bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanded CD133+ Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood Improved Heart Function in Rats after Severe Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Correa Alejandro , Ottoboni Gabriel Salles , Senegaglia Alexandra Cristina , Capriglione Luiz Guilherme Achcar , Miyague Nelson Itiro , Leite Lidiane Maria Boldrini , Jamur Valderez Ravaglio , Rebelatto Carmen Lúcia Kuniyoshi , Olandoski Márcia , Brofman Paulo Roberto Slud
Published: April 2018

Pharmacological approaches are partially effective in limiting infarct size. Cell therapies using a cell population enriched with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) CD133+ have opened new perspectives for the treatment of ischemic areas after infarction. This preclinical study evaluated the effect of intramyocardial transplantation of purified or expanded human umbilical cord blood-derived CD133+ cells on the recovery of rats following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Histology studies, electrocardiogram, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to evaluate heart recovery. Purified CD133+ cells, enriched in endothelial progenitor cells, when expanded in vitro acquired an endothelial-like cell phenotype expressing CD31 and von Willebrand factor (vWF). The group of infarcted rats that received expanded CD133+ cells had a more significant recovery of contraction performance and less heart remodeling than the group that received purified CD133+ cells. Either purified or expanded CD133+ cells were able to induce neovascularization in the infarcted myocardium in an equivalent manner. Few human cells were detected in the infarcted myocardium of the rats 28 days after transplantation suggesting that the effects observed might be related primarily to paracrine activity. Although both cell populations ameliorated the infarcted heart and are suitable for regeneration of the vascular system, expanded CD133+ cells are more beneficial and promising candidates for vascular regeneration.
A Study of the Multisensor Estimation Method Based on Fusion Technology for Subsurface Defect Depth
Authors: Tiao-juan Ren , Ban-teng Liu , You-rong Chen , Haibo Yang , Yun-kai Zhu
Published: April 2018

In consideration of difficulty in directly using the multisensor detecting feature information for the defect identification, an improved multisensor recognition algorithm based on data-fusion technology for subsurface defect depth evaluation is proposed. At first, two common nondestructive testing technologies such as ultrasonic testing (UT) and eddy current testing (ECT) are introduced; then, a fusion method based on the error distribution characteristics of two kinds of detection methods is improved through the hyperbolic discriminant function to evaluate the subsurface defect depth. The experimental result shows that the improved algorithm is superior to the existing algorithm, so it can achieve better synthesis results and improve the correct recognition rate.
Current Progress and Challenges for Skeletal Muscle Differentiation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Transgene-Free Approaches
Authors: Jiwlawat Nunnapas , Lynch Eileen , Jeffrey Jeremy , Van Dyke Jonathan M. , Suzuki Masatoshi
Published: April 2018

Neuromuscular diseases are caused by functional defects of skeletal muscles, directly via muscle pathology or indirectly via disruption of the nervous system. Extensive studies have been performed to improve the outcomes of therapies; however, effective treatment strategies have not been fully established for any major neuromuscular disease. Human pluripotent stem cells have a great capacity to differentiate into myogenic progenitors and skeletal myocytes for use in treating and modeling neuromuscular diseases. Recent advances have allowed the creation of patient-derived stem cells, which can be used as a unique platform for comprehensive study of disease mechanisms,in vitrodrug screening, and potential new cell-based therapies. In the last decade, a number of methods have been developed to derive skeletal muscle cells from human pluripotent stem cells. By controlling the process of myogenesis using transcription factors and signaling molecules, human pluripotent stem cells can be directed to differentiate into cell types observed during muscle development. In this review, we highlight signaling pathways relevant to the formation of muscle tissue during embryonic development. We then summarize current methods to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells toward the myogenic lineage, specifically focusing on transgene-free approaches. Lastly, we discuss existing challenges for deriving skeletal myocytes and myogenic progenitors from human pluripotent stem cells.
Vibration Analysis of Bilayered Graphene Sheets for Building Materials in Thermal Environments Based on the Element-Free Method
Authors: Wu Zhengtian , Zhang Yang , Hu Fuyuan , Gao Qing , Xu Xinyin , Zheng Ronghao
Published: April 2018

Graphene sheets are widely applied due to their unique and highly valuable properties, such as energy conservation materials in buildings. In this paper, we investigate the vibration behavior of double layer graphene sheets (DLGSs) in thermal environments which helps probe into the mechanism of energy conservation of graphene sheets in building materials. The nonlocal elastic theory and classical plate theory (CLPT) are used to derive the governing equations. The element-free method is employed to analyze the vibration behaviors of DLGSs embedded in an elastic medium. The accuracy of the solutions in this study is demonstrated by comparison with published results in the literature. Furthermore, a number of numerical results are presented to investigate the effects of various parameters (boundary conditions, nonlocal parameter, aspect ratio, side length, elastic foundation parameter, and temperature) on the frequency of DLGSs.
Comparative Study on In Vitro Culture of Mouse Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Hu Yuxin , Lou Bin , Wu Xiafang , Wu Ruirui , Wang Huihui , Gao Lanyue , Pi Jingbo , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: April 2018

In vitro culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from mouse bone marrow (BM) has been hampered because of the low yield of MSCs during isolation and the contamination of hematopoietic cells during expansion. The lack of specific mouse BM-MSC markers increases the difficulty. Several techniques have been reported to improve the purity and in vitro growth of mouse BM-MSCs. However, systematic report on comparison of characteristics in primary BM-MSCs between different culture conditions is rare. Here, we studied the effects of oxygen concentrations and initial medium replacement intervals, along with cell passages, on mouse BM-MSCs isolated with differential adhesion method. BM-MSCs exhibited elevated proliferative and clonogenic abilities in 5% oxygen compared with 10% and 21% oxygen, as well as a better expression of the MSC marker Sca-1. Adipogenic and osteogenetic differentiation of BM-MSCs can be observed in both 21% and 5% oxygen. Adipogenic differentiation appeared stronger under normoxia conditions. BM-MSCs showed increased proliferative capacity and adipogenic/osteogenetic differentiation potential when initial medium replacement interval was 4 days compared with 1 day. As passage number increased, cells were more MSC-like in morphology and in expression of surface markers (positive for CD29, CD44, and Sca-1 and negative for CD11b, CD19, and CD45). These data provide new insight into optimizing the culture method and understanding the biological characteristics of mouse BM-MSCs during in vitro expansion.
Effectiveness of Serious Games for Leap Motion on the Functionality of the Upper Limb in Parkinson’s Disease: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Oña Edwin Daniel , Balaguer Carlos , Cano-de la Cuerda Roberto , Collado-Vázquez Susana , Jardón Alberto
Published: April 2018

The design and application of Serious Games (SG) based on the Leap Motion sensor are presented as a tool to support the rehabilitation therapies for upper limbs. Initially, the design principles and their implementation are described, focusing on improving both unilateral and bilateral manual dexterity and coordination. The design of the games has been supervised by specialized therapists. To assess the therapeutic effectiveness of the proposed system, a protocol of trials with Parkinson’s patients has been defined. Evaluations of the physical condition of the participants in the study, at the beginning and at the end of the treatment, are carried out using standard tests. The specific measurements of each game give the therapist more detailed information about the patients’ evolution after finishing the planned protocol. The obtained results support the fact that the set of developed video games can be combined to define different therapy protocols and that the information obtained is richer than the one obtained through current clinical metrics, serving as method of motor function assessment.
Reachable Set Bounding for a Class of Nonlinear Time-Varying Systems with Delay
Authors: Zhu Xingao , Sun Yuangong , Meng Fanwei
Published: April 2018

We investigate the problem of reachable set bounding for a class of continuous-time and discrete-time nonlinear time-varying systems with time-varying delay. Unlike some preceding works, the involved disturbance input and time-varying delay are not assumed to be bounded. By employing an approach which does not involve the conventional Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, new conditions are proposed such that all the state trajectories of the system converge asymptotically within a ball. Two illustrative examples are also given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Biochemical, Oxidative, and Lipolytic Changes during Vacuum-Packed Storage of Dry-Cured Loin: Effect of Chestnuts Intake by Celta Pigs
Authors: Gómez María , Cachaldora Aida , Fonseca Sonia , Domínguez Rubén , Carballo Javier , Franco Inmaculada
Published: April 2018

The effect of the inclusion of chestnuts in the finishing diet of Celta pig breed on the characteristics of dry-cured loin, a traditional Spanish dry-cured meat product, after the manufacturing process and the vacuum-packed storage was studied. In general, no significant differences between the diets (chestnut, mixed, and concentrate diet) were obtained for physicochemical (moisture, intramuscular fat, and titratable acidity) and lipolytic parameters. Lower pH and higher values for oxidation parameters (peroxide and TBA values) were obtained in loins from pigs fed with chestnuts. However, no differences were found for fatty acids from the different lipid fractions when diets were compared, with the exception of some minor fatty acids. Free fatty acids represented over 2.7% of the fat in the final product. The distinction between diets was procured when a discriminant canonical analysis was performed for fatty acid contents. After vacuum-packed storage, only a slight evolution of the studied parameters was obtained.
Experimental Investigation of Sandstone under Cyclic Loading: Damage Assessment Using Ultrasonic Wave Velocities and Changes in Elastic Modulus
Authors: Yang Sen , Zhang Nong , Feng Xiaowei , Kan Jiaguang , Pan Dongjiang , Qian Deyu
Published: April 2018

This laboratory study investigated the damage evolution of sandstone specimens under two types of cyclic loading by monitoring and analyzing changes in the elastic moduli and the ultrasonic velocities during loading. During low‐level cyclic loading, the stiffness degradation method was unable to describe the damage accumulations but the ultrasonic velocity measurements clearly reflected the damage development. A crack density parameter is introduced in order to interpret the changes in the tangential modulus and the ultrasonic velocities. The results show the following. (1) Low‐level cyclic loading enhanced the anisotropy of the cracks. This results from the compression of intergranular clay minerals and fatigue failure. (2) Irreversible damage accumulations during cyclic loading with an increasing upper stress limit are the consequence of brittle failure in the sandstone’s microstructure.
Urinary Elimination of Bile Acid Glucuronides under Severe Cholestatic Situations: Contribution of Hepatic and Renal Glucuronidation Reactions
Authors: Perreault Martin , Wunsch Ewa , Białek Andrzej , Trottier Jocelyn , Verreault Mélanie , Caron Patrick , Poirier Guy G. , Milkiewicz Piotr , Barbier Olivier
Published: April 2018

Biliary obstruction, a severe cholestatic complication, causes accumulation of toxic bile acids (BAs) in liver cells. Glucuronidation, catalyzed by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes, detoxifies cholestatic BAs. Using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, 11 BA glucuronide (-G) species were quantified in prebiliary and postbiliary stenting serum and urine samples from 17 patients with biliary obstruction. Stenting caused glucuronide- and fluid-specific changes in BA-G levels and BA-G/BA metabolic ratios.In vitroglucuronidation assays with human liver and kidney microsomes revealed that even if renal enzymes generally displayed lowerKMvalues, the two tissues shared similar glucuronidation capacities for BAs. By contrast, major differences between the two tissues were observed when four human BA-conjugating UGTs 1A3, 1A4, 2B4, and 2B7 were analyzed for mRNA and protein levels. Notably, the BA-24G producing UGT1A3 enzyme, abundant in the liver, was not detected in kidney microsomes. In conclusion, the circulating and urinary BA-G profiles are hugely impacted under severe cholestasis. The similar BA-glucuronidating abilities of hepatic and renal extracts suggest that both the liver and kidney may contribute to the urine BA-G pool.
Treatment of Urolithiasis with Medicinal Plant Salvia miltiorrhiza: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Wen-Chi , Wu San-Yuan , Liao Po-Chi , Chou Tzu-Yang , Chen Huey-Yi , Chiang Jen-Huai , Su Yuan-Chih , Man Kee-Ming , Tsai Ming-Yen , Chen Yung-Hsiang
Published: April 2018

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a common medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, has been tested effectively to prevent urolithiasis in animals; nevertheless, the clinical application for urolithiasis remains unclear. We thus investigated the clinical effect of Danshen by analyzing the database from the Taiwan National Institute of Health. The cohort “Danshen‐users” was prescribed Chinese herb medicine Danshen after the initial diagnosis of calculus. The control group (non‐Danshen‐users) was not given Danshen after the initial diagnosis of calculus. The date of first using Danshen after new diagnosis date of calculus was considered as index date. The outcome variables were categorized into two categories: the first category included calculus surgical treatment, including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrostomy with fragmentation, and ureterolithotomy; the second category included any bleeding disorders, including gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial hemorrhage, and blood transfusions. The incidence of calculus surgical treatment in the Danshen‐users was less than that in the non‐Danshen‐users: 1.071% in 1,000 person‐years (200 people followed up for 5 years) and 3.142% in 1,000 person‐years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio for calculus surgical treatment in the Danshen‐users was 0.34 (95% confidence intervals: 0.31–0.38) as compared to the non‐Danshen‐users. When stratified by sex, the incidence of calculus surgical treatment in Danshen‐users was 0.685% in 1,000 person‐years and 1.575% in 1,000 person‐years for women and men, respectively, which was lower than that in non‐Danshen‐users. Danshen decreased the ratio of subsequent stone treatment after the first treatment in the study population; there was no increased bleeding risk due to long‐term Danshen use.
Green Vehicle Routing Optimization Based on Carbon Emission and Multiobjective Hybrid Quantum Immune Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xiao-Hong , Shan Mi-Yuan , Zhang Ren-Long , Zhang Li-Hong
Published: April 2018

Green Vehicle Routing Optimization Problem (GVROP) is currently a scientific research problem that takes into account the environmental impact and resource efficiency. Therefore, the optimal allocation of resources and the carbon emission in GVROP are becoming more and more important. In order to improve the delivery efficiency and reduce the cost of distribution requirements through intelligent optimization method, a novel multiobjective hybrid quantum immune algorithm based on cloud model (C-HQIA) is put forward. Simultaneously, the computational results have proved that the C-HQIA is an efficient algorithm for the GVROP. We also found that the parameter optimization of the C-HQIA is related to the types of artificial intelligence algorithms. Consequently, the GVROP and the C-HQIA have important theoretical and practical significance.
Modelling Hegemonic Power Transition in Cyberspace
Authors: Brizhinev Dmitry , Ryan Nathan , Bradbury Roger
Published: April 2018

Cyberspace is the newest domain of conflict and cooperation between states. In cyberspace, as in all other domains, land, sea, air, and space, these interactions often lead to the emergence of hegemons which are characterised by their predominant influence over global world order and all other states. We examined the emergence and collapse of hegemons in a modelled cyberspace world through the notions of power transition and power diffusion. We used Repast Simphony to construct a simple agent‐based model (ABM) of a system of states interacting both competitively and cooperatively in this world. Our simple model parsimoniously captures the character of the real international system of states through simple parameters of wealth and power determining the outcome of attack or cooperation amongst pairwise interacting states. We found hegemons of global world order emerged in cyberspace as they do in the other traditional domains from models with these few parameters. And we found that hegemons, contrary to traditional understanding, are not exceptional states but merely occupy the tail of a continuous distribution of power and lifetimes. We also found that hegemony in the system depends on two perhaps unexpected parameters: the difficulty of acquiring power as wealth increases and the amount of cooperation between states. And as a consequence, we argue that cyberspace, as a power‐diffuse domain where cooperation is easier than elsewhere, is less suited to the kind of hegemony we see in the traditional domains of state interaction.
Unsteady Simulation of a Synthetic Jet Actuator with Cylindrical Cavity Using a 3-D Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Mu Hongbin , Yan Qingdong , Wei Wei , Sullivan Pierre E.
Published: April 2018

A synthetic jet actuator is a zero-net mass-flux device that imparts momentum to its surroundings and has proved to be a useful active flow control device. Using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) collision models, a 3-D simulation of a synthetic jet with cylindrical cavity employing a sinusoidal velocity inlet boundary condition was conducted. The velocity distributions are illustrated and discussed, and the numerical results are validated against previous experimental data. The computed results show the ingestion and expulsion flow over one working cycle as well as the evolution of vortices important to the control of the separated shear layer. Zero-net mass-flux behavior is confirmed.
Significance of Testing Anti-Thyroid Autoantibodies in Patients with Deranged Thyroid Profile
Authors: Tipu Hamid Nawaz , Ahmed Dawood , Bashir Muhammad Mukarram , Asif Naveed
Published: April 2018

Background. We hypothesized that anti-thyroid antibodies are more often positive in individuals with deranged thyroid profile. Methods. This prospective cohort was done in Immunology Department, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jan 2017 to Oct 2017. All the samples that were referred to us for testing anti-thyroid antibodies (anti-TPO or anti-TG antibodies) and thyroid profile were included in the study. There were no exclusion criteria. Tests for anti-thyroid antibodies were performed by ELISA and thyroid profile by chemiluminescence. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results. Over a course of a ten-month study period, we received a total of 316 serum samples for anti-TPO/TG antibodies along with thyroid profile testing (TSH). These included 115 males (36.4%) and 201 females (63.6%). Their age ranged from 3 to 89 years (mean ± SD, 42.22 ± 18.09). Anti-TPO antibodies were more often positive when TSH was deranged (p value 0.001). Anti-TPO antibodies are more often raised in females, in terms of both prevalence (p 0.001) and mean rank (p 0.002). Conclusion. As anti-thyroid antibodies are more often present when TSH is deranged, such individuals should be screened for anti-thyroid antibodies. This importance of screening is compounded by the fact that anti-thyroid antibodies may be positive in a significant percentage of elderly people.
Transition from Ambrisentan to Bosentan in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Single-Center Prospective Study
Authors: Gong Su-Gang , Wang Lan , Pudasaini Bigyan , Yuan Ping , Jiang Rong , Zhao Qin-Hua , He Jing , Zhang Rui , Wu Wen-hui , Liu Jin-Ming , Zhou Cai-cun
Published: April 2018

Background and objective: Two endothelin receptor antagonists (ETRAs), bosentan and ambrisentan, are approved for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, there is little information about the transition strategy between these two ETRAs. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy from ambrisentan to bosentan. Methods: Twenty PAH patients were enrolled into the single-center, open-labelled prospective study. Echocardiogram, WHO functional class (WHO-FC), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), right heart catheterization, and hemotology were collected. After receiving oral 5 mg ambrisentan daily initially for one year, the patients were divided into two arms: eight patients switched to bosentan, while the remaining 12 patients continued ambrisentan. Characteristics at baseline, 1-and 2-year follow-up points were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in echocardiogram, WHO-FC, hemodynamics, demographics and liver function at baseline, 1-and 2-year points in both arms. 6MWD in bosentan group was significantly shorter at baseline. But there were no significant differences of 6MWD at 1- and 2-year points. Conclusions: It is safe for stable PAH patients to transition from ambrisentan to bosentan without hemodynamic or hematologic deterioration.
A Survey on Data Reproducibility and the Effect of Publication Process on the Ethical Reporting of Laboratory Research
Authors: Boulbes Delphine R. , Costello Tracy , Baggerly Keith , Fan Fan , Wang Rui , Bhattacharya Rajat , Ye Xiangcang , Ellis Lee M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose: The successful translation of laboratory research into effective therapies is dependent upon the validity of peer-reviewed publications. However, several publications in recent years suggested that published scientific findings could be reproduced only 11% to 45% of the time. Multiple surveys attempted to elucidate the fundamental causes of data irreproducibility and underscored potential solutions, more robust experimental designs, better statistics, and better mentorship. However, no prior survey has addressed the role of the review and publication process on honest reporting.

Experimental Design: We developed an anonymous online survey intended for trainees involved in bench research. The survey included questions related to mentoring/career development, research practice, integrity, and transparency, and how the pressure to publish and the publication process itself influence their reporting practices.

Results: Responses to questions related to mentoring and training practices were largely positive, although an average of approximately 25% did not seem to receive optimal mentoring. A total of 39.2% revealed having been pressured by a principle investigator or collaborator to produce “positive” data. About 62.8% admitted that the pressure to publish influences the way they report data. The majority of respondents did not believe that extensive revisions significantly improved the manuscript while adding to the cost and time invested.

Conclusions: This survey indicates that trainees believe that the pressure to publish affects honest reporting, mostly emanating from our system of rewards and advancement. The publication process itself affects faculty and trainees and appears to influence a shift in their ethics from honest reporting (“negative data”) to selective reporting, data falsification, or even fabrication. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3447–55. ©2018 AACR.
Involvement of Prokineticin 2–expressing Neutrophil Infiltration in 5-Fluorouracil–induced Aggravation of Breast Cancer Metastasis to Lung
Authors: Sasaki Soichiro , Baba Tomohisa , Muranaka Hayato , Tanabe Yamato , Takahashi Chiaki , Matsugo Seiichi , Mukaida Naofumi
Published: April 2018

Adjuvant chemotherapy is used for human breast cancer patients, even after curative surgery of primary tumor, to prevent tumor recurrence primarily as a form of metastasis. However, anticancer drugs can accelerate metastasis in several mouse metastasis models. Hence, we examined the effects of postsurgical administration with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide, on lung metastasis process, which developed after the resection of the primary tumor arising from the orthotopic injection of a mouse triple-negative breast cancer cell line, 4T1. Only 5-FU markedly increased the numbers and sizes of lung metastasis foci, with enhanced tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis as evidenced by increases in Ki67-positive cell numbers and CD31-positive areas, respectively. 5-FU–mediated augmented lung metastasis was associated with increases in intrapulmonary neutrophil numbers and expression of neutrophilic chemokines, Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 in tumor cells, with few effects on intrapulmonary T-cell or macrophage numbers. 5-FU enhanced Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 expression in 4T1 cells in a NFκB-dependent manner. Moreover, the administration of a neutrophil-depleting antibody or a Cxcr2 antagonist, SB225002, significantly attenuated 5-FU–mediated enhanced lung metastasis with depressed neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, infiltrating neutrophils and 4T1 cells abundantly expressed prokineticin-2 (Prok2) and its receptor, Prokr1, respectively. Finally, the administration of 5-FU after the resection of the primary tumor failed to augment lung metastasis in the mice receiving Prokr1-deleted 4T1 cells. Collectively, 5-FU can enhance lung metastasis by inducing tumor cells to produce Cxcl1 and Cxcl2, which induced the migration of neutrophils expressing Prok2 with a capacity to enhance 4T1 cell proliferation. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1515–25. ©2018 AACR.
Frontal White Matter Hyperintensity Is Associated with Verbal Aggressiveness in Elderly Women with Alzheimer Disease and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ogama Noriko , Sakurai Takashi , Saji Naoki , Nakai Toshiharu , Niida Shumpei , Toba Kenji , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are exhibited in most patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). Although white matter hyperintensity (WMH) is often observed with AD, the precise role of WMH in BPSD remains unclear. The current study aimed to identify the impact of regional WMH on specific features of BPSD in persons with mild to moderate AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods: A sample of 256 female outpatients with AD (n = 217) and aMCI (n = 39) were recruited. We assessed BPSD using the Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale. WMH and brain atrophy were evaluated using an automatic segmentation program. Regional WMH was evaluated as periventricular hyperintensity (PVH) and deep WMH in frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal lobes. Results: Whole-brain WMH was associated with verbal aggressiveness. In multivariate analysis, PVH in the frontal lobe was independently associated with verbal aggressiveness after adjustment for brain atrophy and clinical confounders. Conclusion: The current results indicated that PVH in the frontal lobe was independently associated with verbal aggressiveness.
Incremental Validity of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Index Scores in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Goldstein Felicia C. , Milloy Aaron , Loring David W. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the incremental validity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) index scores and the MoCA total score in differentiating individuals with normal cognition versus mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Effect sizes were calculated for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative research participants with normal cognition (n = 295), MCI (n = 471), or AD (n = 150). Results: Effect sizes for the total score were large (> 0.80) and exceeded the index scores in differentiating those with MCI versus normal cognition, MCI versus AD, and AD versus normal cognition. A combined score incorporating the Memory, Executive, and Orientation indexes also improved incremental validity for all 3 group comparisons. Conclusion: Administration of the entire MoCA is more informative than the index scores, especially in distinguishing normal cognition versus MCI. A combined score has stronger incremental validity than the individual index scores.
Cerebrovascular Accidents During Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Izzy Saef , Rubin Daniel B. , Ahmed Firas S. , Akbik Feras , Renault Simone , Sylvester Katelyn W. , Vaitkevicius Henrikas , Smallwood Jennifer A. , Givertz Michael M. , Feske Steven K.
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose—

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have emerged as an effective treatment for patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical therapy. Post-LVAD strokes are an important cause of morbidity and reduced quality of life. Data on risks that distinguish between ischemic and hemorrhagic post-LVAD strokes are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of post-LVAD ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, their association with stroke risk factors, and their effect on mortality.

Methods—

Data are collected prospectively on all patients with LVADs implanted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. We added retrospectively collected clinical data for these analyses.

Results—

From 2007 to 2016, 183 patients (median age, 57; 80% male) underwent implantation of HeartMate II LVAD as a bridge to transplant (52%), destination therapy (39%), or bridge to transplant candidacy (8%). A total of 48 strokes occurred in 39 patients (21%): 28 acute ischemic strokes in 24 patients (13%) and 20 intracerebral hemorrhages in 19 patients (10.3%). First events occurred at a median of 238 days from implantation (interquartile range, 93–515) among those who developed post-LVAD stroke. All but 9 patients (4.9%) were on warfarin (goal international normalized ratio, 2–3.5) and all received aspirin (81–325 mg). Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were more likely to have an ischemic stroke (odds ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–7.70). Dialysis-dependent patients showed a trend toward a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke (odds ratio, 6.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–40.47). Hemorrhagic stroke was associated with higher mortality (odds ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–11.45) than ischemic stroke (odds ratio, 3.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–8.85).

Conclusions—

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on LVAD support. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the risk of ischemic stroke, whereas dialysis may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Although any stroke increases mortality, post-LVAD hemorrhagic stroke was associated with higher mortality compared with ischemic stroke.
Pseudo-Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery Predicts Poor Outcome After Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhicai , Zhang Meixia , Shi Feina , Gong Xiaoxian , Liebeskind David , Ding Xinfa , Liu Chang , Zhang Ruiting , Lou Min
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose—

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence rate of the internal carotid artery pseudo-occlusion (ICA-PO) on 4-dimensional–computed tomography angiography and to investigate its relationship with clinical outcome after reperfusion therapy.

Methods—

In this case–control study, we retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected database for consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who received reperfusion therapy between June 2009 and February 2017. ICA-PO was defined when the arterial segment was not opacified on peak arterial phase yet was subsequently patent after artery peak phase on 4-dimensional–computed tomography angiography. Poor outcome was defined as 3-month modified Rankin Scale of 4 to 6. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship of ICA-PO with poor outcome and the rate of reperfusion, respectively.

Results—

A total of 143 patients with isolated middle cerebral artery occlusion were included and 30 (21.0%) had ICA-PO. Patients with ICA-PO were more likely to have poor outcome (80.0% versus 37.2%;
P
<0.001) and a lower rate of reperfusion (45.8% versus 69.0%;
P
=0.033) than those without. Binary logistic regression revealed that ICA-PO was independently associated with poor outcome (odds ratio, 7.957; 95% confidence interval, 1.655–34.869;
P
=0.009) and reperfusion at 24 hours (odds ratio, 0.150; 95% confidence interval, 0.045–0.500;
P
=0.002) after adjustment. Among patients with no reperfusion, all ICA-PO patients obtained poor outcome, whereas only 45.2% non-PO patients underwent poor outcome (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Four dimensional-computed tomography angiography is a useful noninvasive technique to identify ICA-PO. Patients with ICA-PO are prone to undergo poor outcome from reperfusion therapy, especially when reperfusion is not achieved.
Evidence for Qin Law in the Qianling County Archive: A Preliminary Survey (遷陵縣檔案中秦法的證據：初步的研究)
Authors: Yates (葉山) Robin D.S.
Published: April 2018

This paper reviews the various types of Qin legislation found in the documents published so far that were excavated from Well no. 1, Liye, Hunan Province. They provide insight into the actual functioning and application of the law in the context of local administration in China’s first imperial dynasty.

本文回顧了已發表的湖南省里耶 1 號井出土文獻中的各類秦法。它們可以讓人們了解在中國第一帝國時期的地方行政管理中，法律實際上是如何運行和應用的。
A revision of Graptophara (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Scutelleridae)
Authors: RÉDEI DÁVID , TSAI JING-FU
Published: April 2018

The Indomalayan genus Graptophara Stål, 1865 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Scutelleridae: Scutellerinae) is redescribed and revised, and its systematic position is discussed. Two species, G. reynaudii (Guérin-Méneville, 1834) (the type species, distributed in the Sundaic Region) and G. anomala sp. nov. (southern India) are recognized, redescribed or described, and illustrated. A lectotype is designated for Callidea pulchra Westwood, 1837, now a junior synonym of G. reynaudii.
Another new species of flightless Rail (Aves: Rallidae: Rallus) from Abaco,
The Bahamas
Authors: TAKANO OONA M. , STEADMAN DAVID W.
Published: April 2018

We describe a late Pleistocene species of extinct rail, Rallus gracilipes n. sp., from Sawmill Sink blue hole on Abaco Island, Little Bahama Bank, The Bahamas. The only other extinct rail known from any Bahamian island is the smaller Rallus cyanocavi, also from late Pleistocene contexts at Sawmill Sink. No fossils of R. gracilipes or R. cyanocavi have been found in Holocene sites on Abaco; the loss of both of these species is likely to be due to changes in climate, habitat, and island area during the Pleistocene-Holocene Transition.
Review of the Prabhasa Moore, 1878 genus-group (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae)
Authors: DUBATOLOV VLADIMIR V. , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , KISHIDA YASUNORI
Published: April 2018

The Prabhasa Moore, 1878 genus-group is reviewed. The male and female genitalia of Prabhasa venosa Moore, 1878, the type species of the genus, are described and illustrated for the first time. Two new genera, Macohasa Dubatolov, Volynkin & Kishida, gen. nov. and Chinasa Dubatolov, Volynkin & Kishida, gen. nov. and two new species, Macohasa cernyi Dubatolov, Volynkin & Kishida, sp. nov. and Chinasa sapa Dubatolov, Volynkin & Kishida, sp. nov. are described for Prabhasa venosa sensu authors. Seven new combinations are established: Zadadra plumbeomicans (Hampson, 1894), comb. nov., Zadadra monastyrskyi (Dubatolov, 2012), comb. nov., Macohasa orientalis (Hampson, 1905), comb. nov., Macohasa tetraspila (Černý, 2009), comb. nov., Macohasa dimorpha (Hampson, 1918), comb. nov., Chinasa costalis costalis (Moore, 1878), comb. nov. and Chinasa costalis bicoloriceps (Strand, 1916), comb. nov.
A new scale insect of the extinct family Weitschatidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: LIN SHAN , YAO YUNZHI , REN DONG
Published: April 2018

A new genus and species of the extinct family Weitschatidae, Criniverticillus longicumulus gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), is described and illustrated from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. The new species is based on a fossil specimen with complete body, wings and antennae. The family diagnosis is updated to include similarities between Criniverticillus, Pseudoweitschatus and Weitschatus. An identification key to species of Weitschatidae is provided.
A Criterial Framework for Concept Evaluation in Social Practice and Scholarship
Authors: Howie Peter C. , Bagnall Richard G.
Published: April 2018

This article responds to the argued lack of clearly articulated, consistent, and agreed criteria that might be used by researchers for determining the adequacy of a given concept for a given task. It does so by describing the development of a framework of such criteria, presenting that framework, and illustratively applying it to the evaluation of the concept of warm-up in psychodrama. The framework comprises eight criteria in three categories: the intrinsic qualities of a concept (the criteria of clarity, comprehensiveness, parsimony, and resonance), the contextualization of a concept (differentiation and connectedness), and its application (epistemic utility and practical utility). Using the framework to evaluate the concept of warm-up in the context of its use in psychodrama suggests its potential to make significant differentiations. It is argued that this framework may contribute to evaluating other concepts in other contexts, although the extent of such generalizability remains to be ascertained.
Pro-Social Goals in Achievement Situations: Amity Goal Orientation Enhances the Positive Effects of Mastery Goal Orientation
Authors: Levontin Liat , Bardi Anat
Published: April 2018

Research has neglected the utility of pro-social goals within achievement situations. In this article, four studies demonstrate that amity goal orientation, promoting mutual success of oneself together with others, enhances the utility of mastery goal orientation. We demonstrate this in longitudinally predicting performance (Studies 1 and 2) and in maintaining motivation after a disappointing performance (Studies 3 and 4). The studies demonstrate the same interaction effect in academic and in work achievement contexts. Specifically, whereas amity goal orientation did not predict achievement on its own, it enhanced the positive effect of mastery goal orientation. Together, these studies establish the importance of amity goal orientation while also advancing our understanding of the effects of other achievement goal orientations. We suggest future directions in examining the utility of amity goals in other contexts.
Sharing Rare Attitudes Attracts
Authors: Alves Hans
Published: April 2018

People like others who share their attitudes. Online dating platforms as well as other social media platforms regularly rely on the social bonding power of their users’ shared attitudes. However, little is known about moderating variables. In the present work, I argue that sharing rare compared with sharing common attitudes should evoke stronger interpersonal attraction among people. In five studies, I tested this prediction for the case of shared interests from different domains. I found converging evidence that people’s rare compared with their common interests are especially potent to elicit interpersonal attraction. I discuss the current framework’s theoretical implications for impression formation and impression management as well as its practical implications for improving online dating services.
The effect of air exposure on leucocyte and cytokine activation in an in-vitro model of cardiotomy suction
Authors: Toomasian Cory J. , Aiello Salvatore R. , Drumright Benjamin L. , Major Terry C. , Bartlett Robert H. , Toomasian John M.
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to cause a systemic inflammatory and immune response.

Objective:

An in-vitro model of cardiotomy suction was designed to quantify the effects of incrementally increased air-blood exposure on leucocyte marker CD11b and cytokine activation in two common anticoagulants, heparin and citrate.

Methods:

Fresh human blood was exposed to increasing amounts of air flow for ten minutes. Leucocyte and cytokine levels were measured prior to and after ten minutes of air flow. Cytokine levels were also measured after air exposure when incubated for 24 hours at 37oC.

Results:

Leucocyte activation, measured by CD11b, was elevated between baseline and air flow rates up to 50 mL/min. After 10 minutes of air exposure, no measured cytokine levels were elevated. After 24 hours of incubation, cytokine levels of TNFα, IL-10, IL-6, and IL-8 were elevated. However, only IL-8 was significantly elevated in citrated blood, but not in heparinized blood, when compared to baseline samples that were also incubated for 24 hours.

Conclusion:

This study investigates CD11b levels in response to an air stimulus in blood that was anticoagulated with citrate or heparin. Exposure to an air stimulus activates leucocytes. Activation of CD11b was less when using heparin as an anticoagulant compared to citrate. Cytokine activation occurs with air stimulation, but levels do not immediately rise, indicating that time is required to generate free cytokines.
Comparison of two pediatric cases requiring the use of bivalirudin during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Bryant Molly E. , Regan William L. , Fynn-Thompson Francis , Hoganson David , Nasr Viviane G. , Zaleski Katherine , Faella Katie , Matte Gregory S.
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

Comparison of two pediatric cases at our institution that utilized bivalirudin for anticoagulation on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); a bilateral lung transplant (BLT) and a ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation.

Methods:

The same bivalirudin protocol was utilized in both cases with an initial bolus of 1 mg/kg administered by the anesthesia team, a 50 mg bolus in the pump prime at the time of the initial patient bolus and an initial infusion rate of 2.5 mg/kg/h, with titration as needed during CPB to maintain kaolin-activated clotting time (K-ACT) values >400 s.

Results:

The BLT experienced high K-ACT levels (>720 s) for the majority of the case despite decreasing the bivalirudin infusion rate to 0.5 mg/kg/h. The VAD implantation case required the bivalirudin infusion rate to be increased to 5.0 mg/kg/h throughout the case due to low K-ACTs.

Conclusion:

The literature strongly supports a specific infusion rate1–7 (2.5 mg/kg/h) for bivalirudin anticoagulation during extracorporeal circulation. Clinicians must consider the loss of clotting factors and the administration of blood products while adjusting the bivalirudin infusion during bypass. We have now elected to maintain an infusion rate of ≥0.5 mg/kg/h for bivalirudin anticoagulation at our center, based on institutional experience, though consideration for a higher infusion rate for an added margin of safety should be considered. It is imperative to have a well-developed protocol for the management of these cardiopulmonary bypass patients and we offer our one-page timeline of events to help guide other pediatric centers looking to use bivalirudin anticoagulation.
Assessment of bowel and anal sphincter function after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Rosa Consuelo , Di Tommaso Monica , Caravatta Luciana , Vinciguerra Annamaria , Augurio Antonietta , Perrotti Francesca , Allajbej Albina , Regoli Marco , Zecca Isaia AL , Di Nicola Marta , Genovesi Domenico
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

To report long-term effects on anorectal function and bowel disorders and late toxicity rate of preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods:

Between 2000 and 2016, 201 patients treated with different neoadjuvant schedules of chemotherapy and radiotherapy doses were retrospectively analyzed. The Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center score was used for the evaluation of anal sphincter function.

Results:

The median follow-up time was 68 months (interquartile range 35–113 months). Radical resection was performed in 188 (93.5%) patients with a pathologic complete response rate of 26.4%. Overall sphincter function resulted excellent in 105 (52.2%) patients, good in 13 (6.5%), fair in 10 (5.0%), and poor (incontinence) in 40 (19.9%), with a persistent stoma rate of 16.4%. A further evaluation on 194 patients showed an improvement of sphincter function after 2 years in 11.9% of them. Seventy-three patients presenting stoma or poor sphincter function were re-evaluated for quality of life (QoL) indexes. Twenty-one (29%), 19 (26%), and 24 (33%) of them declared some variations concerning well-being, fatigue, and ability to perform daily activities. The 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and local recurrence rates were 88.0% ± 2.6%, 86.3% ± 2.5%, and 94.6% ± 1.9%, respectively.

Conclusions:

In our study, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was associated with good results in terms of sphincter function, late toxicities, and QoL indexes. A routine use of assessment scales could contribute to a better selection of patients with increased risk of developing functional disorders who could benefit from neoadjuvant therapy.
Creatinine Degradation Ii: Mathematical Model Including the Effect of Extra-Renal Removal Rates
Authors: Hankins D.A. , Babb A.L. , Uvelli D.A. , Scribner B.H.
Published: April 2018

Previous models of the patient-artificial kidney system have neglected the contribution of creatinine degradation as a pathway for creatinine removal. Creatinine degradation can remove significant amounts of creatinine from dialysis patients, and models which neglect this mechanism are susceptible to error in precdicting creatinine concentrations. In this study three models of the patient-artificial kidney system have been developed. The single pool model is the easiest to use since it requires a minimum of patient information, but it is the least accurate in predicting creatinine plasma concentrations. A two-pool model predicts experimental data within 5 percent, and appears to be the most useful model from the consideration of ease of use and accuracy. A three-pool model was derived that is suitable for use on a mini-computer or programmable calculator providing the device is capable of inverting a 3 x 3 matrix. The three-pool model predicts the measured plasma concentrations with 0.5 percent. These models provide a means to account for creatinine degradation and accurately predict creatinine concentrations in dialysis patients.