bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing the Double-Precision Floating-Point Computing Power of GPUs for RSA Acceleration
Authors: Dong Jiankuo , Zheng Fangyu , Pan Wuqiong , Lin Jingqiang , Jing Jiwu , Zhao Yuan
Published: September 2017

Asymmetric cryptographic algorithm (e.g., RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography) implementations on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have been researched for over a decade. The basic idea of most previous contributions is exploiting the highly parallel GPU architecture and porting the integer-based algorithms from general-purpose CPUs to GPUs, to offer high performance. However, the great potential cryptographic computing power of GPUs, especially by the more powerful floating-point instructions, has not been comprehensively investigated in fact. In this paper, we fully exploit the floating-point computing power of GPUs, by various designs, including the floating-point-based Montgomery multiplication/exponentiation algorithm and Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) implementation in GPU. And for practical usage of the proposed algorithm, a new method is performed to convert the input/output between octet strings and floating-point numbers, fully utilizing GPUs and further promoting the overall performance by about 5%. The performance of RSA-2048/3072/4096 decryption on NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN reaches 42,211/12,151/5,790 operations per second, respectively, which achieves 13 times the performance of the previous fastest floating-point-based implementation (published in Eurocrypt 2009). The RSA-4096 decryption precedes the existing fastest integer-based result by 23%.
Constrained Quadratic Programming and Neurodynamics‐Based Solver for Energy Optimization of Biped Walking Robots
Authors: Wang Liyang , Chen Ming , Jiang Xiangkui , Wang Wei
Published: September 2017

The application of biped robots is always trapped by their high energy consumption. This paper makes a contribution by optimizing the joint torques to decrease the energy consumption without changing the biped gaits. In this work, a constrained quadratic programming (QP) problem for energy optimization is formulated. A neurodynamics‐based solver is presented to solve the QP problem. Differing from the existing literatures, the proposed neurodynamics‐based energy optimization (NEO) strategy minimizes the energy consumption and guarantees the following three important constraints simultaneously: (i) the force‐moment equilibrium equation of biped robots, (ii) frictions applied by each leg on the ground to hold the biped robot without slippage and tipping over, and (iii) physical limits of the motors. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed strategy is effective for energy‐efficient biped walking.
Application of Fluorescent Label in Polymer Nanofibers
Authors: Zarybnicka Lucie , Bacovska Radka , Nadvornikova Zuzana , Almonasy Numan , Syrovy Tomas
Published: September 2017

The electrospinning of fluorescent probe polyamide 6 doped by 7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]isoquinolin-7-on is presented as a model processing photoluminescent nanofibers. The presence of the fluorescent probe in the fiber layers was confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR); the surface nanofiber structure was described by high-resolution fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope images. The prepared nanofibers with the fluorescent label were further characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, both in the solid phase and in the solution.
Pretreatment Liver Injury Predicts Poor Prognosis of DLBCL Patients
Authors: Shi Qing , Shen Rong , Wang Chao-Fu , Fan Xing , Qian Ying , Ou-Yang Bin-Shen , Zhao Yan , Leboeuf Christophe , Janin Anne , Cheng Shu , Wang Li , Zhao Wei-Li
Published: September 2017

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous group of lymphoma, with different clinical manifestation and prognosis. The International Prognostic Index (IPI), an index designed during the prerituximab era for aggressive lymphoma, showed variable values in the prediction of patient clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic value and causes of pretreatment liver injury in 363 de novo DLBCL patients in our institution. Pretreatment liver impairment, commonly detected in lymphoma patients, showed significant association with poor outcomes and increased serum inflammatory cytokines in DLBCL patients but had no relation to hepatitis B virus replication nor lymphomatous hepatic infiltration. Multivariate analysis revealed that liver dysfunction, advanced Ann Arbor stage, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were independent adverse prognostic factors of both PFS and OS. Accordingly, a new liver-IPI prognostic model was designed by adding liver injury as an important factor in determining IPI score. Based on Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS and OS, the liver-IPI showed better stratification in DLBCL patients than either the IPI or the revised IPI in survival prediction.
Follow-Up and Risk Assessment in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Gligorijević Tatjana , Ševarac Zoran , Milovanović Branislav , Đajić Vlado , Zdravković Marija , Hinić Saša , Arsić Marina , Aleksić Milica
Published: September 2017

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are machine learning technique, inspired by the principles found in biological neurons. This technique has been used for prediction and classification problems in many areas of medical signal processing. The aim of this paper was to identify individuals with high risk of death after acute myocardial infarction using ANN. A training dataset for ANN was 1705 consecutive patients who underwent 24-hour ECG monitoring, short ECG analysis, noninvasive beat-to-beat heart-rate variability, and baroreflex sensitivity that were followed for 3 years. The proposed neural network classifier showed good performance for survival prediction: 88% accuracy, 81% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 0.85 F-measure, and area under the curve value of 0.77. These findings support the theory that patients with high sympathetic activity (reduced baroreflex sensitivity) have an increased risk of mortality independent of other risk factors and that artificial neural networks can indicate the individuals with a higher risk.
Middermal Elastolysis: Dermal Fibroblasts Cooperate with Inflammatory Cells to the Elastolytic Disorder
Authors: De Cunto Giovanna , Lamberti Arianna , de Santi Maria Margherita , Miracco Clelia , Fimiani Michele , Lungarella Giuseppe , Cavarra Eleonora
Published: September 2017

Little is known about the cause and pathophysiology of middermal elastolysis (MDE). In this condition, variable inflammatory infiltrate may be present or not together with loss of elastic fibres in the middermis that spares both papillary and lower reticular dermis. MDE may be a consequence of abnormal extracellular matrix degradation related to an imbalance between elastolytic enzymes released from inflammatory and resident cells and their naturally occurring inhibitors. However, the cause of this imbalance is still an object of investigation. In order to shed light on the role of fibroblasts in MDE, we used fibroblast cultures from MDE and control subjects to evaluate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their major inhibitor TIMP-1, which in combination with neutrophil or macrophage proteases released in inflamed areas may influence the elastolytic burden. We demonstrate that fibroblasts derived from MDE produce in vitro low levels of TIMP-1, the major inhibitor of MMPs. Elevated levels of MMP-2, MMP-14, and TIMP-2 capable to activate in a cooperative manner pro-MMP-2 are present in MDE tissue samples. Additionally, significant reaction for MMP-1 is present in the same MDE areas. These data all together suggest that ECM changes in MDE are due to cooperation of different cell populations (i.e., inflammatory cells and fibroblasts).
Association between Body Composition and Motor Performance in Preschool Children
Authors: Kakebeeke Tanja H. , Lanzi Stefano , Zysset Annina E. , Arhab Amar , Messerli-Bürgy Nadine , Stuelb Kerstin , Leeger-Aschmann Claudia S. , Schmutz Einat A. , Meyer Andrea H. , Kriemler Susi , Munsch Simone , Jenni Oskar G. , Puder Jardena J.
Published: September 2017

Objective: Being overweight makes physical movement more difficult. Our aim was to investigate the association between body composition and motor performance in preschool children. Methods: A total of 476 predominantly normal-weight preschool children (age 3.9 ± 0.7 years; m/f: 251/225; BMI 16.0 ± 1.4 kg/m2) participated in the Swiss Preschoolers' Health Study (SPLASHY). Body composition assessments included skinfold thickness, waist circumference (WC), and BMI. The Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA) was used to assess gross and fine motor tasks. Results: After adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic status, sociocultural characteristics, and physical activity (assessed with accelerometers), skinfold thickness and WC were both inversely correlated with jumping sideward (gross motor task β-coefficient -1.92, p = 0.027; and -3.34, p = 0.014, respectively), while BMI was positively correlated with running performance (gross motor task β-coefficient 9.12, p = 0.001). No significant associations were found between body composition measures and fine motor tasks. Conclusion: The inverse associations between skinfold thickness or WC and jumping sideward indicates that children with high fat mass may be less proficient in certain gross motor tasks. The positive association between BMI and running suggests that BMI might be an indicator of fat-free (i.e., muscle) mass in predominately normal-weight preschool children.
Validation and Potential of Albumin-Bilirubin Grade and Prognostication in a Nationwide Survey of 46,681 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Japan: The Need for a More Detailed Evaluation of Hepatic Function
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Michitaka Kojiro , Kumada Takashi , Izumi Namiki , Kadoya Masumi , Kokudo Norihiro , Kubo Shoji , Matsuyama Yutaka , Nakashima Osamu , Sakamoto Michiie , Takayama Tadatoshi , Kokudo Takashi , Kashiwabara Kosuke , Kudo Masatoshi ,   The Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Published: September 2017

Background/Aim: Recently, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scoring/grading, consisting of only albumin and total bilirubin, has been proposed. We examined the efficacy of this grading system for determining hepatic function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods/Materials: The prognoses of 46,681 HCC patients based on results obtained from a nationwide survey conducted in Japan from 2001 to 2007 were evaluated using (1) Japan Integrated Staging (JIS), consisting of Child-Pugh classification and TNM staging (TNM), (2) modified JIS (m-JIS), consisting of liver damage grading and TNM, and (3) ALBI-TNM (ALBI-T), consisting of ALBI grading and TNM, and the results were compared. A subanalysis was also performed to define a cutoff value for ALBI scores for a more detailed stratification of hepatic function. Results: ALBI-T, JIS, and m-JIS each showed good capacity for the stratification of prognoses. Although the Akaike information criterion for ALBI-T was nearly equal to that for JIS and m-JIS, the Kaplan-Meier curves and median survival times obtained with ALBI-T were always superior to the corresponding scores. When the indocyanine green retention test (<30%) was used as an additional cutoff value for ALBI score (-2.270, area under the curve 0.828) to divide ALBI grade into 4 levels (modified ALBI [mALBI] grade), mALBI grade was able to stratify the prognosis of patients at any TNM stage in order of grade. Modified ALBI-T (mALBI-T), using mALBI grading and TNM, produced a more detailed stratification for prognosis. Conclusion: The predictive value for prognosis of ALBI-T was found to be equal to that of JIS and m-JIS. In addition, mALBI grading and mALBI-T, as proposed in the present study, might provide a more detailed assessment of the hepatic function and prognosis of HCC patients.
Behavioural Variability in Macaques and Langurs of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Erinjery Joseph J. , Kavana Theethira S. , Singh Mewa
Published: September 2017

Studies that compare differences in the behavioural variability across species and genera are rare among south Asian primates. Such studies are important for understanding within-group feeding competition in primates as interindividual difference in frequency of behaviour is a good indicator of feeding competition. We compared the variability in individual activities of lion-tailed macaques, bonnet macaques, Nilgiri langurs, and black-footed grey langurs. Both macaque species showed variability in their activities, with bonnet macaques showing higher variability than lion-tailed macaques. This indicated higher within-group competition in bonnet macaques than in lion-tailed macaques. Folivorous Nilgiri langurs and black-footed grey langurs did not show variability in any behaviour, indicating weak or negligible within-group competition. Except in the bonnet macaque, the interindividual differences in activities in the other species were potentially due to the differences between lactating and non-lactating females. We observed that langurs were less variable than macaques, indicating higher within-group competition in macaques than in langurs. We also observed a higher frequency of aggressive interactions during feeding among macaques than langurs, substantiating higher within-group competition in macaques than in langurs. We further discuss the different possibilities of within-group contest and scramble competition in these species.
Effect of Shikonin on Spinal Cord Injury in Rats Via Regulation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-kB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bi Yihui , Zhu Yapeng , Zhang Mingkai , Zhang Keke , Hua Xingyi , Fang Zheng , Zhou Jian , Dai Wenjie , Cui Yixing , Li Jun , You Tao
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Shikonin, a compound extracted from Zicao, has been demonstrated to hold anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities in various diseases and it has been shown to protect human organs from injuries. However, the effect of shikonin on the recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unknown. This study was designed to estimate the potential therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of shikonin on SCI in vivo. Methods: In the study, we used HE staining, ELISA assay, transfection assay, TUNEL assay, real time PCR and Western blot to detect the effects of shikonin on spinal cord injury in rats. Results: we showed that shikonin could promote the recovery of motor function and tissue repair after SCI treatment in rats SCI model. Moreover, we demonstrated that shikonin inhibited the spinal cord edema in SCI model of rats. According to further investigation, shikonin induced the reduction of inflammatory response through decreasing the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4 and NF-κB after SCI injury. In addition, we also found that shikonin could suppress the apoptosis and expression of caspase-3 protein in SCI model of rats. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that shikonin induced the recovery of tissue repair and motor function via inactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in SCI model of rats. Meanwhile, shikonin regulated the inflammation response in SCI by suppressing the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. The described mechanism sheds novel light on molecular signaling pathway in spinal cord injury and secondary injury including inflammatory response.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Mediates Fibroblast Growth Factor-Inducible 14 Signaling
Authors: Wang Xuening , Xiao Shengxiang , Xia Yumin
Published: September 2017

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) engages its sole receptor, fibroblast growth factor–inducible 14 (Fn14), which participates in various inflammatory and immunologic processes. TWEAK/Fn14 interaction induces different cell fates depending on the local microenvironment, which correlates with certain expression profiles of TNF receptors (TNFR). The predominant expression of TNFR1 or TNFR2 facilitates cell death or proliferation, respectively, on TWEAK/Fn14 activation. TNFR-associated factors (TRAF) interact with Fn14, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein (cIAP)-1, and TNFR, consequently transducing signals from TWEAK to downstream cytokines and cell cycle mediators. An Fn14-TRAF2-TNFR axis has been suggested in the function of TWEAK/Fn14 signaling, which may serve as a target in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for many diseases that have Fn14-overexpressing cells in affected tissues. The aims of this review are: 1) to present the main results on TWEAK/Fn14 regulation of cell fates, 2) to analyze the mechanism of the Fn14-TRAF2-TNFR axis, and 3) to summarize the potential strategies in the pharmacologic targeting of this axis.
Dihydroartemisinin and Curcumin Synergistically Induce Apoptosis in SKOV3 Cells Via Upregulation of MiR-124 Targeting Midkine
Authors: Zhao Jiaojiao , Pan Yuchen , Li Xiujun , Zhang Xuefang , Xue Yaxian , Wang Tingting , Zhao Shuli , Hou Yayi
Published: September 2017

Background/Aim: Women with advanced ovarian carcinoma are less likely to receive platinum-based chemotherapy and surgery due to a greater risk of cytotoxicity and poorer outcomes. We attempted to improve a promising therapy against ovarian cancer by using a combination of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and curcumin (Cur). Methods: Human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells were treated with DHA, Cur alone, or a combination of both. The viability of SKOV3 cells was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and a colony formation assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis of SKOV3 cells were monitored by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of target genes were respectively examined by qRT-PCR and western blot. The biological effects of miR-124 on midkine (MK) were verified by a luciferase activity analysis. Results: Combined treatment of DHA and Cur synergistically decreased cell viability, arrested cell cycle, and promoted apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. Moreover, it significantly attenuated the expression of oncogene MK and synergistically upregulated the expression of miR-124. Furthermore, miR-124 was verified to bind directly to the 3ʹ-untranslated region of MK mRNA, resulting in mRNA degradation and reduced MK protein levels. The combination of DHA with Cur significantly inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice without obvious toxicity. Conclusion: Co-treatment with DHA and Cur exhibited a synergistic anti-tumor effect on SKOV3 cells both in vitro and in vivo.
Exosomes from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hiPSC-MSCs) Protect Liver against Hepatic Ischemia/ Reperfusion Injury via Activating Sphingosine Kinase and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling Pathway
Authors: Du Yingdong , Li Dawei , Han Conghui , Wu Haoyu , Xu Longmei , Zhang Ming , Zhang Jianjun , Chen Xiaosong
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exosomes produced by human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hiPSC-MSCs-Exo) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Exosomes derived from hiPSC-MSCs were isolated and characterized both biochemically and biophysically. hiPSC-MSCs-Exo were injected systemically into a murine ischemia/reperfusion injury model via the inferior vena cava, and then the therapeutic effects were evaluated. The serum levels of transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as histological changes were examined. Primary hepatocytes and human hepatocyte cell line HL7702 were used to test whether exosomes could induce hepatocytes proliferation in vitro. In addition, the expression levels of proliferation markers (proliferation cell nuclear antigen, PCNA; Phosphohistone-H3, PHH3) were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Moreover, SK inhibitor (SKI-II) and S1P1 receptor antagonist (VPC23019) were used to investigate the role of sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate-dependent pathway in the effects of hiPSC-MSCs-Exo on hepatocytes. Results: hiPSCs were efficiently induced into hiPSC-MSCs that had typical MSC characteristics. hiPSC-MSCs-Exo had diameters ranging from 100 to 200 nm and expressed exosome markers (Alix, CD63 and CD81). After hiPSC-MSCs-Exo administration, hepatocyte necrosis and sinusoidal congestion were markedly suppressed in the ischemia/reperfusion injury model, with lower histopathological scores. The levels of hepatocyte injury markers AST and ALT were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to control, and the expression levels of proliferation markers (PCNA and PHH3) were greatly induced after hiPSC-MSCs-Exo administration. Moreover, hiPSC-MSCs-Exo also induced primary hepatocytes and HL7702 cells proliferation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. We found that hiPSC-MSCs-Exo could directly fuse with target hepatocytes or HL7702 cells and increase the activity of sphingosine kinase and synthesis of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Furthermore, the inhibition of SK1 or S1P1 receptor completely abolished the protective and proliferative effects of hiPSC-MSCs-Exo on hepatocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that hiPSC-MSCs-Exo could alleviate hepatic I/R injury via activating sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway in hepatocytes and promote cell proliferation. These findings represent a novel mechanism that potentially contributes to liver regeneration and have important implications for new therapeutic approaches to acute liver disease.
Liquid Biopsy Prevents Inaccurate Her2 Status Determination by in situ Hybridization in a Patient with Invasive Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Breast: Case Report
Authors: Tzeng Yen-Dun Tony  , Chang Shih-En , Mei Rui , Javey  Manana 
Published: September 2017

Utilization of circulating tumor DNA as a novel and noninvasive test for diagnosis confirmation, therapy selection, and cancer surveillance is a rapidly growing area of interest. In the wake of FDA approval of a liquid biopsy test, it is important for clinicians to acknowledge the obvious clinical utility of liquid biopsy for cancer management throughout the course of the disease. This case report describes a female with invasive ductal adenocarcinoma of the breast, where liquid biopsy was instrumental for her cancer characterization and personalized therapy selection.
Reduced Drinking in Alcohol Dependence Treatment, What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Mann Karl , Aubin Henri-Jean , Witkiewitz Katie
Published: September 2017

Abstinence from alcohol has been the prevailing treatment goal for individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) within the context of specialty alcohol treatment. Yet, alcohol use has been conceptualized as existing on a continuum. Importantly, most people who meet criteria for AD and could benefit from treatment never receive treatment. About half of these individuals do not seek treatment because they report a desire to continue drinking. To increase acceptability of treatment, reductions in alcohol consumption have been examined as alternative outcomes in treatment trials for AD. The current study reviews data which indicate that long-term reduction in alcohol consumption among patients with AD is possible. Controlled studies have tested reduced alcohol consumption and show sustained improvements in drinking reductions for many patients following behavioral treatments and pharmacotherapy. Evidence-based treatment guidelines and medicines development guidance authorities have taken note of these developments and accept “intermediate harm reduction” (European Medicines Agency) or “low-risk drinking limits” (US Federal Drug Administration) as optional trial endpoints. In conclusion, while abstinence remains the safest treatment goal for individuals with AD, evidence supports that reduced drinking approaches may be an important extension in the treatment of AD.
EMC10 (Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Protein Complex Subunit 10) Is a Bone Marrow–Derived Angiogenic Growth Factor Promoting Tissue Repair After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Reboll Marc R. , Korf-Klingebiel Mortimer , Klede Stefanie , Polten Felix , Brinkmann Eva , Reimann Ines , Schönfeld Hans-Joachim , Bobadilla Maria , Faix Jan , Kensah George , Gruh Ina , Klintschar Michael , Gaestel Matthias , Niessen Hans W. , Pich Andreas , Bauersachs Johann , Gogos Joseph A. , Wang Yong , Wollert Kai C.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Clinical trials of bone marrow cell–based therapies after acute myocardial infarction (MI) have produced mostly neutral results. Treatment with specific bone marrow cell–derived secreted proteins may provide an alternative biological approach to improving tissue repair and heart function after MI. We recently performed a bioinformatic secretome analysis in bone marrow cells from patients with acute MI and discovered a poorly characterized secreted protein, EMC10 (endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein complex subunit 10), showing activity in an angiogenic screen.

Methods:

We investigated the angiogenic potential of EMC10 and its mouse homolog (Emc10) in cultured endothelial cells and infarcted heart explants. We defined the cellular sources and function of Emc10 after MI using wild-type,
Emc10
-deficient, and
Emc10
bone marrow–chimeric mice subjected to transient coronary artery ligation. Furthermore, we explored the therapeutic potential of recombinant Emc10 delivered by osmotic minipumps after MI in heart failure–prone FVB/N mice.

Results:

Emc10 signaled through small GTPases, p21-activated kinase, and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)–MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) pathway to promote actin polymerization and endothelial cell migration. Confirming the importance of these signaling events in the context of acute MI, Emc10 stimulated endothelial cell outgrowth from infarcted mouse heart explants via p38 MAPK-MK2. Emc10 protein abundance was increased in the infarcted region of the left ventricle and in the circulation of wild-type mice after MI. Emc10 expression was also increased in left ventricular tissue samples from patients with acute MI. Bone marrow–derived monocytes and macrophages were the predominant sources of Emc10 in the infarcted murine heart.
Emc10
KO mice showed no cardiovascular phenotype at baseline. After MI, however, capillarization of the infarct border zone was impaired in KO mice, and the animals developed larger infarct scars and more pronounced left ventricular remodeling compared with wild-type mice. Transplanting KO mice with wild-type bone marrow cells rescued the angiogenic defect and ameliorated left ventricular remodeling. Treating FVB/N mice with recombinant Emc10 enhanced infarct border-zone capillarization and exerted a sustained beneficial effect on left ventricular remodeling.

Conclusions:

We have identified Emc10 as a previously unknown angiogenic growth factor that is produced by bone marrow–derived monocytes and macrophages as part of an endogenous adaptive response that can be enhanced therapeutically to repair the heart after MI.
Revalidation and redescription of Feltia deprivata (Walker) (= bilitura of authors) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a pest species on South America
Authors: BLAS GERMÁN SAN , AGRAÍN FEDERICO
Published: September 2017

Agrotis bilitura Guenée (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is cited on numerous works as a pest species in South America and as senior synonym of Feltia deprivata (Walker). Previous studies noted that both species were not synonymies, but valid species. The revision of type material of these species allow us to regard both species as valid species belonging to different genera. In the present work, we revalidate F. deprivata, giving a complete description of the morphological characters for male and female adults. As stated on previous works, we also support that A. bilitura belongs within the genus Pseudoleucania Staudinger, proposing the following nomenclatural changes: Pseudoleucania bilitura (Guenée) stat. rev., also lectotypes of Lycophotia atrifascia Hampson were designated in order to definitely provide name-bearing types to the type material studied and to stabilize nomenclature. Finally, we carry out a revision of all the literature concluding that the actual pest species in South America is F. deprivata not P. bilitura, and updating and correcting the distributional and hosts plant information for F. deprivata.
Thyroid Function Testing in Neonates With Maternal History of Disease
Authors: Underland Lisa , Kenigsberg Lisa , Derrick Kristina M. , Crespi Rebecca , Kaushal Tara , Lam Leslie
Published: September 2017

Maternal history of thyroid disease can cause congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid-stimulatng hormone (TSH) blocking antibodies. No guidelines exist regarding testing beyond the newborn screen. TSH and T4 levels exhibit significant fluctuations after birth which complicates testing. A total of 561 newborns with thyroid function testing done for maternal history of thyroid disease in the newborn nursery were identified retrospectively via chart review, and thyroid disease status was assessed in 352. Newborn screening data were also obtained. Of these infants, 7 had hypothyroidism with 3 having negative newborn screens. No cases of neonatal graves were identified. The 3 infants with negative newborn screens had TSH levels ranging from 6.58 to 28.4 prior to treatment with levothyroxine. All required treatment beyond age 3 years, despite trial off levothyroxine. Infants with maternal history of thyroid disease may require additional testing beyond the newborn screen. However, providers can consider delaying test until after thyroid levels are more stable.
Examining a Statewide Educational Consulting Program for Pediatric Brain Injury
Authors: Myers Rachel K. , Eagan-Brown Brenda L. , Conway Alexandra T. , Nagele Drew A. , Vaccaro Monica J. , Kendi Sadiqa , Zonfrillo Mark R.
Published: September 2017

This study describes characteristics of students with acquired brain injury enrolled in a statewide educational consultation program and the program’s support activities. Utilizing deidentified data from a statewide brain injury school consultation program, descriptive analyses of demographic and injury characteristics, including medical diagnosis (concussion/mild traumatic brain injury [TBI], moderate-severe TBI, and non-TBI), referral characteristics, educational placement, and the types of program activities were undertaken. 70% of students were referred for concussions/mild TBI and students were infrequently referred by medical professionals. Most students with concussion/mild TBI experienced recreational injuries (59%), while students with moderate/severe TBI commonly experienced road traffic injuries (48%). The greatest proportion of program team members’ time was spent in consultation with school personnel (24%), communication with families (20%), and communication with school personnel (16%). Results suggest that the program addresses important communication and coordination needs among families, medical professionals, and educators and identifies opportunities to enhance program utilization.
On Misconceptions and the Limited Usefulness of Ordinal Alpha
Authors: Chalmers R. Philip
Published: September 2017

This article discusses the theoretical and practical contributions of Zumbo, Gadermann, and Zeisser’s family of ordinal reliability statistics. Implications, interpretation, recommendations, and practical applications regarding their ordinal measures, particularly ordinal alpha, are discussed. General misconceptions relating to this family of ordinal reliability statistics are highlighted, and arguments for interpreting ordinal alpha as a measure of hypothetical reliability, as opposed to observed reliability, are presented. It is concluded that ordinal alpha should not be used in routine reliability analyses and reports, and instead should be understood as hypothetical tool, similar to the Spearman–Brown prophecy formula, for theoretically increasing the number of ordinal categorical response options in future applied testing applications.
Emotions, Empathy, and Engagement with God in Revelation 6:9–11
Authors: Seal David
Published: September 2017

Very few studies have explored the connection between prayer and religious experience, which are recounted in biblical and extra biblical literature. Religious experience is usually investigated within the categories of visions, auditions or dreams. Often prayer is only considered a ritual for the incubation of a religious or divine experience. This study will explore prayer as a divine experience in the petition by the martyrs in Revelation 6:9–11. We will proceed with this investigation by first, defining empathy and demonstrating its role in allowing a person to connect with another person’s experience. Second, because of its importance in empathy, we will define emotions, and then define fear or reverence, lament, hope, and confidence, which are the specific emotions that are communicated in Revelation 6:9–11. Third, we will describe the textual evidence supporting a divine experience for the martyrs. Finally, we will explore how the emotions of lament, reverence, hope, and confidence are invoked in Revelation 6:9–11. These feelings potentially could cause listeners or readers to undergo a similar divine experience as the martyrs.
The role of social work in the Spanish Armed Forces: Needs and resources
Authors: Martinez Borrego Rocio
Published: September 2017

The Spanish military and their families share problems with the rest of society, but they have to face them in even more difficult circumstances, such as continuous relocations, separations, restrictions on some rights, and stress and uncertainty in at-risk situations. Our aim has been to determine the social reality of this group through the role played by social work in the Spanish Armed Forces, as well as their current situation, and make proposals for the future.
Experimental characterization of composites to support an orthotropic plasticity material model
Authors: Khaled Bilal , Shyamsunder Loukham , Hoffarth Canio , Rajan Subramaniam D , Goldberg Robert K , Carney Kelly S , DuBois Paul , Blankenhorn Gunther
Published: September 2017

Test procedures for characterizing the orthotropic behavior of a unidirectional composite at room temperature and quasi-static loading conditions are developed and discussed. The resulting data consisting of 12 stress–strain curves and associated material parameters are used in a newly developed material model—an orthotropic elasto-plastic constitutive model that is driven by tabulated stress–strain curves and other material properties that allow for the elastic and inelastic deformation model to be combined with damage and failure models. A unidirectional composite—T800/F3900, commonly used in the aerospace industry, is used to illustrate how the experimental procedures are developed and used. The generated data are then used to model a dynamic impact test. Results show that the developed framework implemented into a special version of LS-DYNA yields reasonably accurate predictions of the structural behavior.
Civilian Casualties and Public Support for Military Action: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Johns Robert , Davies Graeme A. M.
Published: September 2017

In contrast to the expansive literature on military casualties and support for war, we know very little about public reactions to foreign civilian casualties. This article, based on representative sample surveys in the United States and Britain, reports four survey experiments weaving information about civilian casualties into vignettes about Western military action. These produce consistent evidence of civilian casualty aversion: where death tolls were higher, support for force was invariably and significantly lower. Casualty effects were moderate in size but robust across our two cases and across different scenarios. They were also strikingly resistant to moderation by other factors manipulated in the experiments, such as the framing of casualties or their religious affiliation. The importance of numbers over even strongly humanizing frames points toward a utilitarian rather than a social psychological model of casualty aversion. Either way, civilian casualties deserve a more prominent place in the literature on public support for war.
A Grounded Theory of Preservice Music Educators’ Lesson Planning Processes Within Field Experience Methods Courses
Authors: Parker Elizabeth Cassidy , Bond Vanessa L. , Powell Sean R.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand the process of field experience lesson planning for preservice music educators enrolled in choral, general, and instrumental music education courses within three university contexts. Data sources included multiple interviews, written responses, and field texts from 42 participants. Four waves of data collection and analysis revealed a five-step process beginning with “learning the tasks of teaching” and “experiencing an authentic teaching context.” Participants articulated the central phenomenon as “embracing teaching as an interaction,” which led to “teaching more effectively” and “learning about teaching with my style.” The findings reflect that participants developed a situated understanding of how thoughtful preparation is connected to effective teaching. An implication for this study is that preservice teachers should be consistently immersed in authentic context learning environments during undergraduate education.
Security privatisation at sea: Piracy and the commercialisation of vessel protection
Authors: Cusumano Eugenio , Ruzza Stefano
Published: September 2017

In 2011, the growing number of pirate attacks prompted several flag states to authorise the use of armed guards aboard vessels. Despite facing the same threat, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Italy have adopted three distinct approaches to securing their merchant ships, ranging from the exclusive use of private security companies (PSCs) to the employment of military personnel only. This article conducts a congruence testing of the main theoretical explanations for the use of PSCs on land against UK, Dutch and Italian vessel protection policies. By relying on sequencing as a technique for theoretical synthesis, we develop a multicausal explanation of states’ vessel protection arrangements, showing the varying influence of functionalist, ideational, organisational and political drivers of security privatisation at different phases of the policy process.
Book Review: Meenaz Kassam, Femida Handy and Emily Janson, Philanthropy in India: Promise to Practice
Authors: Sharma Seema
Published: September 2017

Meenaz Kassam, Femida Handy and Emily Janson, Philanthropy in India: Promise to Practice. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2016, 228 pp., ₹750, ISBN: 9789351507529.
Book Review: Partha S. Ghosh, Migrants, Refugees and the Stateless in South Asia
Authors: Bhaskar Deepak Kumar , Sah Ram Pravesh
Published: September 2017

Partha S. Ghosh, Migrants, Refugees and the Stateless in South Asia. New Delhi: SAGE Publications India, 2016, Hardback, 384 pp., ₹995, ISBN-13: 978-9351508540.
Book Review: Sarit K. Chaudhuri and Sucheta Sen Chaudhuri (Eds), Fieldwork in South Asia: Memories, Moments and Experiences
Authors: Ziyauddin K.M.
Published: September 2017

Sarit K. Chaudhuri and Sucheta Sen Chaudhuri (Eds), Fieldwork in South Asia: Memories, Moments and Experiences. New Delhi: SAGE India, 2014, 404 pp., ₹995, ISBN-13: 978-8132117421 (Hardback).
Book Review: Shanta Gokhale (Ed.), The Scenes We Made: An Oral History of Experimental Theatre in Mumbai
Authors: Deshpande Sudhanva
Published: September 2017

Shanta Gokhale (Ed.), The Scenes We Made: An Oral History of Experimental Theatre in Mumbai. New Delhi: Speaking Tiger, 2015, Hardback, 208 pp., ₹599. ISBN: 978-9385288968.
ICSSR Research Surveys and Explorations, Volume 1: C.P. Chandrasekhar (Ed.), Indian Industrialization; Volume 2: Jayati Ghosh (Ed.), India and the International Economy; and Volume 3: Prabhat Patnaik (Ed.), Macroeconomics
Authors: Panda Manoj
Published: September 2017

ICSSR Research Surveys and Explorations, Volume 1: C.P. Chandrasekhar (Ed.), Indian Industrialization; Volume 2: Jayati Ghosh (Ed.), India and the International Economy; and Volume 3: Prabhat Patnaik (Ed.), Macroeconomics. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2015, Box Set, 1322 pp., ₹3995, ISBN: 9780199458967.
Continuous control of sampled data systems with robustness against bounded measurement errors
Authors: Ghanbari Milad , Bahraini Masoud , Yazdanpanah Mohammad Javad
Published: September 2017

This paper considers the design of a generalized hold function to be used for the control of sampled-data systems. The proposed method suggests a continuous controller for sampled data systems. Ultimate boundedness of the proposed method in the presence of bounded measurement errors is also shown for linear and nonlinear systems. In linear time invariant cases, a cost function is suggested for the sake of ultimate bound minimization. In addition, this can answer how we choose a sensor for a real system to get a desired control outcome. Eventually, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is investigated through simulation and experimental implementation.
Trajectories of internalizing problems during the transition to adolescence in children with and without conduct problems
Authors: Martin-Storey Alexa , Temcheff Caroline , Dery Michele , Poirier Martine , Verlaan Pierrette , Lemelin Jean-Pascal
Published: September 2017

Children with conduct problems are at greater risk for internalizing problems. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine trajectories of internalizing problems among children with and without clinically significant conduct problems during the transition to adolescence; and (2) identify how academic achievement, peer rejection, parent socioeconomic status, maternal distress, parental warmth, child temperament, and receptive verbal functioning explained differences between the two groups. Children with conduct problems ( N = 388, 45% girls) and a comparison sample without conduct problems ( N = 299, 52% girls) were recruited from Quebec, Canada, when they were between the ages of 7 and 10 years, and were followed across 4 years. Mothers and teachers provided information on internalizing problems each year. Having clinically significant conduct problems was associated with higher initial levels of internalizing problems according to mothers and teachers, but not with changes in internalizing problems over time. With regards to teacher ratings, academic achievement, peer rejection, and negative emotionality partially explained differences in internalizing problems for youth with and without conduct problems. For mother ratings, maternal distress, negative emotionality, and peer rejection completely explained the association for girls, and partially explained the association for boys. Findings supported a multi-rater approach for understanding risk for internalizing problems among children with and without conduct problems. In particular, they highlight the importance of differences across context for understanding factors associated with vulnerability to internalizing problems.
Retirees without pensions and welfare: The social effects of pension privatization in Poland
Authors: Żuk Piotr , Żuk Paweł
Published: September 2017

This article describes the chaos caused by the 1999 privatization of the pension system in Poland. The recent measures taken by the right-wing populist government of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, which reduced the retirement age and announced the complete elimination of ‘open’ (private) pension funds at the end of 2016, have not improved the situation of present and future retirees. Various forecasts show that the elderly will not be able to count on state aid in the future. The future of retired women (who tend to be less economically active) and those employed on ‘junk contracts’, from which social security contributions were not deducted, seems to be completely hopeless.
Exploring the impact of choral singing on mindfulness
Authors: Lynch Julie , Wilson Charlotte E.
Published: September 2017

A wealth of academic research demonstrates an empirical link between choral singing and well-being. This study investigated the construct of state mindfulness as a potential generative mechanism by which this link exists. A within-subject design measured levels of state mindfulness in choristers before and after a choir rehearsal. Assessing state mindfulness before and after listening to a piece of music at home acted as the control condition. State mindfulness was assessed by the Mindful State Questionnaire (MSQ) among a sample of 83 adult amateur choristers (65 females, mean age 51.9 years). The development and psychometric properties of the MSQ are described. Paired t-tests revealed significant increases in levels of state mindfulness for both conditions (choir singing; t = 10.82, p < .001, η2 = 0.58; listening to music; t = 4.48, p < .001, η2 = 0.21), however the effect sizes and confidence intervals indicated a far greater effect for the choral singing condition. Limitations and future recommendations are discussed, with examples of opportunities to incorporate these findings into the promotion of mental health in Ireland.
Can commercialization through partial disinvestment improve the performance of state-owned enterprises? The case of Indian SOEs under reforms
Authors: Chakrabarti Amit Baran , Mondal Arindam
Published: September 2017

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) play an important role in an emerging economy, given that they are often the biggest employer as well as the largest contributor to the economy. In the past, privatization has been used as an important governance mechanism to reduce the inefficiency of SOEs. Notwithstanding all the benefits of privatization, it is not always a feasible option due to political and legal compulsions. This article investigates the impact of an important alternate reform programme, namely, partial disinvestment on the performance of SOEs and the major contingencies under which this relationship is likely to be affected. The study undertook multiple quadratic regressions, on an unbalanced panel data from 2001 to 2014 on a sample of 4774 observations belonging to 562 Indian SOEs. The results suggest that with initial disinvestment there is an initial improvement in performance, but with subsequent disinvestments, the SOE performance is seen to decline. The results indicate that, even without full privatization, moderate corporate governance reform is potentially an effective way of improving the performance of SOEs; such reforms represent an alternative for policymakers seeking to restructure SOEs without massive privatization. The study also finds that this variation in performance with state disinvestment efforts is contingent on the institutional holding in the firm and the competitive environment. Theoretical contributions to the emerging SOE literature and practical implications for the SOE managers are also discussed.
Financial geography I: Geographies of tax
Authors: Aalbers Manuel B.
Published: September 2017

Taxation in general and tax evasion in particular are inherently geographical in nature, but only a small number of geographers have focused on them. In this progress report I present geographers’ research on offshore financial centres alongside the work of researchers from other disciplines to present an overview of what we know about the geographies of tax evasion and avoidance. It is argued that not only much regulatory work but also much research remains to be done on tax havens.