bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated hyperkalaemia during two separate episodes of general anaesthesia in a nine-year-old, female neutered greyhound
Authors: McFadzean Will , Macfarlane Paul , Khenissi Latifa , Murrell Joanna C
Published: September 2018

There is an increasing awareness of the development of hyperkalaemia during anaesthesia in otherwise healthy veterinary patients. In the human literature 63 per cent of in-hospital hyperkalaemic episodes are associated with drug administration. Anecdotal veterinary reports have suggested that a genetic component may also play a role, with greyhounds seemingly more susceptible to the development of hyperkalaemia under anaesthesia. This case report identifies the repeated development of hyperkalaemia, and its treatment, during two separate episodes of general anaesthesia in a nine-year-old, female neutered greyhound. The first episode of hyperkalaemia (7.89 mmol/l) was identified due to bradycardia and second-degree atrioventricular block on electrocardiogram. Treatment was with intravenous calcium gluconate, insulin, glucose and fluid therapy. The second episode (6.60 mmol/l) was associated with spiked T-waves, and treatment was with insulin and glucose infusions to allow completion of the anaesthetic and surgery. Possible causes and treatments are discussed, and the need for reporting of such cases is highlighted.
Classifying data using near-term quantum devices
Authors: Bausch Johannes
Published: September 2018

The goal of this work is to define a notion of a “quantum neural network” to classify data, which exploits the low-energy spectrum of a local Hamiltonian. As a concrete application, we build a binary classifier, train it on some actual data and then test its performance on a simple classification task. More specifically, we use Microsoft’s quantum simulator, LIQ[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], to construct local Hamiltonians that can encode trained classifier functions in their ground space, and which can be probed by measuring the overlap with test states corresponding to the data to be classified. To obtain such a classifier Hamiltonian, we further propose a training scheme based on quantum annealing which is completely closed-off to the environment and which does not depend on external measurements until the very end, avoiding unnecessary decoherence during the annealing procedure. For a network of size [Formula: see text], the trained network can be stored as a list of [Formula: see text] coupling strengths. We address the question of which interactions are most suitable for a given classification task, and develop a qubit-saving optimization for the training procedure on a simulated annealing device. Furthermore, a small neural network to classify colors into red versus blue is trained and tested, and benchmarked against the annealing parameters.
A class of S-restricted compositions
Authors: Glunčić Matko , Martinjak Ivica
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we introduce a class of restricted compositions. We prove that this class appears as a combinatorial interpretation of a generalized third-order recursive sequences. Further identities are also proved. In particular, we show that the difference of the [Formula: see text]th [Formula: see text]-tribonacci number and the sum of its three predecessors is the [Formula: see text]th regular polytopic number.
Zeta determinant of the Laplacian on the real projective spaces
Authors: Hartmann L. , Spreafico M.
Published: September 2018

We give a closed form evaluation of the zeta determinant of the Laplace operator on spheres and projective spaces that clearly describes the arithmetic structure of this number. All the factors in the final formula for the determinant are easily computable.
Equations with powers of singular moduli
Authors: Riffaut Antonin
Published: September 2018

We treat two different equations involving powers of singular moduli. On the one hand, we show that, with two possible (explicitly specified) exceptions, two distinct singular moduli [Formula: see text] such that the numbers [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are linearly dependent over [Formula: see text] for some positive integers [Formula: see text], must be of degree at most [Formula: see text]. This partially generalizes a result of Allombert, Bilu and Pizarro-Madariaga, who studied CM-points belonging to straight lines in [Formula: see text] defined over [Formula: see text]. On the other hand, we show that, with obvious exceptions, the product of any two powers of singular moduli cannot be a non-zero rational number. This generalizes a result of Bilu, Luca and Pizarro-Madariaga, who studied CM-points belonging to a hyperbola [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text].
Mixing Versus Stirring
Authors: Villermaux Emmanuel
Published: September 2018

Mixing is the operation by which a system evolves under stirring from one state of simplicity—the initial segregation of the constituents—to another state of simplicity—their complete uniformity. Between these extremes, patterns emerge, possibly interact, and die sooner or later. This review summarizes recent developments on the problem of mixing in its lamellar representation. This point of view visualizes a mixture as a set of stretched lamellae, or sheets, possibly interacting with each other. It relies on a near-exact formulation of the Fourier equation on a moving substrate and allows one to bridge the spatial structure and evolution of the concentration field with its statistical content in a direct way. Within this frame, one can precisely describe both the dynamics of the concentration levels in a mixture as a function of the intensity of the stirring motions at the scale of a single lamella and the interaction rule between adjacent lamellae, thus offering a detailed representation of the mixture content, its structure, and their evolution in time.
Atmospheric Circulation of Tide-Locked Exoplanets
Authors: Pierrehumbert Raymond T. , Hammond Mark
Published: September 2018

Tide-locked planets are planets in which tidal stresses from the host star have spun down the planet's rotation to the point where its length of sidereal day equals its length of year. In a nearly circular orbit, such planets have a permanent dayside and a permanent nightside, leading to extreme heating contrasts. In this article, the atmospheric circulations forced by this heating contrast are explored, with a focus on terrestrial planets; here, “terrestrial” refers to planets with a condensed solid or liquid surface at which most of the incident stellar radiation is absorbed and does not imply habitability in the Earthlike sense. The census of exoplanets contains many terrestrial planets that are very likely to be tide locked, including extremely hot close-orbit planets around Sunlike stars and habitable zone (and hotter) planets around lower-mass stars. The circulations are discussed in terms of fluid dynamical concepts arising from study of the Earth's tropics, supplemented by general circulation model simulations. Even in the relatively simple context of dry (noncondensing) dynamics, there are a number of important unresolved issues that require further study.
The Hippo Signaling Network and Its Biological Functions
Authors: Misra Jyoti R. , Irvine Kenneth D.
Published: September 2018

Hippo signaling is an evolutionarily conserved network that has a central role in regulating cell proliferation and cell fate to control organ growth and regeneration. It promotes activation of the LATS kinases, which control gene expression by inhibiting the activity of the transcriptional coactivator proteins YAP and TAZ in mammals and Yorkie in Drosophila. Diverse upstream inputs, including both biochemical cues and biomechanical cues, regulate Hippo signaling and enable it to have a key role as a sensor of cells’ physical environment and an integrator of growth control signals. Several components of this pathway localize to cell–cell junctions and contribute to regulation of Hippo signaling by cell polarity, cell contacts, and the cytoskeleton. Downregulation of Hippo signaling promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation, impairs differentiation, and is associated with cancer. We review the current understanding of Hippo signaling and highlight progress in the elucidation of its regulatory mechanisms and biological functions.
Bridging angiogenesis and immune evasion in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment
Authors: Schito Luana
Published: September 2018

Hypoxia (low O2) is a ubiquitous microenvironmental factor promoting cancer progression, metastasis, and mortality, owing to the ability of cancer cells to co-opt physiological angiogenic responses. Notwithstanding, the pathophysiological induction of angiogenesis results in an abnormal tumor vasculature, further aggravating hypoxia in a feedforward loop that limits the efficacy of molecular targeted therapies. Recent studies suggest that, besides their canonical roles, angiogenic factors promote a panoply of immunosuppressive effects in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, intratumoral hypoxia emerges as a hitherto unrecognized mechanism evolutionarily repurposing angiogenic molecules as (patho)physiological immunomodulators. On the other hand, antiangiogenic therapies could be aimed at impeding both tumor growth and immunotolerance toward cancer cells, a beneficial effect that can be countered if hypoxia signaling pathways are left unchecked, leading to therapeutic failure. This review summarizes evidence supporting the hypothesis that hypoxia acts as a common pathophysiological mechanism of resistance to immunotherapeutic and antiangiogenic agents while proposing potential strategies to curtail resistance and mortality in patients bearing solid malignancies.
Visuomotor feedback gains are modulated by gaze position
Authors: de Brouwer Anouk J. , Gallivan Jason P. , Flanagan J. Randall
Published: September 2018

During goal-directed reaching, people typically direct their gaze to the target before the start of the hand movement and maintain fixation until the hand arrives. This gaze strategy improves reach accuracy in two ways. It enables the use of central vision at the end of movement, and it allows the use of extraretinal information in guiding the hand to the target. Here we tested whether fixating the reach target further facilitates reach accuracy by optimizing the use of peripheral vision in detecting, and rapidly responding to, reach errors during the ongoing movement. We examined automatic visuomotor corrections in response to displacements of the cursor representing the hand position as a function of gaze fixation location during unimanual goal-directed reaching. Eight fixation targets were positioned either in line with, or at different angles relative to, the straight-ahead movement direction (manipulation of fixation angle), and at different distances from the location of the visual perturbation (manipulation of fixation distance). We found that corrections were fastest and strongest when gaze was directed at the reach target compared with when gaze was directed to a different location in the workspace. We found that the gain of the visuomotor response was strongly affected by fixation angle, and to a smaller extent by fixation distance, with lower gains as the angle or distance increased. We submit that fixating the reach target improves reach accuracy by facilitating rapid visuomotor responses to reach errors viewed in peripheral vision.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY It is well known that directing gaze to the reach target allows the use of foveal visual feedback and extraretinal information to improve the accuracy of reaching movements. Here we demonstrate that target fixation also optimizes rapid visuomotor corrections to reach errors viewed in peripheral vision, with the angle of gaze relative to the hand movement being a critical determinant in the gain of the visuomotor response.
From Molecules to Mechanisms: Functional Proteomics and Its Application to Renal Tubule Physiology
Authors: Rinschen Markus M. , Limbutara Kavee , Knepper Mark A. , Payne D. Michael , Pisitkun Trairak
Published: September 2018

Classical physiological studies using electrophysiological, biophysical, biochemical, and molecular techniques have created a detailed picture of molecular transport, bioenergetics, contractility and movement, and growth, as well as the regulation of these processes by external stimuli in cells and organisms. Newer systems biology approaches are beginning to provide deeper and broader understanding of these complex biological processes and their dynamic responses to a variety of environmental cues. In the past decade, advances in mass spectrometry–based proteomic technologies have provided invaluable tools to further elucidate these complex cellular processes, thereby confirming, complementing, and advancing common views of physiology. As one notable example, the application of proteomics to study the regulation of kidney function has yielded novel insights into the chemical and physical processes that tightly control body fluids, electrolytes, and metabolites to provide optimal microenvironments for various cellular and organ functions. Here, we systematically review, summarize, and discuss the most significant key findings from functional proteomic studies in renal epithelial physiology. We also identify further improvements in technological and bioinformatics methods that will be essential to advance precision medicine in nephrology.
Lycium europaeum Extract: A New Potential Antioxidant Source against Cisplatin‐Induced Liver and Kidney Injuries in Mice
Authors: Rjeibi Ilhem , Feriani Anouar , Ben Saad Anouar , Sdayria Jazia , Saidi Issam , Ncib Sana , Souid Sami , Allagui Mohamed Salah , Hfaiedh Najla
Published: September 2018

This study was designed to assess the protective effects of Lycium europaeum methanol extract (LEM) on liver and kidney injuries induced by cisplatin. The phytochemical composition, the antioxidant activity, and hepatorenal injury biomarkers were investigated. Results revealed that LEM exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in vitro on DPPH radical and H2O2 scavenging assays. In the animal studies, treatment with LEM significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin intoxication on serum liver biomarkers and serum renal biomarkers. Meanwhile, LEM diminishes significantly the effect of cisplatin on the level of lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney tissues. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were increased in groups pretreated with LEM and quercetin. Additionally, the normal histological structures of the liver and kidney were restored after treatment with LEM. This work clearly demonstrated that L. europaeum may be useful as a drug with hepato‐nephroprotective potentials.
Screening and Whole-Genome Sequencing of TwoStreptomycesSpecies from the Rhizosphere Soil of Peony Reveal Their Characteristics as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria
Authors: Wang Chengqiang , Wang Yun , Ma Jinjin , Hou Qihui , Liu Kai , Ding Yanqin , Du Binghai
Published: September 2018

Two bacteria,Streptomyces albireticuliMDJK11 andS. alboflavusMDJK44, which are potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria against pathogenic fungi were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of peony in Shandong, China. Their biological characteristics and complete genome sequences were reported in this study. The total genome size of MDJK11 was only 8.14 Mb with 6,550 protein-coding genes and a high GC content of 72.8 mol%. The MDJK44 genome comprises a 9.62 Mb chromosome with 72.1 mol% GC content, 7,285 protein-coding genes, and two plasmids. Some gene sequences in these two genomes were analyzed to be heterologously obtained by horizontal transfer. Gene or gene cluster candidates responding to secondary metabolites production, antimicrobial activities, and plant growth-promoting capacities were also analyzed in this paper. The genomic information and biological characteristics will facilitate the understanding and application ofS. albireticuliandS. alboflavusspecies as biocontrol agents in future agriculture.
Theoretical and Experimental Study on Nonlinear Hydroelastic Responses and Slamming Loads of Ship Advancing in Regular Waves
Authors: Jiao Jialong , Zhao Yulin , Ai Yufei , Chen Chaohe , Fan Tianhui
Published: September 2018

Wave loads estimation and structural strength evaluation are the fundamental work at the ship design stage. The hydroelastic responses and slamming strength issues are also concerned especially for large‐scale high‐speed ships sailing in harsh waves. To accurately predict the wave‐induced motions and loads acting on the ship sailing in regular waves, a fully coupled 3D time‐domain nonlinear hydroelasticity theory is developed in this paper. The vibration modal characteristics of the flexible hull structure derived by the 3D finite element method (FEM) and simplified 1D nonuniform Timoshenko beam theory are firstly described. The hydrostatic restoring force and hydrodynamic wave force are calculated on the real‐time wetted surface of hull to address geometric nonlinearity due to the steep wave and large amplitude motions. The bow slamming and green water loads acting on the ship in severe regular waves are estimated by the momentum impact method and dam‐breaking method, respectively. Moreover, a small‐scaled segmented ship model is designed, constructed, and tested in a laboratory wave basin to validate the hydroelasticity algorithm. The results predicted by theoretical and experimental approaches are systemically compared and analyzed. Finally, future work for predictions of ship hydroelasticity and slamming loads in irregular waves is prospected.
Attitude Maneuvering and Vibration Reducing Control of Flexible Spacecraft Subject to Actuator Saturation and Misalignment
Authors: Tao Jiawei , Zhang Tao , Nie Yongfang
Published: September 2018

A robust adaptive constrained control scheme is proposed for flexible spacecraft attitude maneuver and vibration suppression, in which multiple constraints are simultaneously considered, such as uncertain inertia parameters, external disturbance, unmeasured elastic vibration, actuator saturation, and even actuator misalignment. More specifically, a novel path planning scheme based on quintic polynomial transition is firstly developed to realize smooth acceleration variate and therefore decrease the vibration of flexible appendages. Secondly, an elastic modal estimator is employed to estimate the unmeasured variables, such as the modal position and velocity. Thirdly, an adaptive updating technique is used to spare the extra knowledge of system parameters and the bound of the external disturbance. In addition, an auxiliary design system is constructed to address the actuator saturation problem, and a compensation term is synthesized and integrated into the controller to handle the actuator misalignment. Finally, overall system stabilization is proved within the framework of Lyapunov theory, and numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Attitude Controller Design with State Constraints for Kinetic Kill Vehicle Based on Barrier Lyapunov Function
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Jiong , Wang Huaji , Xiao ChuHan , Li Wanqi
Published: September 2018

An adaptive attitude controller is designed based on Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF) to meet the state constraints caused by side window detection. Firstly, the attitude controller is designed based on the BLF, but the stabilization function is complex and its time derivative will cause “differential explosion”. Therefore, Finite-time-convergent Differentiator (FD) is used to estimate the first derivative of the stabilization function. If the tracking error is outside the BLF's convergence domain, BLF controller cannot guarantee the error global convergence. Sliding mode controller (SMC) is used to make the system's error converge to set domain, and then the BLF controller could be used to ensure that the output constraint is not violated. Uncertainties and unknown time-varying disturbances usually make the control precision worse and Nonlinear Disturbance Observer (NDO) is designed for estimation and compensation uncertainties and disturbances. The pseudo rate modulator (PSR) is used to shape the continuous control command to pulse or on-off signals to meet the requirements of the thruster. Numerical simulations show that the proposed method can achieve state constraints, pseudo-linear operation, and high accuracy.
Enhancing Bioethanol Productivity Using Alkali-Pretreated Empty Palm Fruit Bunch Fiber Hydrolysate
Authors: Kim Seonghun
Published: September 2018

Empty palm fruit bunch fiber (EPFBF) is a renewable resource in oil palm plantations that can be used for lignocellulosic bioethanol production. To enhance ethanol productivity with high-lignin-content EPFBF, the biomass was prepared with an alkali-thermal pretreatment (sodium hydroxide, 121°C, 60 min). The delignification yield was 55.4–56.9%, in proportion to the amount of sodium hydroxide, from 0.5 to 2.0 M. The lignin and hemicellulose contents of EPFBF were reduced by the pretreatment process, whereas the proportion of cellulose was increased. During enzymatic saccharification using Celluclast 1.5L and Novozyme 188 enzyme cocktails, about 62% of glucan was converted to a fermentable sugar. In simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, comparison among three ethanologenic yeast strains showed Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303-1A to be a candidate for maximum ethanol yield. In a batch fermentation with alkali-pretreated EPFBF hydrolysate, 21 g/L ethanol was obtained within 28 h, for a production yield of 0.102 g ethanol/g dry EPFBF or 0.458 g ethanol/g glucose. Moreover, a fed-batch fermentation produced 33.8±0.5 g/L ethanol with 1.57 g/L/h productivity in 20 h. These results show that the combination of alkaline pretreatment and biomass hydrolysate is useful for enhancing bioethanol productivity using delignified EPFBF.
HCRCaaS: A Handwritten Character Recognition Container as a Service Based on QoS Guarantee Algorithm
Authors: Li Lei , Gao Xue , Jin Lianwen
Published: September 2018

Handwritten character recognition (HCR) is a mainstream mobile device input method that has attracted significant research interest. Although previous studies have delivered reasonable recognition accuracy, it remains difficult to directly embed the advanced HCR service into mobile device software and obtain excellent but fast results. Cloud computing is a relatively new online computational resource provider which can satisfy the elastic resource requirements of the advanced HCR service with high-recognition accuracy. However, owing to the delay sensitivity of the character recognition service, the performance loss in the traditional cloud virtualization technology (e.g., kernel-based virtual machine (KVM)) may impair the performance. In addition, the improper computational resource scheduling in cloud computing impairs not only the performance but also the resource utilization. Thus, the HCR online service is required to guarantee the performance and improve the resource utilization of the HCR service in cloud computing. To address these problems, in this paper, we propose an HCR container as a service (HCRCaaS) in cloud computing. We address several key contributions: (1) designing an HCR engine on the basis of deep convolution neutral networks as a demo for an advanced HCR engine with better recognition accuracy, (2) providing an isolated lightweight runtime environment for high performance and easy expansion, and (3) designing a greedy resource scheduling algorithm based on the performance evaluation to optimize the resource utilization under a quality of service (QoS) guaranteeing. Experimental results show that our system not only reduces the performance loss compared with traditional cloud computing under the advanced HCR algorithm but also improves the resource utilization appropriately under the QoS guaranteeing. This study also provides a valuable reference for other related studies.
Deformation Analysis of Reinforced Retaining Wall Using Separate Finite Element
Authors: Jia Xingli , Xu Jinliang , Sun Yuhai
Published: September 2018

In order to reveal the main factors affecting the deformation of reinforced soil retaining wall and the influence of various factors on the deformation, the constitutive relation is discretized into four aspects of soil, geogrid, wall panel, and contact surface, and discrete element matrices are, respectively, constructed, with the method of separate finite element. Based on the finite element geotechnical analysis technology platform, the deformation analysis model of reinforced soil retaining wall is established. Taking the modulus of foundation soil as the influencing factor of the foundation soil, taking the geogrid stiffness, length, and spacing as the influencing factors of geogrids, and taking the filling type of limestone, fly ash, and silty clay as the influencing factors of backfill in the wall, the horizontal and vertical deformations of reinforced retaining wall under different factors using the methods of controlling a single variable analysis are calculated. The results show that the increase of elastic modulus of foundation soil will reduce the vertical deformation of the wall but increase the horizontal deformation. The silty clay is not suitable as filler, and lime soil is slightly better than fly ash. The spacing between geogrids is 20 cm ~ 60 cm, which has less effect on wall deformation, but the horizontal deformation rapidly increases after the spacing increases to 80 cm, and other grid performance influencing factors also have the characteristic, where there exists a threshold. The wall will have a greater deformation when the threshold is not reached; a higher indicator of the grid to reduce the deformation of the retaining wall is not obvious after reaching the threshold.
Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis Show a Weak Association between ANTXR2 Polymorphisms and Ankylosing Spondylitis in Chinese Han
Authors: Hu Jiayue , Du Liping , Su Wencheng , Liu Shengyun , Deng Jing , Cao Qinfeng , Yuan Gangxiang , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have demonstrated associations of ANTXR2 gene polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). These associations differ depending on the ethnic populations and AS subgroups studied. Purposes of the current study were to evaluate the associations of 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ANTXR2 gene with susceptibility to AS alone or AS in combination with acute anterior uveitis (AAU) in Chinese Han. Therefore, a case-control association study was performed in 880 AS+AAU-, 860 AS+AAU+, and 1700 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using the iPLEXGold genotyping assay. Our results showed a weak association of rs6534639 AA genotype with AS+AAU+ patients (p=0.042), which was lost after correction for multiple comparisons. No other association was found between SNPs of ANTXR2 and susceptibility of AS+AAU- or AS+AAU+. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the associations of polymorphisms in the ANTXR2 gene with AS. Results showed a weak association of rs4389526 with AS susceptibility in all studies but failed to show an association of rs6534639 with AS in Chinese Han. Taken together, this study shows no association between ANTXR2 polymorphisms and AS susceptibility in a Chinese Han population, but meta-analysis showed that rs4389526 in the ANTXR2 gene was weakly associated with AS susceptibility in both Caucasian and Chinese Han patients.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve: Role of Multiple Gene Variants in Influencing the Clinical Phenotype
Authors: Sticchi Elena , De Cario Rosina , Magi Alberto , Giglio Sabrina , Provenzano Aldesia , Nistri Stefano , Pepe Guglielmina , Giusti Betti
Published: September 2018

Background. Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect with increased prevalence of aortic dilatation and dissection. BAV has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with reduced penetrance and variable expressivity. BAV has been described as an isolated trait or associated with other clinical manifestations in syndromic conditions. Identification of a syndromic condition in a BAV patient is clinically relevant in order to personalize indication to aortic surgery. We aimed to point out how genetic diagnosis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) can improve management of a patient with complex BAV clinical picture. Methods and Results. We describe a 45-year-old Caucasian male with BAV, thoracic aortic root and ascending aorta dilatation, and connective features evocative but inconclusive for clinical diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS). Targeted (91 genes) NGS was used. Proband genetic variants were investigated in first-degree relatives. Proband carried 5 rare variants in 4 genes: FBN1(p.Asn542Ser and p.Lys2460Arg), NOTCH1(p.Val1739Met), LTBP1(p.Arg1330Gln), and TGFBR3(p.Arg423Trp). The two FBN1 variants were inherited in cis by the mother, showing systemic features evocative of MFS, but with a milder phenotype than that observed in the proband. Careful clinical observation along with the presence of the FBN1 variants allowed diagnosis of MFS in the proband and in his mother. NOTCH1 variant was found in mother and brother, not exhibiting BAV, thus not definitely supporting/excluding association with BAV. Interestingly, the proband, his brother and father, all showing root dilatation, and his sister, with upper range aortic root dimension, were carriers of a TGFBR3 variant. LTBP1 might also modulate the vascular phenotype. Conclusions. Our results underline the usefulness of NGS together with family evaluation in diagnosis of patients with monogenic traits and overlapping clinical manifestations due to contribution of the same genes and/or presence of comorbidities determined by different genes.
Changes in miRNA Gene Expression during Wound Repair in Differentiated Normal Human Bronchial Epithelium
Authors: Narożna Beata , Langwiński Wojciech , Jackson Claire , Lackie Peter M. , Holloway John W. , Stachowiak Zuzanna , Dmitrzak-Węglarz Monika , Szczepankiewicz Aleksandra
Published: September 2018

Purpose. Airway epithelium acts as a protective barrier against the particles from the inhaled air. Damage to the epithelium may result in loss of the barrier function. Epithelial repair in response to injury requires complex mechanisms, such as microRNA, small noncoding molecules, to regulate the processes involved in wound repair. We aimed to establish if the microRNA gene expression profile is altered during the airway epithelial repair in differentiated cells. Methods. miRNA gene expression profile during the wound closure of differentiated normal human bronchial epithelium (NHBE) from one donor was analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. We have analysed the expression of 754 genes at five time points during a 48-hour period of epithelium repair using TaqMan Low Density Array. Results. We found out that 233 miRNA genes were expressed in normal human bronchial epithelium. Twenty miRNAs were differentially expressed during the wound repair process, but only one (miR-455-3p) showed significance after FDR adjustment (p=0.02). Using STEM, we have identified two clusters of several miRNA genes with similar expression profile. Pathway enrichment analysis showed several significant signaling pathways altered during repair, mainly involved in cell cycle regulation, proliferation, migration, adhesion, and transcription regulation. Conclusions. miRNA expression profile is altered during airway epithelial repair of differentiated cells from one donor in response to mechanical injury in vitro, suggesting their potential role in wound repair.
EGR1-Mediated Transcription of lncRNA-HNF1A-AS1 Promotes Cell-Cycle Progression in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Hai-Ting , Liu Sen , Liu Lei , Ma Ran-Ran , Gao Peng
Published: September 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are dysregulated in various human cancers and control tumor development and progression. However, the upstream mechanisms underlying their dysregulation remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox A antisense RNA 1 (HNF1A-AS1) is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Overexpression of HNF1A-AS1 enhanced cell proliferation and promoted cell-cycle progression, whereas knockdown of HNF1A-AS1 elicited the opposite effects. Early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) directly bound the HNF1A-AS1 promoter region and activated its transcription. Overexpression of EGR1 enhanced cell proliferation and promoted cell-cycle promotion, similar to the function of HNF1A-AS1. HNF1A-AS1 functioned as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by binding to miR-661, upregulating the expression of cell division cycle 34 (CDC34), which is a direct target of miR-661. EGR1 and HNF1A-AS1 enhanced the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4, and cyclin E1 but inhibited the expression of p21 by promoting CDC34-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p21. Taken together, these findings suggest that EGR1-activated HNF1A-AS1 regulates various pro- and antigrowth factors to promote the development of gastric cancer, implicating it as a possible target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.

Significance: This study provides novel insights into mechanisms by which the noncoding RNA HNF1A-AS1 contributes to gastric cancer progression through modulation of the cell cycle. Cancer Res; 78(20); 5877–90. ©2018 AACR.
A Noninvasive Blood-based Combinatorial Proteomic Biomarker Assay to Detect Breast Cancer in Women over age 50 with BI-RADS 3, 4, or 5 Assessment
Authors: Henderson Meredith C. , Silver Michael , Tran Quynh , Letsios Elias E. , Mulpuri Rao , Reese David E. , Lourenco Ana P. , LaBaer Joshua , Anderson Karen S. , Alpers Josie , Costantini Carrie , Rohatgi Nitin , Ali Haythem , Baker Karen , Northfelt Donald W. , Ghosh Karthik , Grobmyer Stephen R. , Polen Winnie , Wolf Judith K.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

With improvements in breast cancer imaging, there has been a corresponding increase in false-positives and avoidable biopsies. There is a need to better differentiate when a breast biopsy is warranted and determine appropriate follow-up. This study describes the design and clinical performance of a combinatorial proteomic biomarker assay (CPBA), Videssa Breast, in women over age 50 years.

Experimental Design:

A BI-RADS 3, 4, or 5 assessment was required for clinical trial enrollment. Serum was collected prior to breast biopsy and subjects were followed for 6–12 months and clinically relevant outcomes were recorded. Samples were split into training (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts with an approximate 1:4 case:control ratio in both arms.

Results:

A CPBA that combines biomarker data with patient clinical data was developed using a training cohort (469 women, cancer incidence: 18.5%), resulting in 94% sensitivity and 97% negative predictive value (NPV). Independent validation of the final algorithm in 194 subjects (breast cancer incidence: 19.6%) demonstrated a sensitivity of 95% and a NPV of 97%. When combined with previously published data for women under age 50, Videssa Breast achieves a comprehensive 93% sensitivity and 98% NPV in a population of women ages 25–75. Had Videssa Breast results been incorporated into the clinical workflow, approximately 45% of biopsies might have been avoided.

Conclusions:

Videssa Breast combines serum biomarkers with clinical patient characteristics to provide clinicians with additional information for patients with indeterminate breast imaging results, potentially reducing false-positive breast biopsies.
Malignant Narcissism in Relation to Clinical Change in Borderline Personality Disorder: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lenzenweger Mark F. , Clarkin John F. , Caligor Eve , Cain Nicole M. , Kernberg Otto F.
Published: September 2018

Background: Normal and pathological narcissism have been the focus of considerable theoretical discussion and empirical research in recent years in personality psychology and psychopathology. Kernberg [1-4] has argued that there is a particularly dysfunctional and impairing variant of narcissistic disturbance known as malignant narcissism. This exploratory study sought to develop, using established assessment methods, a dimensional measure of malignant narcissism that incorporates the key features of grandiose narcissism, paranoid propensities, psychopathic features, and proclivity for a sadistic and aggressive interpersonal style. Method and Sampling: This study examined 57 subjects, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder that were treated using 3 different empirically supported treatments in a previous study [5], for possible deviance on the proposed malignant narcissism index. It also evaluated 2 important clinical domains of change in relation to malignant narcissism. To wit, it was predicted, based on Kernberg’s [3, 4] clinical model, that elevated levels of malignant narcissism would be significantly associated with slower rates of improvement in both general psychosocial/psychological functioning and anxiety among treated individuals. Results: Higher levels of malignant narcissism were associated, as predicted, with slower rates of improvement in both global functioning and anxiety. The proposed malignant narcissism index was a more powerful predictor of slowed improvement in global functioning than simple narcissistic personality disorder features. Conclusions: The heuristic potential of the malignant narcissism construct is discussed and the utility of a dimensional approach to this construct is explored, especially in reference employing personality traits/processes to better understand pathological configurations and personality disturbance.
Pacifiers, Thumb Sucking, Breastfeeding, and Bottle Use: Oral Sucking Habits of Children with and without Phonological Impairment
Authors: Baker Elise , Masso Sarah , McLeod Sharynne , Wren Yvonne
Published: September 2018

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the nutritive and non-nutritive oral sucking habits (breastfeeding, bottle use, pacifier/dummy/soother use, thumb/finger sucking) of preschoolers with and without phonological impairment, and to determine whether oral sucking habits are associated with the presence and severity of phonological impairment. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 199 Australian English-speaking preschoolers with and without phonological impairment. Preschoolers’ speech was directly assessed, and parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to examine relationships between oral sucking habits and the presence and severity of phonological impairment. Results: Based on caregiver reports, 79.9% of participants had been breastfed (33.3% for >12 months), 58.3% had used a pacifier (74.2% for ≥12 months), 83.9% had used a bottle (73.4% for > 12 months), and 15.1% sucked their thumb/fingers. There was no association between a history of oral sucking and the presence and severity of phonological impairment. Conclusion: The majority of preschoolers had been breastfed and bottle-fed, and more than half had used a pacifier. The findings support an understanding that phonological impairment is not associated with a history of nutritive and non-nutritive sucking habits. Research is needed to examine the association between oral sucking habits and other types of speech sound disorders.
HEMOPHAGOCYTOSIS SECONDARY TO PHARYNGEAL ABSCESS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT (case report)
Authors: Khan I. D. , Malik M. , Rajmohan K. S. , Banerjee P. , Khan S. , Panda P. S. , Brijwal M. , Gupta S. , Kahkasha K. , Gazala S. , Sawarat E. , Aguinaga M. S.
Published: September 2018

Background. Hemophagocytosis is a rare, potentially fatal disorder, comprising pancytopenia, liver dysfunction, hepatosplenomegaly, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperferritinemia presenting as fever, lympha­denopathy and skin rashes. Objective. To attract the clinicians’ attention to a problem of hemophagocytosis in Critical Care management.Methods. Hemophagocytosis secondary to pharyngeal abscess in a 58 year old male is being reported.Results. A 58-year-old immunocompetent patient presenting with hemophagocytosis secondary to pharyngeal abscess, was managed on ventilator and inotropic support, when he developed heathcare-associated urinary tract infection by Escherichia coli and ventilator-associated pneumonia by Acinetobacter baumanii. He developed neutropenic septic shock and multi-organ dysfunction and went through a downhill course leading to demise.Conclusions. Hemophagocytosis remains a sinister entity in modern intensive care despite astute clinical management. Secondary superinfections with opportunistic multidrug resistant pathogens are difficult to treat. A high index of clinical suspicion, aggressive diagnosis and prompt treatment for hemophagocytosis and polymicrobial opportunistic superinfections with multidrug-resistant healthcare-associated pathogens needs to be addressed upfront.
PATHOGENETIC APPROACHES AND WAYS OF PREVENTION OF THROMBOEMBOLIC COMPLICATIONS IN TRAUMA PATIENTS
Authors: Ivashchuk L. Yu.
Published: September 2018

Background. The study of thromboembolic complications prevention in trauma patients, who underwent surgery, is presented in the research.Objective. Patients were examined in the Department of Traumatology of Ternopil Municipal Hospital. The first group, 263 people, (18.6 %) consisted of patients with polytrauma and unfavorable prognosis and significant disease severity. The second group comprised patients with combined trauma, 462 people (32.8 %) – a doubtful prognosis for life. The third group, 685 people (48.6 %) involved patients with isolated trauma and positive treatment outcome.Methods. All patients, besides general clinical examination, underwent evaluation of the number of platelets, clotting time, duration of bleeding and study of coagulation (prothrombin index, prothrombin activity thrombotest, total fibrinogen, fibrinogen A, activated recalcification time). The venous system of lower limbs was examined using distal ascending phlebography, color Doppler and duplex ultrasonography SIMENS ACUSSON X 300.Results. A comprehensive prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications was carried out using low-molecular weight heparin as well as essential complex kinetic treatment. Bemiparin in an appropriate dose was administered once a day for 10-14 days of postoperative stay in the hospital. For the patients with moderate risk and high surgery risk (major surgery, over 40 years old in age, obesity, and serious comorbidities) Bemiparin was administered at a dose of 5000-7500 IU per day during patients’ stay in the hospital. In individuals with sub-acute and chronic thrombophlebitis of subcutaneous veins the surgical prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications was performed.Conclusions. The combination of physical, drug and surgical prophylaxis prevented the thromboembolic complications in trauma patients.
THE EVOLUTION OF ANORECTAL MANOMETRY
Authors: Wickramasinnghe D. , Warusavitarne J.
Published: September 2018

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Political Theology and International Law
Authors: Haskell John D.
Published: September 2018

Political Theology and International Lawoffers an account of the intellectual debates surrounding the term “political theology” in academic literature concerning international law. Beneath these differences is a shared tradition, or genre, within the literature that reinforces particular styles of characterising and engaging predicaments in global politics. The text develops an argument toward another way of thinking about what political theology might offer international law scholarship – a politics of truth.
Taxonomic review of Athliini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae), a new tribe of scarab beetles endemic to South America
Authors: SMITH ANDREW B.T. , EVANS ARTHUR V.
Published: September 2018

Athliini Smith & Evans, new tribe (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) includes four genera that occur from southern South America through to the southeastern regions of Brazil: Apteroathlia Smith & Evans, new genus, Athlia Erichson, 1835, Dihymenonyx Gutiérrez, 1949, and Ulata Saylor, 1945. Justifications are provided for the new tribe and for the placement each genus in the new tribe. Keys to genera and species are presented along with distributional data and maps for all species. Apteroathlia translucida Smith & Evans, new species and Apteroathlia nox Smith & Evans, new species are described. Lectotypes are designated for Athlia bruchi Moser, 1924 and Athlia rustica Erichson, 1835. A neotype is designated for Ulata argentina Saylor, 1945.
A New Generation of Ground-Based Mobile Platforms for Active and Passive Profiling of the Boundary Layer
Authors: Wagner Timothy J. , Klein Petra M. , Turner David D.
Published: September 2018

Mobile systems equipped with remote sensing instruments capable of simultaneous profiling of temperature, moisture, and wind at high temporal resolutions can offer insights into atmospheric phenomena that the operational network cannot. Two recently developed systems, the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) Portable Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC) and the Collaborative Lower Atmosphere Profiling System (CLAMPS), have already experienced great success in characterizing a variety of phenomena. Each system contains an Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer for thermodynamic profiling and a Halo Photonics Stream Line Doppler wind lidar for kinematic profiles. These instruments are augmented with various in situ and remote sensing instruments to provide a comprehensive assessment of the evolution of the lower troposphere at high temporal resolution (5 min or better). While SPARC and CLAMPS can be deployed independently, the common instrument configuration means that joint deployments with well-coordinated data collection and analysis routines are easily facilitated.

In the past several years, SPARC and CLAMPS have participated in numerous field campaigns, which range from mesoscale campaigns that require the rapid deployment and teardown of observing systems to multiweek fixed deployments, providing crucial insights into the behavior of many different atmospheric boundary layer processes while training the next generation of atmospheric scientists. As calls for a nationwide ground-based profiling network continue, SPARC and CLAMPS can play an important role as test beds and prototype nodes for such a network.
Development of an Operational Convective Nowcasting Algorithm Using Raindrop Size Sorting Information from Polarimetric Radar Data
Authors: Kingfield Darrel M. , Picca Joseph C.
Published: September 2018

Raindrop size sorting is a ubiquitous microphysical occurrence in precipitating systems. Owing to the greater terminal fall speed of larger particles, a raindrop’s fall trajectory can be sensitive to its size, and strong air currents (e.g., a convective updraft) can enhance this sensitivity. Indeed, observational and numerical model simulation studies have confirmed these effects on raindrop size distributions near convective updrafts. One striking example is the lofting of liquid drops and partially frozen hydrometeors above the environmental 0°C level, resulting in a small columnar region of positive differential reflectivity ZDR in polarimetric radar data, known as the ZDR column. This signature can serve as a proxy for updraft location and strength, offering operational forecasters a tool for monitoring convective trends. Beneath the 0°C level, where WSR-88D spatiotemporal resolution is highest, anomalously high ZDR collocated with lower reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH is often observed within and beneath convective updrafts. Here, size sorting creates a deficit in small drops, while relatively large drops and melting hydrometeors are present in low concentrations. As such, this unique raindrop size distribution and its related polarimetric signature can indicate updraft location sooner and more frequently than the detection of a ZDR column. This paper introduces a novel algorithm that capitalizes on the improved radar coverage at lower levels and automates the detection of this size sorting signature. At the algorithm core, unique ZH–ZDR relationships are created for each radar elevation scan, and positive ZDR outliers (often indicative of size sorting) are identified. Algorithm design, examples, performance, strengths and limitations, and future development are discussed.