bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synaptic homeostasis at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction is a reversible signaling process that is sensitive to high temperature
Authors: Yeates Catherine J. , Frank C. Andrew
Published: June 2017

Homeostasis is a vital mode of biological self-regulation. The hallmarks of homeostasis for any biological system are a baseline set point of physiological activity, detection of unacceptable deviations from the set point, and effective corrective measures to counteract deviations. Homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) is a form of neuroplasticity in which neurons and circuits resist environmental perturbations in order to maintain appropriate levels of activity. One assumption is that if an environmental perturbation triggers homeostatic corrective changes in neuronal properties, those corrective measures should be reversed upon removal of the perturbation. We test the reversibility and limits of HSP at a well-studied model synapse, theDrosophila melanogasterneuromuscular junction (NMJ). At the Drosophila NMJ, impairment of glutamate receptors causes a decrease in quantal size, which is offset by a corrective, homeostatic increase in the number of vesicles released per evoked presynaptic stimulus, or quantal content. This process has been termed presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). Taking advantage of a GAL4/GAL80TS/UAS expression system, we triggered PHP by expressing a dominant-negative glutamate receptor subunit at the NMJ. We then reversed PHP by halting expression of the dominant-negative receptor. Our data show that PHP is fully reversible over a time course of 48-72 hours after the dominant-negative glutamate receptor stops being genetically expressed. Additionally, we found that the PHP response triggered by the dominant-negative subunit was ablated at high temperatures. Our data show that the long-term maintenance of PHP at the Drosophila NMJ is a reversible regulatory process that is sensitive to temperature.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Biological homeostatic systems must upregulate or downregulate cellular parameters in order to maintain appropriate set points of physiological activity. Homeostasis is a well-documented mode of regulation in metazoan nervous systems. True homeostatic control should be a reversible process – but due to technical difficulties of presenting and removing functional challenges to living synapses, the reversibility of homeostatic forms of synapse regulation has not been rigorously examinedin vivoover extended periods of developmental time. Here we formally demonstrate that homeostatic regulation ofDrosophila melanogasterneuromuscular synapse function is reversible and temperature-labile. This is significant because developing methods to study how homeostatic regulatory systems are turned on and off could lead to fundamental new insights about control of synaptic output.
Aileron lighting: the sales promotion question
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan Sreeram , Bhide Mandar
Published: June 2017

Subject area

Marketing.

Study level/applicability

MBA/Postgraduate.

Case overview

The case describes the situation faced by a sales manager of a commoditized product in a tough and competitive market. Aileron Consumer and Lighting Group (ACLG) was among the top ten fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in the country while also being among the fastest growing companies in India and had a diverse portfolio ranging from trade lighting to commercial and institutional lighting. Sunil, the sales manager, after his training found himself in the Budhwar Peth market in Pune, Western India where he was expected to find a way to increase sales of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The product was undifferentiated and the competition was extremely strong with large allocations to advertising and dealer support. Sunil realized that his only hope for achieving his sales targets was to organize a sales promotion. His team and he came up with three options for sales promotions – two trade promotions and one consumer promotion. Sunil had to make the right choice of sales promotion for his market and the situation he found himself in.

Expected learning outcomes

This case is well-suited for courses in sales and distribution management, marketing channels, sales promotions or promotion management. It can also be used in courses dealing with marketing strategy or integrated marketing communications. This case allows the instructor to discuss sales channel and sales promotion issues faced by sales managers in an Indian context.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
The twilight zone: paradoxes of practicing reform
Authors: Bjerge Bagga , Bjerregaard Toke
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In many public sector reform processes, employees’ roles as professional experts are shifting toward more entrepreneurial and market-oriented roles, a change that entails a shift in the demands made of these employees. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reflections, considerations, and experiences of such employees regarding the spaces of possibility open to them in which to act in accordance with this new role.

Design/methodology/approach

Two ethnographic studies were carried out in drug and alcohol treatment services and in city and business development in the Danish welfare system.

Findings

Although the areas of investigation are not related in their daily practices, the authors trace similar responses to the demands made of their respective employees as their role shifts from that of professional experts to include more entrepreneurial aspects. The authors observe that employees are often eager to align new demands and practices, and the authors identify various challenges in respect of the structural public set-up of these services, which often leaves the employees to operate in what could be described as a “twilight zone” between the public and the private.

Originality/value

While scholars often have accounted for situations where such pluralistic roles create conflict, the authors also answer calls to capture moments of synergy where tensions of role paradox are constructively exploited. In this process of ongoing production, images of hierarchy and bureaucracy, rather than merely casting shadows over more bottom-up process of entrepreneurship, are actively used, alongside images of entrepreneurship, in the mutual construction of different roles and the constantly shifting relationality between them, conflicting or synergetic. The definitions and interpretations of the role of the public sector employee are not entirely fixed, but rather subject to ongoing (re)construction in the daily workings of public organizations.
Inter‐laboratory variation in corticosterone measurement: Implications for comparative ecological and evolutionary studies
Authors: Fanson Kerry V. , Németh Zoltán , Ramenofsky Marilyn , Wingfield John C. , Buchanan Katherine L.
Published: June 2017

Interspecific comparisons of endocrine data are useful for drawing broad conclusions concerning the role of ecological variables in the evolution of physiological pathways. However, comparisons of endocrine data generated by different research groups are problematic, due to inter‐laboratory variation in measured hormone values. To date, we know of no study which has quantified the extent of inter‐laboratory variation in the measurement of hormone levels, outside of biomedical studies.

To evaluate the extent to which laboratories differ in their measurement of hormones, we prepared seven samples of avian plasma with known concentrations of corticosterone and sent them for blind analyses to 19 laboratories and asked them to report the methods used and the values obtained.

Both absolute hormone concentrations and the ratios between samples were equally variable, up to an order of magnitude different for some concentrations. Laboratory identity accounted for more than 80% of the variation in reported corticosterone, but we could not identify any methodological factors that consistently contributed to this inter‐laboratory variation. In addition, laboratory measurement error was significantly correlated with the latitude of the primary study species for each laboratory, suggesting that inter‐laboratory variation has the potential to drive trends in corticosterone datasets.

Inter‐laboratory variation in corticosterone measurement may have serious implications for quantitative comparisons of endocrine values across laboratories, although comparisons of qualitative patterns may be more robust because rank order of the samples was relatively consistent across laboratories. Ignoring laboratory effect and the non‐independence of data may lead to an inflated rate of Type I error and spurious correlations.
Enhanced functional properties of human limbal stem cells by inhibition of the miR‐31/FIH‐1/P21 axis
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Zhan Weijiao , Zeng Minzhi , Chen Jinghong , Zou Huyong , Min Zhiqun
Published: June 2017

Objective

On the basis of the functional roles of the embryonic stem cell niche (ESCN) in the human limbal stem cells (LSCs), we proposed to explore the potential roles of microRNAs in regulating the self‐renewal and differentiation of LSCs cultured in the ESCN.

Methods

The LSCs were cultured in different media, either in CnT‐20 media or in CnT‐20 + 20% ES culture supernatant (ESC‐CM). The LSCs cultured in ESC‐CM were then transfected with microRNA‐31 (miR‐31) mimic or antago‐31. The colony‐forming efficiency (CFE) was analysed. Cell cycle, apoptosis, mitochondrial potential and reactive oxygen species were analysed by flow cytometry, and quantitative real‐time PCR was used to determine the expression levels of FIH‐1, P21, P63, ABCG2, CK3, microRNA‐31, microRNA‐143, microRNA‐145 and microRNA‐184. Indirect immunostaining was employed to detect the expression of P63, ABCG2, survivin, connexin‐43 and CK3. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of FIH‐1, P63, P21, CK3, caspase 3, Tcf4, β‐catenin, survivin, GSK3β and pGSK3β.

Results

Compared with cells grown in CnT‐20, the level of miR‐31 in cells grown in ESC‐CM was lower. We investigated the roles that miR‐31 and FIH‐1 play in regulating the functional properties of LSCs. We used antagomirs (antago) to reduce the level of miR‐31 in LSCs. Antago‐31 increased FIH‐1 levels and significantly reduced P21 expressional level in LSCs compared to irrelevant‐antago (Ir‐antago) treatment. The downregulation of miR‐31 in LSCs promotes the maintenance of stemness.

Conclusion

ES culture supernatant (ESC‐CM) regulates the fate of LSCs in part by inhibiting the miR‐31/FIH‐1/P21 axis. This study may have a high impact on the expansion of LSCs in regenerative medicine, especially for ocular surface reconstruction.
Demography of Euterpe precatoria and Mauritia flexuosa in the Amazon: application of integral projection models for their harvest
Authors: Isaza Carolina , Bernal Rodrigo , Galeano Gloria , Martorell Carlos
Published: June 2017

Non‐Timber Forest Products like palm fruits are fundamental in the livelihood of Amerindian groups. For the last 10 years the fruits of wild palm species, like Euterpe precatoria and Mauritia flexuosa, have been entering into global markets. These species are mostly harvested felling the adults, a practice that may have a disproportionate impact in the conservation of the populations. We studied the demography of E. precatoria and M. flexuosa, two important palms of the Amazon, using integral projection models, to characterize the population dynamics and project impact of different fruit harvest methods: adult felling and direct fruit harvest. We followed over 1400 individuals from populations with low harvest intensities in the Tikuna community of Amacayacu, Amazonas, Colombia from 2011 to 2013, establishing four plots for E. precatoria in seasonally inundated forests and two for M. flexuosa in swamps. The population growth in E. precatoria was slightly declining, whereas M. flexuosa was stable. As expected, the simulations of adult felling diminished λ and the number of available adults under any scenario for either species. On the contrary, the simulations support existing information that climbing and other non‐destructive harvest methods would probably allow a sustainable management, satisfying the demand and preserving wild populations.
Progressive aortic root dilatation in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Sachdeva Shagun , Zhang Liyun , Simpson Pippa , Frommelt Peter C.
Published: June 2017

Background

To determine prevalence, clinical implication, and risk factors for aortic root dilation (ARD) in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Methods

Serial echocardiograms were reviewed in all pediatric heart transplant recipients from 1999 to 2014 to assess maximal systolic diameter at the aortic annulus, aortic sinus, aortic sino‐tubular (ST) junction, and ascending aorta. ARD was defined by a sinus/annulus ratio >1.56, ST junction/annulus ratio >1.28, and/or ascending aorta/annulus ratio >1.35.

Results

A total of 147 subjects (53% male) were evaluated; 50% had congenital heart disease (CHD). Of the 74 with CHD, 38 had prior aortic arch reconstruction. The median age at transplant was 3 years (7 days–20.3 years) with a median duration of follow‐up of 3.88 years (3 months–15 years). Prevalence of ARD significantly increased in the cohort from 15.6% at the initial echocardiogram to 49.6% at later follow‐up (P<.0001). The median duration to development of ARD was 7.6 months. There were no significant differences in prevalence of ARD or days to maximum ratio based on the pretransplant diagnosis. Aortic regurgitation was very rare (7 with ≤mild) and did not correlate with ARD or require any interventions.

Conclusion

During intermediate follow‐up, ARD commonly develops in children post–heart transplant, and prevalence increases with time after transplant. Within 1 year after transplant, almost 50% had developed abnormalities in aortic root size that were not apparent at the initial posttransplant echocardiogram. Preexisting CHD or need for prior arch reconstruction did not increase the risk of ARD.
Population genetic structure and connectivity of deep‐sea stony corals (Order Scleractinia) in the New Zealand region: Implications for the conservation and management of vulnerable marine ecosystems
Authors: Zeng Cong , Rowden Ashley A. , Clark Malcolm R. , Gardner Jonathan P. A.
Published: June 2017

Deep‐sea stony corals, which can be fragile, long‐lived, late to mature and habitat‐forming, are defined as vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator taxa. Under United Nations resolutions, these corals require protection from human disturbance such as fishing. To better understand the vulnerability of stony corals (Goniocorella dumosa, Madrepora oculata, Solenosmilia variabilis) to disturbance within the New Zealand region and to guide marine protected area design, genetic structure and connectivity were determined using microsatellite loci and DNA sequencing. Analyses compared population genetic differentiation between two biogeographic provinces, amongst three subregions (north–central–south) and amongst geomorphic features. Extensive population genetic differentiation was revealed by microsatellite variation, whilst DNA sequencing revealed very little differentiation. For G. dumosa, genetic differentiation existed amongst regions and geomorphic features, but not between provinces. For M. oculata, only a north–central–south regional structure was observed. For S. variabilis, genetic differentiation was observed between provinces, amongst regions and amongst geomorphic features. Populations on the Kermadec Ridge were genetically different from Chatham Rise populations for all three species. A significant isolation‐by‐depth pattern was observed for both marker types in G. dumosa and also in ITS of M. oculata. An isolation‐by‐distance pattern was revealed for microsatellite variation in S. variabilis. Medium to high levels of self‐recruitment were detected in all geomorphic populations, and rates and routes of genetic connectivity were species‐specific. These patterns of population genetic structure and connectivity at a range of spatial scales indicate that flexible spatial management approaches are required for the conservation of deep‐sea corals around New Zealand.
Successful removal of jejunal leiomyosarcoma in a Quarter Horse mare
Authors: Oreff G. L. , Tatz A. J. , Dahan R. , Valentine B. A. , Kelmer G.
Published: June 2017

A 9‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was presented due to chronic colic in the past year, which deteriorated rapidly prior to presentation. On exploratory laparotomy a solitary, well encapsulated mass was found, partially attached to the seromuscular layer of the intestine. Removal of the mass was achieved without the use of enterotomy or resection and anastomosis. The mass was diagnosed using histology and immunohistochemistry assays as leiomyosarcoma. Despite the aggressive nature of the neoplasm, the mare returned to full function and there was no evidence of recurrence 5 years post‐operatively.
Integrating future scenario‐based crop expansion and crop conditions to map switchgrass biofuel potential in eastern Nebraska, USA
Authors: Gu Yingxin , Wylie Bruce K.
Published: June 2017

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has been evaluated as one potential source for cellulosic biofuel feedstocks. Planting switchgrass in marginal croplands and waterway buffers can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and improve regional ecosystem services (i.e. it serves as a potential carbon sink). In previous studies, we mapped high risk marginal croplands and highly erodible cropland buffers that are potentially suitable for switchgrass development, which would improve ecosystem services and minimally impact food production. In this study, we advance our previous study results and integrate future crop expansion information to develop a switchgrass biofuel potential ensemble map for current and future croplands in eastern Nebraska. The switchgrass biomass productivity and carbon benefits (i.e. NEP: net ecosystem production) for the identified biofuel potential ensemble areas were quantified. The future scenario‐based (‘A1B’) land use and land cover map for 2050, the US Geological Survey crop type and Compound Topographic Index (CTI) maps, and long‐term (1981–2010) averaged annual precipitation data were used to identify future crop expansion regions that are suitable for switchgrass development. Results show that 2528 km2 of future crop expansion regions (~3.6% of the study area) are potentially suitable for switchgrass development. The total estimated biofuel potential ensemble area (including cropland buffers, marginal croplands, and future crop expansion regions) is 4232 km2 (~6% of the study area), potentially producing 3.52 million metric tons of switchgrass biomass per year. Converting biofuel ensemble regions to switchgrass leads to potential carbon sinks (the total NEP for biofuel potential areas is 0.45 million metric tons C) and is environmentally sustainable. Results from this study improve our understanding of environmental conditions and ecosystem services of current and future cropland systems in eastern Nebraska and provide useful information to land managers to make land use decisions regarding switchgrass development.
A systematic review of the relationship between glycemic control and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mistry Bhavik D. , Alavi Afsaneh , Ali Saima , Mistry Nisha
Published: June 2017

The association of specific skin disorders with diabetes mellitus (DM) has been well established. Current literature suggests that approximately 30–91% of patients with diabetes will experience at least one cutaneous manifestation of this systemic disease in their lifetime. To date, there are limited articles summarizing the link between necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) prognosis and glycemic control in patients with diabetes. The objective of the study is to summarize and appraise the available evidence assessing the relationship between glycemic control and NLD. A literature search was conducted based on MEDLINE (1946–2015), EMBASE (1980–2015), Google Scholar, and PubMed for publications that described the results of diabetes control and NLD. Further studies were identified from bibliographies of all relevant studies, gray literature, and annual scientific assemblies. All studies investigating the relationship between DM (type 1 and type 2) management and NLD were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data including demographics, type of diabetes management measures (glucose, HbA1c, insulin), comorbidities, and outcome. A total of 622 studies were identified, and 10 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria: two case series and eight case reports. Of the 24 patients with NLD, 13 patients reported resolution of NLD after implementing various methods of glycemic control (diabetic diet consisting of 1600 kcal/day [1 patient], insulin regimen [3 patients], and pancreatic transplantation [9 patients]). Glycemic control may have a role in influencing the prognosis of necrobiosis lipoidica in patients with diabetes; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to support or refute this claim.
Short‐Term‐Effectiveness of a Relationship Education Program for Distressed Military Couples, in the Context of Foreign Assignments for the German Armed Forces. Preliminary Findings From a Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kröger Christoph , Kliem Sören , Zimmermann Peter , Kowalski Jens
Published: June 2017

This study examines the short‐term effectiveness of a relationship education program designed for military couples. Distressed couples were randomly placed in either a wait‐list control group or an intervention group. We conducted training sessions before a 3‐month foreign assignment, and refresher courses approximately 6‐week post‐assignment. We analyzed the dyadic data of 32 couples, using hierarchical linear modeling in a two‐level model. Reduction in unresolved conflicts was found in the intervention group, with large pre–post effects for both partners. Relationship satisfaction scores were improved, with moderate‐to‐large effects only for soldiers, rather than their partners. Post‐follow‐up effect sizes suggested further improvement in the intervention group. Future research should examine the long‐term effectiveness of this treatment.
Personality change across the life span: Insights from a cross‐cultural, longitudinal study
Authors: Chopik William J. , Kitayama Shinobu
Published: June 2017

Objective

Personality traits are characterized by both stability and change across the life span. Many of the mechanisms hypothesized to cause personality change (e.g., the timing of various social roles, physical health, and cultural values) differ considerably across culture. Moreover, personality consistency is valued highly in Western societies, but less so in non‐Western societies. Few studies have examined how personality changes differently across cultures.

Method

We employed a multilevel modeling approach to examine age‐related changes in Big Five personality traits in two large panel studies of Americans (n = 6,259; Mage = 46.85; 52.5% female) and Japanese (n = 1,021; Mage = 54.28; 50.9% female). Participants filled out personality measures twice, over either a 9‐year interval (for Americans) or a 4‐year period (for Japanese).

Results

Changes in Agreeableness and Openness to Experience did not systematically vary across cultures; changes in Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness did vary across cultures. Further, Japanese show significantly greater fluctuation in the level of all the traits tested over time than Americans.

Conclusions

The culture‐specific social, ecological, and life‐course factors that are associated with personality change are discussed.
A simple in silico strategy identifies candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in morbidly obese subjects
Authors: Giraudi Pablo J. , Gambaro Sabrina E. , Ornelas Arroyo Sofia , Chackelevicius Carla M. , Giuricin Michela , Silvestri Marta , Macor Daniele , Crocé Lory S. , Bonazza Deborah , Soardo Giorgio , de Manzini Nicolò , Zanconati Fabrizio , Tiribelli Claudio , Palmisano Silvia , Rosso Natalia
Published: June 2017

Background & Aims

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder, tightly associated with obesity.

The histological spectrum of the disease ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, with different stages of fibrosis, and fibrosis stage is the most significant predictor of mortality in NAFLD. Liver biopsy continues to be the gold standard for its diagnosis and reliable non‐invasive diagnostic tools are unavailable. We investigated the accuracy of candidate proteins, identified by an in silico approach, as biomarkers for diagnosis of fibrosis.

Methods

Seventy‐one morbidly obese (MO) subjects with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were enrolled, and the cohort was subdivided according to minimal (F0/F1) or moderate (F2/F3) fibrosis. The plasmatic level of CD44 antigen (CD44), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) were determined by ELISA. Significant associations between plasmatic levels and histological fibrosis were determined by correlation analysis and the diagnostic accuracy by the area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC).

Results

Eighty‐two percentage of the subjects had F0/F1 and 18% with F2/F3 fibrosis. Plasmatic levels of IGF2, EGFR and their ratio (EGFR/IGF2) were associated with liver fibrosis, correlating inversely for IGF2 (P < .006) and directly (P < .018; P < .0001) for EGFR and EGFR/IGF2 respectively. The IGF2 marker had the best diagnostic accuracy for moderate fibrosis (AUROC 0.83), followed by EGFR/IGF2 ratio (AUROC 0.79) and EGFR (AUROC 0.71).

Conclusions

Our study supports the potential utility of IGF2 and EGFR as non‐invasive diagnostic biomarkers for liver fibrosis in morbidly obese subjects.
HHV‐6 in liver transplantation: A literature review
Authors: Phan Tuan L. , Lautenschlager Irmeli , Razonable Raymund R. , Munoz Flor M.
Published: June 2017

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B) can cause primary infection or reactivate from latency in liver transplant recipients, which can result in a variety of clinical syndromes, including fever, hepatitis, encephalitis and higher rates of graft dysfunction as well as indirect effects including increased risks of mortality, CMV disease, hepatitis C progression and greater fibrosis scores. Although HHV‐6 infection is currently diagnosed by quantifying viral DNA in plasma or blood, biopsy to demonstrate histopathological effects of HHV‐6 remains the gold standard for diagnosis of end‐organ disease. HHV‐6 reactivation may be restricted to the infected organ with no evidence of active infection in the blood. HHV‐6 infections in liver transplant patients are mostly asymptomatic, but clinically significant tissue‐invasive infections have been treated successfully with ganciclovir, foscarnet or cidofovir. Inherited chromosomally integrated HHV‐6 (ciHHV‐6), in either the recipient or the donor organ, may create confusion about systemic HHV‐6 infection. Recipients with inherited ciHHV‐6 may have an increased risk of opportunistic infection and graft rejection. This article reviews the current scientific data on the clinical effects, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of HHV‐6 infections in liver transplant recipients.
Immunogenicity of plant‐produced African horse sickness virus‐like particles: implications for a novel vaccine
Authors: Dennis Susan J. , Meyers Ann E. , Guthrie Alan J. , Hitzeroth Inga I. , Rybicki Edward P.
Published: June 2017

African horse sickness (AHS) is a debilitating and often fatal viral disease affecting horses in much of Africa, caused by the dsRNA orbivirus African horse sickness virus (AHSV). Vaccination remains the single most effective weapon in combatting AHS, as there is no treatment for the disease apart from good animal husbandry. However, the only commercially available vaccine is a live‐attenuated version of the virus (LAV). The threat of outbreaks of the disease outside its endemic region and the fact that the LAV is not licensed for use elsewhere in the world, have spurred attempts to develop an alternative safer, yet cost‐effective recombinant vaccine. Here, we report the plant‐based production of a virus‐like particle (VLP) AHSV serotype five candidate vaccine by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression of all four capsid proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana using the cowpea mosaic virus‐based HyperTrans (CPMV‐HT) and associated pEAQ plant expression vector system. The production process is fast and simple, scalable, economically viable, and most importantly, guinea pig antiserum raised against the vaccine was shown to neutralize live virus in cell‐based assays. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AHSV VLPs produced in plants, which has important implications for the containment of, and fight against the spread of, this deadly disease.
Beyond MITF: Multiple transcription factors directly regulate the cellular phenotype in melanocytes and melanoma
Authors: Seberg Hannah E. , Van Otterloo Eric , Cornell Robert A.
Published: June 2017

MITF governs multiple steps in the development of melanocytes, including specification from neural crest, growth, survival, and terminal differentiation. In addition, the level of MITF activity determines the phenotype adopted by melanoma cells, whether invasive, proliferative, or differentiated. However, MITF does not act alone. Here, we review literature on the transcription factors that co‐regulate MITF‐dependent genes. ChIP‐seq studies have indicated that the transcription factors SOX10, YY1, and TFAP2A co‐occupy subsets of regulatory elements bound by MITF in melanocytes. Analyses at single loci also support roles for LEF1, RB1, IRF4, and PAX3 acting in combination with MITF, while sequence motif analyses suggest that additional transcription factors colocalize with MITF at many melanocyte‐specific regulatory elements. However, the precise biochemical functions of each of these MITF collaborators and their contributions to gene expression remain to be elucidated. Analogous to the transcriptional networks in morphogen‐patterned tissues during embryogenesis, we anticipate that the level of MITF activity is controlled not only by the concentration of activated MITF, but also by additional transcription factors that either quantitatively or qualitatively influence the expression of MITF‐target genes.
To Inform and Recommend: Hamilton and the Constitutional Ground for Interaction Between Executive Officers and Congress
Authors: Carrington Adam M.
Published: June 2017

In today's government, executive officers interact continually with Congress on issues of legislation and administration. But does the Constitution's text support such interaction? This article argues that a basis may be found in the State of the Union and the Recommendation clauses of Article II. Combining an examination of the Constitution's text with Alexander Hamilton's at times ambiguous tenure as Treasury secretary, this article argues that such interaction fits within the structure of the two branches. Furthermore, this article distinguishes the two clauses by claiming that executive officers must respond to most requests for information but only recommend at the president's discretion.
Point shear wave elastography (pSWE) using Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging: a feasibility study and norm values for renal parenchymal stiffness in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Grass Lilian , Szekely Nora , Alrajab Abdulsattar , Bui-Ta Thi Thanh Tam , Hoffmann Georg Friedrich , Wühl Elke , Schenk Jens-Peter
Published: June 2017

Aims: To evaluate the applicability of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) for measuring renal parenchymal stiffness in healthy children and adolescents and to establish norm values for shear wave speed (SWS) using two ARFI methods and ultrasound probes.Material and methods: We prospectively investigated 264 children (43.9% males). pSWE (Virtual TouchTM Quantification and Virtual TouchTM Imaging Quantification (VTQ and VTIQ; Siemens, Germany)) was performed in the renal cortex of 528 healthy kidneys using a 1-6 MHz convex and a 4-9 MHz linear ultrasound probe in ventrolateral and dorsal examinations. Feasibility and reproducibility of pSWE measurements were evaluated. SWS values were analysed with regard to age, body dimensions, kidney volume and measuring depth.Results: pSWE measurements were successful in >95% of subjects using the low and in <60% using the high-frequency probe. Mean SWS values (m/s) differed by method and probe: 2.10±0.43 (VTQ1-6MHz, convex, ventrolateral), 2.30±0.37 (VTQ1-6MHz, convex, dorsal), 1.58±0.44 (VTQ4-9MHz, linear, dorsal) and 1.96±0.27 (VTIQ4-9MHz, linear, dorsal). SWS was positively correlated with age, weight and body height, but independent of sex, BMI, or kidney volume and depth.Conclusions: pSWE (VTQ) is a feasible method to evaluate renal parenchymal stiffness in children of all ages. SWS values are age and weight dependent and differ significantly between high- and low-frequency probes. High-frequency probes and VTIQ should only be used in children <10 years.
Aim: To investigate the value of ElastPQ measurement for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) by using histologic results as a reference standard. Material and methods: A total of 154 patients were included. ElastPQ measurement was performed for each lesion in which the shear wave speed (SWS) was measured. The difference in SWS and SWS ratio of FLL to surrounding liver were evaluated, and the cut off value was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Histology as a gold standard was obtained by surgery in all patients. Results: A total of 154 lesions including 129 (83.7 %) malignant FLLs and 25 (16.3 %) benign ones were analysed. The SWS of malignant and benign FLLs was significantly different, 2.77±0.68 m/s and 1.57±0.55 m/s (p<0.05). The SWS ratio of each FLL to surrounding liver parenchyma was 2.23±0.49 for malignant and 1.14±0.36 for benign FLLs (p<0.05). The cut off value for differential diagnosis was 2.06 m/s for SWS and 1.67 for SWS ratio. Conclusions: ElastPQ measurement provides reliable quantitative stiffness information of FLLs and may be helpful in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign FLLs.
Authors: Dong Yi , Wang Wen-Ping , Xu Yadan , Cao Jiaying , Mao Feng , Dietrich Cristoph F
Published: June 2017

Aim: To investigate the value of ElastPQ measurement for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant focal liver lesions (FLLs) by using histologic results as a reference standard.Material and methods: A total of 154 patients were included. ElastPQ measurement was performed for each lesion in which the shear wave speed (SWS) was measured. The difference in SWS and SWS ratio of FLL to surrounding liver were evaluated, and the cut off value was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Histology as a gold standard was obtained by surgery in all patients.Results: A total of 154 lesions including 129 (83.7 %) malignant FLLs and 25 (16.3 %) benign ones were analysed. The SWS of malignant and benign FLLs was significantly different, 2.77±0.68 m/s and 1.57±0.55 m/s (p<0.05). The SWS ratio of each FLL to surrounding liver parenchyma was 2.23±0.49 for malignant and 1.14±0.36 for benign FLLs (p<0.05). The cut off value for differential diagnosis was 2.06 m/s for SWS and 1.67 for SWS ratio.Conclusions: ElastPQ measurement provides reliable quantitative stiffness information of FLLs and may be helpful in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign FLLs.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of a random fibrous medium: Geometry, transport, and sound absorbing properties
Authors: Luu Hoang Tuan , Perrot Camille , Monchiet Vincent , Panneton Raymond
Published: June 2017

The main purpose of this article is to present, within a unified framework, a technique based on numerical homogenization, to model the acoustical properties of real fibrous media from their geometrical characteristics and to compare numerical results with experimental data. The authors introduce a reconstruction procedure for a random fibrous medium and use it as a basis for the computation of its geometrical, transport, and sound absorbing properties. The previously ad hoc “fiber anisotropies” and “volume weighted average radii,” used to describe the experimental data on microstructure, are here measured using scanning electron microscopy. The authors show that these parameters, in conjunction with the bulk porosity, contribute to a precise description of the acoustical characteristics of fibrous absorbents. They also lead to an accurate prediction of transport parameters which can be used to predict acoustical properties. The computed values of the permeability and frequency-dependent sound absorption coefficient are successfully compared with permeability and impedance-tube measurements. The authors' results indicate the important effect of fiber orientation on flow properties associated with the different physical properties of fibrous materials. A direct link is provided between three-dimensional microstructure and the sound absorbing properties of non-woven fibrous materials, without the need for any empirical formulae or fitting parameters.
A mobility based vibroacoustic energy transmission simulation into an enclosure through a double-wall panel
Authors: Sahu Atanu , Bhattacharya Partha , Niyogi Arup Guha , Rose Michael
Published: June 2017

Double-wall panels are known for their superior sound insulation properties over single wall panels as a sound barrier. The sound transmission phenomenon through a double-wall structure is a complex process involving vibroacoustic interaction between structural panels, the air-cushion in between, and the secondary acoustic domain. It is in this context a versatile and a fully coupled technique based on the finite-element–boundary element model is developed that enables estimation of sound transfer through a double-wall panel into an adjacent enclosure while satisfying the displacement compatibility across the interface. The contribution of individual components in the transmitted energy is identified through numerical simulations.
Serum androgen profile and physical performance in women Olympic athletes
Authors: Eklund Emma , Berglund Bo , Labrie Fernand , Carlström Kjell , Ekström Lena , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén
Published: June 2017

Background

The role of endogenous androgens for body composition and physical performance in women athletes is still not elucidated.

Aim

To examine the serum androgen profile in relation to body composition and physical performance in women Olympic athletes and to compare endocrine variables and body composition to controls.

Study design

Cross-sectional study, conducted between 2011 and 2015 at the Women’s Health Research Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm.

Methods

Swedish women Olympic athletes (n=106) and age-matched and body mass index-matched sedentary controls (n=117) were included in the study. Blood sampling was performed in a rested, fasting state for the measurement of serum androgens and their metabolites by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (controls n=100, athletes n=65). The athletes performed standardised performance tests (n=59) (squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ).

Results

The athletes demonstrated significantly higher levels of the precursor androgens dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 5-androstene-3β, 17β-diol (5-DIOL) and the metabolite etiocholanolone glucuronide (Etio-G), significantly lower levels of estrone (p<0.05, respectively), higher bone mineral density (p<0.001) and more lean mass (p<0.001) compared with controls. Serum levels of DHEA, 5-DIOL and Etio-G correlated positively to lean mass variables and physical performance in the athletes. DHEA and lean mass legs explained 66% of the variance in SJ, whereas lean mass explained 52% of the variance in CMJ.

Conclusions

The present data suggest that endogenous androgens are associated with a more anabolic body composition and enhanced performance in women athletes. These results are of importance for the current discussion regarding hyperandrogenism in women athletes.
Effect of two additional interventions, test and reflection, added to standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on seventh grade students’ practical skills and willingness to act: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Nord Anette , Hult Håkan , Kreitz-Sandberg Susanne , Herlitz Johan , Svensson Leif , Nilsson Lennart
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The aim of this research is to investigate if two additional interventions, test and reflection, after standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training facilitate learning by comparing 13-year-old students’ practical skills and willingness to act.

Settings

Seventh grade students in council schools of two municipalities in south-east Sweden.

Design

School classes were randomised to CPR training only (O), CPR training with a practical test including feedback (T) or CPR training with reflection and a practical test including feedback (RT). Measures of practical skills and willingness to act in a potential life-threatening situation were studied directly after training and at 6 months using a digital reporting system and a survey. A modified Cardiff test was used to register the practical skills, where scores in each of 12 items resulted in a total score of 12–48 points. The study was conducted in accordance with current European Resuscitation Council guidelines during December 2013 to October 2014.

Participants

29 classes for a total of 587 seventh grade students were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The total score of the modified Cardiff test at 6 months was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the total score directly after training, the 12 individual items of the modified Cardiff test and willingness to act.

Results

At 6 months, the T and O groups scored 32 (3.9) and 30 (4.0) points, respectively (p<0.001), while the RT group scored 32 (4.2) points (not significant when compared with T). There were no significant differences in willingness to act between the groups after 6 months.

Conclusions

A practical test including feedback directly after training improved the students’ acquisition of practical CPR skills. Reflection did not increase further CPR skills. At 6-month follow-up, no intervention effect was found regarding willingness to make a life-saving effort.
Point of care ultrasound versus CT pulmonary angiogram in suspected pulmonary embolus
Authors: Bacani Joseph Bacani , De Wit Kerstin
Published: June 2017

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether non-invasive, multi-organ point of care ultrasound could reduce the need for CTPA in adult patients presenting with clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolus. 3 papers presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. It is concluded that multi-organ POCUS shows promise but that more data is needed to make a definitive statement regarding validity in clinical practice.
Abstracts from international Emergency Medicine journals
Authors: Weber Ellen J
Published: June 2017

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Geotechnical engineering significance of Great Plains polygonal fault system
Authors: St-Onge Andy
Published: June 2017

An extensive polygonal fault system (PFS) within fine-grained Upper Cretaceous sediments beneath the Great Plains of North America has implications for geotechnical engineering. Geological well control, outcrop, and three-dimensional seismic data from southeast Saskatchewan exemplify the fault characteristics typically observed within the PFS. The deepest faults are sparse, offset a seismic reflection identified from the Niobrara Formation Govenlock member, and have vertical offsets <2 m. The deformation increases in fault density and vertical offset at shallower depths, reaching 6 faults/km2with up to 30 m of vertical offset. Upper Cretaceous strata throughout the Great Plains area are at or near outcrop, and the extensive PFS faulting and weathering have weakened the rock. This faulting and weakness have been observed and attributed to other factors such as glacial erosion, overconsolidation, swelling bentonite beds, or landslides from toe erosion at topographic slopes. The PFS faulting should be recognized as an extensive process to be considered when undertaking geotechnical analysis on the Great Plains where underlying Upper Cretaceous rocks exist. Engineering implications include road cuts, dam impoundments, building foundations, and natural slumping.
Intelligent Self-Adaptation Data Behavior Control Inspired by Speech Acts
Authors: He Bin , Li Gang
Published: June 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a promising technology for collecting information by utilizing various types of small-sized sensors. Implementing efficient data acquisition and transmission is important for real-time monitoring and data analysis, owing to massive and heterogeneous data with low precision. In this work, the data behavior model inspired by speech acts is built, including the data correlation model and the data comment model. Intelligent self-adaptation data behavior control is then proposed, of which the main idea is to make sensor nodes (SNs) process data intelligently. In the proposed data behavior control, the temporal compression behavior is achieved through variable-cycle transmission and the multivariate spatial compression behavior is motivated by compressed sensing (CS) theory. The multivariate spatial-temporal compression composed of the above two compression behaviors can adjust itself through data comment behaviors including the large-cycle error self-correction behavior based on the node credibility and the large-cycle event self-adaptation behavior based on the information granularity. The data behavior control presented has been validated by the experiments in the Shanghai metro tunnel. The experiment results show that these intelligent data behaviors inspired by speech acts can make WSNs more effective and intelligent with no change in the existing network structure.
Socially just design and engendering social change
Authors: Dombrowski Lynn
Published: June 2017

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole.
--- Christopher A. Le Dantec, Editor
Toward intelligent environments
Authors: Ghajargar Maliheh
Published: June 2017

Interaction design is increasingly about embedding interactive technologies in our built environment; architecture is increasingly about the use of interactive technologies to reimagine and dynamically repurpose our built environment. This forum focuses on this intersection of interaction and architecture.
--- Mikael Wiberg, Editor