bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One new genus and three new species of Diptilomiopinae from Vietnam (Acari: Eriophyoidea)
Authors: Mo Yuping , Lai Yan , Zhao Yeyun , Wang Guoquan
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we described one new genus Babus gen. nov. from the subfamily of Diptilomiopinae by characters as below: scapular setae (sc) placed ahead of the rear shield margin, anterolateral setae on coxisternum І (1b) absent, tarsal empodium divided, legs with six segment, basiventral femoral setae (bv) and antaxial genual setae (l'') on leg II absent. Two new species, Babus chukrasium sp. nov. collected from Chukrasia tatularis A. Juss. and Babus anisatae sp. nov. from Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. were herein described. In addition, another new species Trimeroptes chaetophori sp. nov. collected from Rubus chaetophorus Card. was also described and illustrated from the same subfamily. All of new species described here are vagrants on the under surfaces of leaves, and no damage was observed.
Carbon monolith scaffolding for high volumetric capacity silicon Li-ion battery anodes
Authors: Barrett Lawrence K. , Fan Juichin , Laughlin Kevin , Baird Sterling , Harb John N. , Vanfleet Richard R. , Davis Robert C.
Published: June 2017

A nanoporous carbon monolith structure has been developed for use as a scaffold for silicon anodes for lithium batteries. This scaffold was fabricated by coating vertically aligned carbon nanotubes in a highly conformal coating of nanocrystalline carbon, applied via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. The coating increases the mechanical stability of the nanotube structure, which provides electrically conductive pathways through the anode. Silicon anodes were fabricated with the monoliths by low pressure chemical vapor infiltration of silicon. This platform allows the carbon and silicon volume fractions to be independently varied in the anode. Anodes with a low silicon content (less than 5% by volume) showed high stability in cycling against lithium with a capacity retention of 89.7% between cycles 2 and 185. Anodes with a high silicon content (∼25% by volume) showed poor capacity retention when the carbon content was low (<40% by volume), and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the anodes failed due to the destruction of the nanocrystalline carbon coating during cycling. However, by increasing the carbon content to ∼60% volume percent in the monolith, capacity retention was substantially stabilized even for anodes with very high silicon loadings. These stabilized electrodes exhibited volumetric capacities as high as ∼1000 mA h/ml and retained over 725 mA h/ml by cycle 100.
NIH overhead plan draws fire
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: June 2017

White House wants to reduce indirect cost payments to universities from 28% to 10% of NIH's research spending.
Oldest members of our species discovered in Morocco
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: June 2017

New fossils and dates put a face on early
Homo sapiens
.
Shortsighted priorities
Authors: Berg Jeremy
Published: June 2017

The U.S. president's proposed budget for next fiscal year, released on 23 May, reflects a shortsighted and misinformed understanding of the impact that government investments in science have on the lives of people throughout society, far beyond just those doing research. Thankfully, this document does not determine future government spending; the U.S. Congress, from which substantial bipartisan criticism of the budget has already emerged, establishes this subsequently through the appropriations process. Nonetheless, this budget is an important statement of the priorities of an administration that, despite its bold promises of economic prosperity and American greatness, seems not to grasp fundamental elements underlying decades of prosperity.
The Effect of Preoperative Antimicrobial Prophylaxis on Intraoperative Culture Results in Patients with a Suspected or Confirmed Prosthetic Joint Infection: a Systematic Review
Authors: Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , Benito Natividad , Soriano Alex
Published: June 2017

Obtaining reliable cultures during revision arthroplasty is important to adequately diagnose and treat a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The influence of antimicrobial prophylaxis on culture results remains unclear. Since withholding prophylaxis increases the risk for surgical site infections, clarification on this topic is critical. A systematic review was performed with the following research question: in patients who undergo revision surgery of a prosthetic joint, does preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis affect the culture yield of intraoperative samples in comparison with nonpreoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis? Seven articles were included in the final analysis. In most studies, standard diagnostic culture techniques were used. In patients with a PJI, pooled analysis showed a culture yield of 88% (145/165) in the prophylaxis group versus 95% (344/362) in the nonprophylaxis group (
P
= 0.004). Subanalysis of patients with chronic PJIs showed positive cultures in 88% (78/89) versus 91% (52/57), respectively (
P
= 0.59). In patients with a suspected chronic infection, a maximum difference of 4% in culture yield between the prophylaxis and nonprophylaxis groups was observed. With the use of standard culture techniques, antimicrobial prophylaxis seems to affect cultures in a minority of patients. Along with the known risk of surgical site infections due to inadequate timing of antimicrobial prophylaxis, we discourage the postponement of prophylaxis until tissue samples are obtained in revision surgery. Future studies are necessary to conclude whether the small percentage of false-negative cultures after prophylaxis can be further reduced with the use of more-sensitive culture techniques, like sonication.
Mitochondrial Respiration Is Impaired during Late-Stage Hamster Prion Infection
Authors: Faris Robert , Moore Roger A. , Ward Anne , Sturdevant Dan E. , Priola Suzette A.
Published: June 2017

Mitochondria are crucial to proper neuronal function and overall brain health. Mitochondrial dysfunction within the brain has been observed in many neurodegenerative diseases, including prion disease. Several markers of decreased mitochondrial activity during prion infection have been reported, yet the bioenergetic respiratory status of mitochondria from prion-infected animals is unknown. Here we show that clinically ill transgenic mice overexpressing hamster prion protein (Tg7) infected with the hamster prion strain 263K suffer from a severe deficit in mitochondrial oxygen consumption in response to the respiratory complex II substrate succinate. Characterization of the mitochondrial proteome of purified brain mitochondria from infected and uninfected Tg7 mice showed significant differences in the relative abundance of key mitochondrial electron transport proteins in 263K-infected animals relative to that in controls. Our results suggest that at clinical stages of prion infection, dysregulation of respiratory chain proteins may lead to impairment of mitochondrial respiration in the brain.

IMPORTANCE
Mitochondrial dysfunction is present in most major neurodegenerative diseases, and some studies have suggested that mitochondrial processes may be altered during prion disease. Here we show that hamster prion-infected transgenic mice overexpressing the hamster prion protein (Tg7 mice) suffer from mitochondrial respiratory deficits. Tg7 mice infected with the 263K hamster prion strain have little or no signs of mitochondrial dysfunction at the disease midpoint but suffer from a severe deficit in mitochondrial respiration at the clinical phase of disease. A proteomic analysis of the isolated brain mitochondria from clinically affected animals showed that several proteins involved in electron transport, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial protein synthesis were dysregulated. These results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction, possibly exacerbated by prion protein overexpression, occurs at late stages during 263K prion disease and that this dysfunction may be the result of dysregulation of mitochondrial proteins.
Human Bocavirus 1 Is a Novel Helper for Adeno-associated Virus Replication
Authors: Wang Zekun , Deng Xuefeng , Zou Wei , Engelhardt John F. , Yan Ziying , Qiu Jianming
Published: June 2017

Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is an autonomous parvovirus that infects well-differentiated primary human airway epithelia (HAE)
in vitro
. In human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells, the transfection of a duplex HBoV1 genome initiates viral DNA replication and produces progeny virions that are infectious in HAE. HBoV1 takes advantage of signaling pathways in the DNA damage response for efficient genome amplification in both well-differentiated (nondividing) HAE and dividing HEK293 cells. On the other hand, adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) is a helper-dependent dependoparvovirus, and productive AAV2 replication requires coinfection with a helper virus (e.g., adenovirus or herpesvirus) or treatment with genotoxic agents. Here, we report that HBoV1 is a novel helper virus for AAV2 replication. Coinfection by HBoV1 and AAV2 rescued AAV2 replication in HAE cells. The helper function of HBoV1 for AAV2 is not limited to HAE cells but also includes HEK293 and HeLa cells. Importantly, the helper function of HBoV1 for AAV2 relies on neither HBoV1 replication nor the DNA damage response. Following transfection of HEK293 cells, the minimal requirements for the replication of the AAV2 duplex DNA genome and the production of progeny virions included the HBoV1 NP1 and NS4 proteins and a newly identified viral long noncoding RNA (BocaSR). However, following infection of HEK293 and HeLa cells with AAV2 virions, HBoV1 NS2 (but not NS4), NP1, and BocaSR were required for AAV2 DNA replication and progeny virion formation. These new methods for packaging the AAV2 genome may be useful for generating recombinant AAV-packaging cell lines and the directed evolution of AAV capsids.

IMPORTANCE
We first report that an autonomous parvovirus, HBoV1, helps the replication of a dependoparvovirus, AAV2, in differentiated human airway epithelia. We identified the minimal sets of HBoV1 genes required to facilitate the replication of the AAV2 duplex genome and for AAV2 infection. Notably, together with the expression of the
NP1
and
BocaSR
genes, HBoV1
NS2
is required for the productive infection of HEK293 and HeLa cells by AAV2, whereas NS4 is sufficient for viral DNA replication of an AAV2 duplex genome. The identification of HBoV1 as a helper virus for AAV2 replication has implications for the improvement of recombinant AAV production in HEK293 cells and cell types that do not express the adenovirus
E1
gene as well as for the rescue of wild-type AAV genomes from tissues during directed evolution in the absence of wild-type adenovirus. A further understanding of the mechanism underlying HBoV1 helper-dependent AAV2 replication may also provide insights into its functions in HBoV1 replication.
Gangrenous digital infarcts in a severe case of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Mahmood-Rao Hamzah , Ding Tina , Gandhi Nirav
Published: June 2017

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a rare diagnosis which is distinct from polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). PAN is a medium-vessel vasculitis which can affect multiple organs and classically produces microaneurysms in the vasculature. CPAN is limited to the skin mainly affecting small vessels. There is an absence of microaneurysms in CPAN and it does not affect internal organs. However, the histopathological findings on the skin are similar to PAN. CPAN rarely progresses to PAN but relapses more often. We will illustrate a challenging case of a patient with CPAN who developed gangrenous infarcts despite initial immunosuppressive treatment with high-dose steroids and azathioprine. His treatment had to be escalated to intravenous cyclophosphamide which induced disease remission
A molecular investigation of Canadian Scytosiphonaceae (Phaeophyceae) including descriptions ofPlanosiphongen. nov. andScytosiphon promiscuussp. nov.
Authors: McDevit Daniel C. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: June 2017

Identification of macroalgae has been greatly facilitated by the use of molecular tools. Using the DNA barcode (COI-5P = 5′ end of cytochrome c oxidase 1), we have uncovered considerable genetic variation in Scytosiphon. Whereas only four species were recognized in North America [S. canaliculatus (Setchell & N.L.Gardner) Kogame, S. complanatus (Rosenvinge) Doty, S. dotyi M.J.Wynne, and S. lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link], mitochondrial COI-5P data resolved 11 genetic groups while nuclear ITS data, in combination with morphological observations, supported recognition of seven species. These seven groups were assigned to: Scytosiphon Atlantic complex, S. sp._J, S. canaliculatus, S. complanatus, S. dotyi, S. lomentaria, and S. promiscuus sp. nov. One of the two species of Scytosiphon most commonly reported in North America, S. dotyi, was absent in Canada. Overlooked variation was also uncovered among Canadian collections of Colpomenia and Petalonia, indicating cryptic diversity in these scytosiphonacean genera as well. Multigene phylogenetic analyses supported the transfer of Petalonia zosterifolia (Reinke) Kuntz, Scytosiphon gracilis Kogame, and S. complanatus to Planosiphon gen. nov. Further, the included species of Chnoospora and Colpomenia failed to form monophyletic groups indicating that substantial taxonomic work remains for this brown algal family.
Gypenosides Ameliorate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Differentiation of Hepatic Progenitor Cells into Myofibroblasts
Authors: Chen Jiamei , Li Xuewei , Hu Yonghong , Liu Wei , Zhou Qun , Zhang Hua , Mu Yongping , Liu Ping
Published: June 2017

Gypenosides (GPs), the predominant components of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, exert antifibrotic effects; however, the mechanisms underlying their ability to ameliorate liver fibrosis are unclear. Liver fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6 mice via subcutaneous injection of 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl[Formula: see text] three times a week for two weeks. Then, CCl4 was administered in conjunction with intragastric GPs for another three weeks. For in vitro analyses, WB-F344, hepatatic progenitor cells (HPCs) were treated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-[Formula: see text]1) with or without GPs for 48[Formula: see text]h. The results showed that alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, deposition of collagen, hydroxyproline content, and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin ([Formula: see text]-SMA) and collagen type I (Col I) were significantly decreased after treatment with GPs ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). In the 5M CCl4 group, the expression of HPC markers, Sox9 and cytokeratin 19 (CK19), was significantly increased compared with the normal or GPs-treated group ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Immunostaining showed that the number of Sox9 and [Formula: see text]-SMA double-positive cells was higher in the 5M CCl4 group than in the normal group, but the addition of GPs caused this cell number to decrease. In WB-F344 cells, the expression of [Formula: see text]-SMA and Col I was significantly increased after treatment with TGF-[Formula: see text], whereas in the GPs treatment group, expression was markedly decreased ([Formula: see text]). The levels of TGF-[Formula: see text] and TGF-[Formula: see text]R1 were markedly reduced after GPs treatment both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, GPs ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via the inhibition of TGF-[Formula: see text] signaling, consequently inhibiting the differentiation of HPCs into myofibroblasts.
Tongxinluo Inhibits Renal Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy: Involvement of the Suppression of Intercellular Transfer of TGF-β1-Containing Exosomes from GECs to GMCs
Authors: Wu Xiao-Ming , Gao Yan-Bin , Xu Li-Ping , Zou Da-Wei , Zhu Zhi-Yao , Wang Xiao-Lei , Yao Wei-Jie , Luo Liang-Tao , Tong Yu , Tian Nian-Xiu , Han Zhe-Ji , Dang Wan-Yu
Published: June 2017

Glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Our previous study revealed that high glucose (HG)-treated glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) produce an increased number of TGF-[Formula: see text]1-containing exosomes to activate GMCs through the TGF-[Formula: see text]1/Smad3 signaling pathway. We also identified that Tongxinluo (TXL), a traditional Chinese medicine, has beneficial effects on the treatment of DN in DN patients and type 2 diabetic mice. However, it remained elusive whether TXL could ameliorate renal structure and function through suppression of intercellular transfer of TGF-[Formula: see text]1-containing exosomes from GECs to GMCs. In this study, we demonstrate that TXL can inhibit the secretion of TGF-[Formula: see text]1-containing exosomes from HG-treated GECs. Furthermore, exosomes produced by HG induced-GECs treated with TXL cannot trigger GMC activation, proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) overproduction both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that TXL can prevent the transfer of TGF-[Formula: see text]1 from GECs to GMCs via exosomes, which may be one of the mechanisms of TXL in the treatment of DN.
Effect of functional groups on sensitization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using free base porphyrins
Authors: Chaudhri Nivedita , Sawhney Nipun , Madhusudhan Bijjam , Raghav Anubhav , Sankar Muniappan , Satapathi Soumitra
Published: June 2017

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with six meso-substituted A[Formula: see text]B and A[Formula: see text] free base porphyrin dyes having different functional groups, as sensitizers. The two step synthesis and the effect of different functional groups and their positions on the photosensitization properties of these porphyrin dyes are reported. The highest power conversion efficiencies ([Formula: see text] of 3.26%, 2.94% and 2.84% were achieved for the DSSC fabricated using 5,10,15-tris(4[Formula: see text]-pyridyl)-20-(4[Formula: see text]-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H[Formula: see text]TriPyMCPP), 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4[Formula: see text]-aminophenyl)porphyrin (H[Formula: see text]TAPP) and 5-(4[Formula: see text]-pyridyl)-10,15,20-tris(4[Formula: see text]-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H[Formula: see text]MPyTriCPP) dyes, respectively. The electron donating amino group is shown to enhance the power conversion efficiency while pyridyl appended porphyrin sensitizers are shown to be superior sensitizers as compared to carboxyphenylporphyrins. The investigation of effect of functional group and position of functional group of porphyrin dye on DSSC can serve as an important tool to guide further selection and synthesis of potential candidates as sensitizers.
Insomnia and Its Temporal Association with Academic Performance among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Haile Yohannes Gebreegziabhere , Alemu Sisay Mulugeta , Habtewold Tesfa Dejenie
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Studies show that 9.4% to 38.2% of university students are suffering from insomnia. However, research data in developing countries is limited. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess insomnia and its temporal association with academic performance.Methods and Materials. Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted with 388 students at Debre Berhan University. Data were collected at the nine colleges. Logistic and linear regression analysis was performed for modeling insomnia and academic performance with apvalue threshold of 0.05, respectively. Data were entered using EPI-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results. The prevalence of insomnia was 61.6%. Field of study (pvalue = 0.01), worshiping frequency (pvalue = 0.048), marital status (pvalue = 0.03), and common mental disorder (pvalue < 0.001) were identified associated factors of insomnia. There was no significant association between insomnia and academic performance (pvalue = 0.53,β= −0.04). Insomnia explained 1.2% (r2= 0.012) of the difference in academic performance between students.Conclusions. Nearly 3 out of 5 students had insomnia. We recommended that universities would endorse sleep quality and mental health illness screening programs for students.
Evaluating the TRMM Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis for Extreme Precipitation and Streamflow in Ganjiang River Basin, China
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Zhang Zengxin , Huang Yuhan , Chen Xi , Chen Sheng
Published: June 2017

Based on the observed precipitation data and TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) 3B42 RTV7 and 3B42 V7 precipitation products from 2003 to 2010, the extreme precipitation and streamflow in the Ganjiang River basin were analyzed. The VIC hydrological model was used to simulate the streamflow driven by RTV7/V7 precipitation products in the Ganjiang River basin. The results show that (1) both of the RTV7 and V7 precipitation products have good applicability in precipitation estimation in the Ganjiang River basin and the correlation between the observed precipitation and RTV7 (V7) was as higher as 0.85 (0.86); (2) the RTV7/V7 precipitation products can well be used to simulate the streamflow by using the VIC hydrological model and the correlation between the observed streamflow and simulated streamflow driven by RTV7 (V7) products was as high as 0.86 (0.89); (3) the extreme precipitation varied greatly in the Ganjiang River basin and both of the RTV7 and V7 can capture the pattern of extreme precipitation in the Ganjiang River basin; however, higher extreme precipitation can be found in the northern Ganjiang River basin; (4) the extreme streamflow simulated driven by RTV7/V7 products agreed well with the observed extreme streamflow in the Ganjiang River basin. This study indicated that the TRMM 3B42 RTV7 and V7 products can be well used in the estimation of extreme precipitation and extreme streamflow.
Optimization of Deacetylation Process for Regenerated Cellulose Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: He Xuezhong
Published: June 2017

Cellulose acetate (CA) hollow fibers were spun from a CA+ Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/H2O dope solution and regenerated by deacetylation. The complete deacetylation time of 0.5 h was found at a high concentration (0.2 M) NaOH ethanol (96%) solution. The reaction rate of deacetylation with 0.5 M NaOH was faster in a 50% ethanol compared to a 96 vol.% ethanol. The hydrogen bond between CA and tertiary amide group of PVP was confirmed. The deacetylation parameters of NaOH concentration, reaction time, swelling time, and solution were investigated by orthogonal experimental design (OED) method. The degree of cross-linking, the residual acetyl content, and the PVP content in the deacetylated membranes were determined by FTIR analysis. The conjoint analysis in the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software was used to analyze the OED results, and the importance of the deacetylation parameters was sorted as Solution > Swelling time > Reaction time > Concentration. The optimal deacetylation condition of 96 vol.% ethanol solution, swelling time 24 h, the concentration of NaOH (0.075 M), and the reaction time (2 h) were identified. The regenerated cellulose hollow fibers under the optimal deacetylation condition can be further used as precursors for preparation of hollow fiber carbon membranes.
Recombinant Immunotoxin Therapy of Glioblastoma: Smart Design, Key Findings, and Specific Challenges
Authors: Zhu Shaowei , Liu Yuanyi , Wang Paul C. , Gu Xinbin , Shan Liang
Published: June 2017

Recombinant immunotoxins (RITs) refer to a group of recombinant protein-based therapeutics, which consists of two components: an antibody variable fragment or a specific ligand that allows RITs to bind specifically to target cells and an engineered toxin fragment that kills the target cells upon internalization. To date, over 1,000 RITs have been generated and significant success has been achieved in the therapy of hematological malignancies. However, the immunogenicity and off-target toxicities of RITs remain as significant barriers for their application to solid tumor therapy. A group of RITs have also been generated for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, and some have demonstrated evidence of tumor response and an acceptable profile of toxicity and safety in early clinical trials. Different from other solid tumors, how to efficiently deliver the RITs to intracranial tumors is more critical and needs to be solved urgently. In this article, we first review the design and expression of RITs, then summarize the key findings in the preclinical and clinical development of RIT therapy of glioblastoma multiforme, and lastly discuss the specific issues that still remain to forward RIT therapy to clinical practice.
Empirically Reduced Dosages of Tinzaparin in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Renal Insufficiency Lead to Inadequate Anti-Xa Levels
Authors: Olie Renske H. , Meertens Nathalie E.L. , Henskens Yvonne M.C. , ten Cate Hugo
Published: June 2017

Background: Due to the higher molecular weight of tinzaparin, the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is less dependent on renal excretion than other LMWH preparations. However, several international guidelines recommend the same preemptive dosage reduction for all therapeutic dose LMWHs prescribed in renal insufficient patients, to ensure that there is no accumulation of anticoagulant activity and increased risk of bleeding. This study is aimed at assessing whether a preemptive dosage reduction of tinzaparin in all renal insufficient patients (comprising 25% reduction in patients with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease - estimated glomerular filtration rate (MDRD-eGFR) 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 50% reduction in patients with MDRD-eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2) leads to adequate anti-Xa levels. Methods: We selected the anti-Xa levels of in-hospital patients (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency (MDRD-eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2), on therapeutic dosages of tinzaparin. Anti-Xa levels were measured using a chromogenic assay. Results: Preemptive dosage reduction resulted in a median anti-Xa activity of 0.50 IU/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 0.38-0.60). In 92.3% of patients the anti-Xa level was below the target anti-Xa level of >0.85 IU/mL for therapeutic indications. Unadjusted dosages led to a median anti-Xa activity of 0.74 IU/mL (IQR 0.56-0.92). The preemptive dosage reduction was significantly associated with anti-Xa activity below therapeutic range (p = 0.007). No difference in anti-Xa activity was observed between patients with moderate (0.71 IU/mL, IQR 0.61-0.95) versus severe (0.65 IU/mL, IQR 0.41-1.06) renal insufficiency in whom an unadjusted dose had been administered (p = 0.77). None of the anti-Xa levels were above the upper margin of the presumed therapeutic range of 2.0 IU/mL. Conclusion: In renal insufficient patients, the preemptive dosage reduction of tinzaparin leads to inadequate anti-Xa levels.
Chronic Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy in a Primary Ampullary Adenocarcinoma Patient without Significant Peripheral Neuropathy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bukhari Nedal , Winquist Eric
Published: June 2017

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common dose-limiting toxicity associated with oxaliplatin. We report on a 61-year-old female patient with advanced primary ampullary adenocarcinoma who received 35 cycles of FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy. The patient has tolerated this treatment without developing significant peripheral neuropathy.
Lymphocyte Function in Human Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Weller Sophie , Varrier Matt , Ostermann Marlies
Published: June 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognised as an inflammatory condition with serious short- and long-term complications. Animal studies primarily using models of ischaemia reperfusion injury or caecal ligation and perforation have clearly demonstrated that inflammatory cells contribute to the initiation, propagation and recovery phase of AKI and that lymphocytes have a key role in these processes. Less is known about their involvement in common types of human AKI. This paper summarises the key findings of experimental AKI studies and limited human data with particular focus on the role of T-lymphocytes.
Caveolae Depletion Contributes to Vasorelaxant Effects of Chenodeoxycholic Acid
Authors: Wang Zhongchao , Lv Qiang , Liu Huan , Wu Yue , Bai Yungang , Cheng Yaoping , Su Yuting , Cai Yue , Yu Jinwen , Ma Jin , Bao Junxiang
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: High concentration of bile acids (BAs) induces hydrophobicity-dependent vasorelaxtant effects with hydrophobic BAs showing greater responses than hydrophilic BAs, of which the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Caveolae are invaginations on membranes of endothelial cells (ECs) entraping endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to prevent its activation, which plays a critical role in regulation of vascular function. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of caveolae in vasorelaxant effects of BAs. Methods: Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and cholic acid (CA) were used to represent hydrophobic and hydrophilic BA, respectively. Vascular responses of abdominal aorta were measured by isometric force recording. Morphology of caveolae was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression of total eNOS (t-eNOS) or phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) was determined by Western blot. Nitric oxide (NO) content was observed by fluorometric assay. Results: We demonstrated that CDCA as well as Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD), a commonly used reagent for cholesterol depletion, reduced potassium chloride (KCl)- or phenylephrine (PE)-elicited vasoconstriction (P < 0.05), and enhanced acetylcholine (Ach)-elicited vasodilatation (P < 0.05) in endothelium-intact abdominal aorta but not in endothelium-denuded or CA-treated vessels. CDCA and MCD, but not CA significantly disrupted caveolae structure on ECs of abdominal aorta which was recovered by cholesterol incubation (P < 0.05). Protein expression of t-eNOS was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and that of p-eNOS together with NO content was significantly increased in CDCA- and MCD- but not CA-treated vessels (P < 0.05) as compared with vehicle. The effect was reversed by either endothelium-denudation or cholesterol replenishment. Moreover, with cholesterol incubation, no significant differences were found in vascular responses among CDCA-, CA- or vehicle-treated vessels. Conclusion: These results indicate that CDCA diminishes caveolae on ECs of abdominal aorta promoting eNOS phosphorylation and NO production which contributes to its vasorelaxtant effect.
Identification and Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Huang Guangxin , Kang Yan , Huang Zhiyu , Zhang Zhiqi , Meng Fangang , Chen Weishen , Fu Ming , Liao Weiming , Zhang Ziji
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in stem cell differentiation. However, their role in osteogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), a promising cell source for bone regeneration, remains unknown. Here, we investigated the expression profile and potential roles of lncRNAs in osteogenic differentiation of human ASCs. Methods: Human ASCs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts in vitro, and the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in undifferentiated and osteogenic differentiated ASCs were obtained by microarray. Bioinformatics analyses including subgroup analysis, gene ontology analysis, pathway analysis and co-expression network analysis were performed. The function of lncRNA H19 was determined by in vitro knockdown and overexpression. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was utilized to examine the expression of selected genes. Results: We identified 1,460 upregulated and 1,112 downregulated lncRNAs in osteogenic differentiated human ASCs as compared with those of undifferentiated cells (Fold change ≥ 2.0, P < 0.05). Among these, 94 antisense lncRNAs, 85 enhancer-like lncRNAs and 160 lincRNAs were further recognized. We used 12 lncRNAs and 157 mRNAs to comprise a coding-non-coding gene expression network. Additionally, silencing of H19 caused a significantly increase in expression of osteogenesis-related genes, including ALPL and RUNX2, while a decrease was observed after H19 overexpression. Conclusion: This study revealed for the first time the global expression profile of lncRNAs involved in osteogenic differentiation of human ASCs and provided a foundation for future investigations of lncRNA regulation of human ASC osteogenesis.
Informação, conhecimento e burocracia
Authors: Alencar Railssa P.
Published: June 2017

Neste artigo somos motivados pelo questionamento do valor não só da informação, mas também das formas que podemos derivar do processo cognitivo, para entender a dinâmica e funcionamento de burocracias. Para tanto, limitaremos esse objetivo utilizando as definições de Parsons para sistemas de cren- ça e problematização do papel das “idéias” na dinâmica da ação dentro do sistema social por ele construído, devido ao maior detalhamento da lógica que motiva o indivíduo racional. Enquanto muitos trabalhos do assumem o indivíduo racional como pressuposto, enumerando basicamente os requisitos básicos para essa racionalidade, tais como preferências completas, ordenadas e transitivas, o trabalho de Parsons, por advir de uma época na qual se iniciava a formulação do indivíduo racional, ocupase de justificar a forma como o comportamento maximizador ocorre e é possível, através de orientações da ação social. Pretendemos explorar, neste trabalho, como o conhecimento definido por Parsons é tratado dentro da perspectiva conceitual de burocracia e da dinâmica burocrática identificada por Anthony Downs no clássico Inside Bureaucracy
Os pequenos partidos nas coligações eleitorais para prefeituras em 2000
Authors: Dantas Humberto , Praça Sérgio
Published: June 2017

Analisando as coligações firmadas por pequenos partidos nas eleições municipais do Brasil em 2000, esse trabalho se inscreve no rico debate sobre a existência ou não de um sistema partidário institucionalizado. Centrando a análise nas alianças para o cargo majoritário em disputa, os autores, em um primeiro momento, propõem uma definição de pequeno partido. Tendo delimitado o objeto, concentram-se em verificar e analisar a quantidade de alianças celebradas por pequenos partidos naquelas eleições. Em seguida, contrapõem os dados aos discursos de dirigentes partidários registrados em entrevistas exclusivas. Concluem que existe certo grau de racionalidade nas coliga- ções, mas não suficiente para afirmar que o sistema está institucionalizado
Súbditos soberanos. Paradojas de la obediencia al soberano en el Leviatán de Hobbes
Authors: Frere Tomas
Published: June 2017

El presente trabajo se propone abordar la distinción que hace Thomas Hobbes entre leyes naturales y civiles, y lo que de allí se deriva en lo tocante a la obediencia al soberano. Nos proponemos refutar ciertas interpretaciones que afirman que el Leviatán entra en contradicción con sí mismo, en el sentido de que, por un lado, Hobbes afirmaría que el soberano no debe estar sometido a ninguna obligación hacia sus súbditos pero, por el otro, le preocuparía que el soberano esté efectivamente libre de toda obligación. La hipótesis que manejamos, por el contrario, es que Hobbes concede explícitamente al soberano el carácter de legibus solutus, y es esto lo que lo lleva a una consecuencia paradójica: el carácter absoluto conferido por Hobbes a la figura del soberano abre la posibilidad de una crítica radical del orden existente y de la obediencia a cualquier soberano y a cualquier ley.
Exploitation and Oppression in Erik Olin Wright’s Social Theory, and a Marxian Complement
Authors: Peschanski João Alexandre
Published: June 2017

Exploitation and oppression remain key concepts in Erik Olin Wright's social theory, and this piece provides a general mapping of those concepts. These concepts are defined and their connection is cleared out. Marx's theory of industrial reserve army is discussed to make the point that non-exploited workers are potentially useful for understanding how apparently superfluous people for exploiters have an impact on exploitation dynamics. Marx's point contributes to Wright's overall conceptual enterprise
Twelve Key Findings in Deliberative Democracy Research
Authors: Curato Nicole , Dryzek John S. , Ercan Selen A. , Hendriks Carolyn M. , Niemeyer Simon
Published: June 2017

This essay reflects on the development of the field of deliberative democracy by discussing twelve key findings that capture a number of resolved issues in normative theory, conceptual clarification, and associated empirical results. We argue that these findings deserve to be more widely recognized and viewed as a foundation for future practice and research. We draw on our own research and that of others in the field.
Collusion in Restraint of Democracy: Against Political Deliberation
Authors: Shapiro Ian
Published: June 2017

Recent calls to inject substantial doses of deliberation into democratic politics rest on a misdiagnosis of its infirmities. Far from improving political outcomes, deliberation undermines competition over proposed political programs–the lifeblood of healthy democratic politics. Moreover, institutions that are intended to encourage deliberation are all too easily hijacked by people with intense preferences and abundant resources, who can deploy their leverage in deliberative settings to bargain for the outcomes they prefer. Arguments in support of deliberation are, at best, diversions from more serious threats to democracy, notably money's toxic role in politics. A better focus would be on restoring meaningful competition between representatives of two strong political parties over the policies that, if elected, they will implement. I sketch the main outlines of this kind of political competition, differentiating it from less healthy forms of multiparty and intraparty competition that undermine the accountability of governments.
Twee Antwerpse volksvertegenwoordigers op de beklaagdenbank
Authors: Monballyu J.
Published: June 2017

The prosecution of Leo Augusteyns (liberal member of Pariament) and Adelfons Henderickx (Christian Democrat member of Parliament) upon the accusation of collaboration with the Germans after World War I. Both were active in the promotion of Flemish emancipation during the war. Finally Augusteyns was acquitted, Henderickx condemned. The traditional inviolability of members of Parliament was ignored in both cases. An attempt is made to explain this apparent inequality.
Undercover speciation of wentletraps (Caenogastropoda: Epitoniidae) in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: ZELAYA DIEGO G. , GÜLLER MARINA
Published: June 2017

Despite being one of the most speciose families, Epitoniidae still remains at present as one of the least understood gastropod families worldwide. This is a consequence of most of the species being only known from shell morphology, added to the wide intraspecific variability of this character and the fact that shell morphology has proven to have frequent examples of parallelisms and convergences among different (unrelated) species. Knowledge of other morphological and anatomical characters in this group is still in its first steps, and such information is currently available for a limited number of species, thus being difficult (when not impossible) to evaluate its taxonomic value. The aim of this study is to re-evaluate the diversity of Epitoniidae occurring in the Atlantic coast of Patagonia. As part of this study, the validity of only four of the six species described / reported from this area could be confirmed: Epitonium georgettinum, E. striatellum, E. fabrizioi and “Cirsotrema” magellanicum. In addition, three new species were recognized and are described herein: Epitonium evanidstriatum, “Cirsotrema” ctenodentatum and “Cirsotrema” strebeli. Information on the shell (including the protoconch), operculum, radula and jaw for these species is here provided, in most cases for the first time. A neotype for Scalaria magellanica is here designated. Furthermore, “Cirsotrema” georgeanum is here proposed as a replacement name for Scalaria fenestrata Strebel, 1908 (not Meneghini in de Stefani, 1875, nor Scalaria fenestrata Wöhrmann, 1889); and that taxon is regarded as a full species, instead of as a synonym of “Cirsotrema” magellanicum, as suggested in some previous publications. This study reveals that the usage of isolated (either morphological or anatomical) characters is usually insufficient for identifying some of the species from Patagonia; however, if these characters are combined, all species may be clearly recognized.
The acculturation in Sweden of adolescents of Iranian and Yugoslavian origin
Authors: Hällsten Martin , Edling Christofer , Rydgren Jens
Published: June 2017

Ethnic acculturation in a sample of 19-year-old individuals of Yugoslavian and Iranian origin in contemporary Sweden was studied, with a focus on how acculturation is contingent on social structure and social context. Acculturation was measured as orientation to the majority and the parental culture of origin. The results suggest, first, that the two dimensions are weakly but positively correlated, meaning that acculturation identity does not involve any trade-offs, as new strands of oppositional culture theory suggest. Second, it was found that ethnic closure in friendship networks is positively associated with orientations to parents’ culture and negatively with orientations to Swedish culture. Individuals with a rich occupational social contact network tended to be orientated towards both the majority and the parental culture. There was a marked social difference between the most disadvantaged social class and all other classes, with the former being less oriented to both cultures compared to more advantaged classes.
The Retransmission of Rumor and Rumor Correction Messages on Twitter
Authors: Chua Alton Y. K , Tee Cheng-Ying , Pang Augustine , Lim Ee-Peng
Published: June 2017

This article seeks to examine the relationships among source credibility, message plausibility, message type (rumor or rumor correction) and retransmission of tweets in a rumoring situation. From a total of 5,885 tweets related to the rumored death of the founding father of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, 357 original tweets without an “RT” prefix were selected and analyzed using negative binomial regression analysis. The results show that source credibility and message plausibility are correlated with retransmission. Also, rumor correction tweets are retweeted more than rumor tweets. Moreover, message type moderates the relationship between source credibility and retransmission as well as that between message plausibility and retransmission. By highlighting some implications for theory and practice, this article concludes with some limitations and suggestions for further research.
Lay beliefs about the causes and cures of schizophrenia
Authors: Park Subin , Lee Minji , Furnham Adrian , Jeon Mina , Ko Young-Mi
Published: June 2017

Background:

Lay beliefs about schizophrenia are an important factor associated with treatment-seeking behavior.

Aims:

This study was conducted to investigate the lay beliefs about the causes and treatments of schizophrenia in South Korea.

Methods:

A total of 654 adults (mean age, 35.96 ± 11.33 years) completed two questionnaires assessing their views on the causes and cures of schizophrenia. The factor structures of lay beliefs about the causes and treatments of schizophrenia were then analyzed and the correlations between the resultant factors investigated.

Results:

From the cause items, four factors were extracted: Health/Lifestyle, God/Fate, Social/Environmental and Biological. Four factors were also extracted from the treatment items: Self-Help/Stress Management, Physical Treatment/Health Management, Religious Help and Mental Health Service Utilization. Notably, most participants believed that items in the Social/Environmental and Biological factors were the causes of schizophrenia, while they believed that items in the Mental Health Service Utilization and Self-Help/Stress Management factors were the treatments. Participants’ beliefs about the causes and treatments of schizophrenia were systematically correlated.

Conclusion:

Overall, laypeople have reasonably accurate beliefs and a multidimensional view of the causes and treatments of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, our results suggest that public education about the etiology and treatment of schizophrenia are necessary to increase actual usage of mental health services and treatments for schizophrenia.
Assessing the Situational Predictors of Drug Markets across Street Segments and Intersections
Authors: Hsu Ko-Hsin , Miller Joel
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

This study examines the factors that are statistically associated with drug-dealing settings in Newark, NJ, and assesses whether there are systematic differences in these between street segments and on intersections. In doing so, it tests hypotheses consistent with a theory that there are higher and lower levels of social regulation by residents in the two kinds of settings, respectively.

Methods:

Applying a matched case–control design yields 128 pairs of locations. McNemar’s test and conditional logistic regression are used to uncover statistical associations. Situational data on drug-dealing settings were collected using observations through Google Street View (GSV).

Results:

A variety of factors are associated with street drug-dealing hot spots, including mailboxes and churches, not previously identified in the literature on street crimes. While findings show differences between drug markets correlates on street segments and intersections, these are only partially consistent with study hypotheses.

Conclusions:

This study contributes to our understanding of risk factors for drug markets, highlights variations between intersections and street segments in the way drug market risk factors operate, and demonstrates the value of GSV for spatial crime research.
Digging Deeper: Exploring the Value of Prison-Based Dog Handler Programs
Authors: van Wormer Jacqueline , Kigerl Alex , Hamilton Zachary
Published: June 2017

As U.S. correctional systems continue to rollout evidence-based programs, the utility of “complimentary” programs that do not address recidivism reduction remains in question. Many U.S. prisons have a variety of prison-based animal programs, yet the outcomes are largely unexplored. This research addresses a literature gap by evaluating the intermediate outcomes associated with a statewide prison-based dog handler program. Using propensity score matching, we compared 1,001 inmates in a pretest, postentry design, aimed at measuring change across four outcomes. Results indicate that dog handler program inmates experienced significant improvement in three of four areas. Implications and further research needs are explored.