bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization ELM Based on Rough Set for Predicting the Label of Military Simulation Data
Authors: Ding Xiao-jian , Lei Ming
Published: September 2014

By combining rough set theory with optimization extreme learning machine (OELM), a new hybrid machine learning technique is introduced for military simulation data classification in this study. First, multivariate discretization method is implemented to convert continuous military simulation data into discrete data. Then, rough set theory is employed to generate the simple rules and to remove irrelevant and redundant variables. Finally, OELM is compared with classical extreme learning machine (ELM) and support vector machine (SVM) to evaluate the performance of both original and reduced military simulation datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that, with the help of RS strategy, OELM can significantly improve the testing rate of military simulation data. Additionally, OELM is less sensitive to model parameters and can be modeled easily.
A Simple Time Domain Collocation Method to Precisely Search for the Periodic Orbits of Satellite Relative Motion
Authors: Yue Xiaokui , Wang Xuechuan , Dai Honghua
Published: September 2014

A numerical approach for obtaining periodic orbits of satellite relative motion is proposed, based on using the time domain collocation (TDC) method to search for the periodic solutions of an exact J2 nonlinear relative model. The initial conditions for periodic relative orbits of the Clohessy‐Wiltshire (C‐W) equations or Tschauner‐Hempel (T‐H) equations can be refined with this approach to generate nearly bounded orbits. With these orbits, a method based on the least‐squares principle is then proposed to generate projected closed orbit (PCO), which is a reference for the relative motion control. Numerical simulations reveal that the presented TDC searching scheme is effective and simple, and the projected closed orbit is very fuel saving.
Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Suicide in a Young Woman with Major Depression and Psychotic Features
Authors: Hassan Sabrina , Flett Gordon L. , Ganguli Rohan , Hewitt Paul L.
Published: September 2014

A woman in her midtwenties with a history of major depressive disorder and a recent major depressive episode with mood-congruent psychotic features died by suicide. Two weeks before her death, she demonstrated exceptional elevations on the nondisplay of imperfection factor of Hewitt and Flett’s Perfectionistic Self-Presentation Scale. Perfectionism and especially perfectionistic self-presentation have been strongly associated with suicide across several populations, accounting for unique variance in suicidality beyond depression and hopelessness. Yet interpersonal facets of perfectionism are not recognized as clinical risk factors for suicide. There is also a paucity of research on perfectionism in relation to psychotic symptoms. This case account illustrates the role of perfectionistic self-presentation in suicides that occur seemingly without warning and, to our knowledge, this is the first examination of perfectionistic self-presentation and suicide in a case where psychotic features occurred. This study, though single case-based, draws attention to perfectionism and perfectionistic self-presentation and their potential roles in suicide, especially when accompanied by other risk factors. Future research in this area may elucidate the role of perfectionism in suicide, singularly and in the context of a comprehensive clinical risk assessment, demonstrating whether perfectionism confers information about suicide risk beyond known clinical risk factors.
Information Entropy‐ and Average‐Based High‐Resolution Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Authors: Jiang Jun , Guo Lianping , Yang Kuojun , Pan Huiqing
Published: September 2014

Vertical resolution is an essential indicator of digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) and the key to improving resolution is to increase digitalizing bits and lower noise. Averaging is a typical method to improve signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the effective number of bits (ENOB). The existing averaging algorithm is apt to be restricted by the repetitiveness of signal and be influenced by gross error in quantization, and therefore its effect on restricting noise and improving resolution is limited. An information entropy‐based data fusion and average‐based decimation filtering algorithm, proceeding from improving average algorithm and in combination with relevant theories of information entropy, are proposed in this paper to improve the resolution of oscilloscope. For single acquiring signal, resolution is improved through eliminating gross error in quantization by utilizing the maximum entropy of sample data with further noise filtering via average‐based decimation after data fusion of efficient sample data under the premise of oversampling. No subjective assumptions and constraints are added to the signal under test in the whole process without any impact on the analog bandwidth of oscilloscope under actual sampling rate.
Scheduling Additional Train Unit Services on Rail Transit Lines
Authors: Jiang Zhibin , Tan Yuyan , Yalçınkaya Özgür
Published: September 2014

This paper deals with the problem of scheduling additional train unit (TU) services in a double parallel rail transit line, and a mixed integer programming (MIP) model is formulated for integration strategies of new trains connected by TUs with the objective of obtaining higher frequencies in some special sections and special time periods due to mass passenger volumes. We took timetable scheduling and TUs scheduling as an integrated optimization model with two objectives: minimizing travel times of additional trains and minimizing shifts of initial trains. We illustrated our model using computational experiments drawn from the real rail transit line 16 in Shanghai and reached results which show that rail transit agencies can obtain a reasonable new timetable for different managerial goals in a matter of seconds, so the model is well suited to be used in daily operations.
Plk1 Inhibition Enhances the Efficacy of Androgen Signaling Blockade in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Hou Xianzeng , Shao Chen , Li Junjie , Cheng Ji-Xin , Kuang Shihuan , Ahmad Nihal , Ratliff Timothy , Liu Xiaoqi
Published: September 2014

Prostate cancer is thought to be driven by oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, androgen receptor (AR) signaling, and activation of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway, but it is uncertain how they may become coordinated during progression to castration-resistant disease that remains incurable. The mitotic kinase polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is elevated in prostate cancer, where its expression is linked to tumor grade. Notably, Plk1 signaling and lipid metabolism were identified recently as two of the top five most upregulated pathways in a mouse xenograft model of human prostate cancer. Herein, we show that oxidative stress activates both the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway and AR signaling in a Plk1-dependent manner in prostate cells. Inhibition of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway prevented oxidative stress-induced activation of AR signaling. Plk1 modulation also affected cholesteryl ester accumulation in prostate cancer via the SREBP pathway. Finally, Plk1 inhibition enhanced cellular responses to androgen signaling inhibitors (ASI) and overcame ASI resistance in both cultured prostate cancer cells and patient-derived tumor xenografts. Given that activation of AR signaling and the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway is sufficient to elevate SREBP-dependent expression of key lipid biosynthesis enzymes in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), our findings argued that Plk1 activation was responsible for coordinating and driving these processes to promote and sustain the development of this advanced stage of disease. Overall, our results offer a strong mechanistic rationale to evaluate Plk1 inhibitors in combination drug trials to enhance the efficacy of ASIs in CRPC. Cancer Res; 74(22); 6635–47. ©2014 AACR.
Clinical Relevance of KRAS-Mutated Subclones Detected with Picodroplet Digital PCR in Advanced Colorectal Cancer Treated with Anti-EGFR Therapy
Authors: Laurent-Puig Pierre , Pekin Deniz , Normand Corinne , Kotsopoulos Steve K. , Nizard Philippe , Perez-Toralla Karla , Rowell Rachel , Olson Jeff , Srinivasan Preethi , Le Corre Delphine , Hor Thevy , El Harrak Zakaria , Li Xinyu , Link Darren R. , Bouché Olivier , Emile Jean-François , Landi Bruno , Boige Valérie , Hutchison J. Brian , Taly Valerie
Published: September 2014

Purpose: KRAS mutations are predictive of nonresponse to anti-EGFR therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, only 50% of nonmutated patients benefit from them. KRAS-mutated subclonal populations nondetectable by conventional methods have been suggested as the cause of early progression. Molecular analysis technology with high sensitivity and precision is required to test this hypothesis.

Experimental Design: From two cohorts of patients with mCRC, 136 KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF wild-type tumors with sufficient tumor material to perform highly sensitive picodroplet digital PCR (dPCR) and 41 KRAS-mutated tumors were selected. All these patients were treated by anti-EGFR therapy. dPCR was used for KRAS or BRAF mutation screening and compared with qPCR. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed according to the KRAS-mutated allele fraction.

Results: In addition to the confirmation of the 41 patients with KRAS-mutated tumors, dPCR also identified KRAS mutations in 22 samples considered as KRAS wild-type by qPCR. The fraction of KRAS-mutated allele quantified by dPCR was inversely correlated with anti-EGFR therapy response rate (P < 0.001). In a Cox model, the fraction of KRAS-mutated allele was associated with worse PFS and OS. Patients with less than 1% of mutant KRAS allele have similar PFS and OS than those with wild-type KRAS tumors.

Conclusions: This study suggests that patients with mCRC with KRAS-mutated subclones (at least those with a KRAS-mutated subclones fraction lower or equal to 1%) had a benefit from anti-EGFR therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(5); 1087–97. ©2014 AACR.
Combination Therapy for KIT-Mutant Mast Cells: Targeting Constitutive NFAT and KIT Activity
Authors: Macleod Alison C. , Klug Lillian R. , Patterson Janice , Griffith Diana J. , Beadling Carol , Town Ajia , Heinrich Michael C.
Published: September 2014

Resistant KIT mutations have hindered the development of KIT kinase inhibitors for treatment of patients with systemic mastocytosis. The goal of this research was to characterize the synergistic effects of a novel combination therapy involving inhibition of KIT and calcineurin phosphatase, a nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) regulator, using a panel of KIT-mutant mast cell lines. The effects of monotherapy or combination therapy on the cellular viability/survival of KIT-mutant mast cells were evaluated. In addition, NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity was monitored in a representative cell line to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of combination therapy. Finally, shRNA was used to stably knockdown calcineurin expression to confirm the role of calcineurin in the observed synergy. The combination of a KIT inhibitor and a calcineurin phosphatase inhibitor (CNPI) synergized to reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis in six distinct KIT-mutant mast cell lines. Both KIT inhibitors and CNPIs were found to decrease NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity. NFAT-specific inhibitors induced similar synergistic apoptosis induction as CNPIs when combined with a KIT inhibitor. Notably, NFAT was constitutively active in each KIT-mutant cell line tested. Knockdown of calcineurin subunit PPP3R1 sensitized cells to KIT inhibition and increased NFAT phosphorylation and cytoplasmic localization. Constitutive activation of NFAT appears to represent a novel and targetable characteristic of KIT-mutant mast cell disease. Our studies suggest that combining KIT inhibition with NFAT inhibition might represent a new treatment strategy for mast cell disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 2840–51. ©2014 AACR.
SNAI2 Modulates Colorectal Cancer 5-Fluorouracil Sensitivity through miR145 Repression
Authors: Findlay Victoria J. , Wang Cindy , Nogueira Lourdes M. , Hurst Katie , Quirk Daniel , Ethier Stephen P. , Staveley O'Carroll Kevin F. , Watson Dennis K. , Camp E. Ramsay
Published: September 2014

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with poor treatment outcomes in various malignancies and is inversely associated with miRNA145 expression. Therefore, we hypothesized that SNAI2 (Slug) may mediate 5-fluorouracil (5FU) chemotherapy resistance through inhibition of miR145 in colorectal cancer and thus represents a novel therapeutic target to enhance current colorectal cancer treatment strategies. Compared with parental DLD1 colon cancer cells, 5FU-resistant (5FUr) DLD1 cells demonstrated features of EMT, including >2-fold enhanced invasion (P < 0.001) and migration, suppressed E-cadherin expression, and 2-fold increased SNAI2 expression. DLD1 and HCT116 cells with stable expression of SNAI2 (DLD1/SNAI2; HCT116/SNAI2) also demonstrated EMT features such as the decreased E-cadherin as well as significantly decreased miR145 expression, as compared with control empty vector cells. On the basis of an miR145 luciferase promoter assay, we demonstrated that SNAI2 repressed activity of the miR145 promoter in the DLD1 and HCT116 cells. In addition, the ectopic expressing SNAI2 cell lines demonstrated decreased 5FU sensitivity, and, conversely, miR145 replacement significantly enhanced 5FU sensitivity. In the parental SW620 colon cancer cell line with high SNAI2 and low miR145 levels, inhibition of SNAI2 directly with short hairpin sequence for SNAI2 and miR145 replacement therapy both decreased vimentin expression and increased in vitro 5FU sensitivity. In pretreatment rectal cancer patient biopsy samples, low miR145 expression levels correlated with poor response to neoadjuvant 5FU-based chemoradiation. These results suggested that the SNAI2:miR145 pathway may represent a novel clinical therapeutic target in colorectal cancer and may serve as a response predictor to chemoradiation therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 2713–26. ©2014 AACR.
An Antimesothelin-Monomethyl Auristatin E Conjugate with Potent Antitumor Activity in Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Mesothelioma Models
Authors: Scales Suzie J. , Gupta Nidhi , Pacheco Glenn , Firestein Ron , French Dorothy M. , Koeppen Hartmut , Rangell Linda , Barry-Hamilton Vivian , Luis Elizabeth , Chuh Josefa , Zhang Yin , Ingle Gladys S. , Fourie-O'Donohue Aimee , Kozak Katherine R. , Ross Sarajane , Dennis Mark S. , Spencer Susan D.
Published: September 2014

Mesothelin (MSLN) is an attractive target for antibody–drug conjugate therapy because it is highly expressed in various epithelial cancers, with normal expression limited to nondividing mesothelia. We generated novel antimesothelin antibodies and conjugated an internalizing one (7D9) to the microtubule-disrupting drugs monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and MMAF, finding the most effective to be MMAE with a lysosomal protease-cleavable valine–citrulline linker. The humanized (h7D9.v3) version, αMSLN-MMAE, specifically targeted mesothelin-expressing cells and inhibited their proliferation with an IC50 of 0.3 nmol/L. Because the antitumor activity of an antimesothelin immunotoxin (SS1P) in transfected mesothelin models did not translate to the clinic, we carefully selected in vivo efficacy models endogenously expressing clinically relevant levels of mesothelin, after scoring mesothelin levels in ovarian, pancreatic, and mesothelioma tumors by immunohistochemistry. We found that endogenous mesothelin in cancer cells is upregulated in vivo and identified two suitable xenograft models for each of these three indications. A single dose of αMSLN-MMAE profoundly inhibited or regressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in all six models, including two patient-derived tumor xenografts. The robust and durable efficacy of αMSLN-MMAE in preclinical models of ovarian, mesothelioma, and pancreatic cancers justifies the ongoing phase I clinical trial. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(11); 2630–40. ©2014 AACR.
lincRNA-RoR and miR-145 Regulate Invasion in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via Targeting ARF6
Authors: Eades Gabriel , Wolfson Benjamin , Zhang Yongshu , Li Qinglin , Yao Yuan , Zhou Qun
Published: September 2014

Triple-negative (ER−, HER2−, PR−) breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis with no available molecularly targeted therapy. Silencing of microRNA-145 (miR-145) may be a defining marker of TNBC based on molecular profiling and deep sequencing. Therefore, the molecular mechanism behind miR-145 downregulation in TNBC was examined. Overexpression of the long intergenic noncoding RNA regulator of reprogramming, lincRNA-RoR, functions as a competitive endogenous RNA sponge in TNBC. Interestingly, lincRNA-RoR is dramatically upregulated in TNBC and in metastatic disease and knockdown restores miR-145 expression. Previous reports suggest that miR-145 has growth-suppressive activity in some breast cancers; however, these data in TNBC indicate that miR-145 does not affect proliferation or apoptosis but instead, miR-145 regulates tumor cell invasion. Investigation of miR-145-regulated pathways involved in tumor invasion revealed a novel target, the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6). Subsequent analysis demonstrated that ARF6, a known regulator of breast tumor cell invasion, is dramatically upregulated in TNBC and in breast tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, ARF6 regulates E-cadherin localization and affects cell–cell adhesion. These results reveal a lincRNA-RoR/miR-145/ARF6 pathway that regulates invasion in TNBCs.

Implications: The lincRNA-RoR/miR-145/ARF6 pathway is critical to TNBC metastasis and could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for improving survival. Mol Cancer Res; 13(2); 330–8. ©2014 AACR.
A P19 and P19CL6 Cell-Based Complementary Approach to Determine Paracrine Effects in Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Dehne Tilo , Adam Xavier , Materne Eva-Maria , Reimann Mareike Carola , Krüger Jan Philipp , Van Linthout Sophie , Tschöpe Carsten , Haag Marion , Sittinger Michael , Ringe Jochen
Published: September 2014

The negligible self-repair potential of the myocardium has led to cell-based tissue engineering approaches to restore heart function. There is more and more consensus that, in addition to cell development, paracrine effects in particular play a pivotal role in the repair of heart tissue. Here, we present two complementary murine P19 and P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cell-based in vitro test approaches to study the potential of repair cells and the factors secreted by these cells to induce cardiomyogenesis. P19 cells were 3-dimensionally cultured in hanging drops and P19CL6 cells in a monolayer. Both systems, capable of inducible differentiation towards the cardiomyogenic lineage shown by the appearance of beating cells, the expression of connexin 43 and cardiac troponins T and I, were used to test the cardiomyogenesis-inducing potential of human cardiac-derived adherent proliferating (CardAP) cells, which are candidates for heart repair. CardAP cells in coculture as well as CardAP cell-conditioned medium initiated beating in P19 cells, depending on the cell composition and concentration of the medium. CardAP cell-dependent beating was not observed in P19CL6 cultures, but connexin 43 and cardiac troponin formation as well as expression of GATA-binding protein 4 indicated the dose-dependent stimulatory cardiomyogenic effect of human CardAP cells. In summary, in different ways, P19 and P19CL6 cells have shown their capability to detect paracrine effects of human CardAP cells. In a complementary approach, they could be beneficial for determining the stimulatory cardiomyogenic potential of candidate cardiac-repair cells in vitro.
Barriers and Facilitators for Medication Adherence in Stroke Patients: A Qualitative Study Conducted in French Neurological Rehabilitation Units
Authors: Bauler Stephanie , Jacquin-Courtois Sophie , Haesebaert Julie , Luaute Jacques , Coudeyre Emmanuel , Feutrier Corinne , Allenet Benoit , Decullier Evelyne , Rode Gilles , Janoly-Dumenil Audrey
Published: September 2014

Objective: To describe the perceptions of French patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals on stroke and secondary preventive medications. Method: A qualitative study was conducted, based on four predetermined topics: stroke, secondary prevention medications, patient's experience, relationship between patient/caregiver and healthcare team. Results: Twenty-six interviews were conducted. Difficulties in taking medications, lack of knowledge on stroke and medication benefits, fear of overmedication were identified as barriers for adherence in patients. Doubts about generic drugs were expressed by caregivers. Healthcare professionals reported lack of knowledge and absence of clinical symptoms as barriers. On the other hand, support from caregivers and healthcare professional support is essential for compliance in all participants. Patients and caregivers expressed that fear of recurrence was a facilitator for treatment compliance. Conclusion: This study highlights the barriers and facilitators for stroke treatment adherence and underlines the similarities and differences between the perceptions of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. These results must be integrated into the future French educational programs to improve medication adherence.
Regulation of TLR2 and NLRP3 in Primary Murine Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kasimsetty Sashi G. , DeWolf Sean E. , Shigeoka Alana A. , McKay Dianne B.
Published: September 2014

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are now recognized to be key triggers of injury in a variety of renal diseases. Several families of these receptors are present in the kidney, and recent data suggest that they are differentially expressed and regulated in the kidney. This study evaluated the interaction between two distinct PRRs that are expressed in the kidney, i.e. TLR2 (Toll-like receptor 2) and the NLRP3 inflammasome. The regulation and activation of these receptors in primary renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells from murine kidneys were evaluated. RTE cells were extracted from WT and NLRP3-mutant mice and treated ex vivo with ligands specific for TLR2 or NLRP3. We found that TLR2 upregulated NLRP3 as well as its substrate IL-1β, and that signaling through the NLRP3 inflammasome induced RTE cell necrosis. The results of this study suggest a previously unknown interaction between TLR2 and NLRP3 in primary RTE cells and highlight the importance of the cross talk that occurs in kidney-related PRRs. Understanding how PRRs are regulated is important for the design of rationale therapeutic strategies to modulate these receptors in renal disease.
Effects of Aging on Renal Function and Regenerative Capacity
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Emaad M. , Okusa Mark D.
Published: September 2014

Along with the increase in aging of our population, the proportion of older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is on the rise as a result of the accumulation of comorbidities as well as biological processes associated with aging. Older patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) comprise an increasing proportion of patients with CKD/ESRD as well. In this review, we will discuss biological processes of aging that predispose patients to AKI and CKD.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Chinese Women
Authors: Jin Feng , Tao MinFang , Teng YinCheng , Shao HongFang , Li ChangBing , Mills Edward
Published: September 2014

Objective: To explore the knowledge and prevalence of menopausal symptoms as well as the use and attitude toward hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in Chinese women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2011 and April 2012 in Shanghai, China. The structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and prevalence of menopausal symptoms, and knowledge and attitude towards HRT and its use were investigated. Results: 3,619 women aged 40-65 years were included in the analysis. The majority of the women had knowledge of menopause. Symptoms were prevalent in 16.1% of premenopausal women and in 49.3% of peri-, post- and surgical-menopausal women. Back and joint pain, sleeplessness, fatigue and sweating/hot flushes were frequently reported. HRT awareness among women was 3.5% and was related to menopausal, working and marital status; 75 (2.1%) women had used or were using HRT, of which 57.3% used HRT with a doctor's prescription and 29.3% experienced side effects from the use of HRT. Conclusion: Most Chinese women had knowledge of menopause and thought menopausal symptoms should not be treated. The awareness of HRT was poor and influenced by menopausal, working and marital status. Chinese health care providers have to assume responsibility for educating women about menopause and HRT use.
A Retrospective Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes after Kidney Transplantation in a Single Center
Authors: Erman Akar Munire , Ozekinci Murat , Sanhal Cem , Kececioglu Nilgun , Mendilcioglu Inanc , Senol Yesim , Dirican Kerem , Kocak Huseyin , Dinckan Ayhan , Suleymanlar Gultekin
Published: September 2014

Background: We reported pregnancy outcomes after kidney transplantation in a single transplant center. Methods: We reviewed the perinatal outcomes of female kidney transplant patients of reproductive age (18-40 years) from 1987 to 2011. Results: A total of 246 patients were reviewed. Of these, 43 women registered a pregnancy following kidney transplantation. The mean patient age was 31.3 ± 4.2 years (range 24-40). The mean transplant-conception interval was 35.9 ± 12.6 months (range 24-120); 9 patients had a cadaveric allograft. The human leukocyte antigen match was ≥3/6 for 34 patients. The rate of live births was 29/43 (67.4%), miscarriage 10/43 (23.2%), preterm delivery 7/29 (24.1%), preeclampsia 5/29 (17.2%), and intrauterine growth retardation 2/29 (6.9%). Overall, 3/29 patients (10.3%) received a blood transfusion during pregnancy due to persistent symptomatic anemia, despite iron replacement and erythropoietin therapy; 24 patients (82%) had a cesarean section delivery; 3 patients had kidney rejection during pregnancy, with 2 occurring during the 6th postpartum month. Conclusion: Pregnancy should be considered a high risk in renal transplant recipients, necessitating close follow-up.
In vivo Analysis of Cervical Range of Motion after Revised C1-C2 Pedicle Screw Technique for Pediatric Atlantoaxial Instability
Authors: Yang Feng , Dong Liang , Tan Mingsheng , Ma Haoning , Yi Ping , Tang Xiangsheng
Published: September 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the cervical range of motion (ROM) after revised C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation for pediatric patients with atlantoaxial instability. Methods: 17 pediatric patients (age range 5-14 years; mean 8.3 years) underwent the revised C1-C2 pedicle screw technique. Pre- and postoperative cervical ROM during flexion/extension, rotation and lateral bending were measured using a head-mounted motion goniometer. Plain radiographs, CT scans and MRI were performed to assess spinal cord compression, the accuracy of screw placement, and bone fusion. The American Spinal Injury Association classification was used to evaluate neurological function. Results: Revised atlantoaxial pedicle screw fixation was successfully performed in all 17 pediatric patients. There were no perioperative complications. All cases showed evidence of bone fusion 6 months after surgery by CT scan. During the follow-up period (24-92 months), of 6 patients with preoperative myelopathy, 3 improved from grade D to grade E and 3 from grade C to grade D. The final follow-up cervical ROM was significantly greater than the preoperative and 6-month postoperative ROM. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and 6-month postoperative ROM for flexion, extension, and left and right axial rotation movements. Conclusion: As a short-segmental fixation technique, revised C1-C2 pedicle screw fixation can provide effective biomechanical stability. Final follow-up cervical ROM is significantly increased through alleviating cervical pain and symptoms of myelopathy after surgery and possible subaxial compensation.
Targeting Inhaled Therapy beyond the Lungs
Authors: Mortensen Ninell P. , Hickey Anthony J.
Published: September 2014

Pulmonary disease has been the primary target of inhaled therapeutics for over 50 years. During that period, increasing interest has arisen in the use of this route of administration to gain access to the systemic circulation for the treatment of a number of diseases beyond the airways. In order to effectively employ this route, the barriers to transport from the lungs following deposition of aerosols must be considered, including the nature of the disease (whether proximal, as in pulmonary hypertension, or distal, as in diabetes). Delivery to the systemic circulation begins with the efficiency of aerosol generation and subsequent deposition in the airways and proceeds to the influence of mechanisms of clearance, including absorption, metabolism, and mucociliary and cell-mediated transport, on the residence time of the drugs in the lungs. The nature of the drug (small or large molecules/low or high molecular weight), susceptibility to degradation and general physicochemical properties play a role in the chemistry of its formulation, physics of aerosol delivery and biology of disposition.
Candidate Pathway-Based Genome-Wide Association Studies Identify Novel Associations of Genomic Variants in the Complement System Associated With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Xu Chengqi , Yang Qin , Xiong Hongbo , Wang Longfei , Cai Jianping , Wang Fan , Li Sisi , Chen Jing , Wang Chuchu , Wang Dan , Xiong Xin , Wang Pengyun , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaojing , Huang Yufeng , Chen Shanshan , Yin Dan , Li Xiuchun , Liu Ying , Liu Jinqiu , Wang Jingjing , Li Hui , Ke Tie , Ren Xiang , Wu Yanxia , Wu Gang , Wan Jing , Zhang Rongfeng , Wu Tangchun , Wang Junhan , Xia Yunlong , Yang Yanzong , Cheng Xiang , Liao Yuhua , Chen Qiuyun , Zhou Yanhong , He Qing , Tu Xin , Wang Qing K.
Published: September 2014

Background—

Genomic variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) explain <20% of heritability of coronary artery disease (CAD), thus many risk variants remain missing for CAD. Identification of new variants may unravel new biological pathways and genetic mechanisms for CAD. To identify new variants associated with CAD, we developed a candidate pathway-based GWAS by integrating expression quantitative loci analysis and mining of GWAS data with variants in a candidate pathway.

Methods and Results—

Mining of GWAS data was performed to analyze variants in 32 complement system genes for positive association with CAD. Functional variants in genes showing positive association were then identified by searching existing expression quantitative loci databases and validated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A follow-up case–control design was then used to determine whether the functional variants are associated with CAD in 2 independent GeneID Chinese populations. Candidate pathway-based GWAS identified positive association between variants in
C3AR1
and
C6
and CAD. Two functional variants, rs7842 in
C3AR1
and rs4400166 in
C6
, were found to be associated with expression levels of
C3AR1
and
C6
, respectively. Significant association was identified between rs7842 and CAD (
P
=3.99×10
−6
; odds ratio, 1.47) and between rs4400166 and CAD (
P
=9.30×10
−3
; odds ratio, 1.24) in the validation cohort. The significant findings were confirmed in the replication cohort (
P
=1.53×10
−5
; odds ratio, 1.37 for rs7842;
P
=8.41×10
−3
; odds ratio, 1.21 for rs4400166).

Conclusions—

Integration of GWAS with biological pathways and expression quantitative loci is effective in identifying new risk variants for CAD. Functional variants increasing
C3AR1
and
C6
expression were shown to confer significant risk of CAD for the first time.
Comparison of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire With Daily Angina Diary in the TERISA Clinical Trial
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V. , Kosiborod Mikhail , Li Yan , Jones Philip G. , Yue Patrick , Belardinelli Luiz , Spertus John A.
Published: September 2014

Background—

As new techniques emerge to quantify patients’ health status, new opportunities are created to validate patient-reported outcome questionnaires. The Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), a widely used coronary artery disease–specific health status tool, has not been validated against daily records of angina frequency and sublingual nitroglycerin (SL NTG) use. Additional evidence supporting the validity of the SAQ could justify its broader use as an outcome for clinical studies designed to evaluate treatments that may improve patients’ symptoms, function, and quality of life.

Methods and Results—

We used data from 917 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and stable angina from the multinational Type 2 Diabetes Evaluation of Ranolazine in Subjects With Chronic Stable Angina (TERISA) trial. The number of angina episodes and SL NTG used were recorded and transmitted daily using an electronic diary. In cross-sectional analyses, there was a strong relationship between the 2 SAQ angina frequency questions (ie, frequency of angina and SL NTG use) and the corresponding diary responses, with correlation coefficients of −0.64 for angina frequency (95% confidence interval,−0.68 to −0.60) and −0.69 for SL NTG use (95% confidence interval, −0.73 to −0.66). Longitudinally, changes in SAQ angina frequency scores from day 1 to week 8 also correlated with changes in angina frequency (−0.42; 95% confidence interval, −0.48 to −0.30) and SL NTG use by diary (−0.38; 95% confidence interval, −0.43 to −0.32) over the corresponding time period. Correlations were similar when stratified by age, sex, or geography.

Conclusions—

In a multinational cohort of patients with stable angina, the SAQ angina frequency domain was significantly correlated, both cross sectionally and longitudinally, with daily diary entries of angina frequency and SL NTG use. These data further support the validity of the SAQ angina frequency domain across a broad spectrum of patients with stable angina.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01425359.
A New Interpretation and Translation of Job 5:5
Authors: Burnight John
Published: September 2014

One of the most notoriously difficult—and frequently emended—verses in the Book of Job is 5:5, which the New jps Version translates as “May the hungry devour his harvest, Carrying it off in baskets; May the thirsty swallow their wealth”. Marvin Pope, for example, writes of 5:5b-c that “as they stand, these two lines are impossible and the various emendations not much better”, and all three cola have been the subject of considerable debate. In this paper a new interpretation of this problematic verse is offered, one that requires minimal emendation to the text and is well-suited to its context. In brief, I propose that the term in 5:5a generally translated as “harvest” should instead be glossed as “branches” (a collective singular in the Hebrew), and the verse as a whole taken as a “tree” metaphor that tacitly compares Job to a “fool” who commits apostasy.
Historicising Interpolations in the Isaiah-Memoir
Authors: Balogh Csaba
Published: September 2014

In studies on the composition of prophetic literature, the larger textual layers reinterpreting earlier texts, the so-called Fortschreibungen, received much attention. It is well-known that beside these larger literary elaborations prophetic books also contain shorter explanatory interpolations, often called glosses, which intend to clarify a particular imagery of the prophecy (e.g., Isa 9:14). A systematic reading of these short annotations has been neglected, however, in studying the formation of prophetic books. The present article reconsiders the Isaiah-Memoir from this perspective. It identifies editorial interpolations in three distinct pericopes, Isa 8:2, 8:6-7a and 8:23b. It is argued here that the identification of such explanatory additions is the key to understanding notorious textual complexities. Moreover, it points out that these interpolations tend to expose recognisable patterns and common hermeneutical principles. Unlike Fortschreibungen, however, these interpolations are not concerned with the reapplication of the prophecy to the era of the editor, but they intend to guide the reader in understanding the prophecies in their original historical setting.
Daemonic Trickery, Platonic Mimicry: Traces of Christian Daemonological Discourse in Porphyry’s De Abstinentia
Authors: Proctor Travis W.
Published: September 2014

Porphyry of Tyre’s discussion of daemons and animal sacrifice in De Abstinentia strays from traditional Platonic formulations of daemonic involvement in the Graeco-Roman cult. As a result, scholars have struggled to identify the intellectual pedigree for Porphyry’s daemonology. By contrast, I propose that Porphyry draws upon Christian Platonic daemonologies, best represented in the writings of Origen of Alexandria. To substantiate this hypothesis, I first outline the dissonance between Porphyry’s daemonology and his Hellenic predecessors, before outlining the several daemonological tenets he shares with Christian writers. Second, I note the extensive conceptual commonalities between Origen and Porphyry’s respective daemonologies, Finally, I reexamine Porphyry’s attribution of his daemonology to “certain Platonists,” a claim which, when read in light of Porphyry’s Vita Plotini, places Origen squarely within the intellectual circles from which Porphyry was drawing his daemonological discourse.
Minding the Gap: Bernard Williams and David Hume on Living an Ethical Life
Authors: Sagar Paul
Published: September 2014

Bernard Williams is frequently supposed to be an ethical Humean, due especially to his work on ‘internal’ reasons. In fact Williams’s work after his famous article ‘Internal and External Reasons’ constitutes a profound shift away from Hume’s ethical outlook. Whereas Hume offered a reconciling project whereby our ethical practices could be self-validating without reference to external justificatory foundations, Williams’s later work was increasingly skeptical of any such possibility. I conclude by suggesting reasons for thinking Williams was correct, a finding which should be of concern for anybody engaged in the study of ethics.
The Politics of the Taliban’s Shadow Judiciary, 2003–2013
Authors: Giustozzi Dr. Antonio , Baczko Adam
Published: September 2014

The Taliban established their own judicial system in Afghanistan as both an instrument of population control and as a means to project themselves as an effective parallel government. Despite the heavy reliance on coercion, the Taliban’s method of dealing with common criminality and resolving disputes was often welcome, though the weak appeal system and the rapidity of the trials was sometimes criticized. A more structured approach to coercion, featuring rules, regulation and supervision over the military, allows less use of violence and promises increased predictability for the population, making active resistance less of a necessity. In the long run, the establishment of credible judiciary institutions reshapes the social environment and creates vested interests in favor of Taliban domination.
A new combination in Cenchrus (Poaceae: Paniceae), with lectotypification of Panicum divisum
Authors: Verloove Filip , Govaerts Rafaël , BUTTLER KARL PETER
Published: September 2014

The new combination, Cenchrus divisus (J.F. Gmelin) Verloove, Govaerts & Buttler, is proposed for the species widely known as Pennisetum divisum (J.F. Gmelin) Henrard, and a lectotype for Panicum divisum J.F. Gmelin is designated.
New synonymies and new records of Afrotropical and Madagascan Pentatominae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: KMENT PETR , JINDRA ZDENĚK , RIDER DAVID A.
Published: September 2014

The following new synonymies within the family Pentatomidae, subfamily Pentatominae, are established: Aesula Stål, 1876 = Pseudacrosternum Day, 1965, syn. nov. (Nezarini), Aesula viridissima (Signoret, 1861) = Aesula signoretiana Kirkaldy, 1909, syn. nov. = Pseudacrosternum cachani Day, 1965, syn. nov. = Pseudacrosternum cachani var. scutellatum Day, 1965, syn. nov., and Andocides vittaticeps (Stål, 1858) = Andocides vittaticeps var. viridescens Schumacher, 1913, syn. nov. Afrania brachyptera (Schaum, 1853), stat. restit., is restored as the oldest available name for that species, with Afrania wahlbergi Stål, 1854, syn. restit., being its junior synonym. Lectotype of Pentatoma viridissima Signoret, 1861 is designated, and lectotype designation of Pseudolerida incerta (Schouteden, 1909) is commented. The following new or confirmed state records are provided: Cappaeini: Leridella kenyensis Jeannel, 1913 (Cameroon), Paralerida bolivari (Schouteden, 1904) (Republic of the Congo, Uganda), P. niokana Linnavuori, 1982 (Uganda), Tripanda (Tripanda) dispar Schouteden, 1964 (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia), T. (T.) horacekorum Kment & Jindra, 2009 (Cameroon, Guinea), T. (T.) jurickorum Kment & Jindra, 2009 (Gabon, Ivory Coast), T. (T.) longiceps (Villiers, 1967) (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon), T. (T.) signitenens (Distant, 1898) (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique), T. (Tenerva)       decorata (Jensen-Haarup, 1937) (Kenya, Oman, Tanzania); Carpocorini: Andocides vittaticeps (Angola); Diploxyini: Acoloba lanceolata (Fabricius, 1803) (Angola, Central African Republic, Zambia, Zimbabwe); Eysarcorini: Pseudolerida bitalensis Schouteden, 1958 (Cameroon), Pseudolerida incerta (Equatorial Guinea: Bioko Island, Tanzania, Uganda); Myrocheini: Humria bimaculicollis Linnavuori, 1975 (Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe); Strachiini: Afrania brachyptera (Schaum, 1853) (Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Tanzania: Tanganyika, Zanzibar; Uganda). Variability of Tripanda jurickorum, Pseudolerida incerta and Humria bimaculicollis is discussed.
Carabus of Subgenus Cathoplius C.G. Thomson, 1875, with description of their life-way, life-cycle and pre-imaginal morphology (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Busato Enrico , Ghittino Claudio , Casale Achille
Published: September 2014

According to current taxonomy, Subgenus Cathoplius C.G. Thomson, 1875, within the Genus Carabus Linnaeus, 1758 (in the broad sense), includes two species: C. (Cathoplius) asperatus (Dejean, 1826), monotypic with a northern distribution, and the southern polytypic substitutive species C. (Cathoplius) stenocephalus Lucas, 1866. The authors describe the life-way, life-cycle and pre-imaginal characters of the taxa currently ascribed to Subgenus Cathoplius, with details never provided before. Cathoplius are ground beetles adapted to live in arid environments and extreme habitats such as sub-desert areas. All of them are strictly helicophagous, both during the pre-imaginal stages and as adults, and are localized in a narrow fringe along the Atlantic coast of northwestern Africa. Several data and observations on the eco-ethology of the different taxa, obtained both in field and in laboratory, are reported. The life-cycle of Cathoplius belongs to the winter breeding type, with an extremely high fecundity rate concentrated in a very short period of time, that has no similarity to any other Carabus species. Eggs, larvae and pupae of the different species and subspecies of Cathoplius are described and illustrated. Larval characters clearly place Subgenus Cathoplius into the lineage of Neocarabi, confirming it as a monophyletic and homogeneous assemblage. Hybridization trials between some taxa led to a reduced survival rate of the progeny, thus confirming their specific or subspecific differentiation as proposed by classical taxonomy. Furthermore, hybridization results suggest that C. (Cathoplius) stenocephalus aliai could be considered as a distinct species. Notes about the origin, biogeography and phylogeny of Cathoplius are also provided.
The scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of the Maltese Archipelago
Authors: MIFSUD David , MAZZEO GAETANA , RUSSO AGATINO , WATSON GILLIAN W.
Published: September 2014

Past works on scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from the Maltese Archipelago are reviewed. Based on the literature and contemporary collections, a total of 93 species of scale insects belonging to 12 scale insect families are here reported (Aclerdidae 1 species; Asterolecaniidae 4; Coccidae 17; Diaspididae 46; Eriococcidae 5; Kermesidae 1; Margarodidae 1; Micrococcidae 1; Monophlebidae 2; Pseudoccocidae 11; Putoidae 2 and Rhizoecidae 2). Of these, 17 species represent new distribution records. Ten species are excluded from the scale insect fauna of the Maltese Islands. Of the 93 species present, only 29 (31.18%) are probably indigenous and the rest (68.82%) represent established introductions from elsewhere. More than 65% of the indigenous species are typical Mediterranean in distribution, with a few species having a mainly European chorotype. A quarter of the established aliens originate from Eurasia, followed by an East Asian/ Oriental component (20.31%); European (14.06%); Neotropical (14.06%); cryptogenic (14.06%); African (7.81%) and Australasian (4.70%). Movement of live fruit trees and ornamental plants into the Maltese Archipelago from nearby countries is probably the main route for entry of alien scale insects into the country. Some possible future introductions are discussed.
Stalk-eyed wasps—review of a largely unnoticed group of morphologically bizarre chalcidoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae: Axima)
Authors: ARIAS-PENNA DIANA CAROLINA , PAPE THOMAS , KROGMANN LARS
Published: September 2014

Axima Walker is a small genus of Eurytomidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) exclusive to the Western Hemisphere. Some species are distinctive in having stalked eyes and Axima sidi, sp. n. is described as the third stalk-eyed species based on a single female from Colombia. A key to facilitate species identification of stalk-eyed Axima is included. The only species of Axima for which host biology is known is a primary parasitoid of dwarf carpenter bees of the genus Ceratina Latreille (Apidae: Xylocopinae). A hypothesis about the possible function of stalked eyes in Axima as devices to assist the escape of adult wasps from hosts enclosed in the soft pith of plant stems is proposed.
Large-Scale Atmospheric and Oceanic Conditions for Extensive and Persistent Icing Events in China
Authors: Wang Zunya , Yang Song , Ke Zongjian , Jiang Xingwen
Published: September 2014

Based on the observational datasets of rime and glaze from 743 stations in China and the atmospheric circulation data from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis during 1954–2009, large-scale atmospheric and oceanic conditions for extensive and persistent rime and glaze events were examined with a composite analysis. Results show that rime events mostly occur in northern China while glaze events are mainly observed in southern China. The icing events are accompanied by low temperature and high humidity but not necessarily by above-normal precipitation. The Asian low, blocking highs, strong moisture transport, and an inversion layer related to major abnormal circulation systems contribute to the occurrence and persistence of icing events in China. The Ural blocking high plays a major role in the glaze events, and the Okhotsk blocking high is closely related to the rime events. For glaze events, extratropical circulation anomalies and the southward outbreak of cold air play a dominant role. In contrast, the strong northward transport of warm and moist airflows plays a leading role and the blocking high and the southward outbreak of extratropical cold air take a supporting role for rime events. There is nearly an equal chance for occurrences of rime events under La Niña and El Niño backgrounds. However, glaze events more likely occur under the background of La Niña. Additionally, the sea surface temperatures from the tropical Indian Ocean to the tropical northwestern Pacific Ocean also contribute to the occurrence and maintenance of icing events in China.