bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exact unitary transformation for Rashba Rings in magnetic and electric fields
Authors: Kregar A. , Ramšak A.
Published: April 2016

An exact solution for single electron states on mesoscopic rings with the Rashba coupling and in the presence of external magnetic and electric fields is derived by means of a unitary transformation. The transformation maps the model to a bare ring, which gives the possibility of a very simple formulation of single or many electron problems. As an example some exact results for spin and energy levels are presented.
Enhancement of Raman light scattering in dye-labeled cell membrane on metal-containing conducting polymer film
Authors: Grushevskaya H. V. , Krylova N. G. , Lipnevich I. V. , Orekhovskaja T. I. , Egorova V. P. , Shulitski B. G.
Published: April 2016

An enhanced Raman spectroscopy method based on a plasmon resonance in ultrathin metal-containing LB-film deposited on nanoporous anodic alumina supports has been proposed. This material has been utilized to enhance Raman scattering of light in fluorescent-labeled subcellular membrane structures. It has been shown that the plasmon resonance between vibrational modes of the organometallic complexes monolayers and dye-labeled subcellular structures happens. It makes possible to detect interactions between living cell monolayers and an extracellular matrix.
The study of ultrasonic irradiation effects on solid state powders of HTc superconductor YBa2Cu3O7−x
Authors: Kargar Mahboubeh , Khoshnevisan Bahram
Published: April 2016

In this paper, an ultrasound assisted solid state synthesis method for high-temperature (HT[Formula: see text]) YBa2Cu3O[Formula: see text] (YBCO) superconductor nanostructures with different morphologies is presented. Here, the routine heat treatment of the powder mixture of as-prepared precursors is followed by the ultrasound irradiation inside various alcoholic solutions. Not only the influence of the ultrasound irradiation intensity and duration but also the influence of different solvents such as ethanol, methanol and 1-butanol with various vapor pressures and so various destruction powers were also studied on the morphology and particle size of the products. The various morphologies were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) which not only have been affected by intensity and type of alcoholic solvent but also sonication time and ultrasound power have significant role as well. Formation of the YBCO superconducting phase was examined by using Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) which indicates the crystalline preferred growth in [Formula: see text]-axis orientation in crystal. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed the ultrasound waves had no important effect on the onset critical temperature of the prepared nanorods (about 91.64 K) which is compared with the bulk samples [Formula: see text].
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of periodic ferroresonance based on a novel hysteresis approach
Authors: Zou Mi , Sima Wen-Xia , Yang Ming , Yang Qing , Li Licheng , Li Jianbiao
Published: April 2016

Ferroresonance is one of the most harmful and longest known power quality disturbances in the history of AC power systems. The ability of predicting transient and steady-state ferroresonance simulations mainly depends on the accuracy of the power transformer model. Most existing voltage transformer models apply single-valued nonlinear functions to represent the core nonlinearities. This study, based on our previous work, proposes a newly improved and accurate transformer iron core hysteresis model for ferroresonance simulation by extension of the classical arctangent model. To verify the proposed model’s accuracy and superiority, three different ferroresonant voltage and current waveform simulations were performed using both the proposed model and renowned EMTP Type-96 model under the same system parameters. In addition, simulation results were compared with the corresponding experimental measurements. The results indicate that the proposed model is easily implemented using numerical modeling method with good stability and convergence, and is sufficiently accurate for both transient and steady-state periodic ferroresonance analysis.
Whole Body Control of a Dual-Arm Mobile Robot Using a Virtual Kinematic Chain
Authors: Wang Yuquan , Smith Christian , Karayiannidis Yiannis , Ögren Petter
Published: April 2016

Dual-arm manipulators have more advanced manipulation abilities compared to single-arm manipulators and manipulators mounted on a mobile base have additional mobility and a larger workspace. Combining these advantages, mobile dual-arm robots are expected to perform a variety of tasks in the future. Kinematically, the configuration of two arms that branches from the mobile base results in a serial-to-parallel kinematic structure. In order to respond to external disturbances, this serial-to-parallel kinematic structure makes inverse kinematic computations non-trivial, as the motion of the base has to take the needs of both arms into account. Instead of using the dual-arm kinematics directly, we propose to use a virtual kinematic chain (VKC) to specify the common motion of the two arms. We formulate a constraint-based programming solution which consists of two parts. In the first part, we use an extended serial kinematic chain including the mobile base and the VKC to formulate constraints that realize the desired orientation and translation expressed in the world frame. In the second part, we use the resolved VKC motion to constrain the common motion of the two arms. In order to explore the redundancy of the two arms in an optimization framework, we also provide a VKC-oriented manipulability measure as well as its closed-form gradient. We verify the proposed approach with simulations and experiments that are performed on a PR2 robot, which has two 7 degrees of freedom (DoF) arms and a 3 DoF mobile base.
Design of a Momentum-Based Control Framework and Application to the Humanoid Robot Atlas
Authors: Koolen Twan , Bertrand Sylvain , Thomas Gray , de Boer Tomas , Wu Tingfan , Smith Jesper , Englsberger Johannes , Pratt Jerry
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a momentum-based control framework for floating-base robots and its application to the humanoid robot “Atlas”. At the heart of the control framework lies a quadratic program that reconciles motion tasks expressed as constraints on the joint acceleration vector with the limitations due to unilateral ground contact and force-limited grasping. We elaborate on necessary adaptations required to move from simulation to real hardware and present results for walking across rough terrain, basic manipulation, and multi-contact balancing on sloped surfaces (the latter in simulation only). The presented control framework was used to secure second place in both the DARPA Robotics Challenge Trials in December 2013 and the Finals in June 2015.
A bis-Au(III) [28]hexaphyrin triphenylphosphine adduct
Authors: Naoda Koji , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2016

Triphenylphosphine was added regioselectively at the C(3) position of bis-Au(III) complex of [26]hexaphyrin 5 in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid to produce [28]hexaphyrin triphenylphosphine adduct 6 in 62% yield, which has been fully characterized by NMR, UV-vis/NIR absorption, and MS spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The rigid planar structure forces 6 to take Hückel antiaromaticity, which has been supported by its 1H NMR spectrum. Curiously, the detailed structural analysis elucidated that the triphenylphosphine moiety exists as a phosphorane form in the solid state. A plausible mechanism via a double protonated 5 is proposed, which can explain the observed regioselectivity.
The Jurassic of the Western Tien Shan: the Central Kyzylkum Region, Uzbekistan
Authors: McCann Tom
Published: April 2016

The Sarbatyr inlier in the Kyzylkum area, Uzbekistan contains rare outcrops of Jurassic (Bajocian–Bathonian) rocks which form part of the Kuduksarbatyr Formation. Six facies are differentiated in the general succession, ranging from conglomerates to mudstones. The coarser sediments were deposited in a distal alluvial fan setting, which interdigitated with nearshore/lagoonal marine sediments rich in fossil fragments and glauconite. The overall succession provides evidence of varying sea-levels over time, with three distinct ‘transgressive’ events being noted. Two global transgressive events have been recognized in the Bajocian with another significant event at the Bajocian–Bathonian boundary. While it is possible that the events recognized within the Sarbatyr succession correspond to these global events, the effects of local tectonic activity must also be taken into account. The re-examination of the sediments of the Kuduksarbatyr Formation extends the marine influence on sedimentation through to the Bathonian (previous interpretations suggested that the area was continental).
Spatial distribution and evolution of fault-segment boundary types in rift systems: observations from experimental clay models
Authors: Whipp P. S. , Jackson C. A.-L. , Schlische R. W. , Withjack M. O. , Gawthorpe R. L.
Published: April 2016

Fault-segment boundaries initiate, evolve and die as a result of the propagation, interaction and linkage of normal faults during crustal extension. However, little is known about the distribution, evolution and controls on the development of relay ramps, which are the key structures developed at synthetic segment boundaries. In this study, we use a series of scaled physical models (wet clay) to investigate the distribution and evolution of fault-segment boundaries within an evolving normal-fault population during orthogonal extension. From the models, we can establish a simple geometrical classification for segment boundaries, analyse their spatial and temporal evolution, and identify key factors that influence their variability.

Development of overlapping fault tips is a prerequisite for fault growth via segment linkage. Synthetic segment boundaries are the most common segment boundary type developed in the models. The proportion of synthetic segment boundaries in the total fault population increases with increasing strain, whereas conjugate (antithetic) segment boundaries are very rare. Hanging-wall-breached relay ramps are the most common type (>70%) of breached-segment boundary, followed by footwall-breached relay ramps (<25%). Transfer faults are uncommon in our models. The type of breached segment boundary that develops cannot be predicted based on fault overlap to fault spacing aspect ratio alone. Instead, we show that fault linkage occurs in a range of styles across a wide range of fault overlap to fault spacing ratios (1:1–7:1). Furthermore, we show that fault spacing is constrained by stress-reduction shadows at the time of fault nucleation, whereas fault overlap changes during fault growth and interaction. Our study thus shows that scaled physical models are a powerful tool to assess the style, distribution and controls on the evolution of synthetic segment boundaries developing in rifts. Predictions from these models must now be assessed with data from natural examples exposed in the field or imaged in the subsurface.
High-fat diets rich in saturated fat protect against azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colon cancer
Authors: Enos Reilly T. , Velázquez Kandy T. , McClellan Jamie L. , Cranford Taryn L. , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Nagarkatti Prakash S. , Davis J. Mark , Murphy E. Angela
Published: April 2016

High-fat-diet (HFD) consumption is associated with colon cancer risk. However, little is known about how the lipid composition of a HFD can influence prooncogenic processes. We examined the effects of three HFDs differing in the percentage of total calories from saturated fat (SF) (6, 12, and 24% of total caloric intake), but identical in total fat (40%), and a commercially available Western diet (26 and 41% saturated and total fat, respectively) on colon cancer development using the azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) murine model. A second dose-response experiment was performed using diets supplemented with the saturated-fatty-acid (SFA)-rich coconut oil. In experiment 1, we found an inverse association between SF content and tumor burden. Furthermore, increased SF content was associated with reduced inflammation, increased apoptosis, and decreased proliferation. The second dose-response experiment was performed to test whether this effect may be attributed to the SF content of the diets. Consistent with the initial experiment, we found that high SF content was protective, at least in male mice; there was a decrease in mortality in mice consuming the highest concentration of SFAs. To explore a potential mechanism for these findings, we examined colonic mucin 2 (Muc2) protein content and found that the HFDs with the highest SF content had the greatest concentration of Muc2. Our data suggest that high dietary SF is protective in the AOM/DSS model of colon cancer, which may be due, at least in part, to the ability of SF to maintain intestinal barrier integrity through increased colonic Muc2.
p120 Catenin Suppresses Basal Epithelial Cell Extrusion in Invasive Pancreatic Neoplasia
Authors: Hendley Audrey M. , Wang Yue J. , Polireddy Kishore , Alsina Janivette , Ahmed Ishrat , Lafaro Kelly J. , Zhang Hao , Roy Nilotpal , Savidge Samuel G. , Cao Yanna , Hebrok Matthias , Maitra Anirban , Reynolds Albert B. , Goggins Michael , Younes Mamoun , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. , Leach Steven D. , Bailey Jennifer M.
Published: April 2016

Aberrant regulation of cellular extrusion can promote invasion and metastasis. Here, we identify molecular requirements for early cellular invasion using a premalignant mouse model of pancreatic cancer with conditional knockout of p120 catenin (Ctnnd1). Mice with biallelic loss of p120 catenin progressively develop high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions and neoplasia accompanied by prominent acute and chronic inflammatory processes, which is mediated, in part, through NF-κB signaling. Loss of p120 catenin in the context of oncogenic Kras also promotes remarkable apical and basal epithelial cell extrusion. Abundant single epithelial cells exit PanIN epithelium basally, retain epithelial morphology, survive, and display features of malignancy. Similar extrusion defects are observed following p120 catenin knockdown in vitro, and these effects are completely abrogated by the activation of S1P/S1pr2 signaling. In the context of oncogenic Kras, p120 catenin loss significantly reduces expression of genes mediating S1P/S1pr2 signaling in vivo and in vitro, and this effect is mediated at least, in part, through activation of NF-κB. These results provide insight into mechanisms controlling early events in the metastatic process and suggest that p120 catenin and S1P/S1pr2 signaling enhance cancer progression by regulating epithelial cell invasion. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3351–63. ©2016 AACR.
Implications of Extracellular Vesicle Transfer on Cellular Heterogeneity in Cancer: What Are the Potential Clinical Ramifications?
Authors: Zomer Anoek , van Rheenen Jacco
Published: April 2016

The functional and phenotypic heterogeneity of tumor cells represents one of the greatest challenges in the successful treatment of cancer patients, because it increases the risk that certain individual tumor cells possess the ability to, for example, metastasize or to tolerate cytotoxic drugs. This heterogeneity in cellular behavior is driven by genetic and epigenetic changes and environmental differences. Recent studies suggest that an additional layer of complexity of tumor heterogeneity exists, based on the ability of cells to share functional biomolecules through local and systemic transfer of extracellular vesicles (EV), with profound effects on cellular behavior. The transfer of functional biomolecules between various populations of tumor cells and between tumor cells and nontumor cells has large consequences for both the tumor cells and the microenvironment that support the cellular behavior of tumor cells, and therefore for the clinical outcome of cancer. Here, we discuss the latest findings on EV transfer and the potential implications of EV-mediated local and systemic transmission of phenotypic behavior, particularly in the context of tumor heterogeneity, metastatic disease, and treatment response. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2071–5. ©2016 AACR.
Multilevel Intervention Raises Latina Participation in Mammography Screening: Findings from ¡Fortaleza Latina!
Authors: Coronado Gloria D. , Beresford Shirley A.A. , McLerran Dale , Jimenez Ricardo , Patrick Donald L. , Ornelas India , Bishop Sonia , Scheel John R. , Thompson Beti
Published: April 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States, and Latinas have relatively low rates of screening participation. The Multilevel Intervention to Increase Latina Participation in Mammography Screening study (¡Fortaleza Latina!) sought to assess the efficacy of a clinic- and patient-level program to increase breast cancer screening among Latinas in Western Washington who seek care at a safety net health center.

Methods: The study enrolled 536 Latinas ages 42 to 74 who had a primary care clinic visit in the previous 5 years and had not obtained a mammogram in the previous 2 years. Participants were block-randomized within clinic to either (i) a control arm (usual care) or (ii) a promotora-led, motivational interviewing intervention that included a home visit and telephone follow-up. At the clinic level, two of four participating clinics were provided additional mammography services delivered by a mobile mammography unit.

Results: Rates of screening mammography 1 year post-randomization were 19.6% in the intervention group and 11.0% in the usual care group (P < 0.01), based on medical record data. No significant differences in participants' mammography screening were observed in clinics randomized to additional mammography services versus usual care (15.8% vs. 14.4%; P = 0.68).

Conclusion: This multilevel intervention of promotora-delivered motivational interviewing and free mammography services modestly raised rates of participation in breast cancer screening among Latinas.

Impact: Our findings can inform future efforts to boost mammography participation in safety net practices. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(4); 584–92. ©2016 AACR.

See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Multilevel Approaches to Addressing Cancer Health Disparities.”
Molecular Pathways: Breaking the Epithelial Cancer Barrier for Chimeric Antigen Receptor and T-cell Receptor Gene Therapy
Authors: Hinrichs Christian S.
Published: April 2016

Adoptive transfer of T cells genetically engineered to express a tumor-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T-cell receptor (TCR) can mediate cancer regression in some patients. CARs are synthetic single-chain proteins that use antibody domains to target cell surface antigens. TCRs are natural heterodimeric proteins that can target intracellular antigens through recognition of peptides bound to human leukocyte antigens. CARs have shown promise in B-cell malignancies and TCRs in melanoma, but neither approach has achieved clear success in an epithelial cancer. Treatment of epithelial cancers may be particularly challenging because of a paucity of target antigens expressed by carcinomas and not by important healthy tissues. In addition, epithelial cancers may be protected by inhibitory ligands and soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment. One strategy to overcome these negative regulators is to modulate expression of T-cell genes to enhance intrinsic T-cell function. Programmable nucleases, which can suppress inhibitory genes, and inducible gene expression systems, which can enhance stimulatory genes, are entering clinical testing. Other work is delineating whether control of genes for immune checkpoint receptors (e.g., PDCD1, CTLA4) and cytokine and TCR signaling regulators (e.g., CBLB, CISH, IL12, IL15) can increase the antitumor activity of therapeutic T cells. Clin Cancer Res; 22(7); 1559–64. ©2016 AACR.
Can Targeting Stroma Pave the Way to Enhanced Antitumor Immunity and Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors?
Authors: Puré Ellen , Lo Albert
Published: April 2016

Solid tumors are complex organ-like structures. The potential of normal neighboring cells to contribute to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of epithelial-derived carcinomas has long been appreciated. However, the role of host cells has proven complex. Through multiple local and systemic mechanisms, nontransformed host cells can promote transition from a tumor-resistant to tumor-permissive environment, drive neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells, promote tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, but also constrain tumorigenesis. This complexity reflects the spatially and temporally dynamic involvement of multiple cell types and processes, including the development and recruitment of inflammatory, immune, endothelial, and mesenchymal stromal cells, and the remodeling of extracellular matrix. Our mechanistic understanding, as well as our ability to translate advances in our understanding of these mechanisms for therapeutic benefit, is rapidly advancing. Further insights will depend on delineating pathways that mediate the communication networks between inflammatory and immune cells with tumor and mesenchymal stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Here, we discuss the diversity of mesenchymal stromal cell populations and how context can dictate either their promotion or constraint of tumorigenesis. We review evidence for plasticity that allows for reprograming of stromal cells and how tumor immunogenicity and desmoplasia influence the balance of immune-independent and immune-dependent regulation of tumor growth. The pivotal roles of matrix and mesenchymal stromal cells in modulating inflammation, antitumor immunity, and the efficacy of immune-based therapies are discussed. These concepts have emerged from data obtained from tumors of multiple organs, but we focus mostly on studies of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(4); 269–78. ©2016 AACR.
De-Risking Immunotherapy: Report of a Consensus Workshop of the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium of the Cancer Research Institute
Authors: Mellman Ira , Hubbard-Lucey Vanessa M. , Tontonoz Matthew J. , Kalos Michael D. , Chen Daniel S. , Allison James P. , Drake Charles G. , Levitsky Hy , Lonberg Nils , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Fearon Douglas T. , Wherry E. John , Lowy Israel , Vonderheide Robert H. , Hwu Patrick
Published: April 2016

With the recent FDA approvals of pembrolizumab and nivolumab, and a host of additional immunomodulatory agents entering clinical development each year, the field of cancer immunotherapy is changing rapidly. Strategies that can assist researchers in choosing the most promising drugs and drug combinations to move forward through clinical development are badly needed in order to reduce the likelihood of late-stage clinical trial failures. On October 5, 2014, the Cancer Immunotherapy Consortium of the Cancer Research Institute, a collaborative think tank composed of stakeholders from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient interest groups, met to discuss strategies for de-risking immunotherapy development, with a focus on integrating preclinical and clinical studies, and conducting smarter early-phase trials, particularly for combination therapies. Several recommendations were made, including making better use of clinical data to inform preclinical research, obtaining adequate tissues for biomarker studies, and choosing appropriate clinical trial endpoints to identify promising drug candidates and combinations in nonrandomized early-phase trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(4); 279–88. ©2016 AACR.
Stimulating Effect of Terfenadine on Erythrocyte Cell Membrane Scrambling
Authors: Signoretto Elena , Castagna Michela , Al Mamun Bhuyan Abdulla , Lang Florian
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: The antihistaminic drug Terfenadine may trigger apoptosis of tumor cells, an effect unrelated to its effect on histamine receptors. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, the suicidal death of erythrocytes characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Signaling triggering eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), oxidative stress, and ceramide. The present study explored, whether Terfenadine is capable to trigger eryptosis. Methods: Flow cytometry was employed to estimate phosphatidylserine abundance at the erythrocyte surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) diacetate dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance at the human erythrocyte surface utilizing specific antibodies. Hemolysis was quantified from haemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to Terfenadine (≥ 5 µM) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells and triggered hemolysis without significantly modifying the average forward scatter. Terfenadine (7.5 µM) significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence, but did not significantly modify DCF fluorescence or ceramide abundance. The effect of Terfenadine on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Exposure of human erythrocytes to Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 µM, 15 min) triggered annexin-V-binding, an effect augmented by Terfenadine pretreatment (10 µM, 48 hours). Conclusions: Terfenadine triggers phospholipid scrambling of the human erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to entry of extracellular Ca2+ and in part due to sensitizing human erythrocyte cell membrane scrambling to Ca2+.
Serum Vitamin D and Facial Aging: Is There a Link?
Authors: Dawoud Noha M. , Bakry Ola A. , Shoeib Mohamed A. , Ismael Huda N.
Published: April 2016

Background: The vitamin D endocrine system, besides multiple other functions, regulates aging in many tissues, including the skin. It protects the skin against the hazardous effects of many skin age-inducing agents, including ultraviolet radiation. Thus, in the present study we aimed to investigate the relationship between facial skin aging and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum levels in healthy Egyptian adults. Methods: Sixty-one healthy adult subjects were included. Photodamage scores (erythema/telangiectasias, lentigines, hyperpigmentation and coarse wrinkling) were assessed and graded. Serum vitamin D was measured using enzyme immunoassay and subjects were classified as sufficient, insufficient or deficient according to the vitamin level. Results: The mean 25(OH)D serum level was 43.90 nmol/l. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was detected in the studied subjects regardless of their age or gender. Also, vitamin D levels were not correlated with photodamage scores and were not affected by the Fitzpatrick skin phototype, duration of sun exposure per day or the use of sunscreens (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Aging is a complex process that is influenced by many genetic and environmental factors. Facial aging is not correlated with serum vitamin D level, and clinical trials using oral or topical vitamin D to combat aging are better predictors of its effects rather than in vivo studies.
Plasmatic Ganglioside Profile and Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Dossarps Denis , Martine Lucy , Berdeaux Olivier , Sibille Estelle , Bron Alain M. , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine P. , Bretillon Lionel , Masson Elodie A.Y.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids that are particularly abundant in the nervous system, including the retina. However, their precise role in this tissue and its pathologies remain poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to characterize the ganglioside profile of human plasma and to determine whether it is affected in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Eighty-three subjects were included: control subjects (n = 25), atrophic AMD patients (n = 27) and exudative AMD patients (n = 31). For each subject, gangliosides were extracted from plasma and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Results: GM3 appeared to be by far the major ganglioside of human plasma, associated with GD3. No specific ganglioside class was detected in the plasma of AMD patients. Fourteen molecular species of GM3 and 9 species of GD3, accounting for the variability of the ceramide moiety of the ganglioside molecule, were identified and characterized. Analyses revealed no significant differences in the proportion of these species between control, atrophic and exudative AMD patient groups. Total GM3 levels did not differ either. Conclusion: Although gangliosides are considered important for the retina's structure and function, it seems that circulating gangliosides are not associated with the retinal damage occurring during the course of AMD.
Impaired Cholesterol Efflux Capacity of High-Density Lipoprotein Isolated From Interstitial Fluid in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—Brief Report
Authors: Apro Johanna , Tietge Uwe J.F. , Dikkers Arne , Parini Paolo , Angelin Bo , Rudling Mats
Published: April 2016

Objective—

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the mechanism of which is incompletely understood. Their high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in plasma have been reported to have impaired cholesterol efflux capacity. However, the efflux capacity of HDL from interstitial fluid (IF), the starting point for reverse cholesterol transport, has not been studied. We here investigated the cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL from IF and plasma from T2D patients and healthy controls.

Approach and Results—

HDL was isolated from IF and peripheral plasma from 35 T2D patients and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Cholesterol efflux to HDL was determined in vitro, normalized for HDL cholesterol, using cholesterol-loaded macrophages. Efflux capacity of plasma HDL was 10% lower in T2D patients than in healthy controls, in line with previous observations. This difference was much more pronounced for HDL from IF, where efflux capacity was reduced by 28% in T2D. Somewhat surprisingly, the efflux capacity of HDL from IF was lower than that of plasma HDL, by 15% and 32% in controls and T2D patients, respectively.

Conclusion—

These data demonstrate that (1) HDL from IF has a lower cholesterol efflux capacity than plasma HDL and (2) the efflux capacity of HDL from IF is severely impaired in T2D when compared with controls. Because IF comprises the compartment where reverse cholesterol transport is initiated, the marked reduction in cholesterol efflux capacity of IF-HDL from T2D patients may play an important role for their increased risk to develop atherosclerosis.
Barriers to Adoption of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Patients With Heart Failure: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Dev Sandesh , Hoffman Trisha K. , Kavalieratos Dio , Heidenreich Paul , Wu Wen‐Chih , Schwenke Dawn C. , Tracy Sarah J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (
MRA
s) are the most underutilized pharmacotherapy for heart failure. Minimal data are available on the barriers to
MRA
adoption from the perspective of prescribing clinicians.

Methods and Results

A mixed‐methods study consisting of a survey (n=50), focus groups (n=39), interviews (n=6) with clinicians at a single
US
Department of Veterans Affairs medical center served to ascertain barriers to optimal use of
MRA
s. Participants were drawn from 6 groups: cardiology providers, cardiology fellows, hospitalists, clinical pharmacists, internal medicine residents, and primary care providers. Qualitative data were iteratively coded with qualitative data analysis software. The survey response rate was 17.3%. Overall, 51% of survey respondents were unfamiliar with eplerenone, and 6% were unfamiliar with spironolactone. In addition, 30% of respondents reported that they would order a laboratory test >2 weeks after a new
MRA
prescription, although that is beyond the guideline recommendation. Most providers correctly identified New York Heart Association class 3 and 4 patients as
MRA
eligible, but only 42% identified class 2 patients as
MRA
eligible. Through analysis of focus groups, we identified 8 barriers to
MRA
use in 3 categories: patient‐based barriers (concerns about polypharmacy and comorbidities, adverse effects, perceived patient nonadherence), provider‐based barriers (unclear roles and responsibilities, coordination and transitions of care, lack of experience or familiarity with
MRA
s), and system‐based barriers (system overload and provider time constraints, lack of systematic follow‐up procedures).

Conclusions

Eight primary barriers to
MRA
adoption at the provider, patient, and health system levels were identified from the prescriber perspective. These barriers can inform the creation of multilevel interventions that will be required to close the gap in
MRA
adoption.
Clinical Outcome of Anticoagulant Treatment in Head or Neck Infection–Associated Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Zuurbier Susanna M. , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Stam Jan , Canhão Patricia , Barinagarrementeria Fernando , Bousser Marie-Germaine , Ferro José M. ,   ISCVT Investigators
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

Local infections of the head or neck are a cause of cerebral venous thrombosis. Treatment of infectious cerebral venous thrombosis with heparin is controversial. We examined whether this treatment was associated with intracranial hemorrhagic complications and poor clinical outcome.

Methods—

We retrieved data from a prospective cohort study of 624 cerebral venous thrombosis patients. We compared patients with and without an infection of the head or neck and anticoagulated versus not anticoagulated. We examined death or dependency and new intracerebral hemorrhages.

Results—

Six hundred four of 624 patients were eligible for the study. Fifty-seven patients had an infection of the head or neck (9.4%). Comparing data between infection and noninfection patients, the frequency of therapeutic doses of heparin was similar in both groups (82.5% versus 83.7%). New intracerebral hemorrhages were more common in patients with an infection (12.3% versus 5.3%;
P
=0.04), but death or dependency did not differ between patients with and without an infection (15.8% versus 13.7%). In patients with an infection of the head or neck, there was no significant difference in the frequency of new intracerebral hemorrhages and poor outcome between patients who did or did not receive therapeutic doses of heparin.

Conclusions—

New intracerebral hemorrhages were more frequent in patients with an infection. The use of therapeutic doses of heparin did not seem to influence the risk of new intracranial hemorrhages or poor clinical outcome, but the number of patients who did not receive anticoagulation was too small to draw firm conclusions about safety of heparin in adults with cerebral venous thrombosis and an infection of the head or neck.
Silent Brain Infarction in Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Baradaran Hediyeh , Gialdini Gino , Mtui Edward , Askin Gulce , Kamel Hooman , Gupta Ajay
Published: April 2016

Background and Purpose—

The relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and ipsilateral silent brain infarction (SBI) is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis is associated with a greater prevalence of SBI in the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to ICA disease compared with the unaffected, contralateral side.

Methods—

We identified patients with unilateral extracranial ICA stenosis ≥50% on angiography by standard imaging criteria. We included patients with recent brain magnetic resonance imaging who had no previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Blinded readers ascertained the presence of anterior circulation SBIs. SBI was defined as either a cavitary lacunar infarction in the white or deep gray matter or cortical infarction defined by T2 hyperintense signal in cortical gray matter. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare SBI in the cerebral hemispheres and Cohen
κ
to assess inter-rater reliability of SBI evaluation.

Results—

Among 104 patients, we found a higher prevalence of SBIs ipsilateral to ICA disease (33%) compared with the contralateral side (20.8%;
P
=0.0067). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of lacunar SBIs (including both white and deep gray matter) between hemispheres (
P
=0.109), but there was a significantly higher prevalence of cortical SBIs occurring downstream from ICA disease (
P
=0.0045). High inter-rater reliability was observed (
κ
=0.818).

Conclusions—

Patients with asymptomatic ICA disease demonstrate a higher prevalence of SBI downstream from their ICA atherosclerotic disease compared with the contralateral side but only of the cortical and not lacunar SBI subtype.
The losc and the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Gavrilov V.V.
Published: April 2016

The article shows the evolution of the concept and content of the ‘continental shelf’ legal category and covers the applicability of relevant international legal norms to the shelf of the Arctic Ocean and their use in bilateral agreements between the Arctic States on the delimitation of their marine areas. A special place in the article has been given to the submissions made by Russia to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in 2001 and 2015. In this regard, the article analyses prospects of delivering its final decision on the submissions, especially taking into consideration the submission of Denmark, which was made on 15 December 2014, and that of Canada, which is expected to be submitted in the future.
Developing the Concept of Maritime Piracy: A Comparative Legal Analysis of International Law and Domestic Criminal Legislation
Authors: Van Hespen Ilja
Published: April 2016

This article deals with the problem of combating international crime related to violence at sea. The question addressed is whether, according to public international law, all violent acts in the maritime domain, such as maritime piracy, drug trafficking, human trafficking and maritime terrorism, can be combined into one legal concept. In order to answer this question, this article takes the traditional notion of “piracy” in the sense used in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and explores the possibility of the notion being extended to encompass the other forms of crime to a concept of “universal maritime crime”. Jurisdictional issues, the difficulties of incorporating the resulting concept into domestic criminal legislation and challenges related to the prosecution of alleged criminals, such as due process and human rights issues, are also considered.
Seasonality of the Structure and Propagation Characteristics of the MJO
Authors: Adames Ángel F. , Wallace John M. , Monteiro Joy M.
Published: April 2016

The seasonality of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is documented in observational data, and a nonlinear shallow-water model is used to help interpret some of the contrasts in MJO structure between the boreal winter season [November–March (NDJFM)] and the Asian summer monsoon period [June–September (JJAS)]. At upper-tropospheric levels, the flanking Rossby waves remain centered around 28°N/S year-round, but they tend to be stronger in the winter hemisphere, where the climatological-mean jet stream is stronger, rendering the subtropical circulation more sensitive to forcing by a near-equatorial heat source. Amplitudes of the MJO-related deep convection and lower-tropospheric zonal wind are stronger in the summer hemisphere, where the column-integrated water vapor is larger. During NDJFM, the equatorial asymmetry is subtle: as in the annual mean, moisture convergence into swallowtail-shaped regions of enhanced deep convection is an integral part of the equatorial Rossby wave signature, and the eastward propagation is due to moistening of the air to the east of the enhanced convection by poleward moisture advection. During the Asian summer monsoon in JJAS, the convection assumes the form of northward-propagating, west-northwest–east-southeast-oriented rainbands embedded within cyclonic shear lines. These features are maintained by frictional convergence of moisture, and their northward propagation is mainly due to the presence of features in the climatological-mean fields: that is, the west–east moisture gradient over India and the Arabian Sea and the southwesterly low-level monsoon flow over the northwest Pacific.
Witnessing urban change: Insights from informal recyclers in Vancouver, BC
Authors: Parizeau Kate
Published: April 2016

The perspectives of those most affected by urban change are often understudied, although these voices have the potential to inform academic understandings of the production of gentrified space. The Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC is undergoing a period of intense redevelopment, raising concerns about the potential displacement of its predominantly low-income residents. In this study, informal recyclers (people who earn income from collecting recyclable or resaleable items) share their observations of neighbourhood change based on their lives and work in the DTES. Informal recyclers’ observations reveal that diverse gentrifying processes are at play in the DTES, including restricted access to space, the social exclusion of othered bodies, and the symbolic construction of the DTES as a place of poverty that is in need of intervention. The inclusion of informal recyclers’ perspectives provides nuance to place-based processes of gentrification, and acknowledges the concerns of low-income urbanites most affected by urban change.
Catching Up with Wells: The Political Theory of H. G. Wells’s Science Fiction
Authors: Planinc Emma
Published: April 2016

H. G. Wells’s The Rights of Man (1940)—which provided the groundwork for the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights—has been re-released with a new Introduction by novelist Ali Smith, who reminds us of Wells’s political prophetic call for “a real federation of mankind,” and of the fact that we have still failed to meet the future he envisioned. If we are to catch up with Wells, we must, however, examine the foundations of Wells’s “cosmopolitan” vision, which requires examining both his scientific non-fiction and his scientific romances. Looking to Wells’s The Island of Dr. Moreau in particular, and the influence of Wells’s early scientific essays on Moreau’s narrative, we get a picture of Wells as a writer and a man who is anxious about the identity and future of the human species, but who nevertheless puts his faith in the “apparatuses” of “education and moral suggestion,” which are held together by “common faith.” Much like Charles Taylor and Simon Critchley, Wells calls for more than a political reconstitution, or institution, of right: he calls for a new cosmic imaginary, or supreme fiction, that has the potential to redeem and preserve the human species.
Changes in Body Weight Among People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the United States, NHANES 2005-2012
Authors: Wang Yiting , Bolge Susan C. , Lopez Janice M.S. , Zhu Vivienne J. , Stang Paul E.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To understand weight loss strategies, weight changes, goals, and behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and whether these differ by ethnicity.

Methods

T2DM was identified by self-reported diagnosis using the NHANES 2005-2012 data, which also included measured and self-reported current body weight and height, self-reported weight the prior year, and self-reported aspired weight. Nineteen weight loss strategies were evaluated for association with ≥5% weight loss or weight gain versus <5% weight change.

Results

Among people with T2DM, 88.0% were overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2) in the prior year and 86.1% the current year. About 60% of the overweight/obese took weight loss actions, mostly using diet-related methods with average weight lost <5%. Two most “effective” methods reported (smoking, taking laxatives/vomiting) are also potentially most harmful. Similar BMI distributions but different goals and behaviors about weight and weight loss were observed across ethnicity. Only physical activity meeting the recommended level and changing eating habits were consistently associated with favorable and statistically significant weight change.

Conclusions

Weight management in T2DM is an ongoing challenge, regardless of ethnicity/race. Among overweight/obese T2DM subjects, recommended level of physical activity and changing eating habits were associated with statistically significant favorable weight change.
From “Sustainable Development” to a Governmentalization of Change? Translations and Implications of an Institutional Concern in France and the European Union
Authors: Rumpala Yannick
Published: April 2016

The objective of “sustainable development” has institutional implications that deserve to be better understood. It conveys a transformative ambition that has gradually contributed to equating change with a collective purpose ideally adopted and accompanied by the relevant institutions. Focusing on the activities of government that have begun to carry out this goal, this article analyzes how rationalities, devices, and procedural arrangements merge, making change management a renewed stake in the institutional sphere. In order to understand its logics and directions, this study gives an account of this process in the initiatives of French public authorities and European Union institutions. Considering this new interpretation of “change,” it reviews the range of both programmatic and instrumental by-products that take the form of documents presented as “strategies” and the procedural bases that begin to provide support. By capturing how institutional protagonists and their potential partners have taken into consideration the issues linked with sustainable development, this article shows how this renewed form of change management contributes to an evolution in the work of public institutions and the devices they use. What is at stake is a collective relationship to change. The institutional takeover of this issue is carried out in such a way that it also induces a process of governmentalization of change.
Socio-demographic and Clinical Correlates of Facial Expression Recognition Disorder in the Euthymic Phase of Bipolar Patients
Authors: Iakimova Galina , Moriano Christian , Farruggio Lisa , Jover Frédéric
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Bipolar patients show social cognitive disorders. The objective of this study is to review facial expression recognition (FER) disorders in bipolar patients (BP) and explore clinical heterogeneity factors that could affect them in the euthymic phase: socio-demographic level, clinical and changing characteristics of the disorder, history of suicide attempt, and abuse.

Method:

Thirty-four euthymic bipolar patients and 29 control subjects completed a computer task of explicit facial expression recognition and were clinically evaluated.

Results:

Compared with control subjects, BP patients show: a decrease in fear, anger, and disgust recognition; an extended reaction time for disgust, surprise and neutrality recognition; confusion between fear and surprise, anger and disgust, disgust and sadness, sadness and neutrality. In BP patients, age negatively affects anger and neutrality recognition, as opposed to education level which positively affects recognizing these emotions. The history of patient abuse negatively affects surprise and disgust recognition, and the number of suicide attempts negatively affects disgust and anger recognition.

Conclusions:

Cognitive heterogeneity in euthymic phase BP patients is affected by several factors inherent to bipolar disorder complexity that should be considered in social cognition study.