bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibrational spectroscopy of epidote, pumpellyite and prehnite applied to low-grade regional metabasites
Authors: White Alistair J. R. , Laukamp Carsten , Stokes Mark A. , Legras Monica , Pejcic Bobby
Published: June 2017

Calc-silicate minerals are routinely used to identify metamorphic and metasomatic patterns, but their characterization usually requires detailed and time-consuming petrographic and geochemical analyses, preventing spatially extensive mapping. Laboratory measurements (FTIR, XRD, EPMA) successfully characterize pure representatives of three calc-silicate mineral groups – epidote, pumpellyite, and prehnite – as well as mixed mineral samples from the Fortescue Group volcanics, Hamersley Basin, Western Australia. Pure mineral spectra display diagnostic first overtone bands of the hydroxyl-related stretching fundamentals in the 1300 – 1600 nm wavelength region. In mixed mineral assemblages the overtone region allows for identification based on discrete absorption bands: 1555 nm for epidote, 1470 nm for prehnite, and four bands at 1410 (a), 1430 (b), 1450 (c) and 1510 nm (d) for pumpellyite. With increasing Fe content, the wavelength positions of the hydroxyl-stretching fundamental and first overtone absorption features of epidote and prehnite shift towards shorter wavelengths. In pumpellyite, with increasing Mg content, bands (b) and (d) shift towards longer and shorter wavelengths respectively. Diagnostic overtones are identifiable after downsampling of laboratory FTIR spectra to hyperspectral field, airborne, and orbital spectrometer resolution. This highlights the application to regional-scale mapping of calc-silicate distribution and composition, both on Earth and on extraterrestrial planetary surfaces, such as Mars.
Regional distribution and controls on the development of post-rift turbidite systems: insights from the Paleocene of the eastern North Viking Graben, offshore Norway
Authors: Dmitrieva Evelina , Jackson Christopher A.-L. , Huuse Mads , Kane Ian A.
Published: May 2017

Paleocene deep-water deposits of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea Basin are prospective for oil and gas, although little is known about their sedimentology and distribution, or the controls on their stratigraphic evolution. To help unlock the potential of this poorly explored interval, we integrate 3D seismic reflection, well logs and core data from the eastern North Viking Graben, offshore Norway. We show that thick (up to 80 m), high net to gross (N:G) (up to 90%), sandstone-rich channel-fills and sheet-like, likely lobe deposits occur on the slope–proximal basin floor, forming part of an aerially extensive fan system. Sediment dispersal and the resultant stratigraphic architecture are controlled by slope morphology. Bypass occurred on the northern, passive margin-type slope; whereas, in the south, sediment gravity currents were deflected around, and deep-water sandstones onlap and pinch-out onto an exposed rift-related fault block that generated intra-basin bathymetric relief. Pinchout of deep-water sandstone into mudstone suggests that future exploration should focus on identifying subtle stratigraphic traps on fault block flanks or at the fan fringe. This trapping style contrasts with that encountered in the UK sector of the Northern North Sea, where most Paleocene fields and discoveries are in structural traps related to the flow of Zechstein Supergroup salt.
Corrections to and Discussion of “Implementation and Evaluation of Mixed-criticality Scheduling Approaches for Sporadic Tasks”
Authors: Fleming Tom , Huang Huang-Ming , Burns Alan , Gill Chris , Baruah Sanjoy , Lu Chenyang
Published: May 2017

The AMC-IA mixed-criticality scheduling analysis was proposed as an improvement to the AMC-MAX adaptive mixed-criticality scheduling analysis. However, we have identified several necessary corrections to the AMC-IA analysis. In this article, we motivate and describe those corrections, and discuss and illustrate why the corrected AMC-IA analysis cannot be shown to outperform AMC-MAX.
Relaxing Synchronization in Parallel Agent-Based Road Traffic Simulation
Authors: Xu Yadong , Cai Wentong , Aydt Heiko , Lees Michael , Zehe Daniel
Published: May 2017

Large-scale agent-based traffic simulation is computationally intensive. Parallel computing can help to speed up agent-based traffic simulation. Parallelization of agent-based traffic simulations is generally achieved by decomposing the road network into subregions. The agents in each subregion are executed by a Logical Process (LP). There are data dependencies between LPs which require synchronization of LPs. An asynchronous protocol allows LPs to progress and communicate asynchronously. LPs use
lookahead
to indicate the time to synchronize with other LPs. Larger lookahead means less frequent synchronization operations. High synchronization overhead is still a major performance issue of large-scale parallel agent-based traffic simulations. In this article, two methods to increase the lookahead of LPs for an asynchronous protocol are developed. They take advantage of uncertainties in traffic simulation to relax synchronization without altering simulation results statistically. Efficiency of the proposed methods is investigated in the parallel agent-based traffic simulator SEMSim Traffic. Experiment results showed that the proposed methods are able to reduce overall running time of the parallel simulation compared to existing methods.
Microarchitectural Comparison of the MXP and Octavo Soft-Processor FPGA Overlays
Authors: Laforest Charles Eric , Anderson Jason H.
Published: May 2017

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) can yield higher performance and lower power than software solutions on CPUs or GPUs. However, designing with FPGAs requires specialized hardware design skills and hours-long CAD processing times. To reduce and accelerate the design effort, we can implement an overlay architecture on the FPGA, on which we then more easily construct the desired system but at a large cost in performance and area relative to a direct FPGA implementation. In this work, we compare the micro-architecture, performance, and area of two soft-processor overlays: the Octavo multi-threaded soft-processor and the MXP soft vector processor. To measure the area and performance penalties of these overlays relative to the underlying FPGA hardware, we compare direct FPGA implementations of the micro-benchmarks written in C synthesized with the LegUp HLS tool and also written in the Verilog HDL. Overall, Octavo’s higher operating frequency and MXP’s more efficient code execution results in similar performance from both, within an order of magnitude of direct FPGA implementations, but with a penalty of an order of magnitude greater area.
Bandwidth Compression of Floating-Point Numerical Data Streams for FPGA-Based High-Performance Computing
Authors: Ueno Tomohiro , Sano Kentaro , Yamamoto Satoru
Published: May 2017

Although computational performance is often limited by insufficient bandwidth to/from an external memory, it is not easy to physically increase off-chip memory bandwidth. In this study, we propose a hardware-based bandwidth compression technique that can be applied to field-programmable gate array-- (FPGA) based high-performance computation with a logically wider effective memory bandwidth. Our proposed hardware approach can boost the performance of FPGA-based stream computations by applying a data compression technique to effectively transfer more data streams. To apply this data compression technique to bandwidth compression via hardware, several requirements must first be satisfied, including an acceptable level of compression performance and a sufficiently small hardware footprint. Our proposed hardware-based bandwidth compressor utilizes an efficient prediction-based data compression algorithm. Moreover, we propose a multichannel serializer and deserializer that enable applications to use multiple channels of computational data with the bandwidth compression. The serializer encodes compressed data blocks of multiple channels into a data stream, which is efficiently written to an external memory. Based on preliminary evaluation, we define an encoding format considering both high compression ratio and small hardware area. As a result, we demonstrate that our area saving bandwidth compressor increases performance of an FPGA-based fluid dynamics simulation by deploying more processing elements to exploit spatial parallelism with the enhanced memory bandwidth.
Maximizing Symmetric Submodular Functions
Authors: Feldman Moran
Published: May 2017

Symmetric submodular functions are an important family of submodular functions capturing many interesting cases, including cut functions of graphs and hypergraphs. Maximization of such functions subject to various constraints receives little attention by current research, unlike similar minimization problems that have been widely studied. In this work, we identify a few submodular maximization problems for which one can get a better approximation for symmetric objectives than the state-of-the-art approximation for general submodular functions.

We first consider the problem of maximizing a non-negative symmetric submodular function
f
:2

N

→ R
+
subject to a down-monotone solvable polytope
P
⊆ [0, 1]

N

. For this problem, we describe an algorithm producing a fractional solution of value at least 0.432 ċ
f
(
OPT
), where
OPT
is the optimal
integral
solution. Our second result considers the problem max{
f
(
S
): |
S
| =
k
} for a non-negative symmetric submodular function
f
:2

N

→ R
+
. For this problem, we give an approximation ratio that depends on the value
k
/|
N
| and is always at least 0.432. Our method can also be applied to non-negative
non-symmetric
submodular functions, in which case it produces 1/e −
o
(1) approximation, improving over the best-known result for this problem. For unconstrained maximization of a non-negative symmetric submodular function, we describe a
deterministic linear-time
1/2-approximation algorithm. Finally, we give a [1 − (1 − 1/
k
)

k
− 1

]-approximation algorithm for Submodular Welfare with
k
players having identical non-negative submodular utility functions and show that this is the best possible approximation ratio for the problem.
Cost-Oblivious Storage Reallocation
Authors: Bender Michael A. , Farach-Colton Martín , Fekete Sándor P. , Fineman Jeremy T. , Gilbert Seth
Published: May 2017

Databases allocate and free blocks of storage on disk. Freed blocks introduce holes where no data is stored. Allocation systems attempt to reuse such deallocated regions in order to minimize the footprint on disk. When previously allocated blocks cannot be moved, this problem is called the

memory allocation

problem. The competitive ratio for this problem has matching upper and lower bounds that are logarithmic in the number of requests and in the ratio of the largest to smallest requests.

This article defines the

storage reallocation

problem, where previously allocated blocks can be moved, or

reallocated

, but at some cost. This cost is determined by the allocation/reallocation

cost function

.

The objective is to minimize the storage footprint, that is, the largest memory address containing an allocated object, while simultaneously minimizing the reallocation costs. This article gives asymptotically optimal algorithms for storage reallocation, in which the storage footprint is at most (1+ ϵ) times optimal, and the reallocation cost is
O
((1/ϵ)log (1/ϵ)) times the original allocation cost, that is, it is within a constant factor of optimal when ϵ is a constant. The algorithms are

cost oblivious

, which means they achieve these bounds with no knowledge of the allocation/reallocation cost function, as long as the cost function is subadditive.
Stellar Dynamics and Stellar Phenomena Near a Massive Black Hole
Authors: Alexander Tal
Published: June 2017

Most galactic nuclei harbor a massive black hole (MBH), whose birth and evolution are closely linked to those of its host galaxy. The unique conditions near the MBH—high velocity and density in the steep potential of a massive singular relativistic object—lead to unusual modes of stellar birth, evolution, dynamics, and death. A complex network of dynamical mechanisms, operating on multiple timescales, deflects stars to orbits that intercept the MBH. Such close encounters lead to energetic interactions with observable signatures and consequences for the evolution of the MBH and its stellar environment. Galactic nuclei are astrophysical laboratories that test and challenge our understanding of MBH formation, strong gravity, stellar dynamics, and stellar physics. I review from a theoretical perspective the wide range of stellar phenomena that occur near MBHs, focusing on the role of stellar dynamics near an isolated MBH in a relaxed stellar cusp.
Structural and Mechanistic Insights into Protein Translocation
Authors: Rapoport Tom A. , Li Long , Park Eunyong
Published: May 2017

Many proteins are translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane in eukaryotes or the plasma membrane in prokaryotes. These proteins use hydrophobic signal sequences or transmembrane (TM) segments to trigger their translocation through the protein-conducting Sec61/SecY channel. Substrates are first directed to the channel by cytosolic targeting factors, which use hydrophobic pockets to bind diverse signal and TM sequences. Subsequently, these hydrophobic sequences insert into the channel, docking into a groove on the outside of the lateral gate of the channel, where they also interact with lipids. Structural data and biochemical experiments have elucidated how channel partners, the ribosome in cotranslational translocation, and the eukaryotic ER chaperone BiP or the prokaryotic cytosolic SecA ATPase in posttranslational translocation move polypeptides unidirectionally across the membrane. Structures of auxiliary components of the bacterial translocon, YidC and SecD/F, provide additional insight. Taken together, these recent advances result in mechanistic models of protein translocation.
Earth's Continental Lithosphere Through Time
Authors: Hawkesworth Chris J. , Cawood Peter A. , Dhuime Bruno , Kemp Tony I.S.
Published: May 2017

The record of the continental lithosphere is patchy and incomplete; no known rock is older than 4.02 Ga, and less than 5% of the rocks preserved are older than 3 Ga. In addition, there is no recognizable mantle lithosphere from before 3 Ga. We infer that there was lithosphere before 3 Ga and that ∼3 Ga marks the stabilization of blocks of continental lithosphere that have since survived. This was linked to plate tectonics emerging as the dominant tectonic regime in response to thermal cooling, the development of a more rigid lithosphere, and the recycling of water, which may in turn have facilitated plate tectonics. A number of models, using different approaches, suggest that at 3 Ga the volume of continental crust was ∼70% of its present-day volume and that this may be a minimum value. The continental crust before 3 Ga was on average more mafic than that generated subsequently, and this pre-3 Ga mafic new crust had fractionated Lu/Hf and Sm/Nd ratios as inferred for the sources of tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite and later granites. The more intermediate composition of new crust generated since 3 Ga is indicated by its higher Rb/Sr ratios. This change in composition was associated with an increase in crustal thickness, which resulted in more emergent crust available for weathering and erosion. This in turn led to an increase in the Sr isotope ratios of seawater and in the drawdown of CO2. Since 3 Ga, the preserved record of the continental crust is marked by global cycles of peaks and troughs of U-Pb crystallization ages, with the peaks of ages appearing to match periods of supercontinent assembly. There is increasing evidence that the peaks of ages represent enhanced preservation of magmatic rocks in periods leading up to and including continental collision in the assembly of supercontinents. These are times of increased crustal growth because more of the crust that is generated is retained within the crust. The rates of generation of continental crust and mantle lithosphere may have remained relatively constant at least since 3 Ga, yet the rates of destruction of continental crust have changed with time. Only relatively small volumes of rock are preserved from before 3 Ga, and so it remains difficult to establish which of these are representative of global processes and the extent to which the rock record before 3 Ga is distorted by particular biases.
Ecological Responses to Habitat Fragmentation Per Se
Authors: Fahrig Lenore
Published: May 2017

For this article, I reviewed empirical studies finding significant ecological responses to habitat fragmentation per se—in other words, significant responses to fragmentation independent of the effects of habitat amount (hereafter referred to as habitat fragmentation). I asked these two questions: Are most significant responses to habitat fragmentation negative or positive? And do particular attributes of species or landscapes lead to a predominance of negative or positive significant responses? I found 118 studies reporting 381 significant responses to habitat fragmentation independent of habitat amount. Of these responses, 76% were positive. Most significant fragmentation effects were positive, irrespective of how the authors controlled for habitat amount, the measure of fragmentation, the taxonomic group, the type of response variable, or the degree of specialization or conservation status of the species or species group. No support was found for predictions that most significant responses to fragmentation should be negative in the tropics, for species with larger movement ranges, or when habitat amount is low; most significant fragmentation effects were positive in all of these cases. Thus, although 24% of significant responses to habitat fragmentation were negative, I found no conditions in which most responses were negative. Authors suggest a wide range of possible explanations for significant positive responses to habitat fragmentation: increased functional connectivity, habitat diversity, positive edge effects, stability of predator–prey/host–parasitoid systems, reduced competition, spreading of risk, and landscape complementation. A consistent preponderance of positive significant responses to fragmentation implies that there is no justification for assigning lower conservation value to a small patch than to an equivalent area within a large patch—instead, it implies just the opposite. This finding also suggests that land sharing will usually provide higher ecological value than land sparing.
Fibroblast growth factor 21: a regulator of metabolic disease and health span
Authors: Xie Ting , Leung Po Sing
Published: May 2017

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a potent endocrine regulator with physiological effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and thus garners much attention for its translational potential for the management of obesity and related metabolic syndromes. FGF21 is mainly expressed in several metabolically active tissue organs, such as the liver, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and pancreas, with profound effects and therapeutic relevance. Emerging experimental and clinical data point to the demonstrated metabolic benefits of FGF21, which include, but are not limited to, weight loss, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. In addition, FGF21 also acts directly through its coreceptor β-klotho in the brain to alter light-dark cycle activity. In this review, we critically appraise current advances in understanding the physiological actions of FGF21 and its role as a biomarker of various metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus. We also discuss the potentially exciting role of FGF21 in improving our health and prolonging our life span. This information will provide a fuller understanding for further research into FGF21, as well as providing a scientific basis for potentially establishing health care guidelines for this promising molecule.
Tissue-specific seasonal changes in mitochondrial function of a mammalian hibernator
Authors: Heim Ashley B. , Chung Dillon , Florant Gregory L. , Chicco Adam J.
Published: May 2017

Mammalian hibernators, such as golden-mantled ground squirrels ( Callospermophilus lateralis; GMGS), cease to feed while reducing metabolic rate and body temperature during winter months, surviving exclusively on endogenous fuels stored before hibernation. We hypothesized that mitochondria, the cellular sites of oxidative metabolism, undergo tissue-specific seasonal adjustments in carbohydrate and fatty acid utilization to facilitate or complement this remarkable phenotype. To address this, we performed high-resolution respirometry of mitochondria isolated from GMGS liver, heart, skeletal muscle, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) sampled during summer (active), fall (prehibernation), and winter (hibernation) seasons using multisubstrate titration protocols. Mitochondrial phospholipid composition was examined as a postulated intrinsic modulator of respiratory function across tissues and seasons. Respirometry revealed seasonal variations in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity, substrate utilization, and coupling efficiency that reflected the distinct functions and metabolic demands of the tissues they support. A consistent finding across tissues was a greater influence of fatty acids (palmitoylcarnitine) on respiratory parameters during the prehibernation and hibernation seasons. In particular, fatty acids had a greater suppressive effect on pyruvate-supported oxidative phosphorylation in heart, muscle, and liver mitochondria and enhanced uncoupled respiration in BAT and muscle mitochondria in the colder seasons. Seasonal variations in the mitochondrial membrane composition reflected changes in the supply and utilization of polyunsaturated fatty acids but were generally mild and inconsistent with functional variations. In conclusion, mitochondria respond to seasonal variations in physical activity, temperature, and nutrient availability in a tissue-specific manner that complements circannual shifts in the bioenergetic and thermoregulatory demands of mammalian hibernators.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Total Glucosides of Paeony for Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jin Liang , Li Chengyin , Li Yanping , Wu Bin
Published: May 2017

Objective. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Methods. Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception to July 2016. Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The study quality was evaluated according to the standard suggested in the Cochrane Handbook. RevMan 5.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results. Seven RCTs involving 443 patients were included. The results showed that TGP combined with an immunosuppressant (IS) showed greater efficacy for improving the saliva flow test of pSS compared to immunosuppressant alone (WMD −6.88, 95% CI −9.02 to −4.74, and P < 0.00001). And the same trend favouring TGP‐IS dual combination was found in Schirmer test (WMD 1.63, 95% CI 0.26 to 3.01, and P = 0.02), ESR (WMD 7.33, 95% CI −10.08 to −4.59, and P < 0.00001), CRP (WMD −6.00, 95% CI −7.17 to −4.83, and P < 0.00001), IgM (WMD = −0.42, 95% CI −0.70 to 0.13, and P = 0.004), and IgG (WMD −3.22, 95% CI −4.32 to −2.12, and P < 0.00001) analysis. However, TGP did not affect IgA (WMD 0.53, 95% CI −1.34 to −0.29, and P = 0.20). The adverse events manifested no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions. The TGP‐IS combination is superior to IS alone in the treatment of pSS. However, due to the low quality of included studies, high‐quality RCTs are needed to confirm the beneficial effects of TGP.
Chronic Expanding Hematoma in the Extremities: A Clinical Problem of Adhesion to the Surrounding Tissues
Authors: Sakamoto Akio , Okamoto Takeshi , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: May 2017

Chronic expanding hematoma is characterized by continuous growth of a blood collection. We analyzed the clinical features of 7 patients with chronic expanding hematomas in the extremities, with an average age of 65.6 years. All lesions occurred in the lower extremities, with 4 seen in the thigh and 3 in the knee region. Six patients had subcutaneous hematomas, while 1 was deep-seated in the thigh. The magnetic resonance features of the lesion were compatible with those of a standard hematoma. A low signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted imaging at the pseudocapsule was also characteristic. Cystic features were seen in 5 of 7 patients. All lesions were resected together with their pseudocapsule. In the subcutaneous lesions, it was necessary to resect adherent fascia, with or without involved skin. In the deep-seated thigh lesion, the common peroneal nerve was completely adherent to the pseudocapsule, a phenomenon from absence of the common peroneal nerve which appeared after resection. Chronic expanding hematomas of the extremities are predominantly located in the subcutaneous tissue of the lower extremity. The surrounding pseudocapsule is adherent to the adjacent tissues, and clinicians must be aware of this, especially when resecting a deep-seated lesion.
Association of the Composite Inflammatory Biomarker GlycA, with Exercise‐Induced Changes in Body Habitus in Men and Women with Prediabetes
Authors: Bartlett David B. , Slentz Cris A. , Connelly Margery A. , Piner Lucy W. , Willis Leslie H. , Bateman Lori A. , Granville Esther O. , Bales Connie W. , Huffman Kim M. , Kraus William E.
Published: May 2017

GlycA is a new composite measure of systemic inflammation and a predictor of many inflammatory diseases. GlycA is the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy‐derived signal arising from glucosamine residues on acute‐phase proteins. This study aimed to evaluate how exercise‐based lifestyle interventions modulate GlycA in persons at risk for type 2 diabetes. GlycA, fitness, and body habitus were measured in 169 sedentary adults (45–75 years) with prediabetes randomly assigned to one of four six‐month exercise‐based lifestyle interventions. Interventions included exercise prescription based on the amount (energy expenditure (kcal/kg weight/week (KKW)) and intensity (%VO2peak). The groups were (1) low‐amount/moderate‐intensity (10KKW/50%) exercise; (2) high‐amount/moderate‐intensity (16KKW/50%) exercise; (3) high‐amount/vigorous‐intensity (16KKW/75%) exercise; and (4) a Clinical Lifestyle (combined diet plus low‐amount/moderate‐intensity exercise) intervention. Six months of exercise training and/or diet‐reduced GlycA (mean Δ: −6.8 ± 29.2 μmol/L; p = 0.006) and increased VO2peak (mean Δ: 1.98 ± 2.6 mL/kg/min; p < 0.001). Further, visceral (mean Δ: −21.1 ± 36.6 cm2) and subcutaneous fat (mean Δ: −24.3 ± 41.0 cm2) were reduced, while liver density (mean Δ: +2.3 ± 6.5HU) increased, all p < 0.001. When including individuals in all four interventions, GlycA reductions were associated with reductions in visceral adiposity (p < 0.03). Exercise‐based lifestyle interventions reduced GlycA concentrations through mechanisms related to exercise‐induced modulations of visceral adiposity. This trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT00962962.
Comparative Effects of MMT Clay Modified with Two Different Cationic Surfactants on the Thermal and Rheological Properties of Polypropylene Nanocomposites
Authors: Al-Samhan Meshal , Samuel Jacob , Al-Attar Fatema , Abraham Gils
Published: May 2017

Polypropylene montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending using two different organoclays modified with imidazolium and alkylammonium surfactants. The imidazolium and ammonium modified organoclays were characterized by the FTIR and SEM analysis. The effect of organic clay (MMT) on the physical properties of polypropylene was evaluated, thermal and rheological properties with different filler weight percentage. Differential scanning calorimetric results showed that imidazolium modified clay (IMMT) exhibits low melting temperature compared to the ammonium modified clay (AMMT). The crystallinity analysis showed that crystallization improved in all nanocomposites irrespective of surface modification; the thermogravimetric analysis showed that the imidazolium modified polymer composites are more thermally stable than conventional ammonium modified composites. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses indicated that the PP-IMMT composites displayed exfoliated morphologies compared with the intercalated structure in PP-AMMT, and the rheological analysis at 180°C showed an enhancement in the viscoelastic properties as the clay concentration increases. The melt viscosity, crossover modulus, and relaxation times were comparable for both the surface modified composites with two different cations. The imidazolium based surfactant was found to be an effective organic modification for MMT to prepare thermally stable PP/MMT nanocomposites.
The Current Status of Quality of Reporting in Acupuncture Treatment Case Reports: An Analysis of the Core Journal in Korea
Authors: Kim Jeongjoo , Eom Yoon-Ji , Lee Ye-Seul , Nam Dongwoo , Chae Younbyoung
Published: May 2017

Objectives. The present study aimed to evaluate the overall quality of case reports concerning acupuncture treatment in Korea. Methods. We selected a representative Korean journal and retrieved eligible case reports on acupuncture treatment published from 2009 to 2015. We assessed the quality of reporting based on CAse REport (CARE) and STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guideline checklists. Results. A total of 93 eligible case reports of acupuncture treatment were identified among the 107 articles screened. Overall quality of reporting in the case reports was generally acceptable (75.4% on CARE, 67.7% on STRICTA), but several crucial items remained substantially underreported. Conclusions. Endorsement of the CARE and STRICTA guidelines is needed to improve the completeness of reporting. Our findings will be helpful in developing a more appropriate reporting guideline for case reports in acupuncture treatment.
Magnetic Separation Methods for the Detection ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisin Various Types of Matrices: A Review
Authors: Husakova Marketa , Dziedzinska Radka , Slana Iva
Published: May 2017

The main reasons to improve the detection ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP) are animal health and monitoring of MAP entering the food chain via meat, milk, and/or dairy products. Different approaches can be used for the detection of MAP, but the use of magnetic separation especially in conjunction with PCR as an end-point detection method has risen in past years. However, the extraction of DNA which is a crucial step prior to PCR detection can be complicated due to the presence of inhibitory substances. Magnetic separation methods involving either antibodies or peptides represent a powerful tool for selective separation of target bacteria from other nontarget microorganisms and inhibitory sample components. These methods enable the concentration of pathogens present in the initial matrix into smaller volume and facilitate the isolation of sufficient quantities of pure DNA. The purpose of this review was to summarize the methods based on the magnetic separation approach that are currently available for the detection of MAP in a broad range of matrices.
Cxcl8b and Cxcr2 Regulate Neutrophil Migration through Bloodstream in Zebrafish
Authors: Zuñiga-Traslaviña Constanza , Bravo Karina , Reyes Ariel E. , Feijóo Carmen G.
Published: May 2017

Neutrophils play an essential role during an inflammatory response, which is dependent on their rapid recruitment from the bone marrow to the vasculature. However, there is no information about the molecular signals that regulate neutrophil entry to circulation during an inflammatory process in humans. This is mainly due to the lack of a suitable model of study that contains similar set of molecules and that allows in vivo analyses. In this study, we used the zebrafish to assess the role of Cxcl8a, Cxcl8b, and Cxcr2 in neutrophil migration to blood circulation after injury. Using Tg(BACmpx:GFP)i114transgenic embryos and two damage models (severe and mild), we developed in vivo lack of function assays. We found that the transcription levels ofcxcl8a,cxcl8b, andcxcr2were upregulated in the severe damage model. In contrast, onlycxcr2andcxcl8amRNA levels were increased during mild damage. After knocking down Cxcl8a, neutrophil quantity decreased at the injury site, while Cxcl8b decreased neutrophils in circulation. When inhibiting Cxcr2, we observed a decrease in neutrophil entry to the bloodstream. In conclusion, we identified different functions for both Cxcl8 paralogues, being the Cxcl8b/Cxcr2 axis that regulates neutrophil entry to the bloodstream, while Cxcl8a/Cxcr2 regulates the migration to the affected area.
Tamoxifen Acceptance and Adherence among Patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Treated in a Multidisciplinary Setting
Authors: Karavites Lindsey C. , Kane Anna K. , Zaveri Shruti , Xu Yanfei , Helenowski Irene , Hansen Nora , Bethke Kevin P. , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J. , Khan Seema A.
Published: May 2017

Tamoxifen and other endocrine agents have proven benefits for women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), but low patient acceptance is widely reported. We examined factors associated with tamoxifen acceptance and adherence among DCIS patients who received a recommendation for therapy in a multidisciplinary setting. Using our institutional database, we identified women diagnosed with DCIS, 1998 to 2009, who were offered tamoxifen. We recorded data on demographics, tumor and therapy variables, tamoxifen acceptance, and adherence to therapy for ≥4 years. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using logistic regression to identify factors specific to each group that were related to acceptance and adherence. A total of 555 eligible women identified, of whom 369 were offered tamoxifen; 298 (81%) accepted, among whom 214 (72%) were adherent, 59 of 298 (20%) were nonadherent, and for 25 (8%), adherence was undetermined. After stepwise elimination in adjusted logistic regression models, acceptance of breast radiotherapy was associated with acceptance of tamoxifen [OR, 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26–3.90; P < 0.01], as was a medical oncology consultation (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 0.99–3.15; P = 0.05). Insured patients were more likely to adhere to tamoxifen (OR, 6.03; 95% CI, 2.60–13.98; P < 0.01). The majority of nonadherent women (n = 38/56, 68%) discontinued the drug during the first year of treatment with 48 (86%) citing adverse effect(s) as the reason. In a multidisciplinary, tertiary care setting, we observed relatively high rates of acceptance and adherence of tamoxifen. Acceptance of tamoxifen and radiotherapy were associated, and adherence was influenced by insurance status.

Key Message: Tamoxifen acceptance and adherence following resection of DCIS of the breast is related to acceptance of radiotherapy and may be improved by confirmation of the recommendation by a medical oncologist. Despite the low cost of tamoxifen, adherence to therapy is significantly impacted by lack of insurance; those who discontinue therapy report adverse effects as a major reason. Cancer Prev Res; 10(7); 389–97. ©2017 AACR.
Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: Taking a Place in Mainstream Oncology Keystone Symposia Meeting Summary
Authors: Gubin Matthew M.
Published: June 2017

The Keystone Symposia conference on Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy: Taking a Place in Mainstream Oncology was held at the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, on March 19–23, 2017. The conference brought together a sold-out audience of 654 scientists, clinicians, and others from both academia and industry to discuss the latest developments in cancer immunology and immunotherapy. This meeting report summarizes the main themes that emerged during the four-day conference. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(6); 434–8. ©2017 AACR.
Whole Genome Sequence Identified a Rare Homozygous Pathogenic Mutation of the DSG2 Gene in a Familial Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Involving Both Ventricles
Authors: Lin Yubi , Zhang Qianhuan , Zhong Zhi An , Xu Zhe , He Siqi , Rao Fang , Liu Yang , Tang Jiaojiao , Wang Feng , Liu Hui , Xie Jiajun , Wu Hongmei , Wang Shuxia , Li Xin , Shan Zhixin , Deng Chunyu , Liao Zili , Deng Hai , Liao Hongtao , Xue Yumei , Chen Wanqun , Zhan Xianzhang , Zhang Bin , Wu Shulin
Published: June 2017

Background: This study was designed to identify the pathogenic mutation in a Chinese family with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) using whole genome sequencing (WGS). Methods and Results: Probands II:1 and II:2 underwent routine examinations for diagnosis. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of family members and analyzed using WGS. A total of 60,285 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and 13,918 insertions/deletions (InDel) occurring in the exonic regions of genes and predisposing to cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias were identified. When filtered using the 1000 Genomes Project (2014 version), NHLBI ESP6500, and ExAC databases, 12 missense SNP and 2 InDel in exonic regions remained, the allele frequencies of which were <0.01 or unknown. The potentially pathogenic mutations that occurred in the genes DSG2, PKP4, PRKAG2, FOXD4, CTTN, and DMD, which were identified by SIFT or PolyPhen-2 software as “damaging,” were validated using Sanger sequencing. Probands II:1 and II:2 shared an extremely rare homozygous mutation in the DSG2 (p.F531C) gene, which was also demonstrated using intersection analysis of WGS data from probands II:1 and II:2. Electron microscopy and histological staining of myocardial biopsies showed widened and destroyed intercalated discs, and interrupted, atrophic, and disarranged myocardial fibers, and hyperplastic interstitial fibers, collagen fibers, and adipocytes were infiltrated and invaded. Conclusions: A homozygous mutation of DSG2 p.F531C was identified as the pathogenic mutation in patients with ARVC/D involving both ventricles, as a result of widened and impaired intercalated discs, interrupted myocardial fibers, and abnormally hyperplastic interstitial fibers, collagen fibers, and adipocytes.
High-Dose Cannabidiol Induced Hypotension after Global Hypoxia-Ischemia in Piglets
Authors: Garberg Håvard T. , Solberg Rønnaug , Barlinn Jon , Martinez-Orgado Jose , Løberg Else-Marit , Saugstad Ola Didrik
Published: May 2017

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD) is considered a promising neuroprotectant after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). We have previously studied the effects of CBD 1 mg/kg in the early phase after global HI in piglets. In contrast to prior studies, we found no evidence of neuroprotection and hypothesized that higher doses might be required to demonstrate efficacy in this animal model. Objective: To assess the safety and potential neuroprotective effects of high-dose CBD. Methods: Anesthetized newborn piglets underwent global HI by ventilation with 8% O2 until the point of severe metabolic acidosis (base excess -20 mmol/L) and/or hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure ≤20 mm Hg). Piglets were randomized to intravenous treatment with vehicle (n = 9) or CBD (n = 13). The starting dose, CBD 50 mg/kg, was reduced if adverse effects occurred. The piglets were euthanized 9.5 h after HI and tissue was collected for analysis. Results: CBD 50 mg/kg (n = 4) induced significant hypotension in 2 out of 4 piglets, and 1 out of 4 piglets suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. CBD 25 mg/kg (n = 4) induced significant hypotension in 1 out of 4 piglets, while 10 mg/kg (n = 5) was well tolerated. A significant negative correlation between the plasma concentration of CBD and hypotension during drug infusion was observed (p < 0.005). Neuroprotective effects were evaluated in piglets that did not display significant hypotension (n = 9) and CBD did not alter the degree of neuronal damage as measured by a neuropathology score, levels of the astrocytic marker S100B in CSF, magnetic resonance spectroscopy markers (Lac/NAA and Glu/NAA ratios), or plasma troponin T. Conclusions: High-dose CBD can induce severe hypotension and did not offer neuroprotection in the early phase after global HI in piglets.
Survey of Techniques Utilized to Access Ventricular Shunts and Reservoirs
Authors: Martinez Claudia I. , Fletcher Stephen , Shah Manish N. , Kerr Marcia L. , Sandberg David I.
Published: June 2017

Aims: This study assessed variations in pediatric neurosurgical technique when accessing shunts and ventricular access devices (VADs). Methods: A 12-question survey was developed and sent to members of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) whose self-identified subspecialty was pediatric neurosurgery. Results: Four hundred and twenty surveys were sent out, and 149 responses were received (35.5% response rate); 95.3% of respondents always use sterile gloves, 55.0% never use a sterile gown, and 69.8% always have a member of the neurosurgery team perform the procedure. The majority of respondents answered “sometimes” for use of a facemask (38.3%), sterile drapes (39.6%), site shaving (45.6%), having an attending present (68.5%), and having an assistant hold the patient's head (78.5%). The majority reported using a 23- or 25-gauge butterfly needle for site entry (96.6%), and betadine or ChloraPrep™ as the preferred antiseptic solution (64.4%). The frequency in which CSF is sent for analysis is not standardized in 31.5% of respondents, and wait time for the antiseptic solution to dry is not standardized in 62.4%. Conclusions: There is great variation in the technique for accessing shunts and VADs. Future studies are needed to assess whether these discrepancies affect infection rates.
Bilateral Hypopyon Uveitis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Tyagi Mudit , Govindhari Vishal , Pappuru Rajeev R. , Ambiya Vikas
Published: June 2017

Background: A leukemic hypopyon is considered an early sign of central nervous system involvement or systemic relapse. A differential diagnosis of masquerade syndromes should be considered in cases of hypopyon uveitis that are atypical or unresponsive to treatment. We report a case of a 45-year-old man who presented with bilateral hypopyon uveitis and was subsequently diagnosed as having chronic myeloid leukemia. Method: Retrospective case review. Results: A 45-year-old diabetic male presented with diminished vision in both eyes for 10 days. Ophthalmic evaluation revealed rubeosis iridis, hypopyon, and signs of proliferative diabetic retinopathy with panretinal laser photocoagulation scars. He subsequently presented 1 week later with a bloodstained hypopyon in his right eye and a persistent hypopyon in his left eye. A peripheral blood smear and subsequent bone marrow trephine biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis and he was referred to an oncologist for further management. Conclusion: A recalcitrant or atypical hypopyon uveitis can be an indicator of a blast crisis or a central nervous system involvement or sign of a relapse in cases of leukemia. The presence of unusual bloodstained hypopyon helped in identifying the presence of chronic myeloid leukemia and aided in a prompt oncology consultation.
The Role of Self-Collection by Vaginal Lavage for the Detection of HPV and High-Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Authors: de Melo Kuil Larissa , Lorenzi Adriana Tarla , Stein Maíra Degiovani , Resende Júlio César Possati , Antoniazzi Márcio , Longatto-Filho Adhemar , Scapulatempo-Neto Christóvam , Fregnani José Humberto Tavares Guerreiro
Published: May 2017

Objective: To compare the results of cervical cytology and high-risk HPV tests using samples obtained using two different collection modalities in a population of Brazilian women: self-collection (vaginal lavage) and cervical Pap testing. Methods: We enrolled 204 women who were aged 18-64 years and had previously obtained abnormal cervical cytology test results; 83.8% of them agreed to participate. The sample was divided into two aliquots: one for the cytological study and one for the molecular analysis of high-risk HPV. Results: Fifty-eight percent of the participants preferred to utilize self-collection as an alternative screening method. However, we noticed that the HPV positivity rate was significantly lower in self-collected samples when compared to those obtained using the conventional collection method (p = 0.035). The cytology tests of the samples obtained via self-collection were sensitive and had a positive predictive value and an area under the curve (AUC) that were significantly lower than those of the Pap test. However, the specificity and negative predictive value of these tests were similar. When compared with the HPV test, the self-collected samples demonstrated lower accuracy in predicting high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse, with a significantly lower sensitivity, positive predictive value, and AUC than the cervical Pap test samples. Conclusion: Self-collection by vaginal lavage is simple and well accepted by women. Due to its limitations, however, self-collection by lavage should be utilized with caution.
The Efficacy of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Improving Apathy in Chronic Stroke Patients
Authors: Sasaki Nobuyuki , Hara Takatoshi , Yamada Naoki , Niimi Masachika , Kakuda Wataru , Abo Masahiro
Published: June 2017

Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for hemiparesis is beneficial, so far no study has examined the usefulness of rTMS for apathy. Thirteen patients with chronic stroke were assigned randomly to 2 groups: rTMS group (n = 7) and sham stimulation group (n = 6). The patients received 5 sessions of either high-frequency rTMS over the region spanning from the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or sham stimulation for 5 days. The severity of apathy was evaluated using the Apathy Scale (AS) and the severity of depression was evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) serially before and after the 5-day protocol. The AS and QIDS scores were significantly improved in the rTMS group, although they were not changed in the sham stimulation group. The degree of change in the AS score was significantly greater in the rTMS group than that in the sham stimulation group. The degree of change in the QIDS score was greater in the rTMS group than that in the sham stimulation group, although the difference was not statistically significant. The application of high frequency rTMS over the dACC and mPFC may be a useful intervention for apathy due to stroke.