bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Synthesis of a Magnetic Graphene Platform for the Extraction of Benzimidazoles from Food Samples and Analysis by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Zhang Qianchun , Liu Yulan , Wang Xingyi , Li Huimin , Chen Junyu
Published: May 2017

A novel method was proposed for the determination of five benzimidazoles (oxfendazole, mebendazole, flubendazole, albendazole, and fenbendazole) using magnetic graphene (G-Fe3O4). G-Fe3O4 was synthesized via in situ chemical coprecipitation. The properties of G-Fe3O4 were characterized by various instrumental methods. G-Fe3O4 exhibited a great adsorption ability and good stability towards analytes. Various experimental parameters that might affect the extraction efficiency such as the amount of G-Fe3O4, extraction solvent, extraction time, and desorption conditions were evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, a method based on G-Fe3O4 magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography was developed. A good linear response was observed in the concentration range of 0.100–100 μg/L for the five benzimidazoles, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9966 to 0.9998. The limits of detection (S/N=3) of the method were between 17.2 and 32.3 ng/L. Trace benzimidazoles in chicken, chicken blood, and chicken liver samples were determined and the concentrations of oxfendazole, mebendazole, flubendazole, and fenbendazole in these samples were 13.0–20.2, 1.62–4.64, 1.94–6.42, and 0.292–1.04 ng/g, respectively. The recovery ranged from 83.0% to 115%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 7.9%. The proposed method was sensitive, reliable, and convenient for the analysis of trace benzimidazoles in food samples.
Synthesis of Iron Doped Zeolite Imidazolate Framework-8 and Its Remazol Deep Black RGB Dye Adsorption Ability
Authors: Thi Thanh Mai , Vinh Thien Tran , Thi Thanh Chau Vo , Dinh Du Pham , Phi Hung Nguyen , Quang Khieu Dinh
Published: May 2017

Zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) and the iron doped ZIF-8 (Fe-ZIF-8) were synthesized by the hydrothermal process. The obtained materials were characteristic of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results showed that the obtained Fe-ZIF-8 possessed the ZIF-8 structure with a large specific area. ZIF-8 and Fe-ZIF-8 were used for the removal of Remazol Deep Black (RDB) RGB dye from aqueous solutions. The various factors affecting adsorption such as pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of iron into ZIF-8 provided a much larger adsorption capacity and faster adsorption kinetics than ZIF-8 without iron. The electrostatic interaction andπ-πinteraction between the aromatic rings of the RDB dye and the aromatic imidazolate rings of the adsorbent were responsible for the RDB adsorption. Moreover, the coordination of the nitrogen atoms and oxygen in carboxyl group in RDB molecules with the Fe2+ions in the ZIF-8 framework played a vital role for the effective removal of RDB from aqueous solution.
Satellite Tracking and Site Fidelity of Short Ocean Sunfish, Mola ramsayi, in the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Thys Tierney M. , Hearn Alex R. , Weng Kevin C. , Ryan John P. , Peñaherrera-Palma César
Published: May 2017

Ocean sunfishes, with their peculiar morphology, large size, and surface habits, are valuable assets in ecotourism destinations worldwide. This study investigates site fidelity and long-range movements of short ocean sunfish, Mola ramsayi (Giglioli 1883), at Punta Vicente Roca (PVR) off Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands. Five individuals were tracked between 32 and 733 days using ultrasonic receivers and transmitters. Two of the 5 were also tracked with towed pop-off satellite tags. One travelled to the equatorial front covering 2700 km in 53 days, with dive depths in the upper 360 m at temperatures between 9.2°C and 22°C. During its westward travel, dives extended to 1112 m (the deepest depth yet recorded for Molidae) into temperatures ranging between 4.5°C and 23.2°C. The remaining four individuals demonstrated site fidelity to PVR and were detected at the site between 128–1361 times for a total of 3557 reports. Forty-eight percent of the reports occurred during daytime hours and 52% after dark. Presumed cleaning session durations had a median of 15 minutes and a maximum of nearly 100 minutes. No other ultrasonic arrays around Galapagos or in the Eastern Pacific regional network recorded the presence of tagged individuals. These data are combined with tourist vessel sightings and submersible observations to confirm Punta Vicente Roca as an important sunfish hotspot.
Sirt1 Inhibits Oxidative Stress in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Weijin , Huang Qiaobing , Zeng Zhenhua , Wu Jie , Zhang Yaoyuan , Chen Zhongqing
Published: May 2017

The vascular endothelium is a layer of cells lining the inner surface of vessels, serving as a barrier that mediates microenvironment homeostasis. Deterioration of either the structure or function of endothelial cells (ECs) results in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key factor that contributes to the impairment of ECs and the subsequent endothelial dysfunction. The longevity regulator Sirt1 is a NAD+‐dependent deacetylase that has a potential antioxidative stress activity in vascular ECs. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects involve Sirt1/FOXOs, Sirt1/NF‐κB, Sirt1/NOX, Sirt1/SOD, and Sirt1/eNOs pathways. In this review, we summarize the most recent reports in this field to recapitulate the potent mechanisms involving the protective role of Sirt1 in oxidative stress and to highlight the beneficial effects of Sirt1 on cardiovascular functions.
Self-Monitoring Symptoms in Glaucoma: A Feasibility Study of a Web-Based Diary Tool
Authors: McDonald Leanne , Glen Fiona C. , Taylor Deanna J. , Crabb David P.
Published: May 2017

Purpose. Glaucoma patients annually spend only a few hours in an eye clinic but spend more than 5000 waking hours engaged in everything else. We propose that patients could self-monitor changes in visual symptoms providing valuable between clinic information; we test the hypothesis that this is feasible using a web-based diary tool. Methods. Ten glaucoma patients with a range of visual field loss took part in an eight-week pilot study. After completing a series of baseline tests, volunteers were prompted to monitor symptoms every three days and complete a diary about their vision during daily life using a bespoke web-based diary tool. Response to an end of a study questionnaire about the usefulness of the exercise was a main outcome measure. Results. Eight of the 10 patients rated the monitoring scheme to be “valuable” or “very valuable.” Completion rate to items was excellent (96%). Themes from a qualitative synthesis of the diary entries related to behavioural aspects of glaucoma. One patient concluded that a constant focus on monitoring symptoms led to negative feelings. Conclusions. A web-based diary tool for monitoring self-reported glaucoma symptoms is practically feasible. The tool must be carefully designed to ensure participants are benefitting, and it is not increasing anxiety.
Novel Androgen Receptor Coregulator GRHL2 Exerts Both Oncogenic and Antimetastatic Functions in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Paltoglou Steve , Das Rajdeep , Townley Scott L. , Hickey Theresa E. , Tarulli Gerard A. , Coutinho Isabel , Fernandes Rayzel , Hanson Adrienne R. , Denis Iza , Carroll Jason S. , Dehm Scott M. , Raj Ganesh V. , Plymate Stephen R. , Tilley Wayne D. , Selth Luke A.
Published: May 2017

Alteration to the expression and activity of androgen receptor (AR) coregulators in prostate cancer is an important mechanism driving disease progression and therapy resistance. Using a novel proteomic technique, we identified a new AR coregulator, the transcription factor Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2), and demonstrated its essential role in the oncogenic AR signaling axis. GRHL2 colocalized with AR in prostate tumors and was frequently amplified and upregulated in prostate cancer. Importantly, GRHL2 maintained AR expression in multiple prostate cancer model systems, was required for cell proliferation, enhanced AR's transcriptional activity, and colocated with AR at specific sites on chromatin to regulate genes relevant to disease progression. GRHL2 is itself an AR-regulated gene, creating a positive feedback loop between the two factors. The link between GRHL2 and AR also applied to constitutively active truncated AR variants (ARV), as GRHL2 interacted with and regulated ARVs and vice versa. These oncogenic functions of GRHL2 were counterbalanced by its ability to suppress epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cell invasion. Mechanistic evidence suggested that AR assisted GRHL2 in maintaining the epithelial phenotype. In summary, this study has identified a new AR coregulator with a multifaceted role in prostate cancer, functioning as an enhancer of the oncogenic AR signaling pathway but also as a suppressor of metastasis-related phenotypes. Cancer Res; 77(13); 3417–30. ©2017 AACR.
Targeting Insulin Receptor in Breast Cancer Using Small Engineered Protein Scaffolds
Authors: Chan Jie Ying , Hackel Benjamin J. , Yee Douglas
Published: May 2017

Insulin receptor (InsR) and the type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF1R) are homologous receptors necessary for signal transduction by their cognate ligands insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II. IGF1R mAbs, intended to inhibit malignant phenotypic signaling, failed to show benefit in patients with endocrine-resistant tumors in phase III clinical trials. Our previous work showed that in tamoxifen-resistant cells, IGF1R expression was lacking, but InsR inhibition effectively blocked growth. In endocrine-sensitive breast cancer cells, insulin was not growth stimulatory, likely due to the presence of hybrid InsR/IGF1R, which has high affinity for IGF-I, but not insulin. Combination inhibition of InsR and IGF1R showed complete suppression of the system in endocrine-sensitive breast cancer cells. To develop InsR-binding agents, we employed a small protein scaffold, T7 phage gene 2 protein (Gp2) with the long-term goal of creating effective InsR inhibitors and diagnostics. Using yeast display and directed evolution, we identified three Gp2 variants (Gp2 #1, #5, and #10) with low nanomolar affinity and specific binding to cell surface InsR. These Gp2 variants inhibited insulin-mediated monolayer proliferation in both endocrine-sensitive and resistant breast cancer, but did not downregulate InsR expression. Gp2 #5 and Gp2 #10 disrupted InsR function by inhibiting ligand-induced receptor activation. In contrast, Gp2 #1 did not block InsR phosphorylation. Notably, Gp2 #1 binding was enhanced by pretreatment of cells with insulin, suggesting a unique receptor-ligand–binding mode. These Gp2 variants are the first nonimmunoglobulin protein scaffolds to target insulin receptor and present compelling opportunity for modulation of InsR signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(7); 1324–34. ©2017 AACR.
MiR-34a Promotes Apoptosis and Inhibits Autophagy by Targeting HMGB1 in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Liu Liru , Ren Weihua , Chen Kuisheng
Published: May 2017

Background: MiR-34a is identified as a tumor suppressor gene and involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) development. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-34a in AML is unclear. Methods: The expression of miR-34a and HMGB1 in HL-60, THP-1 and HS-5 cells were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Lipofectamine 2000 was used to transfect with miR-34a mimics, miR-34a inhibitor, si-HMGB1, pcDNA 3.1-HMGB1, and corresponding controls. The apoptosis and autophagy of transfected AML cells were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot, respectively. Bioinformatics software and dual luciferase reporter assay were applied to predict and verify the target of miR-34a. The effects of miR-34a mimics or si-HMGB1 on chemotherapy-induced autophagy were further explored in HL-60 cells treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) along with lysosomal protease inhibitors E64d and pepstatin A. Results: MiR-34a was lower expressed and HMGB1 mRNA and proteins were both higher expressed in HL-60 and THP-1 cells compared with that in HS-5 cells. Higher expression levels of MiR-34 and lower expression levels of HMGB1 both significantly promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HL-60 and THP-1 cells. Dual luciferase reporter system confirmed that HMGB1 was a potential target of miR-34a. Moreover, overexpression of HMGB1 dramatically reversed the promotion of apoptosis and inhibition of autophagy mediated by higher expression level of miR-34a. Higher expression level of miR-34a and lower expression level of HMGB1 both inhibited chemotherapy-induced autophagy by stimulating the LC3 conversion. Conclusion: MiR-34a promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited autophagy by targeting HMGB1. Therefore, miR-34a may be a potential promising molecular target for AML therapy.
Up-Regulation of HMGB1 Exacerbates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Stimulating Inflammatory and Immune Responses through the TLR4 Signaling Pathway in Mice
Authors: Chen Chuan-Bao , Liu Long-Shan , Zhou Jian , Wang Xiao-Ping , Han Ming , Jiao Xing-Yuan , He Xiao-Shun , Yuan Xiao-Peng
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to elucidate how high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) exacerbates renal ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI) by inflammatory and immune responses through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Methods: A total of 30 wild-type (WT) mice and 30 TLR4 knockout (TLR4-/-) mice were selected and then randomly assigned to the Sham, I/R or HMGB1 groups. The serum and kidney tissues of all mice were collected 24 h after the perfusion. The fully automatic biochemical detector and ELISA were applied to determine the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) levels, and TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10 levels, respectively. HE staining was used to evaluate kidney tissue damage, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining were performed to observe CD68 and MPO cell infiltration, and flow cytometry was applied to detect immune cells. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expressions of TLR signaling pathway-related genes and proteins, respectively. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the levels of BUN, Scr, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10, kidney tissue damage score, CD68 and MPO cell infiltration, the numbers of immune cells, and the expressions of TLR signaling pathway-related genes and proteins in the I/R and HMGB1 groups were significantly up-regulated. In the I/R and HMGB1 groups, the levels of BUN and Scr, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ, kidney tissue damage score, CD68 and MPO cell infiltration, immune cell numbers, and TLR signaling pathway-related gene and protein expressions in the WT mice were all higher than those in the TLR4-/- mice, but IL-10 level was significantly lower. Similarly, all aforementioned indexes but IL-10 level in the WT and TLR4-/- mice were higher in the HMGB1 group than in the I/R group. Conclusion: Our study indicated that the up-regulation of HMGB1 could exacerbate renal IRI by stimulating inflammatory and immune responses through the TLR4 signaling pathway.c
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Augments Arginine Transport and Nitric Oxide Generation via a KDR Receptor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shashar Moshe , Chernichovski Tamara , Pasvolsky Oren , Levi Sharon , Grupper Ayelet , Hershkovitz Rami , Weinstein Talia , Schwartz Idit F.
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelium-specific peptide that stimulates angiogenesis via two receptor tyrosine kinases, Flt-1 and KDR. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a major role in VEGF signaling. Delivery of arginine to membrane bound eNOS by the cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) has been shown to modulate eNOS activity. The current studies were designed to test the hypothesis that VEGF enhances eNOS activity via modulation of arginine transport by CAT-1. Methods: Using radio-labeled arginine, {[3H] L-arginine} uptake was determined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) following incubation with VEGF with and without silencing the VEGF receptors Flt-1 or KDR. Subsequently, western blotting for CAT-1, PKCα, ERK 1/2, JNK, and their phosphorylated forms were performed. NO generation was measured by the Griess reaction. Results: VEGF (50 and 100 ng/ml) significantly augmented endothelial arginine transport in a time dependent manner, an effect which was prevented by Sunitinib (2 µM), a multi targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The increase in arginine transport velocities by VEGF was not affected by silencing Flt-1 while silencing KDR abrogated VEGF effect. Furthermore, incubating cells with 50 and 100 ng of VEGF for 30 minutes significantly augmented CAT-1 abundance. The expression of PKC-α, JNK, and ERK1/2 and their phosphorylated forms were unchanged following incubation of HUVEC with VEGF. The concentration of NO2/NO3 following incubation with VEGF was significantly higher than from untreated cells. This increase was significantly attenuated by silencing KDR. Conclusions: VEGF increases arginine transport via modulation of CAT-1 in endothelial cells. This effect is exclusively dependent on KDR rather than Flt-1.
Investigating Thermal Effect on a Cross Linked Polyethylene Power Cable
Authors: Khouildi Emna , Attia Rabah , Cherni Rafik
Published: May 2017

One of the agents responsible of the degradation of power cables in electrical distribution network is the temperature. In this paper, numerical modelling of temperature effect on the cross linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation of a medium voltage cable containing internal defects, which are air void cavity and water tree cavities, is developed by using the finite element method and simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics Software. The experimental investigation is conducted through studying parial discharge inception voltages in XLPE insulation before and after 23 heating cycles of a 7 meters sample of a medium voltage cable at 100°C and 120°C temperatures. Partial discharge inception voltages detection were performed using the IEC60270 test method. The simulation results and experimental measurements assessed the thermal effect on the degradation of XLPE insulation.
Media Access Control in Wireless Sensor Networks using Priority Index
Authors: Patil Mallanagouda , C. Biradar Rajashekhar
Published: May 2017

As the nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have limited power, energy conservation is essential at different layers of the protocol stack to prolong lifetime. In our previous work, ”Priority based slot allocation for media access in wireless sensor networks” (PSAWSN), probability based priority scheme is used to allocate slots to competing nodes. Limitations of this work include 1) It does not handle dynamic and variable slot allocation based on varying requirements of nodes. 2) Error control is not taken into account. To overcome these limitations, we propose a Medium Access Control scheme using Priority Index (MACPI) that generates Priority Index (PI) to allocate varying slots based on parameters: message length (ML), node energy (NE), number of requests (NR) and message urgency (MU). Models have been de- signed for all these parameters and an expert system is proposed that makes decisions based on collective knowledge of these parameters. Analysis and simulation results for various message sizes and error conditions show that there is an improvement in terms of energy efficiency, optimal message length and throughput compared to the ”Reliable data deliveries using packet optimization in multi-hop underwater sensor networks”(RDPSN).
Text Documents Plagiarism Detection using Rabin-Karp and Jaro-Winkler Distance Algorithms
Authors: Leonardo Brinardi , Hansun Seng
Published: May 2017

Plagiarism is an act that is considered by the university as a fraud by taking someone ideas or writings without mentioning the references and claimed as his own. Plagiarism detection system is generally implement string matching algorithm in a text document to search for common words between documents. There are some algorithms used for string matching, two of them are Rabin-Karp and Jaro-Winkler Distance algorithms. Rabin-Karp algorithm is one of compatible algorithms to solve the problem of multiple string patterns, while, Jaro-Winkler Distance algorithm has advantages in terms of time. A plagiarism detection application is developed and tested on different types of documents, i.e. doc, docx, pdf and txt. From the experimental results, we obtained that both of these algorithms can be used to perform plagiarism detection of those documents, but in terms of their effectiveness, Rabin-Karp algorithm is much more effective and faster in the process of detecting the document with the size more than 1000 KB.
Endothelial Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2c Inhibits Migration of Smooth Muscle Cells Through Fenestrations in the Internal Elastic Lamina
Authors: Lu Yao Wei , Lowery Anthony M. , Sun Li-Yan , Singer Harold A. , Dai Guohao , Adam Alejandro P. , Vincent Peter A. , Schwarz John J.
Published: May 2017

Objective—

Laminar flow activates myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors in vitro to induce expression of atheroprotective genes in the endothelium. Here we sought to establish the role of Mef2c in the vascular endothelium in vivo.

Approach and Results—

To study endothelial Mef2c, we generated endothelial-specific deletion of Mef2c using Tie2-Cre or Cdh5-Cre-ER
T2
and examined aortas and carotid arteries by en face immunofluorescence. We observed enhanced actin stress fiber formation in the Mef2c-deleted thoracic aortic endothelium (laminar flow region), similar to those observed in normal aortic inner curvature (disturbed flow region). Furthermore, Mef2c deletion resulted in the de novo formation of subendothelial intimal cells expressing markers of differentiated smooth muscle in the thoracic aortas and carotids. Lineage tracing showed that these cells were not of endothelial origin. To define early events in intimal development, we induced endothelial deletion of Mef2c and examined aortas at 4 and 12 weeks postinduction. The number of intimal cell clusters increased from 4 to 12 weeks, but the number of cells within a cluster peaked at 2 cells in both cases, suggesting ongoing migration but minimal proliferation. Moreover, we identified cells extending from the media through fenestrations in the internal elastic lamina into the intima, indicating transfenestral smooth muscle migration. Similar transfenestral migration was observed in wild-type carotid arteries ligated to induce neointimal formation.

Conclusions—

These results indicate that endothelial Mef2c regulates the endothelial actin cytoskeleton and inhibits smooth muscle cell migration into the intima.
Post‐Myocardial Infarction T‐tubules Form Enlarged Branched Structures With Dysregulation of Junctophilin‐2 and Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN‐1)
Authors: Pinali Christian , Malik Nadim , Davenport J. Bernard , Allan Laurence J. , Murfitt Lucy , Iqbal Mohammad M. , Boyett Mark R. , Wright Elizabeth J. , Walker Rachel , Zhang Yu , Dobryznski Halina , Holt Cathy M. , Kitmitto Ashraf
Published: May 2017

Background

Heart failure is a common secondary complication following a myocardial infarction (
MI
), characterized by impaired cardiac contraction and t‐tubule (t‐t) loss. However, post‐
MI
nano‐scale morphological changes to the remaining t‐ts are poorly understood.

Method and Results

We utilized a porcine model of
MI
, using a nonlethal microembolization method to generate controlled microinfarcts. Using serial block face scanning electron microscopy, we report that post‐
MI
, after mild left‐ventricular dysfunction has developed, t‐ts are not only lost in the peri‐infarct region, but also the remnant t‐ts form enlarged, highly branched disordered structures, containing a dense intricate inner membrane. Biochemical and proteomics analyses showed that the calcium release channel, ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2), abundance is unchanged, but junctophilin‐2 (
JP
2), important for maintaining t‐t trajectory, is depressed (−0.5×) in keeping with the t‐ts being disorganized. However, immunolabeling shows that populations of RyR2 and
JP
2 remain associated with the remodeled t‐ts. The bridging integrator 1 protein (
BIN
‐1), a regulator of tubulogensis, is upregulated (+5.4×), consistent with an overdeveloped internal membrane system, a feature not present in control t‐ts. Importantly, we have determined that t‐ts, in the remote region, are narrowed and also contain dense membrane folds (
BIN
‐1 is up‐regulated +3.4×), whereas the t‐ts have a radial organization comparable to control
JP
2 is upregulated +1.7×.

Conclusions

This study reveals previously unidentified remodeling of the t‐t nano‐architecture in the post‐
MI
heart that extends to the remote region. Our findings highlight that targeting
JP
2 may be beneficial for preserving the orientation of the t‐ts, attenuating the development of hypocontractility post‐
MI
.
Aortic Stiffness, Increased White Matter Free Water, and Altered Microstructural Integrity
Authors: Maillard Pauline , Mitchell Gary F. , Himali Jayandra J. , Beiser Alexa , Fletcher Evan , Tsao Connie W. , Pase Matthew P. , Satizabal Claudia L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Seshadri Sudha , DeCarli Charles
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

Previous reports from the Framingham Heart Study have identified cross-sectional associations of arterial stiffness, as reflected by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV) and systolic blood pressure with vascular brain injury. The purpose of this study is to examine free water (FW), fractional anisotropy (FA), and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in relation to arterial stiffness among subjects of the Framingham Offspring and Third-Generation cohorts.

Methods—

In 2422 participants aged 51.3±11.6 years, FA, FW, and WMH were related to CFPWV using voxel-based linear and generalized linear regressions, adjusting for relevant covariables. Mean FW, mean FA, and WMH burden (log transformed) were computed within white matter (WM) region and related to systolic blood pressure and CFPWV using multiple mediation analyses.

Results—

CFPWV was found to be associated with higher FW, lower FA, and higher WMH incidence in WM areas covering, respectively, 356.1, 211.8, and 10.9 mL of the WM mask. Mediation analyses revealed that the effect of systolic blood pressure on FW was mediated by CFPWV (direct and indirect effects: a=0.040;
P
<0.001, and a′=0.020;
P
>0.05). Moreover, the effect of CFPWV on FA was mediated by FW (direct and indirect effects: b=−0.092;
P
<0.001, and b′=0.012;
P
>0.05), whose effect on WMH was, in turn, mediated by FA (direct and indirect effects: c=0.246;
P
<0.001, and c′=0.116;
P
>0.05).

Conclusions—

From these data, we propose a biomechanical hypothesis designed for future research experiments to explain how hemodynamic alteration may lead to WM injury by impacting cerebral water content and more subtly WM integrity, to finally lead to WMH development.
Meanderings Around the Notion of ‘Contact’ in Reference to Languages, their Dynamics, and to ‘we’
Authors: Nicolaï Robert
Published: May 2017

This paper is a linguistic, anthropological and philosophical exploration of language, with particular focus on language contact. The goal is not to address linguistic phenomena from a descriptive perspective, in the classical sense of the term, nor as if they were a “given”, and nothing further. Nor is the goal to craft a model. Instead it is an attempt to account for all relevant elements which (empirically) come into play in ordinary language use, considering them both in terms of language dynamics and in terms of language usage; this necessarily entails taking into consideration our own practices, as actors of communication and as builders of knowledge. We are ever stakeholders in this play (and its plays) because we are the ones who identify and/or attribute relevance.

In other words, this text is a reflection on the (our) frameworks established through communication practices (frameworks which naturally have an impact on the form of our tools, including languages!) It highlights that the objectivization of phenomena which underlies our practices (whether academic or not) is closely dependent on the means by which we grasp the phenomena—this is nothing new but is worth noting afresh.

Methodologically speaking, observing this point is an essential element in the elaboration of a theory to account for how phenomena are empirically grasped, and more particularly what it entails in the field of ‘language contact’.
Multiple Correspondence and Typological Convergence in Contact-Induced Grammaticalization
Authors: Szeto Pui Yiu , Matthews Stephen , Yip Virginia
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the emergence of perfective aspect in Cantonese-English bilingual children from the perspective of contact-induced grammaticalization, focusing on the novel use of already. Although the adverbial already seems to serve a function similar to that of the Cantonese perfective marker zo2 in the bilingual children, other model constructions suggest that the function of already may combine those of several Cantonese particles such as the sentence-final particle laa3. The results suggest that in contact-induced grammaticalization, it is possible to develop a new category in the replica language based on multiple different but related categories in the model language. Adopting an evolutionary approach to language transmission (Mufwene, 2001), we discuss why grammaticalization in the Cantonese-English bilingual children does not seem to involve coevolution of form and meaning, why the grammaticalization phenomena in the bilingual children are only transient, and how the study of bilingual acquisition can contribute to contact linguistics.
Planning for Winter Road Maintenance in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Matthews Lindsay , Andrey Jean , Picketts Ian
Published: May 2017

Winter weather creates mobility challenges for most northern jurisdictions, leading to significant expenditures on winter road maintenance (WRM) activities. While the science and practice of snow and ice control is continually evolving, climate change presents particular challenges for the strategic planning of WRM. The purpose of this study is 1) to develop a winter severity index (WSI) to better understand how winter weather translates into interannual variations in WRM activities and 2) to apply the WSI to future climate change projections to assist a northern community in preparing for climate change. A new method for creating a WSI model is explored, using readily available data from maintenance records and meteorological stations. The WSI is created by optimizing values for three levels of snowfall as well as potential icing events and is shown to have high predictive accuracy for WRM (coefficient of determination R2 of 0.93). The WSI is then applied to historic and future climate data in a municipality located in central British Columbia, Canada. Findings reveal that much of the variability in WRM can be attributed to weather. The results of the climate change analysis show that winter precipitation in the region is expected to increase by 5.2%–12.3%, and winter average temperatures are projected to increase by 1.5°–2.8°C in the 2050s, compared to the 1976–2000 baseline based on 65 GCMs. Based on the midrange (25th to 75th percentiles) of the 65 GCM projections, annual demand for WRM activities is estimated to decrease by 13.0%–22.0%.
Managers’ Political Beliefs and Gender Inequality among Subordinates: Does His Ideology Matter More Than Hers?
Authors: Carnahan Seth , Greenwood Brad N.
Published: May 2017

To explore whether managers’ beliefs and attitudes influence gender inequality among their subordinates, we theorize about the relationship between managers’ political ideology, situated on a liberal–conservative continuum, and differences in the hiring, work team selection, and promotion of male versus female subordinates, as well as how a manager’s gender moderates this relationship. We analyze novel microdata from the U.S. legal industry from 2007 to 2012 and find that large law offices whose partners are more liberal hire a larger percentage of female associates, that more-liberal partners are more likely to select female associates to be members of their client teams, and that associates whose supervising partners are more liberal have greater gender parity in promotion rates. Further, we find that the ideology of male partners is significantly more influential than the ideology of female partners in affecting these differences. We find little evidence that sorting on the part of higher-quality female associates drives the results.
Power and Identity: The Case of Islamabad
Authors: Sarshar Saboohi
Published: May 2017

This article observes how the concept of power and national identity produced space in 1960’s Islamabad, the new capital city of Pakistan. In World War II’s aftermath, many capital cities emerged which were seen as their nation’s representation by negating or reinforcing ties with sovereign or imperial power. Pakistan is one such nation that gained independence from the British in 1947. Islamabad designed by Constantinos A. Doxiadis in 1959 aimed to construct its identity in a postcolonial paradigm. This article studies the urban layout and pattern of the city and emphasizes the relation of power and identity on its social constructs and making.
Information-Acquisition Processes in Moral Judgments of Blame
Authors: Guglielmo Steve , Malle Bertram F.
Published: May 2017

When people make moral judgments, what information do they look for? Despite its theoretical and practical implications, this question has largely been neglected by prior literature. The recent Path Model of Blame predicts a canonical order in which people acquire information when judging blame. Upon discovering a negative event, perceivers consider information about causality, then intentionality, then (if the event is intentional) reasons or (if the event is unintentional) preventability. Three studies, using two novel paradigms, assessed and found support for these predictions: In constrained (Study 1) and open-ended (Study 2) information-acquisition contexts, participants were most likely, and fastest, to seek information in the canonical order, even when under time pressure (Study 3). These findings indicate that blame relies on a set of information components that are processed in a systematic order. Implications for moral judgment models are discussed, as are potential roles of emotion and motivated reasoning in information acquisition.
Do Reform Values Matter? Federal Worker Satisfaction and Turnover Intention at the Dawn of the Trump Presidency
Authors: Park Sung Min , Joaquin Maria Ernita , Min Kyoung Ryoul , Ugaddan Reginald G.
Published: May 2017

With heightened bureaucratic bashing and the planned reorganization of the U.S. federal bureaucracy, hiring is going to be difficult, but what could make those already in the service satisfied and willing to stay in their jobs? How could flexible work systems have an impact on worker job satisfaction and turnover intention? Using hierarchical linear modeling, we explore the impact of alternative work systems on employee job satisfaction and turnover intention in the context of values underlying managerial reforms. Flexible work systems are found to have a positive impact moderated by the kind of values promoted by particular reforms. A discussion on the main findings, research, and practical implications for public human resource management theory and practice is provided.
Hybrid ECG-gated versus non-gated 512-slice CT angiography of the aorta and coronary artery: image quality and effect of a motion correction algorithm
Authors: Lee Ji Won , Kim Chang Won , Lee Geewon , Lee Han Cheol , Kim Sang-Pil , Choi Bum Sung , Jeong Yeon Joo
Published: May 2017

Background

Using the hybrid electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT) technique, assessment of entire aorta, coronary arteries, and aortic valve can be possible using single-bolus contrast administration within a single acquisition.

Purpose

To compare the image quality of hybrid ECG-gated and non-gated CT angiography of the aorta and evaluate the effect of a motion correction algorithm (MCA) on coronary artery image quality in a hybrid ECG-gated aorta CT group.

Material and Methods

In total, 104 patients (76 men; mean age = 65.8 years) prospectively randomized into two groups (Group 1 = hybrid ECG-gated CT; Group 2 = non-gated CT) underwent wide-detector array aorta CT. Image quality, assessed using a four-point scale, was compared between the groups. Coronary artery image quality was compared between the conventional reconstruction and motion correction reconstruction subgroups in Group 1.

Results

Group 1 showed significant advantages over Group 2 in aortic wall, cardiac chamber, aortic valve, coronary ostia, and main coronary arteries image quality (all P < 0.001). All Group 1 patients had diagnostic image quality of the aortic wall and left ostium. The MCA significantly improved the image quality of the three main coronary arteries ( P < 0.05). Moreover, per-vessel interpretability improved from 92.3% to 97.1% with the MCA ( P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Hybrid ECG-gated CT significantly improved the heart and aortic wall image quality and the MCA can further improve the image quality and interpretability of coronary arteries.
Age pensioner decumulation: Responses to incentives, uncertainty and family need
Authors: Asher Anthony , Meyricke Ramona , Thorp Susan , Wu Shang
Published: May 2017

Effective design and regulation of retirement benefits require accurate understanding of how the elderly decumulate. We analyse the income, assets and decumulation patterns of a longitudinal panel of 10,000 Australian age pensioners. On average, age pensioners preserve financial and residential wealth and leave substantial bequests. There is, however, considerable heterogeneity in decumulation patterns. Younger households generally run down financial wealth, while older households maintain their assets or save. Means-testing accelerates decumulation, with average drawdown rates 3% higher for pensioners subject to the income test relative to full pensioners and 9% higher for those subject to the asset test relative to full pensioners. Loss of a partner is linked to large falls in assets. The theoretical, empirical, and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effect of Subcritical Bone Loss and Exposure on Recurrent Instability After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Intercollegiate American Football
Authors: Dickens Jonathan F. , Owens Brett D. , Cameron Kenneth L. , DeBerardino Thomas M. , Masini Brendan D. , Peck Karen Y. , Svoboda Steven J.
Published: May 2017

Background:

There is no consensus on the optimal method of stabilization (arthroscopic or open) in collision athletes with anterior shoulder instability.

Purpose:

To examine the effect of “subcritical” bone loss and football-specific exposure on the rate of recurrent shoulder instability after arthroscopic stabilization in an intercollegiate American football population.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Fifty intercollegiate football players underwent primary arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability and returned to football for at least a single season. Preoperatively, 32 patients experienced recurrent subluxations, and 18 patients experienced a single or recurrent dislocation. Shoulders with glenoid bone loss >20%, an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion, an off-track lesion, and concomitant rotator cuff repair were excluded from the study. The primary outcome of interest was the ability to return to football without subsequent instability. Patients were followed for time to a subsequent instability event after return to play using days of exposure to football and total follow-up time after arthroscopic stabilization.

Results:

Fifty consecutive patients returned to American football for a mean 1.5 seasons (range, 1-3) after arthroscopic stabilization. Three of 50 (6%; 95% CI, 1.3%-16.5%) patients experienced recurrent instability. There were no subsequent instability events after a mean 3.2 years of military service. All shoulders with glenoid bone loss >13.5% (n = 3) that underwent arthroscopic stabilization experienced recurrent instability upon returning to sport, while none of the shoulders with <13.5% glenoid bone loss (n = 47) sustained a recurrent instability event during football ( X2= 15.80, P < .001). Shoulders with >13.5% glenoid bone loss had an incidence rate of 5.31 cases of recurrent instability per 1000 athlete-exposures of football. In 72,000 athlete-exposures to football with <13.5% glenoid bone loss, there was no recurrent instability. Significantly more anchors were used during the primary arthroscopic stabilization procedure in patients who experienced multiple preoperative instability events ( P = .005), and lesions spanned significantly more extensive portions along the circumference of the glenoid ( P = .001) compared with shoulders having a single preoperative instability event before surgical stabilization.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic stabilization of anterior shoulder instability in American football players with <13.5% glenoid bone loss provides reliable outcomes and low recurrence rates.
The effect of local land-use changes on floristic diversity during the past 1000 years in southern Sweden
Authors: Fredh Daniel , Mazier Florence , Bragée Petra , Lagerås Per , Rundgren Mats , Hammarlund Dan , Broström Anna
Published: May 2017

The relationship between land-use and floristic diversity in the landscape, for the last millennia, is analysed from two small lakes in southern Sweden. Pollen analysis and the Local Vegetation Estimates (LOVE) model are used to quantify land-cover at local scales with 100-year time windows. Floristic richness is estimated using palynological richness, and we introduce LOVE-based evenness as a proxy for floristic evenness on a local scale based on the LOVE output. The results reveal a dynamic land-use pattern, with agricultural expansion during the 13th century, a partly abandoned landscape around AD 1400, re-establishment during the 15th–17th centuries and a transition from traditional to modern land-use during the 20th century. We suggest that the more heterogeneous landscape and the more dynamic land-use during the 13th–19th centuries were of substantial importance for achieving the high floristic diversity that characterises the traditional landscape. Pollen-based studies of this type are helpful in identifying landscape characteristics and land-use practices that are important for floristic diversity and may therefore guide the development of ecosystem management strategies aiming at mitigating the on-going loss of species seen in the landscape of southern Sweden and many other regions worldwide.
ABC gene expression profiles have clinical importance and possibly form a new hallmark of cancer
Authors: Dvorak Pavel , Pesta Martin , Soucek Pavel
Published: May 2017

Adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette proteins constitute a large family of active transporters through extracellular and intracellular membranes. Increased drug efflux based on adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette protein activity is related to the development of cancer cell chemoresistance. Several articles have focused on adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette gene expression profiles (signatures), based on the expression of all 49 human adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette genes, in individual tumor types and reported connections to established clinicopathological features. The aim of this study was to test our theory about the existence of adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette gene expression profiles common to multiple types of tumors, which may modify tumor progression and provide clinically relevant information. Such general adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette profiles could constitute a new attribute of carcinogenesis. Our combined cohort consisted of tissues from 151 cancer patients—breast, colorectal, and pancreatic carcinomas. Standard protocols for RNA isolation and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were followed. Gene expression data from individual tumor types as well as a merged tumor dataset were analyzed by bioinformatics tools. Several general adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette profiles, with differences in gene functions, were established and shown to have significant relations to clinicopathological features such as tumor size, histological grade, or clinical stage. Genes ABCC7, A3, A8, A12, and C8 prevailed among the most upregulated or downregulated ones. In conclusion, the results supported our theory about general adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette gene expression profiles and their importance for cancer on clinical as well as research levels. The presence of ABCC7 (official symbol CFTR) among the genes with key roles in the profiles supports the emerging evidence about its crucial role in various cancers.

Graphical abstract
Forced expression of Wnt antagonists sFRP1 and WIF1 sensitizes chronic myeloid leukemia cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Pehlivan Melek , Caliskan Ceyda , Yuce Zeynep , Sercan Hakkı Ogun
Published: May 2017

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder that arises from the neoplastic transformation of the hematopoietic stem cell, in which the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been demonstrated to play an important role in disease progression. However, the role of Wnt signaling antagonists in therapy resistance and disease progression has not been fully investigated. We aimed to study the effects of Wnt/β-catenin pathway antagonists—secreted frizzled-related protein 1 and Wnt inhibitory factor 1—on resistance toward tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia. Response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors was analyzed in secreted frizzled-related protein 1 and Wnt inhibitory factor 1 stably transfected K562 cells. Experiments were repeated using a tetracycline-inducible expression system, confirming previous results. In addition, response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment was also analyzed using the secreted frizzled-related protein 1 expressing, BCR-ABL positive MEG01 cell line, in the presence and absence of a secreted frizzled-related protein 1 inhibitor. Our data suggests that total cellular β-catenin levels decrease in the presence of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 and Wnt inhibitory factor 1, and a significant increase in cell death after tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment is observed. On the contrary, when secreted frizzled-related protein 1 is suppressed, total β-catenin levels increase in the cell and the cells become resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We suggest that Wnt antagonists carry the potential to be exploited in designing new agents and strategies for the advanced and resistant forms of chronic myeloid leukemia.