bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum amyloid A1 levels and amyloid deposition following a high-fat diet challenge in transgenic mice overexpressing hepatic serum amyloid A1
Authors: Jang Woo Young , Jeong Jain , Kim Seonggon , Kang Min-cheol , Sung Yong Hun , Choi Minjee , Park Si Jun , Kim Myoung Ok , Kim Sung Hyun , Ryoo Zae Young
Published: February 2016

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase response protein in the liver, and SAA1 is the major precursor protein involved in amyloid A amyloidosis. This amyloidosis has been reported as a complication in chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and Crohn’s disease. Obesity is also associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation and sustained, elevated levels of SAA1. However, the contribution of elevated circulating SAA1 to metabolic disturbances and their complications is unclear. Furthermore, in several recent studies of transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing SAA1 that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for a relatively short period, no relationship was found between SAA1 up-regulation and metabolic disturbances. Therefore, we generated TG mice overexpressing SAA1 in the liver, challenged these mice with an HFD, and investigated the influence of elevated SAA1 levels. Sustained, elevated levels of SAA1 were correlated with metabolic parameters and local cytokine expression in the liver following 16 weeks on the HFD. Moreover, prolonged consumption (52 weeks) of the HFD was associated with impaired glucose tolerance and elevated SAA1 levels and resulted in systemic SAA1-derived amyloid deposition in the kidney, liver, and spleen of TG mice. Thus, we concluded that elevated SAA1 levels under long-term HFD exposure result in extensive SAA1-derived amyloid deposits, which may contribute to the complications associated with HFD-induced obesity and metabolic disorders.
Automatic Generation of Visual-Textual Presentation Layout
Authors: Yang Xuyong , Mei Tao , Xu Ying-Qing , Rui Yong , Li Shipeng
Published: February 2016

Visual-textual presentation layout (e.g., digital magazine cover, poster, Power Point slides, and any other rich media), which combines beautiful image and overlaid readable texts, can result in an eye candy touch to attract users’ attention. The designing of visual-textual presentation layout is therefore becoming ubiquitous in both commercially printed publications and online digital magazines. However, handcrafting aesthetically compelling layouts still remains challenging for many small businesses and amateur users. This article presents a system to automatically generate visual-textual presentation layouts by investigating a set of aesthetic design principles, through which an average user can easily create visually appealing layouts. The system is attributed with a set of topic-dependent layout templates and a computational framework integrating high-level aesthetic principles (in a top-down manner) and low-level image features (in a bottom-up manner). The layout templates, designed with prior knowledge from domain experts, define spatial layouts, semantic colors, harmonic color models, and font emotion and size constraints. We formulate the typography as an energy optimization problem by minimizing the cost of text intrusion, the utility of visual space, and the mismatch of information importance in perception and semantics, constrained by the automatically selected template and further preserving color harmonization. We demonstrate that our designs achieve the best reading experience compared with the reimplementation of parts of existing state-of-the-art designs through a series of user studies.
Targeting the ERK signaling pathway as a potential treatment for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ozaki Kei-ichi , Awazu Midori , Tamiya Mayuko , Iwasaki Yuka , Harada Aya , Kugisaki Satomi , Tanimura Susumu , Kohno Michiaki
Published: February 2016

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have now examined the potential of pharmacological targeting of the ERK pathway with MEK (ERK kinase) inhibitors (PD184352 and PD0325901) for the treatment of obesity-associated insulin resistance. The effects of PD184352 and PD0325901 on the expression of adipocytokines and lipolysis activity were thus examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes maintained in long-term culture as a model of adipocyte hypertrophy. Leptin receptor-deficient ( db/db) mice and high-fat diet-fed KKAy mice, both of which are models of type 2 diabetes, were also treated orally with PD184352 to examine its effects on the diabetic condition. ERK activity was increased in hypertrophic 3T3-L1 adipocytes as well as in adipose tissue of db/db mice and high-fat diet-fed KKAy mice, and this enhanced ERK signaling was associated with dysregulation of adipocytokine expression and increased lipolysis activity. Specific blockade of the ERK pathway in hypertrophic 3T3-L1 adipocytes by MEK inhibitors ameliorated the dysregulation of adipocytokine expression and suppressed the enhanced lipolysis activity. Furthermore, repeated oral administration of PD184352 normalized hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in the diabetic mice. These results suggest that sustained activation of the ERK pathway in adipocytes is associated with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and that selective blockade of this pathway with MEK inhibitors warrants further study as a promising approach to the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Analogs of microgravity: head-down tilt and water immersion
Authors: Watenpaugh Donald E.
Published: February 2016

This article briefly reviews the fidelity of ground-based methods used to simulate human existence in weightlessness (spaceflight). These methods include horizontal bed rest (BR), head-down tilt bed rest (HDT), head-out water immersion (WI), and head-out dry immersion (DI; immersion with an impermeable elastic cloth barrier between subject and water). Among these, HDT has become by far the most commonly used method, especially for longer studies. DI is less common but well accepted for long-duration studies. Very few studies exist that attempt to validate a specific simulation mode against actual microgravity. Many fundamental physical, and thus physiological, differences exist between microgravity and our methods to simulate it, and between the different methods. Also, although weightlessness is the salient feature of spaceflight, several ancillary factors of space travel complicate Earth-based simulation. In spite of these discrepancies and complications, the analogs duplicate many responses to 0 G reasonably well. As we learn more about responses to microgravity and spaceflight, investigators will continue to fine-tune simulation methods to optimize accuracy and applicability.
Determining Proportion of Exfoliative Vaginal Cell during Various Stages of Estrus Cycle Using Vaginal Cytology Techniques in Aceh Cattle
Authors: Siregar Tongku N. , Melia Juli , Rohaya  , Thasmi Cut Nila , Masyitha Dian , Wahyuni Sri , Rosa Juliana , Nurhafni  , Panjaitan Budianto , Herrialfian
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the period of estrus cycle in aceh cattle, Indonesia, based on vaginal cytology techniques. Four healthy females of aceh cattle with average weight of 250–300 kg, age of 5–7 years, and body condition score of 3-4 were used. All cattle were subjected to ultrasonography analysis for the occurrence of corpus luteum before being synchronized using intramuscular injections of PGF2 alpha 25 mg. A vaginal swab was collected from aceh cattle, stained with Giemsa 10%, and observed microscopically. Period of estrus cycle was predicted from day 1 to day 24 after estrus synchronization was confirmed using ultrasonography analysis at the same day. The result showed that parabasal, intermediary, and superficial epithelium were found in the vaginal swabs collected from proestrus, metestrus, and diestrus aceh cattle. Proportions of these cells in the particular period of estrus cycle were 36.22, 32.62, and 31.16 (proestrus); 21.33, 32.58, and 46.09 (estrus); 40.75, 37.58, and 21.67 (metestrus); and 41.07, 37.38, and 21.67 (diestrus), respectively. In conclusion, dominant proportion of superficial cell that occurred in estrus period might be used as the base for determining optimal time for insemination.
Analytic Comparison of MHD Squeezing Flow in Porous Medium with Slip Condition
Authors: Ullah Inayat , Rahim M. T. , Khan Hamid , Qayyum Mubashir
Published: February 2016

The aim of this paper is to compare the efficiency of various techniques for squeezing flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in a porous medium under the influence of a uniform magnetic field squeezed between two large parallel plates having slip boundary. Fourth-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation is obtained by transforming the Navier-Stokes equations. Resulting boundary value problem is solved using Differential Transform Method (DTM), Daftardar Jafari Method (DJM), Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM), Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM), and Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method (OHAM). The problem is also solved numerically using Mathematica solver NDSolve. The residuals of the problem are used to compare and analyze the efficiency and consistency of the abovementioned schemes.
Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns Induced Crosstalk between Dendritic Cells, T Helper Cells, and Natural Killer Helper Cells Can Improve Dendritic Cell Vaccination
Authors: Oth Tammy , Vanderlocht Joris , Van Elssen Catharina H. M. J. , Bos Gerard M. J. , Germeraad Wilfred T. V.
Published: February 2016

A coordinated cellular interplay is of crucial importance in both host defense against pathogens and malignantly transformed cells. The various interactions of Dendritic Cells (DC), Natural Killer (NK) cells, and T helper (Th) cells can be influenced by a variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and will lead to enhanced CD8+effector T cell responses. Specific Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) triggering during maturation enables DC to enhance Th1 as well as NK helper cell responses. This effect is correlated with the amount of IL-12p70 released by DC. Activated NK cells are able to amplify the proinflammatory cytokine profile of DC via the release of IFN-γ. The knowledge on how PAMP recognition can modulate the DC is of importance for the design and definition of appropriate therapeutic cancer vaccines. In this review we will discuss the potential role of specific PAMP-matured DC in optimizing therapeutic DC-based vaccines, as some of these DC are efficiently activating Th1, NK cells, and cytotoxic T cells. Moreover, to optimize these vaccines, also the inhibitory effects of tumor-derived suppressive factors, for example, on the NK-DC crosstalk, should be taken into account. Finally, the suppressive role of the tumor microenvironment in vaccination efficacy and some proposals to overcome this by using combination therapies will be described.
Serum Sialic Acid Level Is Significantly Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Nonobese Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lu Zhenya , Ma Han , Xu Chengfu , Shao Zhou , Cen Chao , Li Youming
Published: February 2016

Background/Aim. To investigate the association between serum sialic acid (SA) levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a nonobese Chinese population.Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed among the 5916 adults who took their annual health examinations at International Health Care Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, from December 2013 to November 2014.Results. A total of 693 (11.71%) subjects fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of NAFLD, and NAFLD patients had significantly higher serum SA levels than controls (P<0.001). The prevalence of NAFLD was positively associated with serum SA levels (Pfor trend <0.001). Serum sialic acid levels are significantly associated with features of metabolic syndrome (Ps<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum SA level was significantly associated with risk for NAFLD (odds ratio: 1.018, 95%; confidence interval: 1.007–1.030;P=0.002).Conclusions. Our results suggest for the first time that NAFLD patients had higher serum SA level than controls, and increased serum SA level is significantly associated with risk for NAFLD in a large nonobese Chinese population.
Cutaneous Human Papillomaviruses and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Faust Helena , Andersson Kristin , Luostarinen Tapio , Gislefoss Randi E. , Dillner Joakim
Published: February 2016

Background: Cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been associated with non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including a previous nested case–control study using HPV serology with bacterially derived fusion proteins with the major HPV capsid protein L1 (GST-L1). However, HPV serology using conformationally intact pseudovirions has been shown to correlate better with natural infection. Prospective studies using a more valid marker of infection are therefore warranted.

Methods: Cancer registry follow-up of large Nordic biobanks identified prediagnostic serum samples from 633 subjects who later developed SCC, 1,990 subjects who developed basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The samples from cases and matched controls were tested for IgG to pseudovirions to 16 different HPV types (3, 5, 6, 11, 15, 16, 18, 31, 32, 33, 38, 45, 52, 58, 68, and 76) and two polyomaviruses (MCPyV and JCPyV).

Results: Baseline seropositivity was not associated with SCC risk, and there were only weak associations with BCC risk [HPV-5 (OR, 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–1.3), HPV-15 (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.4), HPV-38 (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0–1.3), and MCPyV (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0–1.3)]. Acquisition of HPV-5 seropositivity during follow-up was associated with SCC risk (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3–7.6). Persistent seropositivity for HPV-15 was weakly associated with BCC (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–1.9) and HPV-6 antibody persistence was weakly associated with SCC (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.0–4.8).

Conclusion: Considering the large number of viruses tested, the weak associations found do not support any strong links between studied HPV and NMSC, with the possible exception of HPV-5 seroconversion and SCC.

Impact: Known alpha and beta papillomaviruses do not appear to be risk factors for NMSC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(4); 721–4. ©2016 AACR.
Reduced Expression of SMAD4 Is Associated with Poor Survival in Colon Cancer
Authors: Yan Pu , Klingbiel Dirk , Saridaki Zenia , Ceppa Paola , Curto Monica , McKee Thomas Alexander , Roth Arnaud , Tejpar Sabine , Delorenzi Mauro , Bosman Fredrik T. , Fiocca Roberto
Published: February 2016

Purpose: SMAD4 loss is associated with the development of metastases and poor prognosis. We evaluated expression of SMAD4 protein and its association with tumor characteristics, including biomarkers and outcome in terms of relapse-free survival and overall survival.

Experimental design: We used 1,564 stage II/III colon cancer samples from PETACC-3 to evaluate SMAD4 expression by immunohistochemistry. SMAD4 protein expression was validated by assessing mRNA expression using available expression array data. SMAD4 expression was also studied on 34 adenomas and 10 colon cancer liver metastases with their primaries. Loss of SMAD4 immunoreactivity was defined as focal or diffuse. Cases without SMAD4 loss were subdivided into those with strong and weak expression.

Results: SMAD4 protein expression was informative in 1,381/1,564 cases. SMAD4 loss was found in 293/1,381 (21%) cases. Of 1,088 cases without SMAD4 loss (79%), 530 showed weak and 558 strong expression. SMAD4 loss occurred also in adenomas, but less extensively than in carcinomas. Liver metastases followed mostly the expression pattern of the primary tumor. SMAD4 loss, including weak expression, identified patients with poor survival in stage II as well as III and in both treatment arms. SMAD4 loss was less frequent in tumors with microsatellite instability and more frequent in those with loss of heterozygosity of 18q.

Conclusions: We conclude that clonal loss of SMAD4 expression in adenomas, carcinomas, and liver metastases increases with disease progression. SMAD4 loss, and to a lesser extent weak expression, is strongly associated with poor survival regardless of stage. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 3037–47. ©2016 AACR.
Bortezomib Inhibits Giant Cell Tumor of Bone through Induction of Cell Apoptosis and Inhibition of Osteoclast Recruitment, Giant Cell Formation, and Bone Resorption
Authors: Xu Leqin , Luo Jian , Jin Rongrong , Yue Zhiying , Sun Peng , Yang Zhengfeng , Yang Xinghai , Wan Wei , Zhang Jishen , Li Shichang , Liu Mingyao , Xiao Jianru
Published: February 2016

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a rare and highly osteolytic bone tumor that usually leads to an extensive bone lesion. The purpose of this study was to discover novel therapeutic targets and identify potential agents for treating GCTB. After screening the serum cytokine profiles in 52 GCTB patients and 10 normal individuals using the ELISA assay, we found that NF-κB signaling–related cytokines, including TNFα, MCP-1, IL1α, and IL17A, were significantly increased in GCTB patients. The results were confirmed by IHC that the expression and activity of p65 were significantly increased in GCTB patients. Moreover, all of the NF-κB inhibitors tested suppressed GCTB cell growth, and bortezomib (Velcade), a well-known proteasome inhibitor, was the most potent inhibitor in blocking GCTB cells growth. Our results showed that bortezomib not only induced GCTB neoplastic stromal cell (NSC) apoptosis, but also suppressed GCTB NSC–induced giant cell differentiation, formation, and resorption. Moreover, bortezomib specifically suppressed GCTB NSC–induced preosteoclast recruitment. Furthermore, bortezomib ameliorated GCTB cell–induced bone destruction in vivo. As a result, bortezomib suppressed NF-κB–regulated gene expression in GCTB NSC apoptosis, monocyte migration, angiogenesis, and osteoclastogenesis. Particularly, the inhibitory effects of bortezomib were much better than zoledronic acid, a drug currently used in treating GCTB, in our in vitro experimental paradigms. Together, our results demonstrated that NF-κB signaling pathway is highly activated in GCTB, and bortezomib could suppress GCTB and osteolysis in vivo and in vitro, indicating that bortezomib is a potential agent in the treatment of GCTB. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 854–65. ©2016 AACR.
Mammary Adipose Tissue-Derived Lysophospholipids Promote Estrogen Receptor–Negative Mammary Epithelial Cell Proliferation
Authors: Volden Paul A. , Skor Maxwell N. , Johnson Marianna B. , Singh Puneet , Patel Feenalie N. , McClintock Martha K. , Brady Matthew J. , Conzen Suzanne D.
Published: February 2016

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), acting in an autocrine or paracrine fashion through G protein–coupled receptors, has been implicated in many physiologic and pathologic processes, including cancer. LPA is converted from lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) by the secreted phospholipase autotaxin (ATX). Although various cell types can produce ATX, adipocyte-derived ATX is believed to be the major source of circulating ATX and also to be the major regulator of plasma LPA levels. In addition to ATX, adipocytes secrete numerous other factors (adipokines); although several adipokines have been implicated in breast cancer biology, the contribution of mammary adipose tissue–derived LPC/ATX/LPA (LPA axis) signaling to breast cancer is poorly understood. Using murine mammary fat-conditioned medium, we investigated the contribution of LPA signaling to mammary epithelial cancer cell biology and identified LPA signaling as a significant contributor to the oncogenic effects of the mammary adipose tissue secretome. To interrogate the role of mammary fat in the LPA axis during breast cancer progression, we exposed mammary adipose tissue to secreted factors from estrogen receptor–negative mammary epithelial cell lines and monitored changes in the mammary fat pad LPA axis. Our data indicate that bidirectional interactions between mammary cancer cells and mammary adipocytes alter the local LPA axis and increase ATX expression in the mammary fat pad during breast cancer progression. Thus, the LPC/ATX/LPA axis may be a useful target for prevention in patients at risk of ER-negative breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 9(5); 367–78. ©2016 AACR.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Rettig Eleni M. , Talbot C. Conover , Sausen Mark , Jones Sian , Bishop Justin A. , Wood Laura D. , Tokheim Collin , Niknafs Noushin , Karchin Rachel , Fertig Elana J. , Wheelan Sarah J. , Marchionni Luigi , Considine Michael , Ling Shizhang , Fakhry Carole , Papadopoulos Nickolas , Kinzler Kenneth W. , Vogelstein Bert , Ha Patrick K. , Agrawal Nishant
Published: February 2016

Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) of the salivary glands are challenging to understand, treat, and cure. To better understand the genetic alterations underlying the pathogenesis of these tumors, we performed comprehensive genome analyses of 25 fresh-frozen tumors, including whole-genome sequencing and expression and pathway analyses. In addition to the well-described MYB–NFIB fusion that was found in 11 tumors (44%), we observed five different rearrangements involving the NFIB transcription factor gene in seven tumors (28%). Taken together, NFIB translocations occurred in 15 of 25 samples (60%, 95% CI, 41%–77%). In addition, mRNA expression analysis of 17 tumors revealed overexpression of NFIB in ACC tumors compared with normal tissues (P = 0.002). There was no difference in NFIB mRNA expression in tumors with NFIB fusions compared with those without. We also report somatic mutations of genes involved in the axonal guidance and Rho family signaling pathways. Finally, we confirm previously described alterations in genes related to chromatin regulation and Notch signaling. Our findings suggest a separate role for NFIB in ACC oncogenesis and highlight important signaling pathways for future functional characterization and potential therapeutic targeting. Cancer Prev Res; 9(4); 265–74. ©2016 AACR.
Altered Functional Connectivity of the Insula and Nucleus Accumbens in Internet Gaming Disorder: A Resting State fMRI Study
Authors: Chen Chiao-Yun , Yen Ju-Yu , Wang Peng-Wei , Liu Gin-Chung , Yen Cheng-Fang , Ko Chih-Hung
Published: February 2016

Aims: A possible addiction mechanism has been represented by altered functional connectivity (FC) in the resting state. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FCs of the insula and nucleus accumbens among subjects with Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Methods: We recruited 30 males with IGD and 30 controls and evaluated their FC using functional magnetic imaging scanning under resting, a state with relaxation, closed eyes, with inducement to think of nothing systematically, become motionless, and instructed not to fall asleep. Results: Subjects with IGD had a lower FC with the left insula over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and orbital frontal lobe and a higher FC with the insula with the contralateral insula than controls. The inter-hemispheric insula connectivity positively correlated with impulsivity. Further, they had lower FC with the left nucleus accumbens over the left DLPFC and with the right nucleus accumbens over the left DLPFC, and insula and a higher FC with that over the right precuneus. Conclusion: The elevated inter-hemispheric insula FC is found to be associated with impulsivity and might explain why it is involved in IGD. The attenuated frontostriatal suggests that the emotion-driven gaming urge through nucleus accumbens could not be well regulated by the frontal lobe of subjects with IGD.
Artificial Saliva Formulations versus Human Saliva Pretreatment in Dental Erosion Experiments
Authors: Batista Graziela Ribeiro , Torres Carlos Rocha Gomes , Sener Beatrice , Attin Thomas , Wiegand Annette
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the erosion-preventive effect of different artificial saliva formulations and human saliva in vitro compared to human saliva in situ. In the in vitro experiment, bovine enamel and dentin specimens were stored in artificial saliva (4 different formulations, each n = 20), deionized water (n = 20) or human saliva (n = 6 enamel and dentin specimens/volunteer) for 120 min. In the in situ experiment, each of the 6 enamel and dentin specimens was worn intraorally by 10 volunteers for 120 min. The specimens were then eroded (HCl, pH 2.6, 60 s). Half of the specimens were subjected to microhardness analysis (enamel) and the determination of calcium release into the acid (enamel and dentin), while the other half were again placed in the respective medium or worn intraorally, respectively, for 120 min before a second erosion was performed. Knoop microhardness of enamel and the calcium release of enamel and dentin into the acid were again determined. Statistical analysis was conducted by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA or two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Enamel microhardness was not significantly different between all test groups after the first and the second erosive challenge, respectively. Enamel calcium loss was significantly lower in situ compared to the in vitro experiment, where there was no significant difference between all test groups. Dentin calcium loss was significantly lower than deionized water only after the first and than all except one artificial saliva after the second erosion. Under the conditions of this experiment, the use of artificial saliva formulations and human saliva in vitro does not reflect the intraoral situation in dental erosion experiments adequately.
Actinic Granuloma with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Phasukthaworn Ruedee , Chanprapaph Kumutnart , Vachiramon Vasanop
Published: February 2016

Actinic granuloma is an uncommon granulomatous disease, characterized by annular erythematous plaque with central clearing predominately located on sun-damaged skin. The pathogenesis is not well understood, ultraviolet radiation is recognized as precipitating factor. We report a case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with asymptomatic annular erythematous plaques on the forehead and both cheeks persisting for 2 years. The clinical presentation and histopathologic findings support the diagnosis of actinic granuloma. During that period of time, she also developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The association between actinic granuloma and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis needs to be clarified by further studies.
Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the endometrium of mares during estrus and at early diestrus
Authors: Mansour Geórgia Duna , Moreira Lio , Ferreira Ana Maria Reis
Published: February 2016

A expressão do antígeno núcleo celular proliferante (ANCP) foi avaliada no endométrio de éguas durante o estro e início do diestro. Em cada uma de dez éguas foram efetuadas biópsias do endométrio em três momentos dos respectivos ciclos reprodutivos: segundo dia do estro, dia da ovulação e sete dias após a ovulação. Nas amostras colhidas no segundo dia do estro e no dia da ovulação, a expressão do ANCP foi elevada no epitélio luminal e baixa nas glândulas endometriais (p < 0,05). Nas amostras colhidas no sétimo dia após a ovulação, a média de ANCP imunologicamente corado foi maior no epitélio glandular (p < 0,05). O estudo revelou que as células do epitélio luminal apresentaram a maior proliferação durante o estro e que as células epiteliais glandulares apresentaram a maior proliferação durante o diestro.
Asthma Associates With Human Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Rupture
Authors: Liu Cong-Lin , Wemmelund Holger , Wang Yi , Liao Mengyang , Lindholt Jes S. , Johnsen Søren P. , Vestergaard Henrik , Fernandes Cleverson , Sukhova Galina K. , Cheng Xiang , Zhang Jin-Ying , Yang Chongzhe , Huang Xiaozhu , Daugherty Alan , Levy Bruce D. , Libby Peter , Shi Guo-Ping
Published: February 2016

Objective—

Both asthma and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) involve inflammation. It remains unknown whether these diseases interact.

Approach and Results—

Databases analyzed included Danish National Registry of Patients, a population-based nationwide case–control study included all patients with ruptured AAA and age- and sex-matched AAA controls without rupture in Denmark from 1996 to 2012; Viborg vascular trial, subgroup study of participants from the population-based randomized Viborg vascular screening trial. Patients with asthma were categorized by hospital diagnosis, bronchodilator use, and the recorded use of other anti-asthma prescription medications. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine whether asthma associated with the risk of ruptured AAA in Danish National Registry of Patients and an independent risk of having an AAA at screening in the Viborg vascular trial. From the Danish National Registry of Patients study, asthma diagnosed <1 year or 6 months before the index date increased the risk of AAA rupture before (odds ratio [OR]=1.60–2.12) and after (OR=1.51–2.06) adjusting for AAA comorbidities. Use of bronchodilators elevated the risk of AAA rupture from ever use to within 90 days from the index date, before (OR=1.10–1.37) and after (OR=1.10–1.31) adjustment. Patients prescribed anti-asthma drugs also showed an increased risk of rupture before (OR=1.12–1.79) and after (OR=1.09–1.48) the same adjustment. In Viborg vascular trial, anti-asthmatic medication use associated with increased risk of AAA before (OR=1.45) or after adjustment for smoking (OR=1.45) or other risk factors (OR=1.46).

Conclusions—

Recent active asthma increased risk of AAA and ruptured AAA. These findings document and furnish novel links between airway disease and AAA, 2 common diseases that share inflammatory aspects.
Transthoracic Echocardiography Provides Important Long-Term Prognostic Information in Selected Patients Undergoing Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Repair
Authors: O’Driscoll Jamie M. , Bahia Sandeep S. , Gravina Angela , Di Fino Sara , Thompson Matthew M. , Karthikesalingam Alan , Holt Peter J.E. , Sharma Rajan
Published: February 2016

Background—

The value of performing transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as part of the clinical assessment of patients awaiting endovascular repair of the abdominal aorta is little evaluated. We aimed to estimate the prognostic importance of information derived from TTE on long-term all-cause mortality in a selected group of patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair.

Methods and Results—

This was a retrospective cohort study of 273 consecutive patients selected for endovascular aneurysm repair. All patients included in the analysis underwent TTE before their procedure. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of TTE measures on all-cause mortality. Over a mean follow-up of 3.2±1.5 years, there were 78 deaths with a mean time to death of 1.28±1.16 years. A greater tubular ascending aorta (hazard ratio [HR] 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.77–11.33), presence of mitral regurgitation (HR 8.13, 95% CI 4.09–12.16), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.98), younger age (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99), and presence of diabetes mellitus (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.24–1.89) were predictors of all-cause mortality.

Conclusions—

Echocardiography provides important long-term prognostic information in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair. These TTE indices were more important at predicting outcome than standard conventional risk factors in this patient group. A greater tubular ascending aorta, presence of mitral regurgitation, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, younger age, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with long-term mortality.
Breaking the succession rule: the costs and benefits of an alpha-status take-over by an immigrant rhesus macaque on Cayo Santiago
Authors: Georgiev Alexander V. , Christie Diana , Rosenfield Kevin A. , Ruiz-Lambides Angelina V. , Maldonado Elizabeth , Emery Thompson Melissa , Maestripieri Dario
Published: February 2016

Explaining intraspecific variation in reproductive tactics hinges on measuring associated costs and benefits. Yet, this is difficult if alternative (purportedly less optimal) tactics remain unobserved. We describe a rare alpha-position take-over by an immigrant male rhesus macaque in a population where males typically gain rank via succession. Unusually, male aggressiveness after the take-over correlated with rank and mating success. The new alpha achieved the highest mating and reproductive success. Nevertheless, he sired only 4 infants due to high extra-group paternity (59.3%). The costs of his immigration tactic were high: after the mating season ended, unable to deter coalitionary attacks by resident males, he was overthrown. The following year he had the highest relative annual weight loss and levels of immune activation among males in the group. Succession-based rank-acquisition in large, provisioned groups of macaques thus appears to be actively maintained by resident males, who impose high costs on challengers.
Paris, Rome, Venice, and Vienna in Peter Lambeck’s Network
Authors: Feola Vittoria
Published: February 2016

This article considers, first, the roles of Paris, Rome, Venice, and Vienna in the network of Peter Lambeck, the librarian of the Hapsburg emperor Leopold I, and, secondly, Lambeck’s and Vienna’s own places in the Republic of Letters during the period 1662–1680. It begins with a biographical account, in which I situate Lambeck both geographically and intellectually. The importance of Paris is contrasted with his not so positive experience in Rome. Secondly, I focus on Lambeck’s declaration of intent to link Vienna to the Republic of Letters. Thirdly, I survey the eminently Venetian networks through which Lambeck tried to fulfil his intellectual goals. The tensions between France and the Habsburg Empire crashed against Lambeck’s idealistic aims. This raises the issue of the impact of geo-politics on the production and circulation of knowledge in early modern Europe, and prompts questions about openness and secrecy in the Republic of Letters.
A new and unusual amphistomatic species of Tibouchina (Melastomeae, Melastomataceae) from Brazil
Authors: Guimarães Paulo José Fernandes , WOODGYER ELIZABETH M.
Published: February 2016

Tibouchina rosanae, a new species of Melastomataceae (Melastomeae) from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, is described, illustrated and compared to its putative closest allied. It is characterized mainly by the inflorescence that is lax. Tibouchina rosanae is an amphistomatic species, and the presence of stomata on the adaxial leaf surface is reported here for the first time in the genus.
Brenthia yangi sp. nov. and its immature stages (Lepidoptera: Choreutidae: Brenthiinae)
Authors: LIU TENGTENG , WANG SHUXIA , LI HOUHUN
Published: February 2016

Brenthia yangi sp. nov. and its immature stages are described. The host plants of the new species are Grewia biloba G. Don and its variety parviflora Hand. -Mazz (Malvaceae). The preference for the position of escape holes in the larvae of the new species is revealed by statistical analysis. Larvae of I–II instar have no significant preference for the position of escape holes, whereas larvae of III−V instar significantly prefer to set escape holes along main veins. The size of silken pillar determines the position of escape holes in III−V instar larvae. The corner of two veins is not always the most preferred position for III−V instar larvae.
When Do Institutions “Bite”? Historical Institutionalism and the Politics of Institutional Change
Authors: Capoccia Giovanni
Published: February 2016

Historical institutionalist theories of endogenous change have enhanced our understanding of institutional development by providing a theoretical vocabulary for analyzing how institutions may be renegotiated over the long run by social and political actors. In these theories, however, the causal impact of institutions themselves on political outcomes, including their own change and reform, is less developed—a significant problem for an institutional research program. This article addresses this problem by proposing strategies that integrate historical institutionalism’s insights into endogenous institutional change with a systematic analysis of the institutional conditions under which “bottom-up” processes of gradual change are likely to be counteracted. In particular, the institutionalization of cultural categories and the allocation of power over the timing of reform within institutional and policy configurations are important variables for understanding how preexisting institutions may enable institutional incumbents to channel, delay, or prevent institutional change altogether.
Intelligent Agent Transparency in Human–Agent Teaming for Multi-UxV Management
Authors: Mercado Joseph E. , Rupp Michael A. , Chen Jessie Y. C. , Barnes Michael J. , Barber Daniel , Procci Katelyn
Published: February 2016

Objective:

We investigated the effects of level of agent transparency on operator performance, trust, and workload in a context of human–agent teaming for multirobot management.

Background:

Participants played the role of a heterogeneous unmanned vehicle (UxV) operator and were instructed to complete various missions by giving orders to UxVs through a computer interface. An intelligent agent (IA) assisted the participant by recommending two plans—a top recommendation and a secondary recommendation—for every mission.

Method:

A within-subjects design with three levels of agent transparency was employed in the present experiment. There were eight missions in each of three experimental blocks, grouped by level of transparency. During each experimental block, the IA was incorrect three out of eight times due to external information (e.g., commander’s intent and intelligence). Operator performance, trust, workload, and usability data were collected.

Results:

Results indicate that operator performance, trust, and perceived usability increased as a function of transparency level. Subjective and objective workload data indicate that participants’ workload did not increase as a function of transparency. Furthermore, response time did not increase as a function of transparency.

Conclusion:

Unlike previous research, which showed that increased transparency resulted in increased performance and trust calibration at the cost of greater workload and longer response time, our results support the benefits of transparency for performance effectiveness without additional costs.

Application:

The current results will facilitate the implementation of IAs in military settings and will provide useful data to the design of heterogeneous UxV teams.
A flexible robotic control experiment for teaching nonlinear adaptive control
Authors: Subudhi Bidyadhar , Pradhan Santanu Kumar
Published: February 2016

Teaching a subject on system identification and adaptive control to Master’s students is a challenging task. In view of providing a platform to achieve the teaching-learning on adaptive control effectively, this paper proposes a real-time robotic adaptive control experiment. The robotic system consists of flexible links which is subjected to varied payloads. The link flexure of this robot and other parameters conditions are uncertain thus necessitating an adaptive control to handle the payload variations. A simple regressor-based adaptive control is designed by linear parametric representation of a highly nonlinear and coupled dynamics this robot with flexible links (flexible robot). To reinforce the student’s concept of design, development, and implementation of an adaptive control, experiments were undertaken in real-time for different payloads. Attempts have been made to make the students’ understanding more clear how an adaptive controller performs well for situations with varied parameters which is not possible to obtain by a fixed gain controller.
Whither partnership? Reflections on the history of mutuality in mission
Authors: Barnes Jonathan S.
Published: February 2016

Despite the fact that partnership has been a pronounced goal in ecumenical relationships for over eighty years, the realization of mutuality, solidarity, and koinonia has, even until present times, proven to be elusive. In seeking to find reasons for this, a review of the history of the modern Protestant missionary movement, as well as the resultant ecumenical movement, reveals four key themes or issues that continually make the attainment of equitable relationships impossible to realize, namely the home base, humanitarianism and development, authority, and rhetoric and reality. Lamin Sanneh’s typology of churches as either Global (the churches of the North or Western World, also formerly known as ‘sending’ or ‘older’ churches) or World (the churches of the South and East, formerly known as ‘receiving’ or ‘younger’ churches) will provide the critical lens through which this history is understood, for if ecumenical partnerships are to have any chance of overcoming these themes, the churches of Global Christianity must stop seeing mission as expansion and lose the desire to remake others in their image; in short, they must become, in their worldview and ethos, World churches.
Mennonite partnerships: Two ethnographic case studies
Authors: Phelps Elizabeth
Published: February 2016

This article brings cultural anthropology into conversation with theological reflection around the notion of partnership, focused on two case studies: the first examines Mennonite institutions in the United States working for inclusion of new immigrants from Latin America; the second considers the international community development work of the Mennonite Central Committee in a rural area of Bolivia. In both cases, humanitarian impulses galvanized action aimed towards the construction of horizontal power relations for social and economic justice. In both cases as well, however, the concentration of economic resources along with deeply embedded assumptions about ethnic and cultural difference made substantive equality in partnership difficult to sustain. Close attention to these challenges can shed light on ways in which Christian organizations can at least mitigate, if not resolve, the deeply entrenched power differences that have historically plagued engagement and partnerships across the world.
Determinants of residential satisfaction in urban China: A multi-group structural equation analysis
Authors: Ren Honghao , Folmer Henk
Published: February 2016

Based on the 2006 wave of the China General Social Survey, this paper analyses interregional disparities in residential satisfaction in urban China. It also explores whether the determinants vary across the coastal, central and inland regions by means of a multi-group structural equation model (SEM). We find that residential satisfaction in the coastal region is lower than in the central and inland regions. Housing quality, home ownership, community type, socioeconomic status and Hukou in all three regions have positive impacts on residential satisfaction, while the presence of children has a negative effect. The magnitude of each variable’s impact on residential satisfaction varies across regions due to the disparities in economic, social and physical conditions. Housing quality is the most important determinant of residential satisfaction in the coastal region, whereas community type and Hukou are the most important in the central and inland regions.
“I Am So Bored!”: Prevalence Rates and Sociodemographic and Contextual Correlates of High Boredom Among American Adolescents
Authors: Martz Meghan E. , Schulenberg John E. , Patrick Megan E. , Kloska Deborah D.
Published: February 2016

Adolescent boredom is associated with maladaptation and negative developmental outcomes, yet little is known about the prevalence and correlates of high boredom. Drawing from a broad psychosocial framework, the present study examined rates of high boredom and sociodemographic and contextual correlates among nationally representative samples of 8th and 10th graders ( N = 21,173; 51.8% female) from the Monitoring the Future survey. Results indicate that approximately 20% of adolescents reported high levels of boredom. Those who were more likely to report high boredom were eighth graders; females; youth who identified as Black, Biracial, or Native American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander; rural youth; and youth of lower socioeconomic status. Results of multivariable logistic regression analyses show significant associations between high boredom and many elements of school, parent, peer, and extracurricular contexts, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Findings highlight the pervasiveness of high boredom among American youth and may benefit prevention and intervention efforts by identifying multiple contextual associations with adolescent boredom.
Palestine and the Palestinians in British political elite discourse: From ‘The Palestine Problem’ to ‘the Two-State Solution’
Authors: Hollis Rosemary
Published: February 2016

This article examines how the Palestinians have been represented in British political elite discourse between 1915 and 2015 as an exploration into the role of such discourse in framing the identity and thence shaping the fate of a community or people seeking national independence. It also makes some observations about the significance of political violence or war in bringing about paradigm shifts in the discourse. The analysis reveals that the way the British depicted the Palestinian Arabs and their cause has changed over time, but at no point did the discourse identify independent statehood for the Palestinians as a central or stand-alone objective of policy.
India’s Declining Calorie Intake: Development or Distress?
Authors: Qadeer Imrana , Ghosh Sourindra Mohan , Madhavan Arathi Presenna
Published: February 2016

The analysis of food consumption data from successive rounds of the National Sample Survey (NSS), from 1993–1994 to 2009–2010, has shown that through the greater part of the post-liberalisation era India has seen a steadily declining level of calorie intake. This phenomenon is often attributed to increasing prosperity, declining morbidity and technological advancements that reduce hard manual labour and, hence, human energy requirement. The validity of this interpretation, however, becomes doubtful with the latest NSS data of 2011–2012 which have shown a noticeable increase of calorie intake. Using data from these NSS rounds, we attempt to make direct estimates of food consumption by different social sections in India. Our findings on declining calorie intakes, even among the poor who already have a very low calorie intake, strongly point towards increasing levels of undernourishment because of reduced access to food for a majority of people. We argue that the redistributive policies that have led to an improvement in food and calorie intake in 2011–2012 must be strengthened rather than undermined.
Changing Times, Complex Decisions
Authors: Hornak Anne M. , Garza Mitchell Regina L.
Published: February 2016

Objective: The objective of this article is to delve more deeply into the thought processes of the key decision makers at community colleges and understand how they make decisions. Specifically, this article focuses on the role of the community college president’s personal values in decision making. Method: We conducted interviews with 13 community college presidents in one midwestern state. The participants represented approximately half of the presidents in a state with a very high rate of unemployment, large governmental deficit, and a decreasing population. Results: We found that community college presidents presented a wide range of approaches to decision making. The most significant influences on presidential decision making stemmed from each president’s personal approach to decision making and the impact on the college they led. Contributions: This study contributes to the scholarship on community college leadership and to the literature on the preparation of future community college leaders.