachable digital signature. From the practical perspective, we propose a concrete scheme to secure mobile agents in electronic commerce. The scheme is mainly focused on protecting the signing key from leakage and preventing the misuse of the signature algorithm on malicious servers. Agents do not carry the signing key when they generate digital signatures on behalf of the original signer, so the key is protected on remote servers. Furthermore, if a hacker gains the signing key of the original signer, the hacker is still unable to forge a signature for any time period other than the key being accessed. In addition, the encrypted function is combined with the original signer’s requirement to prevent the misuse of signing algorithm. The scheme is constructed on gap Diffie–Hellman groups with provable security, and the performance testing indicates that the scheme is efficient.
Existence of General Competitive Equilibria: A Variational Approach
Authors: Anello G. , Rania F.
Published: June 2016

We study the existence of general competitive equilibria in economies with agents and goods in a finite number. We show that there exists a Walras competitive equilibrium in all ownership private economies such that, for all consumers, initial endowments do not contain free goods and utility functions are locally Lipschitz quasiconcave. The proof of the existence of competitive equilibria is based on variational methods by applying a theoretical existence result for Generalized Quasi Variational Inequalities.
Design and Fabrication of Air-Based 1-3 Piezoelectric Composite Transducer for Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Applications
Authors: He Cunfu , Wang Yaoyao , Lu Yan , Liu Yuepeng , Wu Bin
Published: June 2016

The air-based 1-3 piezoelectric composite transducers are designed and fabricated in order to solve the acoustic impedance matching problem. Firstly, a finite element model using honeycomb structure as the piezoelectric composite matrix is built to reduce the acoustic impedance of the sensitive element. Three important factors, volume fraction of piezoelectric materialsφ, the thicknessh, and the sizesof the square cross section of piezoelectric column, are examined and verified in simulation. Then, according to the result of simulation, the piezoelectric composites and the air-coupled transducers are fabricated. The honeycomb structures of resin are produced by the method of 3D printing technology, with the volume fraction of air being 30%. The impedance characteristics and the excitation/reception performance of the air-coupled transducers are measured and optimized. Meanwhile, a scanning experiment is carried out to demonstrate the crack detection process in monocrystalline silicon.A0mode of Lamb waves is excited and collected. The location and size of the defect will be determined by calculating the correlation coefficients of the received signals and reference signals. Finally, a 15 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm scratch is clearly distinguished.
Study on the Mechanism of Rock Stress Sensitivity Using a Random Pore Network Simulation
Authors: Chen Qi , Liu Quanwen , Tao Zhengwu
Published: June 2016

Studies of rock stress sensitivity are mainly focused on experimental and data processing methods, and the mechanism cannot be adequately explained using specific pore shape models. This study, based on a random pore network simulation, explains the rock stress sensitivity mechanism for the first time. Based on the network model theory, the hydraulic conductivity equation, the dimensionless radius equation, and the effective stress equation for partially saturated rock are used to generate a three-dimensional random pore network model based on the QT platform. The simulation results show that the influence of the effective stress on the dimensionless radius becomes more significant as the aspect ratio decreases, and the relationship between dimensionless radius and effective stress can be effectively interpreted through different combinations of pore shapes. Moreover, the mechanism behind permeability stress sensitivity can be explained by establishing the relationship between permeability and effective stress.
Client Satisfaction with Delivery Care Service and Associated Factors in the Public Health Facilities of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia:In a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Tesfaye Rahel , Worku Amare , Godana Wanzahun , Lindtjorn Bernt
Published: June 2016

Background. Ensuring patient satisfaction is an important means of secondary prevention of maternal mortality. This study presents findings from a multidimensional study of client satisfaction from the Gamo Gofa Zone in Southwest Ethiopia.Methods. A facility based cross-sectional study using exit interviews was conducted from 2014. Client satisfaction was measured using a survey adopted from the Donabedian quality assessment framework. Thirteen health institutions were randomly sampled of 66 institutions in Gamo Gofa Zone. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of client satisfaction.Results. The overall satisfaction level of the clients in this study was 79.1% with (95% CI; 75–82). Women attending health centres were more likely satisfied than women attending hospitals (χ2=83.7,df=12,P<0.001). The proportion of women who complained about an unfriendly attitude or unresentful care from health workers was higher in the hospitals (χ2=27.4,df=1,P<0.001). The presence of support persons during child birth improved client satisfaction (AOR = 6.23 95% CI; 2.75–14.1) and women who delivered with caesarean section are four times more likely satisfied than those who deliver vaginally (AOR 3.6 95% CI; 1.44–9.06). Client satisfaction was reduced if the women had to pay for the services (AOR = 0.27 95% CI; 0.09–81).Conclusions. The study shows that overall satisfaction level is good. More emphasis should be put on giving women friendly care, particularly at the hospitals.
Rolling Force Prediction in Heavy Plate Rolling Based on Uniform Differential Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhao Yuntao , Shao Jian
Published: June 2016

Accurate prediction of the rolling force is critical to assuring the quality of the final product in steel manufacturing. Exit thickness of plate for each pass is calculated from roll gap, mill spring, and predicted roll force. Ideal pass scheduling is dependent on a precise prediction of the roll force in each pass. This paper will introduce a concept that allows obtaining the material model parameters directly from the rolling process on an industrial scale by the uniform differential neural network. On the basis of the characteristics that the uniform distribution can fully characterize the solution space and enhance the diversity of the population, uniformity research on differential evolution operator is made to get improved crossover with uniform distribution. When its original function is transferred with a transfer function, the uniform differential evolution algorithms can quickly solve complex optimization problems. Neural network structure and weights threshold are optimized by uniform differential evolution algorithm, and a uniform differential neural network is formed to improve rolling force prediction accuracy in process control system.
Current Treatment Approaches to HCC with a Special Consideration to Transplantation
Authors: Bhardwaj N. , Perera M. T. P. R. , Silva M. A.
Published: June 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The mainstay of treatment of HCC has been both resectional and transplantation surgery. It is well known that, in selected, optimized patients, hepatectomy for HCC may be an option, even in patients with underlying cirrhosis. Resectable patients with early HCC and underlying liver disease are however increasingly being considered for transplantation because of potential for better disease-free survival and resolution of underlying liver disease, although this approach is limited by the availability of donor livers, especially in resectable patients. Outcomes following liver transplantation improved dramatically for patients with HCC following the implementation of the Milan criteria in the late 1990s. Ever since, the rather restrictive nature of the Milan criteria has been challenged with good outcomes. There has also been an increase in the donor pool with marginal donors including organs retrieved following cardiac death being used. Even so, patients still continue to die while waiting for a liver transplant. In order to reduce this attrition, bridging techniques and methods for downstaging disease have evolved. Additionally new techniques for organ preservation have increased the prospect of this potentially curative procedure being available for a greater number of patients.
Organizing Pneumonia in a Patient with Quiescent Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Tanida Satoshi , Takemura Masaya , Mizoshita Tsutomu , Ozeki Keiji , Katano Takahito , Shimura Takaya , Mori Yoshinori , Kubota Eiji , Kataoka Hiromi , Kamiya Takeshi , Joh Takashi
Published: June 2016

A 64-year-old man with Crohn’s disease (CD) was admitted to our hospital due to moderate risk of pneumonia while receiving scheduled adalimumab maintenance therapy. Symptoms remained virtually unchanged following administration of antibiotics. A final diagnosis of organizing pneumonia (OP) was made based on findings of intra-alveolar buds of granulation tissue and fibrous thickening of the alveolar walls on pathological examination and patchy consolidations and ground glass opacities on computed tomography. Immediate administration of prednisolone provided rapid, sustained improvement. Although a rare complication, OP is a pulmonary manifestation that requires attention in CD patients.
Design Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of NovelN-Nitro Acid Amide Derivatives as Lead Compounds of Herbicide
Authors: Qi Xiaojuan , Tang Wenjie , Gao Shan , Gao Min , Chen Changshui , Zhang Qingye
Published: June 2016

A series ofN-nitro acid amide derivatives compounds were synthesized based on the active site of target acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS, EC: 2.2.1.6) enzyme. All the structures of newly prepared compounds were thoroughly characterized by satisfied IR and1H NMR spectra. The IC50values against AHAS enzyme and EC50values for herbicidal activity againstAmaranthus mangostanus L.andSorghum sudanenseof all synthesized target compounds were determined. The compoundsII-10,II-21, andII-22with IC50values of 7.09 mg/L, 9.07 mg/L, and 9.11 mg/L and the compoundsII-8andII-22with EC50values of 9.87 mg/L and 19.88 mg/L against root ofAmaranthus mangostanus L.andSorghum sudanensewere illustrated, respectively. Meanwhile, the possible reasons for the lower activity of compounds were analyzed by molecular docking prediction.
Texture Profile Analysis of Sliced Cheese in relation to Chemical Composition and Storage Temperature
Authors: Zheng Yuanrong , Liu Zhenmin , Mo Beihong
Published: June 2016

The quantitative relationships among chemical composition, storage temperature, and texture of cheese were not fully understood. In this study, the effects of composition and temperature on textural properties of eight common varieties of sliced cheese were examined. The textural properties of sliced cheeses, including firmness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness, chewiness, and resilience, were measured by texture profile analysis after storage at 4 and 25°C for 4 h. Multivariate logistic regression models were established to describe the quantitative relationships of textural properties (dependent variables) to chemical composition and storage temperature (independent variables) of sliced cheeses. Results showed that protein, fat, moisture, and sodium chloride contents as well as storage temperature significantly affected the texture of sliced cheeses (P<0.05). In particular, fat in the dry matter and moisture in the nonfat substances were negatively correlated with firmness of sliced cheeses (P<0.05). As storage temperature rose from 4 to 25°C, the average values of firmness, chewiness, and resilience substantially declined by 42%, 45%, and 17%, respectively (P<0.05). This study provided reference data for adjusting chemical composition and storage temperature of common cheese products to obtain favorable texture for Chinese consumers, which thereby facilitated the localization of cheese industry in Chinese market.
An Efficient Cost-Sensitive Feature Selection Using Chaos Genetic Algorithm for Class Imbalance Problem
Authors: Bian Jing , Peng Xin-guang , Wang Ying , Zhang Hai
Published: June 2016

In the era of big data, feature selection is an essential process in machine learning. Although the class imbalance problem has recently attracted a great deal of attention, little effort has been undertaken to develop feature selection techniques. In addition, most applications involving feature selection focus on classification accuracy but not cost, although costs are important. To cope with imbalance problems, we developed a cost-sensitive feature selection algorithm that adds the cost-based evaluation function of a filter feature selection using a chaos genetic algorithm, referred to as CSFSG. The evaluation function considers both feature-acquiring costs (test costs) and misclassification costs in the field of network security, thereby weakening the influence of many instances from the majority of classes in large-scale datasets. The CSFSG algorithm reduces the total cost of feature selection and trades off both factors. The behavior of the CSFSG algorithm is tested on a large-scale dataset of network security, using two kinds of classifiers: C4.5 andk-nearest neighbor (KNN). The results of the experimental research show that the approach is efficient and able to effectively improve classification accuracy and to decrease classification time. In addition, the results of our method are more promising than the results of other cost-sensitive feature selection algorithms.
Versatile Phase Transfer Method for the Efficient Surface Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles: Towards Controlled Nanoparticle Dispersion in a Polymer Matrix
Authors: Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Girleanu Maria , Tkacz-Szczęsna Beata , Rosowski Marcin , Celichowski Grzegorz , Brinkmann Martin , Ersen Ovidiu , Grobelny Jaroslaw
Published: June 2016

In electronic devices based on hybrid materials such as nonvolatile memory elements (NVMEs), it is essential to control precisely the dispersion of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in an insulating polymer matrix such as polystyrene in order to control the functionality of the device. In this work the incorporation of AuNPs in polystyrene films is controlled by tuning the surface functionalization of the metallic nanoparticles via ligand exchange. Two ligands with different structures were used for functionalization: 1-decanethiol and thiol-terminated polystyrene. This paper presents a versatile method for the modification of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with thiol-terminated polystyrene ligands via phase transfer process. An organic colloid of AuNPs (5±1 nm diameter) is obtained by the phase transfer process (from water to toluene) that allows exchanging the ligand adsorbed on AuNPs surface (hydrophilic citrate/tannic acid to hydrophobic thiols). The stability, size distribution, and precise location of modified AuNPs in the polymer matrix are obtained from UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and electron tomography. TEM tomographic 3D imaging demonstrates that the modification of AuNPs with thiol-terminated polystyrene results in homogeneous particle distribution in the polystyrene matrix compared to 1-decanethiol modified AuNPs for which a vertical phase separation with a homogeneous layer of AuNPs located at the bottom of the polymer matrix was observed.
Integrated Power Flow and Short Circuit Calculation Method for Distribution Network with Inverter Based Distributed Generation
Authors: Yang Shan , Tong Xiangqian
Published: June 2016

Power flow calculation and short circuit calculation are the basis of theoretical research for distribution network with inverter based distributed generation. The similarity of equivalent model for inverter based distributed generation during normal and fault conditions of distribution network and the differences between power flow and short circuit calculation are analyzed in this paper. Then an integrated power flow and short circuit calculation method for distribution network with inverter based distributed generation is proposed. The proposed method let the inverter based distributed generation be equivalent toIθbus, which makes it suitable to calculate the power flow of distribution network with a current limited inverter based distributed generation. And the low voltage ride through capability of inverter based distributed generation can be considered as well in this paper. Finally, some tests of power flow and short circuit current calculation are performed on a 33-bus distribution network. The calculated results from the proposed method in this paper are contrasted with those by the traditional method and the simulation method, whose results have verified the effectiveness of the integrated method suggested in this paper.
Using the ADDIE Model of Instructional Design to Teach Chest Radiograph Interpretation
Authors: Cheung Lawrence
Published: June 2016

Interpreting basic chest radiographs is an important skill for internal medicine residents to help them adequately diagnose and manage respiratory diseases. Educators need tools to ensure that they take a systematic approach when creating a curriculum to teach this, as well as other skills, knowledge, or attitudes. Using an instructional design model helps educators accomplish this task by giving them a guide they can follow to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of the learners. Using the creation of a curriculum to teach chest radiograph interpretation as an example, this paper illustrates how educators can use the ADDIE model of instructional design to help develop their own curricula.
Association Between Prescription Opioid Use and Biomarkers of Kidney Disease in US Adults
Authors: Barbosa-Leiker Celestina , McPherson Sterling , Daratha Kenn , Alicic Radica , Short Robert , Dieter Brad , Chaytor Naomi , Roll John , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Prescription opioid use is increasing despite concerns about drug safety. We examined relationships between use of analgesics with biomarkers of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a representative sample of adults in the United States (US). Methods: Participants (n=3980) were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2010. Use of any analgesic, prescription opioids, and NSAIDs were compared to referent groups with use of non-analgesic prescription medication or use of no prescription medication. CKD biomarkers including urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and serum-creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; CKD Epidemiology Collaboration: CKD-EPI equation) were analyzed as continuous and binary variables (UACR ≥30 mg/g or eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73m2; median splits). Results: Frequencies of use were: any prescription analgesic 12.7% (507/3980); prescription opioids 5.1% (204/3980); NSAIDs 5.6% (224/3980); non-analgesic medication 38.7% (1540/3980); no medication 48.6% (1933/3980). Prescription analgesic use (β=0.17, p=0.021) and opioid use (β=0.19, p=0.002) were associated with higher UACR values, while NSAID use was not (β=0.17, p=0.105). Prescription analgesic use was related to UACR ≥5.98 mg/g (median), (OR=1.34, 95%CI=1.01-7.79, p=0.045). No type of analgesic use was related to CKD-EPI eGFR. Conclusion: In a representative US population, prescription opioid use associated with higher albuminuria levels compared to non-opioid-users.
Overweight and Underweight Prevalence Trends in Children from Romania - Pooled Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies between 2006 and 2015
Authors: Chirita-Emandi Adela , Barbu Carmen Gabriela , Cinteza Elena Eliza , Chesaru Bianca Ioana , Gafencu Mihai , Mocanu Veronica , Pascanu Ionela M. , Tatar Simona Alexandra , Balgradean Mihaela , Dobre Michaela , Fica Simona Vasilica , Ichim Gabriela Edita , Pop Raluca , Puiu Maria
Published: June 2016

Aim: High-quality national representative data on obesity in Romanian children are needed to shape public health policies. To provide a unified data landscape on national prevalence, trends and other factors associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity in Romanian children aged 6-19 years, across the last decade (2006-2015). Methods: Using a common protocol, we selected published and unpublished studies that measured Romanian children in schools between 2006 and 2015. Children's BMI was classified using the current WHO, IOTF, and CDC references. Results: 25,060 children from 8 Romanian counties were included in the analysis. The prevalence of underweight children was 5%/4.5%/8.5% (WHO/IOTF/CDC), while the prevalence of overweight (including obese) children was 28.3%/23%/23.2% (WHO/IOTF/CDC). The prevalence of overweight children did not change significantly over the last decade (chi-square test p = 0.6). Male gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.37; 95% CI 1.29-1.45, compared to female); prepubertal age (OR = 3.86; 95% CI 3.41-4.36,compared to postpubertal age), and urban environment (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.26, compared to rural environment) had higher risk for overweight. Conclusion: While the prevalence of underweight children was low, almost one in four children in Romania was overweight or obese (according to WHO criteria) between 2006 and 2015. This prevalence remained relatively stable over the last decade. Male gender, prepubertal age, and urban environment, were the most relevant risk factors associated with overweight status in Romanian children.
Novel Compound Heterozygous Spatacsin Mutations in a Greek Kindred with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia SPG11 and Dementia
Authors: Fraidakis Matthew J. , Brunetti Maura , Blackstone Craig , Filippi Massimo , Chiò Adriano
Published: June 2016

SPG11 belongs to the autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) and presents during childhood or puberty with a complex clinical phenotype encompassing learning difficulties, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, amyotrophy, and mental retardation. We hereby present the case of a 30-year-old female patient with complex autosomal recessive HSP with thinning of the corpus callosum (TCC) and dementia that was compound heterozygous with two novel mutations in the SPG11 gene. Sequence analysis of the SPG11 gene revealed two novel mutations in a compound heterozygous state in the index patient (c.2431C>T/p.Gln811Ter and c.6755_6756insT/p.Glu2252Aspfs*88). MRI showed abnormal TCC, white matter (WM) hyperintensities periventricularly, and the ‘ears of the lynx' sign. Diffusion tensor imaging showed a mild-to-moderate decrease in fractional anisotropy and an increase in mean diffusivity in WM compared to age-matched controls, while magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed abnormal findings in affected WM with a decrease in N-acetyl-aspartate in WM regions of interest. This is the first SPG11 kindred from the Greek population to be reported in the medical literature.
Bovine Mammary Nutrigenomics and Changes in the Milk Composition due to Rapeseed or Sunflower Oil Supplementation of High-Forage or High-Concentrate Diets
Authors: Leroux Christine , Bernard Laurance , Faulconnier Yannick , Rouel Jacques , de la Foye Anne , Domagalski Jordann , Chilliard Yves
Published: June 2016

Background: Fatty acid (FA) composition plays a crucial role in milk nutritional quality. Despite the known nutritional regulation of ruminant milk composition, the overall mammary mechanisms underlying this regulation are far from being understood. The aim of our study was to determine nutritional regulation of mammary transcriptomes in relation to the cow milk composition. Methods: Twelve cows received diets differing in the forage-to-concentrate ratio [high forage (HF) and low forage (LF)] supplemented or not with lipids [HF with whole intact rapeseeds (RS) and LF sunflower oil (SO)] in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Milk production and FA composition were determined. The gene expression profile was studied using RT-qPCR and a bovine microarray. Results: Our results showed a higher amplitude of milk composition and mammary transcriptome responses to lipid supplementation with the LF-SO compared with the LF diet than with the HF-RS compared with the HF diet. Forty-nine differentially expressed genes, including genes involved in lipid metabolism, were identified with LF-SO versus LF, whereas RS supplementation to the HF diet did not affect the mammary transcriptome. Conclusions: This study highlights different responses to lipid supplementation of milk production and composition and mammary transcriptomes depending on the nature of lipid supplementation and the percentage of dietary concentrate.
HCC-Associated Liver Transplantation - Where Are the Limits and What Are the New Regulations?
Authors: Strassburg Christian P.
Published: June 2016

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents an increasing health burden worldwide and a challenging disease both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The literature available on PubMed for the period of 1990-2016 was reviewed with reference to liver allocation, HCC, liver transplantation (LT), and prediction, and the allocation rules of the German Transplant Act were reviewed. Results: Due to etiological and geographical diversity, HCC is not a homogeneous disease. In the vast majority of patients, HCC develops as a complication of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. While most patients present with advanced HCC for which palliative strategies are the only available option, LT is the best treatment approach as it not only eliminates the diseased liver and the underlying hepatocarcinogenic mechanisms but also the cancer. The decision for LT is not an easy one to make, because outcome prediction, staging, bridging therapy, and recurrence prevention are difficult and are estimated against the background of the scarce resource of donor organs which are also competitively sought after by patients suffering from non-neoplastic terminal liver diseases, raising the issue of equality of chances in a rationed therapeutic modality. Currently, the Milan criteria are the best evaluated decision tool for LT, but many issues such as down-staging, favorable biological behavior during treatment, expansion of the morphological classification, molecular predictors, and individualized approaches are not yet satisfactorily addressed. Conclusion: In order to provide a fair and effective approach to LT in HCC, the employed allocation rules require continuous development and scientific evaluation. Recently, the allocation rules for standard exception priority according to the German Transplant Act have been revised to improve patient selection for LT in HCC.
When and How to Treat HCV Infection with the New Antivirals before or after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Herzer Kerstin , Gerken Guido
Published: June 2016

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the primary causes of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation (LT). Graft loss due to hepatitis C (HCV) recurrence is a serious problem after LT. Thus, the approval of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens has important implications in the LT setting. The findings of controlled trials have confirmed the safety and the excellent efficacy of most DAA combinations, and these findings have been confirmed by reports of high rates of sustained virologic response in the real-life setting. However, data from patients with decompensated cirrhosis who are on the LT waiting list are still scarce and, when available, suggest cautious consideration of whether HCV treatment before LT is beneficial in all cases. Progression of cirrhosis and refractory decompensation result in severely decreasing response rates, the risk of resistance, and reduced Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores despite clinical deterioration, making LT more difficult to achieve. On the other hand, treating HCV recurrence after LT is feasible with most of the available DAA combinations. Thus, an important topic of current debate is the establishment of predictors and conditions that can determine whether HCV treatment is best before or after LT. This review article comprehends and discusses recent data and challenges on the treatment of HCV infection in the liver transplant setting.
Early Gastric Cancer Just above a Heterotopic Pancreas
Authors: Murabayashi Toji , Kawaguchi Shinya , Okuda Naoko , Oyamada Jun , Yabana Tadashi
Published: June 2016

We report the first case of early gastric cancer just above a heterotopic pancreas for which the differential diagnosis was carcinoma arising from heterotopic pancreas. Routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in an 83-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer revealed a gastric cancer in the lesser curvature of the antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for evaluating the depth of tumor invasion revealed a hypoechoic mass in the submucosal layer. The depth of tumor invasion was diagnosed as muscularis propria. Distal gastrectomy and sigmoidectomy were performed. Histologically, the resected specimen of the stomach unexpectedly revealed a heterotopic pancreas just below the gastric cancer. They were not linked, and the heterotopic pancreas had no dysplasia. The gastric cancer had slightly invaded the submucosa. The hypoechoic mass on EUS was not the invasive tumor but the heterotopic pancreas. The preoperative staging of the gastric cancer on EUS was confounded by the presence of the heterotopic pancreas just below the gastric cancer.
Is Irreducible Normativity Impossibly Queer?
Authors: Toppinen Teemu
Published: June 2016

I argue that Jonas Olson’s argument from irreducible normativity is not a secure basis for an argument for error theory (section 1) and that a better basis is provided by the argument from supervenience, which has more bite against non-naturalist moral realism than Olson is willing to allow (section 2). I suggest there may be a view which can allow for the existence of irreducibly normative facts while remaining unaffected by the kinds of arguments that work against non-naturalist realism. This view is expressivism. Interestingly, James Dreier has recently suggested that expressivism may not escape these arguments. I very briefly outline (but do not pursue) possible response strategies for expressivists (section 3). I close by discussing Olson’s argument against expressivism. Olson suggests, somewhat surprisingly, that expressivism is a bad fit with a plausible evolutionary explanation of our moral thought. I argue that Olson’s argument does not succeed (section 4).
Seat Belt Mandates and Paternalism
Authors: Flanigan Jessica
Published: June 2016

Seat belt mandates seem like a paradigmatic case of justified paternalism. Even those who generally object to paternalism often concede that seat belt laws are justified. Against this near-consensus in favor of mandates, I argue that seat belt laws are unjust and public officials should not enforce them. The most plausible exceptions to a principle of anti-paternalism do not justify seat belt mandates. Some argue that seat belt mandates are not paternalistic because unbelted riders are not fully autonomous. Others claim that the decision to ride unbelted harms other people. Yet these attempts to defend seat belt mandates on non-paternalistic grounds cannot overcome the case against seat belt mandates. I therefore conclude that even seat belt mandates are unjust. With this comprehensive case against seat belt mandates, I demonstrate the more general difficulties in justifying any form of coercive paternalism.
Climate Ethics: Justifying a Positive Social Time Preference
Authors: Heath Joseph
Published: June 2016

Recent debates over climate change policy have made it clear that the choice of a social discount rate has enormous consequences for the amount of mitigation that will be recommended. The social discount rate determines how future costs are to be compared to present costs. Philosophers, however, have been almost unanimous in endorsing the view that the only acceptable social rate of time preference is zero, a view that, taken literally, has either absurd or extremely radical implications. The first goal of this paper is to show that the standard arguments against temporal preference are much less persuasive than they are usually taken to be. The second goal is to explore two different avenues of argument that could be adopted, in order to show that temporal discounting of welfare may be permissible. The first involves simply an application of the method of reflective equilibrium, while the second involves consideration of the way that our abstract moral commitments are institutionalized.
Playing Fair and Following the Rules
Authors: Tosi Justin
Published: June 2016

In his paper “Fairness, Political Obligation, and the Justificatory Gap” (published in the Journal of Moral Philosophy), Jiafeng Zhu argues that the principle of fair play cannot require submission to the rules of a cooperative scheme, and that when such submission is required, the requirement is grounded in consent. I propose a better argument for the claim that fair play requires submission to the rules than the one Zhu considers. I also argue that Zhu’s attribution of consent to people commonly thought to be bound to follow the rules by a duty of fair play is implausible.
Evidence for Administration of the Nubian Fortresses in the Late Middle Kingdom: The Semna Dispatches
Authors: Kraemer Bryan , Liszka Kate
Published: June 2016

Evidence for the system of written communications used in Egypt’s administration of its forts is sparse. Of the papyri that exist, the “Semna Dispatches” has provided most of the information available about this system as it existed in Lower Nubia during the late Middle Kingdom. In 1945, Paul Smither posthumously published P. Ramesseum C (bm ea10752) as “The Semnah Despatches.” Smither was unaware of two fragments, framed with P. Ramesseum 19 (bm ea10772.2). This study edits the unpublished fragments and incorporates them into the larger discussion about the Semna Dispatches. They provide clarity for the document as a whole. They show that the dispatches were, primarily, used to coordinate surveillance around the Semna Gorge and, secondarily, to record security concerns for other fortresses. Furthermore, they were written in a surveillance office at Semna West and not in Thebes. This study resolves several debates about the dispatches and the control of Lower Nubia in the late Middle Kingdom.
Neshor at Elephantine in Late Saite Egypt
Authors: Bassir Hussein
Published: June 2016

This paper represents a new publication, edition, and interpretation of the self-presentation of Neshor named Psamtikmenkhib (hereafter Neshor) found on theophorous statue Louvre A 90. Neshor and his statue date to Late Saite Egypt, and the text is rich and unique in content. Neshor’s activities at Elephantine, especially his role in the mercenaries’ revolt against King Apries early in the king’s reign are presented in light of Neshor’s related military titles and epithets. Archaeological issues surrounding the statue and text are also discussed.
How Things Feel
Authors: Kotrosits Maia
Published: June 2016

This essay is an intellectual history, one of affect theory both within and without biblical studies, rendered as an ecology of thought. It is an “archive of feelings,” a series of thematic portraits, and a description of the landscape of the field of biblical studies through a set of frictions and express discontentments with its legacies, as well as a set of meaningful encounters under its auspices. That landscape is recounted with a fully experiential map, intentionally relativizing those more dominant sources and traditional modes of doing intellectual history. Affect theory and biblical studies, it turns out, both might be described as implicitly, and ambivalently, theological. But biblical studies has not only typically refused explicit theologizing, it has also refused explicit affectivity, and so affect theory presents biblical studies with both its own losses and new and vital possibilities.
A review of the genus Gyrophaena Mannerheim 1830 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Gyrophaenina) of the Caucasus and adjacent territories
Authors: ENUSHCHENKO ILYA V. , SEMENOV VIKTOR B.
Published: June 2016

A review of the genus Gyrophaena Mannerheim 1830 of the Caucasus and adjacent territories, with faunistic data for twenty three species is provided. G. (Phaenogyra) atropatena Enushchenko, sp. nov. of Azerbaijan and Iran is described and illustrated. One new synonymy is established: G. (s.str.) caucasica A. Strand 1939 = G. (s.str.) cultellata Assing 2009, syn. nov. G. (s.str.) orientalis A. Strand 1938 and G. (s.str.) poweri Crotch 1867 are reported for Caucasus for the first time. Records of G. (s.str.) congrua Erichson 1837, G. (s.str.) joyioides Wüsthoff 1937, and G. (s.str.) pulchella Heer 1839 for Caucasus are not confirmed by new material. G. (s.str.) caucasica is recorded for the Republic of Crimea and Rostov Area of Russia for the first time. Additional new Palaearctic records for some species are provided. An illustrated key for all studied species of Caucasus is given.
Description of new endemic species of the genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Amphipoda: Niphargidae) from a karst spring in Zagros Mountains in Iran
Authors: ESMAEILI-RINEH SOMAYEH , HEIDARI FIROOZEH , FIŠER CENE , AKMALI VAHID
Published: June 2016

New species of the genus Niphargus is described and named as N. kermanshahi sp. nov. from a karst spring in west of Iran. This species is identified based on the analysis of morphological characters and 28S ribosomal DNA sequences. Taxonomic status and phylogenetic position of this species is discussed in comparison to other Iranian species of Niphargus genus.
Corvoheteromeyenia Ezcurra de Drago, 1979 (Spongillidae, Porifera): Genus review with proposal of neotype of Corvoheteromeyenia heterosclera (Ezcurra de Drago, 1974)
Authors: CALHEIRA LUDIMILA , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: June 2016

Corvoheteromeyenia Ezcurra de Drago, 1979 (Spongillidae) is endemic to the Neotropical Region and was erected to comprise C. australis (Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago, 1966) and C. heterosclera (Ezcurra de Drago, 1974). However, the distinction between these species was not well-established and the type materials were not deposited in the collections as otherwise indicated in the original descriptions. Thus, in order to elucidate their specific status, this paper provides a review of the genus and proposes a neotype designation of Corvoheteromeyenia heterosclera, following Article 75 of the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999). A total of 41 specimens were analyzed and identified as belonging to Corvoheteromeyenia. Based on the literature and additional specimens, the redescription of C. australis and C. heterosclera is presented. The acanthoxea microscleres were stated as the distinctive character of both, but are present only in C. heterosclera. Corvoheteromeyenia sanidastosclera Pinheiro, Silva & Calheira, 2015, is distinct from congeners by the presence of sanidaster gemmuloscleres and also differ from C. heterosclera by the absence of acanthoxea microscleres. A key to species of Corvoheteromeyenia is provided.
The coastal marine Tardigrada of the Americas
Authors: MILLER WILLIAM R. , PERRY EMMA S.
Published: June 2016

The Western Hemisphere or the New World, also known as the Americas (North, Central and South America, associated islands and included seas) have historically been divided into two Realms, the Nearctic and Neotropical based on terrestrial biogeography. The coasts of these two terrestrial realms are bordered by six marine realms, 14 marine provinces and 67 marine ecoregions. From current literature, a comprehensive list of the marine tardigrade fauna from the Americas is presented. Data on marine tardigrades were obtained from 385 published Records of the Occurrence (RoO) of a species, their location, tidal zone, and the substrates from which they were reported. Authors’ identifications were accepted at face value unless subsequently amended. Thirty genera and 82 species or subspecies are reported from the Americas; 49 species are documented from margins of the terrestrial Nearctic realm (North America) and 48 from terrestrial Neotropical realm (South America) with only 17 species occurring in both. We define cosmopolitan distribution for marine tardigrades as occurring in or on the margins of five of the seven oceans, only two species of marine tardigrade meets this standard. From the Americas 39 species have been described as new to science, 32 species appear restricted to the hemisphere. Taxa were assigned to marine ecoregions based on adjacent geopolitical units (country, states, provinces, etc.) described in published records. Although tardigrades have been reported from all six marine realms, they are only known from 21 of the 67 ecoregions. Most marine tardigrade sampling in the Americas has focused on near shore substrate (sand, mud, barnacles); for some species no substrates have been reported. The west coasts of both continents have little or no data about tardigrade presence.