bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of illitic minerals in shale instability and in unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs
Authors: Wilson M. J. , Wilson L. , Shaldybin M. V.
Published: June 2017

It is generally accepted that the clay mineralogy of the shale formation is a primary causative factor of shale instability. This review considers a scenario of shale instability relating to illitic minerals. From the literature the thickness of the double electric layer (DEL) of the aqueous solutions associated with the charged external surfaces of clay minerals is of the same order or even thicker than the sizes of a significant proportion of the pores found in shales. In these circumstances, overlap of the DELs associated with the exposed outer surfaces of clay minerals on opposing sides of slit-like micropores (<2 nm in diameter) and mesopores (2–50 nm in diameter) in a lithostatically compressed shale would bring about electrostatic repulsion and lead to increased pore/hydration pressure in illitic shales. In shales and sandstones, illitic material is usually described in terms of two different phases, namely illite per se and mixed-layer illite–smectite (I/S). Evidence is presented to show that it is often the case that only one illite phase exists and that in reality the mixed-layer I/S is simply very thin illite (<5 nm in thickness) in the early stages of its growth. Such material is of common occurrence in the unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs of the USA.
Microstructural controls on the pressure-dependent permeability of Whitby mudstone
Authors: McKernan Rosanne , Mecklenburgh Julian , Rutter Ernie , Taylor Kevin
Published: June 2017

A combination of permeability and ultrasonic velocity measurements allied with image analysis is used to distinguish the primary microstructural controls on effective-pressure-dependent permeability. Permeabilities of cylindrical samples of Whitby mudstone were measured using the oscillating pore-pressure method at confining pressures ranging between 30 and 95 MPa, and at pore pressures ranging between 1 and 80 MPa. The permeability–effective pressure relationship is empirically described using a modified effective pressure law in terms of confining pressure, pore pressure and a Klinkenberg effect. Measured permeability ranges between 3×10
−21
and 2×10
−19
m
2
(3 and 200 nd), and decreases by approximately one order of magnitude across the applied effective pressure range. Permeability is shown to be less sensitive to changes in pore pressure than changes in confining pressure, yielding permeability effective pressure coefficients (χ) between 0.42 and 0.97. Based on a pore-conductivity model, which considers the measured changes in acoustic wave velocity and pore volume with pressure, the observed loss of permeability with increasing effective pressure is attributed dominantly to the progressive closure of bedding-parallel, crack-like pores associated with grain boundaries. Despite only constituting a fraction of the total porosity, these pores form an interconnected network that significantly enhances permeability at low effective pressures.

Supplementary material:
A CSV file containing all experimental conditions and a tabulation of results is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3785741
Erythrocyte purinergic signaling components underlie hypoxia adaptation
Authors: Sun Kaiqi , Liu Hong , Song Anren , Manalo Jeanne M. , D’Alessandro Angelo , Hansen Kirk C. , Kellems Rodney E. , Eltzschig Holger K. , Blackburn Michael R. , Roach Robert C. , Xia Yang
Published: June 2017

Erythrocytes are vital to human adaptation under hypoxic conditions because of their abundance in number and irreplaceable function of delivering oxygen (O2). However, although multiple large-scale altitude studies investigating the overall coordination of the human body for hypoxia adaptation have been conducted, detailed research with a focus on erythrocytes was missing due to lack of proper techniques. The recently maturing metabolomics profiling technology appears to be the answer to this limitation. Metabolomics profiling provides unbiased high-throughput screening data that reveal the overall metabolic status of erythrocytes. Recent studies have exploited this new technology and provided novel insight into erythrocyte physiology and pathology. In particular, a series of studies focusing on erythrocyte purinergic signaling have reported that adenosine signaling, coupled with 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the production of erythrocyte-enriched bioactive signaling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate, regulate erythrocyte glucose metabolism for more O2 delivery. Moreover, an adenosine-dependent “erythrocyte hypoxic memory” was discovered that provides an explanation for fast acclimation upon re-ascent. These findings not only shed new light on our understanding of erythrocyte function and hypoxia adaptation, but also offer a myriad of novel therapeutic possibilities to counteract various hypoxic conditions.
Reflex cardiorespiratory events from esophageal origin are heightened by preterm birth
Authors: Nault Stéphanie , Samson Nathalie , Nadeau Charlène , Djeddi Djamal , Praud Jean-Paul
Published: June 2017

The involvement of gastroesophageal refluxes in cardiorespiratory events of preterm infants remains controversial. While a few studies in full-term newborn animals have shown that stimulation of esophageal receptors leads to cardiorespiratory reflexes, the latter remain largely unknown, especially after premature birth. The present study aimed to 1) characterize the cardiorespiratory reflexes originating from esophageal receptors in newborn lambs and 2) test the hypotheses that preterm birth enhances reflex cardiorespiratory inhibition and that C-fibers are involved in these reflexes. Eight full-term lambs and 10 lambs born 14 days prematurely were studied. Following surgical instrumentation, a 6-h polysomnography was performed without sedation to record electrocardiogram, respiratory movements, arterial pressure, laryngeal constrictor muscle activity, state of alertness, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Five esophageal stimulations of the upper and/or lower esophagus, including rapid balloon inflation and/or HCl injection, were performed in random order. A second recording was performed in full-term lambs 24 h later, after C-fiber blockade by capsaicin. Results confirmed that esophageal stimulations induced inhibitory cardiorespiratory reflexes combined with protective mechanisms, including laryngeal closure, swallowing, coughing, increased arterial pressure, and arousal. Preterm birth heightened cardiorespiratory inhibition. The strongest cardiorespiratory inhibition was observed following simultaneous stimulation of the lower and upper esophagus. Finally, cardiorespiratory inhibition was decreased after C-fiber blockade. In conclusion, esophageal stimulation induces inhibitory cardiorespiratory reflexes, which are partly mediated by C-fibers and more pronounced in preterm lambs. Clinical relevance of these findings requires further studies, especially in conditions associated with increased cardiorespiratory events, e.g., neonatal infection.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preterm birth heightens the cardiorespiratory events triggered by esophageal stimulation. The most extensive cardiorespiratory events are induced by simultaneous stimulation of the proximal and distal esophagus.
The Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPasesand Their Role as Major New Players in Human Disease
Authors: Stafford Nicholas , Wilson Claire , Oceandy Delvac , Neyses Ludwig , Cartwright Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2017

The Ca2+extrusion function of the four mammalian isoforms of the plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) is well established. There is also ever-increasing detail known of their roles in global and local Ca2+homeostasis and intracellular Ca2+signaling in a wide variety of cell types and tissues. It is becoming clear that the spatiotemporal patterns of expression of the PMCAs and the fact that their abundances and relative expression levels vary from cell type to cell type both reflect and impact on their specific functions in these cells. Over recent years it has become increasingly apparent that these genes have potentially significant roles in human health and disease, with PMCAs1-4 being associated with cardiovascular diseases, deafness, autism, ataxia, adenoma, and malarial resistance. This review will bring together evidence of the variety of tissue-specific functions of PMCAs and will highlight the roles these genes play in regulating normal physiological functions and the considerable impact the genes have on human disease.
Drilling Load Model of an Inchworm Boring Robot for Lunar Subsurface Exploration
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Jiang Shengyuan , Tang Dewei , Chen Huazhi , Liang Jieneng
Published: June 2017

In the past decade, the wireline robot has received increasing attention due to the advantages of light weight, low cost, and flexibility compared to the traditional drilling instruments in space missions. For the lunar subsurface in situ exploration mission, we proposed a type of wireline robot named IBR (Inchworm Boring Robot) drawing inspiration from the inchworm. Two auger tools are utilized to remove chips for IBR, which directly interacted with the lunar regolith in the drilling process. Therefore, for obtaining the tools drilling characteristics, the chips removal principle of IBR is analyzed and its drilling load model is further established based on the soil mechanical theory in this paper. And then the proposed theoretical drilling load model is experimentally validated. In addition, according to the theoretical drilling load model, this paper discusses the effect of the drilling parameters on the tools drilling moments and power consumption. These results imply a possible energy-efficient control strategy for IBR.
Change of Renal Parenchymal Width in Patients with Unilateral Ureteral Stent: A Bicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Hee Youn , Lee Seung-Ju , Choi Jin Bong , Yoo Je Mo , Lee Joon Ho , Lee Dong Sup
Published: June 2017

Purpose. To determine whether kidney sizes were changed after ureteral stents were instilled, and if so, what parameters were significant. Methods. Parenchymal width (PW) of 98 patients with unilateral ureteral stents was measured from the coronal view of CT scans for both stented and unstented contralateral kidney. The mean PW and % change of mean PW were calculated before stenting and at the time of last stent change. Estimated glomerular filtrate rate (eGFR) was recorded as well. Results. The mean duration of ureteral stent indwelled was 15.6±10.2 (mean ± SD) months. The change of mean PW of stented kidneys and unstented contralateral kidneys was −16.9±16.4 (mean ± SD)% and 3.6±10.7%, respectively. eGFR before and at the time of the last stent change did not show significant difference (p=0.294). Duration of ureteral stent indwelled was found to be inversely related to the % change of mean PW (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = −0.291, p<0.001). Conclusions. For unilateral ureteral obstruction, kidney size was decreased over time in spite of indwelling ureteral stent. This finding can be overlooked by clinicians due to compensatory growth of contralateral kidney and resultant normal eGFR.
Diffusion Convection Equation with Variable Nonlinearities
Authors: Zhan Huashui
Published: June 2017

The paper studies diffusion convection equation with variable nonlinearities and degeneracy on the boundary. Unlike the usual Dirichlet boundary value, only a partial boundary value condition is imposed. If there are some restrictions in the diffusion coefficient, the stability of the weak solution based on the partial boundary value condition is obtained. In general, we may obtain a local stability of the weak solutions without any boundary value condition.
The New Tapered Fiber Connector and the Test of Its Error Rate and Coupling Characteristics
Authors: Hu Qinggui , Li Chengzhong
Published: June 2017

Since the fiber core is very small, the communication fiber connector requires high precision. In this paper, the effect of lateral deviation on coupling efficiency of fiber connector is analyzed. Then, considering the fact that optical fiber is generally used in pairs, one for transmitting data and the other for receiving, the novel directional tapered communication optical fiber connector is designed. In the new connector, the structure of the fiber head is tapered according to the signal transmission direction. In order to study the performance of the new connector, several samples were made in the laboratory of corporation CDSEI and two testing experiments were done. The experiment results show that compared with the traditional connector, for the same lateral deviation, the coupling efficiency of the tapered connector is higher and the error rate is lower.
Effects of Scan Resolutions and Element Sizes on Bovine Vertebral Mechanical Parameters from Quantitative Computed Tomography-Based Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Zhang Meng , Gao Jiazi , Huang Xu , Gong He , Zhang Min , Liu Bei
Published: June 2017

Quantitative computed tomography-based finite element analysis (QCT/FEA) has been developed to predict vertebral strength. However, QCT/FEA models may be different with scan resolutions and element sizes. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of scan resolutions and element sizes on QCT/FEA outcomes. Nine bovine vertebral bodies were scanned using the clinical CT scanner and reconstructed from datasets with the two-slice thickness, that is, 0.6 mm (PA resolution) and 1 mm (PB resolution). There were significantly linear correlations between the predicted and measured principal strains (R2>0.7, P<0.0001), and the predicted vertebral strength and stiffness were modestly correlated with the experimental values (R2>0.6, P<0.05). Two different resolutions and six different element sizes were combined in pairs, and finite element (FE) models of bovine vertebral cancellous bones in the 12 cases were obtained. It showed that the mechanical parameters of FE models with the PB resolution were similar to those with the PA resolution. The computational accuracy of FE models with the element sizes of 0.41 × 0.41 × 0.6 mm3 and 0.41 × 0.41 × 1 mm3 was higher by comparing the apparent elastic modulus and yield strength. Therefore, scan resolution and element size should be chosen optimally to improve the accuracy of QCT/FEA.
Optimal Dose of Epidural Dexmedetomidine Added to Ropivacaine for Epidural Labor Analgesia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wangping Zhang , Ming Ren
Published: June 2017

Background. Dexmedetomidine combined with local anesthetics can decrease the concentration of epidural ropivacaine. However, the optimal dose of epidural dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for labor analgesia is still uncertain. This study investigated the effect of adding different dose of epidural dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine during epidural labor analgesia. Methods. One hundred women were randomly assigned to one of the four groups (Groups A, B, C, and D received 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 μg/ml of dexmedetomidine plus 0.1% ropivacaine, resp.). The onset of epidural anesthesia and stages of labor were studied, and pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Hemodynamic parameters and fetal heart rate were monitored. Apgar scores and umbilical artery pH were recorded. The side effects, if any, were recorded also. Results. The addition of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 μg/ml of dexmedetomidine to 0.1% ropivacaine provided safe and effective analgesia, but 1 μg/ml of dexmedetomidine resulted in increasing incidence of motor block. The hemodynamic parameters were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Side effects in Group D were significantly higher than those in the other three groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions. When dexmedetomidine is combined with 0.1% ropivacaine, the optimal concentration of dexmedetomidine is 0.5 μg/ml for epidural labor analgesia (this trial is registered with ChiCTR-OPC-16008548).
Serum miR-200c and miR-371-5p as the Useful Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Yan , Zeng Yiwen , Hu Liyi , Zou Guotao
Published: June 2017

Kawasaki disease (KD) has complexly clinical features and laboratory parameters and there is no definitive biomarker for this disease and the therapy of KD also is complex and uncertain. In this study, 102 KD patients and 80 healthy controls were enrolled in this study and the serum microRNAs were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that, compared with KD patients with a good response to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, serum miR-200c and miR-371-5p were significantly higher in KD patients with no response to IVIG therapy; compared with KD patients not needing plasma exchange, these two microRNAs were also significantly higher in KD patients needing plasma exchange. In addition, combination of serum miR-200c and miR-371-5p reflected obvious separation between KD patients and healthy controls or between KD patients with no response to IVIG therapy and KD patients with good response to IVIG therapy or KD patients needing plasma exchange and KD patients not needing plasma exchange. Finally, both serum miR-200c and miR-371-5p were also significantly lower in KD under different kinds of therapy. Therefore, serum miR-200c and miR-371-5p have ability as the useful diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in Kawasaki disease.
Efficient Objective Metric Tool for Medical Electrical Device Development: Eye Phantom for Glaucoma Diagnosis Device
Authors: Deluthault Anthony , Mezenge Luc , Cauvet Philippe , Kerzérho Vincent , Soulier Fabien , Bernard Serge
Published: June 2017

Developing electronic medical devices is challenging. Simulations or in vivo experiments are not sufficient to obtain pertinent comparisons between potential design options. This paper presents a new artificial tool allowing objective comparisons between electronic device topologies. The main idea is to build a tool which is sensitive to targeted biological parameters only. These tools are generally called phantoms. The phantom presented in this paper is dedicated to IntraOcular Pressure (IOP) Measurement devices used in glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. It is called Biomechanical Eye Emulator (BEE). The BEE emulates the main biomechanical parameters influencing the IOP measurements. Because it is not sensitive to the living context, the BEE is the most efficient tool to investigate the best sensor design. BEE specifications are defined to be as close as possible to chosen models (humans or animals). Its efficiency is shown with a case study on rabbits. The results clearly demonstrate the BEE phantoms efficacy in providing objective assessment metrics during the sensor design process.
Pediatric Cancer Predisposition and Surveillance: An Overview, and a Tribute to Alfred G. Knudson Jr
Authors: Brodeur Garrett M. , Nichols Kim E. , Plon Sharon E. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Malkin David
Published: June 2017

The prevalence of childhood cancer attributable to genetic predisposition was generally considered very low. However, recent reports suggest that at least 10% of pediatric cancer patients harbor a germline mutation in a cancer predisposition gene. Although some of these children will have a family history suggestive of a cancer predisposition syndrome, many others will not. Evidence from recent pediatric studies suggests that surveillance and early detection of cancer in individuals carrying a germline cancer predisposing mutation may result in improved outcomes. However, there is a lack of consistency in the design of cancer surveillance regimens across centers both nationally and internationally. To standardize approaches, the Pediatric Cancer Working Group of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) convened a workshop, during which consensus screening recommendations for children with the most common cancer predisposition syndromes were developed. In general, we considered a 5% or greater chance of developing a childhood cancer to be a reasonable threshold to recommend screening. Conditions for which the cancer risk was between 1% to 5% were addressed individually. In a series of manuscripts accompanying this article, we provide recommendations for surveillance, focusing on when to initiate and/or discontinue specific screening measures, which modalities to use, and the frequency of screening. Points of controversy are also reviewed. We present the outcome of our deliberations on consensus screening recommendations for specific disorders in 18 position articles as Open Access publications, which are freely available on an AACR-managed website. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); e1–e5. ©2017 AACR.

See all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.
Efficacy of AKT Inhibitor ARQ 092 Compared with Sorafenib in a Cirrhotic Rat Model with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Roth Gaël S. , Macek Jilkova Zuzana , Zeybek Kuyucu Ayca , Kurma Keerthi , Ahmad Pour Séyédéh Tayébéh , Abbadessa Giovanni , Yu Yi , Busser Benoit , Marche Patrice N. , Leroy Vincent , Decaens Thomas
Published: June 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The AKT pathway has been found activated in 50% of HCC cases, making it a promising target. Therefore, we assess efficacy of the allosteric AKT inhibitor ARQ 092 compared with untreated control and standard treatment, sorafenib, in vitro and in vivo. ARQ 092 blocked phosphorylation of AKT in vitro and strongly inhibited cell growth with significantly higher potency than sorafenib. Similarly, apoptosis and cell migration were strongly reduced by ARQ 092 in vitro. To mimic human advanced HCC, we used a diethylnitrosamine-induced cirrhotic rat model with fully developed HCC. MRI analyses showed that ARQ 092 significantly reduced overall tumor size. Furthermore, number of tumors was decreased by ARQ 092, which was associated with increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. Tumor contrast enhancement was significantly decreased in the ARQ 092 group. Moreover, on tumor tissue sections, we observed a vascular normalization and a significant decrease in fibrosis in the surrounding liver of animals treated with ARQ 092. Finally, pAKT/AKT levels in ARQ 092–treated tumors were reduced, followed by downregulation of actors of AKT downstream signaling pathway: pmTOR, pPRAS40, pPLCγ1, and pS6K1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that ARQ 092 blocks AKT phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. In the HCC-rat model, ARQ 092 was well tolerated, showed antifibrotic effect, and had stronger antitumor effect than sorafenib. Our results confirm the importance of targeting AKT in HCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(10); 2157–65. ©2017 AACR.
mTORC1 Inhibition Induces Resistance to Methotrexate and 6-Mercaptopurine in Ph+ and Ph-like B-ALL
Authors: Vo Thanh-Trang T. , Lee J. Scott , Nguyen Duc , Lui Brandon , Pandori William , Khaw Andrew , Mallya Sharmila , Lu Mengrou , Müschen Markus , Konopleva Marina , Fruman David A.
Published: June 2017

Elevated activity of mTOR is associated with poor prognosis and higher incidence of relapse in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Thus, ongoing clinical trials are testing mTOR inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy in B-ALL. However, the combination of mTOR inhibitors with standard of care chemotherapy drugs has not been studied extensively in high-risk B-ALL subtypes. Therefore, we tested whether mTOR inhibition can augment the efficacy of current chemotherapy agents in Ph+ and Ph-like B-ALL models. Surprisingly, inhibiting mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) protected B-ALL cells from killing by methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine, two antimetabolite drugs used in maintenance chemotherapy. The cytoprotective effects correlated with decreased cell-cycle progression and were recapitulated using cell-cycle inhibitors, palbociclib or aphidicolin. Dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently used in Ph+ patients, inhibits ABL kinase upstream of mTOR. Dasatinib resistance is mainly caused by ABL kinase mutations, but is also observed in a subset of ABL unmutated cases. We identified dasatinib-resistant Ph+ cell lines and patient samples in which dasatinib can effectively reduce ABL kinase activity and mTORC1 signaling without causing cell death. In these cases, dasatinib protected leukemia cells from killing by 6-mercaptopurine. Using xenograft models, we observed that mTOR inhibition or dasatinib increased the numbers of leukemia cells that emerge after cessation of chemotherapy treatment. These results demonstrate that inhibitors targeting mTOR or upstream signaling nodes should be used with caution when combined with chemotherapeutic agents that rely on cell-cycle progression to kill B-ALL cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(9); 1942–53. ©2017 AACR.
Remotely Programmed Deep Brain Stimulation of the Bilateral Subthalamic Nucleus for the Treatment of Primary Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Deep Brain Stimulation System
Authors: Li Dianyou , Zhang Chencheng , Gault Judith , Wang Wei , Liu Jianmin , Shao Ming , Zhao Yanyan , Zeljic Kristina , Gao Guodong , Sun Bomin
Published: June 2017

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most commonly performed surgery for the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). However, DBS systems remain largely unaffordable to patients in developing countries, warranting the development of a safe, economically viable, and functionally comparable alternative. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of wirelessly programmed DBS of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with primary PD. Methods: Sixty-four patients with primary PD were randomly divided into test and control groups (1:1), where DBS was initiated at either 1 month or 3 months, respectively, after surgery. Safety and efficacy of the treatment were compared between on- and off-medication states 3 months after surgery. Outcome measures included analysis of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, duration of “on” periods, and daily equivalent doses of levodopa. All patients were followed up both 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: Three months after surgery, significant decrease in the UPDRS motor scores were observed for the test group in the off-medication state (25.08 ± 1.00) versus the control group (4.20 ± 1.99). Conclusions: Bilateral wireless programming STN-DBS is safe and effective for patients with primary PD in whom medical management has failed to restore motor function.
Serological Evaluation of Gastric Cancer Risk Based on Pepsinogen and Helicobacter pylori Antibody: Relationship to Endoscopic Findings
Authors: Kotachi Takahiro , Ito Masanori , Yoshihara Masaharu , Boda Tomoyuki , Kiso Mariko , Masuda Kazuhiko , Matsuo Taiji , Tanaka Shinji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: June 2017

Backgrounds and Aims: The serological risk-prediction system combined the pepsinogen (PG) test, and anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody is available for evaluation of gastric cancer risk. In this system, chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) or H. pylori infection is diagnosed. Subjects with H. pylori negative and PG test negative (group A) are supposed to be those who have never been infected with H. pylori and are at extremely low risk for gastric cancer. However, a certain proportion of patients with CAG has been identified as the extremely low-risk group (group A). Here we examined endoscopic atrophy and investigated its relationship with the ABC classification system. Methods: We examined 540 patients. All patients underwent an endoscopic examination for evaluating corpus atrophy. Fasting sera were collected and serum PGs and anti-H. pylori antibody (Hp-Ab) titer (E-plate Eiken) were evaluated. Results: Of the 540 patients, 306 were classified into group A. However, 136 of them showed signs of endoscopic atrophy (group A with CAG). Group A with CAG frequently comprised the elderly. A new titer cut-off (<3 U/mL) of the Hp-Ab improved the discrimination of group A with CAG by 8%. Conclusion: The prevalence of group A with CAG patients is a critical problem, especially in elderly subjects.
Vasoinhibin Suppresses the Neurotrophic Effects of VEGF and NGF in Newborn Rat Primary Sensory Neurons
Authors: Castillo Ximena , Melo Zesergio , Varela-Echavarría Alfredo , Tamariz Elisa , Aroña Rodrigo M. , Arnold Edith , Clapp Carmen , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: Studies on the biological actions of vasoinhibins have focused mainly on endothelial cells. However, there is incipient knowledge about how vasoinhibins affect the nervous system, even if the target cells and mechanisms of action involved in these effects are unknown. Methods: In order to determine if neurons are direct targets of vasoinhibins, we examined cellular outcomes and the intracellular pathways involved in the neuronal actions of vasoinhibins using newborn rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons as a model system. Results: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or nerve growth factor (NGF) treatment for 48 h resulted in neurite outgrowth stimulation in both DRG cultured explants and isolated primary sensory neurons. Interestingly, a recombinant vasoinhibin containing the first 123 amino acids of human prolactin antagonized the VEGF- and NGF-induced stimulation of neurite outgrowth. Vasoinhibin significantly reduced the density of neurites in DRG explants and obliterated neuritogenesis in isolated DRG neurons in primary culture, supporting a direct neuronal effect of vasoinhibin. In cultures of isolated DRG cells, virtually all β3-tubulin-labeled cells express TrkA, and the majority of these cells also express VEGFR2. Short-term VEGF or NGF treatment of DRG explants resulted in increased ERK1/2 and AKT phosphorylation, whereas incubation of DRG with the combination of either VEGF or NGF together with vasoinhibin resulted in blunted VEGF- or NGF-induced phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and AKT. Conclusion: Our results show that primary sensory neurons are direct targets of vasoinhibin, and suggest that vasoinhibin inhibition of neurite outgrowth involves the disruption of ERK and AKT phosphorylation cascades.
Elevated plasma TFPI activity causes attenuated TF-dependent thrombin generation in early onset preeclampsia
Authors: Egan Karl , O’Connor Hugh , Kevane Barry , Malone Fergal , Lennon Aine , Zadjali Amani , Cooley Sharon , Monteith Cathy , Maguire Patricia , Szklanna Paulina , Allen Seamus , McCallion Naomi , Áinle Fionnuala
Published: June 2017

Early onset preeclampsia (EOP) is a pregnancy-specific proinflammatory disorder that is characterised by competing thrombotic and bleeding risks. It was the aim of this study to characterise thrombin generation, a major determinant of thrombotic and bleeding risk, in order to better understand the haemostatic balance in patients with EOP. Patients with EOP were recruited at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin. Twenty-six cases of EOP were recruited over a 21-month period, out of 15,299 deliveries at the Rotunda. Blood samples were collected into sodium citrate plus corn trypsin inhibitor anticoagulated vacutainers, platelet-poor plasma was prepared, and calibrated automated thrombography was used to assess thrombin generation. Results were compared to age and sex-matched non-pregnant controls (n=13) and age-and gestation-matched pregnant controls (n=20). The rate and extent of thrombin generation triggered by low-dose tissue factor (TF) was significantly reduced in patients with EOP compared to pregnant controls, most significantly in cases of severe EOP. EOP patients displayed a trend towards an increased response to endogenous activated protein C and thrombomodulin relative to pregnant controls. Plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) activity was increased in EOP patients. Inhibition of TFPI abolished the attenuation of thrombin generation stimulated by low-dose TF. In conclusion, patients with EOP are characterised by an attenuated coagulation response characterised by reduced thrombin generation stimulated by low-dose TF and elevated plasma TFPI activity. These changes in coagulation may modulate thrombotic risk and bleeding risk in patients with EOP.
Age-Related Autonomous Aldosteronism
Authors: Nanba Kazutaka , Vaidya Anand , Williams Gordon H. , Zheng Isabel , Else Tobias , Rainey William E.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Both aging and inappropriate secretion of aldosterone increase the risk for developing cardiovascular disease; however, the influence of aging on aldosterone secretion and physiology is not well understood.

Methods:

The relationship between age and adrenal aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression was evaluated in 127 normal adrenal glands from deceased kidney donors (age, 9 months to 68 years). Following immunohistochemistry, CYP11B2-expressing area and areas of abnormal foci of CYP11B2-expressing cells, called aldosterone-producing cell clusters, were analyzed. In a separate ancillary clinical study of 677 participants without primary aldosteronism, who were studied on both high and restricted sodium diets (age, 18–71 years), we used multivariable linear regression to assess the independent associations between age and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system physiology.

Results:

In adrenal tissue, the total CYP11B2-expressing area was negatively correlated with age (
r
=−0.431,
P
<0.0001), whereas the total aldosterone-producing cell cluster area was positively correlated with age (
r
=0.390,
P
<0.0001). The integrated ratio of aldosterone-producing cell cluster to CYP11B2-expressing area was most strongly and positively correlated with age (
r
=0.587,
P
<0.0001). When participants in the clinical study were maintained on a high sodium balance, renin activity progressively declined with older age, whereas serum and urinary aldosterone did not significantly decline. Correspondingly, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio was positively and independently associated with older age (adjusted β=+5.54 ng/dL per ng/mL per hour per 10 years,
P
<0.001). In contrast, when participants were assessed under sodium-restricted conditions, physiological stimulation of aldosterone was blunted with older age (β=−4.6 ng/dL per 10 years,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Aging is associated with a pattern of decreased normal zona glomerulosa CYP11B2 expression and increased aldosterone-producing cell cluster expression. This histopathologic finding parallels an age-related autonomous aldosteronism and abnormal aldosterone physiology that provides 1 potential explanation for age-related cardiovascular risk.
Predicting Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease at a North American Center: An Assessment of Baseline
z
Scores
Authors: Son Mary Beth F. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Kim Susan , Tang Alexander , Dedeoglu Fatma , Fulton David R. , Lo Mindy S. , Baker Annette L. , Sundel Robert P. , Newburger Jane W.
Published: June 2017

Background

Accurate risk prediction of coronary artery aneurysms (
CAAs
) in North American children with Kawasaki disease remains a clinical challenge. We sought to determine the predictive utility of baseline coronary dimensions adjusted for body surface area (
z
scores) for future
CAAs
in Kawasaki disease and explored the extent to which addition of established Japanese risk scores to baseline coronary artery
z
scores improved discrimination for
CAA
development.

Methods and Results

We explored the relationships of
CAA
with baseline
z
scores; with Kobayashi, Sano, Egami, and Harada risk scores; and with the combination of baseline
z
scores and risk scores. We defined
CAA
as a maximum
z
score (zMax) ≥2.5 of the left anterior descending or right coronary artery at 4 to 8 weeks of illness. Of 261 patients, 77 patients (29%) had a baseline zMax ≥2.0.
CAAs
occurred in 15 patients (6%).
CAAs
were strongly associated with baseline zMax ≥2.0 versus <2.0 (12 [16%] versus 3 [2%], respectively,
P
<0.001). Baseline zMax ≥2.0 had a C statistic of 0.77, good sensitivity (80%), and excellent negative predictive value (98%). None of the risk scores alone had adequate discrimination. When high‐risk status per the Japanese risk scores was added to models containing baseline zMax ≥2.0, none were significantly better than baseline zMax ≥2.0 alone.

Conclusions

In a North American center, baseline zMax ≥2.0 in children with Kawasaki disease demonstrated high predictive utility for later development of
CAA
. Future studies should validate the utility of our findings.
Shortening of the Short Refractory Periods in Short QT Syndrome
Authors: Rollin Anne , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Giustetto Carla , Scrocco Chiara , Fourcade Carole , Monteil Benjamin , Mondoly Pierre , Cardin Christelle , Maupain Carole , Gaita Fiorenzo , Maury Philippe
Published: June 2017

Background

Diagnosis of short
QT
syndrome (
SQTS
) remains difficult in case of borderline
QT
values as often found in normal populations. Whether some shortening of refractory periods (
RP
) may help in differentiating
SQTS
from normal subjects is unknown.

Methods and Results

Atrial and right ventricular
RP
at the apex and right ventricular outflow tract as determined during standard electrophysiological study were compared between 16
SQTS
patients (
QT
c 324±24 ms) and 15 controls with similar clinical characteristics (
QT
c 417±32 ms). Atrial
RP
were significantly shorter in
SQTS
compared with controls at 600‐ and 500‐ms basic cycle lengths. Baseline ventricular
RP
were significantly shorter in
SQTS
patients than in controls, both at the apex and right ventricular outflow tract and for any cycle length. Differences remained significant for
RP
of any subsequent extrastimulus at any cycle length and any pacing site. A cut‐off value of baseline
RP
<200 ms at the right ventricular outflow tract either at 600‐ or 500‐ms cycle length had a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 100% for the diagnosis of
SQTS
.

Conclusions

Patients with
SQTS
have shorter ventricular
RP
than controls, both at baseline during various cycle lengths and after premature extrastimuli. A cut‐off value of 200 ms at the right ventricular outflow tract during 600‐ and 500‐ms basic cycle length may help in detecting true
SQTS
from normal subjects with borderline
QT
values.
New species and records of Perlidae (Plecoptera) from Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: GONÇALVES MAÍSA DE CARVALHO , NOVAES MARCOS CARNEIRO , SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO
Published: June 2017

Two new species of the perlid genus Anacroneuria, A. rotunda n. sp and A. pitii n. sp are described from Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Additionally, six species of Anacroneuria and four species of Kempnyia are reported for the first time from Espírito Santo State. Records are also provided for A. debilis, A. subcostalis, K. flava, K. gracilenta, and K. neotropica. An undetermined species of Macrogynoplax based on nymphs is also reported from Espírito Santo State
A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam
Authors: ROWLEY JODI J. L. , DAU VINH Q. , CAO TRUNG T.
Published: June 2017

We describe a new, medium-sized Leptolalax species from north central Vietnam. Leptolalax puhoatensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of having a body size range of 24.2–28.1 mm in eight adult males and 27.3–31.5 mm in three adult females; distinct dorsolateral markings including blackish spots on the flank and dark canthal and/or temporal streaks; males with a reddish-brown venter, often with faint white dusting and females with a pale pink venter; skin on dorsum with tiny, indistinct, low tubercles in preservative, more distinct and forming low dorsal ridges on dorsal surface in life; toes with webbing basal and narrow lateral fringes; iris copper in upper half and golden in lower half; and a call consisting of a single note and a dominant frequency of 4.9–5.6 kHz (at 22.3–25.8º C). Uncorrected sequence divergences between L. puhoatensis sp. nov. and all homologous 16S rRNA sequences available for known species in the genus are ≥6.3%.
Description of the male of the spider Eustala vellardi Mello-Leitão, 1924,
the female of E. delasmata Bryant, 1945 and seven species of Eustala Simon, 1895 declared as nomina dubia (Araneae, Araneidae)
Authors: POETA MARIA RITA M. , TEIXEIRA RENATO AUGUSTO
Published: June 2017

The male of Eustala vellardi Mello-Leitão, 1924 and the female of E. delasmata Bryant, 1945 are described for the first time and new distribution records are provided. The types of E. tridentata (C.L. Koch, 1838), E. tristis (Blackwall, 1862), E. essequibensis (Hingston, 1932), E. uncicurva Franganillo, 1936, E. nigerrima Mello-Leitão, 1940, and E. albicans (Caporiacco, 1954), are apparently lost, and those names are therefore, considered nomina dubia. Eustala andina Chamberlin, 1916, which is based on an immature female is also considered a nomen dubium.
Impact of Tibetan Plateau Surface Heating on Persistent Extreme Precipitation Events in Southeastern China
Authors: Wan Bingcheng , Gao Zhiqiu , Chen Fei , Lu Chungu
Published: June 2017

This paper combines observations, climatic analysis, and numerical modeling to investigate the Tibetan Plateau’s (TP) surface heating conditions’ influence on extreme persistent precipitation events (PEPEs) in southeastern China. Observations indicated an increase of TP surface air temperature 3–4 days prior to extreme persistent precipitation events in southeastern China. NCEP reanalysis data revealed a significant low pressure anomaly in southern China and a high pressure anomaly in northern China during extreme persistent precipitation event periods. Using correlation analysis and random resampling nonparametric statistics, a typical PEPE event from 17 to 25 June 2010 was selected for numerical simulation. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model was used to investigate the impact of the TP’s surface heating on the evolution of this event. Three contrasting WRF experiments were conducted with different surface heating strengths by changing initial soil moisture over the TP. Different soil conditions generate different intensities of surface sensible heat fluxes and boundary layer structures over the TP resulting in two main effects on downstream convective rainfall: modulating large-scale atmospheric circulations and modifying the water vapor transport at southern China. Increased surface heating in the TP strengthens a high pressure system over the Yangtze Plain, thereby blocking the northward movement of precipitation. It also enhances the water vapor transport from the South China Sea to southern China. The combined effects substantially increase precipitation over most of the southeastern China region.
Surgical Management of Percutaneous Transfemoral Access to Minimize Vascular Complications Related to Transcatheter Aortic Valve‘ Implantation
Authors: Lareyre Fabien , Raffort Juliette , Dommerc Carine , Habib Yacoub , Bourlon François , Mialhe Claude
Published: June 2017

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with substantial rates of vascular complications. The aim of our study is to describe the surgical management of percutaneous transfemoral access by a vascular surgeon and to report the 30-day postoperative vascular complications and mortality. Perioperative procedures to manage the femoral access site were recorded retrospectively from 220 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI. Postoperative vascular complications related to the main access were categorized according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 classification. Perioperative procedures related to vascular access were performed for 56 (25.4%) patients: 6 patients required open surgical repair, 48 patients underwent endovascular stenting, and 2 patients had both procedures. The all-cause mortality was 3.6%, but no death related to a vascular complication was reported during the 30-day postoperative follow-up period. Ten (4.5%) patients developed postoperative hematomas; 2 (0.9%) of them were retroperitoneal and led to major bleeding requiring an unplanned surgical intervention. Our study underlines the utility of a multidisciplinary approach to manage the percutaneous access in TAVI for managing postoperative vascular complications.
Gendered Representation and Critical Mass: Women’s Legislative Representation and Social Spending in 22 OECD Countries
Authors: Park Soon Seok
Published: June 2017

To better understand the dynamics of representation of women’s interests such as public expenditure on healthcare, daycare, and education, this study examines statistical evidence for the notion of critical mass. To do so, this study uses the Comparative Welfare States Data Set and the piecewise regression method to produce two linear models that best fit to the data for different ranges of the share of seats in parliament held by women. The analysis fails to find consistent support for a threshold below which women legislators have little-to-no impact upon policy outcomes. By adjudicating seven hypothetical thresholds, the analysis also shows that when there is a critical mass effect, the 10 percent level is more a consequential threshold than 15, 20, or 30 percent levels. Findings suggest that we reject the idea of a critical threshold for women’s legislative representation. However, the relationship between the representation and social spending is robust with or without presumed critical mass.
Morphological deconvolution
Authors: Gholami Ali
Published: June 2017

Various effects cause a seismic trace to consist of inhomogeneous (phase-shifted) wavelets, which can be modeled by constant phase rotations of a base wavelet. Analytic deconvolution, an analytic signal formulation of the conventional statistical deconvolution, has been proposed for deconvolution of such traces, but it seems to be ineffective in the presence of wavelet interferences and noise because it has no control over the estimated phase. Morphological deconvolution (MD) allows full control over the estimated phase and reflectivity; hence, it is more effective than analytic deconvolution in deconvolving traces with nonstationary phase variations. MD replaces the convolution model of a seismic trace with the sum of a set of convolutions with phase-rotated wavelets. The solution to the resulting under-determined system of equations provides the reflectivity as a function of the time and phase shifts, and it is found by a sparse plus low-rank optimization. The sparsity constraint forces decomposition of the trace into the least number of wavelets, whereas the low-rank constraint allows for regularizing the phase function. MD is easily applicable in multichannel form (MMD), allowing regularization of the estimated phase in the time and space directions. The efficacy and robustness of the MD and MMD methods are determined on several synthetic and field data sets in the presence of interference and noise.
The state of the petroleum industry in Iran
Authors: Zadeh Siamak
Published: June 2017

Iran is one of the largest oil and natural gas producing and exporting nations on the global scene, yet many aspects of its petroleum industry have been unreported in the West since 1979. Iran ranks second in the world in natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves. Iran also ranks sixth in oil production and third in oil export among all nations. In this paper, we briefly review the history and current state of the petroleum industry in Iran and the opportunities for international collaborations.