bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormality
Authors: Atesok Kivanc , Tanaka Nobuhiro , O’Brien Andrew , Robinson Yohan , Pang Dachling , Deinlein Donald , Manoharan Sakthivel Rajaram , Pittman Jason , Theiss Steven
Published: January 2018

“Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormality” (SCIWORA) is a term that denotes objective clinical signs of posttraumatic spinal cord injury without evidence of fracture or malalignment on plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) of the spine. SCIWORA is most commonly seen in children with a predilection for the cervical spinal cord due to the increased mobility of the cervical spine, the inherent ligamentous laxity, and the large head-to-body ratio during childhood. However, SCIWORA can also be seen in adults and, in rare cases, the thoracolumbar spinal cord can be affected too. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with SCIWORA because of its superior ability to identify soft tissue lesions such as cord edema, hematomas and transections, and discoligamentous injuries that may not be visualized in plain radiographs and CT. The mainstay of treatment in patients with SCIWORA is nonoperative management including steroid therapy, immobilization, and avoidance of activities that may increase the risk of exacerbation or recurrent injury. Although the role of operative treatment in SCIWORA can be controversial, surgical alternatives such as decompression and fusion should be considered in selected patients with clinical and MRI evidence of persistent spinal cord compression and instability.
The Half-Logistic Generalized Weibull Distribution
Authors: Anwar Masood , Bibi Amna
Published: January 2018

A new three-parameter generalized distribution, namely, half-logistic generalized Weibull (HLGW) distribution, is proposed. The proposed distribution exhibits increasing, decreasing, bathtub-shaped, unimodal, and decreasing-increasing-decreasing hazard rates. The distribution is a compound distribution of type I half-logistic-G and Dimitrakopoulou distribution. The new model includes half-logistic Weibull distribution, half-logistic exponential distribution, and half-logistic Nadarajah-Haghighi distribution as submodels. Some distributional properties of the new model are investigated which include the density function shapes and the failure rate function, raw moments, moment generating function, order statistics, L-moments, and quantile function. The parameters involved in the model are estimated using the method of maximum likelihood estimation. The asymptotic distribution of the estimators is also investigated via Fisher’s information matrix. The likelihood ratio (LR) test is used to compare the HLGW distribution with its submodels. Some applications of the proposed distribution using real data sets are included to examine the usefulness of the distribution.
Density-Based Statistical Clustering: Enabling Sidefire Ultrasonic Traffic Sensing in Smart Cities
Authors: Lücken Volker , Voss Nils , Schreier Julien , Baag Thomas , Gehring Michael , Raschen Matthias , Lanius Christian , Leupers Rainer , Ascheid Gerd
Published: January 2018

Traffic routing is a central challenge in the context of urban areas, with a direct impact on personal mobility, traffic congestion, and air pollution. In the last decade, the possibilities for traffic flow control have improved together with the corresponding management systems. However, the lack of real-time traffic flow information with a city-wide coverage is a major limiting factor for an optimum operation. Smart City concepts seek to tackle these challenges in the future by combining sensing, communications, distributed information, and actuation. This paper presents an integrated approach that combines smart street lamps with traffic sensing technology. More specifically, infrastructure-based ultrasonic sensors, which are deployed together with a street light system, are used for multilane traffic participant detection and classification. Application of these sensors in time-varying reflective environments posed an unresolved problem for many ultrasonic sensing solutions in the past and therefore widely limited the dissemination of this technology. We present a solution using an algorithmic approach that combines statistical standardization with clustering techniques from the field of unsupervised learning. By using a multilevel communication concept, centralized and decentralized traffic information fusion is possible. The evaluation is based on results from automotive test track measurements and several European real-world installations.
Activation of 4-1BB on Liver Myeloid Cells Triggers Hepatitis via an Interleukin-27–Dependent Pathway
Authors: Bartkowiak Todd , Jaiswal Ashvin R. , Ager Casey R. , Chin Renee , Chen Chao-Hsien , Budhani Pratha , Ai Midan , Reilley Matthew J. , Sebastian Manu M. , Hong David S. , Curran Michael A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose: Agonist antibodies targeting the T-cell costimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137) are among the most effective immunotherapeutic agents across preclinical cancer models. In the clinic, however, development of these agents has been hampered by dose-limiting liver toxicity. Lack of knowledge of the mechanisms underlying this toxicity has limited the potential to separate 4-1BB agonist–driven tumor immunity from hepatotoxicity.

Experimental Design: The capacity of 4-1BB agonist antibodies to induce liver toxicity was investigated in immunocompetent mice, with or without coadministration of checkpoint blockade, via (i) measurement of serum transaminase levels, (ii) imaging of liver immune infiltrates, and (iii) qualitative and quantitative assessment of liver myeloid and T cells via flow cytometry. Knockout mice were used to clarify the contribution of specific cell subsets, cytokines, and chemokines.

Results: We find that activation of 4-1BB on liver myeloid cells is essential to initiate hepatitis. Once activated, these cells produce interleukin-27 that is required for liver toxicity. CD8 T cells infiltrate the liver in response to this myeloid activation and mediate tissue damage, triggering transaminase elevation. FoxP3+ regulatory T cells limit liver damage, and their removal dramatically exacerbates 4-1BB agonist–induced hepatitis. Coadministration of CTLA-4 blockade ameliorates transaminase elevation, whereas PD-1 blockade exacerbates it. Loss of the chemokine receptor CCR2 blocks 4-1BB agonist hepatitis without diminishing tumor-specific immunity against B16 melanoma.

Conclusions: 4-1BB agonist antibodies trigger hepatitis via activation and expansion of interleukin-27–producing liver Kupffer cells and monocytes. Coadministration of CTLA-4 and/or CCR2 blockade may minimize hepatitis, but yield equal or greater antitumor immunity. Clin Cancer Res; 24(5); 1138–51. ©2018 AACR.
Pancreatic Juice Mutation Concentrations Can Help Predict the Grade of Dysplasia in Patients Undergoing Pancreatic Surveillance
Authors: Suenaga Masaya , Yu Jun , Shindo Koji , Tamura Koji , Almario Jose Alejandro , Zaykoski Christopher , Witmer P. Dane , Fesharakizadeh Shahriar , Borges Michael , Lennon Anne-Marie , Shin Eun-Ji , Canto Marcia Irene , Goggins Michael
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The measurement of mutations in pancreatic juice samples collected from the duodenum during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may improve the diagnostic evaluation of patients undergoing pancreatic surveillance. Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of using pancreatic juice mutation concentrations to predict the presence and histologic grade of neoplasia in the pancreas.

Experimental Design: Digital next-generation sequencing (NGS) of pancreatic juice DNA using a targeted 12-gene panel was performed on 67 patients undergoing pancreatic evaluation during EUS, including patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, patients who subsequently underwent pancreatic resection for precursor lesions, patients undergoing surveillance for their familial/inherited susceptibility to pancreatic cancer, and normal pancreas disease controls.

Results: Patients with pancreatic cancer or high-grade dysplasia as their highest grade lesion had significantly higher pancreatic juice mutation concentrations than all other subjects (mean/SD digital NGS score; 46.6 ± 69.7 vs. 6.2 ± 11.6, P = 0.02). Pancreatic juice mutation concentrations distinguished patients with pancreatic cancer or high-grade dysplasia in their resection specimen from all other subjects with 72.2% sensitivity and 89.4% specificity [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.872]. Mutant TP53/SMAD4 concentrations could distinguish patients with pancreatic cancer or high-grade dysplasia in their resection specimen from all other subjects with 61.1% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity (AUC = 0.819). Among 31 high-risk individuals under surveillance, 2 of the 3 individuals with most abnormal pancreatic juice mutation profiles also had the most abnormalities on pancreatic imaging.

Conclusions: Pancreatic juice mutation analysis using digital NGS has potential diagnostic utility in the evaluation of patients undergoing pancreatic surveillance. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2963–74. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Lipner and Yeh, p. 2713
p53-Reactive T Cells Are Associated with Clinical Benefit in Patients with Platinum-Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer After Treatment with a p53 Vaccine and Gemcitabine Chemotherapy
Authors: Hardwick Nicola R. , Frankel Paul , Ruel Christopher , Kilpatrick Julie , Tsai Weimin , Kos Ferdynand , Kaltcheva Teodora , Leong Lucille , Morgan Robert , Chung Vincent , Tinsley Raechelle , Eng Melissa , Wilczynski Sharon , Ellenhorn Joshua D.I. , Diamond Don J. , Cristea Mihaela
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To conduct a phase I trial of a Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine delivering wild-type human p53 (p53MVA) in combination with gemcitabine chemotherapy in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design: Patients received gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 and p53MVA vaccine on day 15, during the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Toxicity was classified using the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria and clinical response assessed by CT scan. Peripheral blood samples were collected for immunophenotyping and monitoring of anti-p53 immune responses.

Results: Eleven patients were evaluated for p53MVA/gemcitabine toxicity, clinical outcome, and immunologic response. Toxicity: there were no DLTs, but 3 of 11 patients came off study early due to gemcitabine-attributed adverse events (AE). Minimal AEs were attributed to p53MVA vaccination. Immunologic and clinical response: enhanced in vitro recognition of p53 peptides was detectable after immunization in both the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell compartments in 5 of 11 and 6 of 11 patients, respectively. Changes in peripheral T regulatory cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) did not correlate significantly with vaccine response or progression-free survival (PFS). Patients with the greatest expansion of p53-reactive T cells had significantly longer PFS than patients with lower p53-reactivity after therapy. Tumor shrinkage or disease stabilization occurred in 4 patients.

Conclusions: p53MVA was well tolerated, but gemcitabine without steroid pretreatment was intolerable in some patients. However, elevated p53-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses after therapy correlated with longer PFS. Therefore, if responses to p53MVA can be enhanced with alternative agents, superior clinical responses may be achievable. Clin Cancer Res; 24(6); 1315–25. ©2018 AACR.
Reactive Oxygen Species Generated by CD45- Cells Distinct from Leukocyte Population in Platelet Concentrates Is Correlated with the Expression and Release of Platelet Activation Markers during Storage
Authors: Ghasemzadeh Mehran , Hosseini Ehteramolsadat , Shahbaz Ghasabeh Amin , Mousavi Hosseini Kamran
Published: January 2018

Background: Platelet stimulation with agonists is accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which promotes further platelet activation and aggregation. Considering different cell populations in platelet concentrates (PCs), this study investigates the correlation of ROS generation with the expression and release of platelet activation markers during storage. Methods: Samples obtained from 6 PCs were subjected to flow cytometry and ELISA to evaluate the expression and shedding of platelet P-selectin or CD40L during storage. Intracellular ROS were detected in either CD45- or CD45+ population by flow cytometry using dihydrorhodamine 123, while ROS production was analyzed in both P-selectin+ or P-selectin- and CD40L+ or CD40L- populations. To further evaluate the correlation between ROS generation and release function, TRAP-stimulated platelets were also subjected to flow cytometry analysis. Results: ROS detected in the CD45- population (leukocyte-free platelets) was significantly increased by fMLP and PMA. P-selectin- or CD40L- platelet did not show significant amount of ROS. Total ROS generation was significantly increased during platelet storage (day 0 vs. day 5; p = 0.0002) while this increasing pattern was directly correlated with the expression of P-selectin (r = 0.72; p = 0.0001) and CD40L (r = 0.69; p = 0.0001). ROS generations were significantly correlated with ectodomain shedding of these pro-inflammatory molecules. Conclusion: Our data confirmed increasing levels of intracellular ROS generation in both platelets (CD45-) and platelet-leukocyte aggregates (CD45+) during PC storage. The amount of detected ROS is directly correlated with platelet activation and release in each population while platelet-leukocyte aggregates generate higher levels of ROS than single platelets.
Cooperative Effects of Q10, Vitamin D3, and L-Arginine on Cardiac and Endothelial Cells
Authors: Molinari Claudio , Morsanuto Vera , Polli Simona , Uberti Francesca
Published: January 2018

This work demonstrates the cooperative effect of Q10, vitamin D3, and L-arginine on both cardiac and endothelial cells. The effects of Q10, L-arginine, and vitamin D3 alone or combined on cell viability, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species productions in endothelial and cardiac cells were studied. Moreover, the involvement of PI3K/Akt and ERK/MAPK pathways leading to eNOS activation as well as the involvement of vitamin D receptor were also investigated. The same agents were tested in an animal model to verify vasodilation, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species production. The data obtained in this work demonstrate for the first time the beneficial and cooperative effect of stimulation with Q10, L-arginine, and vitamin D3. Indeed, in cardiac and endothelial cells, Q10, L-arginine, and vitamin D3 combined were able to induce a nitric oxide production higher than the that induced by the 3 substances alone. The effects on vasodilation induced by cooperative stimulation have been confirmed in an in vivo model as well. The use of a combination of Q10, L-arginine, and vitamin D to counteract increased free radical production could be a potential method to reduce myocardial injury or the effects of aging on the heart.
Optical Measurements during Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Implantation: Safety Aspects
Authors: Zsigmond Peter , Hemm-Ode Simone , Wårdell Karin
Published: January 2018

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared complication in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate patient safety and outcome using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) as guidance tool during DBS implantations. Methods: An LDF probe adapted for the stereotactic system was used as guide for creation of the trajectory. The microcirculation along 83 preplanned trajectories was measured with the guide during DBS surgery for movement disorders. The microvascular blood flow levels were investigated for all measurement positions. Medical record and postoperative radiology were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of 2,963 measurement positions, 234 (7.9%) showed at least a doubled blood flow compared to the surrounding tissue. Of these 2.2% had a more than 5 times higher blood flow in front of the probe tip. Along 1 trajectory, a small ICH was detected during surgery. Increased blood flow was more common close to sulci and verticals. Conclusion: Real-time LDF measurement of the microcirculation using a forward-looking probe during DBS surgery can detect blood flow peaks and further minimize the risk of developing ICH. No separate guide tube is necessary as the probe also creates the trajectory for the DBS lead.
A Retrospective Analysis of Dialysis Events over a 3-Year Period in an Outpatient Dialysis Unit in the State of Kuwait
Authors: Ramadan Moustapha Ahmed , Hebbar Gautam
Published: January 2018

Objective: To determine the difference in the rates of dialysis events stratified by vascular access type and to describe the microbiological profile and sensitivity patterns of positive blood cultures over a 3-year period. Subjects and Methods: The dialysis event data of 10,751 chronic hemodialysis patients collected from March 2013 to February 2016 at an outpatient dialysis unit in Kuwait were reviewed. The dialysis events studied were: intravenous (IV) antimicrobial use, a positive blood culture, and signs of inflammation at the vascular access site. Dialysis event rates were stratified by the type of vascular access used for the dialysis, i.e., fistula, graft, and tunneled/nontunneled central line. Rates were expressed per 100 patient-months. Results: The overall dialysis event rate was (10.7/100 patient-months). The rate of IV antimicrobial use was higher (12.53/100 patient-months) in patients with tunneled central lines than in all other vascular access types (10.29/100 patient-months). Positive blood culture and inflammation at the vascular access site were highest in patients with nontunneled central lines (1.65 and 1.54/100 patient-months, respectively) when compared to those with other types of vascular access. Gram-negative rod isolates were predominant in patients with central lines (n = 35; 46.67%); however, common skin commensals and gram-negative rods were also identified in patients with fistula or graft (n = 4; 44.45%). Conclusion: Dialysis event rates were higher among patients with tunneled or nontunneled central lines than in patients with fistula or graft. Gram-negative rods were the most commonly isolated microbial group.
Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a)) Levels Predict Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Subjects With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease on Intensive Lipid Therapy
Authors: Hippe Daniel S. , Phan Binh An P. , Sun Jie , Isquith Daniel A. , O’Brien Kevin D. , Crouse John R. , Anderson Todd , Huston John , Marcovina Santica M. , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Yuan Chun , Zhao Xue-Qiao
Published: January 2018

Objective—

To assess whether Lp(a) (lipoprotein(a)) levels and other lipid levels were predictive of progression of atherosclerosis burden as assessed by carotid magnetic resonance imaging in subjects who have been treated with LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)–lowering therapy and participated in the AIM-HIGH trial (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome With Low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcomes).

Approach and Results—

AIM-HIGH was a randomized, double-blind study of subjects with established vascular disease, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). One hundred fifty-two AIM-HIGH subjects underwent both baseline and 2-year follow-up carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging. Plaque burden was measured by the percent wall volume (%WV) of the carotid artery. Associations between annualized change in %WV with baseline and on-study (1 year) lipid variables were evaluated using multivariate linear regression and the Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. Average %WV at baseline was 41.6±6.8% and annualized change in %WV over 2 years ranged from −3.2% to 3.7% per year (mean: 0.2±1.1% per year;
P
=0.032). Increases in %WV were significantly associated with higher baseline Lp(a) (β=0.34 per 1-SD increase of Lp(a); 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.52;
P
<0.001) after adjusting for clinical risk factors and other lipid levels. On-study Lp(a) had a similar positive association with %WV progression (β=0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.52;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Despite intensive lipid therapy, aimed at aggressively lowering LDL-C to <70 mg/dL, carotid atherosclerosis continued to progress as assessed by carotid magnetic resonance imaging and that elevated Lp(a) levels were independent predictors of increases in atherosclerosis burden.
Epithelial Properties of the Second Heart Field
Authors: Cortes Claudio , Francou Alexandre , De Bono Christopher , Kelly Robert G.
Published: January 2018

The vertebrate heart tube forms from epithelial progenitor cells in the early embryo and subsequently elongates by progressive addition of second heart field (SHF) progenitor cells from adjacent splanchnic mesoderm. Failure to maximally elongate the heart results in a spectrum of morphological defects affecting the cardiac poles, including outflow tract alignment and atrioventricular septal defects, among the most common congenital birth anomalies. SHF cells constitute an atypical apicobasally polarized epithelium with dynamic basal filopodia, located in the dorsal wall of the pericardial cavity. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of epithelial architecture and cell adhesion in the SHF, particularly for signaling events that control the progenitor cell niche during heart tube elongation. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome gene
Tbx1
regulates progenitor cell status through modulating cell shape and filopodial activity and is required for SHF contributions to both cardiac poles. Noncanonical Wnt signaling and planar cell polarity pathway genes control epithelial polarity in the dorsal pericardial wall, as progenitor cells differentiate in a transition zone at the arterial pole. Defects in these pathways lead to outflow tract shortening. Moreover, new biomechanical models of heart tube elongation have been proposed based on analysis of tissue-wide forces driving epithelial morphogenesis in the SHF, including regional cell intercalation, cell cohesion, and epithelial tension. Regulation of the epithelial properties of SHF cells is thus emerging as a key step during heart tube elongation, adding a new facet to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying both heart morphogenesis and congenital heart defects.
Autophagy Is Required for Sortilin-Mediated Degradation of Apolipoprotein B100
Authors: Amengual Jaume , Guo Liang , Strong Alanna , Madrigal-Matute Julio , Wang Haizhen , Kaushik Susmita , Brodsky Jeffrey L. , Rader Daniel J. , Cuervo Ana Maria , Fisher Edward A.
Published: January 2018

Rationale:

Genome-wide association studies identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms near the
SORT1
locus strongly associated with decreased plasma LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels and protection from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. The minor allele of the causal
SORT1
single-nucleotide polymorphism locus creates a putative C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α)-binding site in the
SORT1
promoter, thereby increasing in homozygotes sortilin expression by 12-fold in liver, which is rich in this transcription factor. Our previous studies in mice have showed reductions in plasma LDL-C and its principal protein component, apoB (apolipoprotein B) with increased
SORT1
expression, and in vitro studies suggested that sortilin promoted the presecretory lysosomal degradation of apoB associated with the LDL precursor, VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein).

Objective:

To determine directly that
SORT1
overexpression results in apoB degradation and to identify the mechanisms by which this reduces apoB and VLDL secretion by the liver, thereby contributing to understanding the clinical phenotype of lower LDL-C levels.

Methods and Results:

Pulse-chase studies directly established that
SORT1
overexpression results in apoB degradation. As noted above, previous work implicated a role for lysosomes in this degradation. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we now demonstrate that the sortilin-mediated route of apoB to lysosomes is unconventional and intersects with autophagy. Increased expression of sortilin diverts more apoB away from secretion, with both proteins trafficking to the endosomal compartment in vesicles that fuse with autophagosomes to form amphisomes. The amphisomes then merge with lysosomes. Furthermore, we show that sortilin itself is a regulator of autophagy and that its activity is scaled to the level of apoB synthesis.

Conclusions:

These results strongly suggest that an unconventional lysosomal targeting process dependent on autophagy degrades apoB that was diverted from the secretory pathway by sortilin and provides a mechanism contributing to the reduced LDL-C found in individuals with
SORT1
overexpression.
Physiologic, Pathologic, and Therapeutic Paracrine Modulation of Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling
Authors: Mayourian Joshua , Ceholski Delaine K. , Gonzalez David M. , Cashman Timothy J. , Sahoo Susmita , Hajjar Roger J. , Costa Kevin D.
Published: January 2018

Cardiac excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) is the orchestrated process of initial myocyte electrical excitation, which leads to calcium entry, intracellular trafficking, and subsequent sarcomere shortening and myofibrillar contraction. Neurohumoral β-adrenergic signaling is a well-established mediator of ECC; other signaling mechanisms, such as paracrine signaling, have also demonstrated significant impact on ECC but are less well understood. For example, resident heart endothelial cells are well-known physiological paracrine modulators of cardiac myocyte ECC mainly via NO and endothelin-1. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated other resident noncardiomyocyte heart cells (eg, physiological fibroblasts and pathological myofibroblasts), and even experimental cardiotherapeutic cells (eg, mesenchymal stem cells) are also capable of altering cardiomyocyte ECC through paracrine mechanisms. In this review, we first focus on the paracrine-mediated effects of resident and therapeutic noncardiomyocytes on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, electrophysiology, and calcium handling, each of which can modulate ECC, and then discuss the current knowledge about key paracrine factors and their underlying mechanisms of action. Next, we provide a case example demonstrating the promise of tissue-engineering approaches to study paracrine effects on tissue-level contractility. More specifically, we present new functional and molecular data on the effects of human adult cardiac fibroblast conditioned media on human engineered cardiac tissue contractility and ion channel gene expression that generally agrees with previous murine studies but also suggests possible species-specific differences. By contrast, paracrine secretions by human dermal fibroblasts had no discernible effect on human engineered cardiac tissue contractile function and gene expression. Finally, we discuss systems biology approaches to help identify key stem cell paracrine mediators of ECC and their associated mechanistic pathways. Such integration of tissue-engineering and systems biology methods shows promise to reveal novel insights into paracrine mediators of ECC and their underlying mechanisms of action, ultimately leading to improved cell-based therapies for patients with heart disease.
Elixir of Life
Authors: Beyret Ergin , Martinez Redondo Paloma , Platero Luengo Aida , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos
Published: January 2018

All living beings undergo systemic physiological decline after ontogeny, characterized as aging. Modern medicine has increased the life expectancy, yet this has created an aged society that has more predisposition to degenerative disorders. Therefore, novel interventions that aim to extend the healthspan in parallel to the life span are needed. Regeneration ability of living beings maintains their biological integrity and thus is the major leverage against aging. However, mammalian regeneration capacity is low and further declines during aging. Therefore, modalities that reinforce regeneration can antagonize aging. Recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine have shown that aging is not an irreversible process. Conversion of somatic cells to embryonic-like pluripotent cells demonstrated that the differentiated state and age of a cell is not fixed. Identification of the pluripotency-inducing factors subsequently ignited the idea that cellular features can be reprogrammed by defined factors that specify the desired outcome. The last decade consequently has witnessed a plethora of studies that modify cellular features including the hallmarks of aging in addition to cellular function and identity in a variety of cell types in vitro. Recently, some of these reprogramming strategies have been directly used in animal models in pursuit of rejuvenation and cell replacement. Here, we review these in vivo reprogramming efforts and discuss their potential use to extend the longevity by complementing or augmenting the regenerative capacity.
Transient Ischemic Attack Results in Delayed Brain Atrophy and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Bivard Andrew , Lillicrap Thomas , Maréchal Bénédicte , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Holliday Elizabeth , Krishnamurthy Venkatesh , Levi Christopher R. , Parsons Mark
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose—

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) initiates an ischemic cascade without resulting in frank infarction and, as such, represents a novel model to study the effects of this ischemic cascade and secondary neurodegeneration in humans.

Methods—

Patients with suspected TIA underwent acute brain perfusion imaging, and those with acute ischemia were enrolled into a prospective observational study. We collected baseline and 90-day magnetic resonance imaging, including MP-RAGE (high-resolution T1 sequence) and cognitive assessment with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Brain morphometry and within patient statistical analysis were performed to identify changes between baseline and 90-day imaging and clinical assessments.

Results—

Fifty patients with TIA with acute perfusion lesions were studied. All patients experienced a decrease in global cortical gray matter (
P
=0.005). Patients with anterior circulation TIA (n=31) also had a significant reduction in the volume of the pons (
P
<0.001), ipsilesional parietal lobe (
P
<0.001), occipital lobe (
P
=0.002), frontal lobe (
P
<0.001), temporal lobe (
P
=0.003), and thalamus (
P
=0.016). Patients with an anterior perfusion lesion on acute imaging also had a significant decrease in Montreal Cognitive Assessment between baseline and day 90 (
P
=0.027), which may be related to the volume of thalamic atrophy (
R
2
=0.28;
P
=0.009).

Conclusions—

In a prospective observational study, patients with TIA confirmed by acute perfusion imaging experienced a significant reduction in global gray matter and focal structural atrophy related to the area of acute ischemia. The atrophy also resulted in a proportional decreased cognitive performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Further studies are required to identify the mechanisms of this atrophy.
The Sense of Quoting
Authors: Odell-Scott David W.
Published: January 2018

This essay argues that the neutral continuous script of ancient manuscripts of the Greek New Testament composed with no punctuation and no spacing provided readers discretionary authority to determine and assess the status of phrases as they articulated a cohesive and coherent reading of the script. The variety of reading renditions, each differently scored with punctuation, supported the production of quotations. These cultivated and harvested quotes, while useful for authorizing sectarian discourse, rarely convey the sense of the phrase in the continuous script. Augustine’s work on punctuating the scriptures in service to the production of plainer quotable passages in support of the rule of faith is addressed. The textual analysis of a plainer quotable passage at 1 Cor. 7:1b concerning male celibacy supports the thesis that plainer passages are the product of interpretative scoring of the script in service to discursive endeavours. To quote is often to misquote.
Sphagnum incundum a new species in Sphagnum subg. Acutifolia (Sphagnaceae) from boreal and arctic regions of North America
Authors: KYRKJEEIDE MAGNI OLSEN , HASSEL KRISTIAN , SHAW BLANKA , SHAW A. JONATHAN , TEMSCH EVA M. , FLATBERG KJELL IVAR
Published: January 2018

We describe Sphagnum incundum in Sphagnum subgenus Acutifolia (Sphagnaceae, Bryophyta). We used both molecular and morphological methods to describe the new species. Molecular relationships with closely related species were explored based on microsatellites and nuclear and plastid DNA sequences. The morphological description is based on qualitative examination of morphological characters and measurements of leaves and hyalocysts. Morphological characters are compared between closely related species. The results from Feulgen densitometry and microsatellite analysis show that S. incundum is gametophytically haploid. Molecular analyses show that it is a close relative to S. flavicomans, S. subfulvum and S. subnitens, but differs both genetically and in morphological key characters, justifying the description of S. incundum as a new species. The new peatmoss is found in North America along the western coast of Greenland, in Canada from Quebec and Northwest Territories, and Alaska (United States). The new species has a boreal to arctic distribution.
Pedicularis munzurdaghensis (Orobanchaceae), a new species from Turkey
Authors: ARMAĞAN METİN
Published: January 2018

Pedicularis munzurdaghensis, a new species from Turkey, is described and illustrated. This species was found in the rocky limestone crevices in the Munzur Mountains between Tunceli and Erzincan, in Eastern Turkey. The new species is compared with those it is morphologically close, P. cadmea, P. arguteserrata, and P. anthemifolia.
Lectotypification of some Senegalia and Vachellia species (Mimosoideae, Leguminosae) from India
Authors: DESHPANDE ANUP S. , KRISHNAN SELLAPPAN , JANARTHANAM MALAPATI K.
Published: January 2018

Subdivision of the former broadly circumscribed genus Acacia Miller (1754) (see Miller & Seigler, 2012 for overview) and the conservation of Acacia with a new type (McNeill & Turland, 2011) has led to many nomenclatural changes globally. As summarized by Maslin (2015) there are currently five genera recognized for taxa previously included in Acacia sens. lat. Of these, the pan-tropical genera Senegalia Rafinesque (1838: 119) and Vachellia Wight & Arnott (1834: 272) encompass the entire indigenous ‘Acacia’ flora of India, with several species of Acacia sens. str. introduced to the subcontinent.
Formal recognition of six subordinate taxa within the South American bracken fern, Pteridium esculentum (P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum s.l.—Dennstaedtiaceae), based on morphology and geography
Authors: SCHWARTSBURD PEDRO B. , YAÑEZ AGUSTINA , PRADO JEFFERSON
Published: January 2018

Based on the morphological study of ca. 470 specimens and geographical studies, we here propose the recognition of six morphotypes within the South American Pteridium esculentum (= P. arachnoideum s.l., or P. aquilinum var. arachnoideum sensu Tryon, or P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum sensu Thomson). Three of them are widely distributed and well-defined, and we regard them as subspecies of P. esculentum: P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum s. str., P. esculentum subsp. campestre, comb. et stat. nov., and P. esculentum subsp. gryphus. The other three are more rare. One of these is a pedomorphic form of P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum, which we name as P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum var. paedomorficum, nom. nov. The other is a glabrous form of P. esculentum subsp. gryphus, which we name P. esculentum subsp. gryphus var. harpianum, var. nov. The third is a putative hybrid between P. esculentum subsp. arachnoideum and P. esculentum subsp. campestre. All six taxa are keyed, described, illustrated, mapped, and discussed. Pteridium esculentum subsp. arachnoideum s. str. forms an arc of distribution from eastern, to southern, to western South America (but not occurring west of the Andes); Pteridium esculentum subsp. campestre forms an arc of distribution from northeastern Brazil to northern South America (not occurring west of the Andes either); and P. esculentum subsp. gryphus forms an arc of distribution from western to northern South America (occurring also west of the Andes and in Galapagos). This one is morphologically more similar to the Australasian P. esculentum subsp. esculentum.
Anisochilus kanyakumariensis (Lamiaceae): a new species from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: SHINOJ KALATHUMMARATH , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: January 2018

A new species, Anisochilus propecephalus (Lamiaceae) from Kanyakumari, Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated here. This new species is similar to Anisochilus carnosus  in vegetative characters and inflorescence nature  whereas in  floral characters it is close to Anisochilus paniculatus, but differs from both by its decumbent  habit, leaf size and shape, short petiole, inflorescence nature, size and shape of spike head, corolla size and shape  and  densely villous calyx. Detailed description, photographs, illustrations, IUCN red list category, distribution map, notes on biogeography and other relevant notes are provided.
Nocturnal Aphanistes (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Anomaloninae) in the Neotropical region, with the description of five new species
Authors: ALVARADO M.
Published: January 2018

The crepuscularis species group of the ichneumonid genus Aphanistes Förster currently comprises three species—Aphanistes crepuscularis Dasch, A. guatemalenus (Cameron), and A. arcei Gauld & Bradshaw. Five new species are described: A. augustoi sp. n., A. cachil sp. n., A. paolae sp. n., A. ruthae sp. n., and A. silviae sp. n. A key for the species group is also presented.
Discovery of representatives of the family Nicoletiidae (Insecta: Zygentoma) from caves of Iran, with descriptions of two new supraspecific taxa
Authors: TAHAMI MOHADESEH SADAT , MOLERO RAFAEL , GAJU MIQUEL , SADEGHI SABER
Published: January 2018

The first records of the family Nicoletiidae in Iran are given, based on material from subterranean habitats in Fars Province. Two new species are described, one belonging to a new genus of Atelurinae, Persiatelurina farsiana gen. n. sp. n., the other to the genus Lepidospora but representing a new subgenus, Brinckiletinia subgen. n., this new subgenus is close to the subgenus Brinckina, but lacks scales on the thorax. Both new taxa are compared with related species. Nipponatelurina caucasica Kaplin, 2016 is transferred to Persiatelurina caucasica n. comb. The new atelurine was collected in Momtaz and Khan Caves and Lepidospora (Brinckiletinia) malousjanica sp. n. was found in Malousjan Cave. An additional specimen of Lepidospora was collected in Momtaz Cave, and although its specific identity is not clear, it represents a third taxon belonging to the subgenus Brinckina. Data about the habitats of these subterranean Nicoletiidae are presented.
A new sun moth species from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia (Lepidoptera, Castniidae)
Authors: KALLIES AXEL , EDWARDS TED
Published: January 2018

Sun moths (Castniidae) constitute a small family of day-flying butterfly-like moths that have their centers of diversity in South America and Australia. Here we describe a new castniid from the Finders Ranges, South Australia. Synemon arkaroola spec. nov. is similar and related to Synemon brontias Meyrick, 1891 but differs by a number of external and genitalic characters, including the extensive bright orange markings on the hindwings. The new species inhabits dry creek beds and adjacent slopes where the hostplant, Scented Lemon Grass, Cymbopogon ambiguus (Hack.) A. Camus (Poaceae), grows.
Changes in Voice- and Swallowing-Related Symptoms After Thyroidectomy: One-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Park Young Min , Oh Kyung Ho , Cho Jae-Gu , Baek Seung-Kuk , Kwon Soon-Young , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Woo Jeong-Soo
Published: January 2018

Objective:

We analyzed the changes in voice- and swallowing-related symptoms that occurred over time in patients who underwent thyroidectomy and identified any associated risk factors.

Methods:

One hundred and three patients who underwent thyroidectomy were enrolled.

Results:

The mean thyroidectomy voice-related questionnaire (TVQ) score before surgery was 12.41 ± 12.19; it significantly increased to 28.24 ± 18.01 ( P < .001) 1 month postoperatively, decreased to 24.02 ± 17.30 ( P = .014) and 20.66 ± 15.29 ( P = .023) 3 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. It was continuously decreased to 18.83 ± 14.63 twelve months postoperatively. The temporal changes in TVQ scores between patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy were significantly different. There was a statistically significant difference in the temporal changes in TVQ according to whether neck dissection was performed. The temporal changes in TVQ in patients with and without extrathyroidal extension were significantly different.

Conclusions:

Voice- and swallowing-related discomfort in patients who received thyroidectomy showed dynamic changes over time. There was a significant difference in the degree of change according to clinicopathological factors. Patients with these risk factors may benefit from appropriate patient education and various rehabilitation programs for symptom relief.
Exposure to Urban Nature and Tree Planting Are Related to Pro-Environmental Behavior via Connection to Nature, the Use of Nature for Psychological Restoration, and Environmental Attitudes
Authors: Whitburn Julie , Linklater Wayne L. , Milfont Taciano L.
Published: January 2018

Pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) may be associated with a personal relationship with nature. We conducted a quasi-experiment with 423 residents who had or had not actively participated in a tree-planting scheme and lived in 20 neighborhoods that differ in their greenness level. We tested whether exposure to nature (specified by the amount of vegetation cover in residents’ neighborhoods) and/or past PEB (specified by tree-planting participation) was associated with residents’ PEB and whether key psychological constructs would mediate these relationships. Structural equation mediation models revealed that the level of neighborhood vegetation and involvement in the planting scheme explained 46% of the variance in PEB, with connection to nature, the use of nature for psychological restoration, and environmental attitudes mediating the relationships. Connection to nature was more strongly associated with engagement in PEB than the use of nature for psychological restoration and environmental attitudes.
Effect of coating type on the mechanical performance of warp-knitted fabrics and cement-based composites
Authors: Quadflieg Till , Leimbrink Sebastian , Gries Thomas , Stolyarov Oleg
Published: January 2018

High-performance textiles are used for reinforcing concrete structural parts. This paper presents a technique for producing coated weft-inserted warp-knitted fabrics for concrete applications. Three types of reinforced fabrics differing in coating type and composed of alkali-resistant-glass rovings resulting in a cement composite matrix were produced. The investigated coatings include potassium silicate, carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber and epoxide. The mechanical properties of the developed fabrics and cement composites were determined according to the coating type. Thereafter, the mechanical performance of the warp-knitted reinforced fabrics was investigated using tensile tests. Finally, the properties of the composites were examined according to the coating type using a four-point bending test. The results of the characterization of the coated weft-inserted warp-knitted reinforced fabrics and cement composites based on them are presented and discussed. It is shown that the coating material has high influence on the composite properties. Samples with potassium silicate showed highest strength at the limit of proportionality, while samples with epoxide showed the highest flexural strength.
Exercise-Induced Physiological Arousal Biases Attention Toward Threatening Scene Details
Authors: Brunyé Tad T. , Mahoney Caroline R.
Published: January 2018

The present experiment examined whether physiological arousal induced by acute bouts of aerobic exercise would influence attention and memory for scenes depicting or not depicting weapons. In a repeated-measures design, participants exercised at either low or high exertion levels. During exercise, they were presented with images, some of which depicted weapons; immediately following exercise, they completed a recognition test for portions of central and peripheral scene regions. Two primary results emerged. First, in the low exertion condition, we replicated extant research showing inferior peripheral scene memory when images contained, versus did not contain, weapons. Second, the high exertion condition increased central scene memory relative to low exertion, and this effect was specific to images containing weapons. Thus, we provide evidence for accentuated weapon focus effects during states of exercise-induced physiological arousal. These results contribute new applied and theoretical understandings regarding the interactions between physiological state, breadth of attention, and memory.
The Influence of Social Capital and Social Role on Starting Wage for People With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Phillips Brian N. , Strauser David R. , Ritter Ellen S. , Notaro Stephen J. , Jones Weneaka D.
Published: January 2018

People with disabilities are arguably the most economically marginalized population in America. Employment does not address the problem unless wages reach adequate levels, suggesting the need for better understanding of factors influencing compensation in employment. The purpose of this study is to replicate previous findings on social capital and starting wage while also considering the influence of social role for people with and without disabilities. The responses of university health students to hypothetical hiring scenarios were analyzed using a three-way mixed ANOVA. Results support and extend prior research suggesting that social capital and social role have a positive influence on starting wage for both people with and without disabilities. Scenarios depicting social capital and positive social role resulted in an increase in hourly wage of more than US$1,500.00 per year than those with low levels of social capital and a negative social role. A similar but weaker relationship between pay and social capital existed when there was one degree of separation (i.e., the friend of a friend) between employer and new employee. Social role, along with social capital, is an important factor in starting wage decisions. Implications for the job search are provided.
A moderate hatred of the rich mentality promotes cooperation in prisoner’s dilemma game
Authors: Sun Weijian , Pan Qiuhui , Hou Wenbing , He Mingfeng
Published: January 2018

Most current studies involving prisoner’s dilemma games are formulated under the assumption that participators are rational during collective interaction. Although irrationality in some patterns has been considered in the evolution, the effects brought about by the hatred of the rich mentality have never been investigated. Here, we introduce a cumulative reward-based rule where a player will adopt an irrational strategy which is expressed in defection in the game if the cumulative reward of the opponent exceeds the threshold controlled by a given parameter. Interestingly, despite irrational defection, such rules will result in the best environment for cooperator’s viability. In addition, we have demonstrated that irrationality in this form could be favorable for the average allocation of wealth in terms of Gini coefficient.