bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin, an AMPK activator, stimulates the phosphorylation of aquaporin 2 and urea transporter A1 in inner medullary collecting ducts
Authors: Klein Janet D. , Wang Yanhua , Blount Mitsi A. , Molina Patrick A. , LaRocque Lauren M. , Ruiz Joseph A. , Sands Jeff M.
Published: March 2016

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by production of very large quantities of dilute urine due to an inability of the kidney to respond to vasopressin. Congenital NDI results from mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in ∼90% of families. These patients do not have mutations in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) or urea transporter UT-A1 (UT-A1). We tested adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) since it is known to phosphorylate another vasopressin-sensitive transporter, NKCC2 (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter). We found AMPK expressed in rat inner medulla (IM). AMPK directly phosphorylated AQP2 and UT-A1 in vitro. Metformin, an AMPK activator, increased phosphorylation of both AQP2 and UT-A1 in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Metformin increased the apical plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2, but not UT-A1, in rat IM. Metformin increased both osmotic water permeability and urea permeability in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. These findings suggest that metformin increases osmotic water permeability by increasing AQP2 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane but increases urea permeability by activating UT-A1 already present in the membrane. Lastly, metformin increased urine osmolality in mice lacking a V2R, a mouse model of congenital NDI. We conclude that AMPK activation by metformin mimics many of the mechanisms by which vasopressin increases urine-concentrating ability. These findings suggest that metformin may be a novel therapeutic option for congenital NDI due to V2R mutations.
Mass spectrometric imaging of metabolites in kidney tissues from rats treated with furosemide
Authors: Jung Jin Woo , Lee Mi Suk , Choi Hyo-Jung , Jung Sunhee , Lee Yu-Jung , Hwang Geum-Sook , Kwon Tae-Hwan
Published: March 2016

In the kidney, metabolic processes are different among the cortex (COR), outer medulla (OM), and inner medulla (IM). Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), we examined the change of metabolites in the COR, OM, and IM of the rat kidney after furosemide treatment compared with vehicle-treated controls. Osmotic minipumps were implanted in male Sprague-Dawley rats to deliver 12 mg·day−1·rat−1of furosemide. Vehicle-treated ( n = 14) and furosemide-treated (furosemide rats, n = 15) rats in metabolic cages received a fixed amount of rat chow (15 g·220 g body wt−1·day−1for each rat) with free access to water intake for 6 days. At day 6, higher urine output (32 ± 4 vs. 9 ± 1 ml/day) and lower urine osmolality (546 ± 44 vs. 1,677 ± 104 mosmol/kgH2O) were observed in furosemide rats. Extracts of COR, OM, and IM were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry, where multivariate analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. Several metabolites, including acetylcarnitine, betaine, carnitine, choline, and glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC), were significantly changed. The changes of metabolites were further identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and IMS. Their spatial distribution and relative quantitation in the kidneys were analyzed by IMS. Carnitine compounds were increased in COR and IM, whereas carnitine and acetylcarnitine were decreased in OM. Choline compounds were increased in COR and OM but decreased in IM from furosemide rats. Betaine and GPC were decreased in OM and IM. Taken together, MALDI-TOF/TOF and IMS successfully provide the spatial distribution and relative quantitation of metabolites in the kidney.
Delivery of interleukin-10 via injectable hydrogels improves renal outcomes and reduces systemic inflammation following ischemic acute kidney injury in mice
Authors: Soranno Danielle E. , Rodell Christopher B. , Altmann Christopher , Duplantis Jane , Andres-Hernando Ana , Burdick Jason A. , Faubel Sarah
Published: March 2016

Injectable hydrogels can be used to deliver drugs in situ over a sustained period of time. We hypothesized that sustained delivery of interleukin-10 (IL-10) following acute kidney injury (AKI) would mitigate the local and systemic proinflammatory cascade induced by AKI and reduce subsequent fibrosis. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice underwent ischemia-reperfusion AKI with avertin anesthesia. Three days later, mice were treated with either hyaluronic acid injectable hydrogel with or without IL-10, or IL-10 suspended in saline, injected under the capsule of the left kidney, or hydrogel with IL-10 injected subcutaneously. Untreated AKI served as controls. Serial in vivo optical imaging tracked the location and degradation of the hydrogel over time. Kidney function was assessed serially. Animals were killed 28 days following AKI and the following were evaluated: serum IL-6, lung inflammation, urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and renal histology for fibroblast activity, collagen type III deposition and fibrosis via Picrosirius Red staining and second harmonic imaging. Our model shows persistent systemic inflammation, and renal inflammation and fibrosis 28 days following AKI. The hydrogels are biocompatible and reduced serum IL-6 and renal collagen type III 28 days following AKI even when delivered without IL-10. Treatment with IL-10 reduced renal and systemic inflammation, regardless of whether the IL-10 was delivered in a sustained manner via the injectable hydrogel under the left kidney capsule, as a bolus injection via saline under the left kidney capsule, or via the injectable hydrogel subcutaneously. Injectable hydrogels are suitable for local drug delivery following renal injury, are biocompatible, and help mitigate local and systemic inflammation.
ABPI against Colour Duplex Scan: A Screening Tool for Detection of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Low Resource Setting Approach to Validation
Authors: Weragoda Janaka , Seneviratne Rohini , Weerasinghe Manuj C. , Wijeyaratne S. M.
Published: March 2016

Background.In Sri Lanka the ABPI has not been used as a screening tool to detect peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in epidemiological studies. This study was conducted to determine the best cutoff value of ABPI to detect PAD in Sri Lankan population.Methods.The ABPI measured by arterial Doppler to detect PAD was validated against colour duplex scan as the criterion using 165 individuals referred to vascular laboratory, National Hospital Sri Lanka. In all selected individuals ABPI was measured and lower limb colour duplex scan was performed. Narrowing of luminal diameter of lower limb arteries 50% or more was considered as haemodynamically significant and having PAD. The discriminative performance of the ABPI was assessed using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). The sensitivity and specificity of different threshold levels of ABPI and the best cutoff value of ABPI to detect PAD were determined.Results.ABPI 0.89 was determined as the best cutoff value to identify individuals with PAD. At this level of ABPI high sensitivity (87%), specificity (99.1%), positive predictive value (98.9%), and negative predictive value (88.4%) were observed.Conclusion.ABPI ≤ 0.89 could be used as the best cut off value to detect PAD.
A Study of Antenna System for High Order MIMO Device
Authors: Chen Zhaoliang , Geyi Wen , Zhang Ming , Wang Jun
Published: March 2016

Three types of compact MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) antenna systems with four and six elements for mobile handsets are studied in this paper. The MIMO antenna system is built on a FR4 substrate of the dimensions 136 mm × 68.8 mm × 1 mm. The antenna element is a folded planar inverted-F antenna with added resonating branches wound on a small dielectric cube of the dimensions 10 mm × 10 mm × 5 mm, which is the smallest volume so far reported covering the frequency bands 1880 MHz–1920 MHz and 2300 MHz–2620 MHz for GSM1900, LTE2300, 2.4-GHz WLAN, and LTE2500. The effects of element numbers and configurations on the system performance are investigated. More than 10 dB isolations have been achieved by properly designing the antenna elements through the use of the pattern diversity without using decoupling circuits. The envelope correlation coefficients among the elements, the mean effective gains, the efficiencies, and the multiplexing efficiencies of the elements are also discussed.
Cytogenetically Unrelated Clones in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Showing Different Responses to Chemotherapy
Authors: Kasahara Kohei , Onozawa Masahiro , Miyashita Naohiro , Yokohata Emi , Yoshida Miho , Kanaya Minoru , Kosugi-Kanaya Mizuha , Takemura Ryo , Takahashi Shojiro , Sugita Junichi , Shigematsu Akio , Takahata Mutsumi , Fujisawa Shinichi , Hashimoto Daigo , Fujimoto Katsuya , Endo Tomoyuki , Kondo Takeshi , Teshima Takanori
Published: March 2016

We report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with two cytogenetically unrelated clones. The patient was a 45-year-old male who was diagnosed with acute monoblastic leukemia (AMoL). Initial G-band analysis showed 51,XY,+6,+8,inv(9)(p12q13)c,+11,+13,+19[12]/52,idem,+Y[8], but G-band analysis after induction therapy showed 45,XY,-7,inv(9)(p12q13)c[19]/46,XY,inv(9)(p12q13)c[1]. Retrospective FISH analysis revealed a cryptic monosomy 7 clone in the initial AML sample. The clone with multiple trisomies was eliminated after induction therapy and never recurred, but a clone with monosomy 7 was still detected in myelodysplastic marrow with a normal blast percentage. Both clones were successfully eliminated after related peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, but the patient died of relapsed AML with monosomy 7. We concluded that one clone was de novo AMoL with chromosome 6, 8, 11, 13, and 19 trisomy and that the other was acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes　(AML-MRC) with chromosome 7 monosomy showing different responses to chemotherapy. Simultaneous onset of cytogenetically unrelated hematological malignancies that each have a different disease status is a rare phenomenon but is important to diagnose for a correct understanding of the disease status and for establishing an appropriate treatment strategy.
A Study of Moment Based Features on Handwritten Digit Recognition
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , Sarkar Ram , Nasipuri Mita
Published: March 2016

Handwritten digit recognition plays a significant role in many user authentication applications in the modern world. As the handwritten digits are not of the same size, thickness, style, and orientation, therefore, these challenges are to be faced to resolve this problem. A lot of work has been done for various non-Indicscripts particularly, in case ofRoman, but, in case ofIndicscripts, the research is limited. This paper presents a script invariant handwritten digit recognition system for identifying digits written in five popular scripts of Indian subcontinent, namely,Indo-Arabic,Bangla,Devanagari,Roman, andTelugu. A 130-element feature set which is basically a combination of six different types of moments, namely, geometric moment, moment invariant, affine moment invariant, Legendre moment, Zernike moment, and complex moment, has been estimated for each digit sample. Finally, the technique is evaluated onCMATERand MNIST databases using multiple classifiers and, after performing statistical significance tests, it is observed that Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) classifier outperforms the others. Satisfactory recognition accuracies are attained for all the five mentioned scripts.
Spherical HarmonicsYlm(θ,ϕ): Positive and Negative Integer Representations ofsu(1,1)forl-mandl+m
Authors: Fakhri H.
Published: March 2016

The azimuthal and magnetic quantum numbers of spherical harmonicsYlm(θ,ϕ)describe quantization corresponding to the magnitude andz-component of angular momentum operator in the framework of realization ofsu(2)Lie algebra symmetry. The azimuthal quantum numberlallocates to itself an additional ladder symmetry by the operators which are written in terms ofl. Here, it is shown that simultaneous realization of both symmetries inherits the positive and negative(l-m)- and(l+m)-integer discrete irreducible representations forsu(1,1)Lie algebra via the spherical harmonics on the sphere as a compact manifold. So, in addition to realizing the unitary irreducible representation ofsu(2)compact Lie algebra via theYlm(θ,ϕ)’s for a givenl, we can also representsu(1,1)noncompact Lie algebra by spherical harmonics for given values ofl-mandl+m.
Substrate Integrated Slot Array Antenna with Required Radiation Pattern Envelope
Authors: Zhou M. M. , Cheng Y. J. , Huang W. N.
Published: March 2016

A substrate integrated slot array antenna with a prescribed radiation pattern is investigated in this paper. To meet the requirement of a certain standard radiation pattern envelope, the array configuration and the element excitation coefficient should be considered together. An efficient and systematic method is proposed to determine the element number and element weights in a planar array. After that, the geometrical dimension of the substrate integrated slot array can be synthesized. As an example, aK-band 16 × 22 slot array antenna based on the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology is designed, fabricated, and measured. Its radiation pattern can meet the class 3 antenna radiation pattern envelope of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard pattern. Experimental results are in good agreement with simulated ones.
A Network Traffic Prediction Model Based on Quantum-Behaved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Fuzzy Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Kun , Hu Zhao , Gan Xiao-Ting , Fang Jian-Bo
Published: March 2016

Due to the fact that the fluctuation of network traffic is affected by various factors, accurate prediction of network traffic is regarded as a challenging task of the time series prediction process. For this purpose, a novel prediction method of network traffic based on QPSO algorithm and fuzzy wavelet neural network is proposed in this paper. Firstly, quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization (QPSO) was introduced. Then, the structure and operation algorithms of WFNN are presented. The parameters of fuzzy wavelet neural network were optimized by QPSO algorithm. Finally, the QPSO-FWNN could be used in prediction of network traffic simulation successfully and evaluate the performance of different prediction models such as BP neural network, RBF neural network, fuzzy neural network, and FWNN-GA neural network. Simulation results show that QPSO-FWNN has a better precision and stability in calculation. At the same time, the QPSO-FWNN also has better generalization ability, and it has a broad prospect on application.
Synthesis and Light Induced Characteristics of Siloxane Substituted Azobenzene: An Application for Optical Storage Device
Authors: Yuvaraj A. R. , Rahman Md. Lutfor , Mohd Yusoff Mashitah
Published: March 2016

The light induced behaviour of siloxane substituted azobenzene compounds in the presence of alkylene spacers is reported for the first time. Firstly, these photosensitive compounds were synthesized and elucidated the molecular structure by spectral analysis such as NMR, FTIR, and UV/Vis. Photoisomerization effect was evaluated in solution and also in nematic phase. The photosaturation occurred exactly at 29 seconds, whereas thermal back relaxation was observed ranging from 19.8 to 23.8 hours. Long duration of the thermal back relaxation is due to the presence of sterically hindered siloxane group substituted to the azobenzene molecules. Decrease in the duration of cis-trans isomerization was found when the number of alkylene spacers was increased. These siloxane based azobenzene derivatives are useful for the fabrication of optical storage device and molecular switches.
Preparation of Spherical Zn-Substituted Tricalcium Phosphate Powder by Ultrasonic Spray-Pyrolysis Technique and Its Characterization
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Honda Michiyo , Yokota Tomohiro , Shimizu Yusuke , Aizawa Mamoru
Published: March 2016

Zinc, an essential trace element, has a stimulatory effect on bone formation. To enhance the osteoconduction of implant materials such as hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (TCP), zinc was incorporated into them. In this study, we have synthesized spherical zinc-substituted TCP (Zn-TCP) powders using ultrasonic spray-pyrolysis technique, fabricated Zn-TCP ceramics, and characterized their powder properties. Four kinds of Zn-TCPs with various amounts of zinc content were prepared, to examine the influence of zinc addition to the crystal structure of TCP and to compare the different Zn-TCPs with each other. Zn-TCP ceramics were fabricated from the resulting powders under different sintering temperatures. Zn-TCP samples were analyzed and led to the following results: the resulting powders were composed ofα- andβ-TCP phases, whereas the fabricated ceramics mainly consisted ofβ-TCP phase. The determination of zinc content in the resulting powders and fabricated ceramics showed a maximum content of ~12 mol%. The resulting powders consisted of spherical particles with diameters <2 μm. The lattice constants of ceramics did not show a significant change of thea-axis,b-axis, andc-axis. The bulk density of Zn-TCPs showed their maximum at 1100°C, while the bulk density of Zn-TCP(0) was greatest at 1000°C.
Experimental Studies on Earthen Architecture Sites Consolidated with BS Materials in Arid Regions
Authors: Zhao Dong , Lu Wei , Wang Yulan , Mao Xiaofei , Ai Yu , Jiang Haotian
Published: March 2016

This paper takes the preservation works on the archaeological sites of Gaochang Ruins, Xinjiang, as background. Based on the soil characteristics analysis on the archaeological sites, experimental studies were conducted on the consolidation effect of the BS-10 consolidation material on the archaeological sites of adobe and rammed earth. The results showed the following:, after consolidation, the wind erosion resistance of the soil on the archaeological sites was substantially increased, and the wind erosion modulus was reduced by 5~8 times; the soil exhibited fine grid structure and significantly reduced degree of permeability, while still maintaining the moisture exchange between inside and outside the soil; there is excellent ageing resistance; the resistance to freezing and thawing was closely related to the soil water content and had little influence in arid regions; the water resistance was improved and could satisfy the requirements for consolidating the sites in arid regions; the unconfined compressive strength was improved moderately, which was the key direction of improvement in the future, and the consolidated soil did not form duricrust on the surface and had good bonding strength with the internal parts. The BS-10 material can meet the consolidation requirements for the earthen archaeological sites in arid regions of northwest China.
Soluble B-Cell Maturation Antigen Mediates Tumor-Induced Immune Deficiency in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sanchez Eric , Gillespie Abigail , Tang George , Ferros Morgan , Harutyunyan Nika Manik , Vardanyan Suzie , Gottlieb Jillian , Li Mingjie , Wang Cathy S. , Chen Haiming , Berenson James R.
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Reduced uninvolved immunoglobulin (Ig) levels are a hallmark of multiple myeloma. We previously showed that B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is solubilized and at high levels in multiple myeloma patient serum. We hypothesize that soluble BCMA binds B-cell–activating factor (BAFF) preventing its function to stimulate late B cells, and would result in lower polyclonal antibody levels in these patients.

Experimental Design: Mice were dosed with recombinant human BCMA (rhBCMA) and BCMA–BAFF complexes were analyzed in plasma, and its effects on antibody and Ig heavy chain mRNA levels determined. Using flow cytometry, BAFF binding to B cells was examined in the presence of rhBCMA and sera from multiple myeloma patients. In multiple myeloma sera, BCMA–BAFF complex formation and BCMA, IgA, IgG levels, and heavy–light chain isoform pair levels were determined.

Results: rhBCMA–BAFF complexes formed in immune-competent and deficient mice. Mice with human multiple myeloma xenografts, which contain plasma hBCMA and hBCMA–BAFF complexes, showed reduced plasma-free BAFF levels. rhBCMA administered to immune competent mice markedly reduced plasma IgA, IgG, and IgM levels and splenic Ig heavy chain mRNA levels. In serum from multiple myeloma patients, BCMA–BAFF complexes were detected and BAFF levels were reduced. Multiple myeloma patient sera containing BCMA prevented binding of BAFF to B cells. There is an inverse correlation between serum BCMA and uninvolved polyclonal Ig level in multiple myeloma patients.

Conclusions: Our results show that soluble BCMA sequesters circulating BAFF, thereby preventing it from performing its signaling to stimulate normal B-cell and plasma cell development, resulting in reduced polyclonal antibody levels in multiple myeloma patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3383–97. ©2016 AACR.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Reveals Small Cell Carcinoma–like and Non–Small Cell Carcinoma–like Subsets
Authors: Rekhtman Natasha , Pietanza Maria C. , Hellmann Matthew D. , Naidoo Jarushka , Arora Arshi , Won Helen , Halpenny Darragh F. , Wang Hangjun , Tian Shaozhou K. , Litvak Anya M. , Paik Paul K. , Drilon Alexander E. , Socci Nicholas , Poirier John T. , Shen Ronglai , Berger Michael F. , Moreira Andre L. , Travis William D. , Rudin Charles M. , Ladanyi Marc
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a highly aggressive neoplasm, whose biologic relationship to small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) versus non-SCLC (NSCLC) remains unclear, contributing to uncertainty regarding optimal clinical management. To clarify these relationships, we analyzed genomic alterations in LCNEC compared with other major lung carcinoma types.

Experimental Design: LCNEC (n = 45) tumor/normal pairs underwent targeted next-generation sequencing of 241 cancer genes by Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT) platform and comprehensive histologic, immunohistochemical, and clinical analysis. Genomic data were compared with MSK-IMPACT analysis of other lung carcinoma histologies (n = 242).

Results: Commonly altered genes in LCNEC included TP53 (78%), RB1 (38%), STK11 (33%), KEAP1 (31%), and KRAS (22%). Genomic profiles segregated LCNEC into 2 major and 1 minor subsets: SCLC-like (n = 18), characterized by TP53+RB1 co-mutation/loss and other SCLC-type alterations, including MYCL amplification; NSCLC-like (n = 25), characterized by the lack of coaltered TP53+RB1 and nearly universal occurrence of NSCLC-type mutations (STK11, KRAS, and KEAP1); and carcinoid-like (n = 2), characterized by MEN1 mutations and low mutation burden. SCLC-like and NSCLC-like subsets revealed several clinicopathologic differences, including higher proliferative activity in SCLC-like tumors (P < 0.0001) and exclusive adenocarcinoma-type differentiation marker expression in NSCLC-like tumors (P = 0.005). While exhibiting predominant similarity with lung adenocarcinoma, NSCLC-like LCNEC harbored several distinctive genomic alterations, including more frequent mutations in NOTCH family genes (28%), implicated as key regulators of neuroendocrine differentiation.

Conclusions: LCNEC is a biologically heterogeneous group of tumors, comprising distinct subsets with genomic signatures of SCLC, NSCLC (predominantly adenocarcinoma), and rarely, highly proliferative carcinoids. Recognition of these subsets may inform the classification and management of LCNEC patients. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3618–29. ©2016 AACR.
Protective Effects of Colivelin Against Alzheimer's Disease in a PDAPP Mouse Model
Authors: Yin Rong , Yin Kai , Guo ZhiQiang , Zhang ZhiQiang , Chen LiPin , Cao Li , Li YuanMin , Wei YaXuan , Fu XueFeng , Shi XiangQun
Published: March 2016

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized with progressive memory loss and severe cognitive impairments, which affect everyday life and human health in the elderly. It is required that an effective and safe protective reagent against AD should be developed. It has been reported that humanin (HN) exerts neuroprotective effects against AD. In this study, we investigated the effect of a novel and more effective HN derivative, Colivelin (CLN) on AD. Methods: PDAPPV717I transgenic AD model mice (derived from parental C57/BL6 mice) were used in our study as AD model. Morris water maze test was used to test the memory impairment of AD mice and the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 were determined by an Elisa assay. We used an Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence staining method to check the GFAP and MAP2 positive cells, and TUNEL to assess the apoptotic cells. Western blot assay was used to check the expression and phosphorylation level of p38. Results: We found that CLN improved the memory impairment induced by AD and reduced the deposit of Aβ40 and Aβ42. CLN also inhibited cell apoptosis and activation of caspase 3 in brain tissues of AD mice. Inflammation in AD mice was alleviated by CLN treatment, including the accumulation of GFAP positive cells and the inflammatory cytokines. With both structure of AGA-HNG and ANDF, CLN exhibited significantly stronger effects than synchronously administration of AGA-HNG and ADNF, suggesting CLN as a novel potential effective therapeutic reagent for AD patients. Finally, we found that CLN inhibited phosphorylation of p38 in AD mice and p38 inhibitor, SB203580 weakened the therapeutic effect of CLN. Conclusion: CLN effectively improved the memory dysfunction in PDAPP mice, and our data suggests CLN as a novel and effective reagent which may have great potentials in AD therapy.
Retrospective Analysis of Fifth-Line Targeted Therapy Efficacy in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ralla Bernhard , Erber Barbara , Goranova Irena , Klooker Amelie , Maxeiner Andreas , Hinz Stefan , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Magheli Ahmed , Miller Kurt , Busch Jonas
Published: March 2016

Objectives: Current evidence of sequence-targeted therapy (TT) for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) beyond fourth-line is sparse. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and toxicity of fifth-line TT in patients with mRCC. Methods: Out of 406 patients treated in first-line, 25 patients (6.16%) with more than 4 lines of TT were retrospectively reviewed at a German academic high-volume cancer center. Response was assessed by the use of standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0, and toxicity was graded according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to explore predictors of PFS and OS in univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Disease control rate for fifth-line treatment was 20%. Median OS from the beginning of first-line therapy was 50.2 months (IQR (interquartile range) 38.9-76.7). Median OS from the time of initiation of fifth-line therapy was 6.2 months (IQR 3.1-23.8). Median PFS for fifth-line TT was 4.1 months (IQR 1.81-9.07) and did not correlate to treatment response in first-line TT. Conclusions: Highly selected patients might benefit from fifth-line treatment independently from treatment response in first-line TT.
Molecular and Epigenetic Mechanism Regulating Hypothalamic Kiss1 Gene Expression in Mammals
Authors: Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tomikawa Junko , Inoue Naoko , Goto Teppei , Minabe Shiori , Ieda Nahoko , Nakamura Sho , Watanabe Youki , Ikegami Kana , Matsuda Fuko , Ohkura Satoshi , Maeda Kei-ichiro , Tsukamura Hiroko
Published: March 2016

After the discovery of hypothalamic kisspeptin encoded by the Kiss1 gene, the central mechanism regulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, and hence gonadotropin secretion, is gradually being unraveled. This has increased our understanding of the central mechanism regulating puberty and subsequent reproductive performance in mammals. Recently, emerging evidence has indicated the molecular and epigenetic mechanism regulating hypothalamic Kiss1 gene expression. Here we compile data regarding DNA and histone modifications in the Kiss1 promoter region and provide a hypothetic scheme of the molecular and epigenetic mechanism regulating Kiss1 gene expression in two populations of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons, which govern puberty and subsequent reproductive performance via GnRH/gonadotropin secretion.
Increased von Willebrand factor, P-selectin and fibrin content in occlusive thrombus resistant to lytic therapy
Authors: Del Blanco Bruno , Ruiz-Meana Marisol , Francisco Jaume , Barrabés José , Figueras Jaume , Bañeras Jordi , Otaegui Imanol , Rojas Angeles , Vilardosa Úrsula , Montaner Joan , García-Dorado David , Sambola Antonia
Published: March 2016

Therapeutic fibrinolysis is ineffective in 40 % of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, but understanding of the mechanisms is incomplete. It was our aim to compare the composition of coronary thrombus in lysis-resistant STEMI patients with that of lysis-sensitive patients. Intracoronary thrombi (n=64) were obtained by aspiration in consecutive STEMI patients. Of them, 20 had received fibrinolysis and underwent rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (r-PCI, lysis-resistant patients) and 44 underwent primary PCI (p-PCI). Lysis-sensitivity was determined in vitro by clot permeability measurements and turbidimetric lysis in plasma of 44 patients undergoing p-PCI and 20 healthy donors. Clot-lysis sensitivity was defined as a clot-lysis time not greater than 1 SD over the mean of healthy donors. Coronary thrombus composition in 20 lysis-resistant and in 20 lysissensitive patients was analysed by immunofluorescence with confocal microscopy. Plasma biomarkers (P-selectin, VWF, PAI-1, t-PA, D-dimer, TF pathway markers, plasmin and CD34+) were measured simultaneously on peripheral blood. Lysis-resistant clots had higher levels of fibrin (p=0.02), P-selectin (p=0.03) and VWF (p=0.01) than lysis-sensitive clots. Among thrombi obtained ≤ 6 hours after onset of symptoms, those from lysis-resistant patients showed a higher content in fibrin than those from p-PCI patients (p=0.01). Plasma PAI-1 (p=0.02) and D-dimer levels were significantly higher (p=0.003) in lysis-resistant patients, whereas plasmin levels were lower (p=0.03). Multivariate analysis showed the content of fibrin and VWF within thrombus as predictors of thrombolysis resistance. In conclusion, coronary thrombi in STEMI patients resistant to fibrinolysis are characterised by higher fibrin, P-selectin and VWF content than lysis-sensitive thrombi.
Right Ventricular Volumes and Systolic Function by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and the Impact of Sex, Age, and Obesity in a Longitudinally Followed Cohort Free of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Foppa Murilo , Arora Garima , Gona Philimon , Ashrafi Arman , Salton Carol J. , Yeon Susan B. , Blease Susan J. , Levy Daniel , O’Donnell Christopher J. , Manning Warren J. , Chuang Michael L.
Published: March 2016

Background—

Cardiac magnetic resonance is uniquely well suited for noninvasive imaging of the right ventricle. We sought to define normal cardiac magnetic resonance reference values and to identify the main determinants of right ventricular (RV) volumes and systolic function using a modern imaging sequence in a community-dwelling, longitudinally followed cohort free of clinical cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.

Methods and Results—

The Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort has been followed since 1971. We scanned 1794 Offspring cohort members using steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance and identified a reference group of 1336 adults (64±9 years, 576 men) free of prevalent cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. RV trabeculations and papillary muscles were considered cavity volume. Men had greater RV volumes and cardiac output before and after indexation to body size (all
P
<0.001). Women had higher RV ejection fraction than men (68±6% versus 64±7%;
P
<0.0001). RV volumes and cardiac output decreased with advancing age. There was an increase in raw and height-indexed RV measurements with increasing body mass index, but this trend was weakly inverted after indexation of RV volumes to body surface area. Sex, age, height, body mass index, and heart rate account for most of the variability in RV volumes and function in this community-dwelling population.

Conclusions—

We report sex-specific normative values for RV measurements among principally middle-aged and older adults. RV ejection fraction is greater in women. RV volumes increase with body size, are greater in men, and are smaller in older people. Body surface area seems to be appropriate for indexation of cardiac magnetic resonance–derived RV volumes.
Daoist Scripture Frontispieces and Their Archetypes
Authors: Wan Maggie C. K.
Published: March 2016

For over a thousand years, frontispieces for religious scriptures produced in China were based on two basic compositions: the diagonal composition and the symmetrical composition. The two compositions enjoyed persistent currency by offering great flexibility for religious sects to fill in the compositions with their own patron gods and saints. Meanwhile they served different functions: while the diagonal composition illustrates the narrative of the scripture, the symmetrical composition focuses on the main deity and its pantheon, and engages viewer-worshippers in the assembly depicted. Daoism appropriated the two basic compositions and developed its own tradition of scripture frontispieces. This essay analyzes frontispieces for the Scripture of the Jade Emperor as a case study. By portraying deities of different natures in the frontispieces, Daoists specified the means whereby the main deity bestowed divine assistance upon the commissioners of the scripture, and distinguished Daoist scripture frontispieces from their Buddhist counterparts by placing extra emphasis on the frontispieces’ efficacy.
“Symmetrical” hermit crabs of the family Pylochelidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura) collected by the “BIOPAPUA” and “PAPUA NIUGINI” expeditions in the Papua New Guinea, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: March 2016

Collections made during the recent expeditions to Papua New Guinea (“BIOPAPUA”, 2010; “PAPUA NIUGINI”, 2012) yielded a total of 12 species from the “symmetrical” hermit crab family Pylochelidae, including two new to science: Bathycheles incisus (Forest, 1987), B. integer (Forest, 1987), Cheiroplatea laticauda Boas, 1926, C. pumicicola Forest, 1987, C. rotundioculus n. sp., Pylocheles mortensenii Boas, 1926, and Xylocheles macrops (Forest, 1987) (Pylochelinae); Parapylocheles scorpio (Alcock, 1894), Trizocheles manningi Forest, 1987, T. moosai Forest, 1987, T. sakaii Forest, 1987, and T. spinidigitus n. sp. (Trizochelinae). Affinities of the two new species are discussed. Parapylocheles scorpio, Trizocheles manningi and T. sakaii are recorded from the South Pacific for the first time. Revised identification keys to species of Cheiroplatea and Trizocheles are provided.
Urban Sprawl Patterns and Processes in Delhi from 1977 to 2014 Based on Remote Sensing and Spatial Metrics Approaches
Authors: Jain Madhavi , Dimri A. P. , Niyogi D.
Published: March 2016

Recent decades have witnessed rapid urbanization and urban population growth resulting in urban sprawl of cities. This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal dynamics of the urbanization process (using remote sensing and spatial metrics) that has occurred in Delhi, the capital city of India, which is divided into nine districts. The urban patterns and processes within the nine administrative districts of the city based on raw satellite data have been taken into consideration. Area, population, patch, edge, and shape metrics along with Pearson’s chi statistics and Shannon’s entropy have been calculated. Three types of urban patterns exist in the city: 1) highly sprawled districts, namely, West, North, North East, and East; 2) medium sprawled districts, namely, North West, South, and South West; and 3) least sprawled districts—Central and New Delhi. Relative entropy, which scales Shannon’s entropy values from 0 to 1, is calculated for the districts and time spans. Its values are 0.80, 0.92, and 0.50 from 1977 to 1993, 1993 to 2006, and 2006 to 2014, respectively, indicating a high degree of urban sprawl. Parametric and nonparametric correlation tests suggest the existence of associations between built-up density and population density, area-weighted mean patch fractal dimension (AWMPFD) and area-weighted mean shape index (AWMSI), compactness index and edge density, normalized compactness index and number of patches, and AWMPFD and built-up density.
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Revisited
Authors: Newman Matthew , Alexander Michael A. , Ault Toby R. , Cobb Kim M. , Deser Clara , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Mantua Nathan J. , Miller Arthur J. , Minobe Shoshiro , Nakamura Hisashi , Schneider Niklas , Vimont Daniel J. , Phillips Adam S. , Scott James D. , Smith Catherine A.
Published: March 2016

The Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), the dominant year-round pattern of monthly North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) variability, is an important target of ongoing research within the meteorological and climate dynamics communities and is central to the work of many geologists, ecologists, natural resource managers, and social scientists. Research over the last 15 years has led to an emerging consensus: the PDO is not a single phenomenon, but is instead the result of a combination of different physical processes, including both remote tropical forcing and local North Pacific atmosphere–ocean interactions, which operate on different time scales to drive similar PDO-like SST anomaly patterns. How these processes combine to generate the observed PDO evolution, including apparent regime shifts, is shown using simple autoregressive models of increasing spatial complexity. Simulations of recent climate in coupled GCMs are able to capture many aspects of the PDO, but do so based on a balance of processes often more independent of the tropics than is observed. Finally, it is suggested that the assessment of PDO-related regional climate impacts, reconstruction of PDO-related variability into the past with proxy records, and diagnosis of Pacific variability within coupled GCMs should all account for the effects of these different processes, which only partly represent the direct forcing of the atmosphere by North Pacific Ocean SSTs.
What Surface Observations Are Important for Separating the Influences of Anthropogenic Aerosols from Other Forcings?
Authors: Yan Xiaoqin , DelSole Timothy , Tippett Michael K.
Published: March 2016

This paper shows that joint temperature–precipitation information over a global domain provides a more accurate estimate of aerosol forced responses in climate models than does any other combination of temperature, precipitation, or sea level pressure. This fact is demonstrated using a new quantity called potential detectability, which measures the extent to which a forced response can be detected in a model. In particular, this measure can be evaluated independently of observations and therefore permits efficient exploration of a large number of variable combinations before performing optimal fingerprinting on observations. This paper also shows that the response to anthropogenic aerosol forcing can be separated from that of other forcings using only spatial structure alone, leaving the time variation of the response to be inferred from data, thereby demonstrating that temporal information is not necessary for detection. The spatial structure of the forced response is derived by maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio. For single variables, the north–south hemispheric gradient and equator-to-pole latitudinal gradient are important spatial structures for detecting anthropogenic aerosols in some models but not all. Sea level pressure is not an independent detection variable because it is derived partly from surface temperature. In no case does sea level pressure significantly enhance potential detectability beyond that already possible using surface temperature. Including seasonal or land–sea contrast information does not significantly enhance detectability of anthropogenic aerosol responses relative to annual means over global domains.
Identifying Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves Using Theoretical Wave Eigenvectors
Authors: Ogrosky H. Reed , Stechmann Samuel N.
Published: March 2016

Convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) are often identified by space–time filtering techniques that make use of the eigenvalues of linear shallow water theory. Here, instead, a method is presented for identifying CCEWs by projection onto the eigenvectors of the theory. This method does not use space–time filtering; instead, wave signals corresponding to the first baroclinic Kelvin, Rossby, and mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) waves are constructed from reanalysis data by a series of projections onto (i) vertical and meridional modes and (ii) the wave eigenvectors. In accordance with the theory, only dry variables, that is, winds and geopotential height, are used; no proxy for convection is used. Using lag–lead regression, composites of the structures associated with each eigenvector signal during boreal summer are shown to contain all the features of the theory as well as some additional features seen in previous observational studies, such as vertical tilts. In addition, these composites exhibit propagation in good agreement with the theory in certain regions of the tropics: over the eastern Pacific ITCZ for the Kelvin and MRG composites and over the Pacific warm pool for the Rossby composite. In these respective regions, the Kelvin eigenvector signal is also in good agreement with space–time-filtered outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), and the Rossby and MRG eigenvector signals are in reasonable agreement with space–time-filtered OLR; it is shown that the eigenvector projections used here contribute to this agreement. Finally, a space–time-filtered version of the eigenvector projection is briefly discussed, as are potential applications of the method.
Educational and Labor Market Attainments of the 1.5- and Second-Generation Children of East Asian Immigrants in Canada
Authors: Boyd Monica , Tian Siyue
Published: March 2016

Using data from the most recent 2011 Canadian National Household Survey, educational, occupational, and earnings attainments of the East Asian 1.5- and second-generation groups are compared with those of the White third-plus generation. Specific attention is paid to those with both parents born in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and in the Southeast Asian country of Vietnam. While East Asian offspring exhibit higher levels of education compared with the white third-plus generation and are more likely to have science and business majors, these more advantageous educational profiles relative to a White majority population do not mask economic inequality, as suggested by the model minority myth. Instead, for most groups a, straightforward model holds, in which higher educational levels and majors usually translate into higher chances of professional employment and higher earnings for the 1.5 and second generations in Canada.
Sialolithiasis in an Accessory Submandibular Gland Identified by Magnetic Resonance Sialography
Authors: Sanchez Barrueco Alvaro , Santillan Coello Jessica , Sobrino Guijarro Beatriz , Villacampa Aubá Jose Miguel , Cenjor Español Carlos
Published: March 2016

Background:

Accessory submandibular gland is a very rare anatomical variant. There have been only 6 reported cases of this entity in the English literature, only 1 of which was identified using magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods:

We report the case of a 39-year-old female with symptoms of left submandibular sialoadenitis who was diagnosed of sialolithiasis within the left accessory submandibular gland by magnetic resonance sialography (MR-Si).

Results:

The calculus was palpated near the submandibular papilla and was extracted by an intraoral approach. One-year follow-up revealed no evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions:

This is the first case reported to date in the English literature of a patient with sialolithiasis within an accessory submandibular gland diagnosed by MR-Si.
China’s Bilateral Currency Swap Agreements
Authors: Yelery Aravind
Published: March 2016

China has recently demonstrated diverse ways to pursue its economic internationalisation. The trade mechanism has been re-modelled without a heavy tone on exports and China’s vulnerability to import–export risks has been steadily reduced. More than trade, the investments have been pursued to make Chinese economic expansion endure. Chinese also learned the trick of larger geo-economics by not waiting for crisis to occur and get caught in the global domino effect of slowdown, recession and other impulsive nature of markets. While, on one hand, China is trying to comply by international monetary and legal standards, making more space in a cluttered room for its economic ambitions, on the other, it is also adopting smarter ways to outperform the existing heavyweight economies’ dominance in the sphere of international monetary. An example of China’s sprint for maximising its legal and economic engagement and securing benefits by having bilateral currency swap agreements (BCS), exhibits how China has evolved over the last decade. A decade back, China was apprehensive about the BCS when it did not follow the Chiang Mai initiative. The current commentary attempts to analyse China’s BCS strategy and the possible impact.
Investigation of electrical properties of basalt and its hybrid structures
Authors: Jamshaid Hafsa , Mishra Rajesh , Tunakova Veronika , Militky Jiri
Published: March 2016

With the use of new materials for technical textile applications, evaluation of electrical properties in accordance with the intended application is required. In this study, experimental investigations are carried out to check the electrical behavior of hybrid and non-hybrid woven structures of basalt/polypropylene, basalt/polyester, and basalt/jute fibers. Three types of weaves were used for both hybrid and non-hybrid structures. These textile fabrics were evaluated by methods of measuring surface resistance and the volume resistance. Results are discussed in terms of fiber composition and woven structure. The aim is to compare different structures on the basis of electrical properties. The purpose of this study is to identify parameters that have the strongest influence on electrical properties of fabrics.
Detection and Direction Determination of Approaching Vehicle Noises Among Older Adults
Authors: Barton Benjamin K. , Heath Gretchen E. , Lew Roger
Published: March 2016

We examined detection and direction determination of auditory cues from a pedestrian environment among a sample of older and younger adults. Review of relevant research suggests normal aging is associated with declines in physical, cognitive, and perceptual abilities. Relatively, few studies have examined the impact of such developmental changes on pedestrian safety among older adults, and none have examined such factors in relation to use of auditory cues. Thirty-five younger and 35 older adults completed cognitive measures and a pedestrian auditory detection task. Some results by speed were similar to past research that examined younger samples. Interactions were discovered between age and speed conditions within the auditory task. Results are discussed in the context of past research and with regard to informing future injury prevention efforts.