bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient factors associated with unidentified reactivity in solid‐phase and polyethylene glycol antibody detection methods
Authors: Miller Nichole M. , Johnson Susan T. , Carpenter Erica , Naczek Christine A. , Karafin Matthew S.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Several publications have reported an increase in nonspecific reactions when automated technologies such as solid phase are used for the detection of red blood cell alloantibodies. However, there is little known about patient‐specific factors associated with these reactions and the clinical importance of these nonspecific reactions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a 6‐year retrospective review of our blood bank records and all newly reported unidentified (UID) reactivity using a test tube polyethylene glycol (t‐PEG) and solid‐phase method for the detection and identification of alloantibodies was recorded. Patient factors, such as underlying diagnosis, age, sex, ABO, Rh type, ethnicity, and subsequent antibody formation were recorded in each case.

RESULTS

We determined that there was a significant increase in new UID reactions recorded in solid phase (20 per 10,000 tests) when compared to the t‐PEG (1.8 per 10,000 tests) method for the detection of antibodies (p ≤ 0.0001). Solid‐phase UID reactions were significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.04) and certain diagnoses, such as chronic or autoimmune disease, cancer, pregnancy, surgery, and trauma. Approximately 16% of patients developed a new auto‐ or alloantibody subsequent to their detected UID using solid phase.

CONCLUSIONS

When solid phase is used for antibody identification, there is greater sensitivity toward nonspecific reactivity when compared to the t‐PEG method. Patient sex and underlying diagnosis may explain the increased incidence of new UID reactivity in the solid‐phase technology. Finally, UID reactivity should not be overlooked due to a notable percentage of subsequent clinically significant antibodies after UID detection.
Nonlinear Robust Output Stabilization for Mechanical Systems Based on Luenberger-Like Controller/Observer
Authors: Ordaz Patricio
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses to demonstrate the uniform-ultimately bounded stability (uniformly-ultimately-bounded (UUB)-stability) of the proportional derivative (PD+) compensator where, the joint velocity is not available to be measured but rather it is estimated. The proposed stabilization control strategy is developed for a “n” degrees-of-freedom (DOF) robotic manipulator process, where the joint speed is not available to be measured; furthermore, the external disturbances and/or uncertain dynamics are considered in the system dynamics. To conclude the closed-loop robust stabilization, the proposed feedback strategy is based on the nonlinear state estimation with a Luenberger-like observer and the classical PD+ used in robot manipulators.
SI-HCCI Mode Transitions Without Open-Loop Sequence Scheduling: Control Architecture and Experimental Validation
Authors: Gorzelic Patrick , Stefanopoulou Anna , Sterniak Jeff
Published: March 2017

This paper describes a model-based feedback control method to transition from spark ignition (SI) to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion in gasoline engines. The purpose of the control structure is to improve robustness and reduce calibration complexity by incorporating feedback of the engine variables into nonlinear model-based calculations that inherently generalize across operating points. This type of structure is sought as an alternative to prior SI-HCCI transition approaches that involve open-loop calibration of input command sequences that must be scheduled by operating condition. The control architecture is designed for cam switching type SI-HCCI mode transition strategies with practical two-stage cam profile hardware, which previously have only been investigated in a purely open-loop framework. Experimental results on a prototype engine show that the control architecture is able to carry out SI-HCCI transitions across the HCCI load range at 2000 rpm engine speed while requiring variation of only one major set point and three minor set points with operating condition. These results suggest a noteworthy improvement in controller generality and ease of calibration relative to previous SI-HCCI transition approaches.
The Udwadia–Kalaba Trajectory Control Applied to a Cantilever Beam—Experimental Results
Authors: Pereira Spada Raphael , Nicoletti Rodrigo
Published: March 2017

The Udwadia–Kalaba methodology is a possible way of explicitly obtaining the equations of motion of constrained systems. From these equations of motion, one can estimate the necessary forces in the constraint to keep the system in a given motion. Hence, the Udwadia–Kalaba methodology can also apply to active tracking control of subsystems or the control of points of a structure. In this work, one investigates experimentally the benefits and drawbacks of such control strategy by applying it to the control of out-of-plane vibrations of a cantilever beam. The beam is excited by a shaker mounted near the clamped end of the beam. A second shaker applies the control forces in the free end of the beam, where an accelerometer is used for feedback. The vibration behavior of the beam under excitation/control is measured by a laser vibrometer. Results show that the methodology changes the dynamic behavior of the structure by changing its boundary conditions at the point of control, thus shifting natural frequencies and mode shapes. Results also show that the successful implementation of the method experimentally is sensitive to the quality of modeling of the structure.
Disrupting the CD47-SIRPα anti-phagocytic axis by a humanized anti-CD47 antibody is an efficacious treatment for malignant pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Gholamin Sharareh , Mitra Siddhartha S. , Feroze Abdullah H. , Liu Jie , Kahn Suzana A. , Zhang Michael , Esparza Rogelio , Richard Chase , Ramaswamy Vijay , Remke Marc , Volkmer Anne K. , Willingham Stephen , Ponnuswami Anitha , McCarty Aaron , Lovelace Patricia , Storm Theresa A. , Schubert Simone , Hutter Gregor , Narayanan Cyndhavi , Chu Pauline , Raabe Eric H. , Harsh Griffith , Taylor Michael D. , Monje Michelle , Cho Yoon-Jae , Majeti Ravi , Volkmer Jens P. , Fisher Paul G. , Grant Gerald , Steinberg Gary K. , Vogel Hannes , Edwards Michael , Weissman Irving L. , Cheshier Samuel H.
Published: March 2017

Anti-CD47 antibody is effective for treating malignant pediatric brain tumors without detectable toxicity in patient-derived xenograft models.
Binding of
Candida albicans
to Human CEACAM1 and CEACAM6 Modulates the Inflammatory Response of Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Klaile Esther , Müller Mario M. , Schäfer Miriam R. , Clauder Ann-Katrin , Feer Sabina , Heyl Kerstin A. , Stock Magdalena , Klassert Tilman E. , Zipfel Peter F. , Singer Bernhard B. , Slevogt Hortense
Published: March 2017

Candida albicans
colonizes human mucosa, including the gastrointestinal tract, as a commensal. In immunocompromised patients,
C. albicans
can breach the intestinal epithelial barrier and cause fatal invasive infections. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1; CD66a), CEACAM5 (CEA), and CEACAM6 (CD66c) are immunomodulatory receptors expressed on human mucosa and are recruited by bacterial and viral pathogens. Here we show for the first time that a fungal pathogen (i.e.,
C. albicans
) also binds directly to the extracellular domain of human CEACAM1, CEACAM3, CEACAM5, and CEACAM6. Binding was specific for human CEACAMs and mediated by the N-terminal IgV-like domain. In enterocytic C2BBe1 cells,
C. albicans
caused a transient tyrosine phosphorylation of CEACAM1 and induced higher expression of membrane-bound CEACAM1 and soluble CEACAM6. Lack of the CEACAM1 receptor after short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown abolished CXCL8 (interleukin-8) secretion by C2BBe1 cells in response to
C. albicans
. In CEACAM1-competent cells, the addition of recombinant soluble CEACAM6 reduced the
C. albicans
-induced CXCL8 secretion.

IMPORTANCE
The present study demonstrates for the first time that fungal pathogens can be recognized by at least four members of the immunomodulatory CEACAM receptor family: CEACAM1, -3, -5, and -6. Three of the four receptors (i.e., CEACAM1, -5, and -6) are expressed in mucosal cells of the intestinal tract, where they are implicated in immunomodulation and control of tissue homeostasis. Importantly, the interaction of the major fungal pathogen in humans
Candida albicans
with CEACAM1 and CEACAM6 resulted in an altered epithelial immune response. With respect to the broad impact of CEACAM receptors on various aspects of the innate and the adaptive immune responses, in particular epithelial, neutrophil, and T cell behavior, understanding the role of CEACAMs in the host response to fungal pathogens might help to improve management of superficial and systemic fungal infections.
Posting Prices with Unknown Distributions
Authors: Babaioff Moshe , Blumrosen Liad , Dughmi Shaddin , Singer Yaron
Published: March 2017

We consider a dynamic auction model, where bidders sequentially arrive to the market. The values of the bidders for the item for sale are independently drawn from a distribution, but this distribution is
unknown
to the seller. The seller offers a personalized take-it-or-leave-it price for each arriving bidder and aims to maximize revenue. We study how well can such sequential posted-price mechanisms approximate the optimal revenue that would be achieved if the distribution was known to the seller. On the negative side, we show that sequential posted-price mechanisms cannot guarantee a constant fraction of this revenue when the class of candidate distributions is unrestricted. We show that this impossibility holds even for randomized mechanisms and even if the set of possible distributions is very small or when the seller has a prior distribution over the candidate distributions. On the positive side, we devise a simple posted-price mechanism that guarantees a constant fraction of the known-distribution revenue when all candidate distributions exhibit the monotone hazard rate property.
ALEA
Authors: Mukhanov Lev , Petoumenos Pavlos , Wang Zheng , Parasyris Nikos , Nikolopoulos Dimitrios S. , De Supinski Bronis R. , Leather Hugh
Published: March 2017

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important, yet few developers understand how source code changes affect the energy and power consumption of their programs. To enable them to achieve energy savings, we must associate energy consumption with software structures, especially at the fine-grained level of functions and loops. Most research in the field relies on direct power/energy measurements taken from on-board sensors or performance counters. However, this coarse granularity does not directly provide the needed fine-grained measurements. This article presents ALEA, a novel fine-grained energy profiling tool based on probabilistic analysis for fine-grained energy accounting. ALEA overcomes the limitations of coarse-grained power-sensing instruments to associate energy information effectively with source code at a fine-grained level. We demonstrate and validate that ALEA can perform accurate energy profiling at various granularity levels on two different architectures: Intel Sandy Bridge and ARM big.LITTLE. ALEA achieves a worst-case error of only 2% for coarse-grained code structures and 6% for fine-grained ones, with less than 1% runtime overhead. Our use cases demonstrate that ALEA supports energy optimizations, with energy savings of up to 2.87 times for a latency-critical option pricing workload under a given power budget.
How important is the α1-adrenoceptor in primate and rodent proximal urethra? Sex differences in the contribution of α1-adrenoceptor to urethral contractility
Authors: Alexandre Eduardo C. , de Oliveira Mariana G. , Campos Rafael , Kiguti Luiz R. , Calmasini Fabiano B. , Silva Fábio H. , Grant Andrew D. , Yoshimura Naoki , Antunes Edson
Published: March 2017

Urethral smooth muscle (USM) contributes to urinary continence by contracting during the urine storage phase, which is mainly mediated by activation of postjunctional α1-adrenoceptors. Males and females show differences in the functioning of the lower urinary tract and the most common urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). LUTS in men typically occur in association with bladder outlet obstruction, whereas in women urinary urge-incontinence symptoms are more common. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate sex differences in α1-adrenoceptor subtype expression and their importance in proximal urethra contraction in the mouse (C57BL6/J) and marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus). Contractile responses to phenylephrine, norepinephrine, potassium chloride (KCl), and electrical-field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated. Phenylephrine, norepinephrine, KCl, and EFS produced markedly greater contractions in male mice and marmoset USM compared with females. The sex differences remained unchanged by Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NAME; nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist), and PPADS (P2X1-purinoceptor antagonist). Additionally, selective α1A (but not α1B- and α1D-)-adrenoceptor antagonists significantly reduced phenylephrine-induced USM contractions. qRT-PCR for α1A-, B-, and D-adrenoceptor subtypes revealed a marked presence of the α1A-adrenoceptor subtype in male USM, but not females. Male mouse urethra also exhibited a higher tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression. Histomorphometric analysis showed a greater USM area in male than female mice. In conclusion, male mouse and marmoset proximal USM shows strong α1A- adrenoceptor-induced contractions and abundant α1A-adrenoceptor expression, whereas α1A-adrenoceptor-mediated mechanisms are much less important in females. The differential expression of α1-adrenoceptors in the proximal urethra may contribute to the higher incidence of urinary incontinence in women and obstructed voiding in men.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Chitosan and Carboxymethyl Chitosan Schiff-Base/Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Khalil Ahmed M. , Abdel-Monem Reham A. , Darwesh Osama M. , Hashim Ahmed I. , Nada Afaf A. , Rabie Samira T.
Published: March 2017

Schiff-bases of chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as antimicrobial agents against two Gram +ve bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram −ve bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in addition to Candida albicans as a fungus. The in situ reactions of CS and/or CMCS with some pyrazole aldehyde derivatives in acidic media containing silver nitrate to yield silver nanoparticles loaded onto CS and CMCS/Schiff-bases were carried out. Characterizations of the prepared compounds via FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and TGA were carried out. Schiff-bases/silver nanoparticles of CS and CMCS showed higher antimicrobial activity than the blank CS and CMCS. The presence of AgNO3 (3% wt%) displayed high antibacterial efficiencies with inhibition zones in the extent of 19–39 mm. TEM analysis showed that the size of the silver nanoparticles is in the range of 4–28 nm for the prepared nanocomposites.
Identification and Prioritization of “Black Spots” without Using Accident Information
Authors: Keymanesh Mahmoudreza , Ziari Hasan , Roudini Samira , Nasrollahtabar Ahangar Ali
Published: March 2017

It is attempted to identify and prioritize the accident prone points (black spots) in “Iraanshahr-Sarbaaz-Chabahar” road located in Baluchistan, Iran, without no use of accident data but rather using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is the enhanced procedure of road safety audit technique. First, by surveying the whole route, all factors that could influence accidents in this road were specified; then the route was divided into eight sections; this division was performed based on the uniformity and homogeny of each section in terms of geometric design and regional conditions. In each section, potentially hazardous locations were identified and some questionnaires were prepared, which were filled by 5 road traffic experts familiar with the route; then the collected data were analyzed by Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) using Expert Choice Software and the black spots were identified and prioritized. Finally, these black spots were compared with the black spots that had been obtained by traffic police based on accident data.
Real-Time Ultrasound/MRI Fusion for Suprasacral Parallel Shift Approach to Lumbosacral Plexus Blockade and Analysis of Injectate Spread: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Strid Jennie Maria Christin , Pedersen Erik Morre , Al-Karradi Sinan Naseer Hussain , Bendtsen Mathias Alrø Fichtner , Bjørn Siska , Dam Mette , Daugaard Morten , Hansen Martin Sejr , Linnet Katrine Danker , Børglum Jens , Søballe Kjeld , Bendtsen Thomas Fichtner
Published: March 2017

Fused real-time ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to improve the accuracy of advanced image guided procedures. However, its use in regional anesthesia is practically nonexistent. In this randomized controlled crossover trial, we aim to explore effectiveness, procedure-related outcomes, injectate spread analyzed by MRI, and safety of ultrasound/MRI fusion versus ultrasound guided Suprasacral Parallel Shift (SSPS) technique for lumbosacral plexus blockade. Twenty-six healthy subjects aged 21–36 years received two SSPS blocks (20 mL 2% lidocaine-epinephrine [1 : 200,000] added 1 mL diluted contrast) guided by ultrasound/MRI fusion versus ultrasound. Number (proportion) of subjects with motor blockade of the femoral and obturator nerves and the lumbosacral trunk was equal (ultrasound/MRI, 23/26 [88%]; ultrasound, 23/26 [88%];p=1.00). Median (interquartile range) preparation and procedure times (s) were longer for the ultrasound/MRI fusion guided technique (686 [552–1023] versus 196 [167–228],p<0.001and 333 [254–439] versus 216 [176–294],p=0.001). Both techniques produced perineural spread and corresponding sensory analgesia from L2 to S1. Epidural spread and lidocaine pharmacokinetics were similar. Different compartmentalized patterns of injectate spread were observed. Ultrasound/MRI fusion guided SSPS was equally effective and safe but required prolonged time, compared to ultrasound guided SSPS. This trial is registered with EudraCT (2013-004013-41) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02593370).
Survey of Occupational Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Patch Test among Clothing Employees in Beijing
Authors: Chen Yu-Xin , Gao Bing-Ai , Cheng Hai-Yan , Li Lin-Feng
Published: March 2017

Occupational population-based epidemiological data relating to occupational contact allergies in the Chinese clothing industry are limited. To investigate the prevalence of occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) and to identify the causative allergens among clothing employees in China, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 529 clothing employees at 12 clothing factories in Beijing. All employees were subjected to an interview using self-administered questionnaire and skin examination, and those who were diagnosed with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) were patch tested. In the present survey, we found that the overall 1-year prevalence of OACD among the clothing employees was 8.5%. The 1-year prevalence of OACD among workers (10.8%) was significantly higher than that among managers (3.2%). The lesions were primarily on the hands and wrists in workers, but the face and neck in managers. The major allergens were nickel sulfate and cobalt dichloride in workers and colophony andp-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde resin in managers. In conclusion, workers are at a higher risk of OACD compared with managers in the Chinese clothing industry. In addition to hand dermatitis in workers, airborne contact dermatitis on the face and neck should be also addressed in managers.
Comparative Analysis of 6T, 7T, 8T, 9T, and 10T Realistic CNTFET Based SRAM
Authors: Joshi Shital , Alabawi Umar
Published: March 2017

CMOS technology below 10 nm faces fundamental limits which restricts its applicability for future electronic application mainly in terms of size, power consumption, and speed. In digital electronics, memory components play a very significant role. SRAM, due to its unique ability to retain data, is one of the most popular memory elements used in most of the digital devices. With aggressive technology scaling, the design of SRAM is seriously challenged in terms of delay, noise margin, and stability. This paper compares the performance of various CNTFET based SRAM cell topologies like 6T, 7T, 8T, 9T, and 10T cell with respect to static noise margin (SNM), write margin (WM), read delay, and power consumption. To consider the nonidealities of CNTFET, variations in tube diameter and effect of metallic tubes are considered for various structures with respect to various performance metrics like SNM, WM, read delay, and power consumption.
Management of Liddle Syndrome in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Awadalla Michael , Patwardhan Manasi , Alsamsam Adham , Imran Nashat
Published: March 2017

Liddle syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic condition that causes hypertension and hypokalemia due to a gain-of-function mutation in the SCNN1B or SCNN1G genes which code for the epithelial sodium channel in the kidney. This leads to increased sodium and water reabsorption causing hypertension. We report a case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman who was admitted for hypertension and hypokalemia and later diagnosed and treated for Liddle syndrome using amiloride. Maintaining a high suspicion of Liddle syndrome in pregnancy is essential in such cases to be able to adequately and effectively treat the hypertension. Due to physiological effects of pregnancy, the dose of amiloride may need to be increased as gestational age progresses up to a maximum dose of 30 mg orally per day.
Age-Related Changes in Nucleus Pulposus Mesenchymal Stem Cells: An In Vitro Study in Rats
Authors: Zhao Yachao , Jia Zhiwei , Huang Shanshan , Wu Yaohong , Liu Longgang , Lin Linghan , Wang Deli , He Qing , Ruan Dike
Published: March 2017

The functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appear to decline with age due to cellular senescence, which could reduce the efficacy of MSCs-based therapies. Recently, MSCs have been identified in the nucleus pulposus, which offers great potential for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair. However, this potential might be affected by the senescence of nucleus pulposus MSCs (NPMSCs), but whether or not this exists remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the age-related changes in NPMSCs. NPMSCs isolated from young (3-month-old) and old (14-month-old) Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured in vitro. Differences in morphology, proliferation, colony formation, multilineage differentiation, cell cycle, and expression ofβ-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and senescent markers (p53, p21, and p16) were compared between groups. Both young and old NPMSCs fulfilled the criteria for definition as MSCs. Moreover, young NPMSCs presented better proliferation, colony-forming, and multilineage differentiation capacities than old NPMSCs. Old NPMSCs displayed senescent features, including significantly increased G0/G1 phase arrest, increased SA-β-gal expression, decreased S phase entry, and significant p53-p21-pRB pathway activation. Therefore, this is the first study demonstrating that senescent NPMSCs accumulate in IVD with age. The efficacy of NPMSCs is compromised by donor age, which should be taken into consideration prior to clinical application.
Efficacy of Nucleot(s)ide Analogs Therapy in Patients with Unresectable HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Lingling , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Yalin , Zhang Shuan , Jiang Yuyong , Wang Xianbo , Yang Zhiyun
Published: March 2017

Aim. To determine whether nucleot(s)ide analogs therapy has survival benefit for patients with HBV-related HCC after unresectable treatment.Method. A systematic search was conducted through seven electronic databases including PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane Databases, Elsevier, Wiley Online Library, and BMJ Best Practice. All studies comparing NA combined with unresectable treatment versus unresectable treatment alone were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome was the overall survival (OS) after unresectable treatment for patients with HBV-related HCC. The secondary outcome was the progression-free survival (PFS). Results were expressed as hazard ratio (HR) for survival with 95% confidence intervals.Results. We included six studies with 994 patients: 409 patients in nucleot(s)ide analogs therapy group and 585 patients without antiviral therapy in control group. There were significant improvements for the overall survival (HR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.47–0.70;p< 0.001) and progression-free survival (HR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.71–0.99;p= 0.034) in the NA-treated group compared with the control group. Funnel plot showed that there was no significant publication bias in these studies. When it comes to antiviral drugs and operation method, it also showed benefit in NA-treated group. At the same time, overall mortality as well as mortality secondary to liver failure in NA-treated group was obviously lesser. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.Conclusions. Nucleot(s)ide analogs therapy after unresectable treatment has potential beneficial effects in terms of overall survival and progression-free survival. NA therapy should be considered in clinical practice.
Preparation of CoFe2O4/SiO2Nanocomposites at Low Temperatures Using Short Chain Diols
Authors: Dippong Thomas , Levei Erika Andrea , Cadar Oana
Published: March 2017

The preparation of 70% CoFe2O4/30% SiO2(wt%) nanocomposites by sol-gel method using three short chain diols (1,2-ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,4-butanediol) as chelators was studied. The Fourier transformed infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns were used to confirm the formation of nanocomposites. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the chain length of the carboxylates embedded in the silica matrix influences the formation of crystallized cobalt ferrite as single phase at low temperatures. The influence of the methylene groups number in the precursors and annealing temperature on the nanocrystallite size was revealed. The stability of the obtained compounds was determined by calculation of thermodynamic parameters.
Comment on “On the Frame Properties of Degenerate System of Sines”
Authors: Shukurov Aydin Sh.
Published: March 2017

The proof of Theorem 3.1 of the paper “On the Frame Properties of Degenerate System of Sines” (see (Bilalov and Guliyeva, 2012)) published earlier in this journal contains a gap; the reasoning given there to prove this theorem is not enough to state the validity of the mentioned theorem. To overcome this shortage we state the most general fact on the completeness of sine system which implies in particular the validity of this fact. It is shown in this note that the system{ω(t)φn(t)}, where{φn(t)}is an exponential or trigonometric (cosine or sine) systems, becomes complete in the corresponding Lebesgue spaceLp(-π,π)orLp(0,π), respectively, whenever{ω(t)φn(t)}belongs to the corresponding Lebesgue space for all indicesn(under the evident natural conditionmes⁡{t:ω(t)=0}=0). It is also shown that the same conclusion does not remain valid for, in general, any complete or complete orthonormal system{φn(t)}. Besides it, the largest class of functionsω(t)for which the system{ωtsin⁡nt}n∈Nis complete inLp(0,π)space is determined.
Fabricating CAD/CAM Implant-Retained Mandibular Bar Overdentures: A Clinical and Technical Overview
Authors: Goo Chui Ling , Tan Keson Beng Choon
Published: March 2017

This report describes the clinical and technical aspects in the oral rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with knife-edge ridge at the mandibular anterior edentulous region, using implant-retained overdentures. The application of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in the fabrication of the overdenture framework simplifies the laboratory process of the implant prostheses. The Nobel Procera CAD/CAM System was utilised to produce a lightweight titanium overdenture bar with locator attachments. It is proposed that the digital workflow of CAD/CAM milled implant overdenture bar allows us to avoid numerous technical steps and possibility of casting errors involved in the conventional casting of such bars.
Frequency Specific Effects of ApoE ε4 Allele on Resting-State Networks in Nondemented Elders
Authors: Liang Ying , Li Zhenzhen , Wei Jing , Li Chunlin , Zhang Xu , Neuroimaging Initiative Alzheimer’s Disease
Published: March 2017

We applied resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele effects on functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). Considering the frequency specific effects of functional connectivity, we decomposed the brain network time courses into two bands: 0.01–0.027 Hz and 0.027–0.08 Hz. All scans were acquired by the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroscience Initiative (ADNI). Thirty-two nondemented subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence (n=16) or absence (n=16) of the ApoE ε4 allele. We explored the frequency specific effects of ApoE ε4 allele on the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN) functional connectivity. Compared to ε4 noncarriers, the DMN functional connectivity of ε4 carriers was significantly decreased while the SN functional connectivity of ε4 carriers was significantly increased. Many functional connectivities showed significant differences at the lower frequency band of 0.01–0.027 Hz or the higher frequency band of 0.027–0.08 Hz instead of the typical range of 0.01–0.08 Hz. The results indicated a frequency dependent effect of resting-state signals when investigating RSNs functional connectivity.
Genetic Determinants of 1,3-Butadiene Metabolism and Detoxification in Three Populations of Smokers with Different Risks of Lung Cancer
Authors: Boldry Emily J. , Patel Yesha M. , Kotapati Srikanth , Esades Amanda , Park Sungshim L. , Tiirikainen Maarit , Stram Daniel O. , Le Marchand Loïc , Tretyakova Natalia
Published: March 2017

Background: 1,3-Butadiene (BD) is an important carcinogen in tobacco smoke that undergoes metabolic activation to DNA-reactive epoxides. These species can be detoxified via glutathione conjugation and excreted in urine as the corresponding N-acetylcysteine conjugates. We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BD-metabolizing genes may change the balance of BD bioactivation and detoxification in White, Japanese American, and African American smokers, potentially contributing to ethnic differences in lung cancer risk.

Methods: We measured the levels of BD metabolites, 1- and 2-(N-acetyl-L-cysteine-S-yl)-1-hydroxybut-3-ene (MHBMA) and N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine (DHBMA), in urine samples from a total of 1,072 White, Japanese American, and African American smokers and adjusted these values for body mass index, age, batch, and total nicotine equivalents. We also conducted a genome-wide association study to identify genetic determinants of BD metabolism.

Results: We found that mean urinary MHBMA concentrations differed significantly by ethnicity (P = 4.0 × 10−25). African Americans excreted the highest levels of MHBMA followed by Whites and Japanese Americans. MHBMA levels were affected by GSTT1 gene copy number (P < 0.0001); conditional on GSTT1, no other polymorphisms showed a significant association. Urinary DHBMA levels also differed between ethnic groups (P = 3.3 × 10−4), but were not affected by GSTT1 copy number (P = 0.226).

Conclusions: GSTT1 gene deletion has a strong effect on urinary MHBMA levels, and therefore BD metabolism, in smokers.

Impact: Our results show that the order of MHBMA levels among ethnic groups is consistent with their respective lung cancer risk and can be partially explained by GSTT1 genotype. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(7); 1034–42. ©2017 AACR.
Maltotriose Conjugation to a Chlorin Derivative Enhances the Antitumor Effects of Photodynamic Therapy in Peritoneal Dissemination of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Kataoka Hiromi , Yano Shigenobu , Hayashi Kazuki , Hayashi Noriyuki , Tanaka Mamoru , Naitoh Itaru , Ban Tesshin , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Kondo Hiromu , Yoshida Michihiro , Fujita Yasuaki , Hori Yasuki , Natsume Makoto , Murakami Takashi , Narumi Atsushi , Nomoto Akihiro , Naiki-Ito Aya , Takahashi Satoru , Joh Takashi
Published: March 2017

Peritoneal dissemination is a major clinical issue associated with dismal prognosis and poor quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer; however, no effective treatment strategies have been established. Herein, we evaluated the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with maltotriose-conjugated chlorin (Mal3-chlorin) in culture and in a peritoneal disseminated mice model of pancreatic cancer. The Mal3-chlorin was prepared as a water-soluble chlorin derivative conjugated with four Mal3 molecules to improve cancer selectivity. In vitro, Mal3-chlorin showed superior uptake into pancreatic cancer cells compared with talaporfin, which is clinically used. Moreover, the strong cytotoxic effects of PDT with Mal3-chlorin occurred via apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, whereas Mal3-chlorin alone did not cause any cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells. Notably, using a peritoneal disseminated mice model, we demonstrated that Mal3-chlorin accumulated in xenograft tumors and suppressed both tumor growth and ascites formation with PDT. Furthermore, PDT with Mal3-chlorin induced robust apoptosis in peritoneal disseminated tumors, as indicated by immunohistochemistry. Taken together, these findings implicate Mal3-chlorin as a potential next-generation photosensitizer for PDT and the basis of a new strategy for managing peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1124–32. ©2017 AACR.
Combinatorial Screening of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Reveals Sensitivity to Drug Combinations Including Bromodomain Inhibitor Plus Neddylation Inhibitor
Authors: Langdon Casey G. , Platt James T. , Means Robert E. , Iyidogan Pinar , Mamillapalli Ramanaiah , Klein Michael , Held Matthew A. , Lee Jong Woo , Koo Ja Seok , Hatzis Christos , Hochster Howard S. , Stern David F.
Published: March 2017

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. PDAC is difficult to manage effectively, with a five-year survival rate of only 5%. PDAC is largely driven by activating KRAS mutations, and as such, cannot be directly targeted with therapeutic agents that affect the activated protein. Instead, inhibition of downstream signaling and other targets will be necessary to effectively manage PDAC. Here, we describe a tiered single-agent and combination compound screen to identify targeted agents that impair growth of a panel of PDAC cell lines. Several of the combinations identified from the screen were further validated for efficacy and mechanism. Combination of the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 and the neddylation inhibitor MLN4294 altered the production of reactive oxygen species in PDAC cells, ultimately leading to defects in the DNA damage response. Dual bromodomain/neddylation blockade inhibited in vivo growth of PDAC cell line xenografts. Overall, this work revealed novel combinatorial regimens, including JQ1 plus MLN4294, which show promise for the treatment of RAS-driven PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1041–53. ©2017 AACR.
Unwarranted Variation in the Quality of Care for Patients With Diseases of the Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Bottle Alex , Mariscalco Giovanni , Shaw Matthew A. , Benedetto Umberto , Saratzis Athanasios , Mariani Silvia , Bashir Mohamad , Aylin Paul , Jenkins David , Oo Aung Y. , Murphy Gavin J. , Tsang Geoff , Bryan Alan J. , Cooper Graham , Duncan Andrew , Harrington Deborah , Kuduvalli Manoj , Mascaro Jorge , Rosendahl Ulrich , Unsworth‐White Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Background

Thoracic aortic disease has a high mortality. We sought to establish the contribution of unwarranted variation in care to regional differences in outcomes observed in patients with thoracic aortic disease in England.

Methods and Results

Data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (
HES
) and the National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit (
NACSA
) were extracted. A parallel systematic review/meta‐analysis through December 2015, and structure and process questionnaire of English cardiac surgery units were also accomplished. Treatment and mortality rates were investigated. A total of 24 548 adult patients in the
HES
study, 8058 in the
NACSA
study, and 103 543 from a total of 33 studies in the systematic review were obtained. Treatment rates for thoracic aortic disease within 6 months of index admission ranged from 7.6% to 31.5% between English counties. Risk‐adjusted 6‐month mortality in untreated patients ranged from 19.4% to 36.3%. Regional variation persisted after adjustment for disease or patient factors. Regional cardiac units with higher case volumes treated more‐complex patients and had significantly lower risk‐adjusted mortality relative to low‐volume units. The results of the systematic review indicated that the delivery of care by multidisciplinary teams in high‐volume units resulted in better outcomes. The observational analyses and the online survey indicated that this is not how services are configured in most units in England.

Conclusions

Changes in the organization of services that address unwarranted variation in the provision of care for patients with thoracic aortic disease in England may result in more‐equitable access to treatment and improved outcomes.
Attention to Distinct Goal-relevant Features Differentially Guides Semantic Knowledge Retrieval
Authors: Hanson Gavin K. , Chrysikou Evangelia G.
Published: March 2017

A critical aspect of conceptual knowledge is the selective activation of goal-relevant aspects of meaning. Although the contributions of ventrolateral prefrontal and posterior temporal areas to semantic cognition are well established, the precise role of posterior parietal cortex in semantic control remains unknown. Here, we examined whether this region modulates attention to goal-relevant features within semantic memory according to the same principles that determine the salience of task-relevant object properties during visual attention. Using multivoxel pattern analysis, we decoded attentional referents during a semantic judgment task, in which participants matched an object cue to a target according to concrete (i.e., color, shape) or abstract (i.e., function, thematic context) semantic features. The goal-relevant semantic feature participants attended to (e.g., color or shape, function or theme) could be decoded from task-associated cortical activity with above-chance accuracy, a pattern that held for both concrete and abstract semantic features. A Bayesian confusion matrix analysis further identified differential contributions to representing attentional demands toward specific object properties across lateral prefrontal, posterior temporal, and inferior parietal regions, with the dorsolateral pFC supporting distinctions between higher-order properties and the left intraparietal sulcus being the only region supporting distinctions across all semantic features. These results are the first to demonstrate that patterns of neural activity in the parietal cortex are sensitive to which features of a concept are attended to, thus supporting the contributions of posterior parietal cortex to semantic control.
Take Me to Khiva: Sharīʿa as Governance in the Oasis of Khorezm (19th–Early 20th Centuries)
Authors: Sartori Paolo , Abdurasulov Ulfatbek
Published: March 2017

It is commonly held that the settlement of disputes in Muslim-majority areas depended on “judges” and “arbitrators” who settled disputes independently or facilitated reconciliation by means of mediation, either judicial or extra-judicial. In the resulting narrative, the state occupies only a marginal place, at best. In this essay, we contend that this narrative creates an artificial opposition between the Islamic state and sharīʿa, an opposition predicated on the reified notion of Islamic law as the exclusive preserve of Muslim legists (ʿulamāʾ), that is, a self-contained jurisprudence inaccessible to the uninitiated and to state officials. Materials from modern Khorezm call into question the application of this binary interpretive model and shed light on an Islamic juridical field in which Muslims brought their affairs to state officials because they had the power to coerce parties to achieve a settlement and enforce a decision, either formal or informal.
Beyond the Taqlīd/Ijtihād Dichotomy: Daghestani Legal Thought under Russian Rule
Authors: Gould Rebecca , Shikhaliev Shamil
Published: March 2017

As one of the first scholarly studies of Jirāb al-Mamnūn, a collection of letters by the Daghestani Shāfiʿī scholar Ḥasan al-Alqadārī (1834–1910), this article challenges the ijtihād/taqlīd dichotomy within Islamic legal thought and argues for a more comprehensive understanding of the dialectic between reason and authority. Along the way, we examine the influence of al-Alqadārī’s taqlīd-based methodology on his attitudes toward confessional differences within and outside Islam. The article contributes to current debates on the role of reason and authority in the writings of Muslim scholars living under colonial rule.
De-Semitizing Ibn ʿArabī: Aryanism and the Schuonian Discourse of Religious Authenticity
Authors: Lipton Gregory A.
Published: March 2017

Commonly taken to be based upon the metaphysics of the Andalusian Sufi Ibn ʿArabī (d. 1240), Frithjof Schuon’s Perennialist doctrine of “the transcendent unity of religions” posits a timeless truth underlying all so-called orthodox religious forms. Yet this article argues that rather than a transhistorical message of inclusive unity, Schuon’s Perennialism is a hegemonic discourse of authenticity built upon presuppositions founded within what Léon Poliakov famously dubbed the nineteenth-century “Aryan myth.” The extent to which Schuon decouples Ibn ʿArabī from so-called Semitic subjectivism, thus finding in him a primordial Aryan objectivity, is the extent to which Schuon claims him to be an enlightened representative of Islam and authentic purveyor of thereligio perennis.
Mirror-Reading a Pseudepigraphal Letter
Authors: Lincicum David
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the implications of pseudonymity for the interpretative process, arguing that we need to take into account the pseudepigraphal attempt to achieve a “reality effect” by employing tropes and concerns from authentic Pauline letters to lend the forged writing an air of verisimilitude. But in this way our ability, if we judge a text pseudepigraphal, to discern reality from appearance is severely problematized, and we should therefore consider the possibility that pseudepigraphal letters should be treated more as rhetorical compositions than as epistolary literature, since all the ostensive elements of epistolarity are fictionalized in a pseudepigraphal letter.
Process Peace: A New Evaluation Framework for Track ii Diplomacy
Authors: Allen Nathaniel , Sharp Travis
Published: March 2017

Trackiidiplomacy, or unofficial interactions designed to produce ideas, build relationships, and change perceptions, has become a supplement – and sometimes an alternative – to traditional diplomacy. Yet practitioners and scholars still debate its effectiveness. Practitioners claim that Trackiidiplomacy promotes peace but insist that its contributions are intangible and therefore difficult to assess empirically. Meanwhile, scholars maintain that only rigorous empirical evaluation can demonstrate the effect of Trackiidiplomacy on conflict outcomes. This study seeks to break this impasse in two ways. First, it provides a comprehensive explanation of why Trackiipractitioners object to evaluation, drawing on personal interviews conducted in eight countries. Second, it proposes a new evaluation framework, which we call the “Process Peace” approach, which better balances practitioner and scholarly equities. Our framework should appeal to readers interested in bridging the gap between the practice and theory of Trackiidiplomacy.
Objectivity versus Subjectivity in the Context of the icj’s Three-stage Methodology of Maritime Boundary Delimitation
Authors: Olorundami Fayokemi
Published: March 2017

With the International Court of Justice (icj) moving away from the application of equitable principles in favour of its three-stage delimitation methodology, maritime boundary delimitations are now described as objective and predictable. This article assesses the accuracy of this description by examining the decisions of the Court and Tribunals in some recent delimitation cases. It is argued that the delimitation of maritime boundaries cannot still be regarded as objective and predictable as exemplified in the decisions discussed. Each of the three stages in the three-stage methodology, namely the drawing of a provisional equidistance line, the adjustment or shifting of that line based on the presence of relevant circumstances and the (dis)proportionality test will be analysed in order to support this position. This article identifies a fixation with following the three-stage methodology (even when inappropriate) as, ironically, the driver for subjectivity and unpredictability in maritime boundary delimitation decisions.
Secular Examination of Spirituality-Prosociality Association
Authors: Dong Mengchen , Wu Song , Zhu Yijie , Jin Shenghua , Zhang Yanjun
Published: March 2017

Religious beliefs in Chinese cultural background, especially in Chinese secular society, have rarely been systematically investigated. The nonreligious-based population in China endorses certain supernatural beliefs or has related transcendent experience, even though they usually claim themselves as non-believers. Therefore, the current research examined the spirituality-prosociality association in Chinese secular background, demonstrating how spiritual connection with the transcendence related to individual secular social life. A total of 440 Chinese participants completed our questionnaires in three survey studies. The results showed that: 1) for the nonreligious-based population in China, spirituality was positively connected with personal prosocial trait, prosocial attitude, and prosocial behavior; 2) the prosocial trait of compassionate love partially mediated the association between spirituality and daily prosocial expenses on time and money; and 3) personal emphasis on moral principles such as ultimate justice beliefs partially mediated the association between spirituality and interpersonal altruism in organizational settings. Limitations and future directions were discussed.
Race, Ethnicity and Antisemitism in George Alexis Montandon between Kulturkreislehre, Hologenesis and Mendelism
Authors: Ottaviani Alessandro
Published: March 2017

The Swiss anthropologist George Alexis Montandon, professor of ethnology at the École d’ Anthropologie in 1932 and, from 1938, a public representative of the French Antisemitism, is the focus of this paper. Montandon established a peculiar connection between the method and topics of the Kulturkreislehre and the theory of the evolutionary change (Ologenesi) elaborated by the Italian zoologist Daniele Rosa. This connection is crucial for the understanding of the scientific background of Montandon’s career as a professional racist.