bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Online Knowledge Hubs in Developing Practice and Policy: Lessons from i-HOP for Professionals Working with Children and Families Affected by Parental Offending
Authors: Sharratt Kathryn , Christmann Kris , Perry Suzanne , Sutherland Lindsay
Published: August 2017

This article reports on the role of an online knowledge hub in supporting the development of policy and practice relevant to children and families affected by parental offending. The authors use a case study of the i-HOP service, a national web-based collection of resources that supports professionals to work with children and families affected by parental offending. Delivered by the national children’s charity Barnardo’s, the knowledge hub provides a comprehensive collection of research and evidence, policy frameworks, practice examples, funding opportunities and training resources ( https://www.i-hop.org.uk ). The article begins by considering the rationale behind the development hub, including an increase in the number of children and families affected by parental offending, unsystematic policy response and limited resources for practitioners working with children and families. Next, the article discusses the development of the hub, including the challenges encountered and practical solutions employed. The implementation of a quality assessment system to support policy-makers and practitioners to make informed judgements about the suitability and quality of research and evidence deposited on the hub is also considered. The article concludes with practical suggestions for organisations that are contemplating the development of a knowledge hub to bridge the gap between research and evidence and practice and policy.
Why Do they Remit? Examining Factors Influencing Migrant Remittances in India
Authors: Mahapatro Sandhya R.
Published: August 2017

Little is known about the factors that determine the remittance behaviour of migrants in India. With socioeconomic transformations, the gradual change in female migration patterns for economic reasons also signifies their contribution to household well-being. Using the National Sample Survey (2007–2008) data and applying the Heckman’s two-stage procedure, this paper examines, separately, key determinants that influence the remittance behaviour of male and female migrants.

Empirical estimates reveal that among various factors, monthly per capita expenditure, distance from origin, and duration of stay at destination are important predictors of remittance behaviour. These determinants of remittance highlight that migrants retain strong economic links with origin families not only to provide economic support but also for social ties. The findings provide support of contractual motive of remitting and suggest remittances are more effective in promoting development. Further, gender differences in remittance behaviour are observed for household size, occupational and educational level of the migrant.
Effects of salpingectomy during abdominal hysterectomy on ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tehranian Afsaneh , Zangbar Roghayeh Hassani , Aghajani Faezeh , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Rafiei Saeedeh , Esfidani Tayebe
Published: August 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salpingectomy on ovarian function by measuring AMH.

Methods

This study was a balanced, single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in Ruin Tan Arash Hospital, Tehran, between May 2013 and November 2014. A total of 30 patients undergoing elective abdominal hysterectomy were randomized into two groups, 15 with salpingectomy and 15 without salpingectomy. The primary objective of this study was to compare mean difference of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) between two groups. The secondary outcomes measured were follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), operative time, and blood loss.

Results

Serum AMH levels decreased at 3 months after hysterectomy in all patients (pre AMH 1.32 ± (0.91); post AMH 1.05 ± (0.88), P < 0.001), the salpingectomy group (pre AMH 1.44 ± (0.94); post AMH 1.13 ± (0.86), P < 0.001), and no salpingectomy group (pre AMH 1.2 ± (0.9); post AMH 0.97 ± (0.92), P < 0.001). The rate of decline of AMH levels after surgery did not differ between the two groups (25% (17–33%) vs. 26% (15–36%), P = 0.23) among the women with salpingectomy versus without salpingectomy, respectively. There was no difference in the mean operative time (mean difference 0.33, 95% CI − 22.21 to 22.86, P < 0.92), mean blood loss (mean difference − 0.66, 95% CI − 15.8 to 14.46, P < 0.97), and post FSH (mean difference 0.34, 95% CI − 1.2 to 1.88, P < 0.65) between both groups.

Conclusions

Salpingectomy with abdominal hysterectomy is a safe treatment that does not have a deleterious effect on ovarian reserve.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2014123118866N4 (www.IRCT.ir)
Two Drosophila model neurons can regenerate axons from the stump or from a converted dendrite, with feedback between the two sites
Authors: Rao Kavitha S. , Rolls Melissa M.
Published: August 2017

Background

After axon severing, neurons recover function by reinitiating axon outgrowth. New outgrowth often originates from the remaining axon stump. However, in many mammalian neurons, new axons initiate from a dendritic site when the axon is injured close to the cell body.

Methods

Drosophila sensory neurons are ideal for studying neuronal injury responses because they can be injured reproducibly in a variety of genetic backgrounds. In Drosophila, it has been shown that a complex sensory neuron, ddaC, can regenerate an axon from a stump, and a simple sensory neuron, ddaE, can regenerate an axon from a dendrite. To provide a more complete picture of axon regeneration in these cell types, we performed additional injury types.

Results

We found that ddaE neurons can initiate regeneration from an axon stump when a stump remains. We also showed that ddaC neurons regenerate from the dendrite when the axon is severed close to the cell body. We next demonstrated if a stump remains, new axons can originate from this site and a dendrite at the same time. Because cutting the axon close to the cell body results in growth of the new axon from a dendrite, and cutting further out may not, we asked whether the initial response in the cell body was similar after both types of injury. A transcriptional reporter for axon injury signaling, puc-GFP, increased with similar timing and levels after proximal and distal axotomy. However, changes in dendritic microtubule polarity differed in response to the two types of injury, and were influenced by the presence of a scar at the distal axotomy site.

Conclusions

We conclude that both ddaE and ddaC can regenerate axons either from the stump or a dendrite, and that there is some feedback between the two sites that modulates dendritic microtubule polarity.
Time step n-tupling for wave equations
Authors: Amundsen Lasse , Pedersen Ørjan
Published: August 2017

We have constructed novel temporal discretizations for wave equations. We first select an explicit time integrator that is of second order, leading to classic time marching schemes in which the next value of the wavefield at the discrete time [Formula: see text] is computed from current values known at time [Formula: see text] and the previous time [Formula: see text]. Then, we determine how the time step can be doubled, tripled, or generally, [Formula: see text]-tupled, producing a new time-stepping method in which the next value of the wavefield at the discrete time [Formula: see text] is computed from current values known at time [Formula: see text] and the previous time [Formula: see text]. In-between time values of the wavefield are eliminated. Using the Fourier method to calculate space derivatives, the new time integrators allow larger stable time steps than traditional time integrators; however, like the Lax-Wendroff procedure, they require more computational effort per time step. Because the new schemes are developed from the classic second-order time-stepping scheme, they will have the same properties, except the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy stability condition, which becomes relaxed by the factor [Formula: see text] compared with the classic scheme. As an example, we determine the method for solving scalar wave propagation in which doubling the time step is 15% faster than a Lax-Wendroff correction scheme of the same spatial order because it can increase the time step by [Formula: see text] only.
Seismic structure and texture analyses for fractured reservoir characterization: An integrated workflow
Authors: Gao Dengliang , Duan Taizhong
Published: August 2017

Fractured reservoir prediction is risky and challenging because of the variability in fracture characteristics and the lack of direct observational data in the subsurface. To reduce the risk and challenge, we have developed an integrated workflow to predict fractured reservoirs based on 3D seismic data. The workflow begins with reservoir structure analysis from seismic reflection geometry, which is referred to as seismic structure analysis, to define fracture intensity and fracture orientation using maximum curvature and maximum flexure algorithms. Next, the workflow proceeds with reservoir texture analysis from seismic amplitude signal, which is referred to as seismic texture analysis, to evaluate fracture scale and reservoir facies using waveform regression and calibration algorithms. The results from seismic structure and texture analyses are then used for modeling reservoir properties and fracture networks. Each algorithmic method in the workflow is tested in a siliciclastic tight-sand reservoir in the Teapot Dome oil field (Powder River Basin) and in a carbonate reservoir in the South Pars gas field (Persian Gulf Basin). The test results reveal the previously unknown reservoir heterogeneity and anisotropy that are interpreted to be attributable to the variability in fracture characteristics. It is concluded that the integrated workflow based on seismic structure and texture analyses could potentially contribute to reducing the risk and challenge in characterizing fractured reservoirs in the subsurface.
Association of STOP-Bang Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Sleep Apnea and Postoperative Complications: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Meta-analysis of Prospective and Retrospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Nagappa Mahesh , Patra Jayadeep , Wong Jean , Subramani Yamini , Singh Mandeep , Ho George , Wong David T. , Chung Frances
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

The risk of postoperative complications increases with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The high-risk OSA (HR-OSA) patients can be easily identified using the STOP-Bang screening tool. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the association of postoperative complications in patients screened as HR-OSA versus low-risk OSA (LR-OSA).

METHODS:

The following data bases were searched from January 1, 2008, to October 31, 2016, to identify the eligible articles: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Databases of Systematic Reviews, Medline-in-Process & other nonindexed citations, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Sciences and Scopus. The search included studies with adult surgical patients screened for OSA with STOP-Bang questionnaire that reported at least 1 cardiopulmonary or any other complication requiring intensive care unit admission as diagnosis of outcome. We used a Bayesian random-effects analysis to evaluate the existing evidence of STOP-Bang in relation to OSA and to assess the association of postoperative complications with the identified HR-OSA patients by study design and methodologies.

RESULTS:

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using 10 cohort studies: 23,609 patients (HR-OSA, 7877; LR-OSA, 15,732). The pooled odds of perioperative complications were higher in the HR-OSA versus LR-OSA patients (odds ratio 3.93, 95% credible interval, 1.85–7.77, P= .003; 6.86% vs 4.62%). The length of hospital stay was longer in HR-OSA by 2 days when compared with LR-OSA (5.0 ± 4.2 vs 3.4 ± 2.8 days; mean difference 2.01; 95% credible interval, 0.77–3.24; P= .005). Meta-regression to adjust for baseline confounding factors and subgroup analysis did not materially change the results.

CONCLUSIONS:

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that HR-OSA is related with higher risk of postoperative adverse events and longer length of hospital stay when compared with LR-OSA patients. Our findings support the implementation of the STOP-Bang screening tool for perioperative risk stratification.
Impact of Simulator-Based Training in Focused Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bloch Andreas , von Arx Robert , Etter Reto , Berger David , Kaiser Heiko , Lenz Armando , Merz Tobias M.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND:

The aim of the study was to determine if training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using a TEE simulator improves the ability of novice operators to perform and interpret a focused critical care TEE.

METHODS:

In this prospective, randomized, controlled study with blinded outcome assessment, 44 intensive care unit trainees were randomly assigned to a control group receiving 4 hours of lecture-based training only, or an intervention group which was additionally trained for 4 hours using a TEE simulator. After the training intervention, each participant performed 2 TEEs in intensive care unit patients which were evaluated by blinded assessors. The imaging quality of TEEs was measured using a predefined examination quality score ranging from 0 to 100 points. The correct quantification of pathologies and the interpretation of the TEEs were evaluated by blinded assessors using focused and comprehensive expert TEEs as comparators.

RESULTS:

A total of 114 TEEs were assessed. The mean examination quality score was 55.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.3–61.5) for TEEs of the control group, 75.6 (95% CI, 70.1–81.0) for TEEs of the intervention group, and 88.5 (95% CI, 79.3–97.7) for TEEs in the expert group. The multiple comparisons revealed significant differences between all groups (19.7 [95% CI, 12.8–26.6], P < .001 for intervention versus control; 32.6 [95% CI, 23.0–42.3], P < .001 for expert versus control; 12.9 [95% CI, 3.4–22.5], P = .008 for expert versus intervention). Substantial agreement of the quantification and interpretation ratings of basic TEEs by the intervention (86.7% for quantification and 97.1% for interpretation) or expert group (93.2% for quantification and 98.4% for interpretation) with blinded assessors was detected. The control groups TEEs agreed less (75.6% for quantification and 91.8% for interpretation).

CONCLUSIONS:

Simulation-based TEE training improves the ability of novice operators to perform a focused critical care TEE in comparison to lecture-based education only. After 8 hours of simulator and lecture-based training, the majority of TEEs of novices are of sufficient quality for clinical use. Furthermore, a substantial skill level in correct quantification and interpretation of imaging is achieved.
High-Speed Melting Analysis: The Effect of Melting Rate on Small Amplicon Microfluidic Genotyping
Authors: Pryor Robert J , Myrick Joseph T , Palais Robert A , Sundberg Scott O , Paek Jeanette Y , Wittwer Carl T , Knight Ivor T
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

High-resolution DNA melting analysis of small amplicons is a simple and inexpensive technique for genotyping. Microfluidics allows precise and rapid control of temperature during melting.

METHODS

Using a microfluidic platform for serial PCR and melting analysis, 4 targets containing single nucleotide variants were amplified and then melted at different rates over a 250-fold range from 0.13 to 32 °C/s. Genotypes (n = 1728) were determined manually by visual inspection after background removal, normalization, and conversion to negative derivative plots. Differences between genotypes were quantified by a genotype discrimination ratio on the basis of inter- and intragenotype differences using the absolute value of the maximum vertical difference between curves as a metric.

RESULTS

Different homozygous curves were genotyped by melting temperature and heterozygous curves were identified by shape. Technical artifacts preventing analysis (0.3%), incorrect (0.06%), and indeterminate (0.4%) results were minimal, occurring mostly at slow melting rates (0.13–0.5 °C/s). Genotype discrimination was maximal at around 8 °C/s (2–8 °C/s for homozygotes and 8–16 °C/s for heterozygotes), and no genotyping errors were made at rates >0.5 °C/s. PCR was completed in 10–12.2 min, followed by melting curve acquisition in 4 min down to <1 s.

CONCLUSIONS

Microfluidics enables genotyping by melting analysis at rates up to 32 °C/s, requiring <1 s to acquire an entire melting curve. High-speed melting reduces the time for melting analysis, decreases errors, and improves genotype discrimination of small amplicons. Combined with extreme PCR, high-speed melting promises nucleic acid amplification and genotyping in < 1 min.
Questioning the (happy) narrative of geoeconomics
Authors: Marton Péter
Published: August 2017

A quarter of a century ago, as the tensions of the Cold War were already winding down or virtually gone in fact, Edward Luttwak’s thesis (1990) predicted that states would continue to find themselves in a competitive situation in trying to secure the resources and modalities of their economic development. Luttwak explained this competition in terms of states’ interest in securing the welfare of their populations through employment, the state’s inherent drive to rival with other states around it and to outdo them as much as possible („relative advantage”), bureaucracies’ „urge of role preservation” connected to the latter, and domestic interest groups’ pressure on governments to make them work to their advantage.
Dementia Perhaps, but the State is not Dead: TTIP, CETA, and the Arctic
Authors: Durfee Mary
Published: August 2017

Edward Luttwak wrote about the transition from geopolitics to geoeconomics at the end of the Cold War. He argued that the state would give way to corporations, because the pressure for states to place priority on military security was soon to be attenuated. In its place states would work at “geoeconomics.” A rather happy outcome of more peace and more jobs was the likely outcome. The analysis did not anticipate the widespread dissatisfaction by many people in the EU, US, and Canada with the results of globalization that has weakened support for deeper changes in free trade and contributes to instability in these core countries. This paper evaluates Luttwak’s claims through a review of the EU’s own impact studies on the specific issues and opportunities of trade agreements for the Arctic.
The social life of palm oil: From indigenous communities to global economic discourses
Authors: Márquez Aiken Samuel Chew
Published: August 2017

The economy, understood as the process of production, distribution and consumption, is organized in a way that goods, commodities and merchandise appear in our daily lives in front of us without us knowing their origins and the track they took. Using Appadurai’s approach in studying commodities and goods, this essay analyses how the African palm oil industry affects the livelihood of indigenous communities. It provides a general overview of the African palm market globally and in Guatemala. This is followed by an analysis of the three main effects the agro-industry has on the local population: land-grabbing and dispossession, violation of labour rights and ecocide (with special regard to the pollution of rivers). The ecocide in the Río la Pasión had the social force to trigger the urban population, as well as the rural population, to ask the state to make accountable the agro-industrial firms for the abuses affecting the environment – especially rivers. Finally, some normative considerations are offered, calling not for an end to palm oil production but more responsible conduct in this area by all the actors involved, including the consumption.
Jenseits des Alphabets – Kommunikation mit Emojis
Authors: Dürscheid Christa , Siever Christina Margrit
Published: August 2017

The paper provides an overview of the functions of emojis in everyday written communication – either used to complement or to replace text. The first chapter presents the current research literature on this topic and addresses the differences between unicode emojis and the former ASCII-signs. Then we discuss a question hotly debated by the public: May emojis be considered the basis of a new universal language? After having shown on both the lexical and the grammatical level that this cannot be the case we move on to the question whether, within our alphabetic system of writing, emojis may be used as additional graphic signs. The last chapter offers some examples of WhatsApp messages containing emojis in the various functions discussed before (as allographs and ideograms, for instance). Furthermore, a frequency analysis based on the Swiss WhatsApp corpus shows the distribution of emojis in these data.
Kinematic and Neuromuscular Measures of Intensity During Plyometric Jumps
Authors: Andrade David Cristóbal , Manzo Oscar , Beltrán Ana Rosa , Álvarez Cristian , Del Rio Rodrigo , Toledo Camilo , Moran Jason , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo
Published: August 2017

Andrade, DC, Manzo, O, Beltrán, AR, Álvarez, C, Del Rio, R, Toledo, C, Moran, J, and Ramirez-Campillo, R. Kinematic and neuromuscular measures of intensity during plyometric jumps. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3395–3402, 2020—The aim of this study was to assess jumping performance and neuromuscular activity in lower limb muscles after drop jumps (DJs) from different drop heights (intensity) and during continuous jumping (fatigue), using markers such as reactive strength, jump height, mechanical power and surface electromyography (sEMG). The eccentric (EC) and concentric (CON) sEMG from the medial gastrocnemius (MG), biceps femoris (BF), and rectus (R) muscles were assessed during all tests. In a cross-sectional, randomized study, 11 volleyball players (age 24.4 ± 3.2 years) completed 20–90-cm (DJ20 to DJ90) DJs and a 60-second continuous jump test. A 1-way analysis of variance test was used for comparisons, with Sidak post hoc. The α level was <0.05. Reactive strength was greater for DJ40 compared with DJ90 (p ≤ 0.05; effect size (ES): 1.27). In addition, jump height was greater for DJ40 and DJ60 compared with DJ20 (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 1.26 and 1.27, respectively). No clear pattern of neuromuscular activity appeared during DJ20 to DJ90: some muscles showed greater, lower, or no change with increasing heights for both agonist and antagonist muscles, as well as for EC and CON activity. Mechanical power, but not reactive strength, was reduced in the 60-second jump test (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 3.46). No changes were observed in sEMG for any muscle during the EC phase nor for the R muscle during the CON phase of the 60-second jump test. However, for both MG and BF, CON sEMG was reduced during the 60-second jump test (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 5.10 and 4.61, respectively). In conclusion, jumping performance and neuromuscular markers are sensitive to DJ height (intensity), although not in a clear dose-response fashion. In addition, markers such as mechanical power and sEMG are, especially sensitive to the effects of continuous jumping (fatigue). Therefore, increasing the drop height during DJ does not ensure a greater training intensity and a combination of different drop heights may be required to elicit adaptations.
Resistance Exercise Order Does Not Affect the Magnitude and Duration of Postexercise Blood Pressure in Older Women
Authors: Tomeleri Crisieli M. , Nunes João Pedro , Souza Mariana F. , Gerage Aline Mendes , Marcori Alexandre , Iarosz Kessi Cassiane , Cardoso-Júnior Crivaldo Gomes , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: August 2017

Tomeleri, CM, Nunes, JP, Souza, MF, Gerage, AM, Marcori, A, Iarosz, KC, Cardoso-Júnior, CG, and Cyrino, ES. Resistance exercise order does not affect the magnitude and duration of postexercise blood pressure in older women. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1062–1070, 2020—The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 resistance exercise order on postexercise blood pressure (BP) in trained nonhypertensive older women. Sixteen women (68.3 ± 3.3 years, 63.5 ± 11.6 kg, 157.5 ± 5.1 cm) performed 2 sessions with 8 exercises (3 sets of 8–12 repetitions) in distinct orders (from multi- to single-joint exercises [MS] or from single- to multijoint exercises [SM]) and a control session (CS), without exercise. Blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were obtained pre- and postsessions (60 minutes). Postexercise hypotension was observed for systolic BP (SBP) and mean BP in both the MS session (SBP: −6.9 mm Hg, mean BP: −3.3 mm Hg, p ≤ 0.05) and SM session (SBP: −4.6 mm Hg; mean BP: −1.1 mm Hg). Postexercise HR was higher than presession values until 30 minutes of recovery in both training sessions. Furthermore, SBP and mean BP, and HR were lower than the values obtained in the CS (30–60 minutes and 0 minutes, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). There were no differences between the SM and MS sessions in any variable or at any moment. In conclusion, resistance exercise order does not interfere in the magnitude and duration of postexercise hypotension in trained nonhypertensive older women.
Mutant Huntingtin Is Secreted via a Late Endosomal/Lysosomal Unconventional Secretory Pathway
Authors: Trajkovic Katarina , Jeong Hyunkyung , Krainc Dimitri
Published: August 2017

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion of a CAG triplet in the gene encoding for huntingtin (Htt). The resulting mutant protein (mHtt) with extended polyglutamine (polyQ) sequence at the N terminus leads to neuronal degeneration both in a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner. Recent studies identified mHtt in the extracellular environment and suggested that its spreading contributes to toxicity, but the mechanism of mHtt release from the cell of origin remains unknown. In this study, we performed a comprehensive, unbiased analysis of secretory pathways and identified an unconventional lysosomal pathway as an important mechanism for mHtt secretion in mouse neuroblastoma and striatal cell lines, as well as in primary neurons. mHtt secretion was dependent on synaptotagmin 7, a regulator of lysosomal secretion, and inhibited by chemical ablation of late endosomes/lysosomes, suggesting a lysosomal secretory pattern. mHtt was targeted preferentially to the late endosomes/lysosomes compared with wild-type Htt. Importantly, we found that late endosomal/lysosomal targeting and secretion of mHtt could be inhibited efficiently by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and neutral sphingomyelinase chemical inhibitors, Ly294002 and GW4869, respectively. Together, our data suggest a lysosomal mechanism of mHtt secretion and offer potential strategies for pharmacological modulation of its neuronal secretion.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis is the first study examining the mechanism of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) secretion in an unbiased manner. We found that the protein is secreted via a late endosomal/lysosomal unconventional secretory pathway. Moreover, mHtt secretion can be reduced significantly by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitors. Understanding and manipulating the secretion of mHtt is important because of its potentially harmful propagation in the brain.
Feedback Signal from Motoneurons Influences a Rhythmic Pattern Generator
Authors: Rotstein Horacio G. , Schneider Elisa , Szczupak Lidia
Published: August 2017

Motoneurons are not mere output units of neuronal circuits that control motor behavior but participate in pattern generation. Research on the circuit that controls the crawling motor behavior in leeches indicated that motoneurons participate as modulators of this rhythmic motor pattern. Crawling results from successive bouts of elongation and contraction of the whole leech body. In the isolated segmental ganglia, dopamine can induce a rhythmic antiphasic activity of the motoneurons that control contraction (DE-3 motoneurons) and elongation (CV motoneurons). The study was performed in isolated ganglia where manipulation of the activity of specific motoneurons was performed in the course of fictive crawling (crawling). In this study, the membrane potential of CV was manipulated whilecrawlingwas monitored through the rhythmic activity of DE-3. Matching behavioral observations that show that elongation dominates the rhythmic pattern, the electrophysiological activity of CV motoneurons dominates the cycle. Brief excitation of CV motoneurons duringcrawlingepisodes resets the rhythmic activity of DE-3, indicating that CV feeds back to the rhythmic pattern generator. CV hyperpolarization accelerated the rhythm to an extent that depended on the magnitude of the cycle period, suggesting that CV exerted a positive feedback on the unit(s) of the pattern generator that controls the elongation phase. A simple computational model was implemented to test the consequences of such feedback. The simulations indicate that the duty cycle of CV depended on the strength of the positive feedback between CV and the pattern generator circuit.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRhythmic movements of animals are controlled by neuronal networks that have been conceived as hierarchical structures. At the basis of this hierarchy, we find the motoneurons, few neurons at the top control global aspects of the behavior (e.g., onset, duration); and within these two ends, specific neuronal circuits control the actual rhythmic pattern of movements. We have investigated whether motoneurons are limited to function as output units. Analysis of the network that controls crawling behavior in the leech has clearly indicated that motoneurons, in addition to controlling muscle activity, send signals to the pattern generator. Physiological and modeling studies on the role of specific motoneurons suggest that these feedback signals modulate the phase relationship of the rhythmic activity.
Phase I trial of the androgen receptor modulator CR1447 in breast cancer patients
Authors: Zweifel Martin , Thürlimann Beat , Riniker Salome , Weder Patrik , von Moos Roger , Pagani Olivia , Bigler Martin , Rothgiesser Karin M , Pilop Christiane , Hawle Hanne , Brauchli Peter , Tapia Coya , Schoenfeld Wolfgang , Sessa Cristiana , _ _
Published: August 2017

CR1447 (4-hydroxytestosterone, 4-OHT) binds to the androgen receptor and has antiproliferative activity in both ER-positive and ER-negative/AR-positive breast cancer cells in preclinical studies. The objective of this first-in man trial was to evaluate the safety and to determine the dose of CR1447, administered as an ointment, for Phase II. Escalating doses (100, 200, 400 mg) of CR1447 were administered topically on a daily basis to patients with ER-positive/AR-positive/HER2-negative advanced breast cancer pretreated with several lines of therapy. 14 patients have been treated for a total of 42 cycles. Two patients, one at dose level 100 mg and one at dose level 200 mg, showed early tumour progression and were replaced. Related adverse events were all ≤ grade 2 and included fatigue, bone and joint pain, stiffness, dry skin and mouth, nausea, sweating, urinary tract infection, rash, headache and distress. No drug-related dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were seen. Two patients (17%) achieved stable disease at 3 months. Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed dose-dependent transdermal uptake of CR1447. 4-OH-androstenedione (4-OHA), a key metabolite of 4-OHT, was undetectable in most of the plasma samples. Urine metabolites of 4-OHT and 4-OHA indicate high exposure of 4-OHT after topical administration. Oestradiol serum concentrations did not increase, confirming preclinical data that CR1447 is not converted to estrogens in vivo. In conclusion, CR1447 administered transdermally as an ointment is well tolerated and appears to have single-agent activity in heavily pretreated ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer patients. The recommended phase II dose is 400 mg/day.
Meeting Report on Experimental Approaches to Evolution and Ecology Using Yeast and Other Model Systems
Authors: Jarosz Daniel F , Dudley Aimée M
Published: August 2017

The fourth EMBO-sponsored conference on Experimental Approaches to Evolution and Ecology Using Yeast and Other Model Systems (https://www.embl.de/training/events/2016/EAE16-01/), was held at the EMBL in Heidelberg, Germany, October 19–23, 2016. The conference was organized by Judith Berman (Tel Aviv University), Maitreya Dunham (University of Washington), Jun-Yi Leu (Academia Sinica), and Lars Steinmetz (EMBL Heidelberg and Stanford University). The meeting attracted ∼120 researchers from 28 countries and covered a wide range of topics in the fields of genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology, with a unifying focus on yeast as a model system. Attendees enjoyed the Keith Haring-inspired yeast florescence microscopy artwork (Figure 1), a unique feature of the meeting since its inception, and the 1 min flash talks that catalyzed discussions at two vibrant poster sessions. The meeting coincided with the 20th anniversary of the publication describing the sequence of the first eukaryotic genome, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Many of the conference talks focused on important questions about what is contained in the genome, how genomes evolve, and the architecture and behavior of communities of phenotypically and genotypically diverse microorganisms. Here, we summarize highlights of the research talks around these themes. Nearly all presentations focused on novel findings, and we refer the reader to relevant manuscripts that have subsequently been published.
National and Organizational Culture, Performance Evaluation and Trust: Evidence from Multinational Company Subsidiary in Indonesia
Authors: Purwohedi Unggul
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of national and organizational culture on the relationship between accounting and trust in a subsidiary of a Western Multi-National Company (MNC) in Indonesia. This study use a qualitative field study of one French MNC subsidiary and interview four expatriate directors, nine Indonesian managers and 10 Indonesian employees. Key themes were identified with the assistance of NVivo software. In this study, accounting, through formal performance evaluation, contributes to trust building between supervisors and their subordinates. Formal performance evaluation through transparent and objective evaluation increases trust in the supervisor. On the other hand, informal performance evaluation tends to decrease trustful behaviour due to secrecy in the evaluation process.  It appears that Indonesian national culture does influence organizational culture preference in the local staff. Individuals share national culture as a result of values developed from family, religion, education, and experience.DOI: 10.15408/sjie.v6i2.4733
Front Matter Vol. 6 (2), October 2017
Authors: Signifikan Jurnal
Published: August 2017

Front Matter Vol. 6 (2), October 2017
Empoderamiento de líderes comunitarias afrocolombianas desde la Atención Primaria de Salud
Authors: Velásquez G. Vilma Florisa , Barreto Yenny Marcela , López Alba Lucero
Published: August 2017

Objetivo: Describir los resultados cualitativos del programa de Atención Primaria de Salud (aps) Centro de Desarrollo Humano Comunitario adaptado a la cultura, para el empoderamiento de líderes comunitarias afrocolombianas en Guapi, Colombia.Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, con observación participante registrada en diarios de campo. El análisis se realizó de forma inductiva interpretando el programa de aps Centro de Desarrollo Humano Comunitario, en Guapi, Colombia. Participaron 30 líderes comunitarias afrocolombianas.Resultados: Del estudio emergieron las siguientes tres categorías: Mayor espiritualidad y competencia cultural; Estabilidad y control con participación en microempresas; y Crecimiento en la toma de decisiones en equipo. Conclusiones: El programa de aps permite contribuir al empoderamiento de líderes comunitarias afrocolombianas,promoviendo el control y la participación social en virtud delautoconocimiento, la organización, la colaboración comunitaria, el trabajo intersectorial y la gestión de proyectos en crecimiento. Estos factores son claves para, mediante el progreso socioeconómico, mejorar la salud y el desarrollo integral de la comunidad.
Mídia virtual como apoio aos adolescentes com doença crônica que buscam informação em saúde
Authors: Santos Gabriela Silva dos , Tavares Cláudia Mara de Melo , Queiroz Ana Beatriz Azevedo , Almeida Inez Silva de , Pereira Cosme Sueli De Faria , Ferreira Rejane Eleuterio
Published: August 2017

Objetivo: Analizar la información sobre salud que los adolescentes con enfermedades crónicas buscan en medios virtuales de apoyo.Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, de enfoque cualitativo, realizado en 12 adolescentes que viven con enfermedadcrónica. Como técnica de recolección de datos, se utilizó la entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el análisis de contenido de Bardin.Resultados: Los datos, al ser codificados e interpretados, resultaron en tres ejes temáticos: Demanda de informaciónrelacionada con la definición de enfermedad crónica, Demanda de información relacionada con la esperanza de vida del adolescente con enfermedad crónica y Demanda deinformación relacionada con la estética del adolescente con enfermedad crónica.Conclusiones: Los adolescentes que sufren una enfermedad crónica buscan apoyo en las redes virtuales mediante la información sobre salud. Esta tendencia muestra que debemosrenovar nuestra perspectiva, como profesionales de salud, sobrelos procesos de auxilio y cuidado, a través de una inserción de las prácticas profesionales de la Enfermería en la sociedad tecnológica actual.
Problematic gaming exists and is an example of disordered gaming
Authors: Griffiths Mark D. , Kuss Daria J. , Lopez-Fernandez Olatz , Pontes Halley M.
Published: August 2017

Background

The recent paper by Aarseth et al. (2016) questioned whether problematic gaming should be considered a new disorder particularly because “Gaming Disorder” (GD) has been identified as a disorder to be included in the next (11th) revision of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Methods

This study uses contemporary literature to argue why GD should be included in the ICD-11.

Results

Aarseth and colleagues acknowledge that there is much literature (including papers by some of the authors themselves) that some individuals experience serious problems with video gaming. How can such an activity be seriously problematic yet not disordered? Similar to other addictions, gaming addiction is relatively rare and is in essence a syndrome (i.e., a condition or disorder characterized by a set of associated symptoms that tend to occur under specific circumstances). Consequently, not everyone will exhibit exactly the same set of symptoms and consequences, and this partly explains why those working in the problematic gaming field often disagree on symptomatology.

Conclusions

Research into gaming is not about pathologizing healthy entertainment, but about pathologizing excessive and problematic behaviors that cause significant psychological distress and impairment in an individual’s life. These are two related, but (ultimately) very distinct phenomena. While being aware that gaming is a pastime activity which is enjoyed non-problematically by many millions of individuals worldwide, it is concluded that problematic gaming exists and that it is an example of disordered gaming.
The relationship between gaming disorder and addiction requires a behavioral analysis
Authors: James Richard J. E. , Tunney Richard J.
Published: August 2017

In their position paper, Aarseth et al. (2016) bring to light several timely issues concerning the categorization of gaming disorder as a form of addiction and as a discrete mental disorder. In our commentary, we welcome their caution toward this move and their discussion of the equivocal scientific data in its support and the potential negative consequences for gamers. We suggest that a more heterogeneous approach is required for understanding any behavioral addiction, as concepts from gambling appear to be more relevant for aspects of mobile gaming than for video games more generally. In addition to a greater need for clinical research, we argue that studying gaming at a different level of analysis than the epidemiological study is required to gain a meaningful understanding of the harm video games may or may not entail.
Targeting Phospholipase D4 Attenuates Kidney Fibrosis
Authors: Trivedi Priyanka , Kumar Ramya K. , Iyer Ashwin , Boswell Sarah , Gerarduzzi Casimiro , Dadhania Vivekkumar P. , Herbert Zach , Joshi Nikita , Luyendyk James P. , Humphreys Benjamin D. , Vaidya Vishal S.
Published: August 2017

Phospholipase D4 (PLD4), a single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein, is among the most highly upregulated genes in murine kidneys subjected to chronic progressive fibrosis, but the function of PLD4 in this process is unknown. Here, we found PLD4 to be overexpressed in the proximal and distal tubular epithelial cells of murine and human kidneys after fibrosis. Genetic silencing of PLD4, either globally or conditionally in proximal tubular epithelial cells, protected mice from the development of fibrosis. Mechanistically, global knockout of PLD4 modulated innate and adaptive immune responses and attenuated the upregulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and α1-antitrypsin protein (a serine protease inhibitor) expression and downregulation of neutrophil elastase (NE) expression induced by obstructive injury. In vitro, treatment with NE attenuated TGF-β–induced accumulation of fibrotic markers. Furthermore, therapeutic targeting of PLD4 using specific siRNA protected mice from folic acid–induced kidney fibrosis and inhibited the increase in TGF-β signaling, decrease in NE expression, and upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that PLD4 binds three proteins that interact with neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1, a receptor also known as TrkA that upregulates mitogen-activated protein kinase. PLD4 inhibition also prevented the folic acid–induced upregulation of this receptor in mouse kidneys. These results suggest inhibition of PLD4 as a novel therapeutic strategy to activate protease-mediated degradation of extracellular matrix and reverse fibrosis.
The Effect of Interest Rates on Home Buying: Evidence from a Discontinuity in Mortgage Insurance Premiums
Authors: Bhutta Neil , Ringo Daniel
Published: August 2017

We study the effect of interest rates on the housing market by taking advantage of a sudden and unexpected price change in a large government mortgage program. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures most mortgages to lower-downpayment, lower credit score borrowers, including a majority of first-time homebuyers. The FHA charges borrowers an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP), and in January, 2015 the FHA abruptly reduced the MIP, and thus FHA borrowers’ effective interest rate, by 50 basis points. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that the MIP reduction increased the number of home purchase originations among the FHA-reliant population by nearly 14 percent. The response to the premium cut was negatively correlated with borrower income, with no observable response among relatively high income borrowers. We trace part of the jump in home buying to the MIP reduction helping ease binding debt payment-to-income ratio limits thus allowing more applications to be approved. Finally, we find no evidence that the MIP reduction increased house prices.
The joint effect of the endothelin receptor B gene (EDNRB) polymorphism rs10507875 and nitric oxide synthase 3 gene (NOS3) polymorphism rs869109213 in Slovenian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bregar Dejan , Cilenšek Ines , Mankoč Sara , Reschner Ana , Petrovič Danijel , Globočnik Petrovič Mojca
Published: August 2017

Increasing evidence suggests that endothelin and nitric oxide synthase genes and their products exert biological effects on the vasculature via the nitric oxide or endothelin pathway. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of rs10507875 and rs869109213 (alone or in interaction) with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphism rs10507875 of the endothelin receptor B gene (EDNRB) and variable number tandem repeats rs869109213 of the nitric oxide synthase 3 gene (NOS3) in 270 Slovenian patients with DR and T2DM and 256 controls with T2DM without clinical signs of DR. The genotyping was performed using either real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or standard PCR. We found a significant association between the genotypes of NOS3 rs869109213 polymorphism and the risk of DR in the co-dominant model (4a4b genotype; 1.99-fold increased risk [1.09-3.65]; 95% confidence interval [CI]; p = 0.02), co-dominant model (4a4a genotype; 4.16-fold increased risk [1.03-16.74]; 95% CI; p = 0.04), and dominant model (4a4a and 4a4b genotypes; 2.22-fold increased risk [1.26-3.92]; 95% CI; p = 0.01) compared to the 4b4b genotype. Moreover, the joint effect of the two polymorphisms on DR risk was greater than the individual effect of each polymorphism in the analyzed genetic models. Additionally, adjusted odds ratio showed an increased risk in dominant × dominant (4.15-fold [1.40-12.26]; 95% CI; p = 0.01) and recessive × dominant (2.24-fold [1.25-4.01]; 95% CI; p = 0.02) genotype combinations of the two polymorphisms. In conclusion, our results indicate that NOS3 rs869109213 polymorphism alone or in a combination with EDNRB rs10507875 polymorphism may be associated with DR in Slovenian patients with T2DM.
Pour plating of Thalassiosira pseudonana (Tp) v3
Authors: Turnsek Jernej , Dupont Chris
Published: August 2017

Here we present an efficient way to grow Tp colonies inside a 0.25% superclean agar matrix. This protocol could possibly be applicable to other marine microeukaryotes that are problematic to grow on fully solid support.
teatro de relações destrutivas
Authors: Lima Rainério dos Santos
Published: August 2017

Este artigo objetiva analisar a dramaturgia de Plínio Marcosa partir da subjetivação/formação de personagens na marginalidade, na violência social e no lúmpen. Parte-se dos conceitos de “teatro de relações destrutivas”, de Raymond Williams, e de “formação sentimental do marginal”, de Walter Benjamin, para entender como as estratégias dramáticas dos textos moldam certos personagens de Plínio Marcos – prostitutas, cafetões, gays, malandros e criminosos violentos – como sujeitos violentados, representando-os em uma queda progressiva na violência do lúmpen, vítimas como são de um processo cruel de aniquilação social, moral e existencial. O estudo crítico revela sujeitos ficcionais que têm como base a marginalidade da zona portuária de Santos (SP), mas que, em momentos lírico-épicos dos dramas, narram suas tristes e traumáticas trajetórias de vida de maneira a justificar os atos violentos no presente da cena.
sobrevivência do ruinoso na Tragédia e na Comédia de Felipe Hirsch
Authors: Felippe Eduardo Ferraz
Published: August 2017

Este ensaio dedica-se a analisar A tragédia latino-americana e A comédia latino-americana, de Felipe Hirsch. Trato da apropriação de prosas de ficção brasileiras voltadas a destacar a historicidade da herança do autoritarismo latino-americano em perspectiva comparada. Por meio da repetição de fragmentos, enfatiza-se o tópos da ruína, que destaca a violência e o trágico em sua leitura da prosa de ficção contemporânea.