bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NRAMP1andVDRGene Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in Venezuelan Population
Authors: Fernández-Mestre Mercedes , Villasmil Ángel , Takiff Howard , Fuentes Alcalá Zhenia
Published: October 2015

Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp1) and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are central components of the innate and adaptive immunity againstMycobacterium tuberculosis, and associations between susceptibility to tuberculosis and polymorphisms in the genesNRAMPandVDRhave been sought in geographically diverse populations. We investigated associations ofNRAMP1andVDRgene polymorphisms with susceptibility to TB in the Venezuelan population. The results suggest the absence of any association betweenVDRvariantsFokI, ApaI, andTaqIand susceptibility to tuberculosis. In contrast, theNRAMP1 3′UTRvariants were associated with susceptibility toM. tuberculosisinfection, as seen in the comparisons between TST+ and TST− controls, and also with progression to TB disease, as shown in the comparisons between TB patients and TST+ controls. This study confirms the previously described association of theNRAMP1 3′UTRpolymorphism withM. tuberculosisinfection and disease progression.
A Rare Case of Erdheim-Chester Disease and Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Overlap Syndrome
Authors: Nabi Shahzaib , Arshad Adeel , Jain Tarun , Virk Fawad , Gulati Rohit , Awdish Rana
Published: October 2015

A 48-year-old woman with a past medical history of seizures and end-stage renal disease secondary to obstructive uropathy from retroperitoneal fibrosis presented to the emergency department with seizures and altered mental status. A Glasgow Coma Scale of 4 prompted intubation, and she was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain performed to elucidate the aetiology of her seizure showed a dural-based mass within the left temporoparietal lobe as well as mass lesions within the orbits. Further imaging showed extensive retroperitoneal fibrosis extending to the mediastinum with involvement of aorta and posterior pleural space. Imaging of the long bones showed bilateral sclerosis and cortical thickening of the diaphyses. Imaging of the maxillofacial structures showed osseous destructive lesions involving the mandible. These clinical and radiological features were consistent with a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease; however, the patient’s skin biopsy was consistent with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Essential Thrombocythemia: A Case Based Update
Authors: Noel Edva , Abbas Naeem , Skaradinskiy Yevegeniy , Schreiber Zwi
Published: October 2015

Vascular thrombosis is a common clinical feature of both essential thrombocythemia (ET) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The development of HIT in a patient with ET is rare and underrecognized. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with preexisting ET, who was admitted with acute coronary syndrome, and IV heparin was started. She was exposed to unfractionated heparin (UFH) 5 days prior to this admission. Decrease in platelet count was noted, and HIT panel was sent. Heparin was discontinued. Patient developed atrial fibrillation, and Dabigatran was started. On day three, patient also developed multiple tiny cerebral infarctions and acute right popliteal DVT. On day ten of admission, HIT panel was positive, and Dabigatran was changed to Lepirudin. Two days later, Lepirudin was also discontinued because patient developed pseudoaneurysm on the right common femoral artery at the site of cardiac catheterization access. A progressive increase in the platelet count was noted after discontinuing heparin. Physicians should be aware of the coexistence of HIT and ET, accompanied challenges of the prompt diagnosis, and initiation of appropriate treatment.
The Impact of T2/FLAIR Evaluation per RANO Criteria on Response Assessment of Recurrent Glioblastoma Patients Treated with Bevacizumab
Authors: Huang Raymond Y. , Rahman Rifaquat , Ballman Karla V. , Felten Sara J. , Anderson S. Keith , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Nayak Lakshmi , Lee Eudocia Q. , Abrey Lauren E. , Galanis Evanthia , Reardon David A. , Pope Whitney B. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Wen Patrick Y.
Published: October 2015

Purpose: The RANO criteria have not been assessed using outcome data from prospective trials. We examined the radiologic data of patients with recurrent glioblastoma from the randomized phase II trial (AVF3708g) to determine the effect of including T2/FLAIR evaluation as per RANO criteria on measurements of objective response rates (ORRs) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared with assessment based on contrast enhancement (Macdonald criteria).

Experimental Design: The ORRs and median PFS were determined using the RANO criteria and compared with those obtained using the Macdonald criteria. Landmark analyses were performed at 2, 4, and 6 months, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the associations between OR and progression with subsequent survival.

Results: The ORRs were 0.331 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.260–0.409] and 0.393 (95% CI, 0.317–0.472) by RANO and Macdonald criteria, respectively (P < 0.0001). The median PFS was 4.6 months (95% CI, 4.1–5.5) using RANO criteria, compared with 6.4 months (95% CI, 5.5–7.1) as determined by Macdonald criteria (P = 0.01). At 2-, 4-, and 6-month landmarks, both OR status and PFS determined by either RANO or Macdonald criteria were predictive of overall survival [OS; hazard ratios for 4-month landmark (OR HR = 1.93, P = 0.0012; PFS HR, 4.23, P < 0.0001)].

Conclusions: The inclusion of T2/FLAIR assessment resulted in statistically significant differences in median PFS and ORRs compared with assessment of solely enhancing tumor (Macdonald criteria), although OR and PFS determined by both RANO and Macdonald criteria correlated with OS. Clin Cancer Res; 22(3); 575–81. ©2015 AACR.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yun Eun-Jin , Zhou Jiancheng , Lin Chun-Jung , Hernandez Elizabeth , Fazli Ladan , Gleave Martin , Hsieh Jer-Tsong
Published: October 2015

Purpose: Clinical evidence suggests increased cancer stem cells (CSCs) in a tumor mass may contribute to the failure of conventional therapies because CSCs seem to be more resistant than differentiated tumor cells. Thus, unveiling the mechanism regulating CSCs and candidate target molecules will provide new strategy to cure the patients.

Experimental design: The stem-like cell properties were determined by a prostasphere assay and dye exclusion assay. To find critical stem cell marker and reveal regulation mechanism, basic biochemical and molecular biologic methods, such as quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, reporter gene assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, were used. In addition, to determine the effect of combination therapy targeting both CSCs and its progeny, in vitro MTT assay and in vivo xenograft model was used.

Results: We demonstrate immortalized normal human prostate epithelial cells, appeared nontumorigenic in vivo, become tumorigenic, and acquire stem cell phenotype after knocking down a tumor suppressor gene. Also, those stem-like cells increase chemoresistance to conventional anticancer reagent. Mechanistically, we unveil that Wnt signaling is a key pathway regulating well-known stem cell marker CD44 by directly interacting to the promoter. Thus, by targeting CSCs using Wnt inhibitors synergistically enhances the efficacy of conventional drugs. Furthermore, the in vivo mouse model bearing xenografts showed a robust inhibition of tumor growth after combination therapy.

Conclusions: Overall, this study provides strong evidence of CSC in castration-resistant prostate cancer. This new combination therapy strategy targeting CSC could significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy of current chemotherapy regimen only targeting non-CSC cells. Clin Cancer Res; 22(3); 670–9. ©2015 AACR.
Genomic Landscape of CXCR4 Mutations in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Poulain Stéphanie , Roumier Christophe , Venet-Caillault Aurélie , Figeac Martin , Herbaux Charles , Marot Guillemette , Doye Emmanuelle , Bertrand Elisabeth , Geffroy Sandrine , Lepretre Frédéric , Nibourel Olivier , Decambron Audrey , Boyle Eileen Mary , Renneville Aline , Tricot Sabine , Daudignon Agnès , Quesnel Bruno , Duthilleul Patrick , Preudhomme Claude , Leleu Xavier
Published: October 2015

Purpose: Whole-genome sequencing has revealed MYD88 L265P and CXCR4 mutations (CXCR4mut) as the most prevalent somatic mutations in Waldenström macroglobulinemia. CXCR4 mutation has proved to be of critical importance in Waldenström macroglobulinemia, in part due to its role as a mechanism of resistance to several agents. We have therefore sought to unravel the different aspects of CXCR4 mutations in Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Experimental Design: We have scanned the two coding exons of CXCR4 in Waldenström macroglobulinemia using deep next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing in 98 patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia and correlated with SNP array landscape and mutational spectrum of eight candidate genes involved in TLR, RAS, and BCR pathway in an integrative study.

Results: We found all mutations to be heterozygous, somatic, and located in the C-terminal domain of CXCR4 in 25% of the Waldenström macroglobulinemia. CXCR4 mutations led to a truncated receptor protein associated with a higher expression of CXCR4. CXCR4 mutations pertain to the same clone as to MYD88 L265P mutations but were mutually exclusive to CD79A/CD79B mutations (BCR pathway). We identified a genomic signature in CXCR4mut Waldenström macroglobulinemia traducing a more complex genome. CXCR4 mutations were also associated with gain of chromosome 4, gain of Xq, and deletion 6q.

Conclusions: Our study panned out new CXCR4 mutations in Waldenström macroglobulinemia and identified a specific signature associated to CXCR4mut, characterized with complex genomic aberrations among MYD88L265P Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Our results suggest the existence of various genomic subgroups in Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Clin Cancer Res; 22(6); 1480–8. ©2015 AACR.
Correlating Surrogate Endpoints with Overall Survival at the Individual Patient Level in BRAFV600E-Mutated Metastatic Melanoma Patients Treated with Vemurafenib
Authors: Zabor Emily C. , Heller Glenn , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Chapman Paul B.
Published: October 2015

Purpose: Surrogate endpoints are needed that correlate with overall survival (OS). We analyzed individual patient tumor data from a phase III trial of vemurafenib versus dacarbazine (BRIM3) to identify criteria for tumor measures that correlated with OS. Correlates were validated using a separate data set from a phase II trial of vemurafenib (BRIM2).

Experimental Design: Deidentified tumor measurements and OS data from BRIM3 and from BRIM2 were analyzed. Target tumor measurement data and nontarget tumor data were available from pretreatment, weeks 6,12, and every 9 weeks thereafter. In the BRIM3 data set, associations of OS with both early tumor response (first 12 weeks) and time to progression (TTP) were assessed. Different definitions of response and progression were explored. Findings were validated using the BRIM2 data set.

Results: Thresholds of early response were explored ranging from any degree of tumor shrinkage to 100% tumor shrinkage. Correlation was weak at all thresholds tested. TTP, however, was more strongly correlated with OS. The strongest correlation was seen when progression was defined as ≥50% increase in the sum of tumor diameters or appearance of new tumors. This was confirmed by similar analyses in the BRIM2 cohort.

Conclusions: TTP defined as ≥50% increase in the sum of tumor diameters or appearance of new tumors was more strongly associated with OS than early tumor shrinkage in melanoma patients treated with RAF inhibitor. In future trials, consideration should be given to replacing response rate with TTP or PFS as preferable clinical endpoints in early-phase studies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(6); 1341–7. ©2015 AACR.
FAM3A Protects HT22 Cells Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress Through Activation of PI3K/Akt but not MEK/ERK Pathway
Authors: Song Qing , Gou Wen-Li , Zhang Rong
Published: October 2015

Background/Aims: Oxidative stress-induced cell damage is involved in many neurological diseases. FAM3A is the first member of family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) gene family and its biological function remains largely unknown. Methods: This study aimed to determine its role in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced injury in neuronal HT22 cells. The protective effects were measured by cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis, and oxidative stress was assayed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, ATP synthesis and lipid peroxidation. By using selective inhibitors, the involvement of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways were also investigated. Results: The results of fluorescence staining revealed that H2O2 significantly decreased the expression of FAM3A protein, which was shown to be subcellularly located in mitochondria. Up-regulation of FAM3A by lentivirus transfection markedly increased cell viability and decreased LDH release after H2O2 treatment. The anti-apoptotic activity of FAM3A was demonstrated by the reduced mitochondrial cytochrome c release, decreased activation of caspase-3 and the results of flow cytometry. Overexpression of FAM3A attenuated intracellular ROS generation and loss of ATP production induced by H2O2, and subsequently inhibited lipid peroxidation. In addition, overexpression of FAM3A significantly increased the activation of Akt and ERK in H2O2 injured HT22 cells. By using Akt and ERK specific inhibitors, we found that inhibition of PI3K/Akt, but not MEK/ERK pathway, partially prevented FAM3A-induced protection against H2O2. Conclusion: These results suggest that FAM3A has protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress by reducing ROS accumulation and apoptosis, and these protective effects are dependent on the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway.
Colour Vision in Stargardt Disease
Authors: Vandenbroucke Tine , Buyl Ronald , De Zaeytijd Julie , Bauwens Miriam , Uvijls André , De Baere Elfride , Leroy Bart P.
Published: October 2015

Purpose: To investigate the type and severity of acquired colour vision deficiencies (CVDs) in molecularly proven Stargardt disease (STD) and to establish whether a relationship exists between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and full-field electroretinography (ffERG), and the degree of CVD. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study of 73 patients with a molecularly proven diagnosis of STD, who underwent extensive colour vision evaluation, using pseudo-isochromatic and arrangement tests. Thirteen patients underwent Nagel anomaloscopy. Results: Normal colour vision was found in almost 20% of patients. Red/green (R/G) CVDs increased as BCVA declined. About 45% of all R/G CVDs were of the deutan type, although protan type CVDs became progressively apparent when moving from the high to the low BCVA group. An additional blue/yellow CVD was noted in about 25% of patients. In 10/13 patients, a pseudoprotanomaly was noted on anomaloscopy. Severe CVDs leading to scotopization were noted in patients with low BCVA and/or long-standing disease. No statistically significant differences in ERG results were found between groups with or without a CVD. Conclusions: The degree and type of colour vision deficiency in STD patients correlate better with BCVA than with ffERG results. The presence of specific CVDs may help to establish a diagnosis of STD. A battery of colour vision tests is required to properly evaluate CVDs in STD.
Patterns of Methylphenidate Use and Assessment of Its Abuse among the General Population and Individuals with Drug Dependence
Authors: Frauger Elisabeth , Amaslidou Despina , Spadari Michel , Allaria-Lapierre Veronique , Braunstein David , Sciortino Vincent , Thirion Xavier , Djezzar Samira , Micallef Joelle
Published: October 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the extent of methylphenidate (MPH) abuse and characterize its patterns by following several cases involving intravenous administration of crushed MPH tablets. Methods: First, a drug reimbursement database (covering 4 million inhabitants) was explored to assess the magnitude of MPH abuse among the general population, and second, a specific study based on individuals with drug dependence was performed to describe abusers' characteristics (n = 64), patterns of abuse and clinical implications. Results: From 2005 to 2011, the number of patients who were dispensed MPH at least once increased by 166%. The patients with ‘deviant' patterns of MPH consumption were mainly male adults with opiate maintenance treatment reimbursements. MPH abusers had precarious living conditions. Half of them consumed MPH daily by intravenous route and reported amphetamine-like effects (cardiovascular events, weight loss, psychiatric adverse events). Conclusion: Given the increase of MPH use, it is important to warn the scientific community about possible MPH abuse, especially in individuals with drug dependence. This study has facilitated public health intervention and dissemination of information related to MPH abuse among health care professionals at local and national levels.
Maternal and Fetal Determinants of Neonatal Body Composition
Authors: Breij Laura M. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P.M. , Briceno Daniela , Hokken-Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: October 2015

Background: Body composition in early life influences the development of obesity during childhood and beyond. It is, therefore, important to adequately determine neonatal body composition. Fetal growth and maternal factors might influence neonatal fat mass percentage (FM%), independent of birth weight. Methods: In 194 healthy neonates, we investigated neonatal body composition, measured by air-displacement plethysmography (PEAPOD), and its associations with estimated fetal weight (EFW), neonatal anthropometric data, maternal preconceptional body mass index (BMI) and maternal weight gain during pregnancy. Results: There was a large variation in neonatal FM%, even in case of a similar birth weight, corrected for gender and gestational age. Neonatal FM% was associated with EFW at 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and with catch-up in weight between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation, but not with EFW at 20 weeks (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p = 0.64, respectively). Neonatal FM% was also associated with preconceptional BMI of the mother (p < 0.01). There was no correlation with maternal weight gain. Conclusion: Our study shows that term neonates have a large variation in FM%. Neonatal FM% is associated with EFW at 30 and 36 weeks, catch-up in weight between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and preconceptional BMI of the mother.
Pretreatment with rivaroxaban attenuates stroke severity in rats by a dual antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory mechanism
Authors: Kraft Peter , Schuhmann Michael K. , Dittmeier Melanie , Fluri Felix , Kleinschnitz Christoph
Published: October 2015

Stroke outcome is more favourable in patients receiving oral anticoagulants compared with non-anticoagulated patients. The reasons for this “stroke-attenuating” property of oral anticoagulants are largely unknown. This study examined whether prestroke anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, a novel direct factor Xa inhibitor, influences stroke severity, thrombin-mediated intracerebral thrombus formation and pro-inflammatory processes in a rat model of brain ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Male Wistar rats were anticoagulated with rivaroxaban and subjected to 90 minutes of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Infarct size, functional outcome and the occurrence of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) were assessed until day 7. Thrombin generation was determined by measuring the amount of thrombin/antithrombin complex. Intracerebral thrombus formation was evaluated by histology and Western blot. CD68-immunoreactivity and the expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules were investigated to assess postischaemic inflammation. The integrity of the blood–brain barrier was analysed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran. Rats pretreated with rivaroxaban developed significantly smaller strokes and less severe functional deficits compared with controls. Although rivaroxaban strongly reduced thrombin-mediated thrombus formation, this was not accompanied by an increased risk of ICH. In addition, rivaroxaban dampened the inflammatory response in the ischaemic brain by downregulating ICAM-1 expression and the activation of CD68+-immune cells. In contrast, rivaroxaban had no effect on the integrity of the blood–brain barrier after stroke. Here, we identified reduced thrombo-inflammation as a major determinant of the stroke-protective property of rivaroxaban in rats. Further studies are needed to assess the therapeutic potential of novel oral anticoagulants in the acute phase after a stroke.
Circulating Growth Differentiation Factor 11/8 Levels Decline With Age
Authors: Poggioli Tommaso , Vujic Ana , Yang Peiguo , Macias-Trevino Claudio , Uygur Aysu , Loffredo Francesco S. , Pancoast James R. , Cho Miook , Goldstein Jill , Tandias Rachel M. , Gonzalez Emilia , Walker Ryan G. , Thompson Thomas B. , Wagers Amy J. , Fong Yick W. , Lee Richard T.
Published: October 2015

Rationale:

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and GDF8 are members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily sharing 89% protein sequence homology. We have previously shown that circulating GDF11 levels decrease with age in mice. However, a recent study by Egerman et al reported that GDF11/8 levels increase with age in mouse serum.

Objective:

Here, we clarify the direction of change of circulating GDF11/8 levels with age and investigate the effects of GDF11 administration on the murine heart.

Methods and Results:

We validated our previous finding that circulating levels of GDF11/8 decline with age in mice, rats, horses, and sheep. Furthermore, we showed by Western analysis that the apparent age-dependent increase in GDF11 levels, as reported by Egerman et al, is attributable to cross-reactivity of the anti-GDF11 antibody with immunoglobulin, which is known to increase with age. GDF11 administration in mice rapidly activated SMAD2 and SMAD3 signaling in myocardium in vivo and decreased cardiac mass in both young (2-month-old) and old (22-month-old) mice in a dose-dependent manner after only 9 days.

Conclusions:

Our study confirms an age-dependent decline in serum GDF11/8 levels in multiple mammalian species and that exogenous GDF11 rapidly activates SMAD signaling and reduces cardiomyocyte size. Unraveling the molecular basis for the age-dependent decline in GDF11/8 could yield insight into age-dependent cardiac pathologies.
Nothotylenchus persicus n. sp. (Nematoda: Anguinidae) from Kermanshah province, Iran
Authors: Esmaeli Mehrab , Heydari Ramin , Castillo Pablo , Palomares-Rius Juan E.
Published: October 2015

A new species of the genus Nothotylenchus, N. persicus n. sp. was collected around the roots of grapevine and is described and illustrated herein based on morphological and molecular studies. The new species is characterised by a body length of 776-900 μm, delicate stylet 5-6 μm long, six lines in the lateral field, post-vulval uterine sac short, 10-18 μm long, female tail elongate-conoid with pointed terminus, and bursa covering 40-45% of tail length. Morphologically, N. persicus n. sp. appears closer to four known species of the genus, namely: N. hexaglyphus, N. affinis, N. medians and N. taylori. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of D2-D3 expansion region of 28S rRNA gene confirmed the close molecular relationship between N. persicus n. sp. and other anguinids, but Nothotylenchus claded separately from Ditylenchus species.
The acanthocephalan fauna of Iran, a check list
Authors: TAVAKOL SAREH , AMIN OMAR M. , LUUS-POWELL WILMIEN J. , HALAJIAN ALI
Published: October 2015

The acanthocephalan fauna of Iran is reported for the first time since the report of Pomphorhynchus perforator (von Linstow, 1908) Meyer, 1932 in 1964. The knowledge of the acanthocephalan biodiversity of Iran, with parasite-host and host-parasite checklists, is presented. The species of Acanthocephala are presented in alphabetical order, followed by the species of hosts, localities and references. A total of 30 known species of Acanthocephala from 21 genera, 12 families and 7 orders are reported from 80 species of different vertebrates of Iran. One species, Moniliformis moniliformis (Bremser, 1811) Travassos, 1915 was recorded from humans. The group of hosts with the largest number of reported species of acanthocephalan is Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
First record of Aleiodes (Hemigyroneuron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) from the Arabian Peninsula: description of new species with remarkable wing venation convergence to Gyroneuron and Gyroneuronella
Authors: BUTCHER BUNTIKA A. , QUICKE DONALD L. J.
Published: October 2015

A new species of Aleiodes (Hemigyroneuron) from Saudi Arabia is described and illustrated. It represents the first species known from outside of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South East Asia and the East Palaearctic. It belongs to a species group comprising A. (H.) plurivena, glandularis and sharkeyi, but displays even more derived wing venation which is remarkably convergent with that of two distantly related rogadine genera, Gyroneuron and Gyroneuronella.
Biology and morphology of immature stages of Lixus canescens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae)
Authors: SKUHROVEC JIŘÍ , VOLOVNIK SEMYON
Published: October 2015

Mature larvae and pupae of Lixus (Eulixus) canescens Steven, 1829 (Curculionidae: Lixinae: Lixini) are described and compared with known larvae and pupae of other Lixus species. The biology of the species was studied in Ukraine. A species of Crambe (Brassicaceae) was identified as host plant of both larvae and adults of this weevil. The weevil is very likely oligophagous. Lixus canescens prefers dry, sunny places, such as open areas of sand close to sea shores with growing host plants. Overwintering beetles emerge in the late spring (mid-May), and then feed and mate on the host plants. The highest level of activity of the adults was observed at the end of May. Larvae are endophagous in the host plant stem. At the end of July, the larvae pupate within the stem inside a pupation cell. Adults leave the cells at the end of summer and do not hibernate on the host plants. They then, most likely, spend some time feeding on the host plants and looking for suitable shelter in which to overwinter.
Phylogeny of the genus Rhynchocalamus (Reptilia; Colubridae) with a first record from the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: ŠMÍD JIŘÍ , MARTÍNEZ GABRIEL , GEBHART JURGEN , AZNAR JAVIER , GÁLLEGO JAVIER , GÖÇMEN BAYRAM , POUS PHILIP DE , TAMAR KARIN , CARRANZA SALVADOR
Published: October 2015

The genus Rhynchocalamus comprises three species distributed in Southwest Asia. Little is known about them, most probably because of their secretive fossorial lifestyle. The poor knowledge of the genus is even underscored by the fact that its phylogenetic affinities remained unclear until very recently. The least known of the species, Rhynchocalamus arabicus, is known only from the holotype collected in Aden, Yemen, and it has not been observed since its description in 1933. Here we provide a second record for this species, which represents the first record of this genus for Oman. This extends its range in southern Arabia by more than 1000 km. The observed specimen was determined as R. arabicus on the basis of its similarity in size, color, and scalation with the holotype. Furthermore, we sequenced three mitochondrial (12S, 16S, cytb) and one nuclear (cmos) genes for R. arabicus and for two individuals of R. melanocephalus and one R. satunini and inferred the phylogenetic relationships of all currently recognized species of the genus for the first time. The results of our phylogenetic analyses indicate that Rhynchocalamus is a member of the Western Palearctic clade of Colubrinae and is sister to Lytorhynchus, with which it forms a very well supported clade and shares some morphological characters. As our results show, R. satunini is the basal lineage of the genus and R. melanocephalus is sister to R. arabicus.
A new notoaturine genus from New Zealand (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Aturidae: Notoaturinae)
Authors: SMIT HARRY
Published: October 2015

The water mite subfamily Notoaturinae Besch has a typical Gondwanan distribution, with 9 genera in Australia, 3 genera in Chile, 2 genera in South Africa and one in East Africa (Cook 1986, 1988, 1998, Smit 2010). Remarkably, the genus is lacking in New Guinea and New Caledonia as both islands have a typical Australasian water mite fauna (Wiles 1997, Smit 2002, 2009, 2011, 2013). New Zealand has a very rich notoaturine water mite fauna. Thus far, the following 19 genera are known from New Zealand (Cook 1983, 1991, Pesic et al. 2010): Abelaturus Cook, 1983, Bleptaturus Cook, 1991, Canterburaturus Pesic & Smit, 2010, Colobaturus Cook, 1991, Evidaturus Cook, 1983, Hestaturus Cook, 1991, Kritaturus Cook, 1983, Neotryssaturus Cook, 1974, Omegaturus Cook, 1983, Paratryssaturus Imamura, 1979, Pilosaturus Cook, 1983, Piotaturus Cook, 1983, Planaturus Cook, 1983, Pseudotryssaturus Cook, 1983, Taintaturus Cook, 1983, Tryssaturopsis Cook, 1974, Tryssaturus Hopkins, 1967, Uralbia Hopkins, 1967 and Zelandalbia Imamura, 1978. The water mite fauna of streams in New Zealand consists for a large part of notoaturine water mites. Especially members of the genus Pseudotryssaturus Cook are abundant (Cook 1983).
Eltrombopag interference in routine chemistry testing
Authors: Gounden Verena , Zhao Zhen
Published: October 2015

Background

High doses of Eltrombopag have been previously reported to cause bilirubin interference. Following receipt of a sample from a patient receiving high-dose Eltrombopag therapy, the laboratory decided to investigate the effect of this drug on routine chemistry testing.

Methods

Interference studies were performed by spiking Eltrombopag into aliquots of a serum pool to give concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 µg/mL. The following analytes, namely albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, Urea, total calcium, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, iron, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, bicarbonate, transferrin, ferritin, electrolytes, total and direct bilirubin and serum indices (hemolysis, icterus and lipaemia) were then measured on the Roche Cobas 6000 chemistry analyzer (Roche, Indianapolis, USA).

Results

Eltrombopag interference (>10% change of the baseline value) was observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, inorganic phosphate and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Clinical significant interference was observed for total cholesterol, inorganic phosphate and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Conclusions

Presence of high Eltrombopag concentrations in blood samples has been demonstrated to cause interference in the measurement of certain spectrophotometric-based assays on the Roche Cobas 6000 analyzer.
Boredom in the Workplace
Authors: Cummings Mary L. , Gao Fei , Thornburg Kris M.
Published: October 2015

Objective:

We review historical and more recent efforts in boredom research and related fields. A framework is presented that organizes the various facets of boredom, particularly in supervisory control settings, and research gaps and future potential areas for study are highlighted.

Background:

Given the ubiquity of boredom across a wide spectrum of work environments—exacerbated by increasingly automated systems that remove humans from direct, physical system interaction and possibly increasing tedium in the workplace—there is a need not only to better understand the multiple facets of boredom in work environments but to develop targeted mitigation strategies.

Method:

To better understand the relationships between the various influences and outcomes of boredom, a systems-based framework, called the Boredom Influence Diagram, is proposed that describes various elements of boredom and their interrelationships.

Results:

Boredom is closely related to vigilance, attention management, and task performance. This review highlights the need to develop more naturalistic experiments that reflect the characteristics of a boring work environment.

Conclusion:

With the increase in automation, boredom in the workplace will likely become a more prevalent issue for motivation and retention. In addition, developing continuous measures of boredom based on physiological signals is critical.

Application:

Personnel selection and improvements in system and task design can potentially mitigate boredom. However, more work is needed to develop and evaluate other potential interventions.
Fiction and Social Theory: E-Special Introduction
Authors: Beer David
Published: October 2015

This E-Special issue brings together a range of articles from the Theory, Culture, & Society archive that directly explore the relations between fiction and social theory. Each article develops a different perspective on these relations, yet they all share a common interest in probing at the different ways in which fiction might enrich and provoke our conceptual imaginations. These articles ask how theory might be used to understand or illuminate fiction, whilst also considering how theory might be extended, challenged or informed by fictional resources. In general terms, the articles take three types of overlapping approach. First, there are those that use fiction to extend the imagination of social theory. Second are the articles that use fiction as a documentary resource and platform for theorizing. And, finally, there are those articles that use theory to reanimate and re-examine fictional forms. In exploring these three intersecting branches the pieces illustrate the different ways in which fiction and social theory might interweave in our thinking. The articles gathered here provide frameworks, ideas and resources through which the reader might continue to think imaginatively and creatively about the social world.
Unique core skills: Exploring occupational therapists' hidden assets
Authors: Turner Annie , Alsop Auldeen
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Early literature considered occupational therapists' unique core skills in terms of visible activities. Suggestions of what these may be have often confused skills with techniques and personal attributes and thus arguably have had some negative consequences for the profession.

Method

An electronic and hand-searched review of past and present professional and adjunctive literature led to the inductive development of five themes: an historical perspective of core skills; defining occupational therapy; the occupational therapy process; practice skills and defining unique core skills.

Discussion

Literature has indicated that occupational therapists' unique core skills are those common non-visible skills based around unique reasoning processes that translate occupational therapy theory and knowledge into visible professional practice. Visible skills are context dependent and should not be seen as core.

Conclusion

The unique core skills of occupational therapists are largely hidden. They are the reasoning skills used to apply the understanding of occupation and its impact on health to the meaningful activities and occupations of service users. Visible practice skills are diverse and some may be shared with other professions. While some activities can appear mundane, forming the rationale for their use is the unique core skill of occupational therapists.
Social Support and “Playing Around”
Authors: Tsai Hsin-yi Sandy , Shillair Ruth , Cotten Shelia R.
Published: October 2015

This study examines how older adults learn to use tablet computers. Learning to use new technologies can help older adults to be included in today’s digital society. However, learning to use new technologies is not always easy, especially for older adults. This study focuses on how older adults learn to use a specific technology, tablet computers, and the role that social support plays in this process. Data for this project are from 21 in-depth interviews with individuals who own tablet computers. We examine how older adults engage with tablet devices and increase their digital literacy. The findings suggest that, for older adults to start to use tablets, social support plays an important role. In addition, a key way that many participants report gaining expertise with the technology is through “playing around” with the tablets. Suggestions for how to help older adults learn to use new technologies are detailed.
Feminist Mentoring and Relational Cultural Theory
Authors: Alvarez Ann Rosegrant , Lazzari Marceline M.
Published: October 2015

Social work educators who identify as feminists often find themselves feeling isolated in the academy and longing for connection. Connection is emphasized in Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), a theory of human development that emphasizes the perspective that individuals grow in relationship with one another. The authors apply RCT to membership on the Council on the Role and Status of Women in Social Work Education (Women’s Council), within the Council on Social Work Education. This perspective has explanatory value and can be used to help plan for and facilitate beneficial mentoring experiences. Implications for research and for use in other contexts are considered.
The Limits and Ambiguities of the Albanian “National Question” in Post-communism
Authors: Barbullushi Odeta
Published: October 2015

This article interrogates the mobilization of the Albanian national question in Albania in 2012. The two interrelated questions of the article are why the nationalist card is not used consistently and why it failed to trigger a policy debate, or lead to policy changes. The main argument of the article is that, more than a policy alternative, “national unification” is a discursive practice performing two functions: Externally, it signals sovereignty and subjectivity to the international community in Albania, primarily the European Union (EU) and the United States, and as such it is used for political leverage, particularly at critical moments. Internally, it aims at constructing national cohesion, while drawing identity lines between the main political parties. This is particularly the case in moments of political instability, juncture or pressure, as before elections. However, its limited ability to inform policy and mobilize political action results not only from the demobilizing power of international actors, for example, the EU and the United States, but also the dominant position that a specific discourse of “good Albanian nationalism” holds in the political debate in post-communist Albania.
Piety, Glamour, and Protest: Performing Social Status and Affiliation in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Trainer Sarah
Published: October 2015

This article focuses on the fashion choices and performances that female Emirati students attending public university in the UAE create across different social and physical spaces, as well as the ways in which these feed into dynamic and fluid presentations of self. Particular attention is paid to the ways in which these self-presentations are constructed in relation to on-campus social interactions, as well as the novelty of many of these interactions and performances. The university campuses allow forms of socializing, performative interactions, and body adornment to develop that often could not be replicated in other physical spaces, off-campus. In the process, women assess and re-craft important sociocultural values, forms of reciprocity, and ways of being in the world that dominate other areas of their lives.
Facebook is no “Great equalizer”
Authors: Brandtzaeg Petter Bae
Published: October 2015

Facebook is expected to facilitate more equal participation in civic engagement across genders and countries. With the use of a big data tool (Wisdom), we explored gender disparities in various Facebook liking practices concerning expressions of civic engagement among 21,706,806 Facebook users in 10 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. We observed distinct patterns with regard to civic and political expressions on Facebook, with males drawn more toward politically and information-oriented liking practices when compared to females. Moreover, females (aged 13–28 years) in Europe and the Americas are more likely than males to support humanitarian aid and environmental issues on Facebook. This latter finding was not evident in Asia and Africa, where males are more active in liking all forms of civic expressions on Facebook. In conclusion, this study shows that the gender differences in civic engagement that exist offline to a large degree are replicated and reinforced on Facebook.
Smart City Implementation Through Shared Vision of Social Innovation for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Chatfield Akemi Takeoka , Reddick Christopher G.
Published: October 2015

Environmental sustainability is a critical global issue that requires comprehensive intervention policies. Viewed as localized intervention policy implementations, smart cities leverage information infrastructures and distributed renewable energy smart micro-grids, smart meters, and home/building energy management systems to reduce city-wide carbon emissions. However, theory-driven smart city implementation research is critically lacking. This theory-building case study identifies antecedent conditions necessary for implementing smart cities. We integrated resource dependence, social embeddedness, and citizen-centric e-governance theories to develop a citizen-centric social governance framework. We apply the framework to a field-based case study of Japan’s Kitakyushu smart community project to examine the validity and utility of the framework’s antecedent conditions: resource-dependent leadership network, cross-sector collaboration based on social ties, and citizen-centric e-governance. We conclude that complex smart community implementation processes require shared vision of social innovation owned by diverse stakeholders with conflicting values and adaptive use of informal social governance mechanisms for effective smart city implementation.
A Participatory Approach for Envisioning a Smart City
Authors: van Waart Peter , Mulder Ingrid , de Bont Cees
Published: October 2015

The work we will be discussing here explores how government, industry, the university, and the citizens of a city can arrive through a participatory design approach at an increased and mutual understanding and a shared vision of a desired smart city of the future. Elaborating upon insights from transition management studies and from the quadruple-helix knowledge production model, our work proposes a participatory approach for prototyping future cities that embraces practice-oriented design research activities and thus aims for practical impact. We will report on two cases, GovJam and Hackday Data of the Crowds, in which stakeholders were able to acquire through participatory prototyping an understanding of the possibilities of technology in city services of the future. Results from these sessions show that participating stakeholders indeed gained a new perspective upon issues facing the city, due to an increased awareness and understanding of, and empathy for, the interests of other stakeholders. We also found indications that transfer of knowledge was taking place from the prototyping sessions to the daily practice of participants working in the public sector.
The new paradigm of an anti-lock braking system for a full electric vehicle: experimental investigation and benchmarking
Authors: Savitski Dzmitry , Ivanov Valentin , Augsburg Klaus , Shyrokau Barys , Wragge-Morley Robert , Pütz Thomas , Barber Phil
Published: October 2015

The study presented in this paper discusses developments in the area of anti-lock braking control for full electric vehicles. The main contributions of the paper are the development and experimental validation of the combined electric and hydraulic brake system with application of a continuous anti-lock braking system, which is expected to be more effective than the existing industrial solutions. It covers the topic of high-performance braking and driving comfort under a direct slip control function. The research is related to the full electric sport utility vehicle equipped with four individual on-board motors and a decoupled electrohydraulic brake system. The brake controller architecture includes functions of the continuous anti-lock braking system strategy, a brake blending algorithm aimed at minimization of the friction brake torque and operational limitations of the electric brakes. The developed brake controller was subjected to different validation procedures but, within the framework of this paper, emergency braking tests on a wet surface with a low coefficient of friction are considered. The results obtained demonstrate significant improvements in the braking performance, the driving comfort and the control performance for continuous anti-lock braking control of the electric vehicle compared with those of diverse vehicle configurations and, in particular, with those of a sport utility vehicle of the same type equipped with an internal-combustion engine and a conventional hydraulic brake system.
Pose measurement of nozzle based on laser range finders for capturing satellite
Authors: Zhang Yu , Sun Kui , Liu Hong , Zhang Yuanfei
Published: October 2015

Sensors system is considered as one of the most indispensable devices to the mission of capturing a satellite for on-orbit servicing in the space. In this paper, in order to measure the pose of nozzle, six laser range finders are installed in the capturing nozzle device for entering into and capturing nozzle, and a Geometric Axis Approximation (GAA) method is proposed to estimate the pose of satellite nozzle. Six laser range finders are arranged in the configuration of emission radiated at two planes of top and bottom. The pose measurement system is composed of the six laser range finders, applicable for real-time measurement of the ranges from inner surface of nozzle. Based on the properties of nozzle shape and finders arrangement, the GAA method is used to estimate the pose of nozzle by a connecting line between two centers of circles in the top and bottom planes. In the pose estimation of GAA method, solving the nonlinear transcendental equations can be avoided and a simple explicit model is built. Therefore, the GAA method is suitable for real time measurement. In this paper, the theoretical error of GAA method is analyzed, and in the capturing nozzle experiment system, the experiments of pose measurement are carried out. The results of experiments prove the efficiency of GAA method in pose estimation to nozzle based on laser range finders.
Reframing Narratives of Aboriginal Health Inequity
Authors: Hatala Andrew R. , Desjardins Michel , Bombay Amy
Published: October 2015

A large body of literature explores historical trauma or intergenerational trauma among Aboriginal communities around the globe. This literature connects contemporary forms of social suffering and health inequity to broader historical processes of colonization and the residential school systems in Canada. There are tendencies within this literature, however, to focus on individual pathology and victimization while minimizing notions of resilience or well-being. Through a social constructionist lens, this research examined how interpersonal responses to historical traumas can be intertwined with moments of and strategies for resilience. Detailed narrative interviews occurred with four Aboriginal Cree elders living in central Saskatchewan, Canada, who all experienced historical trauma to some extent. From this analysis, we argue that health research among Aboriginal populations must be sensitive to the complex individual and social realities that necessarily involve both processes of historical and contemporary traumas as well as resilience, strength, and well-being.