bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORP4L Facilitates Macrophage Survival via G-Protein–Coupled Signaling
Authors: Zhong Wenbin , Pan Guoping , Wang Lin , Li Shiqian , Ou Jingsong , Xu Mengyang , Li Jiwei , Zhu Biying , Cao Xiuye , Ma Hongling , Li Chaowen , Xu Jun , Olkkonen Vesa M. , Staels Bart , Yan Daoguang
Published: October 2016

Rationale:

Macrophage survival within the arterial wall is a central factor contributing to atherogenesis. Oxysterols, major components of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, exert cytotoxic effects on macrophages.

Objective:

To determine whether oxysterol-binding protein–related protein 4 L (ORP4L), an oxysterol-binding protein, affects macrophage survival and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results:

By hiring cell biological approaches and ORP4L
−
/−
mice, we show that ORP4L coexpresses with and forms a complex with Gα
q/11
and phospholipase C (PLC)-β3 in macrophages. ORP4L facilitates G-protein–coupled ligand-induced PLCβ3 activation, IP
3
production, and Ca
2+
release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Through this mechanism, ORP4L sustains antiapoptotic Bcl-XL expression through Ca
2+
-mediated c-AMP responsive element binding protein transcriptional regulation and thus protects macrophages from apoptosis. Excessive stimulation with the oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol disassembles the ORP4L/Gα
q/11
/PLCβ3 complexes, resulting in reduced PLCβ3 activity, IP
3
production, and Ca
2+
release, as well as decreased Bcl-XL expression and increased apoptosis. Overexpression of ORP4L counteracts these oxysterol-induced defects. Mice lacking ORP4L exhibit increased apoptosis of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions and a reduced lesion size.

Conclusions:

ORP4L is crucial for macrophage survival. It counteracts the cytotoxicity of oxysterols/oxidized low-density lipoprotein to protect macrophage from apoptosis, thus playing an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Development and Validation of a Scoring System for Predicting Periprocedural Complications During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions of Chronic Total Occlusions: The Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (PROGRESS CTO) Complications Score
Authors: Danek Barbara Anna , Karatasakis Aris , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Alaswad Khaldoon , Yeh Robert W. , Jaffer Farouc A. , Patel Mitul P. , Mahmud Ehtisham , Lombardi William L. , Wyman Michael R. , Grantham J. Aaron , Doing Anthony , Kandzari David E. , Lembo Nicholas J. , Garcia Santiago , Toma Catalin , Moses Jeffrey W. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Parikh Manish A. , Ali Ziad A. , Karacsonyi Judit , Rangan Bavana V. , Thompson Craig A. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: October 2016

Background

High success rates are achievable for chronic total occlusion (
CTO
) percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) using the hybrid approach, but periprocedural complications remain of concern. Although scores estimating success and efficiency in
CTO PCI
have been developed, there is currently no available score for estimation of the risk for periprocedural complications. We sought to develop a scoring tool for prediction of periprocedural complications during
CTO PCI
.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from 1569
CTO PCI
s in the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention (
PROGRESS CTO
) using a derivation and validation sampling ratio of 2:1. Variables independently associated with periprocedural complications in multivariable analysis in the derivation set were assigned points based on their respective odds ratios. Forty‐four (2.8%) patients experienced complications. Three factors were independent predictors of complications and were included in the score: patient age >65 years, +3 points (odds ratio,
OR
=4.85,
CI
1.82‐16.77); lesion length ≥23 mm, +2 points (
OR
=3.22,
CI
1.08‐13.89); and use of the retrograde approach +1 point (
OR
=2.41,
CI
1.04‐6.05). The resulting score showed good calibration and discriminatory capacity in the derivation (Hosmer‐Lemeshow χ
2
6.271,
P
=0.281, receiver‐operating characteristic [
ROC
] area=0.758) and validation (Hosmer‐Lemeshow χ
2
4.551,
P
=0.473,
ROC
area=0.793) sets. Score values of 0 to 2, 3 to 4, and ≥5 were defined as low, intermediate, and high risk of complications (derivation cohort 0.4%, 1.8%, 6.5%,
P
<0.001; validation cohort 0.0%, 2.5%, 6.8%,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

The
PROGRESS CTO
complication score is a useful tool for prediction of periprocedural complications in
CTO PCI
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02061436.
Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Aortic Arch and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Tugcu Aylin , Jin Zhezhen , Homma Shunichi , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Rundek Tatjana , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , DeCarli Charles , Nakanishi Koki , Shames Sofia , Wright Clinton B. , Sacco Ralph L. , Di Tullio Marco R.
Published: October 2016

Background and Purpose—

Aortic arch plaque (AAP) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, but its association with subclinical cerebrovascular disease is not established. We investigated the association between AAP and subclinical cerebrovascular disease in an elderly stroke-free community-based cohort.

Methods—

The CABL study (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) was designed to investigate cardiovascular predictors of silent cerebrovascular disease in the elderly. AAPs were assessed by suprasternal transthoracic echocardiography in 954 participants. Silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) were assessed by brain magnetic resonance imaging. The association of AAP thickness with silent brain infarcts and WMHV was evaluated by logistic regression analysis.

Results—

Mean age was 71.6±9.3 years; 63% were women. AAP was present in 658 (69%) subjects. Silent brain infarcts were detected in 138 participants (14.5%). In multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders, AAP thickness and large AAP (≥4 mm in thickness) were significantly associated with the upper quartile of WMHV (WMHV-Q4; odds ratio =1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.32;
P
=0.009 and odds ratio =1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–3.09;
P
=0.036, respectively), but not with silent brain infarcts (odds ratio =1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.23;
P
=0.265 and odds ratio =1.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–2.77;
P
=0.251, respectively).

Conclusions—

Aortic arch atherosclerosis was associated with WMHV in a stroke-free community-based elderly cohort. This association was stronger in subjects with large plaques and independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Aortic arch assessment by transthoracic echocardiography may help identify subjects at higher risk of subclinical cerebrovascular disease, who may benefit from aggressive stroke risk factors treatment.
The euglenoid genus Trachelomonas (Euglenophyta) from eastern Poland. Study on morphology and ultrastructure of envelopes with comments on morphologically similar species
Authors: PONIEWOZIK MAŁGORZATA
Published: October 2016

I examined representatives of the genus Trachelomonas from two water bodies in eastern Poland. Using both light and scanning microscopy, a total of 47 taxa were recorded during two years of study. Among the 47 taxa, 7 were new to Poland (T. botanica var. minor, T. manginii, T. obovata var. klebsiana, T. zorensis, T. mirabilis var. obesa, T. raciborskii var. incerta and T. woycickii f. pusilla). All taxa found were briefly described and originally illustrated, and I added taxonomical comments to almost all of them. These taxonomical comments may be helpful in further research because at present, taxonomical identification of species during environmental research is still based on the morphology of trachelomonad envelopes. Taxonomists around the world use key books for identification, which were written based on (often old) data concerning the external structure of envelopes. My study provided valuable information on similarities and differences between taxa that appear very similar. I also provided information on the ecology and biogeography of the reported taxa. For three of the taxa (T. volvocinopsis f. volvocinopsis, T. volvocina var. volvocina, T. hispida var. hispida), which were characterised by the highest frequency of occurrence during the studies, I examined and analysed their presence in different abiotic conditions (both water reaction and water temperature). The data showed that the taxa preferred alkaline water conditions, with the median pH for the species ranging from 7.9 to 8.8. T. volvocinospis occurred in the broadest pH range and preferred cooler waters, whereas T. hispida var. hispida was most often observed in warm water.
A new combination in Phedimus (Crassulaceae), with neotypification of Sedum latiovalifolium
Authors: SON DONG CHAN , KIM HYUN-JUN , MOON AE-RA , JANG CHANG-GEE , CHANG KAE SUN
Published: October 2016

According to recent molecular studies (‘t Hart 1995, Ham 1995, Ham & ‘t Hart 1998, Gontcharova et al. 2006, Thiede & Eggli 2007, Gontcharova & Gontchaov 2009), the genus Phedimus Rafinesque (1817: 438) was segregated from Sedum Linnaeus (1753: 430). This taxonomic treatment of Phedimus is also supported by morphological evidences (Ohba et al. 2000, Ohba 2001, Fu et al. 2001).
Gastrodia kuroshimensis (Orchidaceae), a new mycoheterotrophic and complete cleistogamous plant from Japan
Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI
Published: October 2016

A new species, Gastrodia kuroshimensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Gastrodieae), from Kuroshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, is described and illustrated. The outlined floral morphology indicates a close affinity to G. fontinalis, but it is easily distinguished by several characteristics, such as the cleistogamous floral condition, smaller perianth tube size and the anther cap joined with the column.
First record of Nocturama (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in South America, with the description of a new species N. novamundensis
Authors: NECCHI JR ORLANDO , ENTWISLE TIMOTHY J. , BRANCO CIRO C.Z. , PAIANO MONICA O.
Published: October 2016

Specimens from southeastern and southern Brazil previously identified as Sheathia arcuata (= Batrachospermum arcuatum) are shown to be members of the recently described genus Nocturama, previously known only from Australia and New Zealand. Morphological and molecular evidence support recognizing the Brazilian specimens as a new species, described here as Nocturama novamundensis, sp. nov. Comparison of DNA sequences of the plastid-encoded ribulose-1,5-bisphosphatecarboxylase–oxygenase large subunit (rbcL) and the nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) markers showed Nocturama as a well supported clade. The sequence divergences between the new and the type species were high (95-98bp, 7.4–7.6%) for rbcL and 19bp, 1.1% for SSU), and those within each species were extremely low (0-1 bp, 0-0.1%). The new species can be distinguished from N. antipodites in having curved primary fascicles composed of non-‘audouinelloid’ cells (compared to straight primary fascicles with audouinelloid—cylindrical—cells) and in being always dioecious (only rarely is N. antipodites dioecious).
Description of a new species of Thevenetimyia (Diptera: Bombyliidae) from Madagascar, with a revised checklist of Madagascan bee fly fauna
Authors: MAASS NATALIA , LARMORE ZACHARY , BERTONE MATTHEW A. , TRAUTWEIN MICHELLE
Published: October 2016

Madagascar is an island known for its richness of endemic species, including flies. Only eight genera of bee flies (Bombyliidae), including 17 described species (the majority of which are in the subfamily Anthracinae), are known from Madagascar. Here we describe a new species of Bombyliidae from Madagascar, Thevenetimyia spinosavus Maass & Bertone sp. nov. This fly represents the first record of the genus Thevenetimyia from Madagascar and the second species recorded in the Afrotropical Region. A revised checklist of Bombyliidae in Madagascar is provided, along with an appendix of associated literature. The known bee fly species likely represent only a fraction of the true diversity on the island, which has been relatively well sampled through extensive Malaise trapping of flies in Madagascar over the past decade.
The Effect of Rating Unfamiliar Items on Angoff Passing Scores
Authors: Clauser Jerome C. , Hambleton Ronald K. , Baldwin Peter
Published: October 2016

The Angoff standard setting method relies on content experts to review exam items and make judgments about the performance of the minimally proficient examinee. Unfortunately, at times content experts may have gaps in their understanding of specific exam content. These gaps are particularly likely to occur when the content domain is broad and/or highly technical, or when non-expert stakeholders are included in a standard setting panel (e.g., parents, administrators, or union representatives). When judges lack expertise regarding specific exam content, the ratings associated with those items may be bias. This study attempts to illustrate the impact of rating unfamiliar items on Angoff passing scores. The study presents a comparison of Angoff ratings for typical items with those identified by judges as containing unfamiliar content. The results indicate that judges tend to perceive unfamiliar items as being artificially difficult resulting in systematically lower Angoff ratings. The results suggest that when judges are forced to rate unfamiliar items, the validity of the resulting classification decision may be jeopardized.
The Effect of Soldier Marching, Rucksack Load, and Heart Rate on Marksmanship
Authors: Tenan Matthew S. , LaFiandra Michael E. , Ortega Samson V.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The purpose was to determine if Soldier rucksack load, marching distance, and average heart rate (HR) during shooting affect the probability of hitting the target.

Background:

Infantry Soldiers routinely carry heavy rucksack loads and are expected to engage enemy targets should a threat arise.

Method:

Twelve male Soldiers performed two 11.8 km marches in forested terrain at 4.3 km/hour on separate days (randomized, counterbalanced design). The Rifleman load consisted of protective armor (26.1 kg); the Rucksack load included the Rifleman load plus a weighted rucksack (48.5 kg). Soldiers performed a live-fire shooting task (48 targets) prior to the march, in the middle of the march, and at the end of the march. HR was collected during the shooting task. Data were assessed with multilevel logistic regression controlling for the multiple observations on each subject and shooting target distance. Predicted probabilities for hitting the target were calculated.

Results:

There was a three-way interaction effect between rucksack load, average HR, and march ( p = .02). Graphical assessment of predicted probabilities indicated that regardless of load, marching increases shooting performance. Increases in shooting HR after marching result in lower probability of hitting the target, and rucksack load has inconsistent effects on marksmanship.

Conclusion:

Early evidence suggests that rucksack load and marching may not uniformly decrease marksmanship but that an inverted-U phenomenon may govern changes in marksmanship.

Application:

The effects of load and marching on marksmanship are not linear; the abilities of Soldiers should be continuously monitored to understand their capabilities in a given scenario.
Race, Staff, and Punishment: Representative Bureaucracy in American State Prisons
Authors: Wade-Olson Jeremiah
Published: October 2016

A total of 1.5 million people are incarcerated in the United States’ prisons. Tens of thousands are placed in restrictive, solitary confinement units. Building on theories of representative bureaucracy, this article considers both the race of the inmates and the race of correctional staff. The article has three main findings: that minority prison staff have higher preferences for rehabilitation and lower preferences for punishment, that prisons with a high percentage of Black inmates utilize punishment at higher rates, and that representation, in the form of Black staff, helps ameliorate the high level of punishment associated with a high percentage of Black inmates.
The process of embedding a small firm in its industrial context
Authors: Shaw Eleanor , Wilson Juliette , Pret Tobias
Published: October 2016

This article explores the activities involved in embedding a small firm in its industrial context. Inductive analysis of longitudinal, case study data collected from a small firm in the creative industries highlights the use of networks and networking as embedding mechanisms. Key emergent themes include the impacts of pre-embeddedness (defined as the sum of all cultural, social and symbolic capital accessible to the founding team prior to business start-up), the vision and network orientation of the founding team and their strategic use of networking. The interplay between these conditions and activities is revealed as important in building legitimacy, which is critical for embedding a firm in its industrial context. This article extends knowledge of embedding beyond the initial phase of new venture creation and highlights the emergent and evolving dynamics behind this process.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Accelerates Regeneration After Acute Skeletal Muscle Injury
Authors: Zissler Angela , Steinbacher Peter , Zimmermann Reinhold , Pittner Stefan , Stoiber Walter , Bathke Arne C. , Sänger Alexandra M.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Muscle injuries are among the most common sports-related lesions in athletes; however, optimal treatment remains obscure. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) may be a promising approach in this context, because it has gained increasing importance in tissue regeneration in various medical fields.

Hypothesis:

ESWT stimulates and accelerates regenerative processes of acute muscle injuries.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 experimental groups (2 ESWT+ groups and 2 ESWT– groups) as well as an uninjured control group (n ≥ 6 in each group). An acute cardiotoxin-induced injury was set into the quadriceps femoris muscle of rats in the experimental groups. A single ESWT session was administered to injured muscles of the ESWT+ groups 1 day after injury, whereas ESWT– groups received no further treatment. At 4 and 7 days after injury, 1 each of the ESWT+ and ESWT– groups was euthanized. Regenerating lesions were excised and analyzed by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry to assess fiber size, myonuclear content, and recruitment of satellite cells.

Results:

The size and myonuclear content of regenerating fibers in ESWT+ muscle was significantly increased compared with ESWT– muscle fibers at both 4 and 7 days after injury. Similarly, at both time points, ESWT+ muscles exhibited significantly higher contents of pax7-positive satellite cells, mitotically active H3P+ cells, and, of cells expressing the myogenic regulatory factors, myoD and myogenin, indicating enhanced proliferation and differentiation rates of satellite cells after ESWT. Mitotic activity at 4 days after injury was doubled in ESWT+ compared with ESWT– muscles.

Conclusion:

ESWT stimulates regeneration of skeletal muscle tissue and accelerates repair processes.

Clinical Relevance:

We provide evidence for accelerated regeneration of damaged skeletal muscle after ESWT. Although further studies are necessary, our findings support the view that ESWT is an effective method to improve muscle healing, with special relevance to sports injuries.
Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of acid tar waste from crude benzol refining: A thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Chihobo Chido H , Chowdhury Arindrajit , Kuipa Pardon K , Simbi David J
Published: October 2016

Pyrolysis is an attractive thermochemical conversion technology that may be utilised as a safe disposal option for acid tar waste. The kinetics of acid tar pyrolysis were investigated using thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry under a nitrogen atmosphere at different heating rates of 10, 15 and 20 K min-1. The thermogravimetric analysis shows three major reaction peaks centred around 178 °C, 258 °C, and 336 °C corresponding to the successive degradation of water soluble lower molecular mass sulphonic acids, sulphonated high molecular mass hydrocarbons, and high molecular mass hydrocarbons. The kinetic parameters were evaluated using the iso-conversional Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method. A variation in the activation energy with conversion revealed that the pyrolysis of the acid tar waste progresses through complex multi-step kinetics. Mass spectrometry results revealed a predominance of gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, implying that the pyrolysis of acid tar waste is potentially an energy source. Thus the pyrolysis of acid tar waste may present a viable option for its environmental treatment. There are however, some limitations imposed by the co-evolution of corrosive gaseous components for which appropriate considerations must be provided in both pyrolysis reactor design and selection of construction materials.
Mechanisms of the Racial Tax State
Authors: Henricks Kasey , Seamster Louise
Published: October 2016

The relationship between taxation and structural racism is both understudied and undertheorized. Our article introducing the following symposium is a starting point to address this gap, proposing that “a racial tax state” structures the US tax system. Grounded by contemporary race theory, we show how this seemingly innocuous and bureaucratic procedure is structured by and reproduces racial inequality. Far from a neutral and even-keeled practice, taxation is a political tool imbued with stereotypes, values, and emotions to carry out and justify acts of taking. To suggest future directions for this area of research, we propose five initial mechanisms the racial tax state deploys to codify racialized inequalities of socially-defined rewards and penalties: enfranchisement, hoarding, abatement, extraction, and redistribution. We provide both historical and contemporary examples of these mechanisms, drawing especially on the symposium’s contributors, to show patterns in tax contestation and restructuring at moments in which racial justice seemed possible.
A hybrid differential evolution for general multi-objective flow shop problem with a modified learning effect
Authors: Amirian Homa , Sahraeian Rashed
Published: October 2016

In this article, a modification of multi-objective differential evolution based on simulated annealing is proposed to solve a general tri-objective non-permutation flow shop problem. The flow shop system considers the release dates, machine breakdowns, past-sequence-dependent setup times and learning effect for all the jobs. The algorithm proposed to tackle such a model combines the robustness of differential evolution with the rapid convergence and conditional diversification of simulated annealing. For small and medium low-sized problems, the solutions found by the proposed algorithm are compared with the exact solutions, achieved by augmented ε-constraint method. Due to the high complexity of the model, for medium high and large-sized problems, the algorithm is tested against the imperialist competitive algorithm and the multi-objective differential evolution scheduling. Comparisons of the results show a good balance between intensification and diversification in the proposed algorithm.
Statistical analysis of material removal rate and surface roughness in electrical discharge turning of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)
Authors: Gohil Vikas , Puri Yogesh M
Published: October 2016

Electrical discharge turning is a unique form of electrical discharge machining process, which is being especially developed to generate cylindrical forms and helical profiles on the difficult-to-machine materials at both macro and micro levels. A precise submerged rotating spindle as a work holding system was designed and added to a conventional electrical discharge machine to rotate the workpiece. A conductive preshaped strip of copper as a forming tool is fed (reciprocate) continuously against the rotating workpiece; thus, mirror image of the tool is formed on the circumference of the workpiece. The machining performance of electrical discharge turning process is defined and influenced by its machining parameters, which directly affects the quality of the machined component. This study presents an investigation on the effects of the machining parameters, namely, pulse-on time, peak current, gap voltage, spindle speed and flushing pressure, on the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) in electrical discharge turning of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. This has been done by means of Taguchi’s design of experiment technique. Analysis of variance as well as regression analysis is performed on the experimental data. The signal-to-noise ratio analysis is employed to find the optimal condition. The experimental results indicate that peak current, gap voltage and pulse-on time are the most significant influencing parameters that contribute more than 90% to material removal rate. In the context of Ra, peak current and pulse-on time come up with more than 82% of contribution. Finally, the obtained predicted optimal results were verified experimentally. It was shown that the error values are all less than 6%, confirming the feasibility and effectiveness of the adopted approach.
Predictive modelling of cutting forces in end milling of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V
Authors: Chen Yun , Li Huaizhong , Wang Jun
Published: October 2016

A cutting force model, based on a predictive model for orthogonal cutting, is developed for force predictions in end milling of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. The model assumes a semi-stationary process for the serrated chip formation. The Johnson–Cook material model that couples strain hardening, strain rate sensitivity and thermal softening effects is applied to represent the material strength. A thermal model considering the tool thermal properties is integrated to account for the high temperature rise due to the low thermal conductivity of Ti6Al4V. To extend the predictive model to milling, the end mill is discretised into several axial slices, and an equivalent cutting edge is used to include the end cutting edge effect caused by the first axial slice. The model is assessed by comparing its prediction with the experimental results and a mechanistic model for verification. The results show that the proposed model outperforms the mechanistic model with higher accuracy in force prediction.
Negotiating neuroscience: LeDoux’s “dramatic ensemble”
Authors: van Ommen Clifford , van Deventer Vasi
Published: October 2016

Some argue we now live in a “brain society” in which our subjectivity is increasingly mediated through neurological discourses. Unless we are to surrender neuroscience to neoliberal colonisation, we need to articulate effective forms of engagement with this discipline. One route is to read mainstream neuroscience texts for resistances they offer to the homo economicus. Instead of a terrain that inevitably leads to neoliberal conclusions, we find a materiality in excess of dubious ideological circumscriptions. In this article we engage with Joseph LeDoux’s notion of the self as a “dramatic ensemble,” where the self is a vulnerable, constantly reiterated achievement marked by the partial and passing play of dominances. Simultaneously, however, LeDoux undermines this account by evoking a traditional notion of the self. This play of tensions is articulated and an argument is made to privilege a subjectivity which both resists LeDoux’s flight from his own implications and neoliberal assumptions of subjectivity.
Opportunities and challenges for current developmental neuroscience
Authors: Steinbeis Nikolaus , Margulies Daniel S.
Published: October 2016

While developmental neuroscience can often be motivated by clinical and policy concerns, its constituent research methodologies aim to provide insights into the limits and potential of the developing brain. Our article addresses two main approaches for characterizing psychological and neural changes that occur between infancy and adolescence. Specifically, with respect to psychological change, intensely debated topics such as the nature of developmental continuity can potentially gain from the insights provided by brain data. Whereas for neuroimaging approaches, which have gained substantial traction in recent years, the advances in describing the developing “connectome” have been challenged by awareness of imaging artefacts related to behavioural aspects of development (such as motion). As these two fields (developmental psychology and neuroscience) continue to integrate by, for example, constraining psychological hypotheses with brain data and offering explanatory models of neuroimaging findings, the resolution of these challenges charts the development of the field itself.
Holocene biogeography of Tsuga mertensiana and other conifers in the Kenai Mountains and Prince William Sound, south-central Alaska
Authors: Anderson R Scott , Kaufman Darrell S , Berg Edward , Schiff Caleb , Daigle Thomas
Published: October 2016

Several important North American coastal conifers – having immigrated during the Holocene from the southeast – reach their northern and upper elevation limits in south-central Alaska. However, our understanding of the specific timing of migration has been incomplete. Here, we use two new pollen profiles from a coastal and a high-elevation site in the Eastern Kenai Peninsula–Prince William Sound region, along with other published pollen records, to investigate the Holocene biogeography and development history of the modern coastal Picea (spruce)– Tsuga (hemlock) forest. Tsuga mertensiana became established at Mica Lake (100 m elevation, near Prince William Sound) by 6000 cal. BP and at Goat Lake (550 m elevation in the Kenai Mountains) sometime after 3000 years ago. Tsuga heterophylla was the last major conifer to arrive in the region. Although driven partially by climate change, major vegetation changes during much of the Holocene are difficult to interpret exclusively in terms of climate, with periods of slow migration alternating with more rapid movement. T. mertensiana expanded slowly northeastward in the early Holocene, compared with Picea sitchensis or T. heterophylla. Difficulty of invading an already established conifer forest may account for this. We suggest that during the early Holocene, non-climatic factors as well as proximity to refugia, influenced rates of migration. Climate may have been more important after ~2600 cal. BP. Continued expansion of T. mertensiana at Goat Lake at the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA)–‘Little Ice Age’ (‘LIA’) transition suggests warm and wet winters. But expansion of T. mertensiana at both sites was arrested during the colder climate of the ‘LIA’. The decline was more extensive at Goat Lake, where climatic conditions may have been severe enough to reduce or eliminate the T. mertensiana population. T. mertensiana continued its expansion around Goat Lake after the ‘LIA’.
India–Pakistan Relations: Efficacy of Culture
Authors: Akhter Zainab
Published: October 2016

In the international relations, culture has been described as the most important component of a nation’s soft power. Today more than the coercive approach, promotion of a country’s cultural image (soft power) is gaining added popularity and acceptance in the larger international arena. India and Pakistan have originated from a common subcontinent but after the partition of 1947, they have an unstable relationship due to many unresolved issues. Although the two South Asian neighbours share a common history, literature and a strong cultural bond, they have time and again focused on the differences rather than making peace based on the similarities. Because the cost of conflict between India and Pakistan is very high, both countries have tried to find a common ground and reap the benefits of peace through bilateral dialogues and agreements. In such a situation, there is a great possibility of ‘culture’ playing a role as a connecting link between the two nations sans coercion and threat. In this context, this paper highlights the role of theatre in the India–Pakistan relations and its significance as a tool of diplomacy. It emphasizes the need for an increase in cultural contact between the two countries to gain mutual trust and reach a peaceful co-existence. In the backdrop of mistrust and political imbroglio between India and Pakistan at the official level, this study put forth the point that cultural diplomacy, especially theatre, can be an alternate medium for improving people-to-people contact and peace building between the two countries.
Book Review: Tetty Havinga, Frans van Waarden and Donal Casey(Ed.). 2015. The Changing Landscape of Food Governance—Public and Private Encounters
Authors: Chakraborty Saikat
Published: October 2016

Tetty Havinga, Frans van Waarden and Donal Casey(Ed.). 2015. The Changing Landscape of Food Governance—Public and Private Encounters. Cheltenham (UK): Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, pp. 287. £80.00. ISBN: 9781784715403 (cased) 9781784715410 (eBook).
Baby O and the Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Medical Treatment in the Devastated Neonate: A Review of Clinical, Ethical, and Legal Issues
Authors: Sacco Joseph , Virata Rebecca
Published: October 2016

The discontinuation of life sustaining medical treatment (LSMT) in severely and permanently impaired neonates, especially artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) is subject to uncertainty and controversy. Definitive clinical guidelines are lacking, clinical research is limited, ethical disagreement is commonplace, and while case and statutory law provide legal underpinning for the practice in defined circumstances, uncertainty in this realm likely influences clinical practice. We use the case of a neurologically devastated neonate to highlight and review these arenas, and show how, using available legal, ethical, and clinical standards and practice, the case of Baby O was resolved, and to underline the need for further research in neonatal palliative care.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Criteria for the Basic Type of DIC Established by the Japanese Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis
Authors: Aota Takumi , Wada Hideo , Fujimoto Naoki , Yamashita Yoshiki , Matsumoto Takeshi , Ohishi Kohshi , Suzuki Kei , Imai Hiroshi , Usui Masanobu , Isaji Shuji , Uchiyama Toshimasa , Seki Yoshinobu , Katayama Naoyuki
Published: October 2016

We evaluated the diagnostic criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which was published by the Japanese Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (JSTH), in 232 patients with suspected DIC without hematopoietic injury or infection. The diagnoses of the patients were as follows: DIC (n = 116), pre-DIC (n = 54), and non-DIC (n = 63). The efficacy of the diagnostic criteria for DIC was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic analysis. The area under the curve and odds ratio for the global coagulation test (GCT) scores in the diagnosis of “DIC” were high, whereas those for the diagnosis of “DIC and pre-DIC” were low, suggesting that the addition of a reduced platelet count (RPC), antithrombin (AT), and soluble fibrin (SF)/thrombin AT (TAT) complex was required to diagnose DIC and pre-DIC. When the GCT score with the RPC, AT, and TAT/SF values was used, the cutoff DIC score for the diagnosis of DIC or DIC and pre-DIC was 6 points. For predicting the outcome, a scoring system that used the GCT result was useful, but the addition of RPC, AT, or SF/TAT was not. The modified diagnostic criteria of JSTH, which included the GCT score and the RPC, AT, and TAT/SF values, were useful for diagnosing both DIC and pre-DIC.
The Effects of an Exercise Program on Anxiety Levels and Metabolic Functions in Patients With Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Ma Wei-Fen , Wu Po-Lun , Su Chia-Hsien , Yang Tzu-Ching
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a home-based (HB) exercise program on anxiety levels and metabolic functions in patients with anxiety disorders in Taiwan. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 86 participants for this randomized, experimental study. Participants were asked to complete a pretest before the 3-month exercise program, a posttest at 1 week, and a follow-up test at 3 months after the exercise program. Study measures included four Self-Report Scales and biophysical assessments to collect and assess personal data, lifestyle behaviors, anxiety levels, and metabolic control functions. Of the 86 study participants, 83 completed the posttest and the 3-month follow-up test, including 41 in the experimental group and 42 in the control group. Participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and the level of moderate exercise after the program relative to the control group, as analyzed by generalized estimating equations mixed-model repeated measures. State and trait anxiety levels were also significantly improved from pretest to follow-up test in the experimental group. Finally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome declined for participants in the experimental group. The HB exercise program produced positive effects on the metabolic indicators and anxiety levels of Taiwanese adults with anxiety disorders. Health providers should consider using similar HB exercise programs to help improve the mental and physical health of patients with anxiety disorders in their communities.
Use of Particulated Juvenile Articular Cartilage Allograft for Osteochondral Lesions of the Wrist
Authors: Hess Daniel E. , Werner Brian C. , Deal D. Nicole
Published: October 2016

Background: Articular cartilage injuries are a common injury among young, active patients, and the most appropriate treatment for these injuries remains controversial. A promising new technology in the treatment of high-grade cartilage injuries is particulated juvenile articular cartilage (PJAC) allograft (DeNovo NT, Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana). This has been shown to be successful in multiple joints including the knee, talus, and elbow. No studies or case reports exist in supporting or discouraging its use in injuries of the wrist, in specific, the scaphoid. Methods: The use of PJAC allograft is described for the treatment of an active 21-year-old male with an Outerbridge Grade IV chondral lesion on the proximal pole of his right scaphoid and right distal radius scaphoid facet who had failed conservative management. The patient was followed clinically and radiographically for 21 months. Results: The patient had return to full sport (jujutsu) and full range-of-motion, both of which represented an improvement from his preoperative exam. Radiographically, the chondral lucency seen had decreased in size and was almost completely absent on radiographs after 21 months. Conclusions: The results of this case suggest that PJAC can be used safely and effectively in the wrist thereby potentially broadening the indications for its use.
Alternative genetic mechanisms of BRAF activation in Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Chakraborty Rikhia , Burke Thomas M. , Hampton Oliver A. , Zinn Daniel J. , Lim Karen Phaik Har , Abhyankar Harshal , Scull Brooks , Kumar Vijetha , Kakkar Nipun , Wheeler David A. , Roy Angshumoy , Poulikakos Poulikos I. , Merad Miriam , McClain Kenneth L. , Parsons D. Williams , Allen Carl E.
Published: October 2016

Key Points

A BRAF gene fusion and small in-frame BRAF deletions were found in a subset of LCH lesions lacking BRAF-V600E or MAP2K1 mutations. In LCH model systems, responses to MAPK pathway inhibitors depend on the specific genetic alteration that drives ERK activation.
Plausible mass-spring system using parallel computing on mobile devices
Authors: Hong Min , Jeon Jae-Hong , Yum Hyo-Sub , Lee Seung-Hyun
Published: October 2016

Recently the hardware performance of mobile devices have been extremely increased and advanced mobile devices provide multi-cores and high clock speed. In addition, mobile devices have advantages in mobility and portability compared with PC and Console, so many games and simulation programs have been developed under mobile environments. Physically-based simulation is a one of the key issues for deformable object modeling which is widely used to represent the realistic expression of 3D soft objects with tetrahedrons for game and 3D simulation. However, it requires high computation power to plausibly and realistically represent the physical behaviors and interactions of deformable objects. In this paper, we implemented parallel cloth and mass-spring simulation using graphics processing unit (GPU) with OpenCL and multi-threaded central processing unit (CPU) on a mobile device. We applied CPU and GPU parallel computing technique into spring force computation and integration methods such as Euler, Midpoint, 4th-order Runge-Kutta to optimize the computational burden of dynamic simulation. The integration methods compute the next step of positions and velocities in each node. In this paper, we tested the performance analysis for the spring force calculation and integration method process using CPU only, multi-threaded CPU, and GPU on mobile device respectively. Our experimental results concluded that the calculation using proposed multi-threaded CPU and GPU multi-threaded CPU are much faster than using just the CPU only.
Taguchi-Grey relation analysis for assessing the optimal set of control factors of thermal barrier coatings for high-temperature applications
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S. , Munshi Shadi M.
Published: October 2016

Background

In an aerospace industry, the efficient use of thermally sprayed coatings for high-temperature applications is achieved by improving the thermal characteristics (TC) such as thermal drop/barrier (TD) and thermal fatigue cycles (TFC). The characterization of ceramic coatings demands a better understanding of TC and their performance.

Methods

In this paper, an attempt has been made to use hybrid Taguchi design method based grey relation analysis (GRA) for optimizing the control factors such as the thickness of coating, type of coating, bond coating and exposed temperature. The necessary experiments were carried out using Taguchi L16 factorial design of experiments for analysis based on the larger the better signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. The multi-response/output optimization and grading of control factors were successfully carried out by GRA.

Results

The significance of each factor as regards TD and TFC were investigated. The ANOVA results showed that most important parameters at 95 % confidence level and were validated with a confirmation test using optimum process factors. It shows an improvement in the TC of thermal barrier coatings.

Conclusions

This work revealed that the hybrid GRA with Taguchi technique had improved the durability and efficient usage of TBC for high-temperature applications.
MIxS-HCR: a MIxS extension defining a minimal information standard for sequence data from environments pertaining to hydrocarbon resources
Authors: Tsesmetzis Nicolas , Yilmaz Pelin , Marks Peter C. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Head Ian M. , Lomans Bart P.
Published: October 2016

Here we introduce a MIxS extension to facilitate the recording and cataloguing of metadata from samples related to hydrocarbon resources. The proposed MIxS-HCR package incorporates the core features of the MIxS standard for marker gene (MIMARKS) and metagenomic (MIMS) sequences along with a hydrocarbon resources customized environmental package. Adoption of the MIxS-HCR standard will enable the comparison and better contextualization of investigations related to hydrocarbon rich environments. The insights from such standardized way of reporting could be highly beneficial for the successful development and optimization of hydrocarbon recovery processes and management of microbiological issues in petroleum production systems.
Wave-equation Q tomography
Authors: Dutta Gaurav , Schuster Gerard T.
Published: October 2016

Strong subsurface attenuation leads to distortion of amplitudes and phases of seismic waves propagating inside the earth. The amplitude and the dispersion losses from attenuation are often compensated for during prestack depth migration. However, most attenuation compensation or [Formula: see text]-compensation migration algorithms require an estimate of the background [Formula: see text] model. We have developed a wave-equation gradient optimization method that inverts for the subsurface [Formula: see text] distribution by minimizing a skeletonized misfit function [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the sum of the squared differences between the observed and the predicted peak/centroid-frequency shifts of the early arrivals. The gradient is computed by migrating the observed traces weighted by the frequency shift residuals. The background [Formula: see text] model is perturbed until the predicted and the observed traces have the same peak frequencies or the same centroid frequencies. Numerical tests determined that an improved accuracy of the [Formula: see text] model by wave-equation [Formula: see text] tomography leads to a noticeable improvement in migration image quality.
Current status of kilovoltage (kV) radiotherapy in the UK: installed equipment, clinical workload, physics quality control and radiation dosimetry
Authors: Palmer Antony L , Pearson Michael , Whittard Paul , McHugh Katie E , Eaton David J
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To assess the status and practice of kilovoltage (kV) radiotherapy in the UK.

Methods:

96% of the radiotherapy centres in the UK responded to a comprehensive survey. An analysis of the installed equipment base, patient numbers, clinical treatment sites, quality control (QC) testing and radiation dosimetry processes were undertaken.

Results:

73% of UK centres have at least one kV treatment unit, with 58 units installed across the UK. Although 35% of units are over 10 years old, 39% units have been installed in the last 5 years. Approximately 6000 patients are treated with kV units in the UK each year, the most common site (44%) being basal cell carcinoma. A benchmark of QC practice in the UK is presented, against which individual centres can compare their procedures, frequency of testing and acceptable tolerance values. We propose the use of internal “notification” and “suspension” levels for analysis. All surveyed centres were using recommended Codes of Practice for kV dosimetry in the UK; approximately the same number using in-air and in-water methodologies for medium energy, with two-thirds of all centres citing “clinical relevance” as the reason for choice of code. 64% of centres had hosted an external dosimetry audit within the last 3 years, with only one centre never being independently audited. The majority of centres use locally measured applicator factors and published backscatter factors for treatments. Monitor unit calculations are performed using software in only 36% of centres.

Conclusion:

A comprehensive review of current kV practice in the UK is presented.

Advances in knowledge:

Data and discussion on contemporary kV radiotherapy in the UK, with a particular focus on physics aspects.