bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical considerations on the complicity of psychologists and scientists in torture
Authors: Evans Nicholas Greig , Sisti D A , Moreno J D
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The long-standing debate on medical complicity in torture has overlooked the complicity of cognitive scientists—psychologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists—in the practice of torture as a distinct phenomenon. In this paper, we identify the risk of the re-emergence of torture as a practice in the USA, and the complicity of cognitive scientists in these practices.

Methods

We review arguments for physician complicity in torture. We argue that these defences fail to defend the complicity of cognitive scientists. We address objections to our account, and then provide recommendations for professional associations in resisting complicity in torture.

Results

Arguments for cognitive scientist complicity in torture fail when those actions stem from the same reasons as physician complicity. Cognitive scientist involvement in the torture programme has, from the outset, been focused on the outcomes of interrogation rather than supportive care. Any possibility of a therapeutic relationship between cognitive therapists and detainees is fatally undermined by therapists’ complicity with torture.

Conclusion

Professional associations ought to strengthen their commitment to refraining from engaging in any aspect of torture. They should also move to protect whistle-blowers against torture programmes who are members of their association. If the political institutions that are supposed to prevent the practice of torture are not strengthened, cognitive scientists should take collective action to compel intelligence agencies to refrain from torture.
Do Arctic Hares Play Parrondo’s Games?
Authors: Cheong Kang Hao , Koh Jin Ming , Jones Michael C.
Published: February 2019

We remark on Nelson and Masel’s (2017, 2018) papers [Intercellular competition and the inevitability of multicellular aging, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 114 (2017) 12982–12987; Reply to Cheong et al.: Unicellular survival precludes Parrondo’s paradox, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 115 (2018) E5260, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1806709115 ], addressing the connection between the published work and the game-theoretic Parrondo’s paradox. The Parrondo’s paradox refers to the phenomenon of achieving winning outcomes by playing two losing games in a random or deterministic order, and is intimately related to flashing Brownian ratchets with applications in physics, engineering and biology. In this paper, we raise important considerations and intricacies pertaining to the paradox, for the benefit of future Parrondo-related research.
Separable states can be used to realize the fair quantum communication
Authors: Gao Dong-Mei , Xin Ying , Ye Zai-Liang , Qiao Xiao-Yan
Published: February 2019

When Alice and Bob are never entangled with each other, can they share equal amount of information via noiseless channels? When the transfered subsystem B is classical, this basic question concerning communication capacity has a very satisfying answer: the amount of accessible information, as quantified by the classical correlation on B, is always equal. If the subsystem B is in a nonclassical state, the amount of accessible information, like their classical counterparts, is also well quantified by classical correlation, but the similarity ends here: the amount of accessible information from shared states may not be equal, because the subsystem B cannot be accessed perfectly by classical means. In this work, we show how to establish fair quantum communications. Our results give sufficient conditions for fair quantum communications and show that symmetric discord is the essential resource for this task. We further demonstrate that the fair quantum communication is fundamentally the same as the Shannon noisy channel coding theorem.
Multi-Swarm Single-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization to Extract Multiple-Choice Tests
Authors: Nguyen Tram , Bui Toan , Vo Bay
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes the use of multi-swarm method in particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to generate multiple-choice tests based on assumed objective levels of difficulty. The method extracts an abundance of tests at the same time with the same levels of difficulty and approximates the difficulty-level requirement given by the users. The experimental results show that the proposed method can generate many tests from question banks satisfying predefined levels of difficulty. Additionally, the proposed method is also shown to be effective in terms of many criteria when compared with other methods such as manually extracted tests, random methods and PSO-based methods in terms of execution time, standard deviation, the number of particles per swarm and the number of swarms.
Protein arginylation of cytoskeletal proteins in the muscle: modifications modifying function
Authors: Rassier Dilson E. , Kashina Anna
Published: February 2019

The cytoskeleton drives many essential processes in normal physiology, and its impairments underlie many diseases, including skeletal myopathies, cancer, and heart failure, that broadly affect developed countries worldwide. Cytoskeleton regulation is a field of investigation of rapidly emerging global importance and a new venue for the development of potential therapies. This review overviews our present understanding of the posttranslational regulation of the muscle cytoskeleton through arginylation, a tRNA-dependent addition of arginine to proteins mediated by arginyltransferase 1. We focus largely on arginylation-dependent regulation of striated muscles, shown to play critical roles in facilitating muscle integrity, contractility, regulation, and strength.
Protein recycling and limb muscle recovery after critical illness in slow- and fast-twitch limb muscle
Authors: Preau Sebastien , Ambler Michael , Sigurta Anna , Kleyman Anna , Dyson Alex , Hill Neil E. , Boulanger Eric , Singer Mervyn
Published: February 2019

An impaired capacity of muscle to regenerate after critical illness results in long-term functional disability. We previously described in a long-term rat peritonitis model that gastrocnemius displays near-normal histology whereas soleus demonstrates a necrotizing phenotype. We thus investigated the link between the necrotizing phenotype of critical illness myopathy and proteasome activity in these two limb muscles. We studied male Wistar rats that underwent an intraperitoneal injection of the fungal cell wall constituent zymosan or n-saline as a sham-treated control. Rats ( n = 74) were killed at 2, 7, and 14 days postintervention with gastrocnemius and soleus muscle removed and studied ex vivo. Zymosan-treated animals displayed an initial reduction of body weight but a persistent decrease in mass of both lower hindlimb muscles. Zymosan increased chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like proteasome activities in gastrocnemius at days 2 and 7 but in soleus at day 2 only. Activated caspases-3 and -9, polyubiquitin proteins, and 14-kDa fragments of myofibrillar actin (proteasome substrates) remained persistently increased from day 2 to day 14 in soleus but not in gastrocnemius. These results suggest that a relative proteasome deficiency in soleus is associated with a necrotizing phenotype during long-term critical illness. Rescuing proteasome clearance may offer a potential therapeutic option to prevent long-term functional disability in critically ill patients.
Effects of HIV-1 gp120 and TAT-derived microvesicles on endothelial cell function
Authors: Hijmans Jamie G. , Stockelman Kelly , Levy Ma’ayan , Brewster L. Madden , Bammert Tyler D. , Greiner Jared J. , Connick Elizabeth , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: February 2019

The aims of this study were twofold. The first was to determine if human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 glycoprotein (gp) 120 and transactivator of transcription (Tat) stimulate the release of endothelial microvesicles (EMVs). The second was to determine whether viral protein-induced EMVs are deleterious to endothelial cell function (inducing endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence and increasing apoptotic susceptibility). Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were treated with recombinant HIV-1 proteins Bal gp120 (R5), Lav gp120 (X4), or Tat. EMVs released in response to each viral protein were isolated and quantified. Fresh HAECs were treated with EMVs generated under control conditions and from each of the viral protein conditions for 24 h. EMV release was higher ( P < 0.05) in HAECs treated with R5 (141 ± 21 MV/µl),X4 (132 ± 20 MV/µl), and Tat (130 ± 20 MV/µl) compared with control (61 ± 13 MV/µl). Viral protein EMVs induced significantly higher endothelial cell release of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of cell adhesion molecules than control. Reactive oxygen species production was more pronounced ( P < 0.05) in the R5-, X4- and Tat-EMV-treated cells. In addition, viral protein-stimulated EMVs significantly augmented endothelial cell senescence and apoptotic susceptibility. Concomitant with these functional changes, viral protein-stimulated EMVs disrupted cell expression of micro-RNAs 34a, 126, 146a, 181b, 221, and miR-Let-7a ( P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that HIV-1 gp120 and Tat stimulate microvesicle release from endothelial cells, and these microvesicles confer pathological effects on endothelial cells by inducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and senescence as well as enhancing susceptibility to apoptosis. Viral protein-generated EMVs may contribute to the increased risk of vascular disease in patients with HIV-1.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-related proteins glycoprotein (gp) 120 and transactivator of transcription (Tat)-mediated endothelial damage and dysfunction are poorly understood. Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) serve as indicators and potent mediators of endothelial dysfunction. In the present study we determined if HIV-1 R5- and X4-tropic gp120 and Tat stimulate EMV release in vitro and if viral protein-induced EMVs are deleterious to endothelial cell function. gp120 and Tat induced a marked increase in EMV release. Viral protein-induced EMVs significantly increased endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptotic susceptibility in vitro. gp120- and Tat-derived EMVs promote a proinflammatory, pro-oxidative, prosenescent, and proapoptotic endothelial phenotype and may contribute to the endothelial damage and dysfunction associated with gp120 and Tat.
Colostrum of Preeclamptic Women Has a High Level of Polyphenols and Better Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Comparison to That of Healthy Women
Authors: Silberstein Tali , Hamou Batel , Cervil Shelly , Barak Tamar , Burg Ariela , Saphier Oshra
Published: February 2019

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication. Abnormal development of the placenta is the prevailing cause theory of this complication. Women with preeclampsia suffer from acute oxidative stress and high lipid oxidation in plasma. The aim of this study was to compare levels of polyphenols and lipid peroxidation in colostrum of nursing mothers with and without preeclampsia. The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Soroka University Medical Center. The study group consisting of 18 women, who were diagnosed with preeclampsia, was compared to the control group: 22 healthy women. The total phenolic content in the colostrum was determined by using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring MDA, using the TBARS assay. Polyphenol concentrations were significantly higher (about 33%) in the colostrum of the study group compared with the control group (p=0.00042). Lipid peroxidation levels (MDA) were significantly lower (about 20%) in the colostrum of the study group compared with the control group (p=0.03). Negative correlation was found between MDA concentration and the polyphenol level (R=−0.41, p=0.02). In conclusion, we showed in this study a potential compensation mechanism that protects the newborn of a mother with preeclampsia from the stress process experienced by its mother.
Effect of Solvents and Stabilizer Molar Ratio on the Growth Orientation of Sol-Gel-Derived ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Bekkari R. , Jaber B. , Labrim H. , Ouafi M. , Zayyoun N. , Laânab L.
Published: February 2019

This work targets to control the growth orientation of sol-gel-derived ZnO thin films in order to allow different modes of excitation (longitudinal and transverse) when targeted to be used in piezoelectric applications. For that, the effect of solvents and stabilizer molar ratio on the structural and optical characteristics of the obtained films is investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The XRD results show clearly that the synthesized films exhibit hexagonal wurtzite structure without any secondary phases and that the crystallite average size, estimated by the Scherrer formula, is ranged between 13 and 30 nm. The main finding of this work is to show that the control of the crystalline growth orientation is possible simply by varying the solvent nature and/or the stabilizer molar ratio. These later parameters are therefore considered as key factors when seeking to develop the ZnO-based transducers. Actually, the ZnO thin films synthesized with propanol as solvent are oriented only along the c-axis; meanwhile, when using the isopropanol or ethanol, other preferential orientations appear. Additionally, the effect of MEA molar ratio (r) has been studied on the propanol-derived films (the unfavorable case). It has been found that this parameter has a direct effect on the crystalline growth orientation of these films and that a new preferential orientation (100) appears at low r. On the other hand, SEM images show the formation of homogeneous nanocrystalline thin films with an average grain size ranged between 19 and 35 nm. Moreover, the ZnO thin films exhibit a high transparency in the visible region, and the measured transmittance is ranged from 85 to 97%. However, the change of ZnO film orientation has no significant effect on the direct bandgap energy which is closed to 3.30 eV.
A Greedy Sampling Design Algorithm for the Modal Calibration of Nodal Demand in Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Shao Yu , Chu Shipeng , Zhang Tuqiao , Yang Y. Jeffrey , Yu Tingchao
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a greedy optimization algorithm for sampling design to calibrate WDS hydraulic model. The proposed approach starts from the existing sensors and sequentially adds one new sensor at each optimization simulation step. In each step, the algorithm tries to minimize the calibration prediction uncertainty. The new sensor is installed in the location where the uncertainty is greatest but also sensitive to other nodes. The robustness of the proposed approach is tested under different spatial and temporal demand distribution. We found that both the number of sensors and the perturbation ratio affect the calibration accuracy as defined by the average nodal pressure deviation itself and its variability. The plot of the calibration accuracy versus the number of sensors can reasonably guide the trade‐off between model calibration accuracy and number of sensors placed or the cost. This proposed approach is superior in calibration accuracy and modeling efficiency when compared to the standard genetic algorithm (SGA) and Monte Carlo Sampling algorithm (MCS).
Optimization for U‐Shaped Steel Support in Deep Tunnels under Coupled Static‐Dynamic Loading
Authors: Zuo Yujun , Wang Jian , Dong Longjun , Shu Weiwei , Yu Meilu , Sun Wenjibin , Wu Zhonghu
Published: February 2019

With the effects of high geostress and intensive dynamic disturbances in deep mining, the stability and safety of tunnels are seriously affected. The optimization for U‐shaped steel support is of vital significance and can solve the problems of cost reduction and tunnel instability. Based on the perturbation equation, a coupled formula for U‐shaped steel and the surrounding rock mass was proposed to evaluate the practical stability of a U‐shaped steel support. Through a numerical simulation method, the characteristics of U‐shaped steel support can be obtained under coupled static‐dynamic loading. Furthermore, the field test was carried out and compared with the numerical simulation, which was discussed. The results show that there will be a stress concentration when the contact area is small. In addition, the concentrated stress will release with the increase in contact area. With the increase in the lateral stress coefficient, the deformation exhibits a downward trend under static loading, indicating that the lateral stress is the dominant force driving the deep geostress activity. The support requirement of this section of surrounding rock can be satisfied by a U‐shaped steel group with 1.5 m spacing under dynamic disturbance.
Comparison of Echocardiographic and Electrocardiographic Mapping for Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Optimisation
Authors: Pereira Helder , Jackson Tom A. , Claridge Simon , Behar Jonathan M. , Yao Cheng , Sieniewicz Benjamin , Gould Justin , Porter Bradley , Sidhu Baldeep , Gill Jaswinder , Niederer Steven , Rinaldi Christopher A.
Published: February 2019

Study hypothesis. We sought to investigate the association between echocardiographic optimisation and ventricular activation time in cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) patients, obtained through the use of electrocardiographic mapping (ECM). We hypothesised that echocardiographic optimisation of the pacing delay between the atrial and ventricular leads—atrioventricular delay (AVD)—and the delay between ventricular leads—interventricular pacing interval (VVD)—would correlate with reductions in ventricular activation time. Background. Optimisation of AVD and VVD may improve CRT patient outcome. Optimal delays are currently set based on echocardiographic indices; however, acute studies have found that reductions in bulk ventricular activation time correlate with improvements in acute haemodynamic performance. Materials and methods. Twenty-one patients with established CRT criteria were recruited. After implantation, patients underwent echo-guided optimisation of the AVD and VVD. During this procedure, the participants also underwent noninvasive ECM. ECM maps were constructed for each AVD and VVD. ECM maps were analysed offline. Total ventricular activation time (TVaT) and a ventricular activation time index (VaT10-90) were calculated to identify the optimal AVD and VVD timings that gave the minimal TVaT and VaT10-90 values. We correlated cardiac output with these electrical timings. Results. Echocardiographic programming optimisation was not associated with the greatest reductions in biventricular activation time (VaT10-90 and TVaT). Instead, bulk activation times were reduced by a further 20% when optimised with ECM. A significant inverse correlation was identified between reductions in bulk ventricular activation time and improvements in LVOT VTI (p<0.001), suggesting that improved ventricular haemodynamics are a sequelae of more rapid ventricular activation. Conclusions. EAM-guided programming optimisation may achieve superior fusion of activation wave fronts leading to improvements in CRT response.
Network Threats Mitigation Using Software-Defined Networking for the 5G Internet of Radio Light System
Authors: Cabaj Krzysztof , Gregorczyk Marcin , Mazurczyk Wojciech , Nowakowski Piotr , Żórawski Piotr
Published: February 2019

Currently 5G communication networks are envisioned to offer in a near future a wide range of high-quality services and unfaltering user experiences. In order to achieve this, several issues including security, privacy, and trust aspects need to be solved so that the 5G networks can be widely welcomed and accepted. Considering above, in this paper, we take a step towards these requirements by proposing a dedicated SDN-based integrated security framework for the Internet of Radio Light (IoRL) system that is following 5G architecture design. In particular, we present how TCP SYN-based scanning activities and DHCP-related network threats like Denial of Service (DoS), traffic eavesdropping, etc. can be detected and mitigated using such an approach. Enclosed experimental results prove that the proposed security framework is effective and efficient and thus can be considered as a promising defensive solution.
M2 Macrophages as a Potential Target for Antiatherosclerosis Treatment
Authors: Bi Ying , Chen Jixiang , Hu Feng , Liu Jing , Li Man , Zhao Lei
Published: February 2019

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive inflammation course, which could induce life-threatening diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Optimal medical treatments for atherosclerotic risk factors with current antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs (for example, statins) are widely used in clinical practice. However, many patients with established disease still continue to have recurrent cardiovascular events in spite of treatment with a state-of-the-art therapy. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Hence, current treatment of atherosclerosis is still far from being satisfactory. Recently, M2 macrophages have been found associated with atherosclerosis regression. The M2 phenotype can secrete anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10 and TGF-β, promote tissue remodeling and repairing through collagen formation, and clear dying cells and debris by efferocytosis. Therefore, modulators targeting macrophages’ polarization to the M2 phenotype could be another promising treatment strategy for atherosclerosis. Two main signaling pathways, the Akt/mTORC/LXR pathway and the JAK/STAT6 pathway, are found playing important roles in M2 polarization. In addition, researchers have reported several potential approaches to modulate M2 polarization. Inhibiting or activating some kinds of enzymes, affecting transcription factors, or acting on several membrane receptors could regulate the polarization of the M2 phenotype. Besides, biomolecules, for example vitamin D, were found to affect the process of M2 polarization. Pomegranate juice could promote M2 polarization via unclear mechanism. In this review, we will discuss how M2 macrophages affect atherosclerosis regression, signal transduction in M2 polarization, and outline potential targets and compounds that affect M2 polarization, thus controlling the progress of atherosclerosis.
Vitamins and Mineral Supplements for Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Zhao Ying , Feng Kai , Liu Ruibao , Pan Jinhua , Zhang Lailin , Lu Xuejing
Published: February 2019

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited progressive retinal dystrophies that is present with progressive vision loss, night blindness, visual field reduction, and retinal pigmentation of the fundus. RP is an uncommon but clinically important disease. It is progressive and potentially blinding, and to date, no cure for RP has been identified and clinical interventions to retard disease progression are limited. Because of the nature of this disease, there has been great interest in the development of therapeutic interventions that may prevent its progression or restore the loss of visual function. Studies have indicated a possible role of vitamins and minerals in preventing the progression of RP: vitamin A has been reported to have an important role in the function of retinal photoreceptors; lutein is assumed to play a preventive role in fundus diseases; and docosahexaenoic acid, which is found within photoreceptor cell membranes, may have a functional role in preventing the progression of RP. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the safety and efficacy of vitamins and mineral supplements for the treatment of RP. We searched through relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, AMED, OpenGrey, ISRCTN registry, http://ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO ICTRP ranging from the respective dates of foundation to June 18, 2018. We reviewed eight randomized control trials (RCTs) with data for 1231 patients. The results indicated that patients with RP may experience delayed disease progression with vitamin and mineral supplementation. In a broader sense, this review suggests that the future trials on RP patients should consider more vitamins or mineral supplements and other outcome measures from the trials included in this review.
Calcium Oscillatory Behavior and Its Possible Role during Wound Healing in Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells in Culture
Authors: Justet Cristian , Chifflet Silvia , Hernandez Julio A.
Published: February 2019

In epithelial layers in culture, immediately after an injury a fast calcium wave (FCW) propagates from the wound borders toward the rest of the monolayer. We show here that similarly to other tissues, during the FCW in bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells in culture many cells exhibit calcium oscillations mediated by IP3 signaling. In this study we perform a detailed characterization of this oscillatory behavior and explore its possible role in the process of wound healing. In previous work we showed that, in BCE cells in culture, the healing cells undergo two stages of caspase-dependent apoptosis, at approximately two and eight hours after wounding. We determined that inhibition of the FCW greatly increases the apoptotic rate of the two stages, suggesting that the wave prevents excessive apoptosis of the healing cells. Taking this into account, we investigated the possible participation of the calcium oscillations during the FCW in apoptosis of the healing cells. For this, we employed ARL-67156 (ARL), a weak competitive inhibitor of ecto-ATPases, and the calcium chelator EGTA. We show here that, in healing BCE cells, ARL enhances cellular calcium oscillations during the FCW, while EGTA decreases oscillations. We found that ARL produces a significant decrease (to about half the control value) in the apoptotic index of the first stage of apoptosis, while EGTA increases it. Neither drug noticeably affects the second stage. We have interpreted the effect of ARL on apoptosis as due to the maintenance of moderately risen ATP levels during the FCW, which is in turn the cause for the enhancement of ATP-dependent calcium oscillations. Correspondingly, EGTA would increase the apoptotic index of the first stage by promoting a decrease in the calcium oscillatory rate. The fact that the second stage of apoptosis is not affected by the drugs suggests that the two stages are at least partially subject to different signaling pathways.
Regulation of Skeletal Muscle DRP-1 and FIS-1 Protein Expression by IL-6 Signaling
Authors: Fix Dennis K. , VanderVeen Brandon N. , Counts Brittany R. , Carson James A.
Published: February 2019

IL-6 signals through the ubiquitously expressed glycoprotein 130 (gp130) transmembrane protein to activate intracellular signaling that includes signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Dynamin-1-like protein (DRP-1) and mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS-1) are key proteins in the process of mitochondrial fission and have emerged as IL-6-sensitive targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the regulation of DRP-1 and FIS-1 expression by IL-6 and gp130 signaling in myotubes and skeletal muscle. Fully differentiated C2C12 myotubes were treated with 100 ng of IL-6 for 24 hours in the presence of gp130siRNA, C188-9 (STAT3 inhibitor), or PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor). Male C57BL/6 (B6) and muscle-specific gp130 knockout mice (KO) had IL-6 systemically overexpressed for 2 weeks by transient transfection with 50 ng of an IL-6-expressing or control plasmid in the quadriceps muscles, and the tibialis anterior muscle was analyzed to determine systemic effects of IL-6. IL-6 induced DRP-1 and FIS-1 expression in myotubes 124% and 82% (p=.001) and in skeletal muscle 97% and 187% (p=.001). Myotube gp130 knockdown suppressed the IL-6 induction of DRP-1 68% (p=.002) and FIS-1 65% (p=.001). Muscle KO suppressed the IL-6 induction of DRP-1 220% (p=.001) and FIS-1 121% (p=.001). ERK1/2 inhibition suppressed the IL-6 induction of DRP-1 59% (p=.0003) and FIS-1 102% (p=.0001) in myotubes, while there was no effect of STAT3 inhibition. We report that chronically elevated IL-6 can directly induce DRP-1 and FIS-1 expression through gp130 signaling in cultured myotubes and skeletal muscle. Furthermore, ERK 1/2 signaling is necessary for the IL-6 induction of DRP-1 and FIS-1 expression in myotubes.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Protects Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons against Oxidative Insult
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohammad Sarif , Himeno Tatsuhito , Inoue Rieko , Miura-Yura Emiri , Yamada Yuichiro , Nakai-Shimoda Hiromi , Asano Saeko , Kato Makoto , Motegi Mikio , Kondo Masaki , Seino Yusuke , Tsunekawa Shin , Kato Yoshiro , Suzuki Atsushi , Naruse Keiko , Kato Koichi , Nakamura Jiro , Kamiya Hideki
Published: February 2019

Objective. Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is one of the most prevalent diabetic complications. We previously demonstrated that exendin-4 (Ex4), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), has beneficial effects in animal models of DPN. We hypothesized that GLP-1 signaling would protect neurons of the peripheral nervous system from oxidative insult in DPN. Here, the therapeutic potential of GLP-1RAs on DPN was investigated in depth using the cellular oxidative insult model applied to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal cell line. Research Design and Methods. Immortalized DRG neuronal 50B11 cells were cultured with and without hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of Ex4 or GLP-1(7-37). Cytotoxicity and viability were determined using a lactate dehydrogenase assay and MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium inner salt), respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activity was evaluated using a superoxide dismutase assay. Alteration of neuronal characteristics of 50B11 cells induced by GLP-1RAs was evaluated with immunocytochemistry utilizing antibodies for transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also examined by ethynyl deoxyuridine incorporation assay and APOPercentage dye, respectively. The neurite projection ratio induced by treatment with GLP-1RAs was counted. Intracellular activation of adenylate cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling was also quantified after treatment with GLP-1RAs. Results. Neither Ex4 nor GLP-1(7-37) demonstrated cytotoxicity in the cells. An MTS assay revealed that GLP-1RAs amended impaired cell viability induced by oxidative insult in 50B11 cells. GLP-1RAs activated superoxide dismutase. GLP-1RAs induced no alteration of the distribution pattern in neuronal markers. Ex4 rescued the cells from oxidative insult-induced apoptosis. GLP-1RAs suppressed proliferation and promoted neurite projections. No GLP-1RAs induced an accumulation of cAMP. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that GLP-1RAs have neuroprotective potential which is achieved by their direct actions on DRG neurons. Beneficial effects of GLP-1RAs on DPN could be related to these direct actions on DRG neurons.
Uniaxial Cyclic Tensile Stretching at 8% Strain Exclusively Promotes Tenogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Nam Hui Yin , Pingguan-Murphy Belinda , Abbas Azlina Amir , Merican Azhar Mahmood , Kamarul Tunku
Published: February 2019

The present study was conducted to establish the amount of mechanical strain (uniaxial cyclic stretching) required to provide optimal tenogenic differentiation expression in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) in vitro, in view of its potential application for tendon maintenance and regeneration. Methods. In the present study, hMSCs were subjected to 1 Hz uniaxial cyclic stretching for 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours; and were compared to unstretched cells. Changes in cell morphology were observed under light and atomic force microscopy. The tenogenic, osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation potential of hMSCs were evaluated using biochemical assays, extracellular matrix expressions, and selected mesenchyme gene expression markers; and were compared to primary tenocytes. Results. Cells subjected to loading displayed cytoskeletal coarsening, longer actin stress fiber, and higher cell stiffness as early as 6 hours. At 8% and 12% strains, an increase in collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and N-cadherin production was observed. Tenogenic gene expressions were highly expressed (p<0.05) at 8% (highest) and 12%, both comparable to tenocytes. In contrast, the osteoblastic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic marker genes appeared to be downregulated. Conclusion. Our study suggests that mechanical loading at 8% strain and 1 Hz provides exclusive tenogenic differentiation; and produced comparable protein and gene expression to primary tenocytes.
The APOE∗3-Leiden Heterozygous Glucokinase Knockout Mouse as Novel Translational Disease Model for Type 2 Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, and Diabetic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Pouwer Marianne G. , Heinonen Suvi E. , Behrendt Margareta , Andréasson Anne-Christine , van Koppen Arianne , Menke Aswin L. , Pieterman Elsbet J. , van den Hoek Anita M. , Jukema J. Wouter , Leighton Brendan , Jönsson-Rylander Ann-Cathrine , Princen Hans M. G.
Published: February 2019

Background. There is a lack of predictive preclinical animal models combining atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. APOE∗3-Leiden (E3L) mice are a well-established model for diet-induced hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, and glucokinase+/− (GK+/−) mice are a translatable disease model for glucose control in type 2 diabetes. The respective mice respond similarly to lipid-lowering and antidiabetic drugs as humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate/characterize the APOE∗3-Leiden.glucokinase+/− (E3L.GK+/−) mouse as a novel disease model to study the metabolic syndrome and diabetic complications. Methods. Female E3L.GK+/−, E3L, and GK+/− mice were fed fat- and cholesterol-containing diets for 37 weeks, and plasma parameters were measured throughout. Development of diabetic macro- and microvascular complications was evaluated. Results. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly elevated in E3L and E3L.GK+/− mice compared to GK+/− mice, whereas fasting glucose was significantly increased in E3L.GK+/− and GK+/− mice compared to E3L. Atherosclerotic lesion size was increased 2.2-fold in E3L.GK+/− mice as compared to E3L (p=0.037), which was predicted by glucose exposure (R2=0.636, p=0.001). E3L and E3L.GK+/− mice developed NASH with severe inflammation and fibrosis which, however, was not altered by introduction of the defective GK phenotype, whereas mild kidney pathology with tubular vacuolization was present in all three phenotypes. Conclusions. We conclude that the E3L.GK+/− mouse is a promising novel diet-inducible disease model for investigation of the etiology and evaluation of drug treatment on diabetic atherosclerosis.
Trends in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Types 16 and 18 in Cervical Precancers, 2008–2014
Authors: McClung Nancy M. , Gargano Julia W. , Bennett Nancy M. , Niccolai Linda M. , Abdullah Nasreen , Griffin Marie R. , Park Ina U. , Cleveland Angela A. , Querec Troy D. , Unger Elizabeth R. , Markowitz Lauri E.
Published: February 2019

Background:

The impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been observed in the United States through declining cervical precancer incidence in young women. To further evaluate vaccine impact, we described trends in HPV vaccine types 16/18 in cervical precancers, 2008–2014.

Methods:

We analyzed data from a 5-site, population-based surveillance system. Archived specimens from women age 18–39 years diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2–3 or adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN2+) were tested for 37 HPV types. We described the proportion and estimated number of cases of CIN2+ by HPV-type groups over time. Trends in HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ were examined, overall and by vaccination status, age, histologic grade, and race/ethnicity, using Cochrane–Armitage tests.

Results:

In 10,206 cases, the proportion and estimated number of cases of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ declined from 52.7% (1,235 cases) in 2008 to 44.1% (819 cases) in 2014 (P < 0.001). Declining trends in the proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ were observed among vaccinated (55.2%–33.3%, P < 0.001) and unvaccinated (51.0%–47.3%, P = 0.03) women; ages 18–20 (48.7%–18.8%, P = 0.02), 21–24 (53.8%–44.0%, P < 0.001), 25–29 (56.9%–42.4%, P < 0.001), and 30–34 (49.8%–45.8%, P = 0.04) years; CIN2 (40.8%–29.9%, P < 0.001) and CIN2/3 (61.8%–46.2%, P < 0.001); non-Hispanic white (59.5%–47.9%, P < 0.001) and non-Hispanic black (40.7%–26.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

From 2008–2014, the proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ declined, with the greatest declines in vaccinated women; declines in unvaccinated women suggest herd protection.

Impact:

The declining proportion of HPV16/18-positive CIN2+ provides additional evidence of vaccine impact in the United States.
ОЦІНКА ЯКОСТІ ЖИТТЯ ПАЛІАТИВНИХ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ОДЕСЬКОГО ОБЛАСНОГО ЦЕНТРУ СОЦІАЛЬНО ЗНАЧУЩИХ ХВОРОБ ЗА СИСТЕМОЮ EuroQol-5D-5L
Authors: Slobodenyuk K. M. , Bob A. O. , Ermakova N. O.
Published: February 2019

Вивчено якість життя пацієнтів із туберкульозом у поєднанні з ВІЛ/СНІДом на базі паліативного відділення Комунального некомерційного підприємства «Одеський обласний центр соціально значущих хвороб» за системою EuroQol-5D-5L.
NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Veronesi Giovanni , Costanzo Simona , Zeller Tanja , Schnabel Renate B. , de Curtis Amalia , Salomaa Veikko , Borchini Rossana , Ferrario Marco , Giampaoli Simona , Kee Frank , Söderberg Stefan , Niiranen Teemu , Kuulasmaa Kari , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta , Blankenberg Stefan , Iacoviello Licia ,   on behalf of the BiomarCaRE Investigators
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose—

NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and a marker of cardiac function used in the detection of heart failure. Given the link between cardiac dysfunction and stroke, NT-proBNP is a candidate marker of stroke risk. Our aim was to evaluate the association of NT-proBNP with stroke and to determine the predictive value beyond a panel of established risk factors.

Methods—

Based on the Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe-Consortium, we analyzed data of 58 173 participants (50% men; mean age 52 y) free of stroke from 6 community-based cohorts. NT-proBNP measurements were performed in the central Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Europe laboratory. The outcomes considered were total stroke and subtypes of stroke (ischemic/hemorrhagic).

Results—

During a median follow-up time of 7.9 years, we observed 1550 stroke events (1176 ischemic). Increasing quarters of the NT-proBNP distribution were associated with increasing risk of stroke (
P
for trend <0.0001; multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for risk factors and cardiac diseases). Individuals in the highest NT-proBNP quarter (NT-proBNP >82.2 pg/mL) had 2-fold (95% CI, 75%–151%) greater risk of stroke than individuals in the lowest quarter (NT-proBNP <20.4 pg/mL). The association remained unchanged when adjusted for interim coronary events during follow-up, and though it was somewhat heterogeneous across cohorts, it was highly homogenous according to cardiovascular risk profile or subtypes of stroke. The addition of NT-proBNP to a reference model increased the C-index discrimination measure by 0.006 (
P
=0.0005), yielded a categorical net reclassification improvement of 2.0% in events and 1.4% in nonevents and an integrated discrimination improvement of 0.007.

Conclusions—

In European individuals free of stroke, levels of NT-proBNP are positively associated with risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, independently from several other risk factors and conditions. The addition of NT-proBNP to variables of established risk scores improves prediction of stroke, with a medium effect size.
Cross-Generational Differences in Educational Outcomes in the Second Great Wave of Immigration
Authors: Figlio David , Özek Umut
Published: February 2019

We use matched birth records and longitudinal student records in Florida to investigate whether first-, second-, and third-generation Asian and Hispanic immigrants have different educational success (measured by test scores, disciplinary problems, truancy, high school graduation, and college readiness). We find that, for both Asian and Hispanic students, early-arriving first generation immigrants perform better than do second-generation immigrants, who perform better than third-generation immigrants. The earlier the arrival, the better the students tend to perform. There is therefore a general pattern of successively reduced achievement in the generations following the generation that immigrated to the United States.
Mirrored Orthogonal Sampling for Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategies
Authors: Wang Hao , Emmerich Michael , Bäck Thomas
Published: February 2019

Generating more evenly distributed samples in high dimensional search spaces is the major purpose of the recently proposed mirrored sampling technique for evolution strategies. The diversity of the mutation samples is enlarged and the convergence rate is therefore improved by the mirrored sampling. Motivated by the mirrored sampling technique, this article introduces a new derandomized sampling technique called mirrored orthogonal sampling. The performance of this new technique is both theoretically analyzed and empirically studied on the sphere function. In particular, the mirrored orthogonal sampling technique is applied to the well-known Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES). The resulting algorithm is experimentally tested on the well-known Black-Box Optimization Benchmark (BBOB). By comparing the results from the benchmark, mirrored orthogonal sampling is found to outperform both the standard CMA-ES and its variant using mirrored sampling.
Planothidium sheathii, a new monoraphid diatom species from rivers in California, USA
Authors: STANCHEVA ROSALINA
Published: February 2019

Planothidium sheathii sp. nov., a new species from rivers in California, USA, is described based on light and scanning electron microscopy. P. sheathii has broadly lanceolate to elliptic valves with obtusely rounded apices and a unique combination of morphological features, as follows: 1) cavum with broad hood aperture that flares out at the valve margin with open borders fused with the neighboring virgae on SV, 2) multiseriate striae, composed of five to six rows of same sized areolae on both valves, interrupted at valve mantle junction, and 3) areolae groups on valve mantle, with rounded areolae on RV, and rounded and elongated areolae on SV. Valve morphology of P. sheathii is discussed in comparison with similar freshwater taxa, from which the new species is clearly distinct.
Afroestricus, a new Afrotropical Ommatine (Diptera: Asilidae) genus with twenty species and two species groups
Authors: SCARBROUGH AUBREY G.
Published: February 2019

The new genus Afroestricus (Diptera: Asilidae) with 20 species, is described. Included are: A. abyssinia sp. n.; A. chiastoneurus (Speiser), A. eminentis, sp. n.; A. fulaui, sp. n.; A. hamulus, sp. n.; A. insectaris, sp. n.; A. kimerus, sp. n.; A. macroscelis (Bezzi), A. minutus (Bromley), A. morani, sp. n.; A. persuasus (Oldroyd), A. sadaukii, sp. n.; A. sankofa, sp. n.; A. variabilis (Engel), A. varipes (Curran), A. velatus, sp. n.; A. verutus, sp. n.; A. victus, sp. n.; A. vittatus (Curran), and A. vorax, sp. n. Afroestricus is distinctive in the following combination of characters: moderately gibbose face; frons with a wide, lateral, stripe of numerous setae; fore femur with a stout preapical, anteroventral bristle; and a prominent epiphallus that conceals the distiphallus dorsally, characters that are not congruent with Ommatius. New combinations include: A. chiastoneurus, A. macroscelis, A. minutus, A. persuasus, A. variabilis, A. varipes, and A. vittatus. New synonymies include: senax Bromley = chiastroneurus Speiser; munroi Bromley and bevisi Bromley = variabilis Engel; and garambensis Oldroyd = varipes Curran. The species are assigned to the macroscelis and minutus species groups based largely upon wing venation. The genus is largely confined to the Afrotropical region, between 17°N and 31°S latitude, with only the range of A. vittatus extending into western Yemen. The species show a relatively high level of sympatry. Descriptions, illustrations, and a key to the species are included. A brief discussion of the distribution and phenology of the species and a provisional key to the current Afrotropical genera and subgenera of Ommatiinae are also provided.
On the cranial morphology of Elapomorphus, Phalotris and Apostolepis (Serpentes: Colubridae), and its phylogenetic significance
Authors: HOFSTADLER-DEIQUES CLARICE , DE LEMA THALES
Published: February 2019

The skull of Elapomorphus quinquelineatus is described in detail and the phylogenetic relationships among the neotropical snakes Apostolepis, Elapomorphus and Phalotris are studied based on 17 skull characters and 3 external morphological characters. Representants of the subfamily Xenodontinae were included in this work for phylogenetic comparisons. The results indicate elapomorphine snakes form a clade supported by 3 synapomorphies, which, in turn, is closely related to representatives of the African Atractaspididae, this latter assemblage being supported by 9 synapomorphies. The revalidation of the name Elapomorphinae Jan 1862, as subfamily of the Colubridae is proposed.
Rudimentary halteres of some flightless female Phoridae (Diptera) reassessed, and some taxonomic implications
Authors: DISNEY R. HENRY L.
Published: February 2019

The supposed rudimentary halteres of the flightless females of the Neotropical Ecituncula halterata Borgmeier and genus Pulicimyia Borgmeier are reinterpreted as wing rudiments. Consequently E. halterata is transferred to the genus Ecitophora Schmitz, creating a junior synonym of E. breviptera Disney. Pulicimyia is synonymised with Puliciphora Dahl and the resulting Puliciphora modesta (Borgmeier) comb. nov. makes a homonym with the Afrotropical P. modesta (Disney), which is therefore renamed P. etiamodesta nom. nov. The replacement name P. edaphomyia nom. nov. is proposed for the Afrotropical P. nigriventris (Borgmeier), as the name is preoccupied by an older synonym of a widely distributed Old World species. The Neotropical Homalophora epichaeta Borgmeier is transferred to Puliciphora, with the consequent synonymy of P. mexicanae Disney with this species. The Neotropical P. sobria Borgmeier is reported from the Nearctic Region, and P. cavatica Disney is synonymised with it. P. jacquemarti sp. nov. is described from Puerto Rico. A revised key to Nearctic Puliciphora females is provided.
Scorpaena bulacephala, a new species of scorpionfish (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) from the northern Tasman Sea
Authors: MOTOMURA HIROYUKI , LAST PETER R. , YEARSLEY GORDON K.
Published: February 2019

A new species of small-sized scorpionfish, Scorpaena bulacephala, is described on the basis of seven specimens collected from off Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands, northern Tasman Sea, southwestern Pacific Ocean, at depths of 86–113 m. The new species is closely related to a Hawaiian endemic species, S. colorata. The two species are distinguished from other Indo–Pacific species of Scorpaena by the following combination of characters: exposed cycloid scales covering the anteroventral surface of the body and pectoral-fin base, the lateral surface of the lacrimal without spines, and 17 pectoral-fin rays. The new species differs from S. colorata in having 39–44 longitudinal scales rows and relatively short fin spines and rays, especially short longest pectoral-fin ray (31.5–33.5% of standard length). Morphological changes with growth and sexual dimorphism of the new species are also discussed.