bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pinostilbene Hydrate Suppresses Human Oral Cancer Cell Metastasis by Downregulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chin Mei-Chung , Lin Chia-Chieh , His Yi-Ting , Lo Yu-Sheng , Chuang Yi-Ching , Chen Mu-Kuan
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Cancer is the most common cause of death worldwide with approximately one third of people being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Pinostilbene hydrate (PSH) A methylated derivative of resveratrol Has been reported to possess antioxidative Cardioprotective and anticancer properties. However the antimetastatic effect of pinostilbene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. Methods: In this study We investigated the effect of PSH on antimetastatic activity and the relevant signaling pathways underlying mechanisms of SCC-9 SAS and HSC-3 oral cancer cell lines by MTT assay Wound healing Transwell assay Zymography and western blot analysis. Results: Our findings indicated that PSH inhibits migration and invasion ability by reducing the protein activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) in all three cell lines. Moreover • The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38) had significant inhibitory effects in the presence of PSH in the SCC9 and SAS cell lines. A combination of ERK1/2 and p38 inhibitors with PSH also reduced the migration and activity of MMP-2 in the SCC9 and SAS cell lines. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PSH suppresses MMP-2 enzymatic activity by downregulating the p38/ERK1/2 pathway and that it might be a promising agent for preventing OSCC cell metastasis.
miR-124 Suppresses Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Growth by Regulating Monocarboxylate Transporter 1-Mediated Cancer Lactate Metabolism
Authors: Wu De-Hai , Liang Hao , Lu Shou-Nan , Wang Hao , Su Zhi-Lei , Zhang Lei , Ma Jian-Qun , Guo Mian , Tai Sheng , Yu Shan
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Increasing evidence shows that reprogramming of energy metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. Considering the emergence of microRNAs as crucial modulators of cancer, this study aimed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of miR-124 in regulating glycolysis in human pancreatic cancer. Methods: RT-PCR was used to investigate the expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patient samples and the PANC-1 cell line. A public database and immunochemistry were used for comprehensive analysis of MCT1 expression. The targeting of MCT1 by miR-124 was predicted by software and validated for the MCT1 3’-UTR by dual-luciferase reporter analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, xenografting, and the intracellular pH and L-lactate levels were assessed. Hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIF-1α) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) expression levels were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. Results: MCT1 expression was higher in PDAC tissue than in normal tissue. Inhibition of MCT1 affected lactate metabolism, resulting in a higher intracellular pH and less proliferation of PANC-1 cells. MCT1 was the target gene of miR-124. In in vitro experiments, miR-124 inhibited the glycolytic activity of PANC-1 cells by targeting MCT1, further decreasing the tumor phenotype by increasing the intracellular pH through LDH-A and HIF-1α. In in vivo experiments, overexpression of miR-124 and silencing of MCT1 significantly inhibited tumor growth. Conclusion: miR-124 inhibits the progression of PANC-1 by targeting MCT1 in the lactate metabolic pathway. Our findings provide novel evidence for further functional studies of miR-124, which might be useful for future therapeutic approaches to PDAC.
Entire Peroxidation Reaction System of Myeloperoxidase Correlates with Progressive Low-Density Lipoprotein Modifications via Reactive Aldehydes in Atherosclerotic Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Liu Quan , Liu Yawen , Shi Jikang , Gao Ming , Liu Yunkai , Cong Yetong , Li Yong , Wang Yonggang , Yu Mingxi , Lu Yuping , Wang Dahai , Chen Shan , Zheng Yang , Cheng Yi
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the dysfunction of serum lipoproteins, which triggers lipid metabolism abnormalities in the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is involved in ROS modifications, triggering lipid peroxidation and aldehyde formation. However, the relationship between the entirety of the MPO reaction system and oxidative modification of serum lipoproteins in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension remains unclear. Methods: We measured MPO activity (peroxidation and chlorination), 4-hydroxynonenal-modified low-density lipoprotein (HNE-LDL), malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL), H2O2, reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) using a corresponding commercial kit in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension and healthy participants. We used Spearman’s correlation analysis to investigate the correlation between MPO activity and the levels of these oxidative and anti-oxidative stress-related indices and performed response surface regression to investigate the relationship between the MPO reaction system and the levels of HNE-LDL, MDA-LDL, and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Results: Our results showed no association between the levels of MPO peroxidation activity, MPO chlorination activity, H2O2, and Cl- and those of HNE-LDL, MDA-LDL, GSH, and GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG ratio in healthy participants. In addition, no effects of the peroxidation reaction system of MPO (PRSM) and the chlorination reaction system of MPO (CRSM) on GSH/GSSG were found in this investigation. However, we found that the PRSM rather than the CRSM correlated with progressive low-density lipoprotein (LDL) modifications by HNE-LDL and MDA-LDL in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension. Conclusion: The PRSM rather than the CRSM correlated with progressive LDL modifications via reactive aldehydes in atherosclerotic patients with hypertension. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate whether the PRSM may serve as a potential index for monitoring LDL function in atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Blood-Stage Plasmodium Berghei ANKA Infection Promotes Hepatic Fibrosis by Enhancing Hedgehog Signaling in Mice
Authors: Kim Jieun , Wang Sihyung , Lee Chanbin , Sung Sumi , Shin Yongbo , Song Kyoung Seob , Cha Hee-Jae , Ock Meesun , Jung Youngmi
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Malaria is the most deadly parasitic infection in the world, resulting in damage to various organs, including the liver, of the infected organism; however, the mechanism causing this damage in the liver remains unclear. Liver fibrosis, a major characteristic of liver diseases, occurs in response to liver injury and is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling orchestrates a number of hepatic responses including hepatic fibrogenesis. Therefore, we investigated whether Hh signaling influenced the liver’s response to malarial infection. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice inoculated with blood containing Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA)-infected erythrocytes were sacrificed when the level of parasitemia in the blood reached 10% or 30%, and the livers were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver responses to PbA infection were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results: Severe hepatic injury, such as ballooned hepatocytes, sinusoidal dilatation, and infiltrated leukocytes, was evident in the livers of the malaria-infected mice. Hypoxia was also induced in 30% parasitemia group. With the accumulation of Kupffer cells, inflammation markers, TNF-α, interleukin-1β, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1, were significantly upregulated in the infected group compared with the control group. Expression of fibrotic markers, including transforming growth factor-β, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1a1, thymosin β4, and vimentin, were significantly higher in the infected groups than in the control group. With increased collagen deposition, hepatic stellate cells expressing α-SMA accumulated in the liver of the PbA-infected mice, whereas those cells were rarely detected in the livers of the control mice. The levels of Hh signaling and Yes-associated protein (YAP), two key regulators for hepatic fibrogenesis, were significantly elevated in the infected groups compared with the control group. Treatment of mice with Hh inhibitor, GDC-0449, reduced hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis with Hh suppression in PbA-infected mice. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that HSCs are activated in and Hh and YAP signaling are associated with this process, contributing to increased hepatic fibrosis in malaria-infected livers.
Circulating Very Long‐Chain Saturated Fatty Acids and Heart Failure: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Lemaitre Rozenn N. , McKnight Barbara , Sotoodehnia Nona , Fretts Amanda M. , Qureshi Waqas T. , Song Xiaoling , King Irena B. , Sitlani Colleen M. , Siscovick David S. , Psaty Bruce M. , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: October 2018

Background

Circulating very‐long‐chain saturated fatty acids (
VLSFAs
) are integrated biomarkers of diet and metabolism that may point to new risk pathways and potential targets for heart failure (
HF
) prevention. The associations of
VLSFA
to
HF
in humans are not known.

Methods and Results

Using a cohort study design, we studied the associations of serially measured plasma phospholipid
VLSFA
with incident
HF
in the Cardiovascular Health Study. We investigated the associations of time‐varying levels of the 3 major circulating
VLSFAs
, lignoceric acid (24:0), behenic acid (22:0), and arachidic acid (20:0), with the risk of incident
HF
using Cox regression. During 45030 person‐years among 4249 participants, we identified 1304 cases of incident
HF
, including 489 with preserved and 310 with reduced ejection fraction. Adjusting for major
HF
risk factors and other circulating fatty acids, higher levels of each
VLSFAs
were associated with lower risk of incident
HF
(
P
trend≤0.0007 each). The hazard ratio comparing the highest quintile to the lowest quintile was 0.67 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.81) for 24:0, 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.87) for 22:0 and 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.59–0.88) for 20:0. The associations were similar in subgroups defined by sex, age, body mass index, coronary heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. Among those with ejection fraction data, the associations appeared similar for those with preserved and with reduced ejection fraction.

Conclusions

Higher levels of circulating
VLSFAs
are associated with lower risk of incident
HF
in older adults. These novel associations should prompt further research on the role of
VLSFA
in
HF
, including relevant new risk pathways.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00005133.
Aspirin Use and Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Abi Khalil Charbel , Omar Omar M. , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Taheri Shahrad
Published: October 2018

Background

Aspirin is of uncertain benefit for primary prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). We assessed whether primary prevention with aspirin is beneficial in patients with T2D and heart failure (
HF
).

Methods and Results

Data from The Health Improvement Network, a
UK
multicenter prospective primary care database, were analyzed. Those with T2D and
HF
, age ≥55 years, and no previous history of myocardial infarction and/or coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, or atrial fibrillation were included. We compared outcomes for those on aspirin to no aspirin after diagnosis of
HF
and T2D and assessed the role of a >75‐mg dose. The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization for
HF
; secondary outcomes were nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or major bleeding. There were 5967 participants on aspirin and 6567 not on aspirin. The mean age (
SD
) was 75.3 (9.6) years, 53.9% were men, and the mean follow‐up (
SD
) was for 5 (4.2) years. After propensity‐score matching and further multivariable adjustment, aspirin was significantly associated with a decrease in the primary outcome and all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio=0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.82‐0.93; 0.88, 0.83‐0.94], respectively); and an increased risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction (hazard ratio=1.66; 95% confidence interval 1.49‐1.85) and nonfatal stroke (hazard ratio=1.23, 1.01‐1.50). Major bleedings and hospitalization for
HF
were not significantly higher with aspirin (hazard ratio=0.68, 0.45‐1.03; 0.87, 0.66‐1.15, respectively). There was no additional benefit for a dose >75 mg.

Conclusions

Primary prevention with aspirin in patients with T2D and
HF
is associated with lower all‐cause mortality.
Morphological and molecular identification of a new species of Perenniporia (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in North America
Authors: SHEN SHAN , XU TAI-MIN , KARAKEHIAN JASON , ZHAO CHANG-LIN
Published: October 2018

A new poroid wood-inhabiting fungal species, Perenniporia bostonensis sp. nov., is proposed based on morphological and molecular characters. The species is characterized by resupinate, cream to buff pore surface; a dimitic hyphal system with skeletal hyphae strongly dextrinoid, unbranched, interwoven and a distinct wide lumen; ovoid to broad ellipsoid, non-truncate, hyaline, distinct thick-walled, smooth, dextrinoid basidiospores, 3.5–4.5 × 3–4 µm. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU) regions of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene sequences of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and bayesian inference methods. The phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data of ITS+nLSU sequences showed that P. bostonensis recognized in Perenniporia sensu stricto. The new species formed a monophyletic lineage with a strong support (100% BS, 100% BP, 1.00 BPP) and was closely related to P. bannaensis and P. koreana. Both morphological and molecular characters confirmed the placement of the new species in Perenniporia.
Taxonomic studies on the genus Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) from China (XV): Two new synonyms of D. kansuense
Authors: LI HUI-MIN , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: October 2018

We demonstrate that both Delphinium iliense var. macrocentrum and D. kansuense var. villosiusculum are morphologically identical with D. kansuense (Ranunculaceae). We therefore reduce them to the synonymy of D. kansuense herein. Lectotypification is proposed for D. crassifolium var. tanguticum, another synonym of D. kansuense.
Systematic revision of the living African Slender-snouted Crocodiles (Mecistops Gray, 1844)
Authors: SHIRLEY MATTHEW H. , CARR AMANDA N. , NESTLER JENNIFER H. , VLIET KENT A. , BROCHU CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: October 2018

Molecular and morphological evidence has shown that the African slender-snouted, or sharp-nosed, crocodile Mecistops cataphractus (Cuvier, 1824) is comprised of two superficially cryptic species: one endemic to West Africa and the other endemic to Central Africa. Our ability to characterize the two species is compromised by the complicated taxonomic history of the lineage and overlapping ranges of variation in distinguishing morphological features. The name M. cataphractus was evidently originally based on West African material, but the holotype is now lost. Although types exist for other names based on the West African form, the name M. cataphractus is sufficiently entrenched in the literature, and other names sufficiently obscure, to justify retypification. Here, we designate a neotype for M. cataphractus and restrict it to West Africa. We resurrect M. leptorhynchus as a valid species from Central Africa and identify exemplary referred specimens that, collectively, overcome the obscurity and diagnostic limits of the extant holotype. We additionally indicate suitable neotype material in the event the holotype is lost, destroyed, or otherwise needing replacement, and we rectify the previously erroneous type locality designation. We provide a revised diagnosis for crown Mecistops, and revise and update previous descriptions of the two living species, including providing both more complete descriptions and discussion of diagnostic characters. Finally, we provide considerable discussion of the current state of knowledge of these species’ ecology, natural history, and distribution.
Resolving two Haploembia (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) cryptic species: molecular data confirms parthenogenetic females can be distinguished by their antisocial behavior
Authors: KELLY ERIN T. , WHITTALL JUSTEN B. , EDGERLY JANICE S.
Published: October 2018

The names of two cryptic species of Haploembia found in California are resolved and methods for identification are summarized. Molecular data of the Histone III subunit was used to evaluate color and behavior as species identifiers, confirming that antisocial behavior is a good identifier for the parthenogenetic species (Haploembia tarsalis), whereas the more variable coloration patterns were helpful, but less so. A genome size ratio of 1.44 between the parthenogenetic H. tarsalis and the sexually reproducing H. solieri was observed, along with higher genetic variation within the asexual lineage. This, and the identification of what appears to be a putative hybrid, contributes to current work examining mutation rates and selective pressures on genome size in parthenogenetic populations.
A new species of the hermit crab genus Diogenes Dana, 1851 (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae) from southern India
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , RAVINESH RAVEENDHIRAN , KUMAR APPUKUTTANNAIR BIJU
Published: October 2018

A new species of the hermit crab genus Diogenes Dana, 1851, D. spongicola, is described and illustrated on the basis of material collected from two locations off southern India. It appears close to D. takedai Rahayu, 2012 among about 70 congeners, but easily differentiated from the latter by the spinulose anterolateral margins of the shield, the article 2 of the antennal peduncle armed only with one distal spine, the longer, spinose antennal acicle, the absence of prominent spines on the ventrolateral margin of the cheliped meri, and the different color of the cheliped palm. Specimens of the new species were all collected from cavities of a callyspongiid sponge Callyspongia diffusa (Ridley, 1884), suggesting a possible association between the hermit crab and sponge.
The Impact of Transitional Movements and Non-Manual Markings on the Disambiguation of Locally Ambiguous Argument Structures in Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS)
Authors: Krebs Julia , Wilbur Ronnie B. , Alday Phillip M. , Roehm Dietmar
Published: October 2018

Previous studies of Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) word-order variations have demonstrated the human processing system’s tendency to interpret a sentence-initial (case-) ambiguous argument as the subject of the clause (“subject preference”). The electroencephalogram study motivating the current report revealed earlier reanalysis effects for object-subject compared to subject-object sentences, in particular, before the start of the movement of the agreement marking sign. The effects were bound to time points prior to when both arguments were referenced in space and/or the transitional hand movement prior to producing the disambiguating sign. Due to the temporal proximity of these time points, it was not clear which visual cues led to disambiguation; that is, whether non-manual markings (body/shoulder/head shift towards the subject position) or the transitional hand movement resolved ambiguity. The present gating study further supports that disambiguation in ÖGS is triggered by cues occurring before the movement of the disambiguating sign. Further, the present study also confirms the presence of the subject preference in ÖGS, showing again that signers and speakers draw on similar strategies during language processing independent of language modality. Although the ultimate role of the visual cues leading to disambiguation (i.e., non-manual markings and transitional movements) requires further investigation, the present study shows that they contribute crucial information about argument structure during online processing. This finding provides strong support for granting these cues some degree of linguistic status (at least in ÖGS).
Perceived Teacher Discrimination and Academic Achievement Among Urban Caribbean Black and African American Youth: School Bonding and Family Support as Protective Factors
Authors: Bryan Julia , Williams Joseph M. , Kim Jungnam , Morrison Stephaney S. , Caldwell Cleopatra H.
Published: October 2018

This study examined the relations of perceived teacher discrimination, school bonding, and family support to academic achievement among 1,122 urban Caribbean Black and African American adolescents. Results revealed that teacher discrimination was negatively related to academic achievement for urban Caribbean Black and African American adolescents with school bonding and emotional family support mediating the relationship. School bonding was a protective factor for both adolescent groups, but emotional family support for urban Caribbean Black adolescents only. Implications for school counselors and educators are discussed.
Neighbourhood effects in cross-Atlantic perspective: A longitudinal analysis of impacts on intergenerational mobility in the USA and Germany
Authors: Howell Junia
Published: October 2018

Research in the USA provides evidence that neighbourhood conditions affect intergenerational mobility. However, what remains unclear is the extent to which the US context is unique in producing this influence. To examine this question, the present study directly compares neighbourhood effects on intergenerational mobility in the USA versus those in Germany – a country whose housing market and social welfare policies differ significantly from those in the USA. Results provide a blueprint for conducting cross-national neighbourhood effects studies and illuminate how the nature and severity of neighbourhood effects are nationally specific. These findings underscore the importance of considering how broader political contexts shape neighbourhood effects on intergenerational mobility – a consideration that has implications for proposed policy interventions.
Maternal genotype determines kynurenic acid levels in the fetal brain: Implications for the pathophysiology of schizophrenia
Authors: Beggiato Sarah , Notarangelo Francesca M , Sathyasaikumar Korrapati V , Giorgini Flaviano , Schwarcz Robert
Published: October 2018

Background:

Several studies suggest a pathophysiologically relevant association between increased brain levels of the neuroinhibitory tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid and cognitive dysfunctions in people with schizophrenia. Elevated kynurenic acid in schizophrenia may be secondary to a genetic alteration of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase, a pivotal enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. In rats, prenatal exposure to kynurenine, the direct bioprecursor of kynurenic acid, induces cognitive impairments reminiscent of schizophrenia in adulthood, suggesting a developmental dimension to the link between kynurenic acid and schizophrenia.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to explore the possible impact of the maternal genotype on kynurenine pathway metabolism.

Methods:

We exposed pregnant wild-type ( Kmo+/+ ) and heterozygous ( Kmo+/−) mice to kynurenine (10 mg/day) during the last week of gestation and determined the levels of kynurenic acid and two other neuroactive kynurenine pathway metabolites, 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid, in fetal brain and placenta on embryonic day 17/18.

Results:

Maternal kynurenine treatment raised kynurenic acid levels significantly more in the brain of heterozygous offspring of Kmo+/− than in the brain of Kmo+/+ offspring. Conversely, 3-hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid levels in the fetal brain tended to be lower in heterozygous animals derived from kynurenine-treated Kmo+/− mice than in corresponding Kmo+/+ offspring. Genotype-related effects on the placenta were qualitatively similar but less pronounced. Kynurenine treatment also caused a preferential elevation in cerebral kynurenic acid levels in Kmo+/− compared to Kmo+/+ dams.

Conclusions:

The disproportionate kynurenic acid increase in the brain of Kmo+/− animals indicates that the maternal Kmo genotype may play a key role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Effects of chronic caffeine consumption on sleep and the sleep electroencephalogram in mice
Authors: Panagiotou Maria , Meijer Mandy , Meijer Johanna H , Deboer Tom
Published: October 2018

Background:

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychostimulants, and it impacts sleep and circadian physiology.

Aim:

Caffeine is generally used chronically on a daily basis. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the chronic effect of caffeine on sleep in mice.

Methods:

We recorded the electroencephalogram and electromyogram on a control day, on the first day of caffeine consumption (acute), and following two weeks of continuous caffeine consumption (chronic). In the latter condition, a period of six-hour sleep deprivation was conducted during the light period. Control mice, which received normal drinking water, were also recorded and sleep deprived.

Results:

We found that caffeine induced differential effects following acute and chronic consumption. Over 24 h, waking increased following acute caffeine whereas no changes were found in the chronic condition. The daily amplitude of sleep–wake states increased in both acute and chronic conditions, with the highest amplitude in the chronic condition, showing an increase in sleep during the light and an increase in waking during the dark. Furthermore, electroencephalogram slow-wave-activity in non-rapid eye-movement sleep was increased, compared with both control conditions, during the first half of the light period in the chronic condition. It was particularly challenging to keep the animals awake during the sleep deprivation period under chronic caffeine.

Conclusions:

Together the data suggest an increased sleep pressure under chronic caffeine. In contrast to the traditional conception on the impact on sleep, chronic caffeine intake seems to increase the daily sleep–wake cycle amplitude and increase sleep pressure in mice.
Involvement of caveolin-1 in neurovascular unit remodeling after stroke: Effects on neovascularization and astrogliosis
Authors: Blochet Camille , Buscemi Lara , Clément Tifenn , Gehri Sabrina , Badaut Jérôme , Hirt Lorenz
Published: October 2018

Complex cellular and molecular events occur in the neurovascular unit after stroke, such as blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and inflammation that contribute to neuronal death, neurological deterioration and mortality. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) has distinct physiological functions such as caveolae formation associated with endocytosis and transcytosis as well as in signaling pathways. Cav-1 has been proposed to be involved in BBB dysfunction after brain injury; however, its precise role is poorly understood. The goal of this study was to characterize the expression and effect of Cav-1 deletion on outcome in the first week in a transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion stroke model. We found increased Cav-1 expression in new blood vessels in the lesion and in reactive astrocytes in the peri-lesion areas. In Cav-1 KO mice, the lesion volume was larger and the behavioral outcome worse than in WT mice. Cav-1 KO mice exhibited reduced neovascularization and modified astrogliosis, without formation of a proper glial scar around the lesion at three days post injury, coinciding with aggravated outcomes. Altogether, these results point towards a potential protective role of endogenous Cav-1 in the first days after ischemia by promoting neovascularization, astrogliosis and scar formation.
Older Adult Internet Use and eHealth Literacy
Authors: Arcury Thomas A. , Sandberg Joanne C. , Melius Kathryn P. , Quandt Sara A. , Leng Xiaoyan , Latulipe Celine , Miller David P. , Smith D. Alden , Bertoni Alain G.
Published: October 2018

We examine Internet use and eHealth literacy among older adults (aged 55+ years) who were patients at clinics serving low-income populations. Participants included 200 minority and White adults who completed interviews based on a technology acceptance conceptual model. A total of 106 participants (53.0%) used the Internet; utilization was associated with personal characteristics (age, ethnicity, education, poverty), computer characteristics (number of e-devices, computer stress), social support (marital status), and health knowledge and attitudes (health literacy, medical decision making, health information sources), but not health status. Of the 106 participants who used the Internet, 52 (49.1%) had high eHealth literacy; eHealth literacy was associated with computer characteristics (number of e-devices, computer stress), and health knowledge and attitudes (medical decision making, health information sources). In multivariate analysis, computer stress maintained a significant inverse association with eHealth literacy. Educational interventions to help older adults successfully use technology and improve eHealth literacy must be identified.
Educator Sexual Misconduct: A Statutory Analysis
Authors: Abboud Mia J. , Wu Guangzhen , Pedneault Amelie , Stohr Mary K. , Hemmens Craig
Published: October 2018

Educator sexual misconduct is a problem that has gained increased attention because of the high-profile cases reported by the news media. Yet, the diversity in state law regarding this offense remains somewhat unexplored. In this article, we compare and evaluate state statutory provisions regarding educator sexual misconduct; our focus is on what constitutes educator sexual misconduct, and what penalties are provided for offenders. As such, we explore the differences and similarities in statutory provisions across states in terms of the definition of child sexual assault, the age of consent, the penalties for various types of sexual misconduct perpetrated by teachers, and any requirement for registration as sex offenders. Our findings indicate that though the number of applicable statutes has almost doubled since 2010, there remains a wide variety in the definition and penalties included in those laws, and 21 states have not chosen to enact a specific law at all.
A Multiple Streams Analysis of Recent Changes to State-Level Dyslexia Education Law
Authors: Gearin Brian , Turtura Jessica , Kame’enui Edward J. , Nelson Nancy J. , Fien Hank
Published: October 2018

This article provides an overview of recent changes to state-level dyslexia legislation. It begins by applying a variant of Kingdon’s multiple streams approach to explain how the dyslexia education “policy window” came to be opened. The article then describes the most likely effects and side effects of the new laws. Likely short-term effects include (a) a greater focus in schools on dyslexia screening and intervention, (b) greater use of multitiered systems of support and explicit instruction, and (c) changes in teacher preparation and training. Possible long-term effects include a reconceptualization of what constitutes “normal” school practice.
Design and simulation of a lab-scale down-hole drilling system
Authors: Bajpai Aakash , Ghasemi Masood , Song Xingyong
Published: October 2018

As global energy demand rises, so does the need for resources and the means to extract them safely and efficiently by means of, for example, down-hole drilling. These large mechanical rigs often encounter lateral, axial, and torsional vibrations which can cause serious equipment damage and possibly failure. To minimize malignant effects, control algorithms are developed and tested on lab-scale models before implementation on large-scale rig systems. Many previous lab-scale systems artificially reproduce vibrations via inertial masses, shakers, braking systems, etc. However, they do not attempt to match the physical properties or natural response of the drill string. The goal of this research is to naturally reproduce a drilling system’s physical behaviors at lab scale through systematic analysis and design. First, a lumped parameter model is used to model the system dynamics. Through nondimensional stiffness ratios, which dictate the drill string material and geometric selection, the drill string’s elastic nature is reproduced. From this selection, the system parameters are further defined by the maximum allowable forces, derived from a bit–rock interaction model and chosen failure criteria. After development of a dynamics model and outline of design constraints, a systematic method of design and simulation of a customizable lab-scale drilling system is proposed.
Systems Approach in Tobacco Dependence Treatment through Hospitals
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Narake Sameer
Published: October 2018

This study on systems approach in tobacco dependence treatment was done to (a) Assess the feasibility of tobacco treatment protocol (TTP), (b) Assess quit rate among those treated with TTP vs. no treatment and (c) Compare treatment outcome in Brief Intervention (BI) and Intensive Intervention (II) with or without pharmacotherapy. This one year study (2013), undertaken at a hospital at Jaipur, India identified currently tobacco-using patients. Those willing were assisted to quit through brief intervention (BI) or intensive treatment (II). All were followed-up telephonically for one year. The responders were categorized as successful quit, failed to quit and relapsed. This study enrolled 1264 patients out of 19657 (6.43%). In 43.4 per cent patients (549/1264) who consented for the treatment, the overall quit rate was 26.1 per cent (CI: 23.8 -28.6) whereas in those treated with BI and II were 54.2 per cent (CI: 49.7 -59.0) and 84.9 per cent (CI: 78.4 -92.0) respectively vs. zero quit rate in untreated. The use of pharmacotherapy improved overall quit rate by 14.6 per cent. The quit rates did not differ for the type of tobacco used. Since, this study could achieve its objective of implementing the systems approach in tobacco treatment protocol in a hospital-setting, it merits a replication.
The Ganges River Negotiation: Idealism of Regional Cooperation or Pragmatic Bilateralism
Authors: Pandey Punam
Published: October 2018

Negotiations between neighbours over river disputes are not only about water, they come embedded with other bilateral concerns. Thus, the solution of a river dispute depends on comparative bargaining capabilities of riparians on their many other contentious matters. This assumption has been applied in investigating and analysing the Ganges River negotiation between India and Bangladesh. The literature on the Ganges has focussed on integrated river development perspectives. The present analysis underlines the convergence of water with other bilateral concerns. The examination of a quarter-century negotiation on the Ganges confirms the correlation between positive outcomes and better linkages between multiple issues.
Video clip training improved emergency medicine residents’ interpretation ability of visual ejection fraction
Authors: Yang Eun-suk , Yeo Woonhyung , Ko Jung-In , Kwon Jaehyun , Choi Seung-min , Chung Jaehoon , Lee Yu Jin , Cho Gyu Chong , Park Taejin
Published: October 2018

Background:

Information on cardiac contractility is very important in resuscitation of critically ill patients. However, the measurement of ejection fractions by echocardiography is very difficult to perform for non-cardiologists. We developed a video clip to train emergency medicine residents to measure visual ejection fraction and compared the improvement in their interpretation ability with that following the conventional training method.

Objectives:

Improvement of interpreting ability of vEF in short period.

Methods:

A total of 27 multicentre emergency medicine residents were recruited and divided into conventional training group (N = 13) and video clip training group (N = 14). Self-training was done for 1 week. Pre-test and post-test comprising 20 questions were used for evaluation, and scores and interpretation time were recorded.

Results:

The score of the video clip training group showed a statistically significant improvement in contrast to the conventional training group (the score of pre- and post-test, ±5% scoring method: correct answer; video clip training group, 5.4/20 to 10.4/20 ( p < 0.001) versus conventional training group, 5.8/20 to 6.7/20 ( p = 0.204)). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant reduction in the interpretation time (interpretation time of video clip training group, 417.7–358.8 s ( p = 0.005) versus conventional training group, 416.8–411.5 s ( p = 0. 497)).

Conclusion:

In the video clip training group, interpretation accuracy improved, and the interpretation time was shorter than that of the conventional training group. Based on these results, we conclude that improvement in the visual ejection fraction interpretation ability by emergency medicine residents can be expected.
The Joint Effect of Power, Relationship Type, and Corporate Social Responsibility Type on Customers’ Intent to Donate
Authors: Zhang Lu , Hanks Lydia , Line Nathan
Published: October 2018

This study examines how the type of dining companion, type of cause-related marketing (CRM) program, and power influence restaurant consumers’ prosocial behavior and loyalty intentions. A 2 × 2 × 2 experiment was conducted with relationship type, CRM type, and power state as independent variables. The results indicate that, among those with high social power, intent to donate and repurchase intentions depend on whether they are dining out with a romantic partner or a business partner. Moreover, in front of a romantic (vs. business) partner, powerful individuals respond more positively to a CRM message signaling warmth (vs. competence). Such a difference is not observed among those with relatively less social power. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Systems Thinking and indigenous systems: native contributions to obesity prevention
Authors: Heke Ihirangi , Rees David , Swinburn Boyd , Waititi Rev Tuikaki , Stewart Albie
Published: October 2018

Much has been written about the impact of chronic conditions on post-colonial indigenous populations. Much less, however, has been written about indigenous knowledge and how it may help tackle poor health statistics among indigenous populations. This article describes two approaches to obesity prevention that are grounded in Mātauranga Māori (Māori worldview), both of which challenge the “person-centred” approach so prevalent in Western approaches. These approaches were mapped using Systems Thinking tools, specifically causal loop diagrams, to test whether or not these tools could be used to “translate” indigenous approaches in a way that retained the integrity of their particular worldview and provided a tool to help those communities reflect on their practices in a way that led to new insights. Systems Thinking was found to have many overlaps with Mātauranga Māori, and the use of system thinking tools provided mutually beneficial learning opportunities for both the researchers and the communities involved.
Development and fracture toughness characterization of a nylon nanomat epoxy adhesive reinforcement
Authors: Brugo TM , Musiari F , Pirondi A , Zucchelli A , Cocchi D , Menozzi D
Published: October 2018

The potential of an electrospun nylon nanofibrous mat as adhesive carrier and reinforcing web in adhesive bonding has been proven by the authors in a previous work. In that work, a pre-preg nanomat was developed using a low-viscosity epoxy resin for composite hand lay-up, in order to favour wetting of the nanofibres and to minimize air entrapment. However, the resin for hand lay-up exhibited a poor bonding performance when compared to the one typical of epoxy adhesives. The present work is therefore aimed at developing a laboratory route to add an electrospun polymeric nanomat to a two-part epoxy adhesive joint. Three different adhesives with increasing viscosity have been preliminarily evaluated regarding the entrapment of air after curing. The most promising one has been used to manufacture a small-size, Al-alloy double cantilever beam joint and compare the performance with and without the nanomat. Three different precracking procedures have also been developed and evaluated, namely fatigue precracking (A), razor blade tapping (B) and nanomat exfoliation (C). The results indicate that the fracture toughness of the nanomat-reinforced adhesive joint is similar to the neat adhesive one at the beginning of the propagation but it becomes much higher as the crack advances.
‘Killing romance’ by ‘giving birth to love’: Hélène Cixous, Jane Campion and the language of In the Cut (2003)
Authors: Bowler Alexia L.
Published: October 2018

Jane Campion’s work regularly revolves around women’s often complex relationship with socio-cultural discourses and their articulation in language, whether in familial and institutional structures or in cultural and creative practice. In this sense, Campion’s filmmaking continues a feminist tradition of exploration regarding female subjectivity, identity and desire as it is represented in language (cinematic or otherwise). In the Cut (2003), adapted from Susanna Moore’s novel of the same name, again places language and the (dis)articulation of the female voice at its heart: the renewal of which is positioned within the film as crucial to women’s survival. In taking its cue from Hélène Cixous’s ‘The Laugh of the Medusa’ (1976) and later writings such as ‘Castration or Decapitation?' (1981) and ‘Coming to Writing' (1991), this article frames its discussion of Campion’s interrogation of ‘Woman’s’ attempts at the articulation of the self as an exemplar (in both theme and form) of Cixousian strategies. The article will argue that techniques such as a cinematic écriture feminine, and the appropriation and adaptation of the language of Hollywood genre film, form part of Campion’s feminist inquiry into the discourses and legacies of a phallogocentric patriarchal culture which traditionally delimit Woman as a ‘speaking’ subject. In this way, In the Cut exposes the tensions between what Cixous calls the ‘Absolute Woman’ of culture (the aphonic hysteric) and attempts towards agency, thus challenging phallogocentric representations of women. In using these strategies, Campion’s adaptation creates a polyphonic artefact which not only revises Moore’s novel but also re-visits (in order to reclaim) female articulation; re-writing phallogocentric claims to agency and subjectivity, imagining women's ‘survival’ through language. In this sense, then, adaptation itself can be thought of as a feminist act of subversion.
Stereotype threat-effects for Turkish-origin migrants in Germany: Taking stock of cumulative research evidence
Authors: Froehlich Laura , Mok Sog Yee , Martiny Sarah E. , Deaux Kay
Published: October 2018

Turkish-origin migrants on average show lower academic performance than Germans. This achievement gap cannot be fully explained by socio-economic differences between the groups. Negative competence stereotypes about Turkish-origin students predict the causal attributions that German preservice teachers make for migrants’ academic underperformance. Specifically, the more strongly preservice teachers endorse negative competence stereotypes, the more likely they are to attribute academic underperformance of Turkish-origin migrants to the migrants themselves and less to the educational system. Stereotype threat theory posits that the activation of stereotypes in test situations can reduce the performance of members of the negatively stereotyped group. Based on this theory, we propose that negative stereotypes provide a social-psychological explanation for the academic underperformance of Turkish-origin migrants compared to Germans. A series of six experiments conducted within a research project funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research investigated stereotype threat effects for Turkish-origin migrants. Two new moderator variables were identified: implicit theory of intelligence and vertical collectivism. A meta-analysis of the six studies showed a small, non-significant mean effect for stereotype threat main effects, but a significant medium-sized mean effect for moderated stereotype threat effects. Limitations and practical implications of stereotype threat effects in educational settings are discussed.
Long-term closed-loop recycling of high-density polyethylene/flax composites
Authors: Benoit Nathalie , González-Núñez Rubén , Rodrigue Denis
Published: October 2018

This work investigates the loss of performance and the recyclability of natural fibre composites for a long-term closed-loop process. Composites based on flax fibres and high-density polyethylene are subjected up to 50 extrusion cycles under constant processing conditions with or without maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene as a coupling agent. The results show that the addition of fibre increases the rigidity but decreases the elongation properties. The initial processing cycle leads to an important decrease of the fibre length and modification of the molecular weight distributions, thus indicating that the addition of fibre enhances chain scission and that fibre breakup mainly happens during the initial processing. The effect of recycling is much less significant, except for the mechanical properties. Negligible variations are observed for density, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography and impact results. On the contrary, the mechanical properties are strongly affected by recycling as most of them increase with recycling. The addition of a coupling agent improves the composite properties, but this effect disappears with recycling. These trends are associated to a balance between fibre breakup and macromolecular chain scission compared to more homogeneous materials (better fibre distribution) taking place in the materials during recycling. The results show that long-term recycling of composites is possible as their overall performances remain acceptable.
Development of materials obtained from recycled cars and their subsequent use in noise reduction
Authors: Lumnitzer Ervin , Hricová Beata , Bednárová Lucia , Pacana Andrzej
Published: October 2018

In terms of design and material composition, cars are the large set of diverse materials and raw materials. The relative proportion of materials varies along with the development and innovation of new types of cars. The most represented material is metal. On average, outdated cars feature about 8% of plastic and approximately 4% of rubber products. The problem is the further use of these recycled materials. The research has found new areas for the use of tires, waste foam and interior materials—noise reduction. The authors have designed and tested several variations of acoustic absorption materials. Of the tested materials, the best parameters were shown by “ecofoam”—almost across the entire frequency range (100–5000 Hz).
Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder) in Primary Care Mental Health
Authors: Rancourt Diana , Darkes Jack
Published: October 2018

This case report describes the application of a dialectical behavioral therapy–informed psychotherapy approach to treating conversion disorder (functional neurological symptom disorder) with motor dysfunction in a Veterans Administration Health System Primary Care–Mental Health Integration Clinic. “Jane,” a 30-year-old veteran, was diagnosed with conversion disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She completed 25 sessions of treatment focused on improving emotion regulation and interpersonal skills over an 8-month period. At the end of treatment, Jane demonstrated improved motor ability and clinically significant improvements in her reported symptoms of MDD (per the Patient Health Questionnaire–9) and PTSD (per the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version). This case report supports the conceptualization of conversion disorder as a function of emotion dysregulation and the application of a dialectical behavior therapy–informed treatment approach.