bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete Chromosome Sequence of a Mycolactone-Producing Mycobacterium, Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii
Authors: Yoshida Mitsunori , Miyamoto Yuji , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: December 2017

Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii
is a fish pathogen that produces mycolactone. Here, we report the complete chromosome sequence of a type strain of
M. pseudoshottsii
(JCM 15466). The sequence will represent essential data for future phylogenetic and comparative genome studies of mycolactone-producing mycobacteria.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum 10CH, a Potential Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacterium with Potent Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: El Halfawy Nancy M. , El-Naggar Moustafa Y. , Andrews Simon C.
Published: December 2017

Lactobacillus plantarum
10CH is a bacteriocin-producing potential probiotic lactic acid bacterium (LAB) strain isolated from cheese. Its complete nucleotide sequence shows a single circular chromosome of 3.3 Mb, with a G+C content of 44.51%, a 25-gene plantaricin bacteriocin gene cluster, and the absence of recognized virulence factors.
Atlas table: a dynamic innovative support device for the coming obesity epidemic
Authors: Smart Anna , Bercu Zachary L , Shekhani Haris , Newsome Janice , Martin Jonathan G
Published: December 2017

With obesity rates increasing rapidly, the Atlas table, a modular table overlay, was developed to address the unmet medical need of the inability of current interventional tables to support patients weighing more than 450 lbs. Current procedural tables have a posted weight limit of 500 lbs. In practice, this limit is 450 lbs due to the permanent installation of a 50 lb dye injector at the foot of the table. Instability is reported in patients in the range of 250–450 lbs, resulting in the need to modify how the table is placed over the base. Additional weight and mobility limitations exist due to the cantilever beam design of the existing table that allows movement of the C-arm fluoroscope to move around the entire table. A clinical device should bear all of the weight of an 800 lb patient, without failing during emergency chest compressions, which makes the weight capacity necessary 1200 lbs. This must be accomplished without obstructing the movement of the C-arm of the existing table or requiring a more than 2% increase in radiation. Our table overlay design features a lightweight, radiolucent tabletop and four modular height-adjusting legs that move with the existing table and do not require separate controls. The legs clamp to the radiolucent tabletop securely but not permanently so that they can be moved when needed, with buttons that swing out and cause the table to raise or lower by being trigger by contact from the existing table. The proposed design safely holds and lifts 1200 lbs.
Usage of unscheduled hospital care by homeless individuals in Dublin, Ireland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ní Cheallaigh Clíona , Cullivan Sarah , Sears Jess , Lawlee Ann Marie , Browne Joe , Kieran Jennifer , Segurado Ricardo , O’Carroll Austin , O’Reilly Fiona , Creagh Donnacha , Bergin Colm , Kenny Rose Anne , Byrne Declan
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Homeless people lack a secure, stable place to live and experience higher rates of serious illness than the housed population. Studies, mainly from the USA, have reported increased use of unscheduled healthcare by homeless individuals.

We sought to compare the use of unscheduled emergency department (ED) and inpatient care between housed and homeless hospital patients in a high-income European setting in Dublin, Ireland.

Setting

A large university teaching hospital serving the south inner city in Dublin, Ireland. Patient data are collected on an electronic patient record within the hospital.

Participants

We carried out an observational cross-sectional study using data on all ED visits (n=47 174) and all unscheduled admissions under the general medical take (n=7031) in 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The address field of the hospital’s electronic patient record was used to identify patients living in emergency accommodation or rough sleeping (hereafter referred to as homeless). Data on demographic details, length of stay and diagnoses were extracted.

Results

In comparison with housed individuals in the hospital catchment area, homeless individuals had higher rates of ED attendance (0.16 attendances per person/annum vs 3.0 attendances per person/annum, respectively) and inpatient bed days (0.3 vs 4.4 bed days/person/annum). The rate of leaving ED before assessment was higher in homeless individuals (40% of ED attendances vs 15% of ED attendances in housed individuals). The mean age of homeless medical inpatients was 44.19 years (95% CI 42.98 to 45.40), whereas that of housed patients was 61.20 years (95% CI 60.72 to 61.68). Homeless patients were more likely to terminate an inpatient admission against medical advice (15% of admissions vs 2% of admissions in homeless individuals).

Conclusion

Homeless patients represent a significant proportion of ED attendees and medical inpatients. In contrast to housed patients, the bulk of usage of unscheduled care by homeless people occurs in individuals aged 25–65 years.
Is the admission test for a course in medicine a good predictor of academic performance? A case−control experience at the school of medicine of Turin
Authors: Migliaretti Giuseppe , Bozzaro Salvatore , Siliquini Roberta , Stura Ilaria , Costa Giuseppe , Cavallo Franco
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The usefulness of university admission tests to medical schools has been discussed in recent years. In the academic year 2014–15 in Italy, several students who failed the admission test appealed to the regional administrative court (‘Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale’—TAR) requesting to be included, despite their test results, and all were admitted to their respective courses. The existence of this population of students generated a control group, in order to evaluate the predictive capacity of the admission test. The aim of the present work is to discuss the ability of university admission tests to predict subsequent academic success.

Setting and participants

The study involved 683 students who enrolled onto the first year of the degree course in medicine in the academic year 2014–15 at the University of Turin (Molinette and San Luigi Gonzaga colleges). The students were separated into two categories: those who passed the admission test (n1=531) and those who did not pass the admission test but won their appeal in the TAR (n2=152).

Outcomes

The validity of the admission test was analysed using specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LH+, LH−), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the ROC curve (AUC), and relative (95% CI).

Results

The results showed that the admission test appeared to be a good tool for predicting the academic performances in the first year of the course (AUC=0.70, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.76). Moreover, some subject areas seemed to have a greater discriminating capacity than others. In general, students who obtained a high score in scientific questions were more likely to obtain the required standards during the first year (LH+ 1.22, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.25).

Conclusions

Based on a consistent statistical approach, our study seems to confirm the ability of the admission test to predict academic success in the first year at the school of medicine of Turin.
Genome-wide association study of rice grain width variation
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Ming , Gong Tingting , Ou Hong-Ling , Xue Dayuan , Qiao Weihua , Wang Junrui , Liu Sha , Yang Qingwen , Olsen Kenneth M.
Published: December 2017

Seed size is variable within many plant species, and understanding the underlying genetic factors can provide insights into mechanisms of local environmental adaptation. Here we make use of the abundant genomic and germplasm resources available for rice (Oryza sativa) to perform a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) of grain width. Grain width varies widely within the crop and is also known to show climate-associated variation across populations of its wild progenitor. Using a filtered dataset of >1.9 million genome-wide SNPs in a sample of 570 cultivated and wild rice accessions, we performed GWAS with two complementary models, GLM and MLM. The models yielded 10 and 33 significant associations, respectively, and jointly yielded seven candidate locus regions, two of which have been previously identified. Analyses of nucleotide diversity and haplotype distributions at these loci revealed signatures of selection and patterns consistent with adaptive introgression of grain width alleles across rice variety groups. The results provide a 50% increase in the total number of rice grain width loci mapped to date and support a polygenic model whereby grain width is shaped by gene-by-environment interactions. These loci can potentially serve as candidates for studies of adaptive seed size variation in wild grass species.
AID TO AGRICULTURE AND AGGREGATE WELFARE
Authors: KAYA OZGUR , KAYA ILKER
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we focus on foreign aid-effectiveness in developing aid-recipient countries. By disaggregating total aid into sub-categories, we develop a model in which aid affects the welfare of the poor, as measured by a human development index. Our estimates (robust for different specifications) show that an increase in aid to the agricultural sector, one of our aid sub-categories, can improve the welfare of the poor, both directly and indirectly, through pro-poor public expenditure. Accordingly, more attention to the agricultural sector and reversing the decline in agricultural aid may improve the overall effectiveness of aid and achieve a sustainable transition out of poverty by increasing aggregate welfare.
Three-dimensional geostatistical integration of borehole and geophysical datasets in developing geological unit boundaries for geotechnical investigations
Authors: Kim Han-Saem , Chung Choong-Ki , Kim Jeong-Jun
Published: December 2017

Borehole data are more commonly used than other geotechnical methods for determining the 3D geospatial information of a given site. However, the inadequate acquisition of continuous geotechnical information over an entire site limits the usefulness of this technique. In contrast, 2D continuous geophysical tomography over a large area reveals geophysical characteristics that can be transformed into geotechnical information. It is therefore possible to obtain more reliable stratal information by combining borehole datasets and geophysical measurements using geostatistical methods. In this study, a 3D geostatistical integration method incorporating site-specific geotechnical variability was proposed to construct a 3D geospatial database for developing geological unit boundaries for engineering projects. First, borehole datasets, reviewed by a geologist, were modified to fit a geostatistical trend of geological strata using a cross-validation-based outlier detection method. Then, site-specific geological layer criteria were determined based on proper statistical comparisons to convert geophysical values into boundary criteria for each geological layer. Finally, 3D geospatial information incorporating site-specific geomaterial characteristics was determined using indicator kriging. The proposed framework was established as functional modules in a geographic information system (GIS) platform and applied to three testbeds in Korea, incorporating a variety of site conditions such as spatial variability of coastal and mountainous areas, to validate its applicability depending on various geophysical characteristics. Application of the proposed framework indicates increases in estimation accuracy of 3D subsurfaces using geophysical and borehole information. However, the geostatistical integration of the two datasets has limited application in areas of geological complexity, such as areas with faults or anisotropic geological strata.
Glacio-marine clay resistivity as a proxy for remoulded shear strength: correlations and limitations
Authors: Long Michael , Pfaffhuber Andreas Aspmo , Bazin Sara , Kåsin Kristoffer , Gylland Anders , Montaflia Alberto
Published: December 2017

In geotechnical engineering in Norway, Sweden and Canada the presence of sensitive and/or quick clays poses a major challenge. Formation of these clays involves the leaching of salt from the pore fluid. Thus it has been recognized that electrical resistivity measurements could be useful in delineating leached and unleached clays. This paper seeks to assess the applicability, repeatability and reliability of the various geophysical techniques in the study of sensitive clays. It also attempts to understand the factors that control the measured resistivity and in particular to determine the limitations of directly obtaining the remoulded shear strength from the resistivity measurements. It was found that borehole, surface and airborne resistivity measurements are accurate and compatible. For the 30 Norwegian sites studied it was found that resistivity is primarily defined by the porewater salt content, with minor additional influence by clay content and plasticity, and porosity. A relationship exists between resistivity and remoulded shear strength but this is limited to material deeper than the dry crust and a surface weathering zone of about 7.5 m thickness. High resistivity (>10 Ω m) may indicate quick or weathered clay but low resistivity (<10 Ω m) conclusively points to stable, unleached clay.
Deposit morphology of Luanshibao Landslide in Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dai Zili , Wang Fawu , Cheng Qiangong
Published: December 2017

A large-scale historical landslide called the Luanshibao Landslide on the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau was investigated. The geological background and morphometric parameters of the landslide are presented. Hummocky landscape, a prominence morphological feature in the deposit area, is described in detail in this paper based on a series of photographs and satellite images.
Garbage collection and efficiency in dynamic metacircular runtimes: an experience report
Authors: Pimás Javier , Burroni Javier , Arnaud Jean Baptiste , Marr Stefan
Published: December 2017

In dynamic object-oriented languages, low-level mechanisms such as just-in-time compilation, object allocation, garbage collection (GC) and method dispatch are often handled by virtual machines (VMs). VMs are typically implemented using static languages, allowing only few changes at run time. In such systems, the VM is not part of the language and interfaces to memory management or method dispatch are fixed, not allowing for arbitrary adaptation. Furthermore, the implementation can typically not be inspected or debugged with standard tools used to work on application code.

This paper reports on our experience building Bee, a dynamic Smalltalk runtime, written in Smalltalk. Bee is a Dynamic Metacircular Runtime (DMR) and seamlessly integrates the VM into the application and thereby overcomes many restrictions of classic VMs, for instance by allowing arbitrary code modifications of the VM at run time. Furthermore, the approach enables developers to use their standard tools for application code also for the VM, allowing them to inspect, debug, understand, and modify a DMR seamlessly.

We detail our experience of implementing GC, compilation, and optimizations in a DMR. We discuss examples where we found that DMRs can improve understanding of the system, provide tighter control of the software stack, and facilitate research. We also show that the Bee DMR matches and surpass the performance of a widely used Smalltalk VM.
Quoted staged rewriting: a practical approach to library-defined optimizations
Authors: Parreaux Lionel , Shaikhha Amir , Koch Christoph E.
Published: December 2017

Staging has proved a successful technique for programmatically removing code abstractions, thereby allowing for faster program execution while retaining a high-level interface for the programmer. Unfortunately, techniques based on staging suffer from a number of problems — ranging from practicalities to fundamental limitations — which have prevented their widespread adoption. We introduce Quoted Staged Rewriting (QSR), an approach that uses type-safe, pattern matching-enabled quasiquotes to define optimizations. The approach is “staged” in two ways: first, rewrite rules can execute arbitrary code during pattern matching and code reconstruction, leveraging the power and flexibility of staging; second, library designers can orchestrate the application of successive rewriting phases (stages). The advantages of using quasiquote-based rewriting are that library designers never have to deal directly with the intermediate representation (IR), and that it allows for non-intrusive optimizations — in contrast with staging, it is not necessary to adapt the entire library and user programs to accommodate optimizations.

We show how Squid, a Scala macro-based framework, enables QSR and renders library-defined optimizations more practical than ever before: library designers write domain-specific optimizers that users invoke transparently on delimited portions of their code base. As a motivating example we describe an implementation of stream fusion (a well-known deforestation technique) that is both simpler and more powerful than the state of the art, and can readily be used by Scala programmers with no knowledge of metaprogramming.
Four languages and lots of macros: analyzing autotools build systems
Authors: Al-Kofahi Jafar M. , Kothari Suresh , Kästner Christian
Published: December 2017

Build systems are crucial for software system development, however there is a lack of tool support to help with their high maintenance overhead. GNU Autotools are widely used in the open source community, but users face various challenges from its hard to comprehend nature and staging of multiple code generation steps, often leading to low quality and error-prone build code. In this paper, we present a platform, AutoHaven, to provide a foundation for developers to create analysis tools to help them understand, maintain, and migrate their GNU Autotools build systems. Internally it uses approximate parsing and symbolic analysis of the build logic. We illustrate the use of the platform with two tools: ACSense helps developers to better understand their build systems and ACSniff detects build smells to improve build code quality. Our evaluation shows that AutoHaven can support most GNU Autotools build systems and can detect build smells in the wild.
Type qualifiers as composable language extensions
Authors: Carlson Travis , Van Wyk Eric
Published: December 2017

This paper reformulates type qualifiers as language extensions that can be automatically and reliably composed. Type qualifiers annotate type expressions to introduce new subtyping relations and are powerful enough to detect many kinds of errors. Type qualifiers, as illustrated in our ableC extensible language framework for C, can introduce rich forms of concrete syntax, can generate dynamic checks on data when static checks are infeasible or not appropriate, and inject code that affects the program's behavior, for example for conversions of data or logging.

ableC language extensions to C are implemented as attribute grammar fragments and provide an expressive mechanism for type qualifier implementations to check for additional errors, e.g. dereferences to pointers not qualified by a "nonnull" qualifier, and report custom error messages. Our approach distinguishes language extension users from developers and provides modular analyses to developers to ensure that when users select a set of extensions to use, they will automatically compose to form a working compiler.
Reducing calling convention overhead in object-oriented programming on embedded ARM thumb-2 platforms
Authors: Caldwell Joseph , Chiba Shigeru
Published: December 2017

This paper examines the causes and extent of code size overhead caused by the ARM calling convention in Thumb-2 binaries. We show that binaries generated from C++ source files generally have higher amounts of calling convention overhead, and present a binary file optimizer to eliminate some of that overhead. Calling convention overhead can negatively impact power consumption, flash memory costs, and chip size in embedded or otherwise resource-constrained domains. This is particularly true on platforms using "compressed" instruction sets, such as the 16-bit ARM Thumb and Thumb-2 instruction sets, used in virtually all smartphones and in many other smaller-scale embedded devices. In this paper, we examine the extent of calling convention overhead in practical software, and compare the results of C and C++ programs, and find that C++ programs generally have a higher percentage of calling-convention overhead. Finally, we demonstrate a tool capable of eliminating some of this overhead, particularly in the case of C++ programs, by modifying the calling conventions on a per-procedure basis.
Lineage Plasticity in Cancer Progression and Treatment
Authors: Le Magnen Clémentine , Shen Michael M. , Abate-Shen Cory
Published: December 2017

Historically, it has been widely presumed that differentiated cells are determined during development and become irreversibly committed to their designated fates. In certain circumstances, however, differentiated cells can display plasticity by changing their identity, either by dedifferentiation to a progenitor-like state or by transdifferentiation to an alternative differentiated cell type. Such cellular plasticity can be triggered by physiological or oncogenic stress, or it can be experimentally induced through cellular reprogramming. Notably, physiological stresses that promote plasticity, such as severe tissue damage, inflammation, or senescence, also represent hallmarks of cancer. Furthermore, key drivers of cellular plasticity include major oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways and can be exacerbated by drug treatment. Thus, plasticity may help cancer cells evade detection and treatment. We propose that cancer can be considered as a disease of excess plasticity, a notion that has important implications for intervention and treatment.
The Impact of the Gut Microbiome on Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Maisonneuve Charles , Irrazabal Thergiory , Martin Alberto , Girardin Stephen E. , Philpott Dana J.
Published: December 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents one of the leading causes of morbidity and cancer-related mortality in the world. While the etiology of CRC is believed to arise from genetic mutations, alterations in the gut microbiota composition also influence cancer incidence and progression. This review focuses on how gut microbiota and their relationship with the innate immune system link inflammation to genotoxicity and carcinogenesis.
Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Viruses as a Paradigm for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Bommareddy Praveen K. , Peters Cole , Saha Dipongkor , Rabkin Samuel D. , Kaufman Howard L.
Published: December 2017

Oncolytic viruses are native or modified viruses that directly kill tumor cells but spare normal tissue and promote host antitumor immunity. Recently, an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) type 1–encoding human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) demonstrated significant clinical benefit in a randomized phase III clinical trial for patients with advanced melanoma, leading to regulatory approval in 2015. In this review, we provide a general characterization of herpes simplex viruses and discuss methods for vector modification, which can help limit viral pathogenicity and immunogenicity while promoting antitumor immunogenicity. We also provide insight into general strategies for using oHSV agents in tumor immunotherapy regimens for the treatment of cancer and briefly review some of the currently emerging preclinical and clinical data that support an important role for such agents in the treatment of cancer.
Neuromuscular Junction Formation, Aging, and Disorders
Authors: Li Lei , Xiong Wen-Cheng , Mei Lin
Published: December 2017

Synapses, the fundamental unit in neuronal circuits, are critical for learning and memory, perception, thinking, and reaction. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse formed between motoneurons and skeletal muscle fibers that is covered by Schwann cells (SCs). It is essential for controlling muscle contraction. NMJ formation requires intimate interactions among motoneurons, muscles, and SCs. Deficits in NMJ formation and maintenance cause neuromuscular disorders, including congenital myasthenic syndrome and myasthenia gravis. NMJ decline occurs in aged animals and may appear before clinical presentation of motoneuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We review recent findings in NMJ formation, maintenance, neuromuscular disorders, and aging of the NMJ, focusing on communications among motoneurons, muscles and SCs, and underlying mechanisms.
Oral Microbiome Composition Reflects Prospective Risk for Esophageal Cancers
Authors: Peters Brandilyn A. , Wu Jing , Pei Zhiheng , Yang Liying , Purdue Mark P. , Freedman Neal D. , Jacobs Eric J. , Gapstur Susan M. , Hayes Richard B. , Ahn Jiyoung
Published: December 2017

Bacteria may play a role in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although evidence is limited to cross-sectional studies. In this study, we examined the relationship of oral microbiota with EAC and ESCC risk in a prospective study nested in two cohorts. Oral bacteria were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in prediagnostic mouthwash samples from n = 81/160 EAC and n = 25/50 ESCC cases/matched controls. Findings were largely consistent across both cohorts. Metagenome content was predicted using PiCRUST. We examined associations between centered log-ratio transformed taxon or functional pathway abundances and risk using conditional logistic regression adjusting for BMI, smoking, and alcohol. We found the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia to be associated with higher risk of EAC. Furthermore, we found that depletion of the commensal genus Neisseria and the species Streptococcus pneumoniae was associated with lower EAC risk. Bacterial biosynthesis of carotenoids was also associated with protection against EAC. Finally, the abundance of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis trended with higher risk of ESCC. Overall, our findings have potential implications for the early detection and prevention of EAC and ESCC. Cancer Res; 77(23); 6777–87. ©2017 AACR.
Comparative Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Coding and Noncoding RNA Differences in NSCLC from African Americans and European Americans
Authors: Mitchell Khadijah A. , Zingone Adriana , Toulabi Leila , Boeckelman Jacob , Ryan Bríd M.
Published: December 2017

Purpose: To determine whether racial differences in gene and miRNA expression translates to differences in lung tumor biology with clinical relevance in African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs).

Experimental Design: The NCI-Maryland Case Control Study includes seven Baltimore City hospitals and is overrepresented with AA patients (∼40%). Patients that underwent curative NSCLC surgery between 1998 and 2014 were enrolled. Comparative molecular profiling used mRNA (n = 22 AAs and 19 EAs) and miRNA (n = 42 AAs and 55 EAs) expression arrays to track differences in paired fresh frozen normal tissues and lung tumor specimens from AAs and EAs. Pathway enrichment, predicted drug response, tumor microenvironment infiltration, cancer immunotherapy antigen profiling, and miRNA target enrichment were assessed.

Results: AA-enriched differential gene expression was characterized by stem cell and invasion pathways. Differential gene expression in lung tumors from EAs was primarily characterized by cell proliferation pathways. Population-specific gene expression was partly driven by population-specific miRNA expression profiles. Drug susceptibility predictions revealed a strong inverse correlation between AA resistance and EA sensitivity to the same panel of drugs. Statistically significant differences in M1 and M2 macrophage infiltration were observed in AAs (P < 0.05); however, PD-L1, PD-L2 expression was similar between both.

Conclusions: Comparative transcriptomic profiling revealed clear differences in lung tumor biology between AAs and EAs. Increased participation by AAs in lung cancer clinical trials are needed to integrate, and leverage, transcriptomic differences with other clinical information to maximize therapeutic benefit in both AAs and EAs. Clin Cancer Res; 23(23); 7412–25. ©2017 AACR.
A Rare Case of Embryonal Carcinoma in a Patient with Turner Syndrome without Y Chromosomal Material but Mutations in KIT, AKT1, and ZNF358 Demonstrated Using Exome Sequencing
Authors: Gravholt Claus H. , Dollerup Ole L. , Duval Lone , Mejlgaard Else , Stribolt Katrine , Vang Søren , Laursen Britt E. , Knudsen Michael , Thorsen Kasper , Hersmus Remko , Looijenga Leendert H.J. , Stochholm Kirstine
Published: December 2017

Gonadoblastoma and malignant transformations thereof can occur in females with Turner syndrome (TS) and Y chromosomal material. However, in females with TS and no Y chromosomal material, this is rarely seen. We report a female with an apparent 45,X karyotype (in blood and tumor) who was diagnosed with a metastatic embryonal carcinoma. Exome sequencing of blood and the tumor was done, and no Y chromosomal material was detected, while predicted deleterious mutations in KIT (likely driver), AKT1, and ZNF358 were identified in the tumor. The patient was treated with chemotherapy (first-line: cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin; second-line: paclitaxel and gemcitabine), and after that surgical debulking was performed. She is currently well and without signs of relapse. We conclude that embryonal carcinoma can apparently occur in 45,X TS without signs of Y chromosomal material.
Andrographolide Induces Autophagic Cell Death and Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis of Human Osteosarcoma Cells in An Autophagy-Dependent Manner
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Yan , Zou Jilong , Yan Lixin , Yu Xiufeng , Lu Peng , Wu Xiaomeng , Li Qiaozhi , Gu Rui , Zhu Daling
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone tissue. Although treatment effectiveness has improved, the OS survival rate has fluctuated in recent years. Andrographolide (AG) has been reported to have antitumor activity against a variety of tumors. Our aim was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of AG in human osteosarcoma. Methods: Cell viability and morphological changes were assessed by MTT and live/dead assays. Apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, DAPI, and caspase-3 assays. Autophagy was detected with mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus transfection and western blot. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell® experiments. Results: AG dose-dependently reduced the viability of osteosarcoma cells. No increase in apoptosis was detected in AG-treated human OS MG-63 and U-2OS cells, and the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD did not attenuate AG-induced cell death. However, AG induced autophagy by suppressing PI3K/Akt/mTOR and enhancing JNK signaling pathways. 3-MA and Beclin-1 siRNA could reverse the cytotoxic effects of AG. In addition, AG inhibited the invasion and metastasis of OS, and this effect could be reversed with Beclin-1 siRNA. Conclusion: AG inhibits viability and induces autophagic death in OS cells. AG-induced autophagy inhibits the invasion and metastasis of OS.
Molecular Fingerprint for Terminal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Disease
Authors: Gäbel Gabor , Northoff Bernd H. , Weinzierl Irina , Ludwig Stefan , Hinterseher Irene , Wilfert Wolfgang , Teupser Daniel , Doderer Stefan A. , Bergert Hendrik , Schönleben Frank , Lindeman Jan H. N. , Holdt Lesca M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Clinical decision making in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) relies completely on diameter. At this point, improved decision tools remain an unmet medical need. Our goal was to identify changes at the molecular level specifically leading up to
AAA
rupture.

Methods and Results

Aortic wall tissue specimens were collected during open elective (e
AAA
; n=31) or emergency repair of ruptured
AAA
(r
AAA
; n=17), and gene expression was investigated using microarrays. Identified candidate genes were validated with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in an independent sample set (e
AAA
: n=46; r
AAA
: n=18). Two gene sets were identified, 1 set containing 5 genes linked to terminal progression, that is, positively associated with progression of larger
AAA
, and with rupture (

HILPDA

,

ANGPTL
4

,

LOX

,

SRPX
2

,

FCGBP

), and a second set containing 5 genes exclusively upregulated in
rAAA
(

ADAMTS
9

,

STC
1

,

GFPT
2

,

GAL
3
ST
4

,

CCL
4L1

). Genes in both sets essentially associated with processes related to impaired tissue remodeling, such as angiogenesis and adipogenesis. In gene expression experiments we were able to show that upregulated gene expression for identified candidate genes is unique for
AAA
. Functionally, the selected upregulated factors converge at processes coordinated by the canonical
HIF
‐1α signaling pathway and are highly expressed in fibroblasts but not inflammatory cells of the aneurysmatic wall. Histological quantification of angiogenesis and exploration of the
HIF
‐1α network in r
AAA
versus e
AAA
shows enhanced microvessel density but also clear activation of the
HIF
‐1α network in r
AAA
.

Conclusions

Our study shows a specific molecular fingerprint for terminal
AAA
disease. These changes appear to converge at activation of
HIF
‐1α signaling in mesenchymal cells. Aspects of this cascade might represent targets for rupture risk assessment.
Faith and Defiance (信仰与反抗：毛泽东统治时期的基督徒囚犯)
Authors: Lee (李榭熙) Joseph Tse-Hei
Published: December 2017

The persecution of Chinese Christians after the outbreak of the Korean War raised important questions about faith and politics in a state-centric society. This article examines the experience and memory of three Protestant religious prisoners in the Maoist era: Watchman Nee (Ni Tuosheng 倪柝声), who founded the Christian Assembly (jidutu juhuichu基督徒聚会处) or Little Flock (xiaoqun小群) in early twentieth-century China; Epaphras Wu (Wu Weizun 吳维僔), an active Little Flock member; and Robert Huang (Huang Zhaojian 黃兆坚), who organized Seventh-Day Adventist activities in 1950s Shanghai. The persecution stories of these religious leaders entered Chinese Christian hagiography, providing Chinese Christians with a shared cultural resource that transcended denominational and theological differences. Central to my investigation are questions about how Christians reacted to Maoism, how they came to terms with the traumatizing experience of incarceration as part of a broader life struggle, and how Chinese churches made sense of these persecution narratives to assert their faith and agency. A closer look at the history of these religious prisoners enables us to capture faith-based resistance at an individual level, and to contextualize the particularities of each persecution in the Maoist period.

朝鲜战争爆发之后，对基督徒的迫害在中国这样一个国家主导的社会里是一个严重的信仰与政治问题。本文探究了毛泽东时代三位基督新教徒囚犯的经历与回忆。第一位是倪柝声，二十世纪早期中国基督徒聚会处或小群的创始人；吴维僔，一位活跃的小群信徒；以及黄兆坚，50年代上海基督复临安息日会活动的组织者。这三位基督徒领袖受迫害的故事纳入了中国基督徒的圣人史，为中国基督徒提供了超越宗派神学差异的共享文化资源。本文的核心问题是，这些基督徒如何应对毛泽东思想，他们如何忍受漫长的囚禁生涯，以及中国教会如何理解这些事迹以维护其信仰与教会。深入分析这些被囚基督徒的历史能帮助我们捕捉个人层面以信仰为根基的反抗，以及理解毛时期每个逼迫案例的独特性。
Typification and identity of species of Veronica subgenus Pseudolysimachium (Plantaginaceae) described from Belgium by A.L.S. Lejeune
Authors: VERLOOVE F.
Published: December 2017

Three ‘ignored’ species of Veronica subgenus Pseudolysimachium (V. alternifolia, V. laxiflora and V. paludosa), described from Belgium by Alexandre Louis Simon Lejeune (1779-1858) at the beginning of the 19th century, are typified. Since no original material seems to be extant, neotypes are presented for these names. Their identity is briefly discussed and it is concluded that all are conspecific with V. longifolia s.l.
On the Drivers of Wintertime Temperature Extremes in the High Arctic
Authors: Messori Gabriele , Woods Cian , Caballero Rodrigo
Published: December 2017

The salient features and drivers of wintertime warm and cold spells in the high Arctic are investigated. The analysis is based on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts interim reanalysis dataset. It is found that the warm spells are systematically associated with an intense sea level pressure and geopotential height anomaly dipole, displaying a low over the Arctic basin and a high over northern Eurasia. This configuration creates a natural pathway for extreme moisture influx episodes from the Atlantic sector into the Arctic (herein termed moisture intrusions). Anomalous cyclone frequency at the pole (largely attributable to local cyclogenesis) then favors a deep penetration of these intrusions across the Arctic basin. The large-scale circulation pattern associated with the warm spells further favors the advection of cold air across Siberia, leading to the so-called warm Arctic–cold Eurasia pattern previously discussed in the literature. On the contrary, cold Arctic extremes are associated with a severely reduced frequency of moisture intrusions and a persistent low pressure system over the pole. This effectively isolates the high latitudes from midlatitude air masses, favoring an intense radiative cooling of the polar region.
A Global View of Coastal Low-Level Wind Jets Using an Ensemble of Reanalyses
Authors: Lima Daniela C. A. , Soares Pedro M. M. , Semedo Alvaro , Cardoso Rita M.
Published: December 2017

Global reanalyses are powerful tools to study the recent climate. They are built by combining forecast models with observations through data assimilation, which provide complete spatial and temporal information of observable and unobservable parameters. The reanalyses constitute very valuable three-dimensional data of the atmosphere, which make it possible to investigate a panoply of atmospheric processes, such as coastal low-level jets (CLLJs). In the present study, three global reanalyses, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim), the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55), and the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), are used to build an ensemble of reanalyses for a period encompassing 1980–2016 with 6-hourly output. A detailed global climatology of CLLJs is presented based on this ensemble of reanalyses. This reanalysis ensemble makes it possible to explore the ability of reanalysis to represent the CLLJs mitigating its uncertainty and adding robustness. The annual and diurnal cycle as well as the interannual variability are analyzed in order to evaluate the temporal variability of frequency of occurrence of CLLJ. The ensemble mean displays a good representation of the seasonal spatial variability of frequency of occurrence of coastal jets. The Oman and Benguela CLLJs show, respectively, a decrease and increase of frequency of occurrence in the studied period, which are statistically significant during boreal summer and austral spring. The coastal jets have higher mean frequencies of occurrences during late afternoon and early evening. During the season where each CLLJ has higher mean frequency of occurrence, the Oman CLLJ is the most intense and occurs at higher altitudes.
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Patients With Tinnitus: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Tang-Chuan , Tyler Richard S. , Chang Ta-Yuan , Chen Jui-Cheng , Lin Chia-Der , Chung Hsiung-Kwang , Tsou Yung-An
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

Subjective tinnitus is a phantom sensation experienced without any external source of sound that profoundly impacts the quality of life. Some investigations have claimed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces tinnitus, but studies on tDCS have demonstrated variable results. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of tDCS on patients with tinnitus.

Methods:

We searched for articles published through January 5, 2016, in Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: tinnitus, transcranial direct current stimulation, and tDCS. The study outcomes were change in magnitude estimates of loudness (loudness), tinnitus-related distress (distress), and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).

Results:

Pooled results demonstrated that tDCS did not have a beneficial effect on loudness (pooled standardized difference in means = 0.674, 95% CI, –0.089 to 1.437, P = .083). Further, the pooled results demonstrated a greater reduction in distress for the tDCS group (pooled standardized difference in means = 0.634, 95% CI, 0.021-1.247, P = .043).

Conclusions:

We conclude that the pooled results demonstrated a greater reduction in distress for groups treated with tDCS as compared with those administered a sham treatment.
Utility of Fecal Calprotectin in Evaluation of Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Primary Care
Authors: Ramraj Ramya , Garcia Amy , Mosen David , Waiwaiole Lisa , Smith Ning
Published: December 2017

Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a marker of intestinal inflammation. Data are limited on utility of routine FC testing in pediatric primary care. Participants 0 to 18 years old who had an FC test in the years 2010-2014 were retrospectively identified. Those with less than a year of follow-up or a prior diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were excluded. In all, 84% (689/822) had normal FC; no participant with normal FC was diagnosed with IBD in the subsequent 12 months. Also, 16% (133/822) had elevated FC, and 31% of those (42/133) were diagnosed with IBD. FC values for IBD and non-IBD groups were 1084 µg/g (interquartile range [IQR] = 514.4-2000) and 27.05 µg/g (IQR = 15.6-62.6; P < .001), respectively. Abdominal pain was the primary indication. In this cohort, sensitivity of FC for IBD is 100%, and specificity is 88%. The FC test can be an excellent tool in the primary care setting to exclude IBD and avoid unnecessary referrals and colonoscopies.
Stability of 2 mg/mL Adenosine Solution in Polyvinyl Chloride and Polyolefin Infusion Bags
Authors: DeAngelis Michael , Ferrara Alexander , Gregory Kaleigh , Zammit Kimberly , Zhao Fang
Published: December 2017

Adenosine is a potent endogenous mediator of vasodilation. Compounded sterile solutions of adenosine are used in cardiac catheterization lab to perform stress tests on the heart. These tests are used to determine the fractional flow reserve (FFR) and are commonly used in the management and diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical and chemical stability of 2 mg/mL adenosine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in polyvinyl chloride [PVC]) and polyolefin infusion bags stored at room temperature (20°C-25°C) and under refrigeration (2°C-8°C). The compounding and analytical methods used in this study were very similar to those described in the prior publications from the authors’ laboratory. To ensure a uniform starting concentration of all stability samples, a batch of 2 mg/mL adenosine solution was prepared and then packaged into empty PVC and polyolefin infusion bags. These stability samples were prepared in triplicate for each bag type and storage temperature (a total of 12 samples). The infusion bag samples were assessed for stability immediately after preparation and after 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days. At each time point, the infusion bags were first visually inspected against a light background for color change, clarity, and particulates. Aliquots were drawn from each sample at each time point for pH analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Over 14 days of storage at room temperature or refrigeration, no considerable change in visual appearance or pH was observed in any bags. All samples retained 90% to 110% of the initial drug concentration. No significant degradation peaks were observed in the HPLC chromatograms.
Effects of Anthropometric Variables and Seat Height on Automobile Drivers’ Preferred Posture With the Presence of the Clutch
Authors: Peng Junfeng , Wang Xuguang , Denninger Lisa
Published: December 2017

Objective

The effects of seat height and anthropometric dimensions on drivers’ preferred postures were investigated using a multiadjustable vehicle mock-up with a large number of adjustments and extended ranges.

Background

Many studies have been conducted on preferred driving posture under different test conditions showing mixed and even contradictory findings. No studies thus far have considered the clutch and compared Chinese and European drivers.

Method

Four seat height conditions were tested: free and three imposed heights (250, 300, and 350 mm). Sixty-one subjects (40 French-born and 21 Chinese-born) participated in the experiment, covering a large range of stature and sitting height–to–stature ratio. The RAMSIS kinematic model was used to reconstruct postures, and main intersegmental angles were extracted for characterizing posture.

Results

Under the free seat height condition, no significant differences in preferred intersegmental angles were observed between different participant groups. Seat height mainly affected trunk–thigh angle, whereas it had almost no effect on trunk orientation and other intersegmental angles. Chinese participants sat more forward in the seat, leading to a more opened trunk–thigh angle and a more reclined trunk.

Conclusions

Results suggest that intersegmental angles of preferred posture are not dependent on anthropometric dimensions, although shorter drivers prefer a slightly less reclined trunk. Self-selected driving posture results from a compromise between maintaining the intersegmental angles in one’s preferred range and a preferred trunk orientation in space.

Applications

The findings contribute to a better understanding of preferred driving postures and would be helpful for improving vehicle interior design.
Subjection and Survival in J. M. Coetzee’s Disgrace
Authors: Beyad Maryam , Keramatfar Hossein
Published: December 2017

Coetzee’s novel, Disgrace, constructs a disturbing picture of the state of post-apartheid South Africa. It was generally criticized on the ground that instead of sharing national enthusiasm, it damaged the hopes of constructing a just and nonracial society by perpetuating racial stereotypes and fueling interracial violence. Disgrace, however, this paper holds, is a realistic, though gloomy, narrative of human condition. It is the scene of individuals struggling for survival amid existential and social forces in post-apartheid culture. Apartheid represented the era of victimization, subjection, and pathological attachments. It distorted intersubjective relations, turned humans’ interactions into power struggles, and produced deformed, stunted subjects. This paper examines the continuing presence of these deformed subjects in new South Africa and the violence that their presence occasions. The residual presence of character deformity and pathological intersubjectivity is a social reality of the new South Africa in Disgrace, a reality that diminishes the prospect of the promised sane society of post-apartheid era.