bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of MicroRNA-301a and its Functional Roles in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Cui Lei , Li Yuejun , Lv Xiaoxing , Li Jinqing , Wang Xiaolin , Lei Zhanjun , Li Xueyong
Published: November 2016

Background/Aims: Although microRNA-301a has been reported to function as an oncogene in many human cancers, the roles of miR-301a in malignant melanoma (MM) is unclear. The present study aims to investigate the functional roles of miR-301a in MM and its possible molecular mechanisms. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was performed to detect the expression of miR-301a in MM tissues, and analyze its correlation with metastasis and prognosis of MM patients. In vitro, miR-301a was ectopically expressed using overexpression and knock-down strategies, and the effects of miR-301a expression on growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion and chemosensitivity of MM cells were further investigated. Furthermore, the potential and functional target gene was identified by luciferase reporter, qRT-PCR, Western blot assays. Results: We showed that the expression of miR-301a was significantly upregulated in MM tissues, and upregulation of miR-301a correlated with metastasis and poor prognosis of MM patients. Transfection of miR-301a/inhibitor significantly inhibited growth, colony formation, migration, invasion and enhanced apoptosis and chemosensitivity in MM cells, while transfection of miR-301a/mimic could induce the inverse effects on phenotypes of MM cells. Luciferase reporter, qRT-PCR and Western blot assays showed that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was a direct and functional target of miR-301a. It was also observed that the Akt and FAK signaling pathways were involved in miR-301/PTEN-promoting MM progression. Conclusion: Taken together, our study suggests that miR-301a may be used as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of human MM.
A 46,XX Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development Likely Caused by a Steroidogenic Factor-1 (NR5A1) Variant
Authors: Swartz Jonathan M. , Ciarlo Ryan , Guo Michael H. , Abrha Aser , Weaver Benjamin , Diamond David A. , Chan Yee-Ming , Hirschhorn Joel N.
Published: November 2016

Background: A variant in steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, encoded by the gene NR5A1), p.Arg92Trp, has recently been reported in multiple families with 46,XX ovotesticular or testicular disorders of sex development (DSD). This amino acid change impacts the DNA-binding domain and perturbs gonadal differentiation pathways. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on a 46,XX subject with ovotesticular DSD. Results: Exome results identified a heterozygous NR5A1 variant, p.Arg92Gln, in the 46,XX ovotesticular DSD proband. This arginine-to-glutamine change has been previously reported in the homozygous state in a 46,XY patient with gonadal and adrenal dysgenesis, though 46,XY and 46,XX heterozygous carriers of this variant have not been previously reported to have any clinical phenotype. Conclusions: The NR5A1 p.Arg92Gln variant, which has thus far only been seen in a family with 46,XY DSD, most likely contributes to the ovotesticular DSD in this case. In light of the recent reports of unrelated 46,XX subjects with testicular or ovotesticular DSD with the NR5A1 variant p.Arg92Trp, it appears that other mutations in the DNA binding domain have the potential to impact the factors determining testicular and ovarian differentiation. This case demonstrates the variability of phenotypes with the same genotype and broadens our understanding of the role of SF-1 in gonadal differentiation.
Primary Intestinal Hodgkin Lymphoma Mimicking Intraabdominal Abscess in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report
Authors: Mihaljevic Biljana , Antic Darko , Vukovic Vojin , Perunicic Jovanovic Maja , Lezaic Visnja , Zaric Nemanja , Kerkez Mirko , Djordjevic Vladimir
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) comprises a variety of lymphoid and plasma cell disorders arising in patients with a solid organ transplant. Monomorphic lymphomas represent the most significant part of this wide spectrum, with the overall risk rising with the aggressiveness of lymphoid proliferation in comparison to the general population. The development of Hodgkin lymphoma is very rare in transplant recipients, comprising less than 6% of all monomorphic PTLD, while cases of primary intestinal Hodgkin lymphoma in these circumstances are anecdotal. Case Report: We describe an exceptional case of intestinal Hodgkin lymphoma mimicking an intra-abdominal abscess that developed in a transplant recipient 19 years after kidney transplantation. By presenting this case, we wish to emphasize the importance of suitable diagnostic pathways in transplant recipients experiencing prolonged fever episodes or masses of unknown origin, thus raising the awareness of possible PTLD development in such patients. Conclusion: The lack of information about transplant recipients with Hodgkin PTLD regarding the site of involvement and type of treatment suggests the necessity of conducting larger international studies aimed at providing further insight into this particular group of patients.
Inflammation, but not recruitment, of adipose tissue macrophages requires signalling through Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) in diet-induced obesity (DIO)
Authors: Wolf Dennis , Bukosza Nora , Engel David , Poggi Marjorie , Jehle Felix , Michel Nathaly Anto , Chen Yung-Chih , Colberg Christian , Hoppe Natalie , Dufner Bianca , Boon Louis , Blankenbach Hermann , Hilgendorf Ingo , zur Muhlen Constantin von , Reinöhl Jochen , Sommer Björn , Marchini Timoteo , Febbraio Mark A. , Weber Christian , Bode Christoph , Peter Karlheinz , Lutgens Esther , Zirlik Andreas
Published: November 2016

Cell accumulation is a prerequisite for adipose tissue inflammation. The leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18, αMβ2) is a classic adhesion receptor critically regulating inflammatory cell recruitment. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a genetic deficiency and a therapeutic modulation of Mac-1 regulate adipose tissue inflammation in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). C57Bl6/J mice genetically deficient (Mac-1-/-) or competent for Mac-1 (WT) consumed a high fat diet for 20 weeks. Surprisingly, Mac-1-/- mice presented with increased diet-induced weight gain, decreased insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and in the liver in insulin-clamps, insulin secretion deficiency and elevated glucose levels in fasting animals, and dyslipidaemia. Unexpectedly, accumulation of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) was unaffected, while gene expression indicated less inflamed adipose tissue and macrophages in Mac-1-/- mice. In contrast, inflammatory gene expression at distant locations, such as in skeletal muscle, was not changed. Treatment of ATMs with an agonistic anti-Mac-1 antibody, M1/70, induced pro-inflammatory genes in cell culture. In vivo, treatment with M1/70 induced a hyper-inflammatory phenotype with increased expression of IL-6 and MCP-1, whereas accumulation of ATMs did not change. Finally, inhibition of Mac-1’s adhesive interaction to CD40L by the peptide inhibitor cM7 did not affect myeloid cell accumulation in adipose tissue. We present the surprising finding that adhesive properties of the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 are not required for macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue. Instead, Mac-1 modulates inflammatory gene expression in macrophages. These findings question the net effect of integrin blockade in cardio-metabolic disease.

D. W., N. B., and D. E. equally contributed to this work.

K. P., E. L., and A. Z. share senior authorship.

Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by Gregory Y. H. Lip, Editor in Chief.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Neuroprotective Effects of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analog Exenatide After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Wiberg Sebastian , Hassager Christian , Schmidt Henrik , Thomsen Jakob Hartvig , Frydland Martin , Lindholm Matias Greve , Høfsten Dan Eik , Engstrøm Thomas , Køber Lars , Møller Jacob Eifer , Kjaergaard Jesper
Published: November 2016

Background:

In-hospital mortality in comatose patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is ≈50%. In OHCA patients, the leading cause of death is neurological injury secondary to ischemia and reperfusion. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs are approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus; preclinical and clinical data have suggested their organ-protective effects in patients with ischemia and reperfusion injury. The aim of this trial was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analog exenatide in resuscitated OHCA patients.

Methods:

We randomly assigned 120 consecutive comatose patients resuscitated from OHCA in a double-blind, 2-center trial. They were administered 17.4 μg exenatide (Byetta) or placebo over a 6-hour and 15-minute infusion, in addition to standardized intensive care including targeted temperature management. The coprimary end points were feasibility, defined as initiation of the study drug in >90% patients within 240 minutes of return of spontaneous circulation, and efficacy, defined as the geometric area under the neuron-specific enolase curve from 24 to 72 hours after admission. The main secondary end points included a composite end point of death and poor neurological function, defined as a Cerebral Performance Category score of 3 to 5 assessed at 30 and 180 days.

Results:

The study drug was initiated within 240 minutes of return of spontaneous circulation in 96% patients. The median blood glucose 8 hours after admission in patients receiving exenatide was lower than that in patients receiving placebo (5.8 [5.2–6.7] mmol/L versus 7.3 [6.2–8.7] mmol/L,
P
<0.0001). However, there were no significant differences in the area under the neuron-specific enolase curve, or a composite end point of death and poor neurological function between groups. Adverse events were rare with no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions:

Acute administration of exenatide to comatose patients in the intensive care unit after OHCA is feasible and safe. Exenatide did not reduce neuron-specific enolase levels and did not significantly improve a composite end point of death and poor neurological function after 180 days.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02442791.
Development and Validation of a Risk Score for Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Prospective Cohort Study in China
Authors: Zhou Li Zhi , Yang Xiao Bing , Guan Ying , Xu Xing , Tan Ming T. , Hou Fan Fan , Chen Ping Yan
Published: November 2016

Background

Although several risk factors for acute kidney injury (
AKI
) have been identified, early detection of
AKI
in acute decompensated heart failure patients remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk score for early prediction of
AKI
in acute decompensated heart failure patients.

Methods and Results

A total of 676 consecutive acute decompensated heart failure participants were prospectively enrolled from 6 regional central hospitals. Data from 507 participants were analyzed. Participants from 4 of the 6 hospitals (n=321) were used to develop a risk score and conduct internal validation. External validation of the developed risk score was conducted in participants from the other 2 hospitals (n=186). Sequential logistic regression was used to develop and validate the risk score. The c statistic and calibration plot were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the proposed risk score. The overall occurrence of
AKI
was 33.1% (168/507). The risk score, ranging from 0 to 55, demonstrated good discriminative power with an optimism‐corrected c statistic of 0.859. Similar results were obtained from external validation with c statistic of 0.847 (95%
CI
0.819‐0.927). The risk score had good calibration with no apparent over‐ or under‐prediction observed from calibration plots.

Conclusions

The novel risk score is a simple and accurate tool that can help clinicians assess the risk of
AKI
in acute decompensated heart failure patients, which in turn helps them plan and initiate the most appropriate disease management for patients in time.
Relationship Between β‐Blocker Therapy at Discharge and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Li Chenze , Sun Yang , Shen Xiaoqing , Yu Ting , Li Qing , Ruan Guoran , Zhang Lina , Huang Qiang , Zhuang Hang , Huang Jingqiu , Ni Li , Wang Luyun , Jiang Jiangang , Wang Yan , Wang Dao Wen
Published: November 2016

Background

The evidence supporting the use of β‐blockers in patients with acute coronary syndrome after successful percutaneous coronary intervention has been inconsistent and scarce.

Methods and Results

Between March 1, 2009, and December 30, 2014, a total of 3180 eligible patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were consecutively enrolled. The primary end point was all‐cause death and the secondary end point was a composite of all‐cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure readmission, and cardiogenic hospitalization. Patients were compared according to the use of β‐blockers at discharge. Compared with the no β‐blocker group, the risk of all‐cause death was significantly lower in the β‐blocker group (hazard ratio [
HR
], 0.33; 95%
CI
, 0.17–0.65 [
P
=0.001]). A consistent result was obtained in multiple adjusted model and propensity score–matched analysis. The use of β‐blockers was also associated with decreased risk of composite of adverse cardiovascular events (
HR
, 0.47; 95%
CI
, 0.28–0.81 [
P
=0.006]), although statistical significance disappeared after multivariable adjustment and propensity score matching. Furthermore, we performed post hoc analysis for the subsets of patients and the results revealed that patients with non–ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction benefited the most from β‐blocker therapy at discharge (
HR
, 0.04; 95%
CI
, 0.00–0.27 [
P
=0.001]), and the use of <50% of target dose was significantly associated with better outcome compared with no β‐blocker use, rather than ≥50% of target dose.

Conclusions

The administration of relatively low β‐blocker dose is associated with improved clinical outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome after successful percutaneous coronary intervention, especially for patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Analysis of movement patterns and macrohabitat use in Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni, Gmelin 1789) reintroduced in a coastal area dominated by pinewood in eastern Spain
Authors: Drechsler Robby , Vilalta Mercè , Monrós Juan S.
Published: November 2016

The Hermann’s tortoise is a strictly European species found mostly in areas with Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean climes and, especially the subspecies T. hermanni hermanni, has to deal with various threats which reduced its geographic distribution to only a few isolated populations. Thus, with the objective of recovering natural populations of the species, numerous reintroduction projects are being carried out throughout its historical and prehistorical geographic distribution. The aim of our study is to evaluate the success of the T. hermanni reintroduction project carried out in the Albufera de Valencia Natural Park since 2011, through the analysis of movements, home range sizes and habitat use in a new environment. The recorded activity pattern presents two peaks, one in spring and another in August, and the hibernation period (from December to February) is the same as observed in other populations. We did not find significant differences in home range sizes between sexes, but a tight relation between home range sizes and body sizes with larger individuals having larger home ranges. This relation was not observed for core areas (Kernel at 50%). Considering the habitat use, we did not find differences between the groups of individuals we defined, but different types of habitats were used differently. “Scrub” was the most frequented (∼50%), followed by “dunes” (∼20%), “mallaes” (∼20%) and “forest” (<20%). Our results can be used to improve the success of future reintroduction projects by directing ideal habitat, timing and carapace size of released Hermann’s tortoises.
Paul’s Imperium
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: November 2016

The socio-historical context of the Pauline letters was dominated by the Roman Empire. But the Empire amounted to more than a material entity, and positing it as a negotiated concept is helpful for interpreting the Paul and Empire nexus. While areas of dissonance between Paul and Empire can be argued, the impact of Empire is discernible in other ways also in the letters. The lasting legacy of Paul’s imperium requires attention for Empire’s push and pull in his letters.
Economy’s New Myth Formations
Authors: Blanton Ward
Published: November 2016

In recent decades, comparative discussions of early Jewish and Christian traditions were dominated by questions of “political theology,” in which Paul, say, appeared as a kind of repressed touchstone within apparently secular conceptualizations and practices of the political (i.e., Jacob Taubes, Giorgio Agamben, Alain Badiou). Economic crises since 2000, however, have produced more recently a wide-ranging philosophical fascination with the possibility of addressing similar structures of political life by way of a comparative and genealogical exploration of “economic theology.” The philosophical examples tell this tale of shift in focus. If early philosophical explorations of political theology were steeped in allusions to American exceptionalism, the pre-emptive invasion of Iraq, the emergency suspension of laws prohibiting torture or the detentions at Guantanamo Bay, then more recent discussions of “economic theology” are similarly steeped in the massive proliferation of student and consumer debts, the European Union’s dramatic enforcement of austerity measures against the democratic will of individual member states, and the political implications of publically funded bailouts of banking corporations in the United States of America and Europe. This essay analyzes contemporary repetitions of early Jewish and Christian discourse as a way of understanding contemporary economic crises. With this backdrop, the essay makes suggestions about the important new role for an academic study of religion which is both comparative and experimental.
A simple, inexpensive artificial stream for rearing Ephemeroptera from sandy substrates
Authors: GRANT PETER M. , RYMER AMBER
Published: November 2016

We describe a simple, inexpensive artificial stream to rear mayflies from sandy bottom streams. It consisted of a 151 L tub containing sand and water from a local stream. A small submersible pump circulated the water and netting was placed over the tub to collect adults. The stream was operated in a heated greenhouse. This artificial stream was remarkably productive. We collected over 2100 adult mayflies representing 6 genera along with several Trichoptera and Diptera adults. This stream was productive for 55 weeks with minimal maintenance.
A preliminary assessment of the deep-sea Decapoda collected during the KARUBENTHOS 2015 Expedition to Guadeloupe Island
Authors: POUPIN JOSEPH , CORBARI LAURE
Published: November 2016

A preliminary assessment of the deep-sea Decapoda is proposed for Guadeloupe Island based solely on high definition macro photographs taken during the KARUBENTHOS 2015 Expedition to the Island (R/V Antea, 7–29 June 2015). Overall, 190 species are recognized, several of which are depicted with their fresh color for the first time. Previous records in the Lesser Antilles are documented and the geographic distribution of the species in these Islands is given. The historical contribution of the steamer Blake (1878–1879) in the Lesser Antilles is emphasized. All species inventoried during KARUBENTHOS 2015 were already reported in the western Atlantic but 34 of them are new records for the Lesser Antilles and 116 are reported for the first time from Guadeloupe Island. This preliminary inventory is estimated to include about 38% of the deep-sea Decapoda potentially occurring around Guadeloupe Island.
A review of the Tillicera genus group with a revision of Plathanocera Schenkling (Coleoptera, Cleridae, Clerinae)
Authors: GERSTMEIER ROLAND , STAPEL JESSICA
Published: November 2016

The Tillicera genus group is revised and defined to contain 40 species in the following six genera: Apopempsis Schenkling, 1903; Cardiostichus Quedenfeldt, 1885; Hemitrachys Gorham, 1876; Placocerus Klug, 1837; Plathanocera Schenkling, 1902 and Tillicera Spinola, 1941. The definition of the Tillicera genus group is mainly based on the presence of the dorsoventrally compressed and expanded antennae (from antennomere 3 onwards). The antennomeres are dilated at least from antennomeres 5 to 9 onwards, and are broader than long, always vested with dense long setae. A key to the constituent genera, color photographs, and distribution maps are provided. The genus Plathanocera is taxonomically revised, including a key to species and genital figures.
A taxonomic revision of the Musician Wren, Cyphorhinus arada (Aves, Troglodytidae), reveals the existence of six valid species endemic to the Amazon basin
Authors: BOCALINI FERNANDA , SILVEIRA LUÍS FÁBIO
Published: November 2016

Cyphorhinus arada, an Amazonian endemic, shows considerable geographic variation in plumage that has led to the recognition of eight subspecies. These include C. a. arada, C. a. salvini, C. a. modulator, C. a. transfluvialis, C. a. interpositus, C. a. griseolateralis, C. a. urbanoi and C. a. faroensis. However, a thorough taxonomic revision of the Cyphorhinus arada complex has never been undertaken, so we revise the taxonomy based on morphological and vocal characters. We analyzed a total of 515 museum specimens and 146 voice recordings representing and encompassing the distributions of all named taxa, including those currently considered not valid. Vocal analyses showed major variation within the complex, from which several trends could be identified between populations. We concluded that six species (C. arada, C. transfluvialis, C. modulator, C. salvini, C. interpositus and C. griseolateralis) should be recognized under the Phylogenetic Species Concept based on the diagnosis of stable plumage and vocal patterns of each.
Amendments to some scale insect names (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha)
Authors: WILLIAMS D.J.
Published: November 2016

The following scale insect specific names need gender changes to agree with their genus group names in the current printed catalogues and in ScaleNet, a database of the scale insects (García Morales et al. 2016). This action is taken to agree with Article 31.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999).
Redescription, distribution and mating call of Pristimantis colomai (Lynch and Duellman, 1997) (Anura, Craugastoridae)
Authors: VALENCIA-ZULETA ALEJANDRO , JARAMILLO-MARTÍNEZ ANDRÉS FELIPE , YÁNEZ-MUÑOZ MARIO H.
Published: November 2016

We redescribe Pristimantis colomai (Lynch & Duellman, 1997) on the basis of new specimens from Colombia and Ecuador. Also provide a new diagnosis, reassess its distribution, and describe the mating call for the first time. Besides the data in the original description, only is available for this species: (i) new records from Ecuador (Yánez-Muñoz et al. 2011) and (ii) molecular phylogenetic inferences that place this species in the Pristimantis ridens series (Hedges et al. 2008; Padial et al. 2014). Pristimantis colomai is currently classified as endangered due to its restrict distribution and habitat quality (Castro et al. 2004).
Boundedly Rational Entrepreneurs and Antitrust
Authors: Tor Avishalom
Published: November 2016

This article examines entrepreneurial activity and its implication for policy and antitrust law from a behavioral perspective. In particular, the analysis here focuses on the role of two sets of behavioral phenomena—overconfident beliefs and risk-seeking preferences—in facilitating boundedly rational entrepreneurship. Boundedly rational entrepreneurs may engage in entrepreneurial activity, such as the starting of new business ventures, under circumstances in which rational entrepreneurs would decline to do so. Consequently, overconfident or risk-seeking entrants compete with their more rational counterparts and create a post-entry landscape that differs markedly from the picture assumed by traditional economic accounts of entrepreneurial activity. The behaviorally informed analysis of entry sheds new light on the dynamics of competition among entrepreneurs and on its implications for policy and antitrust law.
Entrepreneurship and Antitrust Enforcement
Authors: Ghosh Shubha
Published: November 2016

Antitrust enforcement can promote entrepreneurship by creating an economic environment that is more suitable to market entry by start-up firms that challenge existing business models. Several reforms for improving antitrust enforcement would be desirable. First, antitrust enforcement can be procedurally mainstreamed. Second, merger review can be more aggressive. Third, rules about FRAND licensing can be clarified and implemented more predictably. This article analyzes these proposals and makes other recommendation for improving antitrust scrutiny of markets.
High-Speed Scanning for the Quantitative Evaluation of Glycogen Concentration in Bioethanol Feedstock Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 Using a Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging System with a New Near-Infrared Spectral Camera
Authors: Ishigaki Mika , Nakanishi Akihito , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko , Morishima Tetsu , Okuno Toshiaki , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: November 2016

In the present study, the high-speed quantitative evaluation of glycogen concentration accumulated in bioethanol feedstock Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 was performed using a near-infrared (NIR) imaging system with a hyperspectral NIR spectral camera named Compovision. The NIR imaging system has a feature for high-speed and wide area monitoring and the two-dimensional scanning speed is almost 100 times faster than the general NIR imaging systems for the same pixel size. For the quantitative analysis of glycogen concentration, partial least squares regression (PLSR) and moving window PLSR (MWPLSR) were performed with the information of glycogen concentration measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the calibration curves for the concentration within the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cell were constructed. The results had high accuracy for the quantitative estimation of glycogen concentration as the best squared correlation coefficient R2 was bigger than 0.99 and a root mean square error (RMSE) was less than 2.9%. The present results proved not only the potential for the applicability of NIR spectroscopy to the high-speed quantitative evaluation of glycogen concentration in the bioethanol feedstock but also the expansivity of the NIR imaging instrument to in-line or on-line product evaluation on a factory production line of bioethanol in the future.
A Reformulated Correlated Trait–Correlated Method Model for Multitrait–Multimethod Data Effectively Increases Convergence and Admissibility Rates
Authors: Fan Yi , Lance Charles E.
Published: November 2016

The correlated trait–correlated method (CTCM) model for the analysis of multitrait–multimethod (MTMM) data is known to suffer convergence and admissibility (C&A) problems. We describe a little known and seldom applied reparameterized version of this model (CTCM-R) based on Rindskopf’s reparameterization of the simpler confirmatory factor analysis model. In a Monte Carlo study, we compare the CTCM, CTCM-R, and the correlated trait–correlated uniqueness (CTCU) models in terms of C&A, model fit, and parameter estimation bias. The CTCM-R model largely avoided C&A problems associated with the more traditional CTCM model, producing C&A solutions nearly as often as the CTCU model, but also avoiding parameter estimation biases known to plague the CTCU model. As such, the CTCM-R model is an attractive alternative for the analysis of MTMM data.
From Indianness to Englishness: The foreign selves of Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Nirad C. Chaudhuri, and Salman Rushdie’s Salahuddin Chamchawala
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sayan
Published: November 2016

In Salman Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses, the protagonist Saladin Chamcha, born Salahuddin Chamchawala, undertakes a journey to England in order to escape his Indian identity and refashion himself as a “goodandproper Englishman”. In my article I read this journey of Chamcha through the prism of other similar journeys towards England and “Englishness”, which recur frequently in the past 200 years of Indian history. By highlighting the common elements that underline these different journeys, I seek to examine the desire to become “English” that they manifest and which forms an important, though critically neglected, facet of Indian middle-class self-fashioning under the colonial impact. The Satanic Verses, written four decades after India formally ceased being a colony of Britain, is central to this project because it is not only one of the most nuanced representations of the middle-class Indian desire for Englishness but also simultaneously an exploration of the sociocultural cul-de-sac to which this desire ultimately leads.
Microstructure and sintering mechanism of C/Cu composites by mechanical alloying/spark plasma sintering
Authors: Wang Yong , Ran Xu , Barber Gary , Zou Qian
Published: November 2016

This paper investigated the microstructure transformation behavior of copper–graphite composites prepared via mechanical alloying/ spark plasma sintering (MA-SPS). The results revealed that the composite powder existed in the forms of nano/submicron composite particles and pure nanoparticles. The composite particles were totally bonded together via the MA-SPS process and showed a dense and fine microstructure. The grain shape was different from that of the milled powder particles. The microhardness values of Cu–9.7 at.% C, Cu–18.1 at.% C, and Cu–25.3 at.% C composites were enhanced greatly compared with pure copper. The enhancement is due to the combination of the MA induced by high-energy ball milling from MA and discharge activation induced by pulsed current discharge from SPS in the MA-SPS fabrication process.
Preparation and characterization of electro-responsive core-sheath fiber mats for smart materials
Authors: Oh Se Young , Kang Tae Jin
Published: November 2016

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated with inorganic materials were spun with polyethylene terephthalate with a core-sheath structure using co-axial electrospinning technique. The effect of electrorheological (ER) particle content on the morphology, rheological and mechanical properties has been studied. It has been shown that ER particles were homogeneously distributed throughout the core part of the fibers with the core-sheath structure. It has been uniformly fabricated by controlling the viscosity and conductivity of ER fluids as well as the applied voltage, feeding rate of the electrospinning systems. The tensile test results with fiber mats showed that the modulus and tensile strength of the fiber mats is enhanced with lower breaking elongation because of the instant increase of viscosity and yield stress of ER fluid in the core part under the external applied electric field. Fiber mats with ER fluids in the core of the fiber may find potential applications in the area of adaptive textile structures.
Analysis of physical properties and structure design of weft-knitted spacer fabric with high porosity
Authors: Chen Chaoyu , Du Zhaoqun , Yu Weidong , Dias Tilak
Published: November 2016

The main content dealt with in the paper is to present a kind of weft-knitted spacer fabric with high porosity. It is a kind of three-dimensional textile fabric with a sandwich structure that consists of a middle layer of multifilament and two outer layers of plain-knitted fabric. Compared with traditional warp-knitted spacer fabric as cushion mats, weft-knitted spacer fabric is well used as apparel for good softness, thermal/moisture comfort, and air permeability. Therefore, three structures were designed and nine samples were prepared by choosing plain-knitted fabric as the outer layers and selecting soft and thin multifilament as a middle layer. Experimental results show that this kind of weft-knitted spacer fabrics has high porosity, greater than 86%, and also demonstrate that the weft-knitted spacer fabric is suitable for comfortable apparel based on experimental results of air permeability, compression properties, stiffness, and thermal insulation properties.
Geometrical design and forming analysis of three-dimensional woven node structures
Authors: Hübner Matthias , Fazeli Monireh , Gereke Thomas , Cherif Chokri
Published: November 2016

Structural frames have been established in many technical applications and typically consist of interconnected profiles. The profiles are commonly joined with node elements. For lightweight structures, the use of composite node elements is expedient. Due to the anisotropic mechanical properties of the fibers, high demands are placed on the orientation of the fibers in the textile reinforcement structure. A continuous fiber course around the circumference and at the junctions is necessary for an excellent force transmission. A special binding and forming process was developed based on the weaving technology. It allows the production of near-net-shaped node elements with branches in any spatial direction, which meet the requirements of load-adjusted fiber orientation. The principles by which these three-dimensional (3D) node elements are converted into a suitable geometry for weaving as a net shape multilayer fabric are reported. The intersections of the branches are described mathematically and flattened to a plane. This is the basis for the weave pattern development. Forming simulations on the macro- and meso-scales complement the analyses. A macro-scale model based on the finite element method (FEM) is used to verify the general formability and the accuracy of the flattenings. Since yarns are pulled through the textile structure in the novel forming process, the required tensile forces and the pulling lengths of the individual yarns are analyzed with a meso-scale FEM model. The flattening for two different node structures is realized successfully, and the simulation proves formability. Furthermore, the necessary forming forces are determined. Finally, the developed method for flattening the 3D geometry is suitable for the design of a variety of spatial node structures and the simulation supports the design of automated forming processes.
Experimental investigation of the tensile and bending behavior of multi-axial warp-knitted fabric composites
Authors: Gao Xiaoping , Li Danxi , Wu Wei , Chen Si
Published: November 2016

An experimental study was carried out on the tensile and bending behavior of multi-axial warp-knitted fabric composites. Five specimens reinforced with multi-axial warp-knitted fabric/epoxy were manufactured by a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding method. Quasi-static tensile and three-point bending tests were carried out in a number of orientations relative to the stitching direction: quadriaxial, triaxial, biaxial (±45° and 0/90°) and unidirectional. The results of the tests revealed that the quadriaxial and biaxial (±45°) samples showed quasi-isotropic behavior, whereas the other laminates showed anisotropic behavior. The influence of fiber volume fraction and the orientation distribution of the constituent material on the tensile and bending behavior were also analyzed. The relationships between the stress and strain and the tensile and bending behavior of different multi-axial warp-knitted fabric composite were obtained by polynomial fitting.
God and Metaphysics in Contemporary Theology: Reframing the Debate
Authors: Rivera Joseph
Published: November 2016

Recent post-metaphysical trends in contemporary theology seek to overcome “metaphysics,” in order to free God-language from the trappings of onto-theology. This means that theology prioritizes the conventional discourse of the church over the universal ambitions of metaphysical language. This article offers a corrective to the “post-metaphysical” corrective by proposing a broader definition of metaphysics, one rooted in concrete experience. In this regard I constructively consider Jean-Yves Lacoste’s “conceptual rescue operation” metaphysics in his wide-ranging Être en danger (2011)
Deus Migrator—God the Migrant: Migration of Theology and Theology of Migration
Authors: Phan Peter C.
Published: November 2016

Our time, which has been dubbed “The Age of Migration,” demands a new way of doing theology (“Migration Theology”) and a new conceptualization of basic Christian beliefs (“Theology of Migration”). This essay begins with a survey of the American Catholic Church and eight migrations in the history of Christianity to show that without migration there would have been neither a US Catholic Church nor the emergence of Christianity as a world religion. “Migrantness” is therefore a mark of the church and of Christianity itself. The construction of a theology of migration, then, requires a method composed of three mediations: analytic, hermeneutic, and practical. Using this method, the author sketches a theology of God, Christ, Holy Spirit, eschatology, and Christian existence from the perspective of migration.
Paradoxical reactions in children with tuberculosis
Authors: Shah Ira , Bhaskar MV
Published: November 2016

We sought to determine the incidence and clinical spectrum of the paradoxical reaction (PR) to treatment in 1000 children with tuberculosis (TB). Its incidence was 3.3%, presenting as mediastinal adenopathy (n = 12), central nervous system (CNS) tuberculoma (n = 8), increasing size of lymph nodes (n = 8) and serositis (n = 5). Symptoms included breathlessness (n = 7, 21.2%), neck swellings (n = 5, 15.2%), hemiplegia (n = 3, 9.1%), raised intracranial tension (n = 2, 6.1%) and fever or diabetes insipidus (n = 1, 3% each). The mean age of onset of PR was 3.5 months after the start of anti-TB medication. PR was seen predominantly in boys. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was more common in children aged <2 years. Tuberculomas were more common in children aged 2–5 years. Nodal enlargement and serositis were seen equally in all age groups.
Emergence of dengue in the tribal pockets of Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu
Authors: Samuel P Philip , Govindarajan R , Leo S Victor Jerald , Krishnamoorthy R , Paramasivan R , Arunachalam N
Published: November 2016

As original tribal ways of living have morphed from a forest dweller existence, dengue is no longer an urban infection but is now also found in rural hilly areas. The spread of dengue is enhanced by the frequent movement of people to endemic areas where there is a vector mosquito presence. The impact of the virus is known to be great in the immunologically naive population. Our study reports on the threat of the dengue virus in these hilly areas.
The Representation of Older People in East Asian Television Advertisements
Authors: Prieler Michael , Ivanov Alex , Hagiwara Shigeru
Published: November 2016

In this study, 432 television advertisements from Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea were analyzed to determine their representations of older people. Findings demonstrate that in East Asian advertisements, older people are highly underrepresented, appear in major roles, mostly alongside younger people, and older men clearly outnumber older women. The other variables investigated (i.e., setting and product categories) led to no conclusive findings for the three societies. In short, our study, employing ethnolinguistic vitality theory to analyze television advertisements, demonstrates how East Asian societies greatly marginalize older people. Potential effects of such representations are discussed using social cognitive theory and cultivation theory.
For Whom the Bells Toll
Authors: Franklin Rachel S. , van Leeuwen Eveline S.
Published: November 2016

In his presidential address to the Regional Science Association over thirty years ago, William Alonso presented the case for “Five Bell Shapes in Development” and argued that “the developed countries will enter fully in to the realm of the right-hand tail of these curves” (p. 16) and that this transition might result in several surprises. He proposed, therefore, that we should study the right tail of these “curves” as well as interactions among them. Much of what Alonso suggested has come to pass, although his prognostications were not always exact. And although he touched on several issues of relevance to regional scientists, the discipline has been slow to move away from a growth-centered paradigm. The strength of regional science—the capacity to consider economic, demographic, and geographical aspects of an issue simultaneously—has yet to be focused on some of the “right-hand” challenges that have arisen, population loss, for example. In this article, we provide a review of regional science research within the context of Alonso’s five bells and hypothesize how Alonso’s propositions might differ in today’s world. We then focus more specifically on one particular area: population loss. Using these examples allows us to highlight how regional science might contribute to the conceptualization of “right-hand tail” development challenges, especially where theory, issues of spatial scale, and interregional dependencies are concerned.
Developmental improvement in strategies to maintain verbal information in working memory
Authors: Oftinger Anne-Laure , Camos Valérie
Published: November 2016

Although it has been proposed that maintenance of verbal information in adults’ working memory relies on two strategies, articulatory rehearsal and attentional refreshing, little is known about the interplay of these strategies in children. To examine strategy changes around the age of seven, children were asked to maintain digits during a retention interval introduced between encoding and recall. In Experiment 1, this interval was either unfilled in a delayed span task or filled with an attention-demanding task in a Brown-Peterson task. This concurrent task was either silent or aloud to vary the availability of rehearsal. Experiment 2 introduced variation in the attentional demand of the concurrent task, and an independent concurrent articulation. As predicted, recall performance was better in older children, but was reduced under concurrent articulation or when attention was less available, bringing further evidence in favor of two maintenance strategies. Moreover, the measure of the availability of attention for refreshing was correlated with recall performance in eight- and seven-year-olds, though only when rehearsal was impeded for seven-year-olds, but it did not correlate with six-year-olds’ recall. This could suggest that rehearsal is the default strategy in young children who can adaptively switch to refreshing when articulatory processes are unavailable.
Becoming Gay Fathers Through Transnational Commercial Surrogacy
Authors: Nebeling Petersen Michael
Published: November 2016

Based on eight interviews with Danish gay male couples and one gay man, who had or were planning to become fathers through transnational commercial surrogacy, I examine the ways the men form family subjectivities between traditional kinship patterns and fundamentally new forms of kinship and family. Arguing that class, mobility, and privilege should also be understood as relational and negotiated positions, I show that gay men engaged in surrogacy must be understood as more flexible and differentiated. Second, I show how kinship as synonymous with biogenetic relatedness is supplemented by notions of kinship as devotion, individual will and determination, and reproductive desire in order to strengthen the men’s affinity to their children. Last, I examine how the men negotiate and work within the given structures of heteronormativity and Whiteness and rework notions of parenthood while at the same time reaffirming old hierarchizations of racialized and sexualized forms of procreation and families.
Soteriology at the Altar: Pentecostal Contributions to Salvation as Praxis
Authors: Vondey Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

The day of Pentecost serves as a central integrative theme for the practices, theological concepts, and biblical narratives nurturing Pentecostal soteriology. The so-called “full gospel” provides the basic contours for ritual reflection among Pentecostals and recognizes salvation as both initial metaphor for Pentecostal theology and principal theological theme. The foundational soteriological plot of Pentecost is appropriated by Pentecostals in diverse contexts through the foundational rite of the altar call and response. A Pentecostal reading of salvation from the biblical account of Pentecost and a subsequent articulation of Pentecostal soteriology cast in the image of Pentecost identifies the Pentecostal contribution to Christian soteriology as a persistent emphasis on salvation as praxis.
Setting cut scores on an EFL placement test using the prototype group method: A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis
Authors: Eckes Thomas
Published: November 2016

This paper presents an approach to standard setting that combines the prototype group method (PGM; Eckes, 2012) with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The combined PGM–ROC approach is applied to setting cut scores on a placement test of English as a foreign language (EFL). To implement the PGM, experts first named learners whom they considered to be typical of each of five levels of language proficiency as specified by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR; Council of Europe, 2001). Out of a total of 3,310 examinees taking different trial versions of the placement test, 470 learner prototypes were identified. For this set of prototypes, Rasch model estimates of EFL proficiency served as input to a series of ROC analyses, one for each pair of adjacent proficiency levels. Cut scores were derived using the Youden index that maximizes the overall rate of correct classification and minimizes the overall rate of misclassification. Findings confirmed that this method allows for the setting of cut scores that show a high level of classification accuracy in terms of the correspondence with expert categorizations of examinee prototypes. In addition, the ROC-based cut scores were associated with higher classification accuracy than cut scores derived from a logistic regression analysis of the same data. Potential further uses and implications of the PGM–ROC approach in the context of language testing and assessment are discussed.