bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of muscular eNOS in skeletal arteries: Endothelium-independent hypoxic vasoconstriction of the femoral artery is impaired in eNOS-deficient mice
Authors: Kim Hae Jin , Yoo Hae Young , Lin Hai Yue , Oh Goo Taeg , Zhang Yin Hua , Kim Sung Joon
Published: July 2016

We previously reported that hypoxia augments α-adrenergic contraction (hypoxic vasoconstriction, HVC) of skeletal arteries in rats. The underlying mechanism may involve hypoxic inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expressed in skeletal arterial myocytes (16). To further explore the novel role of muscular eNOS in the skeletal artery, we compared HVC in femoral arteries (FAs) from eNOS knockout (KO) mice with that from wild-type (WT) and heterozygous (HZ) mice. Immunohistochemical assays revealed that, in addition to endothelia, eNOS is also expressed in the medial layer of FAs, albeit at a much lower level. However, the medial eNOS signal was not evident in HZ FAs, despite strong expression in the endothelium; similar observations were made in WT carotid arteries (CAs). The amplitude of contraction induced by 1 μM phenylephrine (PhE) was greater in HZ than in WT FAs. Hypoxia (3% Po2) significantly augmented PhE-induced contraction in WT FAs but not in HZ or KO FAs. No HVC was observed in PhE-pretreated WT CAs. The NOS inhibitor nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (0.1 mM) also augmented PhE contraction in endothelium-denuded WT FAs but not in WT CAs. Inhibitors specific to neuronal NOS and inducible NOS did not augment PhE-induced contraction of WT FAs. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) inhibitor (GKT137831, 5 μM), but not NOX2 inhibitor (apocynin, 100 μM), suppressed HVC. Consistent with the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), HVC was also inhibited by pretreatment with tiron or polyethylene glycol-catalase. Taken together, these data suggest that the eNOS expressed in smooth muscle cells in FAs attenuates α-adrenergic vasoconstriction; this suppression is alleviated under hypoxia, which potentiates vasoconstriction in a NOX4/ROS-dependent mechanism.
Peripheral circadian misalignment: contributor to systemic insulin resistance and potential intervention to improve bariatric surgical outcomes
Authors: Kunze Kyle N. , Hanlon Erin C. , Prachand Vivek N. , Brady Matthew J.
Published: July 2016

Thirteen percent of the world's population suffers from obesity and 39% from being overweight, which correlates with an increase in numerous secondary metabolic complications, such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity and results in significant weight loss and the amelioration of obesity-related comorbidities through changes in enteroendocrine activity, caloric intake, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. The circadian system has recently been found to be a critical regulatory component in the control of metabolism and, thus, may potentially play an important role in inappropriate weight gain. Indeed, some behaviors and lifestyle factors associated with an increased risk of obesity are also risk factors for misalignment in the circadian clock system and for the metabolic syndrome. It is thus possible that alterations in peripheral circadian clocks in metabolically relevant tissues are a contributor to the current obesity epidemic. As such, it is plausible that postsurgical alterations in central circadian alignment, as well as peripheral gene expression in metabolic tissues may represent another mechanism for the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery may represent an opportunity to identify changes in the circadian expression of clock genes that have been altered by environmental factors, allowing for a better understanding of the mechanism of action of surgery. These studies could also reveal an overlooked target for behavioral intervention to improve metabolic outcomes following bariatric surgery.
Aging-associated renal disease in mice is fructokinase dependent
Authors: Roncal-Jimenez Carlos A. , Ishimoto Takuji , Lanaspa Miguel A. , Milagres Tamara , Hernando Ana Andres , Jensen Thomas , Miyazaki Makoto , Doke Tomohito , Hayasaki Takahiro , Nakagawa Takahiko , Marumaya Shoichi , Long David A. , Garcia Gabriela E. , Kuwabara Masanari , Sánchez-Lozada Laura G. , Kang Duk-Hee , Johnson Richard J.
Published: July 2016

Aging-associated kidney disease is usually considered a degenerative process associated with aging. Recently, it has been shown that animals can produce fructose endogenously, and that this can be a mechanism for causing kidney damage in diabetic nephropathy and in association with recurrent dehydration. We therefore hypothesized that low-level metabolism of endogenous fructose might play a role in aging-associated kidney disease. Wild-type and fructokinase knockout mice were fed a normal diet for 2 yr that had minimal (<5%) fructose content. At the end of 2 yr, wild-type mice showed elevations in systolic blood pressure, mild albuminuria, and glomerular changes with mesangial matrix expansion, variable mesangiolysis, and segmental thrombi. The renal injury was amplified by provision of high-salt diet for 3 wk, as noted by the presence of glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial matrix expansion, and alpha smooth muscle actin expression, and with segmental thrombi. Fructokinase knockout mice were protected from renal injury both at baseline and after high salt intake (3 wk) compared with wild-type mice. This was associated with higher levels of active (phosphorylated serine 1177) endothelial nitric oxide synthase in their kidneys. These studies suggest that aging-associated renal disease might be due to activation of specific metabolic pathways that could theoretically be targeted therapeutically, and raise the hypothesis that aging-associated renal injury may represent a disease process as opposed to normal age-related degeneration.
Cortical Representation of Auditory Space: Information-Bearing Features of Spike Patterns
Authors: Furukawa Shigeto , Middlebrooks John C.
Published: July 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that the spike patterns of cortical neurons vary systematically as a function of sound-source location such that the response of a single neuron can signal the location of a sound source throughout 360° of azimuth. The present study examined specific features of spike patterns that might transmit information related to sound-source location. Analysis was based on responses of well-isolated single units recorded from cortical area A2 in α-chloralose-anesthetized cats. Stimuli were 80-ms noise bursts presented from loudspeakers in the horizontal plane; source azimuths ranged through 360° in 20° steps. Spike patterns were averaged across samples of eight trials. A competitive artificial neural network (ANN) identified sound-source locations by recognizing spike patterns; the ANN was trained using the learning vector quantization learning rule. The information about stimulus location that was transmitted by spike patterns was computed from joint stimulus-response probability matrices. Spike patterns were manipulated in various ways to isolate particular features. Full-spike patterns, which contained all spike-count information and spike timing with 100-μs precision, transmitted the most stimulus-related information. Transmitted information was sensitive to disruption of spike timing on a scale of more than ∼4 ms and was reduced by an average of ∼35% when spike-timing information was obliterated entirely. In a condition in which all but the first spike in each pattern were eliminated, transmitted information decreased by an average of only ∼11%. In many cases, that condition showed essentially no loss of transmitted information. Three unidimensional features were extracted from spike patterns. Of those features, spike latency transmitted ∼60% more information than that transmitted either by spike count or by a measure of latency dispersion. Information transmission by spike patterns recorded on single trials was substantially reduced compared with the information transmitted by averages of eight trials. In a comparison of averaged and nonaveraged responses, however, the information transmitted by latencies was reduced by only ∼29%, whereas information transmitted by spike counts was reduced by 79%. Spike counts clearly are sensitive to sound-source location and could transmit information about sound-source locations. Nevertheless, the present results demonstrate that the timing of the first poststimulus spike carries a substantial amount, probably the majority, of the location-related information present in spike patterns. The results indicate that any complete model of the cortical representation of auditory space must incorporate the temporal characteristics of neuronal response patterns.
Sterile Seroma after Drainage of Purulent Muscle Abscess in Crohn’s Disease: Two Cases
Authors: Shah Natasha , Dakhoul Lara , Treitman Adam , Tabriz Muhammed , Berkelhammer Charles
Published: July 2016

Purulent skeletal muscle abscesses can occur in Crohn’s disease. We report a case of a sterile seroma complicating percutaneous drainage of a purulent skeletal muscle abscess in Crohn’s ileitis. We compare and contrast this case with a similar case we published earlier. We emphasize the importance of recognition and differentiation from a septic purulent abscess.
A Method for SWIM-Compliant Human-in-the-Loop Simulation of Airport Air Traffic Management
Authors: Gräupl Thomas , Mayr Martin , Rokitansky Carl-Herbert
Published: July 2016

System Wide Information Management(SWIM), as envisioned by theSingle European Sky Air Traffic Management Research(SESAR) program, is the application of service oriented architectures to the air traffic management domain. Service oriented architectures are widely deployed in business and finance but usually tied to one specific technological implementation. SWIM goes one step further by defining only the semantic layer of the application integration and leaving the implementation of the communication layer open to the implementer. The shift from legacy communication patterns to SWIM is fundamental for the expected evolution of air traffic management in the next decades. However, the air traffic management simulators currently in use do not reflect this yet. SWIM compliance is defined by semantic compatibility to theAir Traffic Management Information Reference Model(AIRM) and a SWIM service may implement one or more communication profiles, which specify a communication layer implementation. This work proposes a SWIM-compliant communication profile suitable to integrate SWIM-compliant tools into human-in-the-loop simulations for air traffic management research. We achieve this objective by implementing a SWIM communication profile using XML-based multicast messaging and extending the message format to support distributed human-in-the-loop simulations. We demonstrate our method by the evaluation of Hamburg Airport operations.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells: Common Traits in Immune Regulation
Authors: Vladimirovna Irina Lyadova , Sosunova Ekaterina , Nikolaev Alexander , Nenasheva Tatiana
Published: July 2016

To protect host against immune-mediated damage, immune responses are tightly regulated. The regulation of immune responses is mediated by various populations of mature immune cells, such as T regulatory cells and B regulatory cells, but also by immature cells of different origins. In this review, we discuss regulatory properties and mechanisms whereby two distinct populations of immature cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and myeloid derived suppressor cells mediate immune regulation, focusing on their similarities, discrepancies, and potential clinical applications.
Prediction of G Protein-Coupled Receptors with SVM-Prot Features and Random Forest
Authors: Liao Zhijun , Ju Ying , Zou Quan
Published: July 2016

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest receptor superfamily. In this paper, we try to employ physical-chemical properties, which come from SVM-Prot, to represent GPCR. Random Forest was utilized as classifier for distinguishing them from other protein sequences. MEME suite was used to detect the most significant 10 conserved motifs of human GPCRs. In the testing datasets, the average accuracy was 91.61%, and the average AUC was 0.9282. MEME discovery analysis showed that many motifs aggregated in the seven hydrophobic helices transmembrane regions adapt to the characteristic of GPCRs. All of the above indicate that our machine-learning method can successfully distinguish GPCRs from non-GPCRs.
NEDD4 Depletion Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth via Targeting PTEN
Authors: Hang Xiaofeng , Zhu Shanbang , Di Hongwei , Wu Zhiqin , Chu Kaijian , Wang Junxue , Xin Haiguang , Yu Guanzhen , Peng Haoran , Miao Xiaohui , Xu Wensheng
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated gene 4 (NEDD4) plays an important role in tumor cell growth, yet its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study is to establish NEDD4 as a prognostic biomarker by which the survival of HCC patients can be predicted and to reveal the role of NEDD4 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth. Methods: The expression of NEDD4 in 219 HCC specimens was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Postoperative overall survival and time to recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. The roles of NEDD4 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion were determined. Results: The patients with low NEDD4 expression tumors had an average cumulative survival of 64.9 ± 6.5 months during follow-up while the patients with high NEDD4 expression tumors had an average cumulative survival of 20.3 ± 15.8 months. NEDD4 silencing inhibited Huh7 cell proliferation and altered cell cytoskeletal assembly, and NEDD4 depletion furthermore seemed to suppress cell migration and invasion. A possible molecular mechanism for the observed effects might be that NEDD4 silence led to an increase in PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue) expression, which in turn resulted in the inactivation of STAT3, AKT, and ERK1/2. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that NEDD4 may participate in the HCC progression and may therefore be a potential target for HCC therapy.
WNK3 Kinase Enhances the Sodium Chloride Cotransporter Expression via an ERK 1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Dexuan , Zhang Yiqian , Han Jinhua , Pan Shufang , Xu Ning , Feng Xiuyan , Zhuang Zhizhi , Caroti Courtney , Zhuang Jieqiu , Hoover Robert S. , Gu Dingying , Zeng Qiyi , Cai Hui
Published: July 2016

Background: WNK kinase is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in normal blood pressure homeostasis. WNK3 was previously found to enhance the activity of sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) in Xenopus oocyte. However, the mechanism through which it works remains unclear. Methods: Using overexpression and siRNA knock-down techniques, the effects of WNK3 on NCC in both Cos-7 and mouse distal convoluted cells were analyzed by Western blot. Results: We found that WNK3 significantly increased NCC protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. NCC protein expression in Cos-7 cells was markedly decreased after 2 h treatment with protease inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX) in the NCC alone group, but was significantly decreased after 8 h treatment of CHX in the WNK3 + NCC group. WNK3 significantly increased NCC protein expression in both NCC alone and WNK3 + NCC groups regardless the overnight treatments of bafilomycin A1, a proton pump inhibitor, suggesting that WNK3-mediated increased NCC expression is not dependent on the lysosomal pathway. We further found that WNK3 group had a quicker NCC recovery than the control group using CHX pulse assay, suggesting that WNK3 increases NCC protein synthesis. WNK3 enhanced NCC protein level while reducing ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, knock-down of ERK 1/2 expression reversed WNK3-mediated increase of NCC expression. Conclusion: These results suggest that WNK3 enhances NCC protein expression by increasing NCC synthesis via an ERK 1/2-dependent signaling pathway.
Inhibition of Cardiomyocytes Hypertrophy by Resveratrol Is Associated with Amelioration of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Lin Yan , Zhu Jingbin , Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Jun , Xiao Wei , Li Bo , Jin Li , Lian Jie , Zhou Li , Liu Jicheng
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: Resveratrol (Res), a polyphenol antioxidant found in red wine, has been shown to play a cardioprotective role. This study was undertaken to investigate whether Res can protect the heart suffering from hypertrophy injuries induced by isoproterenol (ISO), and whether the protective effect is mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Methods: Cardiomyocytes were randomly assigned to the control group, ISO group (100 nM ISO for 48 h), Res + ISO group (50 μM Res and 100 nM ISO for 48 h) and Res group (50 μM Res for 48h only). Hypertrophy was estimated by measuring the cell surface area and the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene expression. Apoptosis was measured using Hoechst 33258 staining and transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression of ER stress and apoptosis factors was analyzed using Western Blot analysis. Results: Res effectively suppress the cardiomyocytes hypertrophy and apoptosis induced by ISO, characterized by the reduction of the myocardial cell surface area, the ANP gene expression, the LDH and MDA leakage amount and the rate of cell apoptosis, while decrease of the protein expression of GRP78, GRP94 and CHOP, and reverse the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax. Conclusion: In summary, Res treatment effectively suppressed myocardial hypertrophy and apoptosis at least partially via inhibiting ER stress.
Cardiac Regenerative Medicine: The Potential of a New Generation of Stem Cells
Authors: Cambria Elena , Steiger Julia , Günter Julia , Bopp Annina , Wolint Petra , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Emmert Maximilian Y.
Published: July 2016

Cardiac stem cell therapy holds great potential to prompt myocardial regeneration in patients with ischemic heart disease. The selection of the most suitable cell type is pivotal for its successful application. Various cell types, including crude bone marrow mononuclear cells, skeletal myoblast, and hematopoietic and endothelial progenitors, have already advanced into the clinical arena based on promising results from different experimental and preclinical studies. However, most of these so-called first-generation cell types have failed to fully emulate the promising preclinical data in clinical trials, resulting in heterogeneous outcomes and a critical lack of translation. Therefore, different next-generation cell types are currently under investigation for the treatment of the diseased myocardium. This review article provides an overview of current stem cell therapy concepts, including the application of cardiac stem (CSCs) and progenitor cells (CPCs) and lineage commitment via guided cardiopoiesis from multipotent cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or pluripotent cells such as embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, it introduces new strategies combining complementary cell types, such as MSCs and CSCs/CPCs, which can yield synergistic effects to boost cardiac regeneration.
Haematological malignancies in pregnancy: An overview with an emphasis on thrombotic risks
Authors: Horowitz Netanel A. , Lavi Noa , Nadir Yona , Brenner Benjamin
Published: July 2016

With increase of maternal age, the incidence of haematological malignancies during pregnancy is rising and posing diagnostic and treatment challenges. Lymphoma is the fourth most common malignancy diagnosed in pregnancy; Hodgkin lymphoma is more frequent in pregnant women than non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The proportion of highly aggressive lymphomas in pregnant women is significantly higher than in non-pregnant women of reproductive age. Reproductive organ involvement is observed in almost half of pregnant women with NHL. The association of acute leukaemia and pregnancy is infrequent and it is assumed that pregnancy does not accelerate the disease course. Both cancer and pregnancy induce a procoagulant state which can lead to maternal venous thromboembolism (VTE) and placental occlusion. Pregnancy in woman with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) promotes thrombotic environment, associating with an augmented risk of placental thrombosis, intrauterine growth retardation or loss and maternal thrombotic events.Haematological malignancies during pregnancy often require urgent diagnosis and management and are associated with potential adverse fetal outcomes. Most chemotherapeutic agents are teratogenic and should be avoided during the first trimester. Their use during the second and third trimesters may cause intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth and intrauterine fetal death. All chemotherapeutic drugs should be administered only after a detailed discussion with the patient and with close fetal monitoring. Chemotherapy and biological agents might also augment thrombotic risk. Guidelines for VTE prophylaxis in pregnant women with hematologic malignancies, apart from MPN, are currently unavailable, and therefore, clinical judgment should be made in each case.
Leeches of the genus Helobdella (Clitellata: Hirudinida) from São Paulo, Brazil with descriptions of two new species using micro-computed tomography and a new record of Barbronia weberi (Blanchard 1897)
Authors: IWAMA RAFAEL EIJI , ARRUDA ELIANE PINTOR
Published: July 2016

Leeches are an important group of macroinvertebrates found in the benthic zone of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Despite their ecological importance and potential as bioindicators, little is known about the diversity of leeches in Brazil, where only a few sporadic studies have been performed. Six locations in the region of Sorocaba, in the state of São Paulo, were sampled in order to study the diversity of predatory leeches. Besides traditional dissections, micro-computed tomography was used to access the internal morphology of the new species Helobdella chaviensis n. sp. and Helobdella schlenzae n. sp. Four additional native species were found and redescribed using traditional techniques. The invasive species Barbronia weberi (Blanchard 1897) was reported in the Tietê River for the first time.
A new long-snouted species of Corydoras Lacépède, 1803 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) from the rio Madeira basin
Authors: TENCATT LUIZ FERNANDO CASERTA , OHARA WILLIAN MASSAHARU
Published: July 2016

A new species of Corydoras is described from the rio Aripuanã, rio Madeira basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the presence of the following features: long mesethmoid, with anterior tip well developed, conspicuously larger than 50% of bone length; posterior margin of dorsal-fin spine with serrations directed towards tip of spine; one to two longitudinal black stripes on flanks; absence of a black blotch across the eyes (mask); absence of a large black blotch on dorsal fin; and transversal black bars on caudal fin. Comments on endemism in interfluvial region between Madeira and Tapajós rivers are briefly discussed.
What Causes Weak Orographic Rain Shadows? Insights from Case Studies in the Cascades and Idealized Simulations
Authors: Siler Nicholas , Durran Dale
Published: July 2016

Recent studies have shown that weak rain shadows in the Cascade Mountains are associated with passing warm fronts, but the specific mechanisms responsible for this connection have eluded consensus. One theory holds that weak rain shadows are the result of enhanced precipitation over eastern slopes caused by easterly upslope flow; the other suggests that condensation is produced primarily over the western slopes, with enhanced east-slope precipitation occurring in dynamical regimes that minimize descent and evaporation east of the crest. Here these mechanisms are investigated through numerical simulations involving both real and idealized topography. Consistent with the second theory, storms with weak rain shadows are found to exhibit much weaker mountain waves in the lee of the Cascades than storms with strong rain shadows, with correspondingly weaker leeside evaporation. The muted wave activity during weak-rain-shadow storms is found to be caused by cold, zonally stagnant air at low levels in the lee, which precedes the warm front, and remains in place as the progression of the front is impeded by the mountains. As the front brings warmer air aloft, the static stability of the zonally stagnant layer increases, making it more resistant to erosion by the overlying flow. This in turn allows the weak rain shadow to persist long after the front has passed. If the midlatitude storm tracks shift poleward in a warmer climate, the results suggest there could be an increase in the strength of the rain shadow in mountainous regions astride the current storm tracks.
On the Development of Double Warm-Core Structures in Intense Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Kieu Chanh , Tallapragada Vijay , Zhang Da-Lin , Moon Zachary
Published: July 2016

This study examines the formation of a double warm-core (DWC) structure in intense tropical cyclones (TCs) that was captured in almost all supertyphoon cases during the 2012–14 real-time typhoon forecasts in the northwestern Pacific basin with the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF). By using an idealized configuration of HWRF to focus on the intrinsic mechanism of the DWC formation, it is shown that the development of DWC in intense TCs is accompanied by a thin inflow layer above the typical upper outflow layer. The development of this thin inflow layer in the lower stratosphere (~100–75 hPa), which is associated with an inward pressure gradient force induced by cooling at the cloud top, signifies intricate interaction of TCs with the lower stratosphere as TCs become sufficiently intense, which has not been examined previously. Specifically, it is demonstrated that a higher-level inflow can advect potentially warm air from the lower stratosphere toward the inner-core region, thus forming an upper-level warm core that is separated from a midlevel one of tropospheric air. Such formation of the upper-level warm anomaly in intense TCs is linked to an episode of intensification at the later stage of TC development. While these results are produced by HWRF, the persistent DWC and UIL features in all HWRF simulations of intense TCs suggest that the lower stratosphere may have significant impacts on the inner-core structures of intense TCs beyond the current framework of TCs with a single warm core.
Are Changing School Needs Reflected in Principal Job Ads?
Authors: Richardson Jayson W. , Watts Dana Specker , Hollis Ericka , McLeod Scott
Published: July 2016

The roles of the school principal continue to evolve due to shifting demands as well as ever-changing organizational needs. As new leadership skill sets emerge, we might expect school systems to respond by actively seeking different credentials, experiences, and dispositions of their principal candidates. This study of 279 principal job advertisements from 7 states showed little reconceptualization of building-level leaders’ roles and responsibilities. The number of job advertisements that merely noted traditional, management-oriented responsibilities dwarfed those position announcements that mentioned more future-oriented job roles. Potential implications of the ubiquitous similarity of principal job advertisements include failure to adequately match candidates with organizational needs and an inability to sufficiently adapt to changing societal contexts.
Tanshinone IIA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Feng Jun , Li Shusheng , Chen Huawen
Published: July 2016

The fat-soluble diterpenoids tanshinone IIA (TSA) is the major active element of Danshen, which has widespread cardioprotective effect. However, the mechanism of its beneficial effect on cardiomyocytes has not been fully investigated. Here, we aim to demonstrate that TSA ameliorates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes activated by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes are used, in which ERS-mediated apoptosis is induced by tunicamycin (Tm). Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes are detected by Hoechst staining and caspase 3 activity analysis. Protein expression of ERS markers are detected by Western blot, and level of miroRNA-133 (miR-133) is detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Tm treatment significantly triggers the apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes. TSA dramatically ameliorates apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes induced by Tm. Interestingly, level of miR-133 is reduced by Tm treatment, which is reversed by TSA. The cardioprotective effect of TSA on apoptosis and ERS of cardiomyocytes is blocked by anti-miR-133. These results suggest that TSA protects cardiomyocytes through ameliorated ERS-mediated apoptosis, which may be resulted from upregulation of miR-133.
Breast Cancer and African Ancestry: Lessons Learned at the 10-Year Anniversary of the Ghana-Michigan Research Partnership and International Breast Registry
Authors: Jiagge Evelyn , Oppong Joseph Kwaku , Bensenhaver Jessica , Aitpillah Francis , Gyan Kofi , Kyei Ishmael , Osei-Bonsu Ernest , Adjei Ernest , Ohene-Yeboah Michael , Toy Kathy , Jackson Karen Eubanks , Akpaloo Marian , Acheampong Dorcas , Antwi Beatrice , Agyeman Faustina Obeng , Alhassan Zainab , Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Owusu-Afriyie Osei , Brewer Robert Newman , Gyamfuah Amma , Salem Barbara , Johnson Timothy , Wicha Max , Merajver Sofia , Kleer Celina , Pang Judy , Amankwaa-Frempong Emmanuel , Stark Azadeh , Abantanga Francis , Newman Lisa , Awuah Baffour
Published: July 2016

Women with African ancestry in western, sub-Saharan Africa and in the United States represent a population subset facing an increased risk of being diagnosed with biologically aggressive phenotypes of breast cancer that are negative for the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, and the HER2/neu marker. These tumors are commonly referred to as triple-negative breast cancer. Disparities in breast cancer incidence and outcome related to racial or ethnic identity motivated the establishment of the International Breast Registry, on the basis of partnerships between the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. This research collaborative has featured educational training programs as well as scientific investigations related to the comparative biology of breast cancer in Ghanaian African, African American, and white/European American patients. Currently, the International Breast Registry has expanded to include African American patients throughout the United States by partnering with the Sisters Network (a national African American breast cancer survivors’ organization) and additional sites in Ghana (representing West Africa) as well as Ethiopia (representing East Africa). Its activities are now coordinated through the Henry Ford Health System International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes. Herein, we review the history and results of this international program at its 10-year anniversary.
Impact of pregnancy-induced hypertension on fetal growth
Authors: Irwinda Rima , Surya Raymond , Nembo Lidia F.
Published: July 2016

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is still a major cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study to investigate the impact of PIH on fetal growth.Methods: A longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted by 2,076 obstetric patients registered in the book of delivery emergency room BLUD RSUD Ende/ Ende hospital from September 1st 2014 to August 31st 2015. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was classified into gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and severe preeclampsia. Categorical comparative chi-square continued by logistic regression analysis were performed to examine the effect of PIH to infants’ growth outcome.Results: Women with preeclampsia had higher number of preterm delivery (26.7%). Infants born from preeclamptic women had lower birth weight (median 2,575 gram; p<0.001), birth length (median 49 cm; p<0.001), and also head circumference (median 32 cm; p<0.001). Severe preeclampsia contributed statistically significance to SGA (OR=1.90; 95% CI=1.20-3.01; adjusted OR=1.91; 95% CI=1.20-3.01) and LGA (OR=2.70; 95% CI=1.00-7.29; adjusted OR=2.92; 95% CI=1.07-8.00). Based on birth weight independent of gestational age, severe preeclampsia had an impact to VLBW (OR=11.45; 95% CI=2.77-47.38; adjusted OR=8.68; 95% CI=1.57-48.04) and LBW (OR=6.57; 95% CI=4.01-10.79; adjusted OR=5.71; 95% CI=3.33-9.78) where it showed statistical significance.Conclusion: PIH women who had SGA or VLBL or LBW infants were caused by the hypoperfusion model as the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Meanwhile, LGA infants born by preeclamptic women were due to the compensation of the decrease from uteroplacental perfusion or other diseases such as obese mother or gestational.diabetes mellitus.
Referrals for Services Prohibited In Catholic Health Care Facilities
Authors: Stulberg Debra B. , Jackson Rebecca A. , Freedman Lori R.
Published: July 2016

CONTEXT

Catholic hospitals control a growing share of health care in the United States and prohibit many common reproductive services, including ones related to sterilization, contraception, abortion and fertility. Professional ethics guidelines recommend that clinicians who deny patients reproductive services for moral or religious reasons provide a timely referral to prevent patient harm. Referral practices in Catholic hospitals, however, have not been explored.

METHODS

Twenty‐seven obstetrician‐gynecologists who were currently working or had worked in Catholic facilities participated in semistructured interviews in 2011–2012. Interviews explored their experiences with and perspectives on referral practices at Catholic hospitals. The sample was religiously and geographically diverse. Referral‐related themes were identified in interview transcripts using qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Obstetrician‐gynecologists reported a range of practices and attitudes in regard to referrals for prohibited services. In some Catholic hospitals, physicians reported that administrators and ethicists encouraged or tolerated the provision of referrals. In others, hospital authorities actively discouraged referrals, or physicians kept referrals hidden. Patients in need of referrals for abortion were given less support than those seeking referrals for other prohibited services. Physicians received mixed messages when hospital leaders wished to retain services for financial reasons, rather than have staff refer patients elsewhere. Respondents felt referrals were not always sufficient to meet the needs of low‐income patients or those with urgent medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Some Catholic hospitals make it difficult for obstetrician‐gynecologists to provide referrals for comprehensive reproductive services.
Wavefront measurement of plastic lenses for mobile-phone applications
Authors: Huang Li-Ting , Cheng Yuan-Chieh , Wang Chung-Yen , Wang Pei-Jen
Published: July 2016

In camera lenses for mobile-phone applications, all lens elements have been designed with aspheric surfaces because of the requirements in minimal total track length of the lenses. Due to the diffraction-limited optics design with precision assembly procedures, element inspection and lens performance measurement have become cumbersome in the production of mobile-phone cameras. Recently, wavefront measurements based on Shack-Hartmann sensors have been successfully implemented on injection-molded plastic lens with aspheric surfaces. However, the applications of wavefront measurement on small-sized plastic lenses have yet to be studied both theoretically and experimentally. In this paper, both an in-house-built and a commercial wavefront measurement system configured on two optics structures have been investigated with measurement of wavefront aberrations on two lens elements from a mobile-phone camera. First, the wet-cell method has been employed for verifications of aberrations due to residual birefringence in an injection-molded lens. Then, two lens elements of a mobile-phone camera with large positive and negative power have been measured with aberrations expressed in Zernike polynomial to illustrate the effectiveness in wavefront measurement for troubleshooting defects in optical performance.
Mediatization at the margins: Cosmopolitanism, network capital and spatial transformation in rural Sweden
Authors: Jansson André , Andersson Magnus
Published: July 2016

The significance of mediatization in countryside settings is an under-researched topic in media studies. In this paper, based on qualitative fieldwork carried out in two rural areas in Sweden, we study how mediatization integrates the prospects of cosmopolitan social change. The current phase of the mediatization process, which imposes a more dynamic register of networked communication, nourishes a new type of cosmopolitan identity in the countryside. As shown in the study, this development is constituted by complex configurations of different forms of mobility and connectivity. We argue that these spatial processes are socially structured, meaning that certain social groups are better equipped, through the appropriation of network capital, for turning cosmopolitan dispositions into a transformative resource, a ‘cosmopolitan politics of place’. Such alterations of the social structure may successively destabilize the relationship between ‘the urban’ and ‘the rural’.
Changing political communication in Germany: Findings from a longitudinal study on the influence of the internet on political information, discussion and the participation of citizens
Authors: Emmer Martin , Wolling Jens , Vowe Gerhard
Published: July 2016

The internet has been discussed as a major agent of change for political communication and participation. One important dimension of possible effects is the influence of online communication on the participation habits of citizens. In this article, panel survey data from Germany that cover almost the first decade of this century are used in order to test causal hypotheses about this transformation process. The results highlight that new forms of political communication are mainly a complement to existing forms with few substitution effects. Additionally, the data demonstrate the strong role habitualization plays, particularly in the field of political information seeking and traditional forms of political discussion and participation, while online communication is still evolving with yet less fixed patterns of action.
Hedonic and eudaimonic motives for watching feature films. Validation of the Spanish version of Oliver – Raney’s scale
Authors: Igartua Juan-José , Barrios Isabel
Published: July 2016

Three studies are presented to validate the Spanish version of Oliver and Raney’s (2008; 2011) eudaimonic and hedonic motivations scale. In Study 1, 132 university students watched a dramatic (sad) film, filling out the scales to evaluate motivations regarding cinema consumption and reception processes. Eudaimonic motivation was associated with deeper cognitive processes during the reception and stronger identification with the protagonist. Study 2 evaluated the test-retest reliability of the eudaimonic and hedonic motivations scale (
Digital skills as a conditioning factor for digital political participation
Authors: De Marco Stefano , Robles Jose Manuel , Antino Mirko
Published: July 2016

While all forms of Internet activity have an impact on the lives of Internet users, some are particularly beneficial and allow people to improve their daily lives. One of such Internet use is Digital Political Participation (DDP). In this paper we seek to understand how the influence of digital skills on the adoption of Digital Political Participation practices may form the basis of a second level of digital divide and of a set of political inequalities. We operationalize the digital skills construct in terms of users’ Internet competence and level of appropriation. We hypothesize that digital skills have a significant influence on the adoption of beneficial uses of the Internet, such as DPP. At the same time, we examine whether digital skill levels are stratified by socio-demographic background, thereby generating political and social inequality. By looking at the Spanish case, we first tested the adequateness of the items chosen to measure these two dimensions. Second, we looked into sequences of multiple influences between socio-demographic variables and digital skills and between digital skills and DPP. The results show that socio demographic variables have an influence on digital skills. At the same time, digital skills have a strong influence on DPP.
Watching television with others: The influence of interpersonal communication on entertainment
Authors: Zillich Arne Freya
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the influence of (1) viewing situations (solo- vs. group-viewing) and (2) interpersonal communication in a group-viewing situation on television entertainment. In a field study combining a survey and video observation, (1) entertainment of participants watching television alone or in a group, and (2) entertainment between different groups was compared. To assess interpersonal communication while watching television, group verbal and nonverbal communication behavior was recorded. Results suggest that the presence of others did not influence viewers’ core enjoyment. Further, while the amount of nonverbal communication behavior did not affect viewers’ core enjoyment, particular topics of conversation influenced specific enjoyment qualities, with conversations indicating involvement in the television show intensifying viewers’ empathy, and conversations indicating emotional experiences while watching television decreasing viewers’ suspense. Results are discussed regarding nonverbal and verbal mechanisms that underlie entertainment in different social conditions.
Monitoring of free phenol content in lignosulfonates by ClO2 titration and UV difference spectroscopy
Authors: Broussard Orianne , Petit Morgane , Elie Nicolas , Baumberger Stéphanie , Arnaud Alix , Ducrot Paul-Henri , Allais Florent
Published: July 2016

Lignosulfonates (LS) are water-soluble polyphenolic macromolecules derived from lignins and common industrial additives in plasticizers and dispersants. A key feature for a more efficient utilization of modified LS is the monitoring of their free phenol (OHphen) content during various reactions as these phenols govern a large part of their chemical reactivity. Against this background, the UV difference spectroscopy (Δεi method) and ClO2 titration have been revisited. Synthetic LS model compounds with a SO3H group on their benzylic position and H, G, and S aromatic rings were synthesized and used to assess the suitability of both the ClO2 titration and the Δεi method on LS. The methodology combining the two analytical methods was then used to determine the molar extinction coefficient of a given LS allowing the calibration of the Δεi method for a convenient and rapid monitoring of OHphen in the course of LS reactions involving the OHphen groups.
More than just innate affairs – on the role of annexins in adaptive immunity
Authors: Weyd Heiko
Published: July 2016

In more than 30 years of research annexins have been demonstrated to regulate immune responses. The prototype member of this family, annexin (Anx) A1, has been widely recognized as an anti-inflammatory mediator affecting migration and cellular responses of various cell types of the innate immune system. Evidently, effects on innate immune cells also impact on the course of adaptive immune responses. Innate immune cells provide a distinct cytokine milieu during initiation of adaptive immunity which regulates the development of T cell responses. Moreover, innate immune cells such as monocytes can differentiate into dendritic cells and take an active part in T cell stimulation. Accumulating evidence shows a direct role for annexins in adaptive immunity. Anx A1, the annexin protein studied in most detail, has been shown to influence antigen presentation as well as T cells directly. Moreover, immune modulatory roles have been described for several other annexins such as Anx A2, Anx A4, Anx A5 and Anx A13. This review will focus on the involvement of Anx A1 and other annexins in central aspects of adaptive immunity, such as recruitment and activation of antigen presenting cells, T cell differentiation and the anti-inflammatory removal of apoptotic cells.
Humor at work: validation of the short work-related Humor Styles Questionnaire (swHSQ)
Authors: Scheel Tabea , Gerdenitsch Cornelia , Korunka Christian
Published: July 2016

As part of daily interactions humor is an integral element of work relationships with consequences for well-being or turnover intentions. However, its adequate assessment in the work context has yet to be improved. While the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ; Martin et al. 2003. Individual differences in uses of humor and their relation to psychological well-being: Development of the Humor Styles Questionnaire.
Selective toxicity of diafenthiuron to non-target organisms: honey bees, coccinellids, chelonus, earthworms, silkworms and fish
Authors: Stanley Johnson , Chandrasekaran Subramaniam , Preetha Gnanadhas , Kuttalam Sasthakutty , Jasmine Robert Sheeba
Published: July 2016

Diafenthiuron, an insecticide widely used in the management of pests of cardamom and cotton, was assessed for its toxicity-effect on beneficials commonly found in these ecosystems. Diafenthiuron was found to be toxic to honey bees, the prime pollinators of crop plants. Diafenthiuron at the highest tested dose caused 40% mortality to the coccinelid grubs at 48 h after treatment so, diafenthiuron was found to be slightly harmful. Monocrotophos, on the other hand has been found to be a highly toxic pesticide. Diafenthiuron is moderately harmful to the adults of Chelonus blackburni L. The testing was done using the insecticide diafenthiuron. An insecticidecoated vial (scintillation) bioassay was performed. It was found that there was 86.67% mortality in 48 h, at the recommended dose. Diafenthiuron is highly toxic to the silkworm, killing more than 80% of the caterpillars in 24 h, at all the doses tested. Diafenthiuron, even in the highest dose tested, is non-toxic to the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus, which was found to have a 3.33% mortality. As far as fish are concerned, the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., is found to be highly susceptible to diafenthiuron and even doses 10 times lower than the field dose can kill the fish within 6 h.