bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of urea by electro-oxidation in a miniature dialysis device: a study in awake goats
Authors: Wester Maarten , van Gelder Maaike K. , Joles Jaap A. , Simonis Frank , Hazenbrink Diënty H. M. , van Berkel Theo W. M. , Vaessen Koen R. D. , Boer Walther H. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Gerritsen Karin G. F.
Published: July 2018

The key to success in developing a wearable dialysis device is a technique to safely and efficiently regenerate and reuse a small volume of dialysate in a closed-loop system. In a hemodialysis model in goats, we explored whether urea removal by electro-oxidation (EO) could be effectively and safely applied in vivo. A miniature dialysis device was built, containing 1 or 2 “EO units,” each with 10 graphite electrodes, with a cumulative electrode surface of 585 cm2per unit. The units also contained poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) sulfonate beads, FeOOH beads, and activated carbon for respective potassium, phosphate, and chlorine removal. Urea, potassium, and phosphate were infused to create “uremic” conditions. Urea removal was dependent on total electrode surface area [removal of 8 mmol/h (SD 1) and 16 mmol/h (SD 2) and clearance of 12 ml/min (SD 1) and 20 ml/min (SD 3) with 1 and 2 EO units, respectively] and plasma urea concentration but not on flow rate. Extrapolating urea removal with 2 EO units to 24 h would suffice to remove daily urea production, but for intermittent dialysis, additional units would be required. EO had practically no effects on potassium and phosphate removal or electrolyte balance. However, slight ammonium releasewas observed, and some chlorine release at higher dialysate flow rates. Minor effects on acid-base balance were observed, possibly partly due to infusion of chloride. Mild hemolysis occurred, which seemed related to urea infusion. In conclusion, clinically relevant urea removal was achieved in vivo by electro-oxidation. Efficacy and safety testing in a large-animal model with uremia is now indicated.
H+-ATPase B1 subunit localizes to thick ascending limb and distal convoluted tubule of rodent and human kidney
Authors: Frische Sebastian , Chambrey Régine , Trepiccione Francesco , Zamani Reza , Marcussen Niels , Alexander R. Todd , Skjødt Karsten , Svenningsen Per , Dimke Henrik
Published: July 2018

The vacuolar-type H+-ATPase B1 subunit is heavily expressed in the intercalated cells of the collecting system, where it contributes to H+ transport, but has also been described in other segments of the renal tubule. This study aimed to determine the localization of the B1 subunit of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase in the early distal nephron, encompassing thick ascending limbs (TAL) and distal convoluted tubules (DCT), in human kidney and determine whether the localization differs between rodents and humans. Antibodies directed against the H+-ATPase B1 subunit were used to determine its localization in paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed mouse, rat, and human kidneys by light microscopy and in sections of Lowicryl-embedded rat kidneys by electron microscopy. Abundant H+-ATPase B1 subunit immunoreactivity was observed in the human kidney. As expected, intercalated cells showed the strongest signal, but significant signal was also observed in apical membrane domains of the distal nephron, including TAL, macula densa, and DCT. In mouse and rat, H+-ATPase B1 subunit expression could also be detected in apical membrane domains of these segments. In rat, electron microscopy revealed that the H+-ATPase B1 subunit was located in the apical membrane. Furthermore, the H+-ATPase B1 subunit colocalized with other H+-ATPase subunits in the TAL and DCT. In conclusion, the B1 subunit is expressed in the early distal nephron. The physiological importance of H+-ATPase expression in these segments remains to be delineated in detail. The phenotype of disease-causing mutations in the B1 subunit may also relate to its presence in the TAL and DCT.
High similarity between EEG from subcutaneous and proximate scalp electrodes in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Weisdorf Sigge , Gangstad Sirin W. , Duun-Henriksen Jonas , Mosholt Karina S. S. , Kjær Troels W.
Published: July 2018

Subcutaneous recording using electroencephalography (EEG) has the potential to enable ultra-long-term epilepsy monitoring in real-life conditions because it allows the patient increased mobility and discreteness. This study is the first to compare physiological and epileptiform EEG signals from subcutaneous and scalp EEG recordings in epilepsy patients. Four patients with probable or definite temporal lobe epilepsy were monitored with simultaneous scalp and subcutaneous EEG recordings. EEG recordings were compared by correlation and time-frequency analysis across an array of clinically relevant waveforms and patterns. We found high similarity between the subcutaneous EEG channels and nearby temporal scalp channels for most investigated electroencephalographic events. In particular, the temporal dynamics of one typical temporal lobe seizure in one patient were similar in scalp and subcutaneous recordings in regard to frequency distribution and morphology. Signal similarity is strongly related to the distance between the subcutaneous and scalp electrodes. On the basis of these limited data, we conclude that subcutaneous EEG recordings are very similar to scalp recordings in both time and time-frequency domains, if the distance between them is small. As many electroencephalographic events are local/regional, the positioning of the subcutaneous electrodes should be considered carefully to reflect the relevant clinical question. The impact of implantation depth of the subcutaneous electrode on recording quality should be investigated further.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first publication comparing the detection of clinically relevant, pathological EEG features from a subcutaneous recording system designed for out-patient ultra-long-term use to gold standard scalp EEG recordings. Our study shows that subcutaneous channels are very similar to comparable scalp channels, but also point out some issues yet to be resolved.
Improved Design of a Broadband Dielectric Resonator Antenna with Wide Beam
Authors: He Yan , Wang Weihua , Yang Hu , Du Xiangyu
Published: July 2018

A wide-beam and broadband dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) with broadside pattern is proposed and analyzed. The excellent performance of wide beam is achieved by designing the metal ground. In addition, the antenna has broad bandwidth by introducing an air gap between the dielectric resonator (DR) and the ground. From simulated results, the impedance bandwidth (S11 < −10 dB) of the proposed antenna is about 35%, from 2.8 to 4 GHz, and the maximum 3 dB beam width in H-plane is greater than 210°. A prototype of the proposed DRA is produced and tested. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results is achieved.
Evaluation of the Rain Effects on Gap Acceptance Behavior at Roundabouts by a Logit Model
Authors: Lee Dongmin , Hwang Sooncheon , Ka Eunhan , Lee Chungwon
Published: July 2018

A roundabout is generally known as an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly intersection. Since 2010, the Korea government has taken the lead in constructing roundabouts as part of a special project. During that time, many ideas have been put forward to improve the safety, operation, and design of such roundabouts. In terms of improvements, it is particularly important to understand roundabout gap acceptance behavior. As such, we investigated gap acceptance behaviors at four roundabouts based on field observation during both good weather and rainy conditions. Based on the observed data, roundabout critical gaps were estimated, and a logit model for gap acceptance using various roundabout variables was developed to investigate gap acceptance maneuvering at roundabouts. A total of 2,421 data events for gap acceptance were collected from the field observation. Out of these events, 64.6% of drivers (1,564 drivers) accepted the given gaps and 35.4% of drivers (857 drivers) rejected them. The values for critical gaps were estimated using several different estimation methods and ranged from 3.3 to 4.7 seconds. The model was developed using four variables including gap size, type of circulating vehicle, traffic volume at the circulating lane, and weather conditions. The developed model shows that a longer gap results in a 3.669 times higher probability of entering roundabouts when the gap is sufficiently great for acceptance than when the gap is smaller. The effects of other variables, such as circulating vehicle types, circulating traffic volume, and weather conditions, are relatively lower than that of a gap size. Rain conditions influenced gap acceptance maneuvering around a roundabout. Drivers need about a 10 percent longer gap to accept entry into roundabouts during rainy conditions, and gap acceptance probabilities are 10 to 20 percent lower for the same given gap time during rainy conditions compared to good weather conditions.
Government Reward-Penalty Mechanism in Closed-Loop Supply Chain Based on Dynamics Game Theory
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Su Yingsheng , Yuan Xigang
Published: July 2018

The paper discusses the government reward-penalty mechanism (RPM) between two competing manufacturers and a recycler in closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) under asymmetric information. According to the dynamics game theory and principal-agent theory, three decision-making models are built: (1) decentralized dynamics game model without RPM, (2) decentralized dynamics game model with carbon emission RPM, and (3) decentralized dynamics game model with carbon emission RPM and recovery ratio RPM. The results show that (1) the carbon emission RPM increases product sale price, while it decreases the WEEE buy-back price and the WEEE recovery ratio, besides the profit of recycler. To some extent, it cannot motivate WEEE recycling. (2) Recovery ratio RPM improves the WEEE recovery ratio and lowers the product sale price; it also benefits manufacturer-1’s and recycler’s profits and consumers’ surplus. So it strongly proved effectiveness in guiding WEEE recycling. (3) In any case, the product sale price of manufacture-1 is lower than that of manufacturer-2. Similarly, the WEEE buy-back price and WEEE recovery ratio with H type are higher than those of L type, respectively. Apparently, it is suggested that the manufacturer participating in WEEE recycling and remanufacturing can gain competitive advantages; meanwhile, the recycler with high fixed cost has the scale advantages. (4) The competition can benefit improving WEEE recovery ratio. A numerical simulation is given to examine the theoretical results. According to the main conclusions, we propose that taking active part in recycling and remanufacturing WEEE and choosing the recycler with high fixed cost to cooperate are the wise choices for manufacturers. The recycler should expand fixed recovery cost investment, which will contribute to getting the scale effect; the government needs to balance the carbon emission RPM and recovery ratio RPM so as to cut down environmental pollution and guide the CLSC into WEEE recycling and remanufacturing. The most important carbon emission reward-penalty intensity should be set appropriately in case of discouraging members of CLSC recycling WEEE.
Lanosterol Synthase Pathway Alleviates Lens Opacity in Age-Related Cortical Cataract
Authors: Shen Xinyue , Zhu Manhui , Kang Lihua , Tu Yuanyuan , Li Lele , Zhang Rutan , Qin Bai , Yang Mei , Guan Huaijin
Published: July 2018

Purpose. Lanosterol synthase (LSS) abnormity contributes to lens opacity in rats, mice, dogs, and human congenital cataract development. This study examined whether LSS pathway has a role in different subtypes of age-related cataract (ARC). Methods. A total of 390 patients with ARC and 88 age-matched non-ARC patients were enrolled in this study. LSS expression was analyzed by western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further examine the function of LSS, we used U18666A, an LSS inhibitor in rat lens culture system. Results. In lens epithelial cells (LECs), LSS expression in LECs increased with opaque degree C II, while it decreased with opaque degree C IV and C V. While in the cortex of age-related cortical cataract (ARCC), LSS expression was negatively related to opaque degree, while lanosterol level was positively correlated to opaque degree. No obvious change in both LSS and lanosterol level was found in either LECs or the cortex of age-related nuclear cataract (ARNC) and age-related posterior subcapsular cataract (ARPSC). In vitro, inhibiting LSS activity induced rat lens opacity and lanosterol effectively delayed the occurrence of lens opacity. Conclusions. This study indicated that LSS and lanosterol were localized in the lens of human ARC, including ARCC, ARNC, and ARPSC. LSS and lanosterol level are only correlated with opaque degree of ARCC. Furthermore, activated LSS pathway in lens is protective for lens transparency in cortical cataract.
The Effects of Leg Length Discrepancy on Stability and Kinematics-Kinetics Deviations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Azizan Nurul Azira , Basaruddin Khairul Salleh , Salleh Ahmad Faizal
Published: July 2018

Various studies have examined body posture stability, including postural sway and associated biomechanical parameters, to assess the severity effects of leg length discrepancy (LLD). However, various viewpoints have been articulated on the results of these studies because of certain drawbacks in the comprehensive analysis of the effect of variations in LLD magnitude. Therefore, this systematic review was performed to help focus on the current findings to help identify which biomechanical parameters are most relevant, commonly used, and able to distinguish and/or have specific clinical relevance to the effect of variations in LLD magnitude during static (standing) and dynamic (walking) conditions. Several electronic databases containing studies from the year 1983 to 2016 (Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, PMC, and ProQuest) were obtained in our literature search. The search process yielded 22 published articles that fulfilled our criteria. We found most of the published data that we analyzed to be inconsistent, and very little data was obtained on the correlation between LLD severity and changes in body posture stability during standing and walking. However, the results of the present review study are in line with previous observational studies, which describe asymmetry in the lower limbs corresponding to biomechanical parameters such as gait kinematics, kinetics, and other parameters described during static (standing) postural balance. In future investigations, we believe that it might be useful to use and exploit other balance-related factors that may potentially influence body posture stability.
Analysis of Prognostic Factors for Resected Synchronous and Metachronous Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Bartolini Ilenia , Ringressi Maria Novella , Melli Filippo , Risaliti Matteo , Brugia Marco , Mini Enrico , Batignani Giacomo , Bechi Paolo , Boni Luca , Taddei Antonio
Published: July 2018

Background. Surgical treatment is the cornerstone in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. The aim of this study is to identify clinicopathological factors affecting disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing potentially curative liver resection for CRC metastasis. Methods. All consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for first recurrence of CRC from February 2006 to February 2018 were included. Prognostic impact of factors related to the patient, primary and metastatic tumors, was retrospectively tested through univariate and multivariate analyses. Results. Seventy patients were included in the study. Median postoperative follow-up was 37 months (range 1–119). Median DFS and OS were 15.2 and 62.7 months, and 5-year DFS and OS rates were 16% and 53%. In univariate analysis, timing of metastasis presentation/treatment (combined colorectal and liver resection, “bowel first” approach or metachronous presentation) (p<0.0001), ASA score (p=0.003), chemotherapy after liver surgery (p=0.028), T stage (p=0.021), number of resected liver lesions (p<0.0001), and liver margin status (p=0.032) was significantly associated with DFS while peritoneal resection at colorectal surgery (p=0.026), ASA score (p=0.036), extension of liver resection (p=0.024), chemotherapy after liver surgery (p=0.047), and positive nodes (p=0.018) with OS. In multivariate analysis, timing of metastasis presentation/treatment, ASA score, and chemotherapy (before and after liver surgery) resulted significantly associated with DFS and timing of metastasis presentation/treatment, positive nodes, peritoneal resection at colorectal surgery, and surgical approach (open or minimally invasive) of colorectal resection with OS. Conclusions. Surgery may provide good DFS and OS rates for CRC liver metastasis. Patient selection for surgery and correct timing of intervention within a multidisciplinary approach may be improved by taking into account negative prognostic factors which stress the importance of systemic therapy.
Research on a Triopoly Dynamic Game with Free Market and Bundling Market in the Chinese Telecom Industry
Authors: Ma Junhai , Xu Tiantong , Lou Wandong
Published: July 2018

Based on the real situation of telecom industry in China, we establish a triopoly game model, which includes two competitive telecom firms and their correlative corporation which produces the complementary product. Both free market and bundling market will be concerned in this dynamic model. Moreover, we consider a one-to-many bundling way instead of two complementary products in terms of the proportion of one to one in a bundling product. By numerical simulation, we find that stable space will decrease and decision chaos appears when the degree of the competition becomes fierce between the two competitive telecom firms. Besides, increasing the amount of bundling services provided by a telecom firm can lead to different impacts on the prices of the three firms investigated. This paper enriches the decision-making for the strategy of bundling pricing and will be valuable for the telecom operators.
Intracellular Calcium Determines the Adipogenic Differentiation Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the Wnt5a/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Bae Yun Kyung , Kwon Ji Hye , Kim Miyeon , Kim Gee-Hye , Choi Soo Jin , Oh Wonil , Yang Yoon Sun , Jin Hye Jin , Jeon Hong Bae
Published: July 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells- (MSCs-) based therapies show different degrees of efficacies for the treatment of various diseases, including lipogenesis. We evaluated the adipogenic differentiation ability of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) from different donors and examined the contribution of the intracellular calcium (Ca2+) level to this diversity. hUCB-MSCs treated with Ca2+ or the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM increased and decreased adipogenic differentiation, respectively. Canonical Wnt5a/β-catenin expression decreased during adipogenic differentiation of hUCB-MSCs. Treatment with Wnt5a blocked the adipogenic differentiation of hUCB-MSCs and activated the Wnt pathway, with a decrease in the adipogenesis markers PPARγ and leptin, and reduced lipid vacuole-associated Oil red O activity. In contrast, inhibition of the Wnt pathway with dickkopf-1 and β-catenin small interfering RNA transfection promoted the adipogenic potential of hUCB-MSCs. Interestingly, the Ca2+-based system exhibited a synergic effect on adipogenic potential through the Wnt5a/β-catenin pathway. Our data suggest that the variable adipogenic differentiation potential of hUCB-MSCs from different lots is due to variation in the intracellular Ca2+ level, which can be used as a marker to predict hUCB-MSCs selection for lipogenesis therapy. Overall, these results demonstrate that exogenous calcium treatment enhanced the adipogenic differentiation of hUCB-MSCs via negatively regulating the Wnt5a/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Occurrence Mechanism of Roof‐Fall Accidents in Large‐Section Coal Seam Roadways and Related Support Design for Bayangaole Coal Mine, China
Authors: Gu Shitan , Jiang Bangyou , Wang Gensheng , Dai Huabin , Zhang Mingpeng
Published: July 2018

This study focused on large‐scale roof‐fall accidents occurred in large‐section coal seam roadways of Bayangaole Coal Mine, Inner Mongolia, China, and investigated the occurrence mechanism of roof‐fall and the related supporting control method in detail. Firstly, the fracture characteristics of the surrounding rocks on the roadway roof were measured using a stratum detector. The results showed that the roadway roof underwent the most severe failure with a maximum deformation of 3.53 m; the bedding separation and fracture zones were distributed at irregular intervals. Accordingly, the entire stratum was separated into several thin sublayers, significantly reducing the stability of roof. In addition, the roof medium grained sandstone of roadway is water‐rich strata, and water aggravates the damage of roof. Next, the mechanism of the occurrence of roof‐fall accidents in the roadway was elucidated in detail. The following three reasons are mainly attributed to the occurrence of roof‐fall accidents: (i) effects of mining‐induced stress and tectonic stress, (ii) existence of equipment cavern on the side of roadway, and (iii) unreasonable support parameters. On that basis, a new supporting design is proposed, including a more reasonable arrangement of anchor cables and bolts, bolts with full‐length anchorage which are applicable in cracked and water‐rich roadway, high‐strength anchor cables, and crisscrossed steel bands. Moreover, high pretightening force was applied. Finally, a field test was performed, and the mining‐induced roof displacement and stress on anchor cable (bolt) were monitored in the test section. The maximum roof displacements at the two monitoring sections were 143 mm and 204 mm, respectively, far smaller than the roadway’s allowable deformation. Moreover, the stress on roof anchor cables (bolts) was normal, and no anchorage‐dragging and tensile failure phenomena were observed. The monitoring data indicated that the new supporting design was remarkable on the control of large‐section coal seam roadway roof deformation.
Urinary Catheter Colonization by Multidrug-ResistantCedecea neteriin Patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Ginn Peter S. , Tart Serina B. , Sharkady Stephen M. , Thompson Dorothea K.
Published: July 2018

Cedecea neteri, a member of theEnterobacteriaceaefamily, has only been identified as a human pathogen in a few previous clinical cases, thus complicating assessment of this organism’s pathogenicity and medical relevance. Documented infections attributed toC. neteriprimarily involved bacteremia in severely immunocompromised patients. We report a rare case of urinary catheter colonization by a multidrug-resistantC. neteristrain in a patient of advanced age with benign prostatic hyperplasia and other chronic comorbidities. ThisC. neteriisolate was resistant or intermediate to second-generation cephalosporins, penicillins, and certainβ-lactamase inhibitor/β-lactam combinations. Analysis of whole genome sequence information for a representativeC. neteristrain indicated the presence of multiple open reading frames with sequence similarity toβ-lactamases, including a chromosome-encoded AmpCβ-lactamase and metallo-β-lactamases, consistent with the resistance phenotype of this bacterium. The presence of an AmpR homolog suggests that theC. neteriampCmay be inducible in response toβ-lactam exposure. Molecular insights into antibiotic resistance traits of this emerging opportunistic pathogen will be important for administering adequate antibiotic treatment to ensure favorable patient outcomes.
Comparative Analysis of All-Sky Luminous Efficacy Models Based on Calculated and Measured Solar Radiation Data of Four Worldwide Cities
Authors: Seo Donghyun
Published: July 2018

Luminous efficacy model uses solar radiation data to generate illuminance data, and its performance also depends on the quality of solar radiation data. Various luminous efficacy models are reviewed and evaluated to select a universal luminous efficacy model. Since most luminous efficacy models are fitted with specific local climate characteristics, the model that has the least locality as well as accuracy is a mandatory requirement. Three representative luminous efficacy models are selected and evaluated with measured solar radiation and illuminance data from four worldwide cities. It was found that all the evaluated models provide good predictions (over 0.96 R2 value) for both global and diffuse illuminance. Among them, the Perez luminous efficacy model shows the highest performance in terms of accuracy and bias. However, illuminance data prediction based on estimated solar radiation data is more common practice rather than those from measured solar data. The performance of the selected luminous efficacy models is evaluated when recently proposed universal solar radiation model supplies predicted solar radiation data. The result indicates that the quality of estimated solar radiation data has a much deeper impact on the performance of the luminous efficacy model. Within the current limited technology and measured data resource, the consecutive processing of the modified Zhang and Huang solar model and Perez luminous efficacy model could provide the best option to predict both global and diffuse solar radiation and illuminance. But, users of the model-based illuminance data should interpret their simulation results with the error (30%~40% in RMSE and ±6% in MBE) in predicting global and diffuse illuminance.
A Community Related Influence Evaluation Model for Social Networks with a Dynamic Perspective
Authors: Li Meizi , Xiang Yang , Zhang Qian , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2018

The nature of free information diffusion and sharing in social networks (SNs) has increasingly attracted users to gather in communities to facilitate communication, resulting in increased challenges to community influence analysis in SNs. In SNs, the ability to evaluate how a community affects other users and communities is essential for further applications. Although considerable effort has been expended on the influence evaluation of individuals, little attention has been paid to influence evaluation of the community as a whole—particularly when considering the inherent features of dynamic changes of influence over time. This paper proposes a community related influence evaluation model with a dynamic perspective (D-CIEM) that reflects two types of influence, entity influence and community-initiated influence, by considering dynamic effects over time. Our work includes the following main points: first, we address the framework of D-CIEM and its related formal definitions; then, we propose dynamic entity influence evaluation in D-CIEM, i.e., user influence and community influence evaluation with dynamic factors. We present community-initiated dynamic influence evaluation methods, including methods to calculate community influence for internal and external users and for other communities. Finally, we provide evaluation results to verify the performance of our model.
ZNF677 Suppresses Akt Phosphorylation and Tumorigenesis in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Li Yujun , Yang Qi , Guan Haixia , Shi Bingyin , Ji Meiju , Hou Peng
Published: July 2018

The zinc finger protein 677 (ZNF677) belongs to the zinc finger protein family, which possesses transcription factor activity by binding sequence-specific DNA. Previous studies have reported its downregulated by promoter methylation in non–small cell lung cancer. However, its biological role and exact mechanism in human cancers, including thyroid cancer, remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that ZNF677 is frequently downregulated by promoter methylation in primary papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) and show that decreased expression of ZNF677 is significantly associated with poor patient survival. Ectopic expression of ZNF677 in thyroid cancer cells dramatically inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenic potential in nude mice and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Conversely, knockdown of ZNF677 promoted thyroid cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. ZNF677 exerted its tumor suppressor functions in thyroid cancer cells through transcriptional repression of two targets CDKN3 and HSPB1 (or HSP27), thereby inhibiting phosphorylation and activation of Akt via distinct mechanisms. Taken together, our data show that ZNF677 functions as a tumor suppressor and is frequently silenced via promoter methylation in thyroid cancer.

Significance: These findings report a tumor suppressive role of the zinc-finger protein ZNF677 in primary papillary thyroid cancer through inhibition of Akt phosphorylation. Cancer Res; 78(18); 5216–28. ©2018 AACR.
Prosodic Improvement in Persons with Parkinson Disease Receiving SPEAK OUT!® Voice Therapy
Authors: Boutsen Frank , Park Eunsun , Dvorak Justin , Cid Christina
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Hypokinetic dysarthria in Parkinson disease (PD) hinders the ability to verbally communicate and interferes with activities of daily living. SPEAK OUT!® is a therapy program designed to improve functional communicative ability. In contrast to the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program, SPEAK OUT!® promotes speaking with intent to effect loud speech. This study evaluated the efficacy of SPEAK OUT!® in persons with idiopathic PD in 3 domains: self-reported voice handicap, clinical ratings of dysarthria and prosody, and acoustic analysis of prosody. Participants and Methods: Pre-/post-therapy data included PD participants’ scores on the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire, audio recordings, perceptual evaluation scores, and demographic data, such as age, sex, handedness, diagnosis, and onset of PD. Results: Participants achieved a statistically and clinically significant improvement in speech intensity, pitch range, normalized pairwise variability index for pitch, sustained vowel duration, reading intelligibility, and vocal quality after SPEAK OUT!® training, consistent with both of the self-report voice scores, i.e., the VHI and the V-RQOL, and with the perceptual speech evaluation scores. Longer PD duration was associated with lowered efficacy. Conclusions: SPEAK OUT!® is effective and should be administered as early as possible after disease onset.
The Protective Effect of Autophagy on DNA Damage in Mouse Spermatocyte-Derived Cells Exposed to 1800 MHz Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Li Renyan , Ma Mingfu , Li Lianbing , Zhao Letian , Zhang Tianfeng , Gao Xiaohan , Zhang Danyan , Zhu Yijian , Peng Qiang , Luo Xue , Wang Minglian
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: The effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) on the male reproductive system have raised public concern and studies have shown that exposure to RF-EMFs can induce DNA damage and autophagy. However, there are no related reports on the role of autophagy in DNA damage in spermatocytes, especially after exposure to RF-EMFs. The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanism and role of autophagy induced by RF-EMFs in spermatozoa cells. Methods: Mouse spermatocyte-derived cells (GC-2) were exposed to RF-EMFs 4 W/kg for 24 h. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by ROS assay kit. Comet assay was utilized to detect DNA damage. Autophagy was detected by three indicators: LC3II/LC3I, autophagic vacuoles, and GFP-LC3 dots, which were measured by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and transfection with GFP-LC3, respectively. The expression of the molecular signaling pathway AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR was determined by western blot. Results: The results showed that RF-EMFs induced autophagy and DNA damage in GC-2 cells via ROS generation, and the autophagy signaling pathway AMPK/mTOR was activated by ROS generation. Furthermore, following inhibition of autophagy by knockdown of AMPKα, increased DNA damage was observed in GC-2 cells following RF-EMFs exposure, and overexpression of AMPKα promoted autophagy and attenuated DNA damage. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that the autophagy which was induced by RF-EMFs via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway could prevent DNA damage in spermatozoa cells.
Terrorist or Armed Opposition Group Fighter? The Experience of UK Courts and the Implications for Public International Law
Authors: Murray Alexander
Published: July 2018

The aim of this article is to explore British courts’ jurisprudence relating to the actions of those who have committed acts abroad which, in some circumstances, might be considered terrorism. It does this by identifying three different types of attacks: against civilians, against UN-mandated forces and against another State’s military forces. What emerges from this analysis is that British courts readily classified the first two forms of attack as terrorism while remaining flexible in respect of the third. The article draws on domestic law concerning terrorism and also that which relates to immigration and asylum claims. From this it is apparent the courts have used a complex patchwork of international and domestic law to distinguish between terrorism and ‘legitimate armed attacks’. This is significant because the discussion of the issues by the courts might be of assistance in clarifying and developing the distinction in international law.
Immature stages of Laurotanyus travassosi Oliveira, Messias & Silva-Vasconcelos, 1992 reveal a new synonymy in Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: DANTAS GALILEU P.S. , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: July 2018

The monotypic genus Laurotanypus Oliveira, Messias & Silva-Vasconcelos is placed as junior synonym of Procladius Skuse, based mainly on the morphology of immatures. The male of P. travassosi comb. nov. is redescribed and the immature stages are described and illustrated for the first time. In addition, an amendment to the adult male diagnosis of Procladius (Psilotanypus) is provided.
The Momentum Budget in the Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Lower Thermosphere. Part I: Contributions of Different Wave Types and In Situ Generation of Rossby Waves
Authors: Sato Kaoru , Yasui Ryosuke , Miyoshi Yasunobu
Published: July 2018

A momentum budget is examined in the stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere using simulation data over ~11 years from a whole-atmosphere model in terms of the respective contributions of gravity waves (GWs), Rossby waves (RWs), and tides. The GW forcing is dominant in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT), as indicated in previous studies. However, RWs also cause strong westward forcing, described by Eliassen–Palm flux divergence (EPFD), in all seasons in the MLT and in the winter stratosphere. Despite the relatively coarse model resolution, resolved GWs with large amplitudes appear in the MLT. The EPFD associated with the resolved GWs is eastward (westward) in the summer (winter) hemisphere, similar to the parameterized GW forcing. A pair of positive and negative EPFDs are associated with the RWs and GWs in the MLT. These results suggest that the RWs and resolved GWs are generated in situ in the MLT. Previous studies suggested that a possible mechanism of RW generation in the MLT is the barotropic/baroclinic instability. This study revisits this possibility and examines causes of the instability from a potential vorticity (PV) viewpoint. The instability condition is characterized as the PV maximum at middle latitudes on an isentropic surface. Positive EPFD for RWs is distributed slightly poleward of the PV maximum. Because the EPFD equals the PV flux, this feature indicates that the RW radiation acts to reduce the PV maximum. The PV maximum is climatologically maintained in both the winter and summer mesospheres, which is caused by parameterized GW forcing.
The Momentum Budget in the Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Lower Thermosphere. Part II: The In Situ Generation of Gravity Waves
Authors: Yasui Ryosuke , Sato Kaoru , Miyoshi Yasunobu
Published: July 2018

The contributions of gravity waves to the momentum budget in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is examined using simulation data from the Ground-to-Topside Model of Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy (GAIA) whole-atmosphere model. Regardless of the relatively coarse model resolution, gravity waves appear in the MLT region. The resolved gravity waves largely contribute to the MLT momentum budget. A pair of positive and negative Eliassen–Palm flux divergences of the resolved gravity waves are observed in the summer MLT region, suggesting that the resolved gravity waves are likely in situ generated in the MLT region. In the summer MLT region, the mean zonal winds have a strong vertical shear that is likely formed by parameterized gravity wave forcing. The Richardson number sometimes becomes less than a quarter in the strong-shear region, suggesting that the resolved gravity waves are generated by shear instability. In addition, shear instability occurs in the low (middle) latitudes of the summer (winter) MLT region and is associated with diurnal (semidiurnal) migrating tides. Resolved gravity waves are also radiated from these regions. In Part I of this paper, it was shown that Rossby waves in the MLT region are also radiated by the barotropic and/or baroclinic instability formed by parameterized gravity wave forcing. These results strongly suggest that the forcing by gravity waves originating from the lower atmosphere causes the barotropic/baroclinic and shear instabilities in the mesosphere that, respectively, generate Rossby and gravity waves and suggest that the in situ generation and dissipation of these waves play important roles in the momentum budget of the MLT region.
Musculoskeletal and Cognitive Effects of a Movement Intervention During Prolonged Standing for Office Work
Authors: Baker Richelle , Coenen Pieter , Howie Erin , Lee Jeremy , Williamson Ann , Straker Leon
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To investigate whether use of a movement intervention when undertaking prolonged standing affected discomfort and cognitive function.

Background:

Alternate work positions to break up prolonged sitting for office workers are being trialed, such as standing. Prolonged standing has potential negative health implications, including low back and lower limb discomfort, and may influence cognitive function. Introducing movement during standing may provide a healthy and productive alternative work posture.

Method:

Twenty adult participants undertook a laboratory study of 2 hr of standing and standing with movement (using a footrest) while performing computer work. Changes in discomfort and cognitive function, with muscle fatigue, low back angle, pelvis movement, lower limb swelling, and mental state, were investigated.

Results:

Discomfort increased significantly over time across all body regions. Ankle/foot differed between conditions (incident rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.89 [1.10–3.23]), with higher discomfort during standing with movement. Creative problem-solving errors increased during standing with movement and decreased during standing (Time × Condition: β = 0.64 [0.10–1.18]), with no other cognitive function measure differences. Mental state deteriorated over time for both conditions, greater during standing with movement (Time × Condition: β = 2.44 [0.23–4.66]). No significant interaction effects were found for the other outcome variables.

Conclusion:

Standing with movement provided no advantage in discomfort or cognitive function. There were some negative effects for ankle/foot discomfort and creative problem solving. An alternate footrest design and protocol for use may yield more favorable results.

Application:

Based on the results from this study, footrest use to raise alternative foot for forced 5-min intervals would not be recommended to assist with managing discomfort while prolonged standing in workplaces.
Word-order typology and the acquisition of case marking: A self-paced reading study in Latin as a second language
Authors: VanPatten Bill , Smith Megan
Published: July 2018

This article reports the findings of a study in which we investigated the possible effects of word order on the acquisition of case marking. In linguistic typology (e.g. Greenberg, 1963) a very strong correlation has been shown between dominant SOV (subject object verb) word order and case marking. No such correlation exists for SVO (subject verb object) languages. It is possible then that the mind is more likely to expect case marking when confronted with a language with SOV word order but not necessarily so if the language has SVO word order. We tested this hypothesis with 54 naive learners of Latin with English as a first language (L1). The participants were divided into two groups. One received a 100-word input treatment in Latin that contained only simple SOV sentences, and the other received the same input treatment except that the word order of the treatment sentences was SVO. After the treatment, a surprise self-paced reading test that contained grammatical and ungrammatical case-marked sentences was administered. Participants read test items that matched the word order of the treatment they received (i.e. SOV learners read SOV sentences, and SVO learners read SOV sentences). Results showed a significant slowing down on ungrammatical sentences for the SOV group but not for the SVO group. However, on a test of basic sentence comprehension in which case marking was the cue to determine who did what to whom, we found no distinction between the groups. We discuss these findings in light of how typological universals work in languages and what they could mean for language acquisition.
The Influence of Culture on Healthy Relationship Formation and Teen Dating Violence: A Qualitative Analysis of South Asian Female Youth Residing in the United States
Authors: Ragavan Maya , Syed-Swift Yumnah , Elwy A. Rani , Fikre Tsion , Bair-Merritt Megan
Published: July 2018

Teen dating violence (TDV) has well-documented detrimental health effects. Scant research has examined the perspectives of ethnically diverse youth about the impact of culture on TDV. We sought to explore the intersection between culture and TDV specifically for South Asian youth residing in the United States. We conducted semi-structured interviews with South Asian youth aged 16 to 21 years. Interviews included three aims: (a) exploring participants’ perspectives on TDV and healthy relationships within the South Asian community, (b) examining how different components of their cultural identity affect their romantic relationships, and (c) understanding ideas for TDV prevention programs for South Asian youth. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis. Twenty-five adolescent females participated; the majority (76%) trace their heritage to India, were born abroad (62%), and are in college (80%). The majority believed that dating was stigmatized within the South Asian community, forcing youth to hide relationships from their parents. Participants described aspects of culture that may negatively impact relationships (e.g., patriarchal attitudes and fear of stigma), as well as those that may protect teens (e.g., close-knit community). Conflicts about dating due to generational differences were also discussed. Participants suggested programs for South Asian youth focused on engaging parents in conversations about TDV and promoting gender equity. About half thought TDV prevention programs should be culturally tailored for South Asian youth, while others believed multicultural programs would be more effective. Although South Asian culture may confer some protection for youth experiencing TDV, stigma against dating and generational differences may create unique challenges. Future work should examine how to mediate parent–adolescent cultural conflicts around dating.
Whole-Genome mRNA Gene Expression Differs Between Patients With and Without Delirium
Authors: Kalantar Katrina , LaHue Sara C. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Sample Hannah A. , Contag Caitlin A. , Josephson Scott A. , Wilson Michael R. , Douglas Vanja C.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To identify differences in gene expression between patients with in-hospital delirium from a known etiology (urinary tract infection [UTI]) and patients with delirium from an unknown etiology, as well as from nondelirious patients.

Methods:

Thirty patients with delirium (8 with UTI) and 21 nondelirious patients (11 with UTI) were included in this prospective case–control study. Transcriptomic profiles from messenger RNA sequencing of peripheral blood were analyzed for gene expression and disease-specific pathway enrichment patterns, correcting for systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Genes and pathways with significant differential activity based on Fisher exact test ( P < .05, |Z score| >2) are reported.

Results:

Patients with delirium with UTI, compared to patients with delirium without UTI, exhibited significant activation of interferon signaling, upstream cytokines, and transcription regulators, as well as significant inhibition of actin cytoskeleton, integrin, paxillin, glioma invasiveness signaling, and upstream growth factors. All patients with delirium, compared to nondelirious patients, had significant complement system activation. Among patients with delirium without UTI, compared to nondelirious patients without UTI, there was significant activation of elF4 and p7056 K signaling.

Conclusions:

Differences exist in gene expression between delirious patients due to UTI presence, as well as due to the presence of delirium alone. Transcriptional profiling may help develop etiology-specific biomarkers for patients with delirium.
The Effect of Psychological Ownership on Corporate Entrepreneurship: Comparisons Between Family and Nonfamily Top Management Team Members
Authors: Lee Kyootai , Makri Marianna , Scandura Terri
Published: July 2018

Does family membership differentiate family and nonfamily top management team (TMT) members’ ownership-based motivations to pursue corporate entrepreneurship? We adopt the concept of psychological ownership to answer this question. Based on a sample of 192 TMT members from 90 Korean companies, this study found that family and nonfamily TMT members do not differ in the levels of psychological ownership of the organization or that of the job, nor do the two groups differ in the emphasis they place on corporate entrepreneurship. Family involvement and nepotism mitigate this relationship, but only for nonfamily TMT members. These results help reconcile discrepant findings for family versus nonfamily TMT members’ agency and stewardship behaviors.
From the Inside Out: The Policies and Diplomacy Shaping India’s Foreign Policy in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Bhalla Madhu
Published: July 2018

Shiv Shankar Menon, Choices: Inside the Making of India’s Foreign Policy. Gurgaon: Allen Lane, Penguin, 2016, pp. 243, ₹599. ISBN: 9780670089239.

Shyam Saran, How India Sees the World: Kautilya to the 21st Century. New Delhi: Juggernaut, 2017, pp. 312, ₹599. ISBN: 9789386228406.
Effects of Information Technology–Based Two-Way Referral on Diagnosis and Management of Cervical Lesions: A Cluster-Controlled Trial in China
Authors: Jin Long-Mei , Xu Ling , Xu Jun , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Zhang Lin-Lin , Zhu Li-Hong , Yang Hui-Bin , Zhang Lei , Yao Yan , Feng Hua
Published: July 2018

This study investigates the effectiveness of information technology–based 2-way referral in the diagnosis and management of cervical lesions in Minhang District, Shanghai, China. Women who underwent screening for cervical lesions in 4 community health centers constituted the intervention group, whereas women from the other 9 community health centers were included as controls. The diagnosis rate of cervical lesions was higher in the intervention group (7.61%) than in the control group (0.36%; P = .000). The diagnosis rate of early cervical lesion was 97.11% in the intervention group and 85.71% in the control group, showing no statistically significant differences ( P = .080). However, early diagnosis rate of precancerous lesion was much higher in the intervention group (95.45%) compared with the control group (64.29%; P = .001). In conclusion, higher effectiveness of early diagnosis and management of cervical lesions was observed in the intervention group compared with the control group.