bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Relationship Overlapping on Social Network Sites
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhu Haiyi , Lu Tun , Gu Hansu , Huang Wenjian , Gu Ning
Published: December 2017

Nowadays people have many overlapping relationships across different social network sites. Will the communication frequency of a relationship on a focal SNS increase or decrease after the corresponding parties begin interacting with each other on a new SNS? What kinds of relationships and parties on the focal SNS are more robust to relationship overlapping across different sites? We conducted a case study on two Chinese popular social network sites (Weibo and Douban). Our results indicate that relationships' interactions on a new SNS have negative effect on the parties' communication frequency on the focal SNS. The communication frequency of older relationships on the focal SNS is more susceptible to the influence of the interacting on the new SNS, while relationships with more common groups and more extensive posts are less likely to be influenced. Our findings imply opportunities for SNS designers to strengthen their existing fragile ties and help users to build much more robust relationships.
Handling Anti-Virtual Machine Techniques in Malicious Software
Authors: Shi Hao , Mirkovic Jelena , Alwabel Abdulla
Published: December 2017

Malware analysis relies heavily on the use of virtual machines (VMs) for functionality and safety. There are subtle differences in operation between virtual and physical machines. Contemporary malware checks for these differences and changes its behavior when it detects a VM presence. These anti-VM techniques hinder malware analysis. Existing research approaches to uncover differences between VMs and physical machines use randomized testing, and thus cannot guarantee completeness.

In this article, we propose a detect-and-hide approach, which systematically addresses anti-VM techniques in malware. First, we propose
cardinal pill testing
—a modification of red pill testing that aims to enumerate the differences between a given VM and a physical machine through carefully designed tests. Cardinal pill testing finds five times more pills by running 15 times fewer tests than red pill testing. We examine the causes of pills and find that, while the majority of them stem from the failure of VMs to follow CPU specifications, a small number stem from under-specification of certain instructions by the Intel manual. This leads to divergent implementations in different CPU and VM architectures. Cardinal pill testing successfully enumerates the differences that stem from the first cause. Finally, we propose
VM Cloak
—a WinDbg plug-in which hides the presence of VMs from malware. VM Cloak monitors each execute malware command, detects potential pills, and at runtime modifies the command’s outcomes to match those that a physical machine would generate. We implemented VM Cloak and verified that it successfully hides VM presence from malware.
Establishment of a surgical bile duct injection technique giving direct access to the bile ducts for studies of the murine biliary tree
Authors: Berntsen Natalie Lie , Fosby Bjarte , Valestrand Laura , Tan Corey , Reims Henrik M. , Schrumpf Elisabeth , Karlsen Tom Hemming , Line Pål-Dag , Melum Espen
Published: December 2017

Cholangiopathies are progressive disorders with largely unknown pathoetiology and limited treatment options. We aimed to develop a novel surgical technique with direct access to the bile ducts that would complement existing mouse models of cholestasis, biliary inflammation, and fibrosis and present a new route of administration for testing of potential treatment strategies. We developed a surgical technique to access the murine biliary tree by injection of different solvents through catheterization of the gall bladder with simultaneous clamping of the common bile duct. To demonstrate the applicability of the technique, we injected either phosphate-buffered saline or dimethyl sulfoxide in concentrations of 50 or 65% and compared these groups with sham-operated mice. The surgery was optimized to achieve a mortality rate close to 0. There were no significant changes in pain, activity level, or mortality from the day of the surgery until euthanization for any groups. Injection of phosphate-buffered saline or 50% dimethyl sulfoxide was generally well-tolerated, whereas 65% dimethyl sulfoxide led to higher weight loss, an increase of serum alanine transaminase, and histological portal inflammation. There were no signs of inflammation in the gut. We have developed a bile duct injection technique that is well-tolerated, easily reproducible, and that may complement existing models of cholangiopathies. Direct access to the bile ducts without causing harm to the hepatobiliary or intestinal tissue may be valuable in future studies of normal biliary physiology and different pathophysiological mechanisms of disease and to test novel therapeutic strategies.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY To evaluate tolerability of the bile duct to injection of both polar and nonpolar compounds, we established a novel biliary injection technique. This technique is well-tolerated, easily reproducible, and with direct access to the bile ducts for studies of the murine biliary tree. The bile duct injection technique may complement existing animal models and be a valuable tool in future studies of normal biliary physiology or pathophysiology and to test novel therapeutic strategies.
Genetically increased angiotensin I-converting enzyme alters peripheral and renal vascular reactivity to angiotensin II and bradykinin in mice
Authors: Chollet Catherine , Placier Sandrine , Chatziantoniou Christos , Hus-Citharel Annette , Caron Nathalie , Roussel Ronan , Alhenc-Gelas François , Bouby Nadine
Published: December 2017

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) levels in humans are under strong genetic influence. Genetic variation in ACE has been linked to risk for and progression of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Causality has been documented in genetically modified mice, but the mechanisms underlying causality are not completely elucidated. To further document the vascular and renal consequences of a moderate genetic increase in ACE synthesis, we studied genetically modified mice carrying three copies of the ACE gene (three-copy mice) and littermate wild-type animals (two-copy mice). We investigated peripheral and renal vascular reactivity to angiotensin II and bradykinin in vivo by measuring blood pressure and renal blood flow after intravenous administration and also reactivity of isolated glomerular arterioles by following intracellular Ca2+mobilization. Carrying three copies of the ACE gene potentiated the systemic and renal vascular responses to angiotensin II over the whole range of peptide concentration tested. Consistently, the response of isolated glomerular afferent arterioles to angiotensin II was enhanced in three-copy mice. In these mice, signaling pathways triggered by endothelial activation by bradykinin or carbachol in glomerular arterioles were also altered. Although the nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS)/NO pathway was not functional in arterioles of two-copy mice, in muscular efferent arterioles of three-copy mice NOS3 gene expression was induced and NO mediated the effect of bradykinin or carbachol. These data document new and unexpected vascular consequences of a genetic increase in ACE synthesis. Enhanced vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II may contribute to the risk for cardiovascular and renal diseases linked to genetically high ACE levels.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A moderate genetic increase in angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in mice similar to the effect of the ACE gene D allele in humans unexpectedly potentiates the systemic and renal vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II. It also alters the endothelial signaling pathways triggered by bradykinin or carbachol in glomerular efferent arterioles.
High-intensity interval exercise attenuates but does not eliminate endothelial dysfunction after a fast food meal
Authors: Tucker Wesley J. , Sawyer Brandon J. , Jarrett Catherine L. , Bhammar Dharini M. , Ryder Justin R. , Angadi Siddhartha S. , Gaesser Glenn A.
Published: December 2017

We investigated whether two different bouts of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) could attenuate postprandial endothelial dysfunction. Thirteen young (27 ± 1 yr), nonexercise-trained men underwent three randomized conditions: 1) four 4-min intervals at 85–95% of maximum heart rate separated by 3 min of active recovery (HIIE 4 × 4), 2) 16 1-min intervals at 85–95% of maximum heart rate separated by 1 min of active recovery (HIIE 16 × 1), and 3) sedentary control. HIIE was performed in the afternoon, ~18 h before the morning fast food meal (1,250 kcal, 63g of fat). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was performed before HIIE ( baseline 1), during fasting before meal ingestion ( baseline 2), and 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h postprandial. Capillary glucose and triglycerides were assessed at fasting, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h (triglycerides only). Both HIIE protocols increased fasting FMD compared with control (HIIE 4 × 4: 6.1 ± 0.4%, HIIE 16 × 1: 6.3 ± 0.5%, and control: 5.1 ± 0.4%, P < 0.001). For both HIIE protocols, FMD was reduced only at 30 min postprandial but never fell below baseline 1 or FMD during control at any time point. In contrast, control FMD decreased at 2 h (3.8 ± 0.4%, P < 0.001) and remained significantly lower than HIIE 4 × 4 and 16 × 1 at 2 and 4 h. Postprandial glucose and triglycerides were unaffected by HIIE. In conclusion, HIIE performed ~18 h before a high-energy fast food meal can attenuate but not entirely eliminate postprandial decreases in FMD. This effect is not dependent on reductions in postprandial lipemia or glycemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Two similar high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocols performed ∼18 h before ingestion of a high-energy fast food meal attenuated but did not entirely eliminate postprandial endothelial dysfunction in young men largely by improving fasting endothelial function. Both HIIE protocols produced essentially identical results, suggesting high reproducibility of HIIE effects.
Independent and interactive effects of incremental heat strain, orthostatic stress, and mild hypohydration on cerebral perfusion
Authors: Lucas R. A. I. , Wilson L. C. , Ainslie P. N. , Fan J. L. , Thomas K. N. , Cotter J. D.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the dose-dependent effects of heat strain and orthostasis [via lower body negative pressure (LBNP)], with and without mild hypohydration, on systemic function and cerebral perfusion. Eleven men (means ± SD: 27 ± 7 y; body mass 77 ± 6 kg), resting supine in a water-perfused suit, underwent progressive passive heating [0.5°C increments in core temperature (Tc; esophageal to +2.0°C)] while euhydrated (EUH) or hypohydrated (HYPO; 1.5–2% body mass deficit). At each thermal state, mean cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAvmean; transcranial Doppler), partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]), heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP; photoplethysmography) were measured continuously during LBNP (0, −15, −30, and −45 mmHg). Four subjects became intolerant before +2.0°C Tc, unrelated to hydration status. Without LBNP, decreases in [Formula: see text] accounted fully for reductions in MCAvmeanacross all Tc. With LBNP at heat tolerance (+1.5 or +2.0°C), [Formula: see text] accounted for 69 ± 25% of the change in MCAvmean. The HYPO condition did not affect MCAvmeanor any cardiovascular variables during combined LBNP and passive heat stress (all P > 0.13). These findings indicate that hypocapnia accounted fully for the reduction in MCAvmeanwhen passively heat stressed in the absence of LBNP and for two- thirds of the reduction when at heat tolerance combined with LBNP. Furthermore, when elevations in Tcare matched, mild hypohydration does not influence cerebrovascular or cardiovascular responses to LBNP, even when stressed by a combination of hyperthermia and LBNP.
Altered expression of hepatic β-adrenergic receptors in aging rats: implications for age-related metabolic dysfunction in liver
Authors: Shi Yun , Shu Zhen-Ju , Wang Hanzhou , Barnes Jeffrey L. , Yeh Chih-Ko , Ghosh Paramita M. , Katz Michael S. , Kamat Amrita
Published: December 2017

Increased β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR)-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) in rat liver during aging has been linked to age-related increases in hepatic glucose output and hepatosteatosis. In this study, we investigated the expression of β-ARs, individual receptor subtypes, and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) regulatory proteins in livers from aging rats. Radioligand-binding studies demonstrated that β-AR density increased by greater than threefold in hepatocyte membranes from senescent (24-mo-old) compared with young adult (7-mo-old) rats and that this phenomenon was blocked by food restriction, which is known to retard aging processes in rodents. Competition-binding studies revealed a mixed population of β1- and β2-AR subtypes in liver membranes over the adult life span, with a trend for greater β2-AR density with age. Expression of both β-AR subtype mRNAs in rat liver increased with age, whereas β2- but not β1-AR protein levels declined in livers of old animals. Immunoreactive β2- but not β1-ARs were preferentially distributed in pericentral hepatic regions. Levels of GRK2/3 and β-arrestin 2 proteins, which are involved in downregulation of agonist-activated GPCRs, including β-ARs, increased during aging. Insofar as sympathetic tone increases with age, our findings suggest that, despite enhanced agonist-mediated downregulation of hepatic β-ARs preferentially affecting the β2-AR subtype, increased generation of both receptor subtypes during aging augments the pool of plasma membrane-bound β-ARs coupled to AC in hepatocytes. This study thus identifies one or both β-AR subtypes as possible therapeutic targets involved in aberrant hepatic processes of glucose and lipid metabolism during aging.
Cardiovascular response to prescribed detraining among recreational athletes
Authors: Pedlar Charles R. , Brown Marcel G. , Shave Robert E. , Otto James M. , Drane Aimee , Michaud-Finch Jennifer , Contursi Miranda , Wasfy Meagan M. , Hutter Adolph , Picard Michael H. , Lewis Gregory D. , Baggish Aaron L.
Published: December 2017

Exercise-induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) and the attendant myocardial adaptations characteristic of the athlete’s heart may regress during periods of exercise reduction or abstinence. The time course and mechanisms underlying this reverse remodeling, specifically the impact of concomitant plasma volume (PV) contraction on cardiac chamber size, remain incompletely understood. We therefore studied recreational runners ( n = 21, age 34 ± 7 yr; 48% male) who completed an 18-wk training program (~7 h/wk) culminating in the 2016 Boston Marathon after which total exercise exposure was confined to <2 h/wk (no single session >1 h) for 8 wk. Cardiac structure and function, exercise capacity, and PV were assessed at peak fitness (10–14 days before) and at 4 wk and 8 wk postmarathon. Mixed linear modeling adjusting for age, sex, V̇o2peak, and marathon finish time was used to compare data across time points. Physiological detraining was evidenced by serial reductions in treadmill performance. Two distinct phases of myocardial remodeling and hematological adaptation were observed. After 4 wk of detraining, there were significant reductions in PV (Δ −6.0%, P < 0.01), left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (Δ −8.1%, <0.05), LV mass (Δ −10.3%, P < 0.001), and right atrial area (Δ −8.2%, P < 0.001). After 8 wk of detraining, there was a significant reduction in right ventricle chamber size (end-diastolic area Δ = −8.0%, P < 0.05) without further concomitant reductions in PV or LV wall thickness. Abrupt reductions in exercise training stimulus result in a structure-specific time course of reverse cardiac remodeling that occurs largely independently of PV contraction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Significant reverse cardiac remodeling, previously documented among competitive athletes, extends to recreational runners and occurs with a distinct time course. Initial reductions in plasma volume and left ventricular (LV) mass, driven by reductions in wall thickness, are followed by contraction of the right ventricle. Consistent with data from competitive athletes, LV chamber volumes appear less responsive to detraining and may be a more permanent adaptation to sport.
The Implementation of Spectral Element Method in a CAE System for the Solution of Elasticity Problems on Hybrid Curvilinear Meshes
Authors: Konovalov Dmitriy , Vershinin Anatoly , Zingerman Konstantin , Levin Vladimir
Published: December 2017

Modern high-performance computing systems allow us to explore and implement new technologies and mathematical modeling algorithms into industrial software systems of engineering analysis. For a long time the finite element method (FEM) was considered as the basic approach to mathematical simulation of elasticity theory problems; it provided the problems solution within an engineering error. However, modern high-tech equipment allows us to implement design solutions with a high enough accuracy, which requires more sophisticated approaches within the mathematical simulation of elasticity problems in industrial packages of engineering analysis. One of such approaches is the spectral element method (SEM). The implementation of SEM in a CAE system for the solution of elasticity problems is considered. An important feature of the proposed variant of SEM implementation is a support of hybrid curvilinear meshes. The main advantages of SEM over the FEM are discussed. The shape functions for different classes of spectral elements are written. Some results of computations are given for model problems that have analytical solutions. The results show the better accuracy of SEM in comparison with FEM for the same meshes.
Enhancing Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Blue Using PVP-Capped and Uncapped CdSe Nanoparticles
Authors: Chepape Kgobudi Frans , Mofokeng Thapelo Prince , Nyamukamba Pardon , Mubiayi Kalenga Pierre , Moloto Makwena Justice
Published: December 2017

Quantum confinement of semiconductor nanoparticles is a potential feature which can be interesting for photocatalysis, and cadmium selenide is one simple type of quantum dot to use in the following photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. CdSe nanoparticles capped with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in various concentration ratios were synthesized by the chemical reduction method and characterized. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the samples showed that 50% PVP-capped CdSe nanoparticles were uniformly distributed in size with an average of 2.7 nm and shape which was spherical-like. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl blue (MB) in water showed efficiencies of 31% and 48% when using uncapped and 50% PVP-capped CdSe nanoparticles as photocatalysts, respectively. The efficiency of PVP-capped CdSe nanoparticles indicated that a complete green process can be utilized for photocatalytic treatment of water and waste water.
Coexistence for an Almost Periodic Predator-Prey Model with Intermittent Predation Driven by Discontinuous Prey Dispersal
Authors: Luo Yantao , Zhang Long , Teng Zhidong , Zheng Tingting
Published: December 2017

An almost periodic predator-prey model with intermittent predation and prey discontinuous dispersal is studied in this paper, which differs from the classical continuous and impulsive dispersal predator-prey models. The intermittent predation behavior of the predator species only happens in the channels between two patches where the discontinuous migration movement of the prey species occurs. Using analytic approaches and comparison theorems of the impulsive differential equations, sufficient criteria on the boundedness, permanence, and coexistence for this system are established. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate that, for an intermittent predator-prey model, both the intermittent predation and intrinsic growth rates of the prey and predator species can greatly impact the permanence, extinction, and coexistence of the population.
Numerical Modeling of CO2 and Brine Leakage through Open Fracture in a Fault Zone: Open Channel Flow or Darcy Flow
Authors: Liu Ning , Pan Lehua , Cheng Jianmei
Published: December 2017

Understanding fluids migration and leakage risk along the fault zone is necessary to guarantee the safety of CO2 geological storage. The validity of Darcy’s law gets challenged in dealing with the flow in open fractures since the occurring of turbulence flow. In this study, we develop a 2D model with usage of T2Well, an integrated wellbore-reservoir simulator, to investigate the leakage problem along open fractures which are embedded in a fault zone from the deep injection reservoir to shallow aquifers. The results record a positive feedback of gas expansion and pressure response in fracture, which causes a quick downward propagation of highly gas saturated zone from the top of fracture and an easy gas breakthrough in the shallower aquifers. The decreasing of aperture size of fracture significantly enhances the leakage rates in fracture, but with less influences as aperture increases. In comparison, the Equivalent Porous Media models show a good approximation with the momentum model of large apertures but poor for the small one. Nevertheless, the differences are small in terms of final CO2 distribution among various aquifers, suggesting that Darcy’s law may be still “effective” in solving flow problem along fractures in a constant injection system at a large time scale.
Emergence of High-Avidity Melan-A–Specific Clonotypes as a Reflection of Anti–PD-1 Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Simon Sylvain , Vignard Virginie , Varey Emilie , Parrot Tiphaine , Knol Anne-Chantal , Khammari Amir , Gervois Nadine , Lang Francois , Dreno Brigitte , Labarriere Nathalie
Published: December 2017

Therapeutic strategies using anti–PD-1–blocking antibodies reported unparalleled effectiveness for melanoma immunotherapy, but deciphering immune responses modulated by anti–PD-1 treatment remains a crucial issue. Here, we analyzed the composition and functions of the large Melan-A–specific T-cell repertoire in the peripheral blood of 9 melanoma patients before and after 2 months of treatment with anti–PD-1. We observed amplification of Melan-A–specific Vß subfamilies undetectable before therapy (thereafter called emerging Vß subfamilies) in responding patients, with a predominant expansion in patients with a complete response. These emerging Vß subfamilies displayed a higher functional avidity for their cognate antigen than Vß subfamilies not amplified upon anti–PD-1 therapy and could be identified by a sustained coexpression of PD-1 and TIGIT receptors. Thus, in addition to the emergence of neoantigen-specific T cells previously documented upon anti–PD-1 therapy, our work describes the emergence of high-avidity Melan-A–specific clonotypes as a surrogate marker of treatment efficacy. Cancer Res; 77(24); 7083–93. ©2017 AACR.
MTHFR A1298C and C677T Polymorphisms Are Associated with Increased Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Chart Review Study
Authors: Liu Fang , Silva Danuzia , Malone Mariuxi Viteri , Seetharaman Kala
Published: December 2017

Background: Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key enzyme in homocysteine metabolism. This study aims to determine the impact of MTHFR polymorphisms on plasma homocysteine levels and risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: This retrospective chart review study included a total of 188 subjects who were tested for MTHFR polymorphisms at Metrowest Coagulation Laboratory between April 2011 and April 2016. Two independent coders were trained to extract relevant clinical data for statistical analysis. Results: VTE occurred in 50% of patients with compound mutation, compared with only 28.6% of subjects from the wild-type group. Patients with heterozygous or homozygous A1298C or C677T variants had an intermediate risk of VTE. The median homocysteine level in the wild-type group was slightly lower than that of heterozygous or homozygous MTHFR variants. The difference, however, was not significant (p = 0.6193). Moreover, there was no difference in plasma homocysteine level between patients with VTE versus VTE-free (p = 0.4923). Conclusions: Heterozygous or homozygous MTHFR variants, especially a compound mutation, are associated with increased risk of VTE. Hyperhomocysteinemia does not correlate with MTHFR polymorphisms or VTE risk. Hence, MTHFR genotyping provides more consistent assessment of VTE risk. This information can be incorporated into risk stratification for early intervention and prophylaxis of VTE.
Measuring Electrodermal Activity to Improve the Identification of Agitation in Individuals with Dementia
Authors: Melander Catharina , Martinsson Jesper , Gustafsson Silje
Published: December 2017

Background: Understanding and interpreting the complexity of agitation in people with dementia is challenging. Objective: To explore whether a sensor measuring electrodermal activity (EDA) can improve the identification of agitation in individuals with dementia. Methods: Nine individuals with dementia wore a sensor that measured EDA. During the same time, assistant nurses annotated the observed behavior of the person with dementia. A binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the relationship between the sensor and the assistant nurses’ structured observations of agitation. Results: The sensor values correlated with the assistant nurses’ observations both at the time of the observation and 1 and 2 h prior to the observation. Conclusion: A sensor measuring EDA can support early detection of agitation in persons with dementia.
Risk Factors for Chemotherapy-Related Toxicity and Adverse Events in Elderly Thai Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Phaibulvatanapong Ekkamol , Srinonprasert Varalak , Ithimakin Suthinee
Published: December 2017

Objectives: To assess factors predisposing to severe chemotherapy-related toxicity and adverse events (AEs) and dose modification in aging cancer patients. Methods: Cancer patients aged ≥70 years scheduled to receive the first cycle of a new chemotherapy regimen were enrolled. On the day of starting chemotherapy, demographic data, performance status (PS), and geriatric parameters were recorded. AEs and chemotherapy modification were recorded. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed at baseline and 3 months after starting chemotherapy or at the end of chemotherapy. Results: We included 151 patients (mean age, 76.4 years) with gastrointestinal (47%), lung (24%), breast (9%), or genitourinary (6%) cancer. All-grade and severe AEs occurred in 83 and 42% of patients, respectively; 51.6% of patients required chemotherapy modification due to toxicities. A higher incidence of severe AEs (71% vs. 39%, p = 0.01) and poorer QOL was found in patients with PS 2 than in those with PS 0-1. Patients with PS 2 or who received palliative-intent chemotherapy or had multiple comorbidities were more likely to discontinue chemotherapy because of toxicity. Conclusions: PS remains a key predictor of chemotherapy-related toxicity in elderly patients. PS 2 was correlated with higher incidence of severe AEs, premature treatment discontinuation, and worsening QOL after treatment.
Aging and Decision-Making: A Conceptual Framework for Future Research - A Mini-Review
Authors: Löckenhoff Corinna E.
Published: December 2017

Age differences in decision-making are of theoretical interest and have important practical implications, but relevant lines of work are distributed across multiple disciplines and often lack integration. The present review proposes an overarching conceptual framework with the aim of connecting disjointed aspects of this field of research. The framework builds on process models of decision-making and specifies potential mechanisms behind age effects as well as relevant moderators including task characteristics and contextual factors. After summarizing the extant literature for each aspect of the framework, compensatory mechanisms and ecological fit between different components of the model are considered. Implications for real-life decision-making, remaining research gaps, and directions for future research are discussed.
Urinary 8-Hydroxy-2′-Deoxyguanosine as a Myocardial Oxidative Stress Marker Is Associated With Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Active Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Ishiguchi Hironori , Kobayashi Shigeki , Myoren Takeki , Kohno Michiaki , Nanno Takuma , Murakami Wakako , Oda Seiko , Oishi Keiji , Okuda Shinichi , Okada Munemasa , Suga Kazuyoshi , Yano Masafumi
Published: December 2017

Background—

Recently, we reported that urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (U-8-OHdG), an oxidative stress marker, reflected inflammatory activity in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Here, we investigated whether U-8-OHdG levels were associated with ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with CS.

Methods and Results—

This prospective cohort study enrolled 62 consecutive patients with CS, of whom 36 were diagnosed as having active CS based on abnormal
18
F-flurodeoxyglucose accumulation in the heart on positron-emission tomography/computed tomography. The 36 patients with active CS were subdivided as having CS with sustained VT (CS-VT group; n=18) or CS without sustained VT (CS-nVT group; n=18). Twenty-seven patients diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy served as heart failure controls. U-8-OHdG, brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac function indices, and immunohistological data from subendomyocardial biopsy samples were compared across groups. Immunohistochemical examination of ventricle biopsy samples revealed that the anti-8-OHdG antibody-positive area of cardiac tissue was significantly greater in CS-VT than in CS-nVT or dilated cardiomyopathy and significantly correlated with U-8-OHdG levels (n=58;
R
=0.61;
P
<0.00001), which were significantly higher in CS-VT than in CS-nVT (24.6±7.1 versus 15.2±3.8 ng/mg·Cr;
P
<0.0001). Other baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that U-8-OHdG was an independent determinant factor for VT. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify patients with VT resulted in a U-8-OHdG cutoff value of 17.5 ng/mg·Cr (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 83%; area under the curve, 0.90).

Conclusions—

U-8-OHdG levels are associated with VT in patients with active CS diagnosed by
18
F-flurodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography, providing additive and relevant information about the arrhythmia substrate.
Identification of 64 Novel Genetic Loci Provides an Expanded View on the Genetic Architecture of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: van der Harst Pim , Verweij Niek
Published: December 2017

Rationale:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex phenotype driven by genetic and environmental factors. Ninety-seven genetic risk loci have been identified to date, but the identification of additional susceptibility loci might be important to enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of CAD.

Objective:

To expand the number of genome-wide significant loci, catalog functional insights, and enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of CAD.

Methods and Results:

We performed a genome-wide association study in 34 541 CAD cases and 261 984 controls of UK Biobank resource followed by replication in 88 192 cases and 162 544 controls from CARDIoGRAMplusC4D. We identified 75 loci that replicated and were genome-wide significant (
P
<5×10
−8
) in meta-analysis, 13 of which had not been reported previously. Next, to further identify novel loci, we identified all promising (
P
<0.0001) loci in the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D data and performed reciprocal replication and meta-analyses with UK Biobank. This led to the identification of 21 additional novel loci reaching genome-wide significance (
P
<5×10
−8
) in meta-analysis. Finally, we performed a genome-wide meta-analysis of all available data revealing 30 additional novel loci (
P
<5×10
−8
) without further replication. The increase in sample size by UK Biobank raised the number of reconstituted gene sets from 4.2% to 13.9% of all gene sets to be involved in CAD. For the 64 novel loci, 155 candidate causal genes were prioritized, many without an obvious connection to CAD. Fine mapping of the 161 CAD loci generated lists of credible sets of single causal variants and genes for functional follow-up. Genetic risk variants of CAD were linked to development of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and death.

Conclusions:

We identified 64 novel genetic risk loci for CAD and performed fine mapping of all 161 risk loci to obtain a credible set of causal variants. The large expansion of reconstituted gene sets argues in favor of an expanded omnigenic model view on the genetic architecture of CAD.
Exploring the Organization of Semantic Memory through Unsupervised Analysis of Event-related Potentials
Authors: van Vliet Marijn , Van Hulle Marc M. , Salmelin Riitta
Published: December 2017

Modern multivariate methods have enabled the application of unsupervised techniques to analyze neurophysiological data without strict adherence to predefined experimental conditions. We demonstrate a multivariate method that leverages priming effects on the evoked potential to perform hierarchical clustering on a set of word stimuli. The current study focuses on the semantic relationships that play a key role in the organization of our mental lexicon of words and concepts. The N400 component of the event-related potential is considered a reliable neurophysiological response that is indicative of whether accessing one concept facilitates subsequent access to another (i.e., one “primes” the other). To further our understanding of the organization of the human mental lexicon, we propose to utilize the N400 component to drive a clustering algorithm that can uncover, given a set of words, which particular subsets of words show mutual priming. Such a scheme requires a reliable measurement of the amplitude of the N400 component without averaging across many trials, which was here achieved using a recently developed multivariate analysis method based on beamforming. We validated our method by demonstrating that it can reliably detect, without any prior information about the nature of the stimuli, a well-known feature of the organization of our semantic memory: the distinction between animate and inanimate concepts. These results motivate further application of our method to data-driven exploration of disputed or unknown relationships between stimuli.
Parental Child Abduction and the State: Identity, Diplomacy and the Duty of Care
Authors: Haugevik Kristin
Published: December 2017

States alternate between the roles of ‘caretaker’ and ‘rescuer’ when providing care to citizens abroad. This article suggests that they are more likely to assume the ‘rescuer’ role when core values underpinning their self-identity are at stake. This dynamic is explored by examining a case where a Norwegian mother re-abducted her two children from Morocco. In the process, Norway’s foreign minister authorized shielding the children at the Norwegian Embassy in Rabat, citing ‘Norway’s duty to protect two Norwegian minors in fear of their lives’. A diplomatic conflict between Norway and Morocco followed. The Norwegian response must be seen in light of Norway’s self-identity as a frontrunner for children’s rights. Ultimately, helping the children ‘had’ to trump concerns about diplomatic costs. The broader dilemmas that this case exemplifies should be relevant also to other cases where a state’s concern for a child citizen is pitted against its obligation to diplomatic conventions.
Inversion of the ‘Duty of Care’: Diplomacy and the Protection of Citizens Abroad, from Pastoral Care to Neoliberal Governmentality
Authors: Tsinovoi Alexei , Adler-Nissen Rebecca
Published: December 2017

The concept of ‘duty of care’ for citizens abroad is grounded in a political rationality where the population is seen as an object for protection by the state. In today’s globalised world, however, this rationality is challenged by increased citizen mobility, budget cuts, new information technologies and the proliferation of new security threats. In recent years the state’s duty of care has received fresh political and scholarly attention, but Diplomatic Studies have so far overlooked how the recent waves of neoliberal reforms have introduced a new political rationality into policy-making circles, where the population is not seen only as an object for protection, but also as a resource for mobilisation. Developing insights from studies of governmentality, this article argues that when this neoliberal political rationality becomes predominant in diplomatic circles, it leads to inversion of the duty of care through new citizen-based practices, steered at a distance by the state.
Revision of the genus Scopelodes Westwood, 1841 (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae) with description of 16 new species
Authors: Solovyev Alexey V. , Giusti Alessandro
Published: December 2017

The genus Scopelodes Westwood, 1841 distributed from India and Japan to New Guinea is revised. At present it includes a total of 31 species (34 taxa including subspecies), of which 16 are described as new to science: S. witti, S. pichugini, S. palawana, S. busa, S. jakli, S. uljanae, S. nusatenggarica, S. wetara, S. philippina, S. buraena, S. geminus, S. rudloffi, S. tanimbara, S. brechlini, S. lourensi, and S. notata. Lectotypes are designated for 9 taxa: Bethura minax, Scopelodes lutea, S. pallivittata, S. testacea, S. aurogrisea, S. exigua, S. magnifica, S. dinawa, S. sericea. New synonymy is established for the taxa: Scopelodes testacea = Scopelodes exigua niassica, syn. n. The taxa S. aurogrisea Moore and S. bicolor Wu & Fang are regarded as subspecies within S. venosa Walker. A new combination is proposed here: S. brunneipennis, comb. n. (the species is transferred from the genus Comana Walker).
Effects of Temporal Distribution on Utility of Temporal Factors in Competitive Audio-Visual Perceived Synchrony
Authors: Wilbiks Jonathan M. P.
Published: December 2017

The perception of audio-visual synchrony is affected by both temporal coincidence and stimulus congruency factors. In situations when temporal and stimulus information are not in agreement, the perceiver must rely on the relative informative value of both factors in deciding which of multiple potential binding candidates are most likely to be of a common source to a target. Previous research has shown that, all being equal, participants tend to rely primarily on temporal information, and only take stimulus information into consideration when temporal information is ambiguous. The current research seeks to examine the reliance on temporalvs.stimulus information by altering the degree of useful information available in temporal aspects. By varying the temporal distribution of stimuli, it was possible to either increase or decrease the number of trials on which temporal information is conclusive. Data indicate that when temporal information is less informative (i.e., when more asynchronous stimuli are presented), we become less reliant on using prior knowledge about timing relationships when making synchrony judgements. However, when temporal information is more informative (i.e., when more synchronous stimuli are presented) there is no increase in reliance on this type of information. These findings increase what is known about competitive audiovisual processing, and the fact that temporal information serves as a kind of default stimulus property, which can be decreased by reducing the utility of that information.
Studies on Dendrothripinae (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from Japan, with new records and one new species
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: December 2017

Pseudodendrothrips maculatus sp.n. is described from Morus leaves in Japan, and the following five species of Dendrothripinae are newly recorded from Japan: Leucothrips furcatus Hood, L. nigripennis Reuter, L. piercei (Morgan), Pseudodendrothrips darci (Girault) and P. lateralis Wang. Moreover, P. bhattii is newly recorded from Taiwan. An identification key to Pseudodendrothrips species from Japan and Taiwan is provided, and the metathoracic pleural area is compared between several Dendrothripinae genera.
Three new species of tube-dwelling spider genus Ariadna Audouin, 1826 (Araneae: Segestriidae) from India
Authors: SILIWAL MANJU , YADAV ARCHANA , KUMAR DOLLY
Published: December 2017

The tube-dwelling spider family Segestriidae is represented in India by only two species, Ariadna nebulosa Simon, 1906 and Segestria inda Simon, 1906. Both species are known only from their type localities. For about 96 years, there has been no report of these spiders from the Indian subcontinent. Here, we describe three new species based on female specimens from India. Ariadna vansda sp. nov. from Gujarat; A. molur sp. nov., and A. chhotae sp. nov. from Karnataka.
Structural Changes Preceding Rapid Intensification in Tropical Cyclones as Shown in a Large Ensemble of Idealized Simulations
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshiaki , Nolan David S.
Published: December 2017

Structural changes that precede rapid intensification (RI) of tropical cyclones (TCs) are examined in a full-physics model by conducting a large ensemble (270) of idealized TC simulations. The processes leading to RI in a representative case with moderate shear are consistent with previous studies for weakly sheared cases. The most distinct changes are that the vortex tilt and the vortex size begin to decrease more rapidly 6 h before the onset of RI. A vorticity budget analysis for the upper layer around the low-level center reveals that the vertical vorticity is increased by vertical advection, stretching, and tilting terms before RI, whereas the horizontal advection is small. Thus, the upright vortex structure is not achieved through a vortex alignment process but rather is built upward by deep convection.

The ensemble simulations are generated by changing the intensity and size of the initial vortex, the magnitude of vertical wind shear, and the translation speed. The ensemble members that show RI are consistent with the control case and many previous studies: before the onset of RI, the intensity gradually increases, the radius of maximum tangential wind (RMW) decreases, the flow structure becomes more symmetric, the vortex tilt decreases, and the radius of maximum convergence approaches the radius of maximum winds. A dimensionless parameter representing a tendency for the formation of the vertically upright structure is considered. The product of this parameter and the local Rossby number is significantly larger for TCs that exhibit RI in the next 24 h.
Maternal Writing Support for Kindergartners With Cerebral Palsy and Its Relations to Early Literacy Skills
Authors: Skibbe Lori E. , Aram Dorit
Published: December 2017

Twenty kindergartners (eight boys) with cerebral palsy (CP) and their mothers engaged in a writing activity that required dyads to compose a grocery list containing four items together. Maternal writing supports were observed, including graphophonemic mediation (i.e., support for letter–sound correspondence) and printing mediation (i.e., guidance on letter choice and form). Mothers described their home literacy practices, and children’s early literacy skills were assessed. Mothers reported engaging in many literacy activities with their children. They also provided variable levels of printing mediation, low levels of graphophonemic mediation, rarely corrected children’s writing errors, and frequently provided physical supports to children during the writing activity. Mothers’ reported literacy activities at home as well the ways in which they helped children choose letters were strongly related to children’s literacy skills. Findings suggest that mothers can bolster their children’s literacy skills through carefully orchestrated writing activities when children have CP.
Determinants of occupational stress among urban Indian school teachers
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2017

Occupational stress among teachers has become a matter of increasing concern. It is not only evidenced from the large body of studies on the subject but also through factors that predispose educators to work related stress. The present study also tends to identify demographic patterns of workplace stress as well as examine the role of correlates like socio-economic status and work experience on stress levels. It further explores specific workplace stressors reported by Indian teachers. The sample consisted of 398 teachers, 31.9% males and 68.1% females, from urban centre, New Delhi, India. The measures included the National Stress Awareness Day Stress Questionnaire and a self-report questionnaire designed for the purpose of the research. Results showed that with 52% public and rest private school employees, stress levels were found to be high among 28% (111 participants) of the sample. All demographic variables, Socio Economic Status (SES) categories, promotional and experience factors were contributing significantly to the stress prediction model but age group, work experience and promotion opportunities were reported as prime explanatory variables for the model (B = 2 approx.; p < 0.05). For every unit/category change in these variables, the stress score was seen to increase by 2. The optimal stress score that culminates to larger stressor of affecting general health was 10.8 and was 88% sensitive while a stress score beyond 11.5 is seen to affect work deliverables to students as reported by teachers. Findings were also reviewed in the context of practical implications they may render with probable reasoning. We recommend a constant evaluation of stress levels, for teachers, and providing appropriate counselling may be the stepping stone to reduce stress and improve quality of life for the teachers.
Effect of steady-state methadone on high fructose corn syrup consumption in rats
Authors: Daniels Stephen , Pratt Mick , Zhou Yan , Leri Francesco
Published: December 2017

Patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment self-report enhanced preferences for, and excessive consumption of, foods rich in sugar. However, it is unclear whether these are direct pharmacological effects of methadone or the consequences of metabolic dysfunctions induced by addiction to illicit opiates. Hence, the current study in drug-naïve male Sprague-Dawley rats explored the effects of steady-state methadone delivered by osmotic mini-pumps (13 days; 0, 10, 30 mg/kg/day) on consumption of rat chow and a palatable, sweet, liquid high fructose corn syrup solution. Six days after the removal of the pumps, mRNA expression of genes involved in responses to stress and rewards were quantified: pro-opiomelanocortin in the hypothalamus, mu-opioid receptor in the nucleus accumbens, and dopamine D2 receptor in the dorsal striatum. Taste reactivity and locomotion tests were also performed throughout the study. It was found that methadone increased caloric intake from high fructose corn syrup and reduced caloric intake from chow, effects that could not be directly ascribed to changes in high fructose corn syrup taste reactivity or motor functions. However, the changes in caloric intake displayed significant tolerance, and mRNA expression analysis suggested that methadone attenuated the effect of high fructose corn syrup on pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA, and possibly on dopamine D2 receptor mRNA. These findings in rats suggest that the pharmacological effect of methadone, administered to achieve steady-state maintenance, may not be the primary cause of dietary alterations reported by patients maintained on methadone.