bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Regulatory Element Near the 3′ End of the Adeno-Associated Virus
rep
Gene Inhibits Adenovirus Replication in
cis
by Means of p40 Promoter-Associated Short Transcripts
Authors: Weger Stefan , Hammer Eva , Gonsior Melanie , Stutika Catrin , Heilbronn Regine
Published: February 2016

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has long been known to inhibit helper adenovirus (Ad) replication independently of AAV Rep protein expression. More recently, replication of Ad serotype 5 (Ad5)/AAV serotype 2 (AAV-2) hybrid vectors was shown to be inhibited in
cis
by a sequence near the 3′ end of AAV
rep
, termed the Rep inhibition sequence for adenoviral replication (RIS-Ad). RIS-Ad functions independently of Rep protein expression. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of adenoviral replication by RIS-Ad requires an active AAV p40 promoter and the 5′ half of the intron. In addition, Ad inhibition is critically dependent on the integrity of the p40 transcription start site (TSS) leading to short p40-associated transcripts. These do not give rise to effector molecules capable of inhibiting adenoviral replication in
trans
, like small polypeptides or microRNAs. Our data point to an inhibitory mechanism in which RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pauses directly downstream of the p40 promoter, leading to interference of the stalled Pol II transcription complex with the adenoviral replication machinery. Whereas inhibition by RIS-Ad is mediated exclusively in
cis
, it can be overcome by providing a replication-competent adenoviral genome in
trans
. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of RIS-Ad is not limited to AAV-2 but could also be shown for the corresponding regions of other AAV serotypes, including AAV-5. These findings have important implications for the future generation of Ad5/AAV hybrid vectors.

IMPORTANCE
Insertion of sequences from the 3′ part of the
rep
gene of adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the genome of its helper adenovirus strongly reduces adenoviral genome replication. We could show that this inhibition is mediated exclusively in
cis
without the involvement of
trans
-acting regulatory RNAs or polypeptides but nevertheless requires an active AAV-2 p40 promoter and p40-associated short transcripts. Our results suggest a novel inhibitory mechanism that has so far not been described for AAV and that involves stalled RNA polymerase II complexes and their interference with adenoviral DNA replication. Such a mechanism would have important implications both for the generation of adenoviral vectors expressing the AAV
rep
and
cap
genes and for the regulation of AAV gene expression in the absence and presence of helper virus.
Prime, Shock, and Kill: Priming CD4 T Cells from HIV Patients with a BCL-2 Antagonist before HIV Reactivation Reduces HIV Reservoir Size
Authors: Cummins Nathan W. , Sainski Amy M. , Dai Haiming , Natesampillai Sekar , Pang Yuan-Ping , Bren Gary D. , de Araujo Correia Maria Cristina Miranda , Sampath Rahul , Rizza Stacey A. , O'Brien Daniel , Yao Joseph D. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Badley Andrew D.
Published: February 2016

Understanding how some HIV-infected cells resist the cytotoxicity of HIV replication is crucial to enabling HIV cure efforts. HIV killing of CD4 T cells that replicate HIV can involve HIV protease-mediated cleavage of procaspase 8 to generate a fragment (Casp8p41) that directly binds and activates the mitochondrial proapoptotic protein BAK. Here, we demonstrate that Casp8p41 also binds with nanomolar affinity to the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, which sequesters Casp8p41 and prevents apoptosis. Further, we show that central memory CD4 T cells (T
CM
) from HIV-infected individuals have heightened expression of BCL-2 relative to procaspase 8, possibly explaining the persistence of HIV-infected T
CM
despite generation of Casp8p41. Consistent with this hypothesis, the selective BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax induced minimal killing of uninfected CD4 T cells but markedly increased the death of CD4 T cells and diminished cell-associated HIV DNA when CD4 T cells from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-suppressed HIV patients were induced with αCD3/αCD28 to reactivate HIV
ex vivo
. Thus, priming CD4 T cells from ART suppressed HIV patients with a BCL-2 antagonist, followed by HIV reactivation, achieves reductions in cell-associated HIV DNA, whereas HIV reactivation alone does not.

IMPORTANCE
HIV infection is incurable due to a long-lived reservoir of HIV
+
memory CD4 T cells, and no clinically relevant interventions have been identified that reduce the number of these HIV DNA-containing cells. Since postintegration HIV replication can result in HIV protease generation of Casp8p41, which activates BAK, causing infected CD4 T cell death, we sought to determine whether this occurs in memory CD4 T cells. Here, we demonstrate that memory CD4 T cells can generate Casp8p41 and yet are intrinsically resistant to death induced by diverse stimuli, including Casp8p41. Furthermore, BCL-2 expression is relatively increased in these cells and directly binds and inhibits Casp8p41's proapoptotic effects. Antagonizing BCL-2 with venetoclax derepresses this antagonism, resulting in death, preferentially in HIV DNA containing cells, since only these cells generate Casp8p41. Thus, BCL-2 antagonism is a clinically relevant intervention with the potential to reduce HIV reservoir size in patients.
Ct Evaluation of Acupuncture Needles Inserted into Sacral Foramina
Authors: Katayama Yuichi , Kamibeppu Toyoharu , Nishii Ryuichi , Mukai Shoichiro , Wakeda Hironobu , Kamoto Toshiyuki
Published: February 2016

Objective

To use CT scanning to evaluate the precision with which acupuncture needles can be inserted into sacral foramina to establish sacral nerve modulation by electroacupuncture.

Methods

The subjects were five adult women (mean age 71.6 years). These five cases were divided into two groups. In the first three subjects (group A) the intention was to insert acupuncture needles in the S3 and S4 foramina; in the remaining two subjects (group B) the intention was to insert acupuncture needles in the S2 and S3 foramina.

Results

CT scanning showed that in subject 1 of group A, the acupuncture needle intended for insertion in S3 was actually in the S4 foramen, and the acupuncture needle intended for insertion in S4 was actually distal to the sacral body. In subjects 2 and 3, the acupuncture needles were inserted accurately in the S3 and S4 foramina. In the three subjects who had acupuncture needles inserted in the S4 foramen, the tip of the acupuncture needle was an average distance of 6.0 mm from the rectum. The acupuncture needles inserted in subjects 4 and 5 of group B were inserted accurately into the S2 and S3 foramina.

Conclusions

Inserting acupuncture needles into the sacral foramina of S2 and S3 at an angle of about 60° has the potential to be used for sacral nerve modulation by repeated electroacupuncture stimulation. Needling may be less accurate in subjects with higher body mass index. Because of the potential risk of perforating the rectum with the needle, this technique must be used by specialists only.

Trial Registration Number

2013-026
Spontaneous rectus sheath haematoma in a deceased donor renal transplant recipient: a rare complication
Authors: Sreenivas Jayaram , Karthikeyan Vilvapathy Senguttuvan , SampathKumar Nathee , Umesha Lingaraju
Published: February 2016

Rectus sheath haematoma (RSH) is rarely thought of as a cause of abdominal pain in renal transplant recipients. A 36-year-old woman, a post-deceased donor renal allograft transplant recipient for chronic interstitial nephritis, on triple drug immunosuppression (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone) with basiliximab induction, developed acute vascular rejection and acute tubular injury with suspected antibody-mediated rejection. While on plasmapheresis and haemodialysis for delayed graft function, she developed acute left lower abdominal pain on the 16th postoperative day with tender swelling in the left paraumbilical region. CT of the abdomen showed a large haematoma in the left rectus sheath with no extension. The patient underwent haematoma evacuation through a left paramedian incision and had an uneventful recovery. Serum creatinine stabilised at 0.8 mg/dL and she is on regular follow-up with excellent graft function at 6 months. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, and prompt treatment prevents morbidity and can expedite patient recovery.
A combination of initial and follow-up physiotherapist examination predicts physician-determined time to return to play after hamstring injury, with no added value of MRI
Authors: Jacobsen Phil , Witvrouw Erik , Muxart Patrice , Tol Johannes L , Whiteley Rod
Published: February 2016

Background

Previous studies investigating prediction of return to play after acute hamstring injury were limited by examining a single postinjury clinical and MRI evaluation. We evaluated the added value of including follow-up clinical evaluation when predicting return to play.

Methods

A range of clinical and MRI parameters were prospectively investigated for an association with the time to return to play in 90 athletes with MRI positive hamstring injuries undergoing a criteria-based rehabilitation programme. Clinical evaluation was performed within 5 days of injury and 7 days after this initial assessment (follow-up clinical evaluation). The association between possible prognostic parameters and the time to return to play was assessed with a multiple linear regression model.

Results

Data of 90 athletes were available for analysis. At the first physiotherapy appointment, a combination of three demographic and six clinical variables explained 50% of the variance (±19 days) in the time to return to play. At follow-up assessment (7 days), a combination of 10 clinical and demographic variables explained 97.0% of the variance (±5 days) in time to return to play. In order of importance, the variables were: change in strength during the first week for the ‘mid-range’ test, peak isokinetic knee flexion torque of the uninjured leg, maximum pain at the time of injury, number of days to walk pain free, playing the sport of football, strength performing the ‘inner range’ hamstring test at day 1, presence of pain on a single leg bridge at day 7 or its absence during a single leg bridge, delay in starting treatment and percentage of strength in the ‘outer range’ test compared to the healthy leg. No MRI variables were retained in any of these analyses. MRI variables alone explained 8.6% of the variance—which is unhelpful to players and coaches.

The combination of initial and 7-day follow-up clinical evaluation is clinically helpful in predicting time to return to play (±5 days) following acute hamstring injury. MRI offered no useful clinical information regarding return to play duration in this cohort.

Trial registration number

NCT01812564.
Conducting a fully mobile and randomised clinical trial for depression: access, engagement and expense
Authors: Anguera Joaquin A , Jordan Joshua T , Castaneda Diego , Gazzaley Adam , Areán Patricia A
Published: February 2016

Importance

Advances in mobile technology have resulted in federal and industry-level initiatives to facilitate large-scale clinical research using smart devices. Although the benefits of technology to expand data collection are obvious, assumptions about the reach of mobile research methods (access), participant willingness to engage in mobile research protocols (engagement), and the cost of this research (cost) remain untested.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of a fully mobile randomised controlled trial using assessments and treatments delivered entirely through mobile devices to depressed individuals.

Design

Using a web-based research portal, adult participants with depression who also owned a smart device were screened, consented and randomised to 1 of 3 mental health apps for treatment. Assessments of self-reported mood and cognitive function were conducted at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Physical and social activity was monitored daily using passively collected phone use data. All treatment and assessment tools were housed on each participant's smart phone or tablet.

Interventions

A cognitive training application, an application based on problem-solving therapy, and a mobile-sensing application promoting daily activities.

Results

Access: We screened 2923 people and enrolled 1098 participants in 5 months. The sample characteristics were comparable to the 2013 US census data. Recruitment via Craigslist.org yielded the largest sample.Engagement: Study engagement was high during the first 2 weeks of treatment, falling to 44% adherence by the 4th week.Cost: The total amount spent on for this project, including staff costs and β testing, was $314 264 over 2 years.

Conclusions and relevance

These findings suggest that mobile randomised control trials can recruit large numbers of participants in a short period of time and with minimal cost, but study engagement remains challenging.

Trial registration number

NCT00540865.
Impact of wearable technology on psychosocial factors of osteoarthritis management: a qualitative study
Authors: Belsi Athina , Papi Enrica , McGregor Alison H
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To identify the impact the use of wearable technology could have in patients with osteoarthritis in terms of communication with healthcare providers and patients’ empowerment to manage their condition.

Design

Qualitative study using focus groups with patients with osteoarthritis; data from patients’ responses were analysed using Framework Methodology.

Participants

21 patients with knee osteoarthritis from the London area (age range 45–65 years) participated in a total of four focus groups. Recruitment continued until data saturation.

Setting

The study was conducted in a university setting.

Results

Patients’ responses suggested a positive attitude on the impact wearable technology could have on the management of osteoarthritis. It was perceived that the use of wearable devices would benefit patients in terms of feeling in control of their condition, providing them with awareness of their progress, empowering in terms of self-management and improving communication with their clinician.

Conclusions

This paper suggests positive patient perspectives on the perceived benefits wearable technology could have on the management of osteoarthritis. The data that could be collected with the use of wearable technology could be beneficial both to patients and clinicians. The information obtained from this study suggests that introducing wearable technology into patient-centred care could enhance patient experience in the field of osteoarthritis and beyond.
Do patients with lung cancer recall physician-initiated discussions about planning for end-of-life care following disclosure of a terminal prognosis?
Authors: Horne Gillian , Payne Sheila , Seymour Jane
Published: February 2016

Background

Communicating with patients about their prognosis and goals of care, including offering opportunities to engage in advance care planning (ACP) is widely recognised as best practice. Little is known about terminally ill patients’ perceptions of communication and ACP practice following disclosure of their terminal prognosis.

Objectives

To examine whether terminally ill patients with lung cancer and their relatives recall conversations with disclosing physicians, about their concerns, goals of care or any offers to engage in ACP.

Methods

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews with patients and their family members. The study setting was a cancer centre and cancer unit in northern England.

Results

25 patients with advanced lung cancer (18 men and 7 women, aged 47–85) and 19 family members, mainly from lower social economic classes, took part in the study. Participants had little or no recall of physicians initiating discussions about their concerns, or goals of care and did not perceive that they had been provided with either information about or opportunities to engage in ACP. Some participants reported a sense of abandonment following the disclosure of a terminal prognosis. This sense was compounded by a range of difficult emotional experiences following the disclosure.

Conclusions

It may be inappropriate to initiate discussions about end-of-life care planning immediately following the disclosure of a terminal prognosis. To avoid patients feeling abandoned physicians need to consider how they or another appropriate person can provide information and opportunities for terminally ill patients to engage in a process of ACP.

Trial registration number

06/Q2307/22.
Identifying non‐accidental injury cases in veterinary practice
Authors: Tong Lydia
Published: February 2016

Cases of non‐accidental injury in veterinary patients remain underreported, with correct identification of such injuries presenting a significant diagnostic challenge. However, the veterinary profession has the potential to improve on the identification of animal abuse injury, and to contribute to the holistic management of the public health issue of violence within families. This article discusses the extent of the problem and reviews how veterinarians can identify and respond to such cases, and the possible links to family violence.
New insulins and newer insulin regimens: a review of their role in improving glycaemic control in patients with diabetes
Authors: Gururaj Setty S , Crasto W , Jarvis J , Khunti K , Davies M J
Published: February 2016

The legacy effect of early good glycaemic control in people with diabetes shows it is associated with reduction of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Insulin therapy is essential and lifesaving in individuals with type 1 diabetes and beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes who fail to achieve optimal glycaemic targets with other classes of glucose-lowering therapies. Since the introduction of insulin analogues, insulin management has changed. This follow-up review attempts to update our earlier publication from 2009 and discusses the role of new insulin analogues and newer insulin regimens. Recognising the advent of new quality and economic initiatives both in the UK and worldwide, this paper reviews current insulin prescribing and the pros and cons of prescribing analogues in comparison to the human insulins that are now gaining more acceptance in everyday clinical practice.
Modeling of large-deformation behaviour of marine sensitive clays and its application to submarine slope stability analysis
Authors: Dey Rajib , Hawlader Bipul , Phillips Ryan , Soga Kenichi
Published: February 2016

Post-slide investigations suggest that many large-scale submarine landslides occur through marine sensitive clay layers. A nonlinear mathematical model for post-peak degradation of undrained shear strength of sensitive clay is proposed based on experimental results. A method for estimation of model parameters is presented. Incorporating the model, an analytical solution is developed to examine possible mechanisms of large-scale submarine landslides. Analyses are performed for mild infinite slopes where the failure initiates from a “fully weakened zone” of soil having undrained shear strength lower than the shear stress acting parallel to the slope. The driving force, in excess of resistance, generated from the fully weakened zone is then transferred to the surrounding soil elements resulting in shear band formation due to strain-softening behaviour of sensitive clays. When the length of the fully weakened zone is greater than a critical length, catastrophic shear band propagation (self-driven without any additional external force) occurs, which could result in large-scale offshore landslides. A simple design chart is developed to calculate the critical length. Compared with a 2005 study by Puzrin and Germanovich based on a linear post-peak shear strength degradation model, the present study gives a conservative estimation of critical length for catastrophic shear band propagation.
Voltammetric determination of hexestrol based on the enhanced effect of a polymerized 3-decyl-1-(3-pyrrole-propyl)imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid film electrode
Authors: Wu Yingying , Chen Xuemin , Wang Yanying , Li Chunya
Published: February 2016

3-Decyl-1-(3-pyrrole-propyl)imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (DPIMBF4) ionic liquid was synthesized and characterized. DPIMBF4 ionic liquid not only possesses a pyrrole group that can be electrochemically polymerized onto a glassy carbon electrode surface by using a multipotential step technique, but it also contains a long carbon chain that can improve the stability of a polymerized ionic liquid film in an aqueous solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to confirm the successful polymerization of the ionic liquid. Voltammetry was employed to investigate the electrochemical behaviors of an environmental estrogen, hexestrol, at the polymerized ionic liquid film electrode. Hexestrol presents an irreversible oxidation peak at the polymerized DPIMBF4 ionic liquid film electrode. Compared with the bare glassy carbon electrode, the oxidation peak of hexestrol increased significantly on the polymerized DPIMBF4 ionic liquid film electrode. The oxidation peak current was found to be linearly related to hexestrol concentration in the range of 5.0 × 10−9 to 1.0 × 10−5 mol L−1. The detection limit was calculated to be 1.25 × 10−9 mol L−1 (S/N = 3). Hexestrol in crucian meat was determined using the polymerized DPIMBF4 ionic liquid film electrode with good accuracy.
The two-stage Aegean extension, from localized to distributed, a result of slab rollback acceleration
Authors: Brun Jean-Pierre , Faccenna Claudio , Gueydan Frédéric , Sokoutis Dimitrios , Philippon Mélody , Kydonakis Konstantinos , Gorini Christian
Published: February 2016

Back-arc extension in the Aegean, which was driven by slab rollback since 45 Ma, is described here for the first time in two stages. From Middle Eocene to Middle Miocene, deformation was localized leading to (i) the exhumation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks to crustal depths, (ii) the exhumation of high-temperature metamorphic rocks in core complexes, and (iii) the deposition of sedimentary basins. Since Middle Miocene, extension distributed over the whole Aegean domain controlled the deposition of onshore and offshore Neogene sedimentary basins. We reconstructed this two-stage evolution in 3D and four steps at Aegean scale by using available ages of metamorphic and sedimentary processes, geometry, and kinematics of ductile deformation, paleomagnetic data, and available tomographic models. The restoration model shows that the rate of trench retreat was around 0.6 cm/year during the first 30 My and then accelerated up to 3.2 cm/year during the last 15 My. The sharp transition observed in the mode of extension, localized versus distributed, in Middle Miocene correlates with the acceleration of trench retreat and is likely a consequence of the Hellenic slab tearing documented by mantle tomography. The development of large dextral northeast–southwest strike-slip faults, since Middle Miocene, is illustrated by the 450 km long fault zone, offshore from Myrthes to Ikaria and onshore from Izmir to Balikeshir, in Western Anatolia. Therefore, the interaction between the Hellenic trench retreat and the westward displacement of Anatolia started in Middle Miocene, almost 10 Ma before the propagation of the North Anatolian Fault in the North Aegean.
Decoupling theorem in top productions/decays revisited — To what extent can we understand it visually?
Authors: Hioki Zenrō
Published: February 2016

I revisit here the decoupling theorem in top-quark productions/decays, which states that the angular distribution of any final-particle produced in those processes does not depend on any possible nonstandard top-quark decay interactions at their leading order when certain conditions are satisfied. Toward a simple, intuitive and visual understanding of this theorem, I will study to what extent we could explain why such a theorem holds without relying on any specific/detailed calculations.
Geochemistry of the Eocene magmatic rocks from the Lesser Caucasus area (Armenia): evidence of a subduction geodynamic environment
Authors: Sahakyan L. , Bosch D. , Sosson M. , Avagyan A. , Galoyan Gh. , Rolland Y. , Bruguier O. , Stepanyan Zh. , Galland B. , Vardanyan S.
Published: February 2016

This paper is focused on petrological and geochemical data obtained on a series of Middle and Upper Eocene magmatic rocks from the Lesser Caucasus of Armenia in order to elucidate magma sources and geodynamic processes. Middle–Upper Eocene magmatism is present in two main zones: the Amasia–Sevan–Hakari suture zone (ASHSZ) and the so-called South Armenian Microplate (SAM). Volcanic rocks from both places range from basalt to rhyolite and mostly display a calc-alkaline character. Trace element patterns from the SAM and ASHSZ samples show mobile-elements enrichment (Rb, Ba, Th) together with strong negative high field strength elements (Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr) anomalies. The (La/Sm)
N
ratio yields very close values for both areas. Conversely, the (La/Yb)
N
ratio is, on average, significantly higher for SAM than for ASHSZ, suggesting the presence of residual garnet at the source of the SAM volcanic rocks. Nevertheless, trace elements suggest partial melting from phlogopite- and amphibole-bearing spinel lherzolitic mantle sources.

Neodymium and strontium isotopes yield εNd
(40Ma)
and
87
Sr/
86
Sr
(40Ma)
ratios ranging, respectively, from –0.3 to +6.6 and from 0.70314 to 0.70531 for SAM samples, and from +3.4 to +6.8 and from 0.70393 to 0.70433 for ASHSZ samples. Initial Pb/Pb isotopic ratios yield close values for both areas but with slightly higher and more homogeneous
207
Pb/
204
Pb and
208
Pb/
204
Pb ratios for SAM samples. Such features concur with a more pronounced slab-component contribution in the frontal part of the volcanic belt, that is, in the SAM domain. No significant crustal contamination has been detected in the studied Eocene magmatic rocks from both the ASHSZ and SAM.

Considering geodynamic and geochemical constraints, we propose that this magmatism is connected with a north-dipping Southern Neotethys subduction, in an extensional (back-arc) environment of orogenic belts. The Arabia–Eurasia collision and the closure of the Neotethys Ocean may have occurred after this magmatic event.
Triacylglycerol Metabolism, Function, and Accumulation in Plant Vegetative Tissues
Authors: Xu Changcheng , Shanklin John
Published: February 2016

Oils in the form of triacylglycerols are the most abundant energy-dense storage compounds in eukaryotes, and their metabolism plays a key role in cellular energy balance, lipid homeostasis, growth, and maintenance. Plants accumulate oils primarily in seeds and fruits. Plant oils are used for food and feed and, increasingly, as feedstocks for biodiesel and industrial chemicals. Although plant vegetative tissues do not accumulate significant levels of triacylglycerols, they possess a high capacity for their synthesis, storage, and metabolism. The development of plants that accumulate oil in vegetative tissues presents an opportunity for expanded production of triacylglycerols as a renewable and sustainable bioenergy source. Here, we review recent progress in the understanding of triacylglycerol synthesis, turnover, storage, and function in leaves and discuss emerging genetic engineering strategies targeted at enhancing triacylglycerol accumulation in biomass crops. Such plants could potentially be modified to produce oleochemical feedstocks or nutraceuticals.
Clashing Diagnostic Approaches: DSM-ICD Versus RDoC
Authors: Lilienfeld Scott O. , Treadway Michael T.
Published: February 2016

Since at least the middle of the past century, one overarching model of psychiatric classification has reigned supreme, namely, that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (herein referred to as DSM-ICD). This DSM-ICD approach embraces an Aristotelian view of mental disorders as largely discrete entities that are characterized by distinctive signs, symptoms, and natural histories. Over the past several years, however, a competing vision, namely, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative launched by the National Institute of Mental Health, has emerged in response to accumulating anomalies within the DSM-ICD system. In contrast to DSM-ICD, RDoC embraces a Galilean view of psychopathology as the product of dysfunctions in neural circuitry. RDoC appears to be a valuable endeavor that holds out the long-term promise of an alternative system of mental illness classification. We delineate three sets of pressing challenges—conceptual, methodological, and logistical/pragmatic—that must be addressed for RDoC to realize its scientific potential. We conclude with a call for further research, including investigation of a rapprochement between Aristotelian and Galilean approaches to psychiatric classification.
Identity Under Construction: How Individuals Come to Define Themselves in Organizations
Authors: Ashforth Blake E. , Schinoff Beth S.
Published: February 2016

Individuals need a situated identity, or a clear sense of “who they are” in their local context, to function. Drawing largely on interpretivist research, we describe the process of identity construction in organizations. Organizations set the stage for members to construct their identities through sensebreaking, rendering individuals more receptive to organizational cues conveyed via sensegiving. Individuals utilize sensemaking to construe their situated identity as they progress toward a desired self. Affect (feeling “this is me”), behavior (acting as “me”), and cognition (thinking “this is me”) are each viable and intertwined gateways to a situated identity that resonates with one's desired self and a given context. Individuals formulate identity narratives that link their past and present to a desired future, providing direction. If their identity enactments and narratives receive social validation, individuals feel more assured, fortifying their emergent identities. The result of these dynamics is a visceral understanding of self in the local context, facilitating adjustment.
The Nonconscious at Work
Authors: Pratt Michael G. , Crosina Eliana
Published: February 2016

Despite longstanding interest in organizational psychology and organizational behavior (OP/OB), research that incorporates nonconscious (e.g., unconscious, subconscious) processes into their core arguments remains relatively scant. We argue that this is unfortunate (a) given the large role that nonconscious processes have been found to play in individual behavior; and (b) given its proposed importance to topics that are central to our field (e.g., motivation, judgment and decision making, leadership, ethical behavior). Our review maps a wide terrain across two foundational perspectives of nonconscious theorizing: psychodynamics and automaticity. In particular, we review those areas where these perspectives are beginning to influence research in OP/OB research. We then discuss some of the challenges scholars face in incorporating nonconscious-related theories and methods in our field, highlight specific domains where the influence of the nonconscious may be widened and deepened, and note some practical implications of understanding and managing nonconscious processes.
Mindfulness in Organizations: A Cross-Level Review
Authors: Sutcliffe Kathleen M. , Vogus Timothy J. , Dane Erik
Published: February 2016

In recent years, research on mindfulness has grown rapidly in organizational psychology and organizational behavior. Specifically, two bodies of research have emerged: One focuses on the intrapsychic processes of individual mindfulness and the other on the social processes of collective mindfulness. In this review we provide a pioneering, cross-level review of mindfulness in organizations and find that mindfulness is neither mysterious nor mystical, but rather can be reliably and validly measured, linked to an array of individual and organizational outcomes, and induced through meditative and nonmeditative practices and processes at the individual and collective levels. Our analysis of the combined literatures further reveals that although each literature is impressive, there is a significant need for multilevel mindfulness research that simultaneously examines individual and collective mindfulness and broadens its conception of context. This research agenda provides a more robust understanding of the antecedents, processes, and consequences of individual and collective mindfulness as well as more definitive evidence maximizing mindfulness and its benefits in practice.
Model systems for studying cellular mechanisms ofSCN1A-related epilepsy
Authors: Schutte Soleil S. , Schutte Ryan J. , Barragan Eden V. , O'Dowd Diane K.
Published: February 2016

Mutations in SCN1A, the gene encoding voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1, cause a spectrum of epilepsy disorders that range from genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus to catastrophic disorders such as Dravet syndrome. To date, more than 1,250 mutations in SCN1A have been linked to epilepsy. Distinct effects of individual SCN1A mutations on neuronal function are likely to contribute to variation in disease severity and response to treatment in patients. Several model systems have been used to explore seizure genesis in SCN1A epilepsies. In this article we review what has been learned about cellular mechanisms and potential new therapies from these model systems, with a particular emphasis on the novel model system of knockin Drosophila and a look toward the future with expanded use of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons.
Temporal accuracy of human cortico-cortical interactions
Authors: Tal Idan , Abeles Moshe
Published: February 2016

The precision in space and time of interactions among multiple cortical sites was evaluated by examining repeating precise spatiotemporal patterns of instances in which cortical currents showed brief amplitude undulations. The amplitudes of the cortical current dipoles were estimated by applying a variant of synthetic aperture magnetometry to magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings of subjects tapping to metric auditory rhythms of drum beats. Brief amplitude undulations were detected in the currents by template matching at a rate of 2–3 per second. Their timing was treated as point processes, and precise spatiotemporal patterns were searched for. By randomly teetering these point processes within a time window W, we estimated the accuracy of the timing of these brief amplitude undulations and compared the results with those obtained by applying the same analysis to traces composed of random numbers. The results demonstrated that the timing accuracy of patterns was better than 3 ms. Successful classification of two different cognitive processes based on these patterns suggests that at least some of the repeating patterns are specific to a cognitive process.
Hydroxytyrosol Protects against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury through a PI3K/Akt-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Pei Ying-hao , Chen Jiao , Xie Liang , Cai Xiao-min , Yang Run-Hua , Wang Xing , Gong Jian-bin
Published: February 2016

Objective. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of hydroxytyrosol (HT) during the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in rat hearts.Methods. The rats were randomized into five groups: sham group, I/R group, HT+I/R group, HT+LY294002+I/R group, and LY+I/R group. Myocardial infarct size, markers of oxidative stress, extent of myocardial apoptosis, echocardiographically assessed cardiac function, and expression of Akt and GSK 3βwere measured in each group.Results. Prereperfusion administration of HT was associated with a significantly smaller area of myocardial infarction and remarkably decreased level of myocardial apoptosis and necrosis, as evidenced by a lower apoptotic index, reduced cleaved caspase-3, and the serum activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase MB. Moreover, HT also attenuated the impairment of cardiac systolic function. However, cotreatment with LY294002 and HT completely abolished the above cardioprotective effects of HT. A subsequent mechanistic study revealed that the cardioprotective effects of HT during the process of I/R of the myocardium were dependent on the activation of the Akt/GSK3βpathway.Conclusion. Pretreatment with HT may have antiapoptotic and cardioprotective effects against myocardial I/R injury, and these effects seem to be related to the activation of the Akt/GSK3βpathway in the myocardium.
Risk Factors for Overweight and Obesity among Mexican Children in New York
Authors: Tuñón-Pablos Esperanza , Dreby Joanna
Published: February 2016

This paper analyses the risk factors for being overweight or obese among the children of Mexican migrants in the United States. It draws on a qualitative study consisting of in-depth interviews and participant observation with 30 parents in New York State. Findings indicate risks related to nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity before migration, adaptation to US lifestyles, and the cultural tendency to value being overweight as a sign of greater health and higher socioeconomic status. Findings also show that mothers use various strategies to resist the excessive consumption of fast food, yet they simultaneously experience dilemmas around the family’s consumption due to the gender norm that women are responsible for children’s diet.
First Case Report of Sinusitis withLophomonas blattarumfrom Iran
Authors: Berenji Fariba , Parian Mahmoud , Fata Abdolmajid , Bakhshaee Mahdi , Fattahi Fereshte
Published: February 2016

Introduction.Lophomonas blattarumis a rare cause of bronchopulmonary and sinus infection. This paper presents a rare case ofLophomonassinusitis.Case Presentation. The patient was a 31-year-old woman who was admitted because of a history of upper respiratory infection and sinusitis. Direct microscopic examination of the sputum and nasal discharge showed large numbers of livingLophomonas blattarumwith irregular movement of flagella. The patient was successfully treated byMetronidazole750 mg t.i.d. for 30 days.Conclusions. This is the first case report ofLophomonas blattarumsinusitis from Iran.
Medicinal Effect of Nutraceutical Fruits for the Cognition and Brain Health
Authors: Keservani Raj K. , Sharma Anil K. , Kesharwani Rajesh K.
Published: February 2016

The recent era is witnessing evaluation of medicinal and nutritional value of fruits and fruit juices for the management and prevention of brain diseases like headache stress, anxiety, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases by the scientists and researchers worldwide. Fruits possess various chemicals such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which reduce and balance the effect of hormone in brain responsible for brain disease. Natural remedy is cheap, easily available, nontoxic, and easy to prepare and provides good mental health as compared to other remedies. The main objective of this review is to acknowledge medicinal benefits of fruits for the cognition and management of brain disease.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Copper Electrodeposition in a Modified Hull Cell
Authors: Palli Srinivas , Dey Suhash R.
Published: February 2016

The primary current distribution and the resistance of a modified Hull cell are calculated by using conformal mapping technique coupled with numerical evaluation of the resulting integral equations. An approximate analytical expression for the primary current distribution of a modified Hull cell is presented. The primary current distribution along the cathode surface is noticed varying in controlled manner as a function of position on the substrate. The current distributions (primary, secondary, and tertiary) in the cell have also been calculated at different applied average current densities (2, 4.1, and 8.2 mA cm−2) through numerical simulation by using finite element based software. The numerical simulation result of the primary current distribution is then compared with the analytical solution and a good match is found. Experimentally, single Cu metal electrodeposition is carried out at different applied average current densities (2, 4.1, and 8.2 mA cm−2) in a modified Hull. The current distribution (primary, secondary, and tertiary) results obtained from the numerical simulation are compared with the experimental results and a satisfactory match is found. Surface morphology of the Cu deposits is examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
A Processor-Sharing Scheduling Strategy for NFV Nodes
Authors: Faraci Giuseppe , Lombardo Alfio , Schembra Giovanni
Published: February 2016

The introduction of the two paradigms SDN and NFV to “softwarize” the current Internet is making management and resource allocation two key challenges in the evolution towards the Future Internet. In this context, this paper proposes Network-Aware Round Robin (NARR), a processor-sharing strategy, to reduce delays in traversing SDN/NFV nodes. The application of NARR alleviates the job of the Orchestrator by automatically working at the intranode level, dynamically assigning the processor slices to the virtual network functions (VNFs) according to the state of the queues associated with the output links of the network interface cards (NICs). An extensive simulation set is presented to show the improvements achieved with respect to two more processor-sharing strategies chosen as reference.
Nanosensing Backed by the Uncertainty Principle
Authors: Filikhin I. , Karoui A. , Vlahovic B.
Published: February 2016

Possibility for a novel type of sensors for detecting nanosized substances (e.g., macromolecules or molecule clusters) through their effects on electron tunneling in a double nanoscale semiconductor heterostructure is discussed. We studied spectral distributions of localized/delocalized states of a single electron in a double quantum well (DQW) with relation to slight asymmetry perturbations. The asymmetry was modeled by modification of the dot shape and the confinement potential. Electron energy uncertainty is restricted by the differences between energy levels within the spectra of separated QWs. Hence, we established a direct relationship between the uncertainty of electron localization and the energy uncertainty. We have shown in various instances that a small violation of symmetry drastically affects the electron localization. These phenomena can be utilized to devise new sensing functionalities. The charge transport in such sensors is highly sensitive to minuscule symmetry violation caused by the detected substance. The detection of the electron localization constitutes the sensor signal.
Applying Hybrid Decision-Making Method Based on Fuzzy AHP-WOWA Operator for Emergency Alternative Evaluation of Unattended Train Operation Metro System
Authors: Zhao Bobo , Tang Tao , Ning Bin
Published: February 2016

Optimal alternative selection to address the emergency situation is critical for dispatcher group in Unattended Train Operation (UTO) to guide emergency process. It is difficult to provide the precise decision value under one criterion and to evaluate the emergency alternatives among multiple dispatchers. This paper presents a hybrid emergency decision-making method integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) described by linguistic terms with enhanced weighted ordered weighted averaging (WOWA) operator. The enhanced WOWA operator aggregates the preference matrices of multidispatcher through the constructed emergency response task model of dispatcher group in OCC. This calculation approach takes into consideration the relations of emergency tasks to derive the importance weights of dispatchers and integrates them into the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator weights based on a fuzzy membership relation. A case study of applying the method in an emergency of a train fire is given to demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of the methods associated with the group multicriteria decision-making (GMCDM) theory in emergency management of UTO metro system.
Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Palladium-Copper Nanoalloys with Improved Catalytic Activity for Ethanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Wang Hao , Yang Weihua , Zhang Qinhao , Qiu Qingchao
Published: February 2016

A facile solvothermal strategy is developed for the preparation of nanometer sized Pd-Cu alloy. We can control the morphology of these alloys with the use of ethylene glycol (EG) in the presence of KOH. Namely, by increasing the concentration of KOH/EG, the Pd-Cu alloys with different morphologies from near-spherical nanoparticles (NPs) to nanorods and nanowire networks have been prepared. Among all these alloys, near-spherical Pd-Cu NPs-modified electrodes exhibit the highest catalytic activity (11.7 mA/cm2) and stability toward the electrooxidation of ethanol in comparison with commercial Pd/C-modified ones (2.1 mA/cm2).
Imaging Techniques for Diagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Jansen Klomp Wouter W. , Brandon Bravo Bruinsma George J. , van ’t Hof Arnoud W. , Grandjean Jan. G. , Nierich Arno P.
Published: February 2016

The most severe complications after cardiac surgery are neurological complications including stroke which is often caused by emboli merging from atherosclerosis in the ascending aorta to the brain. Information about the thoracic aorta is crucial in reducing the embolization risk for both surgical open and closed chest procedures such as transaortic heart valve implantation. Several techniques are available to screen the ascending aorta, for example, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), epiaortic ultrasound, TEE A-view method, manual palpation, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This paper provides a description of the advantages and disadvantages of these imaging techniques.
Dendritic Cells under Hypoxia: How Oxygen Shortage Affects the Linkage between Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Winning Sandra , Fandrey Joachim
Published: February 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs) are considered as one of the main regulators of immune responses. They collect antigens, process them, and present typical antigenic structures to lymphocytes, thereby inducing an adaptive immune response. All these processes take place under conditions of oxygen shortage (hypoxia) which is often not considered in experimental settings. This review highlights how deeply hypoxia modulates human as well as mouse immature and mature dendritic cell functions. It tries to linkin vitroresults to actualin vivostudies and outlines how hypoxia-mediated shaping of dendritic cells affects the activation of (innate) immunity.
Optimizing Human Bile Preparation for Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Cheng Hao-Tsai , Hsieh Sen-Yung , Sung Chang-Mu , Pai Betty Chien-Jung , Liu Nai-Jen , Chen Carl PC
Published: February 2016

Aims. Bile is an important body fluid which assists in the digestion of fat and excretion of endogenous and exogenous compounds. In the present study, an improved sample preparation for human bile was established.Methods and Material. The method involved acetone precipitation followed by protein extraction using commercially available 2D Clean-Up kit. The effectiveness was evaluated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) profiling quality, including number of protein spots and spot distribution.Results. The total protein of bile fluid in benign biliary disorders was 0.797 ± 0.465 μg/μL. The sample preparation method using acetone precipitation first followed by 2D Clean-Up kit protein extraction resulted in better quality of 2DE gel images in terms of resolution as compared with other sample preparation methods. Using this protocol, we obtained approximately 558 protein spots on the gel images and with better protein spots presentation of haptoglobin, serum albumin, serotransferrin, and transthyretin.Conclusions. Protein samples of bile prepared using acetone precipitation followed by 2D Clean-Up kit exhibited high protein resolution and significant protein profile. This optimized protein preparation protocol can effectively concentrate bile proteins, remove abundant proteins and debris, and yield clear presentation of nonabundant proteins and its isoforms on 2-dimensional electrophoresis gel images.