bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract PL02-03: Diet, nutrition, and cancer: Past, present, and future
Authors: Mayne Susan T.
Published: October 2015

For many years, Dr. John Milner was a champion for research on diet, nutrition and cancer. As part of his memorial symposium, this presentation will review the state of science on this topic, including a consideration of where the field has been, where it is today, and opportunities for future progress. The 1980s focused research on this topic, with the publication of several landmark reports, including the 1982 publication on “Diet, Nutrition and Cancer” by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, which was followed by a Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health in 1988 and several other landmark publications. The conclusions of these reports reflected a cautious optimism that diet might provide a strategy for cancer prevention, at least for selected cancers, and noted new directions for research to propel the field forward. Nearly a decade later (in 1997), another landmark report on nutrition and cancer was released, the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research report on “Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective,” which was updated in 2007 and continuously thereafter. The decades of research described in these reports demonstrate a substantial evolution in the scientific evidence base linking diet, nutrition and cancer prevention. As will be discussed, advances in dietary assessment and analysis, interpretation of dietary/nutrient data in relation to cancer risk, recognition of tumor heterogeneity, and consideration of hierarchy of research evidence have provided greater clarity to early findings in the field. Similarly, a new wave of technological advances, largely based in genetics/genomics, is now enabling exciting new lines of investigation into diet, nutrition and cancer. Dr. Milner was a passionate advocate for the incorporation of genetic and genomic technologies into nutrition research, and emphasized the value of mechanistically-based research for a more comprehensive understanding of the role of nutrition in carcinogenesis. The impact of his vision and leadership on emerging topics in diet, nutrition and cancer is evident as will be presented.

Citation Format: Susan T. Mayne. Diet, nutrition, and cancer: Past, present, and future. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr PL02-03.
Abstract PL05-01: Obesity, IGF-1 and cancer prevention: Mechanistic insights from transdisciplinary studies
Authors: Hursting Stephen D.
Published: October 2015

The prevalence of obesity, an established risk and progression factor for many cancers, has more than doubled over the past three decades in the US, with ~36% of adults currently obese. The mechanisms underlying the obesity and cancer connection are becoming increasingly clear and reveal several potential targets and strategies for breaking the obesity-cancer link. We have established in multiple genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of mammary, pancreatic and other epithelial cancers that diet-induced obesity (DIO) increases serum levels of bioavailable insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, induces insulin resistance, and enhances tumor development and progression. In contrast the maintenance of a lean phenotype via a calorie restriction (CR) regimen decreases IGF-1 levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and inhibits cancer development and progression in these same models. Furthermore, biochemical, genetic and pharmacologic studies in GEMMS further suggest components of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, downstream of insulin and IGF-1 receptors, interact with inflammatory signals and provide important targets for disrupting the obesity-cancer link. Translational studies involving weight loss interventions in obese women at high risk for breast cancer show good concordance between mouse and human serum markers of energy balance-related hormones (including bioavailable IGF-1) and cytokines, as well as tissue mTOR signaling. We conclude from these transdisciplinary findings that several promising molecular targets (such as mTOR) are emerging for offsetting the procancer effects of obesity. Moreover, preclinical studies of several CR-mimetic agents (such as rapamycin, metformin, and several bioactive food components) provide further proof of the principle that mechanism-based approaches to break the obesity-cancer link by targeting mTOR and/or inflammation are plausible.

Citation Format: Stephen D. Hursting. Obesity, IGF-1 and cancer prevention: Mechanistic insights from transdisciplinary studies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr PL05-01.
RANK rs1805034 T>C Polymorphism Is Associated with Susceptibility to Gastric Cardia Adenocarcinoma in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Wen-Bo , Gu Hai-Yong , Shi Yi-Jun , Shao Ai-Zhong , Chen Suo-Cheng , Yin Jun , Jiang Peng-Cheng
Published: October 2015

Background: Gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract with a high incidence in China. Genetic factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to the carcinogenesis of GCA. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to evaluate the genetic association of functional SNPs with susceptibility to GCA development. A total of 330 GCA cases and 608 controls were recruited for this study. The SNPs OPG rs3102735 T>C and rs2073618 G>C, RANK rs1805034 T>C, and RANKL rs9533156 T>C and rs2277438 A>G were determined using the ligation detection reaction method. Results: Our findings suggest that RANK rs1805034 T>C is associated with susceptibility to GCA, which is more evident among male patients, elderly patients (≥ 60 years), smokers, and patients who do not consume alcohol. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the functional SNP RANK rs1805034 T>C may be an indicator for individual susceptibility to GCA. However, further larger studies with other ethnic populations and tissue-specific biological characterization are required to confirm the current findings.
Biometric measurements involving the terminal portion of the thoracic duct on left level IV: an anatomic study
Authors: Louzada Andressa Cristina Sposato , Lim Soo Jin , Yoshio Alvaro Masahiro , Araújo-Neto Vergilius José Furtado , Simões Cesar Augusto , Matos Leandro Luongo , Cernea Claudio Roberto
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: During a neck dissection involving the left IV level, the final segment of the thoracic duct (TD) may be injured, significantly increasing postoperative morbi-mortality. The best treatment is its prevention. However, there is a lack of helpful biometric measurements focusing on the TD termination in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TD termination was identified and some helpful biometric measurements were obtained on 25 non-preserved cadavers. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze correlations. RESULTS: TD termination was found on the jugulo-subclavian junction (JSJ - 60%), on the left internal jugular vein (LIJV - 36%), and on the left brachiocephalic vein in 4%. A statistically significant association was found between TD termination on the JSJ and the distance between LIJV and omohyoid muscle (Measurement #1). Individuals with TD termination on the JSJ had median Measurement #1 of 34.5±12.0mm, compared with median Measurement #1 of 22.3±8.7mm among individuals with TD termination on LIJV (p=0.015 – Student´s t-test). The logistic regression showed for every 10mm increment of Measurement #1 there was 1.12x chance to find the TD termination on the JSJ (OR=1.12; CI95%:1,01-1,25; p=0.032). A 19mm cut-off was established for this distance as a diagnostic test to predict the TD termination on the JSJ, with sensitivity of 86.7% (CI95%:59.5-98.3%), specificity of 55.6% (CI95%:21.2-86.3%), PPV of 76.5% (CI95%:50.1-93.2%), NPV of 71.4% (CI95%:25.8-97.2%) and ROC AUC of 79.3% (CI95%: 58.0-92.9%). CONCLUSION: This anatomic study demonstrated the most frequent TD termination was on JSJ and Measurement #1 is able to predict the localization of TD termination.
Antral mucosal diaphragm as a misdiagnosed cause of gastric outlet obstruction: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bernardi Marcela Del Carlo , Imakuma Ernesto Sasaki , Dantas Anna Carolina Bastista , Freiberg Alyne Korukian , Lopasso Fabio Pinatel , Zilberstein Bruno , Cecconello Ivan
Published: October 2015

The antral web is a thin septum with an aperture varying from 2 to 30 mm usually discovered in middle or late life because of associated gastric outlet obstruction or peptic ulcer. It is commonly mistaken for a pyloric obstruction. Since surgical excision of the antral diaphragm can cure patient’s symptoms, a correct diagnosis is important for not delaying treatment. However, the diagnosis is difficult even after adequate investigation with barium upper gastrointestinal x-ray series or endoscopy.  Therefore, the present study seek to notify this pathology as a possible cause of gastric outlet obstruction providing an illustrative case report and review the pertinent literature. Case Report: A 56 years old man presented complaint of pyrosis, epigastric fullness after eating and loss of weight for over three years. His past clinical history revealed a perforated peptic ulcer surgery three years ago.  Investigation was initially performed with barium upper gastrointestinal x-ray  which suggested pyloric stenosis secondary to the previous surgery. Gastric endoscopy  identified a mucous tunnel formation with a 10 mm diameter aperture in the pre-pyloric region. The patient was also submitted to a computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis for surgical planning for correction of pyloric stenosis and demonstrated an apparently thickening of the gastric wall and reduction of the diameter of the antropyloric region. The patient was then submitted to lapartomy with  resection of the antral web. After 6 months, the patient is asymptomatic.
Necrose esofágica aguda secundária a endoprótese: relato de caso de primeiro sobrevivente
Authors: Iuamoto Leandro Ryuchi , Chikami Fábio Hideki , Imakuma Ernesto Sasaki , Collet e Silva Francisco De Salles
Published: October 2015

A necrose esofágica aguda é uma das mais graves complicações associadas ao tratamento endovascular da aorta descendente com colocação de endoprótese. Sua ocorrência é rara, com apenas 3 casos descritos na literatura, entretanto em todos a complicação mostrou-se fatal. O presente trabalho descreve, até onde se sabe, o primeiro caso de necrose esofágica aguda secundária a endoprótese de aorta na qual o paciente sobrevive. Paciente masculino de 53 anos com dissecção de aorta, de artéria subclávia esquerda até bifurcação de artérias ilíacas, realizou tratamento endovascular de colocação de endoprótese. Evoluiu com lesão isquêmica de esôfago médio e distal, para a qual foi indicada esofagectomia total. Após um ano e dois meses, foi submetido a esofagogastroplastia para reconstrução do trato gastrointestinal, com transposição de tubo gástrico retroesternal, a partir da qual permanece praticamente oligossintomático. O presente trabalho consiste no primeiro relato de caso na qual o paciente sobreviveu à necrose esofágica aguda secundária à colocação de endoprótese de aorta torácica.
Mark’s Son of Man and Paul’s Second of Adam
Authors: Kirk J. R. Daniel
Published: October 2015

Both Mark’s son of man Christology and Paul’s second Adam Christology depict Jesus functioning as an idealized human figure. In each, a core component is Jesus’ obedience in going to death on a cross. This, in turn, is a representative obedience that leads to the conquest of hostile powers. Jesus’ death, moreover, becomes a model for the life of his followers within both models. These Christologies also encompass Jesus’ resurrection and heavenly enthronement at God’s right hand, and both interpret this as entailing a restoration of humanity’s primeval vocation to rule the world on God’s behalf. Finally, participation of Jesus’ followers in his eschatological glory underscores that for both Mark and Paul these are high, human Christologies.
Why Does Thrasymachus Blush? Ethical Consistency in Socrates’ Refutation of Thrasymachus
Authors: Moore Holly
Published: October 2015

Most scholars agree that Socrates’ arguments in the course of his refutation of Thrasymachus in Plato’s Republic are at best weak and at worse fallacious. Some interpreters have used this logical inadequacy to argue that Socrates’ aim is psychotherapeutic rather than cognitive, but this does not address why Thrasymachus feels shamed. I argue in this article that Thrasymachus blushes not simply because his explicit propositions are contradictory but because two principles of his sophistic ēthos – that his skill requires knowledge and that his skill achieves victory in logoi – are fundamentally at odds. My claim that Socrates’ elenchus of Thrasymachus appeals to a principle of ethical consistency has the specific advantage of reconciling the otherwise opposed views of Socratic elenchus as exclusively ‘logical’ or ‘psychotherapeutic’.
Solar Theology and Civil Religion in Plato’s Laws
Authors: Abolafia Jacob
Published: October 2015

How is a legislator to harness the positive cohesive power of religion without falling prey to a charge of hypocrisy? As with so many theoretical puzzles, it was Plato who first recognized this paradox of civil religion. Consequently, the multi-tiered religion he proposes in the Laws should be understood as western thought’s first attempt to solve this problem.

At the centre of the Laws stands a single icon – the sun – that fits within both the Olympian schema of polis-religion and a naturalistic, rationalist account persuasive to the more philosophically minded. Using the language and imagery of solar worship, Plato designed a shared ‘civil religion’ (to use an anachronistic term), that can reasonably claim to link the social forms of political life to the higher truths of reason, even if not all the city’s citizens will mean the same thing when they speak of the god and his rites.
Some common and less known Phaneropterinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Phaneropterinae) with the description of a new species from India
Authors: NAGAR RAJENDRA , SWAMINATHAN R. , MAL JHABAR
Published: October 2015

The present paper deals with the description of eleven katydids of the tettigonid subfamily Phaneropterinae (Tettigoniidae). The katydids of more common occurrence in different parts of India include: Phaneroptera gracilis Burmeister, Ducetia japonica (Thunberg), Himertula pallisignata Ingrisch and Shishodia, Isopsera peducnulata Brunner von Wattenwyl, and Trigonocorypha unicolor Stal; while those lesser known are Phaneroptera myllocerca Ragge, Himertula kinneari (Uvarov), Elimaea melanocantha (Walker), Elimaea carispina (Ingrisch and Shishodia), and Trigonocorypha angustata Uvarov. Record of a new species of the genus Ducetia, named as Ducetia serratus sp. nov., is mentioned. The key diagnostic morphological characters have been supported with photographs and illustrations of the body parts: head, pronotum, stridulatory file and the genitalia (supra-anal plate and sub-genital plate). A key to identify the species of the reported katydids has been provided.
A checklist of Branchiopoda (Anostraca and Cladocera) of Chilean continental waters
Authors: ESCALANTE PATRICIO DE LOS RIOS , KOTOV ALEXEY A.
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present study is to represent an annotated checklist of the Branchiopoda (Crustacea) reported from Chilean inland waters. Only Anostraca and Cladocera are found in Chile, while there are no reports on Notostraca and "Conchostraca". Our checklist contains 85 valid taxa, among which nine anostracans and 76 cladocerans. Such "low" biodiversity of the branchiopods in Chile is in reality an artifact of insufficient sampling. Our work indicates that more faunistic, taxonomic and biogeographical studies of Chilean branchiopods are necessary, especially in areas with subtropical climate, Atacama desert, Southern Patagonia, and central Chilean ephemeral pools.
Numerical Investigation of Wind Waves in the Persian Gulf: Bathymetry Effects
Authors: Liao Ying-Po , Kaihatu James M.
Published: October 2015

The effects of bathymetry on the process of wind-wave generation in the Persian Gulf have been investigated using a long-term hindcasting analysis. A 5-yr (2004–08) hindcasting procedure is first performed (denoted asorigin) by using the Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) model and COAMPS wind field data. Two alternative scenarios, in which wave breaking (noBrek) and depth-induced refraction (noRefc) are deactivated, are also generated. By comparing the results from alternative cases with those from the ordinary cases, a 5-yr total energy deviation (TED) is calculated and presented as seasonal contour maps depicting the sensitivity to bathymetry. The results show only ±2% TED found innoBrek, but up to ±20% TED found in noRefc, an order of magnitude larger than depth-induced breaking. Similarly, the seasonal effects of refraction on the nearshore wave-propagating directions can be investigated by comparison betweenoriginandnoRefc. The seasonal histograms of mean wave angleare plotted and discussed for three selected nearshore sites around Qatar, located at the western, northern, and eastern sides of the peninsula. The largest relative occurrence percentageand the largest peak shift ranging in 10°–20° can be found at the northern side, while the eastern side results in a weaker and more randomdistribution in the winter (the strong shamal season) due to the leeside location. The effect of fetch-limited wind-wave generation is also present at the eastern site, as remotely generated waves propagating eastward over a long fetch toward this site offset southward-propagating waves generated by dominant winds from the north over a limited fetch.
Building a Dashboard for the Punjab Health Department
Authors: Rana M. Ahsan
Published: October 2015

This case is about monitoring and evaluation (M&E) challenges in the Punjab Department of Health (DOH). Despite his substantial experience of working in senior managerial positions, Arif Nadeem, the department secretary, finds himself somewhat lost in the numerous department related reports and data sheets that keep on coming from various quarters. He feels under-informed and over-informed at the same time.

DOH regularly collects data on a range of indicators and there are multiple systems in place to collect the data from various health facilities. The following four systems are important. First, the District Health Information System (DHIS) collects data on around eighty indicators covering treatment and spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases, human resources, facility utilization, etc. Second, the M&E assistants (MEAs) inspect primary health care facilities and report on fourteen indicators covering the number of patients attended, staff presence, medicine availability, public opinion, etc. Third, the DOH field operatives visit health facilities and report on various aspects of functioning in monthly meetings of officials at the district level. Since 2011, they have been using simple smartphone based applications to enter data on site and transmit it to the points of analyses instantaneously. Fourth, progress on development projects is reported every month on prescribed pro forma covering physical progress as well as the amount spent. In addition, tertiary care hospitals report on various aspects of their functioning on need basis and receipt/expense statements are regularly prepared by the budget and accounts section in the department.

Often there is too much information to absorb. There is no effective system of filtering and processing information according to the needs of various managerial tiers. Arif realizes that he needs a dashboard that can provide just enough detail to various users. Arif and his team deliberate on the choice of indicators for the dashboard. There is substantial disagreement on what to include and what to leave. The disagreement partly emanates from a lack of clarity on the mandate of the department and its senior management. Farasat, a key team member, proposes eight key areas for the dashboard. He suggests displaying these eight areas on the main screen and creating links to detailed district, tehsil and facility-wise data on selected indicators.
Construct Validation of the Health Belief Model
Authors: Cummings K. Michael , Jette Alan M. , Rosenstock Irwin M.
Published: October 2015

A multitrait-multimethod design was employed to assess the construct validity of the Health Belief Model. The data were obtained from a non-representative sample of 85 graduate students at The University of Michigan's School of Public Health. The traits consisted of the respondents' perceptions of: health interest, locus of control, susceptibility to influenza, severity of influenza, benefits provided by a flu shot, and the barriers or costs associated with getting a flu shot. Each trait was measured by three methods: a seven-point Likert scale, a fixed-alternative multiple choice scale, and a vignette. The results indicate that the Health Belief Model variables can be measured with a substantial amount of convergent validity using Likert or multiple choice questionnaire items. With regard to discriminant validity, evidence suggests that subjects' perceptions of barriers and benefits are quite different from their perceptions of susceptibility and severity. Perceptions of susceptibility and severity are substantially but not entirely independent. Perceived benefits and barriers demonstrate a strong negative relationship which suggests the possibility that these two variables represent opposite ends of a single continuum and not separate health beliefs.

These preliminary results provide the basis for developing brief health belief scales that may be administered to samples of consumers and providers to assess educational needs. Such needs assessment, in turn, could then be used to tailor messages and programs to meet the particular needs of a client group.
Sharing data from MS clinical trials: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Coetzee Timothy
Published: October 2015

The treatment of people affected by multiple sclerosis, particularly the relapsing forms of the disease, has been transformed by the availability of various therapeutic agents. This landmark progress is due to an enormous foundation of clinical research and, particularly, numerous phase II and III clinical trials. Although the research community has many reasons to take pride in this progress, a fundamental question remains about whether opportunities for additional research are being lost due to inadequate clinical trial data sharing.
Cascade or echo chamber? A complex agent-based simulation of voter turnout
Authors: Fieldhouse Ed , Lessard-Phillips Laurence , Edmonds Bruce
Published: October 2015

Using an agent-based simulation of electoral participation, this paper examines the second order or cascade effects of an exogenous increase in turnout. Unlike most previous applications of agent-based modelling in political science, we adopt a descriptively complex rather than a simple model of behaviour. Experimenting with different levels of mobilisation allows estimation of the extent to which mobilisation spreads beyond the primary mobilisation target across the population as well as whether or not it survives over time. We argue that in a complex world cascade effects are smaller than previously thought. However, mobilisation effects can create secondary effects through habitual voting and increases in political interest and party affiliation, which reverberate over time, creating long-term spillover effects.
Can Working Memory and Inhibitory Control Predict Second Language Learning in the Classroom?
Authors: Linck Jared A. , Weiss Daniel J.
Published: October 2015

The role of executive functioning in second language (L2) aptitude remains unclear. Whereas some studies report a relationship between working memory (WM) and L2 learning, others have argued against this association. Similarly, being bilingual appears to benefit inhibitory control, and individual differences in inhibitory control are related to online L2 processing. The current longitudinal study examines whether these two components of executive functioning predict learning gains in an L2 classroom context using a pretest/posttest design. We assessed 25 university students in language courses, who completed measures of WM and inhibitory control. They also completed a proficiency measure at the beginning and end of a semester and reported their grade point average (GPA). WM was positively related to L2 proficiency and learning, but inhibitory control was not. These results support the notion that WM is an important component of L2 aptitude, particularly for predicting the early stages of L2 classroom learning.
Profiling of somatic mutations in acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD at diagnosis and relapse
Authors: Garg Manoj , Nagata Yasunobu , Kanojia Deepika , Mayakonda Anand , Yoshida Kenichi , Haridas Keloth Sreya , Zang Zhi Jiang , Okuno Yusuke , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Miyano Satoru , Ding Ling-Wen , Alpermann Tamara , Sun Qiao-Yang , Lin De-Chen , Chien Wenwen , Madan Vikas , Liu Li-Zhen , Tan Kar-Tong , Sampath Abhishek , Venkatesan Subhashree , Inokuchi Koiti , Wakita Satoshi , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Chng Wee Joo , Kham Shirley-Kow Yin , Yeoh Allen Eng-Juh , Sanada Masashi , Schiller Joanna , Kreuzer Karl-Anton , Kornblau Steven M. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Haferlach Torsten , Lill Michael , Kuo Ming-Chung , Shih Lee-Yung , Blau Igor-Wolfgang , Blau Olga , Yang Henry , Ogawa Seishi , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: October 2015

Key Points

MLL3 acts as tumor suppressor in FLT3-ITD AML. The existence of DNMT3A mutations in remission samples implies that the DNMT3A mutant clone can survive induction chemotherapy.
The novel mechanism of lenalidomide activity
Authors: Fink Emma C. , Ebert Benjamin L.
Published: October 2015

Lenalidomide acts by a novel drug mechanism—modulation of the substrate specificity of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase. In multiple myeloma, lenalidomide induces the ubiquitination of IKZF1 and IKZF3 by CRL4CRBN. Subsequent proteasomal degradation of these transcription factors kills multiple myeloma cells. In del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome, lenalidomide induces the degradation of CK1α, which preferentially affects del(5q) cells because they express this gene at haploinsufficient levels. In the future, modulation of ubiquitin ligase function may enable us to target previously “undruggable” proteins.
The biogeographic origin of a radiation of trees in Madagascar: implications for the assembly of a tropical forest biome
Authors: Federman Sarah , Dornburg Alex , Downie Alexander , Richard Alison F. , Daly Douglas C. , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: October 2015

Background

Madagascar’s rain forests are characterized by extreme and uneven patterns of species richness and endemicity, the biogeographic and evolutionary origins of which are poorly understood.

Methods

Here we use a time-calibrated phylogeny of a dominant group of trees in Madagascar’s eastern rain forests,Canarium, and related Burseraceae (Canarieae), to test biogeographic hypotheses regarding the origin and radiation of the flora of this unique biome.

Results

Our findings strongly support the monophyly of MalagasyCanarium, suggesting that this clade represents a previously undocumented in situ radiation. Contrary to expectations of dispersal from Africa during the Oligocene, concurrent with the formation of Madagascar’s rain forest biome, our analyses support a late Miocene origin for MalagasyCanarium, probably by long distance dispersal from Southeast Asia.

Discussion

Our study illustrates the importance of considering long distance dispersal as a viable explanation for clades with pantropical distributions diversifying subsequent to the Oligocene, and it highlights the formation of the Indo-Australian Archipelago and associated fast-moving equatorial surface currents, suggesting an under-appreciated evolutionary link among tropical centers of endemism.

Conclusions

We postulate that the relatively recent establishment and radiation ofCanariumin Madagascar may have been facilitated by the highly stochastic climates associated with these forest ecosystems.
Deeply divergent sympatric mitochondrial lineages of the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus are not reproductively isolated
Authors: Giska Iwona , Sechi Pierfrancesco , Babik Wiesław
Published: October 2015

Background

The accurate delimitation of species is essential to numerous areas of biological research. An unbiased assessment of the diversity, including the cryptic diversity, is of particular importance for the below ground fauna, a major component of global biodiversity. On the British Isles, the epigeic earthwormLumbricus rubellus, which is a sentinel species in soil ecotoxicology, consists of two cryptic taxa that are differentiated in both the nuclear and the mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes. Recently, several deeply divergent mtDNA lineages were detected in mainland Europe, but whether these earthworms also constitute cryptic species remains unclear. This information is important from an evolutionary perspective, but it is also essential for the interpretation and the design of ecotoxicological projects. In this study, we used genome-wide RADseq data to assess the reproductive isolation of the divergent mitochondrial lineages ofL. rubellusthat occur in sympatry in multiple localities in Central Europe.

Results

We identified five divergent (up to 16 % net p-distance) mitochondrial lineages ofL. rubellusin sympatry. Because the clustering of the RADseq data was according to the population of origin and not the mtDNA lineage, reproductive isolation among the mtDNA lineages was not likely. Although each population contained multiple mtDNA lineages, subdivisions within the populations were not observed for the nuclear genome. The lack of fixed differences and sharing of the overwhelming majority of nuclear polymorphisms between localities, indicated that the populations did not constitute allopatric species. The nucleotide diversity within the populations was high, 0.7–0.8 %.

Conclusions

The deeply divergent mtDNA sympatric lineages ofL. rubellusin Central Europe were not reproductively isolated groups. The earthwormL. rubellus, which is represented by several mtDNA lineages in continental Europe, apparently is a single highly polymorphic species rather than a complex of several cryptic species. This study demonstrated the critical importance of the use of multilocus nuclear data for the unbiased assessment of cryptic diversity and for the delimitation of species in soil invertebrates.
Rapid and high-efficiency generation of mature functional hepatocyte-like cells from adipose-derived stem cells by a three-step protocol
Authors: Xu Fen , Liu Junli , Deng Jie , Chen Xiaolei , Wang Yuan , Xu Pengchao , Cheng Lin , Fu Yanli , Cheng Fuyi , Yao Yunqi , Zhang Yujing , Huang Meijuan , Yu Dechao , Wei Yuquan , Deng Hongxin
Published: October 2015

The generation of functional hepatocytes is a major challenge for regenerative medicine and drug discovery. Here we show a method that facilitates generation of induced functional hepatocytes (iHeps) from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) within 9 days. iHeps express hepatocytic gene programs and display functions characteristic of mature hepatocytes, including cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. Upon transplantation into mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute fulminant liver failure, iHeps restore the liver function and prolong survival. The work could contribute to the development of alternative strategies to obtain nonhepatic cell-derived mature hepatocytes with potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
President's Page
Authors: Sprunt Eve
Published: October 2015

I believe that my biggest responsibility as a member of the Board of Directors is to help position SEG to thrive in the future. The Board does not have the luxury of being able to expand SEG's budget because of the oil-price collapse. To fund new programs, difficult decisions must be made on what to cut. As a Board, we literally must do more with less, improving current products and services while addressing emerging needs.
Reviews
Authors: Taylor Patrick , Treitel Sven , Liner Christopher
Published: October 2015

Gravity and Magnetic Methods in Mineral and Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, by Yaoguo Li and Richard Krahenbuhl, ISBN 978-9-462-82159-0, 2015, EAGE, 155 p., US $77. A Guided Tour of Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences, third edition, by Roel Snieder and Kasper van Wijk, ISBN 978-1-107-08496-4 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-107-64160 (paperback), 2015, Cambridge University Press, 560 p., $130 (hardback), $65 (paperback), $52 (eBook). Treatise on Geophysics, second edition, edited by Gerald Schubert, ISBN 978-0-444-53802-4, 2015, Elsevier, 5604 p., US $4200.
A rapid in vivo screen for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapeutics
Authors: Ocal Ozhan , Pashkov Victor , Kollipara Rahul K. , Zolghadri Yalda , Cruz Victoria H. , Hale Michael A. , Heath Blake R. , Artyukhin Alex B. , Christie Alana L. , Tsoulfas Pantelis , Lorens James B. , Swift Galvin H. , Brekken Rolf A. , Wilkie Thomas M.
Published: October 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and is projected to be second by 2025. It has the worst survival rate among all major cancers. Two pressing needs for extending life expectancy of affected individuals are the development of new approaches to identify improved therapeutics, addressed herein, and the identification of early markers. PDA advances through a complex series of intercellular and physiological interactions that drive cancer progression in response to organ stress, organ failure, malnutrition, and infiltrating immune and stromal cells. Candidate drugs identified in organ culture or cell-based screens must be validated in preclinical models such as KIC (p48Cre;LSL-KrasG12D;Cdkn2af/f) mice, a genetically engineered model of PDA in which large aggressive tumors develop by 4 weeks of age. We report a rapid, systematic and robust in vivo screen for effective drug combinations to treat Kras-dependent PDA. Kras mutations occur early in tumor progression in over 90% of human PDA cases. Protein kinase and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling activates Kras. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are coincidence detectors that can be induced by multiple inputs to feedback-regulate GPCR signaling. We crossed Rgs16::GFP bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice with KIC mice and show that the Rgs16::GFP transgene is a KrasG12D-dependent marker of all stages of PDA, and increases proportionally to tumor burden in KIC mice. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of cultured primary PDA cells reveals characteristics of embryonic progenitors of pancreatic ducts and endocrine cells, and extraordinarily high expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl, an emerging cancer drug target. In proof-of-principle drug screens, we find that weanling KIC mice with PDA treated for 2 weeks with gemcitabine (with or without Abraxane) plus inhibitors of Axl signaling (warfarin and BGB324) have fewer tumor initiation sites and reduced tumor size compared with the standard-of-care treatment. Rgs16::GFP is therefore an in vivo reporter of PDA progression and sensitivity to new chemotherapeutic drug regimens such as Axl-targeted agents. This screening strategy can potentially be applied to identify improved therapeutics for other cancers.
From drug response profiling to target addiction scoring in cancer cell models
Authors: Yadav Bhagwan , Gopalacharyulu Peddinti , Pemovska Tea , Khan Suleiman A. , Szwajda Agnieszka , Tang Jing , Wennerberg Krister , Aittokallio Tero
Published: October 2015

Deconvoluting the molecular target signals behind observed drug response phenotypes is an important part of phenotype-based drug discovery and repurposing efforts. We demonstrate here how our network-based deconvolution approach, named target addiction score (TAS), provides insights into the functional importance of druggable protein targets in cell-based drug sensitivity testing experiments. Using cancer cell line profiling data sets, we constructed a functional classification across 107 cancer cell models, based on their common and unique target addiction signatures. The pan-cancer addiction correlations could not be explained by the tissue of origin, and only correlated in part with molecular and genomic signatures of the heterogeneous cancer cells. The TAS-based cancer cell classification was also shown to be robust to drug response data resampling, as well as predictive of the transcriptomic patterns in an independent set of cancer cells that shared similar addiction signatures with the 107 cancers. The critical protein targets identified by the integrated approach were also shown to have clinically relevant mutation frequencies in patients with various cancer subtypes, including not only well-established pan-cancer genes, such as PTEN tumor suppressor, but also a number of targets that are less frequently mutated in specific cancer types, including ABL1 oncoprotein in acute myeloid leukemia. An application to leukemia patient primary cell models demonstrated how the target deconvolution approach offers functional insights into patient-specific addiction patterns, such as those indicative of their receptor-type tyrosine-protein kinase FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) status and co-addiction partners, which may lead to clinically actionable, personalized drug treatment developments. To promote its application to the future drug testing studies, we have made available an open-source implementation of the TAS calculation in the form of a stand-alone R package.
Improving translational studies: lessons from rare neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Wells Dominic
Published: October 2015

Animal models play a key role in the development of novel treatments for human disease. This is particularly true for rare diseases – defined as disorders that affect less than 1 in 2000 people in the human population – for which, very often, there are no effective methods of treatment. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly focussing on the development of therapies for the more than 7000 rare diseases. Because the majority of these are the result of single gene disorders, the exceptional ability to manipulate the mouse genome means that many such studies will take place in the laboratory mouse. But how good are the mouse models and how useful are they in assessing the potential for translational medicine? In this Editorial, I will discuss current difficulties in translational research as well as examples of good laboratory practice and guidelines that are being implemented to improve the translational potential of animal studies in the field of neuromuscular rare diseases. This could represent a potentially useful approach for adoption by other disease fields to achieve a greater success rate in translational studies.
The ubiquitous and ancient ER membrane protein complex (EMC): tether or not?
Authors: Wideman Jeremy G.
Published: October 2015

The recently discovered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein complex (EMC) has been implicated in ER-associated degradation (ERAD), lipid transport and tethering between the ER and mitochondrial outer membranes, and assembly of multipass ER-membrane proteins. The EMC has been studied in both animals and fungi but its presence outside the Opisthokont clade (animals + fungi + related protists) has not been demonstrated. Here, using homology-searching algorithms, I show that the EMC is truly an ancient and conserved protein complex, present in every major eukaryotic lineage. Very few organisms have completely lost the EMC, and most, even over 2 billion years of eukaryote evolution, have retained a majority of the complex members. I identify Sop4 and YDR056C in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Emc7 and Emc10, respectively, subunits previously thought to be specific to animals. This study demonstrates that the EMC was present in the last eukaryote common ancestor (LECA) and is an extremely important component of eukaryotic cells even though its primary function remains elusive.
Problems of the Thesis on the Only True Interpretation in the Constitutional Law Sphere (Part II)
Authors: Karvalu Marsiya Khayde Portu
Published: October 2015

H.-G. Gadamer has established the foundations of philosophical hermeneutics, in which it is important, a preliminary understanding of the interpreter and the tradition. R. Dworkin harshly criticized the idea that the individual constitutional rights may be limited to preserve the rights and demands of society as a whole. In addition, assuming that there should be judicial discretion, even in difficult cases, the author criticized the judge’s image of an ideal that can detect only one correct answer for specific cases. For neoconstitutsionalists R. Alexy and M. Borowski, comprehension is not a procedure that would have resulted in all or in any case to a single and unequivocal results, however, according to M. Borowski, it’s not a lack of specific comprehension of the concept, and quality that characterizes the whole process deciding regulatory issues. The thesis of the only correct interpretation has problems, as indicated by the positivists and neoconstitutsionalists. Indeed, it is impossible that it was the only right decision in each case, in particular in the constitutional area. Taking into account, the open, uncertain and fragmented nature of constitution and characteristics of the social reality in which it is used, it is possible to create a variety of correct answers for the solution of practical problems. Through the interpretation (application) of the constitution implies that it is possible to determine the outcome in a rational and controlled process, approve the result with convincing arguments and thus create certainty and predictability.
Legal Regulation of Social Welfare for Women and Children (Demographic Aspect)
Authors: Azarova YElyena
Published: October 2015

The article contains the analysis of the policy documents that reflects the complicated demographic situation in modern Russia, in particular the Concept of the Demographic Policy up to 2025. The author shows how specifically the social welfare of women and children legislation influences the demographic development. It emphasizes the need of the simultaneous development of this brunch of legislation with the other brunches especially the labour legislation. The attention is paid to the inadmissibility of the reduction of the already achieved level of social guarantees. The provision of social security benefits as a reward fertility is criticized. The special attention is paid to the danger of depriving the women’s right to decide the issue of motherhood.
The Influence of Christianity on the Development of Institutions of Crime and Punishment in Russia
Authors: Akimova Nataliya
Published: October 2015

The article deals with the issues, related to the problem of correlation between law, religion, morality and cultural traditions in the context of criminal behavior. The article analyses tendencies in determinism of philosophical-religious beliefs developed on the basis of centuries-long experience of Christianity, and their influence on the formation and development of the domestic criminal legislation. In her research the author founds upon such sources as the Statute of Prince Vladimir, the Russian Truth, the Code of Tsar Aleksey Mikhailovich. The author draws the conclusion that throughout the whole period of the Christian religion existence, the church and the state have never stayed apart from each other. The church has had a major impact on various aspects of social life, including formation of the customary law, which was one of the factors that seriously affected the development of the modern criminal legislation. Criminal law and the legislation of the pre-revolution Russia had gone hand-inhand with the Christian religion all the way up through the October Revolution of 1917, always finding from its ally spiritual support and canonic recipes to criminalize certain socially dangerous actions, and also to differentiate responsibility and individualize punishment.
Chekhov’s landscapes: Building story structure with descriptions of the natural world
Authors: Searfoorce Geeda
Published: October 2015

While there are myriad lenses through which we can examine Anton Chekhov’s mastery of the short-story form, one of the clearest is his use of the natural world. The writer often uses descriptions to build story structure and transmogrify the protagonist’s experience, all the while highlighting a theme pervasive throughout his work – that of humankind’s damaging effect on the natural world and the implications of reciprocal damage. A close look at two of Chekhov’s later stories – ‘Peasants’ and ‘In the Ravine’ – reveals his ability to paint, in simple, evocative language, landscapes that do far more than serve as mere backdrops.
Reviews
Authors: Järviö Päivi , Bell Gelsey , Kapadocha Christina , Melillo John , Nickell Chris
Published: October 2015

Dramatic Theories of Voice in the Twentieth Century, Andrew M. Kimbrough (2011) Amherst, NY: Cambria Press, 334 pp. ISBN: 9781604977301, h/bk, $114.99

The Sound Studies Reader, Jonathan Sterne (ed.) (2012) London: Routledge, x + 566 pp. ISBN: 9780415771306, h/bk, $135 ISBN: 9780415771313, p/bk, $49.95

Voice into Acting: Integrating Voice and the Stanislavs ki Approach, Christina Gutekunst and John Gillett (2014) London: Bloomsbury, 384 pp. ISBN: 9781408184509, p/bk, $26.99

Lexicon of the Mouth: Poetics and Politics of Voice and the Oral Imaginary, Brandon LaB elle (2014) London: Bloomsbury, 232 pp. ISBN: 9781623560263, h/bk, £50.00 ISBN: 9781623561888, p/bk, £19.99

Voice Studies Now Conference, University of California, Los Angeles, 29–30 January 2015 https://voicestudiesconference.wordpress.com/
Thrilling like a Detective Story: The European Civil Society Campaign for the Financial Transaction Tax
Authors: Wahl Peter
Published: October 2015

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Union Campaigns in Germany directed against Inequality: The Minimum Wage Campaign and the Emmely Campaign
Authors: Nowak Jörg
Published: October 2015

The article analyses two campaigns in Germany in the context of trade unions that deal with inequality. The minimum wage campaign successfully led to the implementation of a legal minimum wage in Germany. The Emmely campaign reinstated a supermarket cashier who was sacked after a strike, and the federal labour court introduced a slight change of labour law in the wake of the campaign. Both campaigns relied on overwhelming support from the general population.