bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survivin Improves Reprogramming Efficiency of Human Neural Progenitors by Single Molecule OCT4
Authors: Zhou Shixin , Liu Yinan , Feng Ruopeng , Wang Caiyun , Jiang Sibo , Zhang Xiaoyan , Lan Feng , Li Yang
Published: November 2016

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been generated from human somatic cells by ectopic expression of four Yamanaka factors. Here, we report that Survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor, can enhance iPS cells generation from human neural progenitor cells (NPCs) together with one factor OCT4 (1F‐OCT4‐Survivin). Compared with 1F‐OCT4, Survivin accelerates the process of reprogramming from human NPCs. The neurocyte‐originated induced pluripotent stem (NiPS) cells generated from 1F‐OCT4‐Survivin resemble human embryonic stem (hES) cells in morphology, surface markers, global gene expression profiling, and epigenetic status. Survivin keeps high expression in both iPS and ES cells. During the process of NiPS cell to neural cell differentiation, the expression of Survivin is rapidly decreased in protein level. The mechanism of Survivin promotion of reprogramming efficiency from NPCs may be associated with stabilization of β‐catenin in WNT signaling pathway. This hypothesis is supported by experiments of RT‐PCR, chromatin immune‐precipitation, and Western blot in human ES cells. Our results showed overexpression of Survivin could improve the efficiency of reprogramming from NPCs to iPS cells by one factor OCT4 through stabilization of the key molecule, β‐catenin.
Bidirectional Nonnegative Deep Model and Its Optimization in Learning
Authors: Zeng Xianhua , He Zhengyi , Yu Hong , Qu Shengwei
Published: November 2016

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) has been successfully applied in signal processing as a simple two-layer nonnegative neural network. Projective NMF (PNMF) with fewer parameters was proposed, which projects a high-dimensional nonnegative data onto a lower-dimensional nonnegative subspace. Although PNMF overcomes the problem of out-of-sample of NMF, it does not consider the nonlinear characteristic of data and is only a kind of narrow signal decomposition method. In this paper, we combine the PNMF with deep learning and nonlinear fitting to propose a bidirectional nonnegative deep learning (BNDL) model and its optimization learning algorithm, which can obtain nonlinear multilayer deep nonnegative feature representation. Experiments show that the proposed model can not only solve the problem of out-of-sample of NMF but also learn hierarchical nonnegative feature representations with better clustering performance than classical NMF, PNMF, and Deep Semi-NMF algorithms.
Clinical Significance of Molecular Diagnostic Tools for Bacterial Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rutanga Jean Pierre , Nyirahabimana Therese
Published: November 2016

Bacterial bloodstream infection (bBSI) represents any form of invasiveness of the blood circulatory system caused by bacteria and can lead to death among critically ill patients. Thus, there is a need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with septicemia. So far, different molecular diagnostic tools have been developed. The majority of these tools focus on amplification based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the detection of nucleic acids (both DNA and small RNAs) that are specific to bacterial species and sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization that allows the detection of bacteria in order to reduce delay of appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, there is still a need to improve sensitivity of most molecular techniques to enhance their accuracy and allow exact and on time antibiotic therapy treatment. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review of the existing studies conducted in molecular diagnosis of bBSIs, with the main aim of reporting on clinical significance and benefits of molecular diagnosis to patients. We searched both Google Scholar and PubMed. In total, eighteen reviewed papers indicate that shift from conventional diagnostic methods to molecular tools is needed and would lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of bBSI.
Association of Endoscopic Features of Gastric Mucosa withHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Chinese Patients
Authors: Mao Tao , Wang Yan , Yin Fan , Zhao Qingxi , Yang Lin , Ding Xueli , Tian Zibin
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study is to identify and consolidate reliable endoscopic features associated withH. pyloriinfection in gastric mucosa, which is one of the major causes of gastric cancer. A total of 256 Chinese patients with symptomatic stomach disturbances were enrolled. Pathological examination was conducted using a light microscope and biopsy specimens stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Endoscopic examination was performed using a high resolution video endoscope. The association between endoscopic features and pathologicalH. pyloridiagnosis was compared, and endoscopic features significantly associated withH. pyloriinfection were identified. A total of 14 endoscopic features were observed. Six of the 14 endoscopic features, including mucus on the gastric mucosa, diffuse redness, spotty redness of fundic mucosa, enlarged fold, mucosal edema, and RAC (type D and type I), were highly associated withH. pyloriinfection and were significantly sensitive and specific predictors forH. pyloridiagnosis. The type R RAC was not significantly associated withH. pyloridiagnosis. Our results indicate that conventional endoscopy features can be used to diagnoseH. pyloriin Chinese patients and can help determine the risk factor for gastric cancer.
ZFP91: A Noncanonical NF-κB Signaling Pathway Regulator with Oncogenic Properties Is Overexpressed in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Paschke Lukasz , Jopek Karol , Szyszka Marta , Tyczewska Marianna , Ziolkowska Agnieszka , Rucinski Marcin , Malendowicz Ludwik K.
Published: November 2016

Novel molecular targets are being searched to aid in prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy. Recently, ZFP91 zinc finger protein has been found to be upregulated in prostate cancer cell lines. It is a potentially important oncogenic protein; however only limited data regarding its biological function and expression patterns are available. To date, ZFP91 has been shown to be a key factor in activation of noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway as well as to be involved in HIF-1α signaling in cancer cells. The present study aimed to characterize ZFP91 expression in prostate cancer specimens. Furthermore, since our earlier reports showed discrepancies between ZFP91 mRNA and protein levels, we studied this interrelationship in LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines using siRNA mediated knockdown. QPCR analysis revealed marked upregulation of ZFP91 mRNA in the majority of prostate cancer specimens. Transfection of prostate cancer cells with ZFP91 siRNA resulted in a 10-fold decrease in mRNA levels. On a protein level, however, no inhibitory effect was observed over the time of the cell culture. We conclude that ZFP91 is overexpressed in prostate cancer and that potential accumulation of the ZFP91 protein in studied cells may be of importance in prostate cancer biology.
Upregulation of Oxidative Stress Related Genes in a Chronic Kidney Disease Attributed to Specific Geographical Locations of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sayanthooran Saravanabavan , Magana-Arachchi Dhammika N. , Gunerathne Lishanthe , Abeysekera Tilak D. J. , Sooriyapathirana Suneth S.
Published: November 2016

Objective.To infer the influence of internal and external oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease patients of unknown etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka, by analyzing expression of genes related directly or indirectly to oxidative stress: glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3).Methods.Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out for the selected populations: CKDu patients (n=43), chronic kidney disease patients (CKD;n=14), healthy individuals from a CKDu endemic area (GHI;n=9), and nonendemic area (KHI;n=16). Fold changes were quantified relative to KHI.Results.GCLC had greater than threefold upregulation in all three study groups, with a maximum of 7.27-fold upregulation in GHI (p=0.000). GSTM1 was not expressed in 25.6% of CKDu and 42.9% of CKD patients, but CKDu patients expressing GSTM1 showed upregulation of 2.60-fold (p<0.05). Upregulation of FGF23 and NLRP3 genes in CKD and CKDu was observed (p<0.01), with greater fold changes in CKD.Conclusion.Results suggest higher influence of external sources of oxidative stress in CKDu, possibly owing to environmental conditions.
A Multiagent System for Dynamic Data Aggregation in Medical Research
Authors: Dubovitskaya Alevtina , Urovi Visara , Barba Imanol , Aberer Karl , Schumacher Michael Ignaz
Published: November 2016

The collection of medical data for research purposes is a challenging and long-lasting process. In an effort to accelerate and facilitate this process we propose a new framework for dynamic aggregation of medical data from distributed sources. We use agent-based coordination between medical and research institutions. Our system employs principles of peer-to-peer network organization and coordination models to search over already constructed distributed databases and to identify the potential contributors when a new database has to be built. Our framework takes into account both the requirements of a research study and current data availability. This leads to better definition of database characteristics such as schema, content, and privacy parameters. We show that this approach enables a more efficient way to collect data for medical research.
Statin as a Combined Therapy for Advanced-Stage Ovarian Cancer: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Chen Hong-Yu , Wang Qian , Xu Qiu-Hong , Yan Li , Gao Xue-Feng , Lu Yan-Hong , Wang Li
Published: November 2016

Background. Despite the great achievements in the treatment of advanced-stage ovarian cancer, it is still a severe condition with an unfavorable 5-year survival rate. Statins have been suggested to reduce the risk of several cancers beyond their cholesterol-lowing effects. However, the prognostic significance of statins in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer remains controversial. Methods. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the association between statin intake and overall survival (OS) among patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by courses of intravenous chemotherapy were matched through a propensity score analysis. Results. A total of 60 propensity-matched patients were included. Women in statin group showed a similar OS than the nonstatin counterparts (P=0.966), whereas residual tumor was significantly associated with better OS (P=0.013) and was an independent factor that associated with OS (P=0.002, hazard ratio = 5.460, and 95% confidence interval: 1.894 to 15.742) in multivariable analysis. Conclusions. Our results suggested that statin usage was not associated with improved OS in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. Considering the retrospective nature and the relative small sample size of the study, further prospective studies and random control trials are needed.
New Mechanisms of Tumor-Associated Macrophages on Promoting Tumor Progression: Recent Research Advances and Potential Targets for Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Guo Qiujun , Jin Zhichao , Yuan Yuan , Liu Rui , Xu Tao , Wei Huamin , Xu Xinyao , He Shulin , Chen Shuntai , Shi Zhan , Hou Wei , Hua Baojin
Published: November 2016

The majority of basic and clinical studies have shown a protumor function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which represent a large proportion of matrix cells. TAMs promote tumorigenesis, and their number is related to the malignancy degree and poor prognosis of many kinds of tumors. Macrophage plasticity makes it possible to change the tumor microenvironment and remodel antitumor immunity during cancer immunotherapy. Increasing numbers of studies have revealed the effects of TAMs on the tumor microenvironment, for example, via promotion of tumor growth and tumorigenesis and through an increase in the number of cancer stem cells or via facilitation of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and metastasis. Investigators also proposed tumor-immunological treatments targeting TAMs by inhibiting TAM recruitment and differentiation, by regulating TAM polarization, and by blocking factors and pathways associated with the protumor function of TAMs. This comprehensive review presents recent research on TAMs in relation to prediction of poor outcomes, remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, and immunological targeted therapies.
Novel p21-Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) Allosteric Modulators Overcome Drug Resistance and Stemness in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Aboukameel Amro , Muqbil Irfana , Senapedis William , Baloglu Erkan , Landesman Yosef , Shacham Sharon , Kauffman Michael , Philip Philip A. , Mohammad Ramzi M. , Azmi Asfar S.
Published: November 2016

The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a key downstream effector of the Rho family GTPases and is found to be overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells but not in normal human pancreatic ductal epithelia (HPDE). Gene copy number amplification studies in PDAC patient cohorts confirmed PAK4 amplification making it an attractive therapeutic target in PDAC. We investigated the antitumor activity of novel PAK4 allosteric modulators (PAM) on a panel of PDAC cell lines and chemotherapy-resistant flow-sorted PDAC cancer stem cells (CSC). The toxicity and efficacy of PAMs were evaluated in multiple subcutaneous mouse models of PDAC. PAMs (KPT-7523, KPT-7189, KPT-8752, KPT-9307, and KPT-9274) show antiproliferative activity in vitro against different PDAC cell lines while sparing normal HPDE. Cell growth inhibition was concurrent with apoptosis induction and suppression of colony formation in PDAC. PAMs inhibited proliferation and antiapoptotic signals downstream of PAK4. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed disruption of PAK4 complexes containing vimentin. PAMs disrupted CSC spheroid formation through suppression of PAK4. Moreover, PAMs synergize with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in vitro. KPT-9274, currently in a phase I clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02702492), possesses desirable pharmacokinetic properties and is well tolerated in mice with the absence of any signs of toxicity when 200 mg/kg daily is administered either intravenously or orally. KPT-9274 as a single agent showed remarkable antitumor activity in subcutaneous xenograft models of PDAC cell lines and CSCs. These proof-of-concept studies demonstrated the antiproliferative effects of novel PAMs in PDAC and warrant further clinical investigations. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(1); 76–87. ©2016 AACR.
Risk Factors for Incident Carotid Artery Revascularization among Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Garg Parveen K. , Koh Willam J.H. , Delaney Joseph A. , Halm Ethan A. , Hirsch Calvin H. , Longstreth Jr. William T. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Polak Joseph F. , Curtis Lesley
Published: November 2016

Background: Population-based risk factors for carotid artery revascularization are not known. We investigated the association between demographic and clinical characteristics and incident carotid artery revascularization in a cohort of older adults. Methods: Among Cardiovascular Health Study participants, a population-based cohort of 5,888 adults aged 65 years or older enrolled in two waves (1989-1990 and 1992-1993), 5,107 participants without a prior history of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or cerebrovascular disease had a carotid ultrasound at baseline and were included in these analyses. Cox proportional hazards multivariable analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for incident carotid artery revascularization. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 13.5 years, 141 participants underwent carotid artery revascularization, 97% were CEA. Baseline degree of stenosis and incident ischemic cerebral events occurring during follow-up were the strongest predictors of incident revascularization. After adjustment for these, factors independently associated with an increased risk of incident revascularization were: hypertension (HR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.05-2.23), peripheral arterial disease (HR 2.57; 95% CI: 1.34-4.93), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR 1.23 per standard deviation [SD] increment [35.4 mg/dL]; 95% CI: 1.04-1.46). Factors independently associated with a lower risk of incident revascularization were: female gender (HR 0.51; 95% CI: 0.34-0.77) and older age (HR 0.69 per SD increment [5.5 years]; 95% CI: 0.56-0.86). Conclusions: Even after accounting for carotid stenosis and incident cerebral ischemic events, carotid revascularization is related to age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors. Further study of these demographic disparities and the role of risk factor control is warranted.
Prevalence of Small-Airway Dysfunction among COPD Patients with Different GOLD Stages and Its Role in the Impact of Disease
Authors: Crisafulli Ernesto , Pisi Roberta , Aiello Marina , Vigna Matteo , Tzani Panagiota , Torres Anna , Bertorelli Giuseppina , Chetta Alfredo
Published: November 2016

Background: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, small-airway dysfunction (SAD) is considered a functional hallmark of disease. However, the exact role of SAD in the clinical presentation of COPD is not yet completely understood; moreover, it is not known whether SAD may have a relationship with the impact of disease. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of SAD among COPD patients categorized by the old and the new GOLD classification and to ascertain whether there is a relationship between SAD and impact of disease measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire. Methods: We prospectively enrolled COPD outpatients from the University Hospital of Parma. Using the impulse oscillometry system (IOS), we assessed the fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz (R5-R20), reactance at 5 Hz (X5), and resonant frequency (FRes) as markers of peripheral airway dysfunction. According to R5-R20 ≥0.07 or <0.07, the cohort was also categorized in patients with and without SAD, respectively. Results: We studied 202 patients. In both GOLD classifications, a progressive increasing distribution of R5-R20 and FRes was reported with a decreasing of X5. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between R5-R20 and CAT (r = 0.527, p < 0.001). Finally, the presence of SAD (OR 11.96; 95% CI 4.53-31.58; p < 0.001) and use of ICS + LABA + LAMA (OR 5.31; 95% CI 1.88-15.02; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of higher impact (CAT score ≥10). Conclusion: In COPD patients, the presence of SAD, as assessed by IOS, progressively increases with GOLD classifications and it is closely related to the high impact of disease on health status.
Complex Mosaic Ring Chromosome 11 Associated with Hemizygous Loss of 8.6 Mb of 11q24.2qter in Atypical Jacobsen Syndrome
Authors: Galvão Gomes Alexandra , Paiva Grangeiro Carlos H. , Silva Luiz R. , Oliveira-Gennaro Flávia G. , Pereira Ciro S. , Joaquim Tatiana M. , Panepucci Rodrigo A. , Squire Jeremy A. , Martelli Lucia
Published: November 2016

Jacobsen syndrome (JBS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome involving terminal chromosome 11q. The haploinsufficiency of multiple genes contributes to the overall clinical phenotype, which can include the variant Paris-Trousseau syndrome, a transient thrombocytopenia related to FLI1 hemizygous deletion. We investigated a boy with features of JBS using classic cytogenetic methods, FISH and high-resolution array CGH. The proband was found to have a mosaic ring chromosome 11 resulting in a hemizygous 11q terminal deletion of 8.6 Mb, leading to a copy number loss of 52 genes. The patient had a hemizygous deletion in the FLI1 gene region without apparent thrombocytopenia, and he developed diabetes mellitus type I, which has not previously been described in the spectrum of disorders associated with JBS. The relationship of some of the genes within the context of the phenotype caused by a partial deletion of 11q has provided insights concerning the developmental anomalies presented in this patient with atypical features of JBS.
Anwendung von ätherischen Ölen zur Vorbereitung der Haut auf die Strahlentherapie bei Frauen mit Brustkrebs
Authors: Limacher Bühlmann Claudia
Published: November 2016

Bei der Behandlung von Brustkrebserkrankungen stellt sich nach der operativen Tumorentfernung und vor Beginn der nachfolgenden Strahlentherapie oft die Frage, wie die Haut am besten auf die Strahlenbelastung vorbereitet werden kann. Im Rahmen einer Literaturrecherche zum aktuellen Stand der Aromapflege in dieser spezifischen Fragestellung wurden unterschiedliche ätherische Öle evaluiert. Eine rational begründete Mischung aus ätherischem Niaouliöl (Melaleuca viridiflora) und Lavendelöl (Lavandula angustifolia) in fettem Aloe-Vera-Öl und Sanddornfruchtfleischöl wurde daraufhin bei 3 Patientinnen in einem Brustkrebszentrum, das einem Schweizer Kantonsspital angegliedert ist, angewendet und die gute Verträglichkeit dokumentiert. Die exzellente Verträglichkeit unterstreicht die Bedeutung der Aromapflege als wichtige Ergänzung bei der Hautpflege im Rahmen der konventionellen Brustkrebstherapie.
Nitrite and
S
-Nitrosohemoglobin Exchange Across the Human Cerebral and Femoral Circulation
Authors: Bailey Damian M. , Rasmussen Peter , Overgaard Morten , Evans Kevin A. , Bohm Aske M. , Seifert Thomas , Brassard Patrice , Zaar Morten , Nielsen Henning B. , Raven Peter B. , Secher Niels H.
Published: November 2016

Background:

The mechanisms underlying red blood cell (RBC)–mediated hypoxic vasodilation remain controversial, with separate roles for nitrite (

) and
S
-nitrosohemoglobin (SNO-Hb) widely contested given their ability to transduce nitric oxide bioactivity within the microcirculation. To establish their relative contribution in vivo, we quantified arterial-venous concentration gradients across the human cerebral and femoral circulation at rest and during exercise, an ideal model system characterized by physiological extremes of O
2
tension and blood flow.

Methods:

Ten healthy participants (5 men, 5 women) aged 24±4 (mean±SD) years old were randomly assigned to a normoxic (21% O
2
) and hypoxic (10% O
2
) trial with measurements performed at rest and after 30 minutes of cycling at 70% of maximal power output in hypoxia and equivalent relative and absolute intensities in normoxia. Blood was sampled simultaneously from the brachial artery and internal jugular and femoral veins with plasma and RBC nitric oxide metabolites measured by tri-iodide reductive chemiluminescence. Blood flow was determined by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (cerebral blood flow) and constant infusion thermodilution (femoral blood flow) with net exchange calculated via the Fick principle.

Results:

Hypoxia was associated with a mild increase in both cerebral blood flow and femoral blood flow (
P
<0.05 versus normoxia) with further, more pronounced increases observed in femoral blood flow during exercise (
P
<0.05 versus rest) in proportion to the reduction in RBC oxygenation (
r
=0.680–0.769,
P
<0.001). Plasma

gradients reflecting consumption (arterial>venous;
P
<0.05) were accompanied by RBC iron nitrosylhemoglobin formation (venous>arterial;
P
<0.05) at rest in normoxia, during hypoxia (
P
<0.05 versus normoxia), and especially during exercise (
P
<0.05 versus rest), with the most pronounced gradients observed across the bioenergetically more active, hypoxemic, and acidotic femoral circulation (
P
<0.05 versus cerebral). In contrast, we failed to observe any gradients consistent with RBC SNO-Hb consumption and corresponding delivery of plasma
S
-nitrosothiols (
P
>0.05).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that hypoxia and, to a far greater extent, exercise independently promote arterial-venous delivery gradients of intravascular nitric oxide, with deoxyhemoglobin-mediated

reduction identified as the dominant mechanism underlying hypoxic vasodilation.
Power of an Adaptive Trial Design for Endovascular Stroke Studies
Authors: Lansberg Maarten G. , Bhat Ninad S. , Yeatts Sharon D. , Palesch Yuko Y. , Broderick Joseph P. , Albers Gregory W. , Lai Tze L. , Lavori Philip W.
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

Adaptive trial designs that allow enrichment of the study population through subgroup selection can increase the chance of a positive trial when there is a differential treatment effect among patient subgroups. The goal of this study is to illustrate the potential benefit of adaptive subgroup selection in endovascular stroke studies.

Methods—

We simulated the performance of a trial design with adaptive subgroup selection and compared it with that of a traditional design. Outcome data were based on 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores, observed in IMS III (Interventional Management of Stroke III), among patients with a vessel occlusion on baseline computed tomographic angiography (n=382). Patients were categorized based on 2 methods: (1) according to location of the arterial occlusive lesion and onset-to-randomization time and (2) according to onset-to-randomization time alone. The power to demonstrate a treatment benefit was based on 10 000 trial simulations for each design.

Results—

The treatment effect was relatively homogeneous across categories when patients were categorized based on arterial occlusive lesion and time. Consequently, the adaptive design had similar power (47%) compared with the fixed trial design (45%). There was a differential treatment effect when patients were categorized based on time alone, resulting in greater power with the adaptive design (82%) than with the fixed design (57%).

Conclusions—

These simulations, based on real-world patient data, indicate that adaptive subgroup selection has merit in endovascular stroke trials as it substantially increases power when the treatment effect differs among subgroups in a predicted pattern.
What is an “Emotion” in the Hebrew Bible?
Authors: Mirguet Françoise
Published: November 2016

As emotions and feelings in the Hebrew Bible are starting to receive scholarly attention, I question here the appropriateness of applying the modern concept of “emotions” to Biblical Hebrew. To which extent do our “emotions” fit the way Biblical Hebrew organizes human experience? The first part of the article analyzes a few Hebrew words commonly translated by terms of emotion in modern languages. Based on existing scholarship and a brief study of the words in their literary contexts, I suggest that the terms are not limited to the expression of what we call emotions; rather, they also include actions, movements, ritual gestures, and physical sensations, without strict dissociation among these different dimensions. This observation casts doubt on the existence of an isolated emotional realm in Biblical Hebrew’s organization of human experience. In the second half, I proceed in an opposite way: I start from a given situation – scenes where the self faces the suffering affecting another person and initiates different actions in favor of the sufferer. The examples highlight that the experience we commonly shape as an “emotion” – compassion or sympathy – does not receive such a construction in Biblical Hebrew. Besides, the experience affects the self not so much in its individuality as in its social relationships; as such, it also functions inside a given social hierarchy. I conclude by considering the potential impact that this reframed view on biblical “emotions” may have on this nascent field.
The Pro-Social Role of Grief in Ezra’s Penitential Prayer
Authors: Harkins Angela Kim
Published: November 2016

This study uses a model of human experience that considers the embodied brain, religion, and social context in an integrated system of bio-cultural approaches. The study of grief and its strategic arousal in ritual contexts can highlight fundamental differences between modern and ancient religious understandings of the self, ultimately helping us to become more aware of our own scholarly biases and anachronisms. Such methods complement traditional historical-critical methods and shed light on how Ezra’s penitential prayer could have functioned in a Second Temple context. This study examines the similarities between the ritual performance of actions and discursive traditions that are said to have been performed by Ezra (Ezra 9–10) and discusses their resemblance to two passages that preserve foundational events of remaking the covenant (Exodus 32–34; Deuteronomy 9) and dedicating the first Temple (1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 6–7). The reenactment of scripted grief is identified as a strategy for bridging the breach between foundational events and the authors and readers in the Second Temple period.
Emotional Regimes, Ritual Practice, and the Shaping of Sectarian Identity
Authors: Mermelstein Ari
Published: November 2016

In this article, I explore the role that the purification rites attested in some of the sectarian Dead Sea Scrolls played in identity construction. Ritual ablutions communicated “canonical” messages to initiates about some of the group’s foundational beliefs, including the worthlessness of humanity, the gift of divine election, and the sharp boundary between insiders and outsiders. These messages were channeled through the emotions that the sect associated with ritual ablutions: shame, disgust, and grief with the ritual actor’s former state of impurity, joy and honor upon receiving the undeserved divine gift of purity, love for other pure insiders, and hate for all impure outsiders. By evoking emotions – “embodied thoughts” – that reflect core sectarian values, the embodied ritual became a vehicle through which the sectarian “emotional regime” transformed the ritual actor into the embodiment of the sectarian worldview.
Emotions and Literary Genres in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs and the New Testament
Authors:   von Gemünden
Published: November 2016

This essay argues that there is a relationship between the presentation and evaluation of emotions, on the one hand, and the genre(s) in which these are present, on the other hand. A significant difference can be observed between narrative and paraenetic texts. In narrative texts, we find a plurality of emotions that are evaluated in a differentiated manner, accepted as reality, and linked to the body. In paraenetic texts, emotions are often reduced to a single alternative. Great authorities urge one to avoid these emotions in future, whereas narratives tend to give the reader the opportunity to take one’s distance from them. Different anthropological possibilities of perceiving and coping with reality correspond to the different genres.
Effects of timber harvest on small mammal captures in experimental forestry plots
Authors: Earl Julia E. , Harper Elizabeth B. , Hocking Daniel J. , Osbourn Michael S. , Rittenhouse Tracy A.G. , Semlitsch Raymond D.
Published: November 2016

To investigate effects of timber harvest on small mammals, we compared capture rates in experimental forestry arrays of uncut forest, partial cut forest, and clearcuts with high and low coarse downed wood in Missouri, USA. Past studies show that effects of timber harvest on small mammals depend on species and forest type. We used an information theoretic approach to compare the effects of timber harvest treatment and habitat characteristics on capture rates. Sorex longirostris captures were best predicted by timber harvest treatment. S. longirostris had higher captures in the clearcut with low downed wood, intermediate numbers of captures in the partial cut and clearcut with high downed wood, and low captures in uncut forest. However, despite differences in captures between the clearcuts with high and low downed wood, we found no difference in habitat variables between the two clearcut types. Blarina spp., Microtus pinetorum, and Peromyscus spp. captures were best predicted by habitat variables rather than timber harvest treatment. Blarina spp. captures were associated with lower leaf litter depth. Peromyscus spp. and M. pinetorum captures were associated with increased coarse downed wood, possibly due to their preference for nest building under logs. Some of these relationships differ from results in other areas of the United States, which may reflect differences in species-habitat relationships in different forest types or regions. Relationships between species and habitat variables will be useful in adjusting forestry practices to meet species management objectives.
Rewriting Abdulaziz: The ECtHR Grand Chamber’s Ruling in Biao v. Denmark
Authors: de Vries K.M. (Karin)
Published: November 2016

In the case of Biao v. Denmark the ECtHR Grand Chamber found that Danish rules on family reunification amounted to indirect ethnic discrimination of Danish nationals of foreign origin. This judgment entails an important turn in the Court’s case law compared to the classic case of Abdulaziz, Cabales & Balkandali v. the United Kingdom. Its scope is, however, limited to discrimination against naturalised citizens and does not extend to ethnic discrimination against non-nationals. This article argues that the judgment offers welcome protection to foreign born citizens but that it fails to address the use of stereotypes underlying the discrimination complained of.
Who Is Afraid of Religious Freedom? The Right to Freedom of Religion and Belief and Its Critics
Authors: Ferrari Silvio
Published: November 2016

This article answers the claim that it is impossible to implement the right to religious freedom in a coherent, non-discriminatory way. It relies on the notions of “embedded evenhandedness” and “particular universalities” to build a two-pronged approach to freedom of religion. On the one hand, this approach accepts that history and culture provide the particular framework within which the right of freedom of religion is embedded. On the other, it recognizes that the claim of evenhandedness that is inbuilt in this right can overcome the limitations of a specific context and open it to new ways to understand and implement the right itself. This tension between the universal dimension of the right to freedom of religion and its particular implementations allows affirming the possibility of religious freedoms, whose different manifestations are better protected by collecting them under the umbrella of the same legal category than by apportioning them between different rights.
The nymph, habitat, and status of Eatonigenia in China (Ephemeroptera: Ephemeridae)
Authors: SUN JUN-ZHI , ZHOU CHANG-FA
Published: November 2016

The nymphs of a new species of Eatonigenia have more modified labrum and smaller foreclaws than congeners, and the males have a more reddish-brown colored body, cerci, genitalia and more sclerotized projections of gonopores. These characters indicate a new species which is named E. zhangi sp. nov. The nymphs live in fine sandy/muddy substrates of large rivers.
Two new species of ground-dwelling Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) from the Mysore Plateau, south India
Authors: AGARWAL ISHAN
Published: November 2016

Two new species of ground-dwelling geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) are described from the Mysore Plateau, in southern India. The new species are members of the C. collegalensis species complex, with 8.7 % uncorrected ND2 sequence divergence from each other and greater than 10 % divergence from described members of the C. collegalensis complex, from which they differ in subtle aspects of colour pattern and morphometric ratios. The type localities of the new species are ~ 130 km apart, and 100 km and 225 km from the type locality of C. collegalensis in the Biligiriranga Hills. The discovery of these new species in isolated mountains within a small area suggests other high elevation areas in the region may have undescribed species, and a redefinition of biodiversity patterns in peninsular India.
A new species of Scinax Wagler (Anura: Hylidae) from Paraná, Southern Brazil
Authors: CONTE CARLOS E. , ARAUJO-VIEIRA KATYUSCIA , CRIVELLARI LUCAS B. , BERNECK BIANCA V. M.
Published: November 2016

In this article, we describe a new species of Scinax from the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, based on the external morphology of adults and their advertisement calls. The new species is diagnosed by the size of its males (SVL 27.8–31.6 mm); the snout subovoid in the dorsal view and slightly acuminate in profile; the vocal sac subgular and ventrally not reaching the pectoral region; and the advertisement call composed of a single pulsed note with 7–13 pulses, and a duration of 0.16–0.25s. This new species occurs in natural highland grassland formations, in the threatened ecosystem of the Atlantic Forest in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil.
Hepneriana Dworakowska (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini), first record from China, with descriptions of eleven new species
Authors: YANG MEIXIA , CAO YANGHUI , ZHANG YALIN
Published: November 2016

A redescription of the erythroneurine leafhopper genus Hepneriana Dworakowska and a key to Chinese species of the genus are provided. Eleven new species, Hepneriana applanata, H. bicruris, H. concava, H. euryaedeaga, H. longa, H. menglunensis, H. paragamma, H. prostrata, H. robusta, H. taibaoensis and H. undulata spp. nov. are described and H. joannae (Dworakowska) is newly recorded from China.
The species of the genus Diamesa (Diptera, Chironomidae) known to occur in Italian Alps and Apennines
Authors: MONTAGNA MATTEO , URBANELLI SANDRA , ROSSARO BRUNO
Published: November 2016

Some rare species from Italian Alps, belonging to the genus Diamesa Meigen, 1835 (Diptera, Chironomidae) are here redescribed as adult males, because only old, incomplete descriptions are available for these taxa. Terminology of male genitalia is reviewed, diagnostic features are illustrated in detail, and notes on biology and geographical distribution of the examined species are provided. An identification key to the known adult males is presented.
Atmospheric Data Visualization in Mixed Reality
Authors: Cherukuru Nihanth W. , Calhoun Ronald , Scheitlin Tim , Rehme Matt , Kumar Raghu Raj Prasanna
Published: November 2016

Mixed reality taps into intuitive human perception by merging computer-generated views of digital objects (or flow fields) with natural views. Digital objects can be positioned in 3D space and can mimic real objects in the sense that walking around the object produces smoothly changing views toward the other side. Only recently have advances in gaming graphics advanced to the point that views of moving 3D digital objects can be calculated in real time and displayed together with digital video streams. Auxiliary information can be positioned and timed to give the viewer a deeper understanding of a scene; for example, a pilot landing an aircraft might “see” zones of shear or decaying vortices from previous heavy aircraft. A rotating digital globe might be displayed on a table top to demonstrate the evolution of El Niño. In this article, the authors explore a novel mixed reality data visualization application for atmospheric science data, present the methodology using game development platforms, and demonstrate a few applications to help users quickly and intuitively understand evolving atmospheric phenomena.
Comparison and Validation of Acoustic Response Models for Wind Noise Reduction Pipe Arrays
Authors: Marty Julien , Denis Stéphane , Gabrielson Thomas , Garcés Milton , Brown David
Published: November 2016

The detection capability of the infrasound component of the International Monitoring System (IMS) is tightly linked to the performance of its wind noise reduction systems. The wind noise reduction solution implemented at all IMS infrasound measurement systems consists of a spatial distribution of air inlets connected to the infrasound sensor through a network of pipes. This system, usually referred to as “pipe array,” has proven its efficiency in operational conditions. The objective of this paper is to present the results of the comparison and validation of three distinct acoustic response models for pipe arrays. The characteristics of the models and the results obtained for a defined set of pipe array configurations are described. A field experiment using a newly developed infrasound generator, dedicated to the validation of these models, is then presented. The comparison between the modeled and empirical acoustic responses shows that two of the three models can be confidently used to estimate pipe array acoustic responses. This study paves the way to the deconvolution of IMS infrasound data from pipe array responses and to the optimization of pipe array design to IMS applications.
Sino-Turkish ‘Solid Strategic Partnership’
Authors: Chaziza Mordechai
Published: November 2016

This article analyses the motivation behind China’s measures to formalise a solid strategic partnership with Turkey. One cannot ignore the inherent potential and impact on the region of a Chinese strategic partnership with Turkey and Beijing’s balancing efforts to contain US predominance in the Middle East. However, China’s bilateral relationship with Turkey is essentially limited, with narrow strategic manoeuvrability, which make the two countries unlikely to become solid strategic partners in the foreseeable future. Yet an improved strategy and more sophisticated diplomatic tactics by China could bring it closer to reality.
Television During Meals in the First 4 Years of Life
Authors: Thimmig Lindsay M. , Cabana Michael D. , Bentz Michael G. , Potocka Katherine , Beck Amy , Fong Lawrence , Chao Cewin , Caughey Aaron B. , Wong Angela , McKean Michelle
Published: November 2016

The development of children’s mealtime television (TV) habits has not been well studied. We assessed whether mealtime TV habits established in infancy will persist into early childhood. We analyzed data collected through parent surveys at birth and at 6-month intervals from a randomized controlled trial. We used t-tests, χ2 tests, and a multivariable logistic regression to determine if family characteristics were associated with mealtime TV. A McNemar test was used to assess whether mealtime TV exposure changed over time. College-educated fathers and families with an annual income >$50 000 were associated with less-frequent TV exposure during children’s mealtimes. It was found that 84% of children retained their level of exposure to TV during mealtimes from the first 24 months through 48 months of life. Clinicians should counsel families about mealtime TV use within the first 2 years of life because these habits seem to develop early and persist into at least early childhood.
Research With Trans Communities
Authors: Tebbe Elliot A. , Budge Stephanie L.
Published: November 2016

In this article, we aim to provide readers with tools to critically consider decisions related to conducting research with trans populations. We first present the historical and contemporary contexts that shaped our approach to writing this article, and drawing from various social justice frameworks, we set forward our own critical framework to guide the discussion of research considerations with trans populations. We then move into discussing considerations for participant recruitment and sampling strategies, such as effective use of language in recruitment and study materials, consideration of research venues, and recruitment of diverse samples. We also provide a number of considerations related to research methods, study design, and dissemination of study results. Therefore, this article seeks to not only raise a number of important considerations for research with trans populations but also to provide readers with critical tools for adapting decision making when planning and conducting research with trans populations.
Beyond Recidivism: Investigating Comparative Educational and Employment Outcomes for Adolescents in the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems
Authors: Sharlein Jeffrey
Published: November 2016

While the relationship between juvenile transfer and recidivism has received much scholarly attention, the effect of transfer on other outcomes has largely been ignored. This study examined the effect of transfer on 7-year educational and employment outcomes, with time in the community and perceived stigma as hypothesized mediators. Pathways to Desistance data were analyzed with propensity score matching and mediation analysis. Transfer to criminal court strongly predicts lower employment outcomes, fully mediated by diminished time in the community. Transfer also marginally predicts higher educational outcomes. Education results call for further research, and employment results suggest that transfer policies should be revisited.
Achieving Superior Customer Experience: An Investigation of Multichannel Choices in the Travel and Tourism Industry of an Emerging Market
Authors: Mahrous Abeer A. , Hassan Salah S.
Published: November 2016

The travel and tourism industry is seeking to achieve consistently seamless experience for customers to stay connected with brands. This study offers an analysis of the interconnected customer experience journey based on an understanding of multichannel behavior. In particular, it identifies the psychographic and sociodemographic factors associated with three segments of multichannel consumers: multichannel shoppers, multichannel searchers, and store-prone shoppers of the travel and tourism industry. Data from a sample of 315 customers from the travel and tourism sector in Egypt were collected and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. The findings indicate that psychographic variables (shopping enjoyment, convenience seeking, customer innovativeness, perceived risk, Internet experience, frequency of travel, and channel experience) and some demographic variables (i.e., age and income) distinguish among the categories of multichannel shoppers, multichannel searchers, and store-prone shoppers. The study concludes with useful insights into the potential for developing multichannel strategy to achieve superior customer experience.
Meaningful Gamification in an Industrial/Organizational Psychology Course
Authors: Stansbury Jessica A. , Earnest David R.
Published: November 2016

Motivation and game research continue to demonstrate that the implementation of game design characteristics in the classroom can be engaging and intrinsically motivating. The present study assessed the extent to which an industrial organizational psychology course designed learning environment created with meaningful gamification elements can improve student perceptions of learning, course experience, and learning outcomes compared to a traditional course. A mixed analysis of covariance revealed that those in the gamified condition showed significantly higher perceptions of learning, engagement, and motivation than those in the traditional course. This research suggests that students can learn just as effectively as traditional courses but have more favorable and positive experiences in the course through more, novel, interactive teaching methods. Future research implications are discussed.