bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination exposure of melamine and cyanuric acid is associated with polyuria and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in rats
Authors: Wang Feifei , Liu Qiaojuan , Jin Lizi , Hu Shan , Luo Renfei , Han Mengke , Zhai Yonggong , Wang Weidong , Li Chunling
Published: March 2018

The molecular mechanisms of melamine-induced renal toxicity have not been fully understood. The purpose of the study aimed to investigate whether melamine and cyanuric acid induced NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in the kidney, which may contribute to abnormal water and sodium handling in a rat model. Wistar rats received melamine (Mel; 200 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1), cyanuric acid (CA; 200 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1), or Mel plus CA (Mel + CA; 100 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1, each) for 2 wk. Mel + CA caused damaged tubular epithelial structure and organelles, dilated tubular lumen, and inflammatory responses. Crystals were observed in urine and serum specimen, also in the lumen of dilated distal renal tubules. The combined ingestion of Mel and CA in rats caused a markedly impaired urinary concentration, which was associated with reduced protein expression of aquaporin (AQP)1, 2, and 3 in inner medulla and α-Na-K-ATPase and Na-K-2Cl transporters in cortex and outer medulla. Mel + CA treatment was associated with increased protein expression of CD3 and mRNA levels of CD68 and F4/80 as well as phosphorylation of NF-κB in the kidney. Mel + CA treatment increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, and IL-1β in the inner medulla of rats. NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 reduced IL-1β expression induced by Mel + CA and prevented downregulation of AQP2 in inner medullary collecting duct cell suspensions. In conclusion, Mel + CA treatment caused urinary-concentrating defects and reduced expression of renal AQPs and key sodium transporters, which is likely due to the inflammatory responses and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by crystals formed in the kidney.
Primary sensorimotor cortex exhibits complex dependencies of spike-field coherence on neuronal firing rates, field power, and behavior
Authors: Arce-McShane F. I. , Sessle B. J. , Ross C. F. , Hatsopoulos N. G.
Published: March 2018

Spike-field coherence (SFC) is widely used to assess cortico-cortical interactions during sensorimotor behavioral tasks by measuring the consistency of the relative phases between the spike train of a neuron and the concurrent local field potentials (LFPs). Interpretations of SFC as a measure of functional connectivity are complicated by theoretical work suggesting that estimates of SFC depend on overall neuronal activity. We evaluated the dependence of SFC on neuronal firing rates, LFP power, and behavior in the primary motor (MIo) and primary somatosensory (SIo) areas of the orofacial sensorimotor cortex of monkeys ( Macaca mulatta) during performance of a tongue-protrusion task. Although we occasionally observed monotonically increasing linear relationships between coherence and firing rate, we most often found highly complex, nonmonotonic relationships in both SIo and MIo and sometimes even found that coherence decreased with increasing firing rate. The lack of linear relationships was also true for both LFP power and tongue-protrusive force. Moreover, the ratio between maximal firing rate and the firing rate at peak coherence deviated significantly from unity, indicating that MIo and SIo neurons achieved maximal SFC at a submaximal level of spiking. Overall, these results point to complex relationships of SFC to firing rates, LFP power, and behavior during sensorimotor cortico-cortical interactions: coherence is a measure of functional connectivity whose magnitude is not a mere monotonic reflection of changes in firing rate, LFP power, or the relevantly controlled behavioral parameter.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The concern that estimates of spike-field coherence depend on the firing rates of single neurons has influenced analytical methods employed by experimental studies investigating the functional interactions between cortical areas. Our study shows that the overwhelming majority of the estimated spike-field coherence exhibited complex relations with firing rates of neurons in the orofacial sensorimotor cortex. The lack of monotonic relations was also evident after testing the influence of local field potential power and force on spike-field coherence.
Differential effects of adaptation on odor discrimination
Authors: Haney Seth , Saha Debajit , Raman Baranidharan , Bazhenov Maxim
Published: March 2018

Adaptation of neural responses is ubiquitous in sensory systems and can potentially facilitate many important computational functions. Here we examined this issue with a well-constrained computational model of the early olfactory circuits. In the insect olfactory system, the responses of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) on the antennae adapt over time. We found that strong adaptation of sensory input is important for rapidly detecting a fresher stimulus encountered in the presence of other background cues and for faithfully representing its identity. However, when the overlapping odorants were chemically similar, we found that adaptation could alter the representation of these odorants to emphasize only distinguishing features. This work demonstrates novel roles for peripheral neurons during olfactory processing in complex environments.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Olfactory systems face the problem of distinguishing salient information from a complex olfactory environment. The neural representations of specific odor sources should be consistent regardless of the background. How are olfactory representations robust to varying environmental interference? We show that in locusts the extraction of salient information begins in the periphery. Olfactory receptor neurons adapt in response to odorants. Adaptation can provide a computational mechanism allowing novel odorant components to be highlighted during complex stimuli.
Modulation of complex spike activity differs between zebrin-positive and -negative Purkinje cells in the pigeon cerebellum
Authors: Long Rebecca M. , Pakan Janelle M. P. , Graham David J. , Hurd Peter L. , Gutierrez-Ibañez Cristian , Wylie Douglas R.
Published: March 2018

The cerebellum is organized into parasagittal zones defined by its climbing and mossy fiber inputs, efferent projections, and Purkinje cell (PC) response properties. Additionally, parasagittal stripes can be visualized with molecular markers, such as heterogeneous expression of the isoenzyme zebrin II (ZII), where sagittal stripes of high ZII expression (ZII+) are interdigitated with stripes of low ZII expression (ZII−). In the pigeon vestibulocerebellum, a ZII+/− stripe pair represents a functional unit, insofar as both ZII+ and ZII− PCs within a stripe pair respond best to the same pattern of optic flow. In the present study, we attempted to determine whether there were any differences in the responses between ZII+ and ZII− PCs within a functional unit in response to optic flow stimuli. In pigeons of either sex, we recorded complex spike activity (CSA) from PCs in response to optic flow, marked recording sites with a fluorescent tracer, and determined the ZII identity of recorded PCs by immunohistochemistry. We found that CSA of ZII+ PCs showed a greater depth of modulation in response to the preferred optic flow pattern compared with ZII− PCs. We suggest that these differences in the depth of modulation to optic flow stimuli are due to differences in the connectivity of ZII+ and ZII− PCs within a functional unit. Specifically, ZII+ PCs project to areas of the vestibular nuclei that provide inhibitory feedback to the inferior olive, whereas ZII− PCs do not.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although the cerebellum appears to be a uniform structure, Purkinje cells (PCs) are heterogeneous and can be categorized on the basis of the expression of molecular markers. These phenotypes are conserved across species, but the significance is undetermined. PCs in the vestibulocerebellum encode optic flow resulting from self-motion, and those that express the molecular marker zebrin II (ZII+) exhibit more sensitivity to optic flow than those that do not express zebrin II (ZII−).
An In Vivo Zebrafish Model for Interrogating ROS‐Mediated Pancreatic β‐Cell Injury, Response, and Prevention
Authors: Kulkarni Abhishek A. , Conteh Abass M. , Sorrell Cody A. , Mirmira Anjali , Tersey Sarah A. , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Linnemann Amelia K. , Anderson Ryan M.
Published: March 2018

It is well known that a chronic state of elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pancreatic β‐cells impairs their ability to release insulin in response to elevated plasma glucose. Moreover, at its extreme, unmitigated ROS drives regulated cell death. This dysfunctional state of ROS buildup can result both from genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as obesity and overnutrition. Importantly, excessive ROS buildup may underlie metabolic pathologies such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The ability to monitor ROS dynamics in β‐cells in situ and to manipulate it via genetic, pharmacological, and environmental means would accelerate the development of novel therapeutics that could abate this pathology. Currently, there is a lack of models with these attributes that are available to the field. In this study, we use a zebrafish model to demonstrate that ROS can be generated in a β‐cell‐specific manner using a hybrid chemical genetic approach. Using a transgenic nitroreductase‐expressing zebrafish line, Tg(ins:Flag-NTR)s950, treated with the prodrug metronidazole (MTZ), we found that ROS is rapidly and explicitly generated in β‐cells. Furthermore, the level of ROS generated was proportional to the dosage of prodrug added to the system. At high doses of MTZ, caspase 3 was rapidly cleaved, β‐cells underwent regulated cell death, and macrophages were recruited to the islet to phagocytose the debris. Based on our findings, we propose a model for the mechanism of NTR/MTZ action in transgenic eukaryotic cells and demonstrate the robust utility of this system to model ROS‐related disease pathology.
Differences in Breast Cancer Survival by Molecular Subtypes in the United States
Authors: Howlader Nadia , Cronin Kathleen A. , Kurian Allison W. , Andridge Rebecca
Published: March 2018

Background: Although incidence rates of breast cancer molecular subtypes are well documented, effects of molecular subtypes on breast cancer–specific survival using the largest population coverage to date are unknown in the U.S. population.

Methods: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registry data, we assessed survival after breast cancer diagnosis among women diagnosed during 2010 to 2013 and followed through December 31, 2014. Breast cancer molecular subtypes defined by joint hormone receptor [HR, estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR)] and HER2 status were assessed. Multiple imputation was used to fill in missing receptor status. Four-year breast cancer–specific survival per molecular subtypes and clinical/demographic factors were calculated. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate survival while controlling for clinical and demographic factors.

Results: The best survival pattern was observed among women with HR+/HER2− subtype (survival rate of 92.5% at 4 years), followed by HR+/HER2+ (90.3%), HR−/HER2+ (82.7%), and finally worst survival for triple-negative subtype (77.0%). Notably, failing to impute cases with missing receptor status leads to overestimation of survival because those with missing receptor status tend to have worse prognostic features. Survival differed substantially by stage at diagnosis. Among de novo stage IV disease, women with HR+/HER2+ subtype experienced better survival than those with HR+/HER2− subtype (45.5% vs. 35.9%), even after controlling for other factors.

Conclusions: Divergence of survival curves in stage IV HR+/HER2+ versus HR+/HER2− subtype is likely attributable to major advances in HER2-targeted treatment.

Impact: Contrary to conventional thought, HR+/HER2+ subtype experienced better survival than HR+/HER2− in advanced-stage disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 619–26. ©2018 AACR.
Rural Disparities in Treatment-Related Financial Hardship and Adherence to Surveillance Colonoscopy in Diverse Colorectal Cancer Survivors
Authors: McDougall Jean A. , Banegas Matthew P. , Wiggins Charles L. , Chiu Vi K. , Rajput Ashwani , Kinney Anita Y.
Published: March 2018

Background: Cancer survivors increasingly report financial hardship as a consequence of the high cost of cancer care, yet the financial experience of rural cancer survivors remains largely unstudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential rural disparities in the likelihood of financial hardship and nonadherence to surveillance colonoscopy.

Methods: Individuals diagnosed with localized or regional colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2012 were ascertained by the population-based New Mexico Tumor Registry. Participants completed a mailed questionnaire or telephone survey about their colorectal cancer survivorship experience, including treatment-related financial hardship and receipt of surveillance colonoscopy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Compared with urban colorectal cancer survivors (n = 168), rural colorectal cancer survivors (n = 109) were slightly older; more likely to be married (65% vs. 59%) and have an annual income <$30,000 (37% vs. 27%); and less likely to be employed (35% vs. 41%), have a college degree (28% vs. 38%), or a high level of health literacy (39% vs. 51%). Rural survivors were twice as likely as urban survivors to report treatment-related financial hardship (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.06–3.28) and nonadherence to surveillance colonoscopy guidelines (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.07–4.85). In addition, financial hardship was independently associated with nonadherence to surveillance colonoscopy (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.01–4.85).

Conclusions: Substantial rural disparities in the likelihood of financial hardship and nonadherence to surveillance colonoscopy exist.

Impact: Treatment-related financial hardship among rural colorectal cancer survivors may negatively affect adherence to guideline-recommended follow-up care. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1275–82. ©2018 AACR.
Trastuzumab-Resistant HER2+ Breast Cancer Cells Retain Sensitivity to Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Inhibition
Authors: Wielgos Monica E. , Zhang Zhuo , Rajbhandari Rajani , Cooper Tiffiny S. , Zeng Ling , Forero Andres , Esteva Francisco J. , Osborne C. Kent , Schiff Rachel , LoBuglio Albert F. , Nozell Susan E. , Yang Eddy S.
Published: March 2018

HER2-targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab, have increased the survival rates of HER2+ breast cancer patients. However, despite these therapies, many tumors eventually develop resistance to these therapies. Our lab previously reported an unexpected sensitivity of HER2+ breast cancer cells to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), agents that target homologous recombination (HR)–deficient tumors, independent of a DNA repair deficiency. In this study, we investigated whether HER2+ trastuzumab-resistant (TR) breast cancer cells were susceptible to PARPi and the mechanism behind PARPi induced cytotoxicity. We demonstrate that the PARPi ABT-888 (veliparib) decreased cell survival in vitro and tumor growth in vivo of HER2+ TR breast cancer cells. PARP-1 siRNA confirmed that cytotoxicity was due, in part, to PARP-1 inhibition. Furthermore, PARP-1 silencing had variable effects on the expression of several NF-κB–regulated genes. In particular, silencing PARP-1 inhibited NF-κB activity and reduced p65 binding at the IL8 promoter, which resulted in a decrease in IL8 mRNA and protein expression. Our results provide insight in the potential mechanism by which PARPi induces cytotoxicity in HER2+ breast cancer cells and support the testing of PARPi in patients with HER2+ breast cancer resistant to trastuzumab. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 921–30. ©2018 AACR.
Emergency Foramen Magnum Decompression for Tonsillar Herniation Secondary to Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Afshari Fardad T. , Wysota Barbara , Oswal Michelle , Mazibrada Gordan , White Edward A.
Published: March 2018

Tonsillar herniation and coning is a rare and often late presentation of meningoencephalitis, and is associated with poor neurological outcome. We report the case of a 16-year-old female who presented unresponsive with radiological evidence of tonsillar herniation secondary to meningoencephalitis. She underwent an emergency foramen magnum decompression and C1 laminectomy with full recovery and no residual neurological deficit.
MiR-142-3p Inhibits TGF-β3-Induced Blood-Testis Barrier Impairment by Targeting Lethal Giant Larvae Homolog 2
Authors: Xu Ying , Wu Weixing , Fan Yunxia , Jiang Shuyi , Jia Xiaoyu , Su Wenhui
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) has been proved to perturb the blood-testis barrier (BTB) by accelerating junction protein endocytosis in Sertoli cells (SCs) to accommodate the traversing of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB around stage VIII in rat. Yet the molecular network underlying the impairment of TGF-β3 on BTB integrity is not fully elucidated. Our study herein was designed to investigate the participation of microRNA-142-3p (miR-142-3p), which has been reported to affect TGF-β3 signaling via different pathways, during BTB dynamics and the corresponding mechanisms. Methods: MiRNA mimic or agomiRNA was co-administered with or without TGF-β3 in the cultured SCs or in the rat testis. The SC permeability barrier function was reflected by measuring the transepithelial resistance (TER) and the permeability of the sodium fluorescein (Na-F). The BTB integrity was detected by the permeation of biotin. A luciferase reporter assay was used to testify the potential target of miR-142-3p, lethal giant larvae 2 (Lgl2). Laser capture microdissection (LCM) was applied to acquire cell components of different stages of seminiferious tubules, followed by detection of the expression levels of miR-142-3p, TGF-β3, and Lgl2 by qPCR. The SC barrier function was also detected as above in the presence of TGF-β3 after Lgl2 knockdown. Results: We revealed a reversion of TGF-β3-induced BTB impairment after miR-142-3p treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the activation of Cdc42 and reduction in occludin aroused by TGF-β3 were also reversed by miR-142-3p. The predicted binding of miR-142-3p with 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of Lgl2, was verified by the luciferase assay. Moreover, an increased Lgl2 level in TGF-β3-treated SCs was found and correlated stage-specific expressions of TGF-β3, miR-142-3p, and Lgl2 were revealed. Knockdown of Lgl2 in SCs was shown to partially antagonize the BTB disruption mediated by TGF-β3. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest a resistance of miR-142-3p on the BTB impairment caused by TGF-β3 during the seminiferous epithelial cycle by targeting Lgl2.
Urinary Iron Excretion is Associated with Urinary Full-Length Megalin and Renal Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nakatani Shinya , Nakatani Ayumi , Ishimura Eiji , Toi Norikazu , Tsuda Akihiro , Mori Katsuhito , Emoto Masanori , Hirayama Yoshiaki , Saito Akihiko , Inaba Masaaki
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Megalin mediates the uptake of glomerular-filtered iron in the proximal tubules. Urinary full length megalin (C-megalin) excretion has been found to be increased in association with megalin-mediated metabolic load to the endo-lysosomal system in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) of residual nephrons. In the present study, we investigated the association between urinary iron and C-megalin in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and the possible harmful effect of iron in renal tubules. Methods: Urinary levels of iron and C-megalin were measured in 63 CKD patients using automatic absorption spectrometry and a recently-established sandwich ELISA, respectively. Results: Although both urinary C-megalin and urinary total protein levels were correlated with urinary iron (C-megalin: ρ = 0.574, p <0.001; total protein: ρ = 0.500, p <0.001, respectively), urinary C-megalin alone emerged as an independent factor positively associated with urinary iron (β = 0.520, p <0.001) (R2 = 0.75, p <0.001). Furthermore, urinary iron was significantly and positively associated with urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, an oxidative stress marker, while no association with other markers of renal tubular injury, i.e., β2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, was noted. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that renal iron handling may be associated with megalin-mediated endo-lysosomal metabolic load in PTECs of residual nephrons and oxidative stress in renal tubules.
Effects of Fifty-Hertz Electromagnetic Fields on Granulocytic Differentiation of ATRA-Treated Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia NB4 Cells
Authors: Provenzano Alfredo Errico , Amatori Stefano , Nasoni Maria Gemma , Persico Giuseppe , Russo Sergio , Mastrogiacomo Anna Rita , Gambarara Alessandro , Fanelli Mirco
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Life on Earth is constantly exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the effects induced by EMFs on biological systems have been extensively studied producing different and sometimes contradictory results. Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) have shown to play a role in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, although how EMFs influence these processes remains unclear. Human acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells are characterized by the arrest of differentiation at the promyelocytic stage due to epigenetic perturbations induced by PML/RARα fusion protein (Promyelocytic Leukemia protein - PML/Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha - RARα). Therapeutic administration of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) re-establishes the leukemogenic mechanism re-inducing the normal differentiation processes. Methods: We studied the effects of ELF-EMFs (50 Hz, 2 mT) on the ATRA-mediated granulocytic differentiation process of APL NB4 cells (a cell line established from the bone marrow of a patient affected by the acute promyelocytic leukemia) by monitoring cellular proliferation and morphology, nitrob lue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and the expression of differentiation surface markers. Finally, we investigated mechanisms focusing on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and related molecular pathways. Results: ELF-EMF exposure decreases cellular proliferation potential and helps ATRA-treated NB4 cells to mature. Furthermore, the analysis of ROS production and the consequent extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERK1/2) phosphorylation suggest that a changed intracellular oxidative balance may influence the biological effects of ELF-EMFs. Conclusions: These results indicate that the exposure to ELF-EMF promotes ATRA-induced granulocytic differentiation of APL cells.
LncRNA-AK131850 Sponges MiR-93-5p in Newborn and Mature Osteoclasts to Enhance the Secretion of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor a Promoting Vasculogenesis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Quan Hongyu , Liang Mengmeng , Li Nan , Dou Ce , Liu Chuan , Bai Yun , Luo Wei , Li Jianmei , Kang Fei , Cao Zhen , Yang Xiaochao , Jiang Hong , Dong Shiwu
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: In the process of bone development and remodeling, the vasculature is regarded as the communicative network between the bone and neighboring tissues. Recently, it has been reported that the processes of angiogenesis and osteogenesis are coupled temporally and spatially. However, few studies reported the relationship and relevant mechanism between osteoclastogenesis and vasculogenesis. Methods: Arraystar Mouse lncRNA microarray V3.0 was firstly used to analyze the differentially expressed lncRNA genes in osteoclast different stages during osteoclastogenesis. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, migration and tube formation assays were used to detect impact of osteoclast different stages on the proliferation, differentiation, migration and tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), respectively. Finally, transfection of AK131850 shRNA, miR-93-5p mimic and miR-93-5p inhibitor, qRT-PCR, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to dissect molecular mechanisms. Results: In this study, we found that newborn OCs (N-OC) and mature OCs (M-OC) during osteoclastogenesis significantly promoted proliferation, differentiation, migration and tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Through lncRNA microarray and GO&pathway analysis, we found that AK131850 and co-expressed gene, vascular endothelial growth factor a (VEGFa), were significantly up-regulated in N-OC and M-OC. After inhibition of AK131850 the promoting effect of N-OC and M-OC on EPCs was reversed. Furthermore, we found that AK131850 directly competed miR-93-5p in N-OC and M-OC through sponge, thereby increasing VEGFa transcription, expression and secretion through derepressing of miR-93-5p on VEGFa. Conclusion: Our results provided the first finding that lncRNA-AK131850 sponged miR-93-5p in N-OC and M-OC during osteoclastogenesis to enhance the secretion of VEGFa, thus promoting vasculogenesis of EPCs.
An
APOO
Pseudogene on Chromosome 5q Is Associated With Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels
Authors: Montasser May E. , O’Hare Elizabeth A. , Wang Xiaochun , Howard Alicia D. , McFarland Rebecca , Perry James A. , Ryan Kathleen A. , Rice Kenneth , Jaquish Cashell E. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Miller Michael , Mitchell Braxton D. , Zaghloul Norann A. , Chang Yen-Pei C.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease via its contribution to the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Although the genetic basis of LDL-C has been studied extensively, currently known genetic variants account for only ≈20% of the variation in LDL-C levels.

Methods:

Through an array-based association analysis in 1102 Amish subjects, we identified a variant strongly associated with LDL-C levels. Using a combination of genetic analyses, zebrafish models, and in vitro experiments, we sought to identify the causal gene driving this association.

Results:

We identified a founder haplotype associated with a 15 mg/dL increase in LDL-C on chromosome 5. After recombination mapping, the associated region contained 8 candidate genes. Using a zebrafish model to evaluate the relevance of these genes to cholesterol metabolism, we found that expression of the transcribed pseudogene,
APOOP1
, increased LDL-C and vascular plaque formation.

Conclusions:

Based on these data, we propose that
APOOP1
regulates levels of LDL-C in humans, thus identifying a novel mechanism of lipid homeostasis.
Association of Birthplace and Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Among US Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2006 to 2014
Authors: Fang Jing , Yuan Keming , Gindi Renee M. , Ward Brian W. , Ayala Carma , Loustalot Fleetwood
Published: March 2018

Background

The proportion of foreign‐born
US
adults has almost tripled since 1970. However, less is known about the cardiovascular morbidity by birthplace among adults residing in the United States. This study's objective was to compare the prevalence of coronary heart disease (
CHD
) and stroke among
US
adults by birthplace.

Methods and Results

We used data from the 2006 to 2014 National Health Interview Survey. Birthplace was categorized as United States or foreign born. Foreign born was then grouped into 6 birthplace regions. We defined
CHD
and stroke as ever being told by a physician that she or he had
CHD
or stroke. We adjusted for select demographic and health characteristics in the analysis. Of
US
adults, 16% were classified as foreign born. Age‐standardized prevalence of both
CHD
and stroke were higher among
US
‐ than foreign‐born adults (
CHD:
8.2% versus 5.5% for men and 4.8% versus 4.1% for women; stroke: 2.7% versus 2.1% for men and 2.7% versus 1.9% for women; all
P
<0.05). Comparing individual regions with those of
US
‐ born adults,
CHD
prevalence was lower among foreign‐born adults from Asia and Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean. For stroke, although men from South America or Africa had the lowest prevalence, women from Europe had the lowest prevalence. Years of living in the United States was not related to risk of
CHD
or stroke after adjustment with demographic and health characteristics.

Conclusions

Overall, foreign‐born adults residing in the United States had a lower prevalence of
CHD
and stroke than
US
‐born adults. However, considerable heterogeneity of
CHD
and stroke risk was found by region of birth.
Closing the Loop of Inspiration-to-Creation: Responding with Programmable Sphere
Authors: Ban Seonghoon , Lim Shengen , Lee Byungjoo , Wohn Kwangyun
Published: March 2018

In this statement, we envision a futuristic direction of art creation that explores the uncharted possibilities of incorporating programmable inspirations into the creative process. We invited three artists to draw an object called Programmable Sphere, which dynamically changed its shape and texture in response to the artist’s movement. From this experiment, in which an artist and an external object are dynamically coupled, we discuss new possibilities of artistic expression when inspiration is not isolated from the creation process.
Species of the Polistes (Polistella) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) from Vietnam, with description of a new species and a pictorial key
Authors: NGUYEN LIEN T.P. , NGUYEN CUONG Q. , BOZDOĞAN HAKAN
Published: March 2018

Twenty seven species of the subgenus Polistella Ashmead, 1904 are recorded from Vietnam. Polistes chuyangsin Nguyen & Nguyen sp. nov. and its nest are described and figured. A pictorial key to Vietnamese species of the subgenus is provided.
Revision of the Barsine zebrina species-complex, with description of three new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL
Published: March 2018

The Barsine zebrina species-complex is revised. Three new species, Barsine subzebrina Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. (Nepal, NE India, N Myanmar), Barsine bucseki Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. (Malay Peninsula) and Barsine navneetsinghi Volynkin & Černý, sp. nov. (NE India and N Myanmar) are described. A new combination is established: Barsine zebrina (Moore, 1878), comb. nov. Adult, male and female genitalia are illustrated.
Phenacorhamdia cabocla, a new heptapterid from the Parnaíba River basin, Northeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)
Authors: ROCHA YURI GOMES PONCE DE CARVALHO , RAMOS TELTON PEDRO ANSELMO , RAMOS ROBSON TAMAR DA COSTA
Published: March 2018

Phenacorhamdia Dahl, 1961 comprises 11 valid species of small demersal and solitary catfishes which occur mainly along riverbeds and are widely distributed throughout rivers of South America. The genus is included within the Nemuroglanis subclade, and species of Phenacorhamdia can be separated from other heptapterid catfishes through external and internal characters. Diagnostic characters include a prognathous mouth, first ray of dorsal and pectoral fins flexible, eight or nine branched rays in the lower lobe of caudal fin, and optic foramen reduced. A new species of Phenacorhamdia is described herein from the upper Parnaíba river basin. Phenacorhamdia cabocla sp. nov is distinct from its congeners by: total vertebrae 44, nine of which with pleural ribs; bifid neural spines until vertebrae 13; last precaudal vertebrae lacking pleural ribs; 7–8 branchiostegal rays; pectoral-fin rays i+6; first pterygiophore of dorsal-fin associated to the neural spine of twelfth vertebrae; dorsal-fin pterygiophores associated to vertebrae 12 to 16; anal-fin with nine branched and 3–4 unbranched rays; upper and lower lobes of caudal fin with 8–9 branched rays each; adipose fin corresponding to 14.9%–18.1% of standard length; and snout length corresponding to 30.0%–35.9% of head length.
The first record of Amaurobius C.L. Koch, 1837 (Araneae, Amaurobiidae) from China, with description of two new species
Authors: ZHANG LI , WANG LU-YU , ZHANG ZHI-SHENG
Published: March 2018

Two new species of Amaurobius from China, A. songi sp. nov. and A. spinatus sp. nov. are described on morphological characters of males and females. They are generally very similar to all known Amaurobius species from India, Europe and North America but differ in some details of the copulatory organs. The two species represent the first record of Amaurobius in China.
Joint Synoptic and Cloud Variability over the Northeast Atlantic near the Azores
Authors: Mechem David B. , Wittman Carly S. , Miller Matthew A. , Yuter Sandra E. , de Szoeke Simon P.
Published: March 2018

Marine boundary layer clouds are modified by processes at different spatial and temporal scales. To isolate the processes governing aerosol–cloud–precipitation interactions, multiday synoptic variability of the environment must be accounted for. Information on the location of low clouds relative to the ridge–trough pattern gives insight into how cloud properties vary as a function of environmental subsidence and stability. The technique of self-organizing maps (SOMs) is employed to objectively classify the 500-hPa geopotential height patterns for 33 years of reanalysis fields (ERA-Interim) into pretrough, trough, posttrough, ridge, and zonal-flow categories. The SOM technique is applied to a region of prevalent marine low cloudiness over the eastern North Atlantic Ocean that is centered on the Azores island chain, the location of a long-term U.S. Department of Energy observation site. The Azores consistently lie in an area of substantial variability in synoptic configuration, thermodynamic environment, and cloud properties. The SOM method was run in two ways to emphasize multiday and seasonal variability separately. Over and near the Azores, there is an east-to-west sloshing back and forth of the western edge of marine low clouds associated with different synoptic states. The different synoptic states also exhibit substantial north–south variability in the position of high clouds. For any given month of the year, there is large year-to-year variability in the occurrence of different synoptic states. Hence, estimating the climatological behavior of clouds from short-term field campaigns has large uncertainties. This SOM approach is a robust method that is broadly applicable to characterizing synoptic regimes for any location.
Urban megaprojects, nation-state politics and regulatory capitalism in Central and Eastern Europe: The Belgrade Waterfront project
Authors: Grubbauer Monika , Čamprag Nebojša
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we explore how state-led regulatory planning is utilised to push for delivery of an urban megaproject (UMP) in the specific context of post-socialist Central and Eastern Europe. Our focus is on the large-scale brownfield redevelopment project ‘Belgrade Waterfront’ under implementation in the Serbian capital, a joint venture between the Republic of Serbia and Abu Dhabi-based investor Eagle Hills. We show this UMP to be an extreme example of state-led regulatory intervention, characterised by lack of transparency and haste in decision-making processes, all of which serve to prioritise private investors’ interests in project delivery above the principles of representative democracy. Through analysis of legislative and planning documents, expert reports and media coverage from the period between 2012 and 2017, we explore the legislative mechanisms, contractual strategies and modes of governance involved in the project’s delivery. This provides two insights: first, it reveals that, in contrast with the active role of local governments in conceiving entrepreneurial strategies that is often assumed today, in the case of Belgrade Waterfront, the national government has instead played the decisive role; second, it shows how modifications to national law were instrumental in defining public interest, in enabling certain types of contracts to become technically legal, and in minimising risks for the private investor. We conclude by highlighting the need to further conceptualise nation-state politics and autocratic rule as driving forces of urban development processes.
Study on permanent magnetic drive forecasting by designing Takagi Sugeno Kang type interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems
Authors: Wang Dazhi , Chen Yang
Published: March 2018

The process of permanent magnetic drive (PMD) presents high uncertainty under the complex operating conditions. In this paper, a type of Takagi Sugeno Kang (TSK) interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems (IT2 FLSs) under the Karnik-Mendel (KM) structure is designed for data-based PMD torque and revolutions per minute (rpm) forecasting. For designing the antecedent and input measurement of TSK IT2 FLSs, the primary membership functions (MFs) of interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2 FSs) are all selected as Gaussian type-2 MFs with uncertain derivation, while the consequent parameters are chosen as type-1 fuzzy numbers. According to matrix transformation, the complicated task of calculating derivatives in the TSK IT2 FLSs under the Karnik-Mendel structure can be managed subtly by some elementary vectors and partitioned matrices. And the parameters of the proposed systems are also tuned by the back propagation (BP) algorithms. Simulation examples based on the data of PMD torque and rpm are used to test the advanced fuzzy logic systems forecasting methods. The effective and feasibility of forecasting by the proposed type-2 systems compared with their type-1 counterparts is illustrated in the light of Monte Carlo simulations, convergence and stability analysis.
Shakespeare and modern Greek politics
Authors: Georgopoulou Xenia
Published: March 2018

This article provides an overview of the few modern Greek productions that connected Shakespeare with contemporary political issues. It subsequently explores a variety of references to Shakespeare’s plays in recent Greek political speeches, articles about late twentieth- and twenty-first-century politics in Greece, as well as Greek satirical programmes of the last decade, focusing on the current financial crisis in the country. It also argues that during the last decades Shakespeare’s identity in Greece has changed from a playwright for the elite to a commodity for the masses.
DS-7250, a Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase 1 Inhibitor, Enhances Hepatic Steatosis in Zucker Fatty Rats via Upregulation of Fatty Acid Synthesis
Authors: Yasuno Kyohei , Kumagai Kazuyoshi , Iguchi Takuma , Tsuchiya Yoshimi , Kai Kiyonori , Mori Kazuhiko
Published: March 2018

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) catalyzes the final step in triglyceride synthesis. Since Dgat1-/- mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) are resistant to hepatic steatosis, DGAT1 inhibitors are expected to have antifatty liver effects. To evaluate the hepatic effects of DS-7250, a selective DGAT1 inhibitor, vehicle or 10 mg/kg of DS-7250 was administered orally to male Fisher 344 (F344) and Zucker fatty (ZF) rats fed a standard diet or HFD for 14 or 28 days. ZF rats showed slight hepatic steatosis regardless of feeding conditions. DS-7250 exacerbated hepatic steatosis in ZF rats fed an HFD compared with the vehicle control. Hepatic steatosis did not occur in F344 rats fed an HFD, in which systemic exposures of DS-7250 were comparable to those in ZF rats. There was a higher expression of genes involved in lipid uptake and fatty acid synthesis in ZF rats compared to F344 rats under HFD conditions. DS-7250 upregulated key genes involved in de novo lipogenesis, which causes hepatic steatosis independently of DGAT1, in ZF rats fed an HFD compared with the vehicle control. These data suggest that ZF rats were more susceptible to hepatic steatosis due to their genetic characteristics and DS-7250 exacerbated hepatic steatosis independently of DGAT1.
The Effects of Proximity on the Classroom Behaviors of Students with Autism in General Education Settings
Authors: Conroy Maureen A. , Asmus Jennifer M. , Ladwig Crystal N. , Sellers Jennifer A. , Valcante Greg
Published: March 2018

In this study the authors examined the descriptive effects of adult proximity on the behaviors of six elementary-aged students with autism spectrum disorders served in general education settings. A descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the effects of adult proximity on the rate of challenging behaviors and academic engagement. In addition, lag sequential analyses were conducted examining the effects of adult proximity on the relationship between adult directives and subsequent target child behaviors. The results indicated that adult proximity positively increased the rates of engagement and the likelihood that engagement followed an adult directive for most of the participants. However, idiosyncratic differences between adult proximity and problem behaviors were found across the participants.
Behavioral Intervention Plans: Pedagogical and Legal Analysis of Issues
Authors: Etscheidt Susan
Published: March 2018

Both law and pedagogy require that educators address behavior interfering with educational progress for students with disabilities. The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004) and its predecessor, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1997a), require individualized education program (IEP) teams to develop behavioral improvement plans (BIPs) for students whose behavior impedes their performance or the performance of others. Yet neither statute provides guidance concerning the substantive components of these plans. The purpose of this article is to review the administrative decisions and case law addressing BIPs. Based on the review, five themes related to the development of appropriate BIPs were identified. A pedagogical review substantiated and enriched the emergent themes. Hopefully, this analysis will assist IEP teams in the development of appropriate and legally defensible BIPs.
Functional Assessment-Based Intervention for Selective Mutism
Authors: Kern Lee , Starosta Kristin M. , Cook Clayton R. , Bambara Linda M. , Gresham Frank R.
Published: March 2018

The process of functional assessment has emerged as an essential component for intervention development. Applications across divergent types of problem behavior, however, remain limited. This study evaluated the applicability of this promising approach to students with selective mutism. Two middle school students served as participants. The functional assessment included indirect and direct methods as well as a specially designed student interview that did not require speech. Individualized interventions were developed and experimentally evaluated. Results indicated that the assessment-based interventions effectively increased speaking in school contexts.
Special Education Teacher Preparation in Classroom Management: Implications for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Oliver Regina M. , Reschly Daniel J.
Published: March 2018

Special education teachers’ skills with classroom organization and behavior management affect the emergence and persistence of behavior problems as well as the success of inclusive practice for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Adequate special education teacher preparation and strong classroom organization and behavior management skills are critical for teachers of students with EBD. Little research has been conducted to determine the extent to which special education teacher preparation programs provide teachers with adequate instruction on classroom organization and behavior management techniques. Course syllabi from 26 special education teacher preparation programs were reviewed. Results indicate a highly variable emphasis on classroom organization and management between programs. Programs tended to emphasize reactive procedures. Only 27% (n = 7) of the university programs had an entire course devoted to classroom management. The remaining 73% (n = 19) of university programs had content related to behavior management dispersed within various courses. Limitations and implications for special education teacher preparation and inclusive practices are discussed.
Praise Research Trends and Future Directions: Characteristics and Teacher Training
Authors: Floress Margaret T. , Beschta Shelby L. , Meyer Kari L. , Reinke Wendy M.
Published: March 2018

Teacher praise is an effective classroom management tool. Training teachers to increase their use of praise can improve student disruptive and off-task behavior. The purpose of this article is to examine different characteristics of praise and the training methods used in the literature. Training methods with positive treatment acceptability and demonstrated impact are summarized. Results indicate that most research focuses on behavior-specific, verbal, and contingent praise delivered to individual students. Most training studies used a combination of two or more methods that most commonly included a didactic, feedback, or goal setting component. Only half of the training studies measured treatment acceptability and the majority of these ratings were positive. Most studies training teachers to use praise had positive results. More research focused on infrequently studied praise characteristics (e.g., gestures, physical, and private) and training methods (e.g., in vivo, self-monitoring, and incentives) is needed. Implications for future praise research are presented.
A Randomized Waitlist Controlled Analysis of Team-Initiated Problem Solving Professional Development and Use
Authors: Horner Robert H. , Newton James S. , Todd Anne W. , Algozzine Bob , Algozzine Kate , Cusumano Dale , Preston Angela
Published: March 2018

Data-based problem solving is a hallmark of research-supported practices such as positive behavioral interventions and supports. In this study, we provided members of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) teams from 38 elementary schools with professional development focused on a research-supported problem-solving model (Team-Initiated Problem Solving). We used direct observations to document procedures, practices, and outcomes before and after participating in the professional development workshop. Within the context of a randomized waitlist controlled trial, team members in the Immediate Group demonstrated greater improvement in (a) problem-solving procedures, (b) decision-making practices, and (c) meeting outcomes than did members of PBIS teams in the Waitlist Group. Our findings extend what is known about team-based problem solving and provide a framework for future research and improved practice related to decision making by school teams.