bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA07: Addiction of prostate cancer to androgen receptor
Authors: Dong Yan
Published: May 2017

Recurrence with lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer after endocrine therapy remains the major challenge in treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Significant advances in our understanding of continued androgen receptor signaling in castration-resistant prostate cancer have led to the development and FDA approval of two next-generation endocrine therapy drugs, the androgen biosynthesis inhibitor abiraterone and the potent androgen receptor antagonist enzalutamide. These drugs heralded a new era of prostate cancer therapy. However, some patients present with therapy-resistant disease, and most initial responders develop acquired resistance within months of therapy initiation. Recent studies indicate that these resistant tumors commonly remain androgen receptor driven. This presentation will describe how the androgen receptor signal pathway evades endocrine therapies and how our understanding of endocrine treatment resistance is providing insights into novel therapeutic strategies for improving outcome from this disease.

Citation Format: Yan Dong. Addiction of prostate cancer to androgen receptor. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Targeting the Vulnerabilities of Cancer; May 16-19, 2016; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(1_Suppl):Abstract nr IA07.
Abstract IA09: Non-mutational resistance to anti-cancer drugs
Authors: Settleman Jeff
Published: May 2017

“Rationally-targeted” oncology drugs can deliver significant therapeutic benefit in genomically-defined subsets of cancer patients. However, the clinical benefit associated with these agents is substantially limited by the nearly invariable emergence of drug resistance over time. In many cases, specific mutational mechanisms of resistance have been elucidated, presumably reflecting the clonal selection of stochastically-generated mutations that were present prior to treatment; however, additional pre-clinical and clinical findings implicate non-mutational mechanisms as well. We have identified and characterized a small subpopulation of reversibly “drug-tolerant” cells. The drug-tolerant phenotype is associated with a distinct chromatin state, and is transiently acquired and relinquished at low frequency by individual cells within the population, implicating the dynamic regulation of phenotypic heterogeneity. The drug-tolerant subpopulation can be selectively ablated by treatment with certain chromatin-modifying agents, potentially yielding a therapeutic opportunity. Furthermore, this subpopulation appears to contain the precursors of drug-resistant clones that acquire mutations during, rather than prior to, drug treatment. Additional studies of non-mutational drug resistance mechanisms implicate the rewiring of growth factor-responsive cellular signaling pathways as a common survival mechanism within tumor cell populations. These findings suggest that cancer cell populations employ various epigenetically-determined survival strategies to establish sufficient phenotypic variation among cells in order to protect the population from eradication by potentially lethal exposures.

Citation Format: Jeff Settleman. Non-mutational resistance to anti-cancer drugs. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Targeting the Vulnerabilities of Cancer; May 16-19, 2016; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(1_Suppl):Abstract nr IA09.
Abstract IA14: Targeting Ras
Authors: McCormick Frank
Published: May 2017

We are exploring multiple ways of targeting Ras proteins and Ras-driven cancers. We have identified compounds that covalently bind to cysteine-185 on K-Ras 4B, and to the G-domain of K-Ras 4A and 4B. We are also screening for compounds that bind directly to K-Ras using a new technique referred to as Second Harmonic Generation and are developing compounds that promote phosphorylation of K-Ras4B on serine-181. In addition, we are attempting to solve novel structures of oncogenic Ras proteins on their own, or complexed with effectors, regulators and chaperones, in an attempt to identify new targeting opportunities. For example, we have solved the structure of fully processed K-Ras 4B bound to PDE-delta. This co-structure suggests several new approaches to targeting K-Ras processing.

In addition to targeting K-Ras directly, we are validating downstream dependencies that are specific for K-Ras cancers, including the cytokine LIF, which is expressed at high levels in K-Ras transformed cells and plays a major role in stem-like properties of K-Ras cancers. Suppressing LIF expression using shRNA, CRISPR or monoclonal antibodies has profound effects on K-Ras tumor initiation and maintenance, and suggests new therapeutic opportunities. We are also analyzing signaling pathways that differ between Ras mutants and between Ras isoforms. These results, and their opportunities for intervention, will be discussed.

Citation Format: Frank McCormick. Targeting Ras. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Targeting the Vulnerabilities of Cancer; May 16-19, 2016; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(1_Suppl):Abstract nr IA14.
Abstract IA30: Targeting hormone receptors for degradation: Nuclear receptor downregulation as a therapeutic approach in cancer
Authors: McDonnell Donald , Cocce Kimberly , Wardell Suzanne , Norris John
Published: May 2017

Durable clinical responses to endocrine therapies in breast cancer are limited by the development of resistance that can occur as a consequence of estrogen receptor–alpha (ERα) mutations, the production of non-canonical ER ligands, or to the reprogramming of ER signaling pathways. This contemporary view of resistance has driven the search for Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs), compounds that target the receptor for proteasomal degradation. The clinical activity of fulvestrant, the first drug in this class, confirmed the utility of SERDs in late stage disease; however the poor pharmaceutical properties of this drug have limited its use. Previously, we reported the discovery and early clinical development of the first orally bioavailable SERD (GW5638) and although its development was discontinued, the early positive signals from clinical studies of this drug provided others with the impetus to develop additional molecules that function using the same mechanism of action (GDC810 and AZ9694). These latter drugs, if approved, will be significant additions to the breast cancer armamentarium. Anticipating that acquired resistance is likely to be a response to SERD treatment, we have recently embarked on an effort to identify targets/pathways that are required for the maintenance of the receptor expression. It is anticipated that combined treatment with SERDs and agents that inhibit ERα expression would result in more durable clinical responses. These efforts have led to the discovery that the AGR2/LYPD3 signaling axis within cancer cells is required for ERα expression and that its inhibition achieves a quantitative downregulation of this receptor in tumor models. The impact of targeting ERα expression, directly (SERDs) and/or indirectly (AGR2 blocking antibodies) in breast cancer will be the focus of this presentation.

Citation Format: Donald McDonnell, Kimberly Cocce, Suzanne Wardell, John Norris. Targeting hormone receptors for degradation: Nuclear receptor downregulation as a therapeutic approach in cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Targeting the Vulnerabilities of Cancer; May 16-19, 2016; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(1_Suppl):Abstract nr IA30.
Abstract PR04: Small molecule-mediated activation of Ras elicits inhibition of MAPK and PI3K signaling though pathway feedback
Authors: Howes Jennifer E. , Akan Denis T. , Alicie Bethany M. , Waterson Alex G. , Rossanese Olivia W. , Fesik Stephen W.
Published: May 2017

Oncogenic mutation or hyper-activation of Ras results in aberrant cellular signaling and is responsible for approximately 30% of all human tumors. Therefore, Ras is an outstanding candidate for therapeutic inhibition. However, the discovery of potent inhibitors has been challenging. Our laboratory has recently discovered small molecules that perturb Son of Sevenless (SOS) -catalyzed nucleotide exchange on Ras (Burns et al. PNAS 2014). Here we describe experiments conducted to determine the mechanism of compound action. SOS activator compound 4 (C4) induces signaling flux through the MAPK pathway in response to elevated Ras-GTP levels, reminiscent of epidermal growth factor signaling. We used mass spectrometry to show that in response to C4 stimulation, phospho-modifications on SOS1 increased at ERK phosphorylation consensus sequences. We hypothesize that these phospho-modifications can cause delocalization of SOS and membrane bound Ras, and we are currently using proximity-ligation to assess whether the interaction between SOS1 and Ras is affected by C4 treatment.

Cross-talk between the MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways may be responsible for the inhibition of phospho-AKT Ser473 levels in response to MAPK signaling flux, or vice versa. Here we show, using MEK and PI3K inhibitor pre-treatments, that events in both pathways are independent after C4 treatment. As both SOS1 and PI3K bind to Ras at a similar site, we are currently testing the hypothesis that C4 disrupts the interaction between Ras and PI3K, whilst allowing signaling flux through the MAPK pathway.

Overall, we have discovered small-molecule activators of SOS that modulate Ras-GTP levels, resulting in signaling flux through the MAPK pathway and eventual downstream inhibition of both the MAPK and PI3K pathways in cancer cells.

This abstract is also being presented as Poster A15.

Citation Format: Jennifer E. Howes, Denis T. Akan, Bethany M. Alicie, Alex G. Waterson, Olivia W. Rossanese, Stephen W. Fesik. Small molecule-mediated activation of Ras elicits inhibition of MAPK and PI3K signaling though pathway feedback. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Targeting the Vulnerabilities of Cancer; May 16-19, 2016; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(1_Suppl):Abstract nr PR04.
Bitter Melon Enhances Natural Killer–Mediated Toxicity against Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourav , Muhammad Naoshad , Steele Robert , Kornbluth Jacki , Ray Ratna B.
Published: May 2017

Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the major components of innate immunity, with the ability to mediate antitumor activity. Understanding the role of NK-cell–mediated tumor killing in controlling of solid tumor growth is still in the developmental stage. We have shown recently that bitter melon extract (BME) modulates the regulatory T cell (Treg) population in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the role of BME in NK-cell modulation against HNSCC remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether BME can enhance the NK-cell killing activity against HNSCC cells. Our results indicated that treatment of human NK-cell line (NK3.3) with BME enhances ability to kill HNSCC cells. BME increases granzyme B accumulation and translocation/accumulation of CD107a/LAMP1 in NK3.3 cells exposed to BME. Furthermore, an increase in cell surface expression of CD16 and NKp30 in BME-treated NK3.3 cells was observed when cocultured with HNSCC cells. Collectively, our results demonstrated for the first time that BME augments NK-cell–mediated HNSCC killing activity, implicating an immunomodulatory role of BME. Cancer Prev Res; 10(6); 337–44. ©2017 AACR.
Lessons from Epidemiology: The Burden of Liver Disease
Authors: Rowe Ian A.
Published: May 2017

Liver cirrhosis is responsible for more than 1 million deaths annually and the majority of these deaths are preventable. There is marked geographical variation in rates of mortality due to cirrhosis, and this variation in liver disease burden exemplifies the links between population risks for liver disease and mortality. The differing geographical distribution of the major risks factors for the development of liver disease including alcohol consumption, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, hepatitis B virus infection, and obesity and the metabolic syndrome has the potential to highlight opportunities for intervention, while the evolution of these risk factors provides insights into understanding the future burden of liver disease. This review focuses on the use of population data to identify high-risk areas and populations that would benefit from preventative interventions to reduce the mortality from liver disease. Specific strategies that are effective at the policy and public health levels are discussed to illustrate the impact these can have if widely implemented. The impact of therapies that have the potential to change the natural history of liver disease, including direct acting antivirals for HCV infection is also described. Finally, the challenges of describing the epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are highlighted to illustrate the need to understand the natural history of disease to inform and influence the development of novel therapies.
Overcoming CD8+ T-Cell Exhaustion in Viral Hepatitis: Lessons from the Mouse Model and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Wieland Dominik , Hofmann Maike , Thimme Robert
Published: May 2017

About 500 million people all over the world are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) and are thus at high risk of developing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. While in adults about 90% of acutely HBV-infected patients clear the virus, only 30% of acute HCV infections clear spontaneously. Several mechanisms contribute to the failure in viral clearance. The main factors responsible for the chronification of HBV and HCV infection are, on the one hand, viral escape mutations leading to lack of recognition by antiviral immune cells and, on the other hand, loss of antiviral effector functions of virus-specific CD8+ T cells, called T-cell exhaustion. This review focuses on the latter highlighting current knowledge about the heterogeneity of exhausted CD8+ T cells and the potential for re-invigoration of exhausted T-cell populations during chronic viral hepatitis. Although direct-acting antivirals successfully clear chronic HCV infection, there is still the need for a prophylactic vaccine to prevent primary infection. Moreover, a therapeutic strategy eliminating HBV infection still does not exist. A better understanding of T-cell exhaustion and the potential for functional recovery will help to develop new immunotherapeutic approaches for chronic viral hepatitis.
Novel Approaches to Reducing the Risk of Variceal Hemorrhage
Authors: Nevens Frederik
Published: May 2017

Background: Complications of advanced liver disease occur at the moment of clinical significant portal hypertension. Nitric oxide (NO) dysfunction and fibrosis play an important role in the pathophysiology of PH, but other mechanisms are also involved. Non-selective beta blockers (NSBB) stay the cornerstone in the primary and secondary prevention of variceal bleeding, but their safety in advanced cirrhosis has been recently debated and new drugs are under investigation. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and balloon tamponade are the standard therapy in case of refractory variceal bleeding, but both interventions have drawbacks. Key Message: Transelastography under certain conditions and the presence of collateral circulation on imaging allow to rule-in CSPH, which makes patients open at risk for variceal hemorrhage. FXR agonists are intrahepatic NO donors; they reduce fibrosis and prevent bacterial translocation, which make them promising drugs for the treatment of PH. NSBB should be used with caution in patients with refractory ascites and certainly in those with hepatorenal syndrome. Preliminary clinical data suggest that simvastatin and enoxaparin improve the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Finally, covered esophageal metallic stents are safer and more effective than balloon tamponade in the case of refactory variceal bleeding. Conclusions: Liver stiffness measurements enable the selection of patients for endoscopic screening for esophageal varices. In the case of tense ascites, the dose of NSBB should be adapted to the hemodynamic condition of the patient. Self-expanding, covered esophageal metallic stents replace balloon tamponade in the treatment of massive variceal hemorrhage.
Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: Comparison of Agreement between Oscillometric and Finger-Cuff Methods
Authors: Alfano Gaetano , Fontana Francesco , Cappelli Gianni
Published: May 2017

Background: The Nexfin monitor is a device used for measuring arterial blood pressure (BP) continuously and noninvasively through finger-cuff technology. Since it was validated against the auscultatory method using a sphygmomanometer, the aim of this study was to test the ability of the Nexfin to evaluate brachial arterial pressure (BAP) in maintenance hemodialysis patients, quantifying accuracy and precision. Methods: Forty hemodynamically stable hemodialysis patients underwent serial measurements of Nexfix arterial pressure (NAP) and BAP, respectively, through Nexfin and oscillometric devices. All BP measurements were recorded before starting hemodialysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.9 ± 14.9 years with 65% older than 65 years and 30% older than 75; eleven subjects (27%) were diabetic. Vascular calcification, evaluated from the aortic arch to the iliac bifurcation, was detected in 87.5% of patients. Bland-Altman analysis comparing NAP measurements with BAP revealed the following outcomes: a mean bias ± limits of agreements (LA) of 15.3 ± 34.8 mm Hg (29% error) for systolic BP, a mean bias ± LA of -0.9 ± 20.34 mm Hg (32% error) for diastolic BP and a mean bias ± LA of 4.5 ± 21.34 mm Hg (26% error) for mean arterial pressure (MAP). Nexfin had poor precision in the reconstruction of diastolic and mean BP and was extremely inaccurate when evaluating systolic BP. Diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and increase in systolic BAP significantly predicted the disagreement in systolic pressure measurement between NAP and MAP, F (3.34) = 10.787, p < 0.005, R2 = 0.488. Conclusion: The Nexfin does not meet the criteria of interchangeability with oscillometric method in our hemodialysis patients. The negative influence of diabetes, neuropathy, and increase of systolic BAP on the reconstruction of systemic systolic pressure raises concerns about the feasibility of Nexfin in patients with a high prevalence of vasculopathy.
Protective Function of Ahnak1 in Vascular Healing after Wire Injury
Authors: Haase Nadine , Rüder Constantin , Haase Hannelore , Kamann Stefanie , Kouno Michiyoshi , Morano Ingo , Dechend Ralf , Zohlnhöfer Dietlind , Haase Tobias
Published: May 2017

Aim: Vascular remodeling following injury substantially accounts for restenosis and adverse clinical outcomes. In this study, we investigated the role of the giant scaffold protein Ahnak1 in vascular healing after endothelial denudation of the murine femoral artery. Methods: The spatiotemporal expression pattern of Ahnak1 and Ahnak2 was examined using specific antibodies and real-time quantitative PCR. Following wire-mediated endothelial injury of Ahnak1-deficient mice and wild-type (WT) littermates, the processes of vascular healing were analyzed. Results: Ahnak1 and Ahnak2 showed a mutually exclusive vascular expression pattern, with Ahnak1 being expressed in the endothelium and Ahnak2 in the medial cells in naïve WT arteries. After injury, a marked increase of Ahnak1- and Ahnak2-positive cells at the lesion site became evident. Both proteins showed a strong upregulation in neointimal cells 14 days after injury. Ahnak1-deficient mice showed delayed vascular healing and dramatically impaired re-endothelialization that resulted in prolonged adverse vascular remodeling, when compared to the WT littermates. Conclusion: The large scaffold and adaptor proteins Ahnak1 and Ahnak2 exhibit differential expression patterns and functions in naïve and injured arteries. Ahnak1 plays a nonredundant protective role in vascular healing.
Socioeconomic Status and the Risk of Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Pennlert Johanna , Asplund Kjell , Glader Eva-Lotta , Norrving Bo , Eriksson Marie
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

This nationwide observational study aimed to investigate how socioeconomic status is associated with risk of stroke recurrence and how possible associations change over time.

Methods—

This study included 168 295 patients, previously independent in activities of daily living, with a first-ever stroke in the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) 2001 to 2012. Riksstroke was linked with Statistics Sweden as to add individual information on education and income. Subdistribution hazard regression was used to analyze time from 28 days after first stroke to stroke recurrence, accounting for the competing risk of other causes of death.

Results—

Median time of follow-up was 3.0 years. During follow-up, 23 560 patients had a first recurrent stroke, and 53 867 died from other causes. The estimated cumulative incidence of stroke recurrence was 5.3% at 1 year, and 14.3% at 5 years. Corresponding incidence for other deaths were 10.3% and 30.2%. Higher education and income were associated with a reduced risk of stroke recurrence. After adjusting for confounding variables, university versus primary school education returned a hazard ratio of 0.902; 95% confidence interval, 0.864 to 0.942, and the highest versus the lowest income tertile a hazard ratio of 0.955; 95% confidence interval, 0.922 to 0.989. The risk of stroke recurrence decreased during the study period, but the inverse effect of socioeconomic status on risk of recurrence did not change significantly.

Conclusions—

Despite a declining risk of stroke recurrence over time, the differences in recurrence risk between different socioeconomic groups remained at a similar level in Sweden during 2001 to 2012.
Efficacy of Stent-Retriever Thrombectomy in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Versus Computed Tomographic Perfusion–Selected Patients in SWIFT PRIME Trial (Solitaire FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke)
Authors: Menjot de Champfleur Nicolas , Saver Jeffrey L. , Goyal Mayank , Jahan Reza , Diener Hans-Christoph , Bonafe Alain , Levy Elad I. , Pereira Vitor M. , Cognard Christophe , Yavagal Dileep R. , Albers Gregory W.
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose—

The majority of patients enrolled in SWIFT PRIME trial (Solitaire FR With the Intention for Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke) had computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) imaging before randomization; 34 patients were randomized after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods—

Patients with middle cerebral artery and distal carotid occlusions were randomized to treatment with tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) alone or tPA+stentriever thrombectomy. The primary outcome was the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days. Patients with the target mismatch profile for enrollment were identified on MRI and CTP.

Results—

MRI selection was performed in 34 patients; CTP in 139 patients. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17 in both groups. Target mismatch profile was present in 95% (MRI) versus 83% (CTP). A higher percentage of the MRI group was transferred from an outside hospital (
P
=0.02), and therefore, the time from stroke onset to randomization was longer in the MRI group (
P
=0.003). Time from emergency room arrival to randomization did not differ in CTP versus MRI-selected patients. Baseline ischemic core volumes were similar in both groups. Reperfusion rates (>90%/TICI [Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction] score 3) did not differ in the stentriever-treated patients in the MRI versus CTP groups. The primary efficacy analysis (90-day mRS score) demonstrated a statistically significant benefit in both subgroups (MRI,
P
=0.02; CTP,
P
=0.01). Infarct growth was reduced in the stentriever-treated group in both MRI and CTP groups.

Conclusions—

Time to randomization was significantly longer in MRI-selected patients; however, site arrival to randomization times were not prolonged, and the benefits of endovascular therapy were similar.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01657461.
Embryology of Myosoton and Stellaria and its taxonomic significance (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: WANG LIU , ZHAO YUN-YUN , LIU JIA-XI
Published: May 2017

The systematic relationship between the genera Myosoton and Stellaria is a currently controversial. In this study, we compared their embryological characteristics of these two taxa using conventional paraffin section techniques and scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained showed that Myosoton and Stellaria share some common features. They all have tetrasporangiate anthers with dicotyledonous wall, secretory tapetum, microspore mother cells with simultaneous cytokinesis, tetrahedral tetrad, 3-celled mature pollen grains, linear megaspore tetrad, monosporic polygonum embryo sac, ovary with axial placenta at early development stage, secondary free central placenta at mature stage, bitegmic, crassinucellate amphitropous ovule, micropyle formed from inner integument, caryophyllad embryogenesis, nuclear endosperm, and seed with perisperm. In addition, their seed morphologies are also very similar. Both have rounded, polygonal seed coat cells with upward protrudings, V-shaped margin of testa cells and cross-intercellular contacts. The embryological characteristics support that genus Myosoton should be merged into genus Stellaria.
Fauna of Cladocera and Copepoda from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (China)
Authors: CHERTOPRUD ELENA S. , SINEV ARTEM Y. , DIMANTE-DEIMANTOVICA INTA
Published: May 2017

This study evaluates the species composition of Cladocera and Copepoda in the five lakes of the Bogda-Shan Mountain range and in the floodplain of the Tarim and Konchedarya rivers located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (Xinjiang). We collected seven species of Cladocera and six species of Copepoda. Seven species were identified as new for Xinjiang fauna, and two species (Cyclops cf. herberti Einsle, 1996, and Eucyclops roseus Ishida, 1997) were first records for China. Herein, we characterize the distribution ranges for the detected species and provide taxonomic remarks. The total species list for water bodies in Xinjiang compiled from original data and available literature includes 56 species of Cladocera and 33 species of Copepoda. We also discuss the biogeographical structure of Cladocera and Copepoda faunas in Xinjiang.
Severe Convective Storms in Europe: Ten Years of Research and Education at the European Severe Storms Laboratory
Authors: Groenemeijer Pieter , Púčik Tomáš , Holzer Alois M. , Antonescu Bogdan , Riemann-Campe Kathrin , Schultz David M. , Kühne Thilo , Feuerstein Bernold , Brooks Harold E. , Doswell Charles A. , Koppert Hans-Joachim , Sausen Robert
Published: May 2017

The European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL) was founded in 2006 to advance the science and forecasting of severe convective storms in Europe. ESSL was a grassroots effort of individual scientists from various European countries. The purpose of this article is to describe the 10-yr history of ESSL and present a sampling of its successful activities. Specifically, ESSL developed and manages the only multinational database of severe weather reports in Europe: the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD). Despite efforts to eliminate biases, the ESWD still suffers from spatial inhomogeneities in data collection, which motivates ESSL’s research into modeling climatologies by combining ESWD data with reanalysis data. ESSL also established its ESSL Testbed to evaluate developmental forecast products and to provide training to forecasters. The testbed is organized in close collaboration with several of Europe’s national weather services. In addition, ESSL serves a central role among the European scientific and forecast communities for convective storms, specifically through its training activities and the series of European Conferences on Severe Storms. Finally, ESSL conducts wind and tornado damage assessments, highlighted by its recent survey of a violent tornado in northern Italy.
Predicting U.S. Drought Monitor States Using Precipitation, Soil Moisture, and Evapotranspiration Anomalies. Part I: Development of a Nondiscrete USDM Index
Authors: Lorenz David J. , Otkin Jason A. , Svoboda Mark , Hain Christopher R. , Anderson Martha C. , Zhong Yafang
Published: May 2017

The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) classifies drought into five discrete dryness/drought categories based on expert synthesis of numerous data sources. In this study, an empirical methodology is presented for creating a nondiscrete USDM index that simultaneously 1) represents the dryness/wetness value on a continuum and 2) is most consistent with the time scales and processes of the actual USDM. A continuous USDM representation will facilitate USDM forecasting methods, which will benefit from knowledge of where, within a discrete drought class, the current drought state most probably lies. The continuous USDM is developed such that the actual discrete USDM can be reconstructed by discretizing the continuous USDM based on the 30th, 20th, 10th, 5th, and 2nd percentiles—corresponding with USDM definitions for the D4–D0 drought classes. Anomalies in precipitation, soil moisture, and evapotranspiration over a range of different time scales are used as predictors to estimate the continuous USDM. The methodology is fundamentally probabilistic, meaning that the probability density function (PDF) of the continuous USDM is estimated and therefore the degree of uncertainty in the fit is properly characterized. Goodness-of-fit metrics and direct comparisons between the actual and predicted USDM analyses during different seasons and years indicate that this objective drought classification method is well correlated with the current USDM analyses. In Part II, this continuous USDM index will be used to improve intraseasonal USDM intensification forecasts because it is capable of distinguishing between USDM states that are either far from or near to the next-higher drought category.
Is There Americanization in Catalan Election Campaigns? A Decade of Electoral Communication Strategies From Postmodernist Perspective
Authors: Pont-Sorribes Carles , Cortiñas-Rovira Sergi , Mauri Marcel , Alonso-Marcos Felipe
Published: May 2017

We examine how Catalan election campaigns have evolved to postmodernization, a concept coined by Pippa Norris to refer to the current political scenario and how this is reflected in different electoral phases. We analyzed four electoral campaigns covering a decade (2003-2012) through 27 face-to-face in-depth interviews conducted with campaign managers for nine political parties. The results indicate that, although Catalan politics is progressing toward the postmodern phase, there are still aspects that are far from fully adapted to the changes affecting all levels of society. Catalan political parties seem to be more comfortable with modern or classical political approaches—such as control over traditional media—and are but slowly reacting to other issues such as citizen demands for more access to, and prominence in, politics.
Democracy, Screens, Identity, and Social Networks: The Case of Donald Trump’s Election
Authors: Sáez-Mateu Ferran
Published: May 2017

The unexpected election of Donald Trump as the new U.S. president is situated in a complex and unprecedented intersection of ideas regarding democracy, identity, and social networks, all against the background of the omnipresent and cultural centrality of the digital screen. In this article, we will try to analyze these links through the concept of the paraphragmatic screen, an unusual term from the Greek that is found in Plato’s famous myth of the cave. Our thesis is that the paraphragmatic screen that hosts social networks is not merely interactive. It is also a porous surface that no longer serves only to communicate in the traditional sense but also for senders and receivers to negotiate what is and is not real or true. Using it changes the rules of the game for political communication and even for politics itself while it also generates new types of negotiable identities, as much at the individual level as at the collective.
Beyond Soft Power
Authors: Ling L.H.M.
Published: May 2017

The concept of ‘soft power’ impoverishes our understanding of politics. It assumes (i) the world has never encountered instances of ‘soft power’ before or knows no better when encountering it; (ii) culture cannot have any interests, agency or impact of its own; and (iii) it cannot capture the state. History—especially from India and China—debunks these assumptions. I propose a contrasting concept, cultural power. It turns ‘soft power’ on its head by (i) articulating the state as ontology, not instrument; accordingly, (ii) culture can generate its own centre (or centres) of gravitas that (iii) invariably outstrips the state in purpose and identity. To demonstrate, I draw on recent filmic representations from India and China. These replay the power of historical culture, like Hindu reincarnation and/or Confucian love, through a contemporary venue. I conclude with some implications of cultural power for politics, in general, and world politics, in particular.
What Aspects of Principal Leadership Are Most Highly Correlated With School Outcomes in China?
Authors: Zheng Qiao , Li Lingyan , Chen Huijuan , Loeb Susanna
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to build a broader framework for Chinese principal leadership and to determine what aspects of principal leadership correlate most highly with school outcomes from the perspectives of both principals and teachers. Method: The data come from a 2013 national student achievement assessment in China comprising 37,749 students in Grade 8 and 9,165 teachers in 613 secondary schools. Adopting Grissom and Loeb’s measurement framework, we use both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to examine the structure of principal leadership. Then, a hierarchical linear model is employed to analyze the relationship between principal leadership and five school outcomes, controlling for basic student and teacher demographics and certain school context variables. Findings: We identify many differences and some similarities between China and the United States. We obtain five leadership factors from the principals’ self-rating data (Visibility and Direct Participation, Instruction Organization, Internal Environment Organization, Planning and Personnel, and External Relations) and three leadership factors from the teachers’ rating data (Organization and Management, Instruction and Curriculum, and Visibility and Direct Participation). Regarding student reading achievement and learning efficacy, from both the principals’ and teachers’ perspectives, the most highly correlated aspect is Instruction Organization. For teachers’ occupational stress, job burnout, and teaching efficacy, teachers’ ratings of principal leadership exhibit more significant relationships than does principals’ self-rated leadership. Implications: We explore a broader framework of principal leadership in China. We identify the benefits and analyze alternative views of the indirect effects of principal leadership on students.
Polylactic acid/carbon fiber composites: Effects of polylactic acid-g-maleic anhydride on mechanical properties, thermal behavior, surface compatibility, and electrical characteristics
Authors: Pan Yi-Jun , Lin Zheng-Ian , Lou Ching-Wen , Huang Chien-Lin , Lee Mong-Chuan , Liao Jo-Mei , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: May 2017

This study uses a reactive extrusion for the grafting of maleic anhydride on polylactic acid in order to form polylactic acid grafted maleic anhydride that serves as a compatibilizer between polylactic acid and carbon fiber. The effects of different ratios of the free radical initiator to maleic anhydride as well as the amounts of polylactic acid grafted maleic anhydride on the mechanical properties, interfacial compatibility, thermal behaviors, and electrical properties of the polylactic acid/carbon fiber composites are discussed. The test results indicate that using polylactic acid grafted maleic anhydride as compatibilizer improves the interfacial compatibility of polylactic acid/carbon fiber composites, which in turn contributes to a high electrical conductivity and the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness, while decreasing the surface resistance and increases. In addition, the amount of polylactic acid grafted maleic anhydride has a positive influence on their tensile properties, flexural strength, and impact strength. The differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that a high polylactic acid grafted maleic anhydride content is also conducive to crystallinity, but is not in related to the melting temperature. According to the scanning electronic microscope observation, the fractured composites that are inflicted by an impact have considerably few traces of the fibers being pulled out, which is ascribed to polylactic acid that can completely enwrap carbon fiber. Therefore, the incorporation of polylactic acid grafted maleic anhydride is proven to strengthen polylactic acid/carbon fiber composites, exemplified by their improved interfacial compatibility and properties.
The Role of Assimilation and Multiculturalism for the Relation Between Social Dominance Orientation and Prejudice: The Case of Anglophones and Francophones in Québec
Authors: Pelletier-Dumas Mathieu , de la Sablonnière Roxane , Guimond Serge
Published: May 2017

Research on national diversity policies show that cultural norms promoted by the government such as multiculturalism and assimilation play an important role in predicting the majority group members’ prejudice toward immigrants. However, the extent to which minority groups can share these cultural norms with majority group members is largely unknown. The first goal of the current research is to determine if majority and minority groups perceive similar national diversity policies and have comparable support for these policies. The second goal is to contrast, between majority and minority groups, the relationship between social dominance orientation (SDO) and prejudice toward immigrants while considering the mediation effect of national diversity policies. To reach these goals, 225 Francophones (nonimmigrant majority) and 207 Anglophones (nonimmigrant minority) living in the province of Québec answered a questionnaire. Analyses performed to satisfy the first goal indicate that Francophones and Anglophones perceive Quebecers’ support toward national diversity policies in similar ways despite the fact that Francophones show more personal support for assimilation than Anglophones while the reverse is true for multiculturalism. Regarding the second goal, results reveal that, when norms are salient, personal support for assimilation is a stronger mediator of the link between SDO and prejudice especially for Anglophones whereas the mediating role of personal support for multiculturalism is significant among Francophones only. The importance of considering majority and minority groups when elaborating national diversity policies is discussed.
Contribution of the PDL to Osteotomy Repair and Implant Osseointegration
Authors: Pei X. , Wang L. , Chen C. , Yuan X. , Wan Q. , Helms J.A.
Published: May 2017

Our objective was to clarify the fate of the periodontal ligament (PDL) retained in the socket after tooth extraction, then determine if this tissue contributed to the osseointegration of “immediate” implants placed in these fresh extraction sockets. Mice underwent maxillary first molar extraction, the residual PDL was removed by an osteotomy, and titanium implants were placed. The osteotomy was created in such a way that the palatal surface was devoid of PDL remnants while the buccal, mesial, and distal surfaces retained PDL fibers. At multiple time points after surgery, tissues were analyzed using a battery of molecular, cellular, and histomorphometrical assays. We found that PDL remnants mineralized and directly contributed to new bone formation in the extraction site. Compared with regions of an extraction site where the PDL was removed by osteotomy, regions that retained PDL fibers had produced significantly more new bone. Around immediate implants, the retained PDL remnants directly contributed to new bone formation and osseointegration. Thus, we conclude that PDL remnants are inherently osteogenic, and if the tissue is healthy, it is reasonable to conclude that curetting out an extraction socket prior to immediate implant placement should be avoided. This recommendation aligns with contemporary trends toward minimally invasive surgical manipulations of the extraction socket prior to immediate implant placement.
Wound botulism, its neurological manifestations, treatment and outcomes: A case series from the Glasgow outbreak, 2015
Authors: Martin Sarah-Jane , Penrice Gillian , Amar Corinne , Grant Kathie , Gorrie George H
Published: May 2017

Background and aims

We examined the neurological manifestations, treatment and outcomes of a subset of 25 patients within the largest ever outbreak of wound botulism in Europe.

Methods and results

All 25 cases were intravenous drug users. The most common presenting symptom was dysarthria in 19/25 (76%), followed by dysphagia in 12/25 (48%), blurred vision in 10/25 (40%) and double vision in 8/25 (32%). Microbiological analysis confirmed the diagnosis in nine cases (36%). Duration of admission positively correlated with time to antitoxin, time to wound debridement and female sex.

Conclusion

As the outbreak continued, hospital stays shortened, reflecting growing awareness of the outbreak and quicker treatment initiation.
Knowledge Transfer and Advanced Urban Planning in the Newly Established Ring of Boulevards in Riga: The Case of the First Municipal Gas Factory
Authors: Karlštrēma Inga
Published: May 2017

This article examines the history of Riga’s first gas factory as both a contributor to, and witness of, the Industrial Revolution in Riga. The factory became an important urban landmark in the rapidly growing city due to its sophisticated architecture as well as its central placement in the most picturesque recreational area of the city, namely, in the surroundings of the city canal greenery. This article aims to examine how the knowledge transfer is embodied in Riga’s first municipal gasworks, its transnationally developed planning phase, and its locally outstanding buildings, which gained significance by becoming a symbol of both technological and social progress in Riga.
Comprehensive improvement of artificial fish swarm algorithm for global MPPT in PV system under partial shading conditions
Authors: Mao Mingxuan , Duan Qichang , Duan Pan , Hu Bei
Published: May 2017

Due to the non-linear characteristics I–V of the photovoltaic (PV) curve, the tracking of the maximum power point (MPP) under partial shading (PS) conditions can sometimes be a challenging task. This paper presents a modified artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) for MPP tracking (MPPT) in PV modules under PS. In this algorithm, the AFSA optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with extended memory (PSOEM-FSA) is improved by hybridizing it with adaptive visual and step, and the resulting algorithm is a comprehensive improvement on the AFSA (abbreviated as CIAFSA). Combining the searching capabilities of the PSOEM-FSA and the self-learning ability of adaptive visual and step for AFSA, CIAFSA is developed. To validate the effectiveness of this novel MPPT technique, the PV system along with the proposed MPPT algorithm is simulated using the Matlab/Simulink Simscape toolbox. Results show that the proposed approach is more effective in MPPT in PV systems under PS conditions when compared with other methods in searching precision.
Energy optimization using metaheuristic bat algorithm assisted controller tuning for industrial and residential applications
Authors: Divyesh VR , Sahu Chinmay , Kirubakaran Velswamy , Radhakrishnan TK , Guruprasath Muralidharan
Published: May 2017

The advent of model based control provides optimization and constrained control capabilities that can be tailored to specific goals. Metaheuristic algorithms are being researched in various fields owing to their efficiency in providing global optimization. In this paper, both model regression and energy efficiency based controller tuning are attempted using the chaotic bat algorithm (CBA). Two sets of plant data, one from an industrial precalciner temperature loop (PTL) and another from a domestic heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) are considered. Explicit model predictive control is designed. Minimizing the energy consumption (HVAC) and coal feed rate (PTL) by tuning the controllers is attempted. Results indicate that CBA can be successfully deployed in both regression and achieving control objectives as observed from the case studies.
The Influence of Daily Coping on Anxiety Under Examination Stress: A Model of Interindividual Differences in Intraindividual Change
Authors: Iida Masumi , Gleason Marci , Green-Rapaport Amie S. , Bolger Niall , Shrout Patrick E.
Published: May 2017

Although much is known about people’s attempts to cope with stressors, unmeasured heterogeneity in these stressors has made it difficult to assess the effectiveness of coping attempts. We remedied this problem by focusing on coping effectiveness in people preparing for a major, planned, uniform stressor, the Bar Examination. Within-person analyses of longitudinal data on anxiety in 321 persons over 35 days provided evidence on (a) coping effectiveness for the typical person, (b) how effectiveness changed across time, and (c) the extent to which individuals differed in their effectiveness. For the typical person, active coping and positive reinterpretation on one day were associated with reduced anxiety the next morning, whereas practical support seeking, venting, and mental disengagement were associated with increased anxiety. The effectiveness of planning, acceptance, and disengagement varied as a function of time to the stressful event. Finally, there were large individual differences in coping effectiveness across the sample.
When Praising Yourself Insults Others: Self-Superiority Claims Provoke Aggression
Authors: Van Damme Carolien , Deschrijver Eliane , Van Geert Eline , Hoorens Vera
Published: May 2017

We tested the prediction, derived from the hubris hypothesis, that bragging might serve as a verbal provocation and thus enhance aggression. Experiments 1 and 2 were vignette studies where participants could express hypothetical aggression; Experiment 3 was an actual decision task where participants could make aggressive and/or prosocial choices. Observers disliked an explicit braggart (who claimed to be “better than others”) or a competence braggart as compared with an implicit braggart (who claimed to be “good”) or a warmth braggart, respectively. Showing that explicit and competence bragging function as verbal provocations, observers responded more aggressively to the explicit and competence braggart than to the implicit and warmth braggart, respectively. They did so because they inferred that an explicit and a competence braggart viewed other people and them negatively, and therefore disliked the braggart. Rather than praising the self, braggarts are sometimes viewed as insulting others.