bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Plastic Deformation and Damage as Potential Mechanisms for Tendon Inelasticity using a Reactive Modeling Framework
Authors: Safa Babak N. , Lee Andrea H. , Santare Michael H. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: June 2018

Inelastic behaviors, such as softening, a progressive decrease in modulus before failure, occur in tendon andare important aspect in degeneration and tendinopathy. These in elastic behaviors are generally attributed to two potential mechanisms: plastic deformation and damage. However, it is not clear which is primarily responsible.In this study, we evaluated these potential mechanisms of tendon in elasticity by using a recently developed reactive in elasticity model (RIE), which is a structurally-inspired continuum mechanics frame work that models tissue in elasticity based on the molecular bond kinetics. Using RIE, we formulated two material models, one specific toplastic deformation and the other to damage. The models were independently fit to published experimental tensiletests of rat tail tendons. We quantified the inelastic effects and compared the performance of the two models infitting the mechanical response during loading, relaxation, unloading, and reloading phases. Additionally, we validated the models by using the resulting fit parameters to predict an independent set of experimental stress-straincurves from ramp-to-failure tests. Overall, the models were both successful in fitting the experiments and predicting the validation data. However, the results did not strongly favor one mechanism over the other. As a result, to distinguish between plastic deformation and damage, different experimental protocols will be needed. Nevertheless, these findings suggest the potential of RIE as a comprehensive framework for studying tendon inelastic behaviors.
Environmentally mediated reproductive success predicts breeding dispersal decisions in an early successional amphibian
Authors: Boualit Laurent , Pichenot Julian , Besnard Aurélien , Helder Rémi , Joly Pierre , Cayuela Hugo
Published: June 2018

Dispersal is a central mechanism in ecology and evolution. Dispersal evolution is driven by a trade-off between costs and benefits, which is influenced by inter-individual variability and local environmental conditions (context-dependent dispersal). Many studies have investigated how dispersal decisions may be influenced by environmental factors, including density, predation, and interspecific competition. Yet few have attempted to examine how habitat disturbance may affect the dispersal process in spatially structured populations. In early successional species, one might expect individuals to adjust their dispersal decisions based on two main factors that potentially have an influence on reproductive success: patch size and the level of patch disturbance. In this study, we examined how these two factors affect breeding success and dispersal decisions in an early successional amphibian, the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). To this end, we used capture–recapture data collected on a spatially structured population occupying 28 breeding patches. We took advantage of recent developments in multievent capture–recapture models to detect signs of context-dependent dispersal. The results revealed that the probability of successful reproduction and the number of newly metamorphosed individuals increased with both the size and the proportion of disturbance of a patch. In addition, our results showed that the factors affecting breeding success also influenced breeding dispersal probability. Large patch size negatively influenced emigration probability; in contrast, it positively influenced immigration probability. Equally, higher disturbance (in terms of the proportion of the patch’s surface area disturbed each year) had a strong negative influence on emigration probability and slightly positively affected immigration probability. These findings strongly suggest that individuals make context-dependent dispersal decisions, adjusted to maximize future fitness prospects in a patch, allowing them to better cope with rapid changes in environmental conditions resulting from the ecological succession process. This opens new areas of potential research into the role of dispersal in organism specialization along an ecological succession gradient.
How online media synergy influences consumers’ purchase intention
Authors: Dong Xuebing , Chang Yaping , Liang Shichang , Fan Xiaojun
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the synergistic effects of online multimedia by categorizing it into online broadcast media (OBM) and online interactive media (OIM).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an online experiment method to manipulate the online message stimuli level (online media synergy and online single media repetition).

Findings

The results revealed that participants exposed to message stimuli of online media synergy reported greater source credibility, cognitive responses (brand credibility and positive thoughts about the brand), attitude toward the brand and purchase intention. In online multimedia, source credibility influences attitude toward the brand through brand credibility and positive thoughts about the brand; in online single media repetition, source credibility influences attitude toward the brand through only brand credibility.

Research limitations/implications

In addition, the relationship between online media synergy and marketing outcomes might be moderated by consumers’ goals and thought patterns, and future research could further explore the moderating effects of these variables.

Practical implications

This study contributes to media synergy research, assists marketing planners in their understanding of the importance of online media synergy and serves as a reference for marketing planners considering an integrated online marketing plan.

Originality/value

The current study investigated how the synergy of OBM and OIM influences message persuasiveness for consumers (cognitive responses, attitude toward the brand and purchase intention).
Homeownership in urban China: an empirical study of borrower characteristics and the Housing Provident Fund program in Kunming
Authors: Wang Weizhuo , Gan Christopher , Chang Zhiyou , Cohen David A. , Li Zhaohua
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop and estimate a logit model of whether homeownership could be promoted by participation in and use of the Housing Provident Fund (HPF) program, with a focus on factors that influence the use of HPF loans.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops and estimates a logit model of whether homeownership could be promoted by participation in and use of the HPF program, with a focus on factors that influence the use of HPF loans.

Findings

The results show that coefficients of marital status, educational level, age, duration of employment and employer are significantly related to the use of HPF loan for homeownership.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability.

Practical implications

The research findings provide a better understanding of homeowners’ characteristics.

Originality/value

To manage the HPF program effectively, it is important for government to have a better understanding of the underlying demand for homeownership, especially with respect to the different demographic variables and accessibility to HPF loans and the HPF.
Self-determined leader motivation and follower perceptions of leadership
Authors: Gilbert Stephanie , Kelloway E. Kevin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

A critical assumption of the organizational leadership literature is that leaders want to engage in effective leadership behaviors (Gilbert and Kelloway, 2014). However, leaders may vary in their motivation to be effective in a leadership role, leading to different levels of performance. Drawing on self-determination theory, the authors address the question of what motivates leaders to engage in transformational leadership behaviors (Gilbert et al., 2016). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study examined the effects of self-determined leader motivation for transformational leadership on aggregated follower leadership ratings using a sample of 37 leaders matched with 179 followers in two organizations.

Findings

Results show how leaders’ own motivation relates to followers’ perceptions of leader behavior, and specifically that, across contexts, some autonomous levels of leader motivation are positively related to follower perceptions of leaders’ active-constructive leadership and negatively related to follower perceptions of passive avoidant leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by a small level-two sample size and cross-sectional design. The results suggest that some forms of leader motivation relate to follower ratings of leadership behavior.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine how self-determined motivation for transformational leadership predicts follower perceptions of leadership behavior using a multilevel design.
Cross‐sectional analysis of unhealthy foods, race/ethnicity, sex and cardiometabolic risk factors in U.S. adults
Authors: Vaccaro Joan A. , Zarini Gustavo G. , Huffman Fatma G.
Published: June 2018

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to determine the association of unhealthy dietary food items with cardiometabolic risk factors with and without sociodemographic factors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data available to the public from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2009–2010 where unhealthy food consumption was based on responses to the Dietary Screener Questionnaire (unique to this NHANES cycle), and cardiometabolic risk factors were based on laboratory results, anthropometric measures, interview and examination questions for 2045 adults aged 20–69 and belonging to four racial/ethnic groups: 473 Mexican Americans (MA); 267 Other Hispanics (OH); 389, non‐Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and 916 non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW) (characterised by NHANES).

Results

A higher percent of MA, followed by OH and NHB, consumed soft drinks as compared to NHW. Consumption of fried potatoes was over 75% across groups and was associated with higher odds dyslipidaemia (high non‐HDL cholesterol) in the reduced model: OR = 1.38 (1.10, 1.73), P = 0.009 and full model: OR = 1.50 (1.15, 1.96), P = 0.005. All unhealthy foods measured were consumed more often by males as compared to females.

Conclusions

Dyslipidaemia was associated with fried potato consumption and marginally with processed meats. Dietary interventions, tailored to specific populations, are needed to determine if substituting healthy foods in place of unhealthy ones will improve cardiometabolic outcomes.
De‐palmitoylation by N‐(tert‐Butyl) hydroxylamine inhibits AMPAR‐mediated synaptic transmission via affecting receptor distribution in postsynaptic densities
Authors: Xia Zhi‐Xuan , Shen Zu‐Cheng , Zhang Shao‐Qi , Wang Ji , Nie Tai‐Lei , Deng Qiao , Chen Jian‐Guo , Wang Fang , Wu Peng‐Fei
Published: June 2018

Aims

Palmitoylation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) subunits or their “scaffold” proteins produce opposite effects on AMPAR surface delivery. Considering AMPARs have long been identified as suitable drug targets for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, targeting palmitoylation signaling to regulate AMPAR function emerges as a novel therapeutic strategy. However, until now, much less is known about the effect of palmitoylation‐deficient state on AMPAR function. Herein, we set out to determine the effect of global de‐palmitoylation on AMPAR surface expression and its function, using a special chemical tool, N‐(tert‐Butyl) hydroxylamine (NtBuHA).

Methods

BS3 protein cross‐linking, Western blot, immunoprecipitation, patch clamp, and biotin switch assay.

Results

Bath application of NtBuHA (1.0 mM) reduced global palmitoylated proteins in the hippocampus of mice. Although NtBuHA (1.0 mM) did not affect the expression of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits, it preferentially decreased the surface expression of AMPARs, not N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Notably, NtBuHA (1.0 mM) reduces AMPAR‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in the hippocampus. This effect may be largely due to the de‐palmitoylation of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and protein kinase A‐anchoring proteins, both of which stabilized AMPAR synaptic delivery. Furthermore, we found that changing PSD95 palmitoylation by NtBuHA altered the association of PSD95 with stargazin, which interacted directly with AMPARs, but not NMDARs.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the palmitoylation‐deficient state initiated by NtBuHA preferentially reduces AMPAR function, which may potentially be used for the treatment of CNS disorders, especially infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease).
Designing rule‐based expert systems with the aid of the model‐driven development approach
Authors: Yurin Aleksandr Yurievich , Dorodnykh Nikita Olegovich , Nikolaychuk Olga Anatolievna , Grishenko Maksim Andreevich
Published: June 2018

The problem of improving the efficiency of designing process of knowledge bases and expert systems remains a relevant issue. The effectiveness of this process can be improved by using the principles of conceptual (cognitive) modelling and generative programming‐based approaches, in particular, a model‐driven development.

This paper describes implementation and application of the model‐driven development approach for the design of rule‐based expert systems and knowledge bases. The implementation proposed takes into account peculiarities of the intelligent systems development process, such as stages of conceptualization and formalization, and provides the practical use of ontologies and conceptual models as computation‐independent and subject domain models.

An extension of UML, namely, the Rule Visual Modelling Language is used to represent logical rules and create platform‐independent and platform‐specific models. Rule Visual Modelling Language elements ensure that some features of a programming language for knowledge bases, for example, CLIPS, are taken into account. Therefore, CLIPS and the Personal Knowledge Base Designer are used as the targeted platforms for generation of source codes and specifications.

The applicability of the approach is demonstrated by a case study: development of the knowledge base and expert system for identification of the causes of damages and destruction of construction materials in petrochemistry.
Boccia game simulator: Serious game adapted for people with disabilities
Authors: Faria Brígida Mónica , Ribeiro José Diogo , Moreira A. Paulo , Reis Luis Paulo
Published: June 2018

Integration in the world of sport is one way for individuals with disabilities or motor disorders to feel more socially integrated, independent, and confident. Boccia is a Paralympic sport, which is increasingly getting more attention around the world. These facts have contributed to the objectives of this work. Including it in the serious games category enables to develop and rehabilitate the cognitive capabilities. The main focus was BC3 classification athletes (users with limited motor characteristics that require the use of an assistive device—a ramp, in this case). This paper describes a realistic Boccia game simulator adapted for people with disabilities that integrates a set of features that includes real physics and social features. These features can be used to enhance the interest of nonpractitioners of the sport and to improve the training conditions. The official Boccia regulation was added to the design of the simulator. The usability and approximation to the reality of the simulator were tested and validated based on the tests performed and data collected via a survey of users with no motor or psychological disorders. Realism and usability rating was almost excellent, and good results were achieved at the assessment of the game experience.
Risk indicators for prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis among rural Indian population aged 35‐54 years
Authors: Bhat M , Do LG , Roberts‐Thomson K
Published: June 2018

Aims

This study aimed to identify risk indicators associated with periodontitis and the contribution of each of the indicators towards the prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis in a rural Indian population.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was used to collect data according to National Survey of Adult Oral Health Australia guidelines. A multistage stratified random sampling was followed to select 1401 participants, who were in the age group of 35‐54 years. The participants were selected from 50 villages belonging to the 5 sub‐provinces of 2 Indian districts. Data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews and oral examination. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.3. The univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the risk indicators of prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis. Population attributable fraction was estimated for each of the significant risk indicators of prevalence and extent.

Results

In this study, factors such as age, education, tobacco chewing and plaque accumulation were significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis. Age, socioeconomic status, method of tooth cleaning, alcohol consumption and plaque accumulation were significant risk indicators for generalized periodontitis. Age, tobacco chewing and plaque were associated with severity of periodontitis in the population.

Conclusion

The rural population had a high prevalence of periodontitis. Sociodemographic factors, poor oral hygiene, tobacco and alcohol were the main risk indicators attributable to periodontitis.
Inhibition effects of a natural inhibitor on RANKL downstream cellular signalling cascades cross‐talking
Authors: Wang Biao , Hao Dingjun , Zhang Zhen , Gao Wenjie , Pan Hu , Xiao Yuan , He Baorong , Kong Lingbo
Published: June 2018

Myricitrin is a natural occurring flavonoid glycoside that possesses effects on inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) transmission and preventing inflammatory reaction. Although previous study showed the myricitrin possesses antibone loss effects via reducing the expression of IL‐6 and partially suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the effects of myricitrin on nuclear factor‐kappaB ligand (RANKL)‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis have not yet been further investigated. The current study was aimed to demonstrating the inhibitory effects of myricitrin on RANKL‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis and relevant mechanisms. We found myricitrin significantly suppressed osteoclastogenesis suggesting that it may acts on RANKL/RANK induced downstream signal cross cascading in osteoclast precursors. In that, our Western blotting results showed myricitrin significantly attenuated RNAKL/MAPKs (phosphorylation of p38, ERK, JNK) and AKT signal cascading. Complementing previous study, our results suggesting as a natural inhibitor, myricitrin possesses the potential therapeutic effects on inflammatory osteolysis.
Chinese Adolescents' Sibling Conflicts: Links With Maternal Involvement in Sibling Relationships and Coparenting
Authors: Chen Bin‐Bin
Published: June 2018

This study explored how maternal involvement in sibling relationships and coparenting behaviors were associated with adolescents' sibling conflicts. Adolescents (Mage = 12.25 years; 47.8% boys) and their mothers from 542 families in China participated in this research. Mothers completed questionnaires that assessed their strategies of involvement in sibling relationships, as well as their perceptions of the quality of their coparenting behaviors. Furthermore, adolescents completed questionnaires that assessed sibling conflicts. Results revealed that the mother's positive guidance was negatively related and their authoritarian control was positively related to sibling conflict. A significant interaction was also found between positive maternal guidance in sibling relationships and undermining coparenting behaviors. These findings underscore the unique and interactive effects of mothers' direct involvement in sibling relationships and coparenting behaviors in adolescents' sibling conflicts.
How, When, and Where Relic DNA Affects Microbial Diversity
Authors: Lennon J. T. , Muscarella M. E. , Placella S. A. , Lehmkuhl B. K.
Published: June 2018

Extracellular or “relic” DNA is one of the largest pools of nucleic acids in the biosphere. Relic DNA can influence a number of important ecological and evolutionary processes, but it may also affect estimates of microbial abundance and diversity, which has implications for understanding environmental, engineered, and host-associated ecosystems. We developed models capturing the fundamental processes that regulate the size and composition of the relic DNA pools to identify scenarios leading to biased estimates of biodiversity. Our models predict that bias increases with relic DNA pool size, but only when the species abundance distributions (SADs) of relic and intact DNA are distinct from one another. We evaluated our model predictions by quantifying relic DNA and assessing its contribution to bacterial diversity using 16S rRNA gene sequences collected from different ecosystem types, including soil, sediment, water, and the mammalian gut. On average, relic DNA made up 33% of the total bacterial DNA pool but exceeded 80% in some samples. Despite its abundance, relic DNA had a minimal effect on estimates of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, even in ecosystems where processes such as the physical protection of relic DNA are common and predicted by our models to generate bias. Our findings are consistent with the expectation that relic DNA from different taxa degrades at a constant and equal rate, suggesting that it may not fundamentally alter estimates of microbial diversity.

IMPORTANCE
The ability to rapidly obtain millions of gene sequences and transcripts from a range of environments has greatly advanced understanding of the processes that regulate microbial communities. However, nucleic acids extracted from complex samples do not come only from viable microorganisms. Dead microorganisms can generate large pools of relic DNA that distort insight into the ecology and evolution of microbial systems. Here, we develop a conceptual and quantitative framework for understanding how relic DNA influences the structure of microbiomes. Our theoretical models and empirical results demonstrate that a large relic DNA pool does not automatically lead to biased estimates of microbial diversity. Rather, relic DNA effects emerge in combination with microscale processes that alter the commonness and rarity of sequences found in heterogeneous DNA pools.
The Pearling Transition Provides Evidence of Force-Driven Endosomal Tubulation during
Salmonella
Infection
Authors: Gao Yunfeng , Spahn Christoph , Heilemann Mike , Kenney Linda J.
Published: June 2018

Bacterial pathogens exploit eukaryotic pathways for their own end. Upon ingestion,
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium passes through the stomach and then catalyzes its uptake across the intestinal epithelium. It survives and replicates in an acidic vacuole through the action of virulence factors secreted by a type three secretion system located on
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2). Two secreted effectors, SifA and SseJ, are sufficient for endosomal tubule formation, which modifies the vacuole and enables
Salmonella
to replicate within it. Two-color, superresolution imaging of the secreted virulence factor SseJ and tubulin revealed that SseJ formed clusters of conserved size at regular, periodic intervals in the host cytoplasm. Analysis of SseJ clustering indicated the presence of a pearling effect, which is a force-driven, osmotically sensitive process. The pearling transition is an instability driven by membranes under tension; it is induced by hypotonic or hypertonic buffer exchange and leads to the formation of beadlike structures of similar size and regular spacing. Reducing the osmolality of the fixation conditions using glutaraldehyde enabled visualization of continuous and intact tubules. Correlation analysis revealed that SseJ was colocalized with the motor protein kinesin. Tubulation of the endoplasmic reticulum is driven by microtubule motors, and in the present work, we describe how
Salmonella
has coopted the microtubule motor kinesin to drive the force-dependent process of endosomal tubulation. Thus, endosomal tubule formation is a force-driven process catalyzed by
Salmonella
virulence factors secreted into the host cytoplasm during infection.

IMPORTANCE
This study represents the first example of using two-color, superresolution imaging to analyze the secretion of
Salmonella
virulence factors as they are secreted from the SPI-2 type three secretion system. Previous studies imaged effectors that were overexpressed in the host cytoplasm. The present work reveals an unusual force-driven process, the pearling transition, which indicates that
Salmonella
-induced filaments are under force through the interactions of effector molecules with the motor protein kinesin. This work provides a caution by highlighting how fixation conditions can influence the images observed.
Abundance and distribution of cavity trees and the effect of topography on cavity presence in a tropical rainforest, southwestern China
Authors: Liu Jun-Yan , Zheng Zheng , Xu Xiao , Dong Tingfa , Chen Si-Chong
Published: June 2018

Cavity trees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems as they host numerous birds, mammals, and other cavity-dependent organisms. However, studies on the abundance and distribution of cavity trees in tropical forests are much less common than those in temperate forests. Also, how tree characteristics and topographic variables affect cavity presence is less clear in tropical forests. We surveyed 27 745 living trees from 386 species using ground-based observations in a tropical rainforest in southwestern China. The density of cavity trees was 86.3 trees·ha–1, which dramatically exceeded that in temperate forests. The number of cavity trees showed a left-skewed distribution with a peak at 10–20 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). The probability of cavity presence in a tree increased with DBH, although the patterns varied across species and crown positions. Moreover, cavity presence, which is influenced by topography in this tropical forest, decreased from valleys (concave terrain and low elevation) to ridges (convex terrain and high elevation). The results prove for the first time that topography is a good predictor of cavity presence, in addition to tree DBH. Our results demonstrate that the patterns determined for cavity presence in tropical forests of other regions also apply to Asian tropical forests. This study provides guidance on predicting the occurrence of cavity trees in the tropics.
The equation solvability problem over supernilpotent algebras with Mal’cev term
Authors: Kompatscher Michael
Published: June 2018

In 2011, Horváth gave a new proof that the equation solvability problem over finite nilpotent groups and rings is in P. In the same paper, he asked whether his proof can be lifted to nilpotent algebras in general. We show that this is in fact possible for supernilpotent algebras with a Mal’cev term. However, we also describe a class of nilpotent, but not supernilpotent algebras with Mal’cev term that have co-NP-complete identity checking problems and NP-complete equation solvability problems. This proves that the answer to Horváth’s question is negative in general (assuming P[Formula: see text]NP).
Necessary and sufficient criterion for k-separability of N-qubit noisy GHZ states
Authors: Chen Xiao-Yu , Jiang Li-Zhen , Xu Zhu-An
Published: June 2018

A Multipartite entangled state has many different kinds of entanglements specified by the number of partitions. The most essential example of multipartite entanglement is the entanglement of multi-qubit Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) state in white noise. We explicitly construct the entanglement witnesses for these states with stabilizer generators of the GHZ states. For an [Formula: see text] qubit GHZ state in white noise, we demonstrate the necessary and sufficient criterion of separability when it is divided into [Formula: see text] parties with [Formula: see text] for arbitrary [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The criterion covers more than a half of all kinds of partial entanglements for [Formula: see text]-qubit GHZ states in white noise. For the rest of multipartite entanglement problems, we present a method to obtain the sufficient conditions of separability. As an application, we consider [Formula: see text] qubit GHZ state as a codeword of the degenerate quantum code passing through depolarizing channel. We find that the output state is neither genuinely entangled nor fully separable when the quantum channel capacity reduces from positive to zero.
Optical in vivo and ex vivo imaging of glioma cells migration via the cerebral vessels: Prospective clinical application of the beta2-adrenoreceptors blockade for glioma treatment
Authors: Pavlova Olga , Shirokov Alexander , Fomin Alexander , Navolokin Nikita , Terskov Andrey , Khorovodov Alexander , Namykin Anton , Pavlov Alexey , Tuchin Valery , Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana
Published: June 2018

Malignant gliomas are highly invasive tumors that use the cerebral vessels for invasion due to high vascular fragility of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). On one hand, glioma is characterized by the BBB disruption, on the other hand, drug brain delivery via the BBB is a big challenge in glioma therapy. The limited information about vascular changes associated with glioma growth is a reason of slow progress in prevention of glioma development.

Here, we present in vivo and ex vivo study of the BBB disruption and glioma cells (GCs) migration in rats using fluorescence and confocal microscopy. We uncovered a local breach in the BBB in the main tumor mass but not within the border of normal and malignant cells, where the BBB was impermeable for high weight molecules. The migration of GCs were observed via the cerebral vessels with the intact BBB that was associated with macrophages infiltration.

The mechanisms underlying glioma progression remain unknown but there is an evidence that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) via activation of vascular beta2-adrenoreceptors (B2-ADRs) can play an important role in tumor metastasis. Our results clearly show an increase in the expression of vascular B2-ADRs and production of the beta-arrestin-1 — co-factor of B2-ADRs signaling pathway in rats with glioma. Pharmacological blockade of B2-ADRs reduces the BBB disruption, macrophages infiltration, GCs migration and increases survival rate.

These data suggest that the blockade of B2-ADRs may be a novel adjuvant therapeutic strategy to reduce glioma progression and prevent metastasis.
Efficient resource allocation for decentralized heterogeneous system using density estimation approach
Authors: Senthilnath J. , Harikumar K. , Suresh S.
Published: June 2018

This paper focuses on enhancing the mission duration by deploying secondary agents to coordinate with the primary agents to accomplish the mission with a minimal interruption. The interruption considered here is due to limited fuel carrying capability of primary agents. In this study, primary and secondary agents refer to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), respectively. Conventionally, UAVs are refueled with the fixed main charging stations which lead to interruption during the ongoing mission. In this work, we propose two-stage density estimation approach for efficiently distributing the swarm of UGVs to act as mobile refueling stations for UAVs. In the first stage, the optimal number of UGVs and their initial placement are computed. In the final stage, the UGVs minimize the average distance for the nearest UAVs to refuel. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the state of the art. The numerical simulation shows a better performance with the distributed UGVs than the state of the art.
LncRNA–FEZF1-AS1 Promotes Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating PKM2 Signaling
Authors: Bian Zehua , Zhang Jiwei , Li Min , Feng Yuyang , Wang Xue , Zhang Jia , Yao Surui , Jin Guoying , Du Jun , Han Weifeng , Yin Yuan , Huang Shenglin , Fei Bojian , Zou Jian , Huang Zhaohui
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in human cancers. Here, FEZF1-AS1, a highly overexpressed lncRNA in colorectal cancer, was identified by lncRNA microarrays. We aimed to explore the roles and possible molecular mechanisms of FEZF1-AS1 in colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: LncRNA expression in colorectal cancer tissues was measured by lncRNA microarray and qRT-PCR. The functional roles of FEZF1-AS1 in colorectal cancer were demonstrated by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase analyses were used to demonstrate the potential mechanisms of FEZF1-AS1.

Results: We identified a series of differentially expressed lncRNAs in colorectal cancer using lncRNA microarrays, and revealed that FEZF1-AS1 is one of the most overexpressed. Further validation in two expanded colorectal cancer cohorts confirmed the upregulation of FEZF1-AS1 in colorectal cancer, and revealed that increased FEZF1-AS1 expression is associated with poor survival. Functional assays revealed that FEZF1-AS1 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Mechanistically, FEZF1-AS1 could bind and increase the stability of the pyruvate kinase 2 (PKM2) protein, resulting in increased cytoplasmic and nuclear PKM2 levels. Increased cytoplasmic PKM2 promoted pyruvate kinase activity and lactate production (aerobic glycolysis), whereas FEZF1-AS1–induced nuclear PKM2 upregulation further activated STAT3 signaling. In addition, PKM2 was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and correlated with FEZF1-AS1 expression and patient survival.

Conclusions: Together, these data provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of FEZF1-AS1 on both STAT3 signaling and glycolysis by binding PKM2 and increasing its stability. Clin Cancer Res; 24(19); 4808–19. ©2018 AACR.
Importance of Variant Interpretation in Whole-Exome Molecular Autopsy
Authors: Shanks Garrett W. , Tester David J. , Ackerman Jaeger P. , Simpson Michael A. , Behr Elijah R. , White Steven M. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Potentially lethal cardiac channelopathies/cardiomyopathies may underlie a substantial portion of sudden unexplained death in the young (SUDY). The whole-exome molecular autopsy represents the latest approach to postmortem genetic testing for SUDY. However, proper variant adjudication in the setting of SUDY can be challenging.

Methods:

From January 2012 through December 2013, 25 consecutive cases of SUDY from 1 to 40 years of age (average age at death 27±5.7 years; 13 white, 12 black) from Cook County, Illinois, were referred after a negative (n=16) or equivocal (n=9) conventional autopsy. A whole-exome molecular autopsy with analysis of 99 sudden death-susceptibility genes was performed. The predicted pathogenicity of ultrarare, nonsynonymous variants was determined using the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines.

Results:

Overall, 27 ultrarare nonsynonymous variants were seen in 16/25 (64%) victims of SUDY. Among black individuals, 9/12 (75%) had an ultrarare nonsynonymous variant compared with 7/13 (54%) white individuals. Of the 27 variants, 10 were considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic in 7/25 (28%) individuals in accordance with the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in 5/16 (31%) of autopsy-negative cases and in 2/6 (33%) victims of SUDY with equivocal findings of cardiomyopathy. Overall, 6 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 4/25 (16%) cases were congruent with the phenotypic findings at autopsy and therefore considered clinically actionable.

Conclusions:

Whole-exome molecular autopsy with gene-specific surveillance is an effective approach for the detection of potential pathogenic variants in SUDY cases. However, systematic variant adjudication is crucial to ensure accurate and proper care for surviving family members.
Lixisenatide Versus Insulin Glulisine on Fasting and Postbreakfast Systemic Hemodynamics in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Tonneijck Lennart , Muskiet Marcel H.A. , Twisk Jos W. , Kramer Mark H.H. , Danser A.H. Jan , Joles Jaap A. , Smits Mark M. , van Raalte Daniël H.
Published: June 2018

The prolonged treatment effects of a short-acting GLP-1RA (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist), such as lixisenatide, on fasting and postprandial systemic hemodynamics in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are unknown. In this secondary analysis, we included 34 overweight insulin glargine–treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (mean±SD age, 62±7 years; HbA
1c
, 8.0±0.9%; systolic blood pressure [BP], 133.9±16.1 mm Hg; diastolic BP, 75.4±8.39 mm Hg) that were randomized to once-daily lixisenatide 20 μg or once-daily titrated insulin glulisine for 8 weeks. Systemic hemodynamics (oscillometric device and finger photoplethysmography), arterial stiffness (applanation tonometry), and cardiac sympathovagal balance (heart rate variability) were measured in the fasting state and repetitively (up to minute 175) after a standardized mixed breakfast. Acetaminophen was given orally to estimate gastric emptying rate. Lixisenatide did not affect fasting systemic hemodynamics compared with insulin glulisine from baseline to week 8. Postbreakfast overall, lixisenatide compared with insulin glulisine tended to increase systolic BP by 5.2±2.9 mm Hg (
P
=0.087) and increased diastolic BP by 5.4±1.4 mm Hg (
P
<0.001), with respective maximal differences of +10.2±3.7 mm Hg (
P
=0.007) and +7.2±1.5 mm Hg (
P
<0.001). Lixisenatide increased systemic vascular resistance (
P
<0.001) and arterial stiffness (
P
=0.007). No between-group differences in overall postbreakfast heart rate, cardiac output, or cardiac sympathovagal balance, and circulating catecholamines, angiotensin II, or aldosterone were observed. Both treatments lowered HbA
1c
similarly, whereas lixisenatide achieved greater reductions in postbreakfast plasma glucose excursions. Lixisenatide slowed gastric emptying rate, which statistically explained changes in postbreakfast BP. Lixisenatide compared with once-daily titrated insulin glulisine for 8 weeks does not affect fasting but increases postbreakfast BP in insulin glargine–treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This effect could, at least in part, be explained by reduced passage rate of nutrients and water and activation of the gastrovascular reflex.
Manufacturing Shintō as a “World Religion”
Authors: MacWilliams Mark
Published: June 2018

How is Shintō presented in Anglo-American world religions textbooks? While not included in the earliest of such survey courses, it regularly appears in such texts from the early 20th century to the present. Why is Shintō included as one of “great” or “world” religions given how greatly it differs from the likes of Christianity and Islam? Textbook authors include Shintō by constructing an image of it that reflects their own model of world religions, an image that is also based on the “Shintō” that Meiji Japanese officials and scholars invented for their own political-ideological purposes. The standard portrayal of Shintō in Western textbooks has remained more or less the same for a century: It is described as (1) an archaic religion; (2) centered on Japanese imperial mythology; (3) nature worship; (4) apolitical, emphasizing personal piety at shrines. While the most recent editions have tried to incorporate new scholarship in their portrayal, they still rely a world religions model of Shintō that is seriously misleading, failing to adequately present Shintō’s complexities as a tradition.
A revision of the Heatherellidae (Parasitiformes: Mesostigmata) with a new genus and two new species from Australasia
Authors: SEEMAN OWEN D. , MINOR MARIA , BAKER MICHELLE R. , WALTER DAVID EVANS
Published: June 2018

The discovery of a new genus of Heatherellidae in New Zealand has led us to revise this enigmatic family and its constituent genera. Aheatherella n. gen., based on A. mira n. sp. from the North Island of New Zealand, lacks some of the derived character states that link the Australian Heatherella, most notably the lack of sexual dimorphism in the dorsal shields and in the presence of peritremes in adult Aheatherella. Heatherella osleri n. sp. is described from New South Wales, extending the distribution of this genus beyond Queensland. New collection records of H. callimaulos and a key to the genera and species of the family are provided. We propose that the Heatherellidae—previously placed in its own cohort outside the Gamasina—are best considered a superfamily of gamasine mites within the subcohort Epicriiae.
Severe Weather Watches and Risk Perception in a Hypothetical Decision Experiment
Authors: Gutter Barrett F. , Sherman-Morris Kathleen , Brown Michael E.
Published: June 2018

A great deal of research has been conducted regarding tornado warnings and protective actions taken, including some studies in which respondents were presented with hypothetical tornado warning scenarios. Much less research has been conducted in which respondents were presented with tornado watch scenarios, even though they cover a larger area and longer time period, thus potentially disrupting a far greater number of people. To address this lack of research, surveys were used to determine the influence of severe weather watches on planned Saturday afternoon and evening activities away from the immediate vicinity of the respondent’s home. Respondents were presented a hypothetical watch scenario, in which they had some activity planned for later that afternoon or evening. Each respondent rated his or her likelihood to continue an activity depending on the severity of the watch and the length of the activity. Respondents were provided information about each hypothetical watch including duration and primary threats. Responses from the survey indicated that as the severity of the watch or the length of the activity increased, the likelihood of the respondent continuing the activity decreased. For a severe thunderstorm watch, a tornado watch, and a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) tornado watch, 36.1%, 51.2%, and 80.2% of the respondents, respectively, would not continue an activity lasting 30 min or longer.
Gas Temperature Measurement Using Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS)
Authors: Gao Qiang , Weng Wubin , Li Bo , Aldén Marcus , Li Zhongshan
Published: June 2018

A nonintrusive method for flow gas temperature measurement using differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) was demonstrated. A temperature-dependent spectra (TDS) originated from the DOAS spectra of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the wavelength range of 276–310 nm was introduced, and the relationship between the TDS and the temperature was built through experimental calibration process. This relationship is found to be independent of SO2 concentration and can be used for temperature measurements. The experimental results indicated that the precision of the TDS method is < ± 0.3% for SO2 concentrations higher than 150 ppm with the optical path length of 170 mm. For lower concentrations, the precision is estimated to be ± 0.4% at 1 ppm. The relative deviation between the temperature measured by the TDS method and that measured by a thermocouple is within 3% in the temperature range of 298–750 K, and the TDS method has a quicker response to the fast-changing temperature than the thermocouple.
Adolescent Delinquency and Family Conflict as Precursors of Romantic Relationships in Early Adulthood
Authors: Eichelsheim Veroni I. , Blokland Arjan , Meeus Wim H. J. , Branje Susan J. T.
Published: June 2018

Relationship engagement is an important life-course transition that may affect criminal development. Yet, little is known about how criminal behavior may in turn affect life-course transitions. Using six waves of data on adolescents, their parents and a sibling from the RADAR-Y (Research on Adolescent Development and Relationships, younger cohort) study, we investigate how patterns of adolescent delinquency and family conflict are related to characteristics of early adulthood romantic relationship engagement by means of a multiple-group trajectory model approach. We find that family conflict seems to foreshadow strained romantic relationships in the early adult years. Adolescent delinquency—and not family conflict—is the stronger predictor of partnering an antisocial spouse. Thus, persistence in antisocial behavior in adulthood may be contributed to both the nature of adolescent family relations and the extent of adolescent delinquency.
The Status of the Church in North America
Authors: Burdick Brent H.
Published: June 2018

The number of Christians in American churches is declining rapidly, and the number of people in America who claim no faith is increasing. This article examines the current context and the challenges that the American Church faces, which include cultural influences, generational replacement, non-adaptive leadership, discipleship, training, and the loss of mission within the American Church.

Despite the loss of numbers, the American Church still wields significant global influence owing to its missionary sending and exporting of media, marketing, and technological influence. The global Church follows the leadership of the American Church, for good or ill. Aspects of the Church that are exported, however, often reflect American cultural values rather than traditionally held biblical ideals. Understanding the dynamics, issues, peculiarities, flaws, and successes of the Church in America is therefore imperative if negative trends are ever able to be stemmed in the American Church, and if the American Church hopes to continue contributing significantly to global Christianity.

The Church in North America has many expressions, and is extremely varied. Thousands of denominations have been formed over the years, reflecting every theological persuasion, episcopal and leadership structure, worship style, ethnic identity, and geographic area. This article explores the context in which the American Church functions, examines some of the factors and trends affecting the Church in America, discusses why there is reason for hope, and suggests some ways for the Church to move forward in uncertain times.
Book review: Srimati Basu, The Trouble with Marriage––Feminists Confront Law and Violence in India and Malavika Rajkotia, Intimacy Undone Marriage, Divorce and Family Law in India
Authors: Ganneri Namrata R.
Published: June 2018

Srimati Basu, The Trouble with Marriage––Feminists Confront Law and Violence in India. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2015, xiv+266 pp., ₹775, ISBN: 978-93-86050-56-4.

Malavika Rajkotia, Intimacy Undone Marriage, Divorce and Family Law in India. New Delhi: Speaking Tiger, 2017, xiv+418 pp., ₹799, ISBN: 978-93-86050-56-4.
WiFi Scanner Technologies for Obtaining Travel Data about Circulator Bus Passengers: Case Study in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Hidayat Arief , Terabe Shintaro , Yaginuma Hideki
Published: June 2018

Recently, a variety of technologies, such as the development of Bluetooth, WiFi, and smart cards, have been used to investigate the movements of passengers or vehicles. This study describes the use of a WiFi scanner that was installed on a bus and circulated around the bus’s route 14 times. The method presented here involves the use of WiFi and GPS to analyze passengers’ movements while the bus is running and while stopped at a bus stop. Nine steps were used to derive travel data from the raw data to estimate the number of movements of the passengers. The results of this study describe the travel data collected between bus stops no. 1 and no. 9 and compare the observer data with the WiFi data.