bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H-Ras and K-Ras Oncoproteins Induce Different Tumor Spectra When Driven by the Same Regulatory Sequences
Authors: Drosten Matthias , Simón-Carrasco Lucía , Hernández-Porras Isabel , Lechuga Carmen G. , Blasco María T. , Jacob Harrys K.C. , Fabbiano Salvatore , Potenza Nicoletta , Bustelo Xosé R. , Guerra Carmen , Barbacid Mariano
Published: November 2016

Genetic studies in mice have provided evidence that H-Ras and K-Ras proteins are bioequivalent. However, human tumors display marked differences in the association of RAS oncogenes with tumor type. Thus, to further assess the bioequivalence of oncogenic H-Ras and K-Ras, we replaced the coding region of the murine K-Ras locus with H-RasG12V oncogene sequences. Germline expression of H-RasG12V or K-RasG12V from the K-Ras locus resulted in embryonic lethality. However, expression of these genes in adult mice led to different tumor phenotypes. Whereas H-RasG12V elicited papillomas and hematopoietic tumors, K-RasG12V induced lung tumors and gastric lesions. Pulmonary expression of H-RasG12V created a senescence-like state caused by excessive MAPK signaling. Likewise, H-RasG12V but not K-RasG12V induced senescence in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Label-free quantitative analysis revealed that minor differences in H-RasG12V expression levels led to drastically different biological outputs, suggesting that subtle differences in MAPK signaling confer nonequivalent functions that influence tumor spectra induced by RAS oncoproteins. Cancer Res; 77(3); 707–18. ©2016 AACR.
Alternative Splicing of EZH2 pre-mRNA by SF3B3 Contributes to the Tumorigenic Potential of Renal Cancer
Authors: Chen Ke , Xiao Haibing , Zeng Jin , Yu Gan , Zhou Hui , Huang Chunhua , Yao Weimin , Xiao Wei , Hu Junhui , Guan Wei , Wu Lily , Huang Jiaoti , Huang Qihong , Xu Hua , Ye Zhangqun
Published: November 2016

Purpose:

Deregulation or mutation of the EZH2 gene causes various tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Although several splice variants of EZH2 have been identified, little is known about how EZH2 splicing is regulated or the contribution of alternative splicing to its protumorigenic functions.

Experimental Design:

We conducted RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and IHC techniques to examine EZH2 and its alternative splicing transcript expression in renal cancer tissue and renal cancer cell lines. Proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and tumorigenicity of renal cancer cells either exhibiting knockdown of EZH2 or its splicing factor SF3B3 were assessed by CCK8, Transwell assay, and murine xenograft experiments.

Results:

We found that the inclusion of alternative EZH2 exon 14 was significantly increased in ccRCC samples and renal cancer cell lines. In ccRCC lines, enforced expression of EZH2Δ14 inhibited, and EZH2 promoted, cell growth, migration, proliferation, and tumorigenicity in a xenograft model. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that EZH2Δ14 isoform functions as a dominant-negative inhibitor of full-length EZH2. Coexpression of EZH2Δ14 variant with full-length EZH2 not only abrogated DAB2IP and HOXA9 suppression but also inhibited EZH2-driven tumorigenesis. Strikingly, the splicing factor SF3B3 stimulates inclusion of exon14 and has pro-proliferative activity. Importantly, the upregulation of SF3B3 expression observed in clinical ccRCC samples parallels the increased inclusion of EZH2 exon14, and the SF3B3 level is associated with higher tumor stage and poor overall survival.

Conclusions:

These results suggest SF3B3 as a key regulator of EZH2 pre-mRNA splicing and SF3B3 may represent a novel prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in ccRCC.
Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Contributes to Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation
Authors: Antoniak Silvio , Cardenas Jessica C. , Buczek Laura J. , Church Frank C. , Mackman Nigel , Pawlinski Rafal
Published: November 2016

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in cardiovascular disease. It also leads to the activation of coagulation. The coagulation protease thrombin induces cellular responses by activating protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). We investigated whether PAR-1 contributes to Ang II-induced cardiovascular remodeling and inflammation. Methods and Results: PAR-1+/+ (wild-type; WT) and PAR-1-/- mice were infused with Ang II (600 ng/kg/min) for up to 4 weeks. In WT mice, this dose of Ang II did not cause a significant increase in blood pressure but it did cause pathological changes in both the aorta and the heart. Ang II infusion resulted in vascular remodeling of the aorta, demonstrated by a significant increase in medial wall thickening and perivascular fibrosis. Importantly, both parameters were significantly attenuated by PAR-1 deficiency. Furthermore, perivascular fibrosis around coronary vessels was reduced in Ang II-treated PAR-1-/- mice compared to WT mice. In addition, PAR-1 deficiency significantly attenuated Ang II induction of inflammatory cytokines and profibrotic genes in the aortas compared to WT mice. Finally, PAR-1 deficiency had no effect on Ang II-induced heart hypertrophy. However, the heart function measured by fractional shortening was less impaired in PAR-1-/- mice than in WT mice. Conclusion: Our data indicate that PAR-1 plays a significant role in cardiovascular remodeling mediated by a blood pressure-independent action of Ang II.
Increased Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 Level Predicts All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Shen Bo , Cao Xuesen , Liu Zhonghua , Chen Xiaohong , Nie Yuxin , Yu Jinbo , Zou Jianzhou , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2016

Background: Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is a novel cardiovascular biomarker. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of sST2 in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Four hundred and fourteen maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients were enrolled and followed up prospectively. Serum sST2 levels were measured. The endpoint was all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Results: During a median follow-up of 22.3 months, 58 patients died, including 31 cardiovascular deaths. sST2 was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality with a relative risk (RR) of 1.31 (95% CI 1.000-1.717, p = 0.050) and cardiovascular mortality with an RR of 2.10 (95% CI 1.507-2.927, p < 0.001). The prognostic value of sST2 was additive to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), as the combined use of sST2 and NT-proBNP or hs-cTnT better identified higher-risk patients. Conclusion: Elevated sST2 is an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients. A combined use of sST2 and NT-proBNP or hs-cTnT helps identify individuals of higher risk.
СУЧАСНІ ВІТЧИЗНЯНІ ЗАСАДИ НАДАННЯ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ ДІТЯМ ПЕРШИХ РОКІВ ЖИТТЯ ІЗ ПОРУШЕННЯМ ЗОРОВИХ ФУНКЦІЙ
Authors: Rykov S. O. , Barynov Yu. V.
Published: November 2016

У публікації проведено науковий аналіз описаних у вітчизняній та зарубіжній літературі досліджень щодо організації надання медичної допомоги дітям перших років життя з порушенням зорових функційю.  А також етапи, зміни та нововведення у зв’язку із зростаючими тенденціями кількості випадків виникнення сліпоти й слабобачення в ранньому дитячому віці як у світі та у країнах Європейського регіону, так і в Україні зокрема. Проаналізовано особливості організації надання лікувально-профілактичної допомоги дітям із порушеннями зорових функцій у ранньому віці (з перших років життя) як первинної медичної допомоги в амбулаторно-поліклінічних умовах, так і в стаціонарах з наданням вторинної медичної та третинної високоспеціалізованої медичної допомоги. Обґрунтовано доцільність міжсекторального підходу із залученням батьків, родини, в якій виховується дитина з порушенням зорових функцій в ранньому віці, медичного персоналу, фахівців освіти, тифлопедагогів у вирішенні складної медико-соціальної проблеми організації процесу лікування, реабілітації, виховання та розвитку дітей із порушеннями зорових функцій.
Importance of Assessing Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Clinical Practice: A Case for Fitness as a Clinical Vital Sign: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Ross Robert , Blair Steven N. , Arena Ross , Church Timothy S. , Després Jean-Pierre , Franklin Barry A. , Haskell William L. , Kaminsky Leonard A. , Levine Benjamin D. , Lavie Carl J. , Myers Jonathan , Niebauer Josef , Sallis Robert , Sawada Susumu S. , Sui Xuemei , Wisløff Ulrik
Published: November 2016

Mounting evidence has firmly established that low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and mortality rates attributable to various cancers. A growing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence demonstrates not only that CRF is a potentially stronger predictor of mortality than established risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, but that the addition of CRF to traditional risk factors significantly improves the reclassification of risk for adverse outcomes. The purpose of this statement is to review current knowledge related to the association between CRF and health outcomes, increase awareness of the added value of CRF to improve risk prediction, and suggest future directions in research. Although the statement is not intended to be a comprehensive review, critical references that address important advances in the field are highlighted. The underlying premise of this statement is that the addition of CRF for risk classification presents health professionals with unique opportunities to improve patient management and to encourage lifestyle-based strategies designed to reduce cardiovascular risk. These opportunities must be realized to optimize the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and hence meet the American Heart Association’s 2020 goals.
RhoA Kinase Inhibition With Fasudil Versus Simvastatin in Murine Models of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Shenkar Robert , Shi Changbin , Austin Cecilia , Moore Thomas , Lightle Rhonda , Cao Ying , Zhang Lingjiao , Wu Meijing , Zeineddine Hussein A. , Girard Romuald , McDonald David A. , Rorrer Autumn , Gallione Carol , Pytel Peter , Liao James K. , Marchuk Douglas A. , Awad Issam A.
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose—

We sought to compare the effect of chronic treatment with commonly tolerated doses of Fasudil, a specific RhoA kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, and simvastatin (with pleiotropic effects including ROCK inhibition) on cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) genesis and maturation in 2 models that recapitulate the human disease.

Methods—

Two heterozygous murine models,
Ccm1
+/−
Msh2
−
/−
and
Ccm2
+/−
Trp53
−/−
, were treated from weaning to 4 to 5 months of age with Fasudil (100 mg/kg per day), simvastatin (40 mg/kg per day) or with placebo. Mouse brains were blindly assessed for CCM lesion burden, nonheme iron deposition (as a quantitative measure of chronic lesional hemorrhage), and ROCK activity.

Results—

Fasudil, but not simvastatin, significantly decreased mature CCM lesion burden in
Ccm1
+/−
Msh2
−/−
mice, and in meta-analysis of both models combined, when compared with mice receiving placebo. Fasudil and simvastatin both significantly decreased the integrated iron density per mature lesion area in
Ccm1
+/−
Msh2
−/−
mice, and in both models combined, compared with mice given placebo. ROCK activity in mature lesions of
Ccm1
+/−
Msh2
−/−
mice was similar with both treatments. Fasudil, but not simvastatin, improved survival in
Ccm1
+/−
Msh2
−/−
mice. Fasudil and simvastatin treatment did not affect survival or lesion development significantly in
Ccm2
+/−
Trp53
−/−
mice alone, and Fasudil benefit seemed limited to males.

Conclusions—

ROCK inhibitor Fasudil was more efficacious than simvastatin in improving survival and blunting the development of mature CCM lesions. Both drugs significantly decreased chronic hemorrhage in CCM lesions. These findings justify the development of ROCK inhibitors and the clinical testing of commonly used statin agents in CCM.
Faith in Ethnographic Process
Authors: Jenkins Kathleen E.
Published: November 2016

This article addresses methodological points related to ethnography that are not found as commonly in social scientific methods sections: the anxiety related to the development of ethnographic research question(s), decisions regarding sampling, and the extensive process of coding and analysis. I argue that embracing serendipity in ethnographic research and developing trust in an analytic method is a valuable stance for addressing sociological and practical theological questions in the study of dynamic religious communities.
The Culture of War and Militarization within Political Orthodoxy in the Post-soviet Region
Authors: Knorre Boris
Published: November 2016

This article is focused on “Political Orthodoxy”, an ideological trend and sociocultural phenomenon with regard to its impact to militarization and justification of war from religious point of view. The author pays his attention to elaboration the idea of “Orthodox civilization” by the part of Orthodox nationalist teoreticians striving to transform Orthodoxy into “political religion”, he scrutinizes development of eschatological ideologems and war apologia that appeared alongside this process. He examines the models of mythological outlook connected with Political Orthodoxy as manifested throughout the last decade, in particular with reference to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Through the lens of the latter the author gives examples of practical embodiment of religiously influenced militaristic discourse, shows some epiphenomena (side effects), in particular, hate, aggravation of the conflicts, separation into ‘friends’ and so on.
A new species of Tambitnotia from Peru, with the first reported female of the genus (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae)
Authors: HEPPNER JOHN B. , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: November 2016

Tambitnotia peruviana n. sp. (Tortricidae: Olethreutinae), is described from Junín Department, Peru, along with the first reported female for the genus. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided.
New molecular phylogeny of Lucinidae: increased taxon base with focus on tropical Western Atlantic species (Mollusca: Bivalvia)
Authors: TAYLOR JOHN D. , GLOVER EMILY A. , SMITH LISA , IKEBE CHIHO , WILLIAMS SUZANNE T.
Published: November 2016

A new molecular phylogeny of the Lucinidae using 18S and 28S rRNA and cytochrome b genes includes many species from the tropical Western Atlantic as well as additional taxa from the Indo-West Pacific. This study provides a phylogenetic framework for a new taxonomy of tropical Western Atlantic lucinids. The analysis confirmed five major clades—Pegophyseminae, Leucosphaerinae, Myrteinae, Codakiinae and Lucininae, with Monitilorinae and Fimbriinae represented by single species. The Leucosphaerinae are expanded and include Callucina winckworthi and the W. Atlantic Myrtina pristiphora that groups with several Indo-West Pacific Myrtina species. Within the Codakiinae two abundant species of Ctena from the Western Atlantic with similar shells are discriminated as C. orbiculata and C. imbricatula, while in the Indo-West Pacific Ctena bella is a probable species complex. The Lucininae is the most species rich and disparate subfamily with several subclades apparent. Three species of Lucina are recognized in the W. Atlantic L. aurantia, L. pensylvanica and L. roquesana. Pleurolucina groups near to Cavilinga and Lucina, while Lucinisca muricata is more closely related to the E. Pacific L. fenestrata than to the Atlantic L. nassula. A new species of Parvilucina is identified from molecular analyses having been confounded with Parvilucina pectinata but differs in ligament structure. Also, the former Parvilucina clenchi is more distant and assigned to Guyanella.
Intercomparisons of Rainfall Estimates from TRMM and GPM Multisatellite Products over the Upper Mekong River Basin
Authors: He Zhihua , Yang Long , Tian Fuqiang , Ni Guangheng , Hou Aizhong , Lu Hui
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of daily rainfall estimates based on the GPM level-3 final product derived from the IMERG algorithm (abbreviated as IMERG) and TRMM 3B42, version 7 (abbreviated as 3B42), in the upper Mekong River basin, a mountainous region in southwestern China. High-density rain gauges provide exceptional resources for ground validation of satellite rainfall estimates over this region. The performance of the two satellite rainfall products is evaluated during two rainy seasons (May–October) over the period 2014–15, as well as their applications in hydrological simulations. Results indicate that 1) IMERG systematically reduces the bias value in rainfall estimates at the gridbox scale and presents a greater ability to capture rainfall variability at the local domain scale compared with 3B42; 2) IMERG improves the ability to capture rain events with moderate intensities and presents higher capability in detecting occurrences of extreme rain events, but significantly overestimates the amounts of these extreme events; and 3) IMERG generally produces comparable daily streamflow simulations to 3B42 and tends to outperform 3B42 in driving hydrological simulations when calibrating model parameters using each rainfall input. This study provides an early evaluation of the IMERG rainfall product over a mountainous region. The findings indicate the potential of the IMERG product in overestimating extreme rain events, which could serve as the basis for further improvement of IMERG rainfall retrieval algorithms. The hydrological evaluations described here could shed light on the emerging application of retrospectively generated IMERG products back to the TRMM era.
Wavelength Scanning with a Tilting Interference Filter for Glow-Discharge Elemental Imaging
Authors: Storey Andrew P. , Ray Steven J. , Hoffmann Volker , Voronov Maxim , Engelhard Carsten , Buscher Wolfgang , Hieftje Gary M.
Published: November 2016

Glow discharges have long been used for depth profiling and bulk analysis of solid samples. In addition, over the past decade, several methods of obtaining lateral surface elemental distributions have been introduced, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Challenges for each of these techniques are acceptable optical throughput and added instrumental complexity. Here, these problems are addressed with a tilting-filter instrument. A pulsed glow discharge is coupled to an optical system comprising an adjustable-angle tilting filter, collimating and imaging lenses, and a gated, intensified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, which together provide surface elemental mapping of solid samples. The tilting-filter spectrometer is instrumentally simpler, produces less image distortion, and achieves higher optical throughput than a monochromator-based instrument, but has a much more limited tunable spectral range and poorer spectral resolution. As a result, the tilting-filter spectrometer is limited to single-element or two-element determinations, and only when the target spectral lines fall within an appropriate spectral range and can be spectrally discerned. Spectral interferences that result from heterogeneous impurities can be flagged and overcome by observing the spatially resolved signal response across the available tunable spectral range. The instrument has been characterized and evaluated for the spatially resolved analysis of glow-discharge emission from selected but representative samples.
Who gets to lead the multinational team? An updated status characteristics perspective
Authors: Paunova Minna
Published: November 2016

This article examines the emergence of informal leadership in multinational teams. Building on and extending status characteristics theory, the article proposes and tests a model that describes how global inequalities reproduce in multinational teams, and accounts for who gets to lead these teams. It is argued that an individual’s language (i.e. a specific status characteristic) and nationality (i.e. a diffuse status characteristic) predict deference received from peers (i.e. leadership status). However, individuals enhance and/or compensate for the effects of their status characteristics by virtue of their core self-evaluations. A study of over 230 individuals from 46 nationalities working in 36 self-managing teams generally supports the expected main and moderation effects. Individual core self-evaluations enhance an otherwise weak effect of English proficiency, but compensate for low levels of national development. The article concludes with implications for practice, and linking micro- and macro-level theories of status and global inequality.
“No more plastic balls”: Symbolic childhoods in Zimbabwean short stories of the crisis
Authors: Nyambi Oliver
Published: November 2016

Post-2000 Zimbabwean literature in English demonstrates an unprecedented fascination with the child narrator. While there is some precedence for the use of child narrators or narratives that focus on child experiences to grapple with sociopolitical issues, the wide extent to which this style has been used post-2000 is unparalleled. The post-2000 socioeconomic crisis in Zimbabwe has clear victims; however, owing to the intensely polarized perspectives on its origins and nature, the identity of the victimizers is not so clear and is in fact hotly contested and politicized. As typical and “known” victims, their victimization can furtively reveal and reflect on their victimizers and in the process subtly expose them for knowing. This form of “knowing” transcends a mere discernment of the victimizers’ physical identities; it goes to the heart of their motives, apparent and subterranean political objectives, and means of attaining them. Victim child characters are often used symbolically to represent the weak and vulnerable members of society who are exploited as political fodder by the powerful. The symbolic children are seen to be caught in between the political goals and strategies of the powerful, and their victimization reveals overt and covert markings of their political abuse. This makes child-narrated or child-centred narratives possible sites to encounter the nexus between children’s victimization and the underhand methods of creating and sustaining political hegemony. This article explores this connection, particularly focusing on the aesthetic subtlety with which child-centred or child-focused narratives proffer a counter-discursive discourse which unsettles the dominant narratives presently given of victims and victimizers in a post-2000 Zimbabwean context.
Distributive Outcomes in Contested Maritime Areas
Authors: Ásgeirsdóttir Áslaug , Steinwand Martin C.
Published: November 2016

Outside options can induce bargaining asymmetries that influence the outcome of international negotiations. This article focuses, however, on the impact of a regime-provided inside option on the willingness to cooperate and the distributive outcomes reached. Using a new data set covering 417 maritime boundaries, that fall under the Law of the Sea framework, this article shows that the ability to find agreement is closely linked to the distributional outcomes that states are able to realize. Different potential gains from cooperation result in bargaining asymmetries that influence both the ability to settle a maritime boundary and the distributive outcome reached when cooperation succeeds. Our evidence shows that the opportunity to invest in long-term projects that require legal certainty, such as offshore oil, facilitates cooperation and is associated with smaller distributional adjustments.
‘What’s in Lisbon?’ Portuguese Sources in Nazi-era Provenance Research
Authors: Fialho Brandão Inês
Published: November 2016

Research on the circulation of artworks between Europe and the Americas superficially examined the role played by Portugal-based individuals in the trade of looted art in the immediate postwar period. Since then, however, cultural studies have ignored the interactions between Portuguese museums and collectors, and refugees and expatriates involved in the trade, as well as the role played by Portugal in the transatlantic circulation of artworks. This article has two goals: first, to examine the lack of academic engagement in the study of the transactions and provenance of artworks in Portugal between 1933 and 1945; second, to ascertain the existence and demonstrate the utility of Portuguese sources in conducting this study, by focusing on what they reveal about art dealer Karl Buchholz. Through an outline of the main areas of research, this article discusses Portuguese academic practice and museum practice. It identifies and contextualizes biases and opens the door for academic attention to Nazi-era provenance research. Portuguese sources illustrating the activity of Karl Buchholz in Portugal between 1943–5 enable a reconstruction of the chronology of his exhibitions in Lisbon and a partial identification of the artworks exhibited.
Nature, Nurture, and Their Interplay
Authors: Sasaki Joni Y. , Kim Heejung S.
Published: November 2016

Cultural neuroscience research examines how psychological processes are affected by the interplay between culture and biological factors, including genetic influences, patterns of neural activation, and physiological processes. In this review, we present foundational and current empirical research in this area, and we also discuss theories that aim to explain how various aspects of the social environment are interpreted as meaningful in different cultures and interact with a cascade of biological processes to ultimately influence thoughts and behaviors. This review highlights theoretical and methodological issues, potential solutions, and future implications for a field that aspires to integrate the complexities of human biology with the richness of culture.
Loss of Notch3 Signaling Enhances Osteogenesis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Mandibular Torus
Authors: Dou X.W. , Park W. , Lee S. , Zhang Q.Z. , Carrasco L.R. , Le A.D.
Published: November 2016

Mandibular torus (MT) is a common intraoral osseous outgrowth located on the lingual surface of the mandible. Histologic features include hyperplastic bone consisting of mature cortical and trabecular bone. Some theories on the etiology of MT have been postulated, such as genetic factors, masticatory hyperfunction, trauma, and continued growth, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from human MT in the pathogenesis of bone outgrowth. We demonstrated that MT harbored a distinct subpopulation of MSCs, with enhanced osteogenic and decreased adipogenic differentiation capacities, as compared with their counterparts from normal jaw bone. The increased osteogenic differentiation of mandibular torus MSCs was associated with the suppression of Notch3 signaling and its downstream target genes, Jag1 and Hey1, and a reciprocal increase in the transcriptional activation of ATF4 and NFATc1 genes. Targeted knockdown of Notch3 expression by transient siRNA transfection promoted the expression of osteogenic transcription factors in normal jaw bone MSCs. Our data suggest that the loss of Notch3 signaling may contribute partly to bone outgrowth in MT, as mediated by enhanced MSC-driven osteogenic differentiation in the jaw bone.
Structure and Profiles of Basic Motor Competencies in the Third Grade—Validation of the Test Instrument MOBAK-3
Authors: Herrmann Christian , Seelig Harald
Published: November 2016

Basic motor competencies are defined as motor performance dispositions that evolve from specific requirements in sports and exercise. After validating the MOBAK-1 instrument for first graders, we developed the MOBAK-3 for the assessment of basic motor competencies in third graders. We investigated the factorial and diagnostic validity of this instrument in a sample of 323 children (age: M = 9.2 years, SD = .39; sex: boys, n = 158, girls, n = 165). A confirmatory factor analysis verified the theoretical structure with the two factors Locomotion and Object Control. By means of latent class analysis, we identified five latent classes that were connected with external criteria. We concluded that the MOBAK-3 effectively evaluates the basic motor competencies of 8- to 10-year-old students.
Pulmonary Mycobacterium marinum infection: ‘fish tank granuloma’ of the lung
Authors: Velu Prasad Palani , Fernandes Susan E , Laurenson Ian F , Noble Donald D
Published: November 2016

A 65-year-old man presented with a six-month history of lethargy, weight loss and dry cough. He had a background of mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chest radiograph showed new right upper lobe cavitary opacification. Sputum cultures were acid-fast bacilli smear positive and yielded Mycobacterium marinum – a non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) often found in aquatic environments and rarely associated with respiratory disease. The suspected source was silent aspiration of contaminated water, likely due to his initiating the siphon of his fish-tank by mouth. He completed a one-year course of rifampicin, ethambutol and clarithromycin, with negative repeat sputum mycobacteria cultures and radiological improvement. This case report demonstrates a successful approach to investigation and further management of Mycobacterium marinum pulmonary disease – a rare condition, particularly in immunocompetent individuals, with limited treatment guidelines.
Framing Social Justice: The Ties That Bind a Multinational Occupational Community
Authors: Bailey Nicholas , Winchester Nik
Published: November 2016

The notion of a frame is central to the conceptualisation of social justice and the grounding of social justice claims. Influential theories of social justice are typically grounded in national or cosmopolitan framings. Those entitled to raise claims of injustice are identified as citizens of states or the globe, respectively. The re-visioning of understandings of space and belonging, incumbent in the processes of globalisation, problematises static geographical framings. We offer an alternative lens and argue for the inclusion of sociological data in accounts of social justice to identify the relevant framing of the community of entitlement. Drawing on secondary analysis of a qualitative dataset, we explore the case of multinational seafarers caught at the intersection of competing appeals to nationality and commonality as an exemplar of transnational workers. And, argue that there are compelling grounds to treat this group of multinational seafarers as a community of entitlement.
Characterization and assessment of fabric smoothness appearance based on sparse coding
Authors: Xu Pinghua , Ding Xuemei , Wu Xiongying , Wang Rongwu
Published: November 2016

Traditional computer vision methods cannot match human performance well on fabric smoothness classification, as this is a subjective assessment based on sparse, comprehensive and low-cost visual perception. This paper reports a new assessment method of fabric smoothness appearance, including feature designing and wrinkle classification. A multidimensional feature was designed by generalizing vector quantization of dense scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) descriptors for sparse coding and max pooling. Sparse coding provides clear understanding about the receptive fields of visual neurons and can build a codebook from the low features. A one-against-rest linear support vector machine (SVM) was utilized to classify the nine grades of smoothness and quantized to level 0.1 by space distance. Results showed that the proposed approach achieved remarkable classification accuracy in comparison with Bag-of-Feature (BOF) and Spatial Pyramid Matching (SPM) algorithms.
Impact force loss behavior of flocked surfaces
Authors: Lewis Armand F , Matos Helio , Rice John M , Kim Yong K
Published: November 2016

The impact force loss behavior of flocked energy absorbing materials (FEAM) was experimentally studied in the context of double-side flocked FEAM element layered structures. A ball drop test determined the force loss per cent (FL%) properties of various assembled panels. This study showed that: (a) FEAM layers are most effective when used in multiple layer configurations. (b) When fabricating multi-layer two-side flocked FEAM layer configurations, a film or fabric divider sheet should be placed between adjacent flocked layers to prevent the flocked fibers from intermeshing with each other during compressional deformation. (c) FEAM elements perforated with 6.4 mm (¼”) diameter holes, 12.7 mm (½”) off staggered centers, exhibit a higher FL% per areal density compared to non-perforated FEAM panels. (d) Promising improvements in FL% properties are found by sandwiching either foam or spacer fabric between two FEAM layers. These three-layer structures are found to have higher FL% values than individual foam or spacer fabric components. A possible synergistic effect might be operating. (e) Low strain rate (5 and 50 mm/min) compressional load deflection rate data on combination FEAM/ vinyl nitrile foam/FEAM layers have shown that the initial ‘hump’ in the foam’s stress–strain curve is eliminated. FEAM layers and their foam and spacer fabric combinations should lead to creating effective impact energy absorbing pads for sport, military and civil servant applications.
A weaving machine for three-dimensional Kagome reinforcements
Authors: Liu Gang , Kang Kiju
Published: November 2016

Two-dimensional or three-dimensional (3D) textiles have been used as reinforcement in composite materials. Most techniques for weaving 3D textiles have been developed to obtain a compact preform so that the final product, the fiber-reinforced composite, has a high volume fraction of fibers with the least fraction of matrix for high strength. Contrarily, this article describes a novel technique for weaving a loose 3D preform called wire-woven bulk Kagome with polymer wires or threads. Firstly, the principle is explained by using a manual loom. A weaving machine is then designed with detailed mechanisms and its prototype is presented. Finally, the benefit, shortcomings, and future plans are discussed.
Friendship in a ‘Russian bar’ in London: An ethnography of a young Russian-speaking migrant community
Authors: Malyutina Darya
Published: November 2016

Friendship is increasingly drawing attention as a concept used to explain the variety of ways in which migrants develop and sustain local and transnational relations. The advantage of this approach is its focus on social capital and those ‘sustaining and inspirational aspects’ of friendship that contribute to shaping different aspects of mobile individuals’ lives (Conradson and Latham, 2005, Friendship networks and transnationality in a world city: Antipodean migrants in London. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies 31(2): 301), instead of interpreting migrant sociality and urban conviviality in super-diverse conditions in terms of ethnic communities. At the same time, the focus on friendship suggests the contingent and nuanced character of these close social ties. Drawing upon an ethnographic case study of a group of young Russian-speaking migrants from post-Soviet countries and their social relationships in a London bar, this article explores the role of friendship in a migrant group located within a particular physical and social space. The place served as an important social junction, and its Russian-speaking network of bartenders and regulars was a source of friendly support and empowerment for its members, helping them confront feelings of marginality. However, close and intimate ties were also at times connected with power relations, reflecting social divisions and the reinforcement of ethnic/national stereotypes regarding those excluded from this social network. This article highlights that friendship encompasses a diverse and dynamic range of inclusionary and exclusionary practices, and discusses how migrant sociality can be negotiated through these practices.
The Moderating Influences of Retirement Transition, Age, and Gender on Daily Stressors and Psychological Distress
Authors: Wong Jen D. , Shobo Yetty
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the influences of retirement transition, age, and gender on aspects of daily experiences in adults (aged 50–75 years) who stayed working ( n = 138) and who transitioned into retirement ( n = 72). Data derived from the first and second waves of the Daily Diary Study of the National Survey of Midlife in the United States. Participants completed telephone interviews about their experiences across eight consecutive days. Findings showed a significant interaction effect of retirement transition and age on daily stressors. Gender did not significantly moderate the associations between retirement transition and daily experiences. These findings suggest that retirement transition must be considered in the context of life course influences, especially age, to better determine the quality of daily experiences of midlife and older adults, and these life course influences should be considered in programs and services aimed to help adults navigate the retirement experiences.
A developmental study of prepositional phrases in Hebrew written text construction
Authors: Brandes Gilad , Ravid Dorit
Published: November 2016

Prepositional phrases (PPs) are considered an important feature of mature written expression. However, little is known about the development of PPs during the school years. The study examined the use of PPs in 160 narrative and expository texts, written by Hebrew-users in grades 4, 7, and 11, and adults. PPs were identified, counted, and classified according to their syntactic roles. Statistical analyses were carried out to probe the effects of age and genre on the overall prevalence of PPs, and the prevalence of each role. Results show that PPs become more prevalent and functionally more diversified with age: PP prevalence increased significantly after grade 7 in both genres, and continued to rise after grade 11 in expositories. Grade 4 PPs had a limited set of roles, the majority serving as arguments. In the older age groups the proportion of arguments decreased, concomitantly with an increase in the prevalence of other roles – most markedly verb-adjuncts and noun-modifiers – and the emergence of new PP roles.
Independence From Parenteral Nutrition and Intravenous Fluid Support During Treatment With Teduglutide Among Patients With Intestinal Failure Associated With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Iyer Kishore R. , Kunecki Marek , Boullata Joseph I. , Fujioka Ken , Joly Francisca , Gabe Simon , Pape Ulrich‐Frank , Schneider Stéphane M. , Virgili Casas María Nuria , Ziegler Thomas R. , Li Benjamin , Youssef Nader N. , Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: November 2016

Background: In phase III clinical studies, treatment with teduglutide was associated with clinically meaningful reductions (≥20% from baseline) in parenteral support (PS; parenteral nutrition and/or intravenous fluids) requirements in adult patients with intestinal failure associated with short bowel syndrome (SBS‐IF). This analysis reports clinical characteristics of patients who achieved complete independence from PS during teduglutide treatment. Materials and Methods: Post hoc analysis of adult patients who achieved complete PS independence during treatment with teduglutide 0.05 mg/kg/d. Data were pooled from 5 teduglutide clinical trials (2 phase III placebo‐controlled trials [NCT00081458 and NCT00798967] and their respective extension studies [NCT00172185, NCT00930644, NCT01560403]). Descriptive statistics were used; no between‐group comparisons were performed because of the small sample size and lack of comparator. Results: Of 134 patients, 16 gained oral or enteral autonomy after a median of 5 years of PS dependence and 89 weeks of teduglutide treatment. Demographic and baseline disease characteristics varied among patients (median age, 55 years; 50% men; median baseline PS volume, 5.1 L/wk; median residual small intestine length, 52.5 cm). Most patients who achieved PS independence had colon‐in‐continuity; however, there was no significant difference in the frequency of PS independence among patients who maintained colon‐in‐continuity vs those who did not. Conclusion: Findings from this post hoc analysis suggest that oral or enteral autonomy is possible for some patients with SBS‐IF who are treated with teduglutide, regardless of baseline characteristics and despite long‐term PS dependence.
Reconsidering mediatization of religion: Islamic televangelism in India
Authors: Eisenlohr Patrick
Published: November 2016

This article proposes a rethinking of religion and mediatization by differentiating between two intersections of religion and media, public religion and religious mediation. I argue that whenever religious change that can be usefully described as mediatization occurs it can best be captured as an effect resulting from the interaction of these two dimensions. Extending the debate on religion and mediatization beyond Christian North Atlantic contexts, I compare two instances of Islamic televangelism in India in order to illustrate the diversity of configurations of public religion and religious mediation even within the same regional setting and religious tradition. My analysis greatly complicates an assessment of mediatization as the subsumption of religion under an extraneous media apparatus, pointing at the highly uneven nature of media-related religious transformation and the ongoing domestication of contemporary media practices into established religious paradigms.
A Research Note on Challenges of Cross-National Aging Research: An Example of Productive Activities Across Three Countries
Authors: Chen Yu-Chih , Wang Yi , Cooper Ben , McBride Timothy , Chen Huajuan , Wang Dongmin , Lai Ching-Ying , Montemuro Lauren C. , Morrow-Howell Nancy
Published: November 2016

Cross-national studies can elucidate the influence of sociocultural contexts on a wide variety of aging issues. This study aims to develop methods for using secondary data for cross-national comparisons using productive activities as an example. The study also identifies challenges in conducting cross-national research. Using the national representative data from the United States, China, and South Korea, this study developed a sequence of methods for cross-national analysis. Results indicate that productive activities vary by country, and this variation could possibly be due to the differences in sociocultural context and variations in operationalization and measurement. Given the difficulty of making decisions and drawing conclusions across different cultural contexts, team members must include scholars who are familiar with the culture and language of the region of study. Researchers also need to determine whether data sets are valid for cross-national comparisons and understand the limitations of the comparisons, given constraints in the data.
Cytological Bone Marrow Cell Differential Counts and Morphologic Findings in Healthy Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from Nonclinical Toxicology Studies
Authors: Carter Caitlyn M. , Cregar Laura C. , Aulbach Adam D.
Published: November 2016

Cytological bone marrow evaluation is utilized in nonclinical toxicology studies to characterize hematopoietic effects when the combined interpretation of histologic and complete blood count data does not yield sufficient information. Results from cytological bone marrow examination should be interpreted in the context of variability observed in concurrent control animals with consideration of cytologist experience and historical/published data. Cytological bone marrow differential counts and cellular morphologic findings from 130 (66 male, 64 female) healthy control cynomolgus monkeys from nonclinical toxicology studies were retrospectively analyzed. Myeloid to erythroid (M:E) ratios and the percentage of total cells for each cell type were determined from differential cell count data. M:E ratios ranged from 0.6:1 to 2.3:1. Percentages of total granulocytic cells, total erythroid cells, and lymphocytes ranged from 26.6% to 60.6%, 25.7% to 52.2%, and 5.5% to 40.4%, respectively. Monocytes, plasma cells, mast cells, and mitotic figures were typically <1% of total cells. Notable morphologic findings included occasional giant neutrophilic metamyelocytes and band neutrophils, ring-shaped band neutrophil nuclei, metarubricyte nuclear blebbing and binucleation, multiple or nonfused megakaryocyte nuclei, and emperipolesis. These results represent cytological bone marrow findings from healthy control cynomolgus monkeys utilized in nonclinical toxicology studies and provide insight into expected background variability.
Mitochondrial calcium homeostasis: Implications for neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling
Authors: Kannurpatti Sridhar S
Published: November 2016

Mitochondrial function is critical to maintain high rates of oxidative metabolism supporting energy demands of both spontaneous and evoked neuronal activity in the brain. Mitochondria not only regulate energy metabolism, but also influence neuronal signaling. Regulation of “energy metabolism” and “neuronal signaling” (i.e. neurometabolic coupling), which are coupled rather than independent can be understood through mitochondria’s integrative functions of calcium ion (Ca2+) uptake and cycling. While mitochondrial Ca2+ do not affect hemodynamics directly, neuronal activity changes are mechanistically linked to functional hyperemic responses (i.e. neurovascular coupling). Early in vitro studies lay the foundation of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and its functional roles within cells. However, recent in vivo approaches indicate mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis as maintained by the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (mCU) influences system-level brain activity as measured by a variety of techniques. Based on earlier evidence of subcellular cytoplasmic Ca2+ microdomains and cellular bioenergetic states, a mechanistic model of Ca2+ mobilization is presented to understand systems-level neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling. This integrated view from molecular and cellular to the systems level, where mCU plays a major role in mitochondrial and cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, may explain the wide range of activation-induced coupling across neuronal activity, hemodynamic, and metabolic responses.
Simultaneous acquisition of high-contrast and quantitative liver T1 images using 3D phase-sensitive inversion recovery: a feasibility study
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Maruyama Hirotoshi , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Ishimori Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2016

Background

Tumor-to-liver contrast is low in images of chronically diseased livers because gadolinium-based hepatocyte-specific contrast agents (Gd-EOB-DTPA) accumulate less to hepatocytes.

Purpose

To determine whether phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) could improve the T1 contrasts of Gd-based contrast agents and liver parenchyma and simultaneously provide accurate T1 values for abdominal organs.

Material and Methods

The image contrasts of phantoms with different Gd concentrations that were obtained using PSIR were compared to conventional turbo field echo (TFE) results. T1 value was estimated using PSIR by performing iterations to investigate the two IR magnetization evolutions. The estimated T1 values were validated using IR-spin echo (IR-SE) and Look-Locker (L-L) sequences. In an in vivo study, the liver-to-spleen and liver-to-muscle contrasts of the PSIR and TFE images of seven volunteers were compared, as were the T1 values of liver parenchyma, spleen, and muscle obtained using PSIR and L-L sequences.

Results

The PSIR images showed T1 contrasts higher than those in the TFE results. The PSIR and IR-SE T1 values were linearly correlated. Additionally, the R1 estimated using PSIR were correlated with those measured using IR-SE and L-L. In the in vivo study, the liver-to-spleen and liver-to-muscle contrasts of PSIR were significantly higher than those obtained using TFE. T1 values of abdominal organs obtained using PSIR and L-L were clearly correlated.

Conclusion

PSIR may be capable of improving liver image T1 contrasts when Gd-based contrast agents are employed and simultaneously yielding accurate T1 values of abdominal organs.