bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroinvertebrate community convergence between natural, rehabilitated, and created wetlands
Authors: Spadafora Elanor , Leslie Alan W. , Culler Lauren E. , Smith Robert F. , Staver Kenneth W. , Lamp William O.
Published: March 2016

Wetland restoration practices can include rehabilitating degraded wetlands or creating new wetlands. Empirical evidence is needed to determine if both rehabilitated and created wetlands can support the same macroinvertebrate communities as their natural counterparts. We measured long‐term macroinvertebrate community change in seasonal wetlands known as Delmarva Bays in Maryland, U.S.A. We compared a rehabilitated, a created, and a natural Delmarva Bay. We hypothesized that the created and rehabilitated wetlands would develop different macroinvertebrate communities. We also hypothesized that the community composition of the rehabilitated wetland would become more similar to that of the natural wetland than to that of the created wetland over 9 years encompassed by this study. We monitored the macroinvertebrates, including both predators and primary consumers, and environmental conditions in the three wetlands from March to August in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012. Cluster analysis indicated that from 2005 to 2007, the macroinvertebrate community of the rehabilitated wetland and the created wetland were more similar to each other than to the natural wetland. In 2012, the rehabilitated wetland was more similar to the natural wetland than to the created wetland. This similarity was driven principally by changes in the composition of primary consumer taxa. Our results suggest that rehabilitated Delmarva Bays are more likely to support a natural macroinvertebrate community than are created wetlands. Restoration practices that rehabilitate existing wetlands may be preferred over practices that create new wetlands when restoration project goals include developing natural macroinvertebrate communities in a short period of time.
Efficacy and safety of cryobiopsy versus forceps biopsy for interstitial lung diseases and lung tumours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ganganah Oormila , Guo Shu Liang , Chiniah Manu , Li Yi Shi
Published: March 2016

Forceps biopsy (FB) is the most commonly used diagnostic tool for lung pathologies. FB is associated with a high diagnostic failure rate. Cryobiopsy (CB) is a novel technique providing a larger specimen size, few artefacts, more alveolar parts and superior diagnostic yield. CB, however, has drawbacks such as higher bleeding and pneumothorax rate. We conducted a meta‐analysis to investigate the specimen area, diagnostic rate and bleeding severity in CB versus FB in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and lung tumours.

A systematic literature search of PUBMED, BIOSIS PREVIEW and OVID databases was conducted using specific search terms. Eligible studies including RCTs and non‐RCTs comparing cryobiopsy/cryotransbronchial biopsy (CB/CTBB) and forceps biopsy/forceps transbronchial biopsy (FB/FTBB) for specimen area, diagnostic rate and bleeding rate in ILDs and lung tumours were analysed. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated the quality of the studies.

Eight studies involving 916 patients were analysed. Specimen area (mm2) was significantly larger in CB/CTBB than FB/FTBB (standard mean difference = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (0.94, 1.48), P < 0.00001). The diagnostic rate was significantly higher in CB/CTBB than FB/FTBB (Risk ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval (1.16, 1.59), P = 0.0002). Three studies compared the bleeding severity with only one showing significantly more bleeding in CB.

Cryobiopsy/cryotransbronchial shows superiority to FB/FTBB for specimen area and diagnostic rate. CB/CTBB has better efficacy over FB/FTBB.
Bifurcation of Soliton Families from Linear Modes in Non‐‐Symmetric Complex Potentials
Authors: Nixon Sean D. , Yang Jianke
Published: March 2016

Continuous families of solitons in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with non‐‐symmetric complex potentials and general forms of nonlinearity are studied analytically. Under a weak assumption, it is shown that stationary equations for solitons admit a constant of motion if and only if the complex potential is of a special form , where is an arbitrary real function. Using this constant of motion, the second‐order complex soliton equation is reduced to a new second‐order real equation for the amplitude of the soliton. From this real soliton equation, a novel perturbation technique is employed to show that continuous families of solitons bifurcate out from linear discrete modes in these non‐‐symmetric complex potentials. All analytical results are corroborated by numerical examples.
Is the Framework of Cohn's ‘Tritope Model’ for How T Cell Receptors Recognize Peptide/Self‐MHC Complexes and Allo‐MHC Plausible?
Authors: Bretscher Peter A.
Published: March 2016

Cohn has developed the tritope model to describe how distinct domains of the T cell receptor (TcR) recognize peptide/self‐MHC complexes and allo‐MHC. He has over the years employed this model as a framework for considering how the TcR might mediate various signals [1–5]. In a recent publication [5], Cohn employs the Tritope Model to propose a detailed mechanism for the T cell receptor's involvement in positive thymic selection [5]. During a review of this proposal, I became uneasy over the plausibility of the underlying framework of the Tritope Model. I outline here the evolutionary considerations making me question this framework. I also suggest that the proposed framework underlying the Tritope Model makes strong predictions whose validity can most probably be assessed by considering observations reported in the literature.
Optimization of a Cruciform Specimen Geometry for the Identification of Constitutive Parameters Based Upon Full‐Field Measurements
Authors: Bertin M. B. R. , Hild F. , Roux S.
Published: March 2016

A methodology is proposed to optimize a specimen shape in a biaxial testing machine for the identification of constitutive laws based on full‐field measurements. Within the framework of finite element model updating and integrated digital image correlation, the covariance matrix of the identified material parameters due to acquisition noise is computed, and its minimization is the basis of the proposed shape optimization. Two models are investigated: first, a linear elastic law, and second, an elastoplastic law with linear kinematic hardening. Two optimal fillet radii sets are assessed for the two investigated laws based on the minimization of the identification uncertainty.
A novel HLA‐A*02 allele, A*02:543 was identified by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing in a Chinese cord blood donor
Authors: Dong L.‐N. , Chen N.‐Y. , Zhang W. , He J. , Zhu F.‐M.
Published: March 2016

HLA‐A*02:543 differ from HLA‐A*02:12 by two nucleotide substitutions.
Transcriptome dynamics of Arabidopsis during sequential biotic and abiotic stresses
Authors: Coolen Silvia , Proietti Silvia , Hickman Richard , Davila Olivas Nelson H. , Huang Ping‐Ping , Van Verk Marcel C. , Van Pelt Johan A. , Wittenberg Alexander H.J. , De Vos Martin , Prins Marcel , Van Loon Joop J.A. , Aarts Mark G.M. , Dicke Marcel , Pieterse Corné M.J. , Van Wees Saskia C.M.
Published: March 2016

In nature, plants have to cope with a wide range of stress conditions that often occur simultaneously or in sequence. To investigate how plants cope with multi‐stress conditions, we analyzed the dynamics of whole‐transcriptome profiles of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to six sequential double stresses inflicted by combinations of: (i) infection by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea, (ii) herbivory by chewing larvae of Pieris rapae, and (iii) drought stress. Each of these stresses induced specific expression profiles over time, in which one‐third of all differentially expressed genes was shared by at least two single stresses. Of these, 394 genes were differentially expressed during all three stress conditions, albeit often in opposite directions. When two stresses were applied in sequence, plants displayed transcriptome profiles that were very similar to the second stress, irrespective of the nature of the first stress. Nevertheless, significant first‐stress signatures could be identified in the sequential stress profiles. Bioinformatic analysis of the dynamics of co‐expressed gene clusters highlighted specific clusters and biological processes of which the timing of activation or repression was altered by a prior stress. The first‐stress signatures in second stress transcriptional profiles were remarkably often related to responses to phytohormones, strengthening the notion that hormones are global modulators of interactions between different types of stress. Because prior stresses can affect the level of tolerance against a subsequent stress (e.g. prior herbivory strongly affected resistance to B. cinerea), the first‐stress signatures can provide important leads for the identification of molecular players that are decisive in the interactions between stress response pathways.
Differential Use of the C‐Type Lectins L‐SIGN and DC‐SIGN for Phlebovirus Endocytosis
Authors: Léger Psylvia , Tetard Marilou , Youness Berthe , Cordes Nicole , Rouxel Ronan N. , Flamand Marie , Lozach Pierre‐Yves
Published: March 2016

Bunyaviruses represent a growing threat to humans and livestock globally. The receptors, cellular factors and endocytic pathways used by these emerging pathogens to infect cells remain largely unidentified and poorly characterized. DC‐SIGN is a C‐type lectin highly expressed on dermal dendritic cells that has been found to act as an authentic entry receptor for many phleboviruses (Bunyaviridae), including Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Toscana virus (TOSV) and Uukuniemi virus (UUKV). We found that these phleboviruses can exploit another C‐type lectin, L‐SIGN, for infection. L‐SIGN shares 77% sequence homology with DC‐SIGN and is expressed on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. L‐SIGN is required for UUKV binding but not for virus internalization. An endocytosis‐defective mutant of L‐SIGN was still able to mediate virus uptake and infection, indicating that L‐SIGN acts as an attachment receptor for phleboviruses rather than an endocytic receptor. Our results point out a fundamental difference in the use of the C‐type lectins L‐SIGN and DC‐SIGN by UUKV to enter cells, although both proteins are closely related in terms of molecular structure and biological function. This study sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms by which phleboviruses target the liver and also highlights the added complexity in virus–receptor interactions beyond attachment.
The use of rivaroxaban for the treatment of thrombotic complications in four dogs
Authors: Yang Vicky K. , Cunningham Suzanne M. , Rush John E. , de Laforcade Armelle
Published: March 2016

Objective

To describe the clinical use of rivaroxaban in the treatment of 4 dogs with vascular thrombosis, 2 with pulmonary thromboembolism and 2 with systemic thrombosis.

Case Series Summary

This report describes the use of a direct factor Xa anticoagulant newly approved in human patients for the treatment or prevention of arterial or venous thrombosis. The use of this medication in a clinical setting for canine patients with thromboembolism has not been described before. Two patients were treated with rivaroxaban for pulmonary thromboembolism. Decreases in thrombus size were seen in both patients, but one patient suffered acute respiratory distress and was euthanized while the other continued to do well at the time of this writing. The other 2 patients were treated for systemic thrombosis. Decreases in thrombus size were also noted. One patient later suffered hematochezia of unknown cause, and the other continued to do well at the time of this writing.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first published report of the use of a new oral direct factor Xa anticoagulant in dogs in a clinical setting for the treatment of both pulmonary and systemic thrombosis. In this case series, we share our limited experience in the use of this new medication, our strategy in determining appropriate dosages, and our monitoring protocol.
Comparison of topically applied flurbiprofen or bromfenac ophthalmic solution on post‐operative ocular hypertension in canine patients following cataract surgery
Authors: Lu Jennifer , English Robert , Nadelstein Brad , Weigt Anne , Berdoulay Andrew , Binder Dan , Ngan Esther
Published: March 2016

Objective

To compare the prevalence and kinetics of ocular hypertension after routine cataract extraction when using a predominatelyCOX‐2 inhibitor (bromfenac) versus a predominatelyCOX‐1 inhibitor (flurbiprofen) in combination with a topical corticosteroid.

Procedures

Patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral cataract surgery were randomly assigned to receive flurbiprofen or bromfenac at the day of surgery and continued for 6 weeks postoperatively, along with topical neo poly dexamethasone. No systemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications were administered before or after surgery. Intraocular pressure was monitored pre and postoperatively. When anIOPof >25 mmHg was detected, therapeutic intervention was performed.

Results

Eyes in both treatment groups showed a similarIOPprofile with the highest meanIOPoccurring two hours postsurgery and slowly declining during the next 6 weeks. However, eyes receiving bromfenac had a higher meanIOPat 2 h post‐op (22.1 mmHg) than eyes receiving flurbiprofen (18.8 mmHg) and a slower decrease inIOPin the weeks after surgery. Over the course of the study, a higher percentage of eyes receiving bromfenac had therapy discontinued over concerns of elevatedIOPcompared to eyes receiving flurbiprofen (bromfenac 23.1% and flurbiprofen 9.8%). On average, the risk of having elevated intraocular pressure with bromfenac is 1.04 times higher than with flurbiprofen.

Conclusion

Elevated postoperativeIOPwas observed in both treatment groups; however, bromfenac‐treated eyes were more likely to require intervention for elevatedIOP.
The effectiveness of old and new strategies for the long‐term control of Pteridium aquilinum, an 8‐year test
Authors: Milligan G , Cox E S , Alday J G , Santana V M , McAllister H A , Pakeman R J , Le Duc M G , Marrs R H
Published: March 2016

There is a need for management strategies to control dominant perennial weeds and restore seminatural communities. We compared the effects of five weed control treatments on dense Pteridium aquilinum relative to an untreated experimental control over an 8‐year period with the aim of restoring acid grassland. The weed control treatments tested were as follows: cutting and bruising, both twice and thrice annually, and herbicide treatment (asulam in year 1 followed by annual spot retreatment of all emergent fronds). Pteridium aquilinum performance and plant species composition were monitored. Data were analysed using Bayesian mixed‐effect models and multivariate techniques. Cutting twice and thrice yearly and the asulam treatment all reduced frond density to zero; both bruising treatments were ineffective. The plant communities in the cut and asulam‐treated plots showed differences from the untreated and bruised plots; the asulam‐treated plots contained more ruderal species and the cut plots were more typical of acid grassland. Acid grassland recovery was fastest in the asulam‐treated plots, but the cut plots caught up after approximately 5 years. There were two important conclusions. First, an intractable weed like P. aquilinum can be eradicated and a vegetation more suited for grazing can be achieved by the continuous application of some treatments over many years. Here, success was achieved by cutting twice/thrice annually, or by a single asulam application followed by annual spot spraying of all emergent fronds for 8 years. Second, bruising, a treatment favoured by some conservation organisations, did not work and cannot be recommended. The use of long‐term, continuously applied treatments might be considered for all perennial weeds with large underground root/rhizome systems.
Propagule pressure cannot always overcome biotic resistance: the role of density‐dependent establishment in four invasive species
Authors: Barney J N , Ho M W , Atwater D Z
Published: March 2016

Successful invasions result from species functional traits interacting with the receiving community. Some have proposed that propagule pressure, or the size and number of introductions, can overcome high invasion resistance. However, few studies empirically investigate the relationship among functional traits, community composition, and propagule pressure. Here, we empirically examined how propagule pressure influenced the invasive success of four species in four resident communities (bare ground, grass‐only, forb‐only, and full resident community). The four species represented both small‐ and large‐seeded grasses and forbs, and propagule sizes (the number of individuals in an introduction event) ranged from 16 to 160 000 seeds m−2. Invasion probability varied among species and communities and was strongly influenced by the propagule size. The large‐seeded species had the highest invasion success in all communities, while the grasses did as well or better, respectively, in the grass‐only and bare ground communities. However, contrary to existing assumptions, we found that the establishment probability of individual seeds decreased exponentially with increasing propagule size. Therefore, increased propagule pressure was subjected to severely diminishing returns on invasiveness. Thus, while propagule pressure played a role in determining invasion success, it was not always able to overcome communities with high invasion resistance, particularly for species that experienced strong density‐dependent inhibition. The role of propagule pressure in invasion is more complex than previously thought and may present important trade‐offs for bet‐hedging colonisation strategies.
Insights into the mechanisms underlying colonic motor patterns
Authors: Spencer Nick J. , Dinning Phil G. , Brookes Simon J. , Costa Marcello
Published: March 2016

In recent years there have been significant technical and methodological advances in our ability to record the movements of the gastrointestinal tract. This has led to significant changes in our understanding of the different types of motor patterns that exist in the gastrointestinal tract (particularly the large intestine) and in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their generation. Compared with other tubular smooth muscle organs, a rich variety of motor patterns occurs in the large intestine. This reflects a relatively autonomous nervous system in the gut wall, which has its own unique population of sensory neurons. Although the enteric nervous system can function independently of central neural inputs, under physiological conditions bowel motility is influenced by the CNS: if spinal pathways are disrupted, deficits in motility occur. The combination of high resolution manometry and video imaging has improved our knowledge of the range of motor patterns and provided some insight into the neural and mechanical factors underlying propulsion of contents. The neural circuits responsible for the generation of peristalsis and colonic migrating motor complexes have now been identified to lie within the myenteric plexus and do not require inputs from the mucosa or submucosal ganglia for their generation, but can be modified by their activity. This review will discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the different patterns of propagating motor activity in the large intestine of mammals and how latest technologies have led to major changes in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their generation.

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Variability of the Sheep Lung Microbiota
Authors: Glendinning Laura , Wright Steven , Pollock Jolinda , Tennant Peter , Collie David , McLachlan Gerry
Published: March 2016

Sequencing technologies have recently facilitated the characterization of bacterial communities present in lungs during health and disease. However, there is currently a dearth of information concerning the variability of such data in health both between and within subjects. This study seeks to examine such variability using healthy adult sheep as our model system. Protected specimen brush samples were collected from three spatially disparate segmental bronchi of six adult sheep (age, 20 months) on three occasions (day 0, 1 month, and 3 months). To further explore the spatial variability of the microbiotas, more-extensive brushing samples (
n
= 16) and a throat swab were taken from a separate sheep. The V2 and V3 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced via Illumina MiSeq. DNA sequences were analyzed using the mothur software package. Quantitative PCR was performed to quantify total bacterial DNA. Some sheep lungs contained dramatically different bacterial communities at different sampling sites, whereas in others, airway microbiotas appeared similar across the lung. In our spatial variability study, we observed clustering related to the depth within the lung from which samples were taken. Lung depth refers to increasing distance from the glottis, progressing in a caudal direction. We conclude that both host influence and local factors have impacts on the composition of the sheep lung microbiota.

IMPORTANCE
Until recently, it was assumed that the lungs were a sterile environment which was colonized by microbes only during disease. However, recent studies using sequencing technologies have found that there is a small population of bacteria which exists in the lung during health, referred to as the “lung microbiota.” In this study, we characterize the variability of the lung microbiotas of healthy sheep. Sheep not only are economically important animals but also are often used as large animal models of human respiratory disease. We conclude that, while host influence does play a role in dictating the types of microbes which colonize the airways, it is clear that local factors also play an important role in this regard. Understanding the nature and influence of these factors will be key to understanding the variability in, and functional relevance of, the lung microbiota.
Glucocorticoids and chronotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cutolo Maurizio
Published: March 2016

It is evident that the morning symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are linked to the circadian abnormal increase in night inflammation, favoured by inadequate cortisol secretion under conditions of active disease. Therefore, exogenous glucocorticoid treatment is recommended in RA at low doses since it may partially act like a ‘replacement therapy’. The prevention/treatment of the night upregulation of the immune/inflammatory reaction (and related flare of cytokine synthesis) has been shown to be more effective when exogenous glucocorticoid administration is obtained with a night-time-release formulation. Large-scale trials documented that modified-release prednisone has greater efficacy then morning prednisone for long-term low-dose glucocorticoid treatment in patients with RA, showing at least a more significant reduction in morning joint stiffness. Interestingly, despite a considerably higher cost than conventional prednisone, chronotherapy with night-time-release prednisone was recognised as a cost-effective option for patients with RA not on glucocorticoids who are eligible for therapy with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Moreover, since different cell populations involved in the inflammatory process are particularly activated during the night, other therapeutical approaches used in RA, for example, conventional DMARDs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), should follow the same concepts of glucocorticoid chronotherapy. Indeed, bedtime methotrexate chronotherapy was found to improve RA symptoms compared to the current standard dosing methods, and several available NSAIDs (ie, indomethacin, aceclofenac, ketoprofen, flurbiporfen, lornoxicam) have been very recently modified in their formulation, in order to obtain chronotherapeutical effects in RA.
Multifocal metastatic cutaneous and mucosal transmissible venereal tumour in a female puppy
Authors: Laporte Carine M , Jaffe Tracy , Loeffler Diana , Lewis Thomas P , Schick Anthea Elliot
Published: March 2016

An eight‐month old female entire mixed breed dog in Arizona was presented for a 15‐day history of multifocal cutaneous nodules and plaques, with progressive stertor, anorexia, haemorrhagic gingival masses, peripheral lymphadenopathy and mild haemorrhagic vaginal discharge without obvious genital masses. Fine needle aspirate cytology was consistent with multifocal cutaneous and mucosal canine transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) with peripheral lymph node metastases. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis. Eight weekly treatments with 0.5 mg/m2 intravenous vincristine resulted in complete clinical resolution, without relapse five months after treatment. The classic presentation of TVT is of adult dogs with genital tumours and low metastatic rate. This report describes an unusual presentation in a puppy with multifocal, extragenital, metastatic, cutaneous and mucosal TVT. In doing so, it underscores the importance of recognising less common presentations of TVT, as well as diagnostic cytological and histopathological findings, as prognosis for cure is excellent with treatment.
Long-term aging effect on rheological properties of combined binders from various polymers with ground tire rubber
Authors: Xu Ouming , Xiao Feipeng , Amirkhanian Serji N. , Liu Yamin , Han Sen
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term aging effect on the rheological properties of the modified PG 76-22/PG 76-16 binders produced from ground tire rubber (GTR) with various polymers after a long-term aging process. The tests included the investigation of G*sinδ, phase angle, amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, creep and creep recovery and stress relaxation in terms of three base binders and five polymers. The test results indicated that both base binder and polymer type affect the fatigue resistance, creep and creep recovery, viscoelastic property, and relaxation characteristic of each modified binder. In addition, terminally blended GTR binder has better fatigue resistance than laboratory blended GTR binder after a long-term aging procedure in this study. It seems that binders modified with polyphosphoric acid combined with 7% GTR exhibit more elastic properties and better rheological properties than other modified binders regardless of binder sources.
Characterization of microRNAs and their targets in wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum) using deep sequencing
Authors: Deng Pingchuan , Bian Jianxin , Yue Hong , Feng Kewei , Wang Mengxing , Du Xianghong , Weining Song , Nie Xiaojun
Published: March 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small, endogenous RNAs that play a negative regulatory role in various developmental and metabolic processes of plants. Wild barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum), as the progenitor of cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare), has served as a valuable germplasm resource for barley genetic improvement. To survey miRNAs in wild barley, we sequenced the small RNA library prepared from wild barley using the Illumina deep sequencing technology. A total of 70 known miRNAs and 18 putative novel miRNAs were identified. Sequence analysis revealed that all of the miRNAs identified in wild barley contained the highly conserved hairpin sequences found in barley cultivars. MiRNA target predictions showed that 12 out of 52 miRNA families were predicted to target transcription factors, including 8 highly conserved miRNA families in plants and 4 wheat–barley conserved miRNA families. In addition to transcription factors, other predicted target genes were involved in diverse physiological and metabolic processes and stress defense. Our study for the first time reported the large-scale investigation of small RNAs in wild barley, which will provide essential information for understanding the regulatory role of miRNAs in wild barley and also shed light on future practical utilization of miRNAs for barley improvement.
Myocardial reverse remodeling: how far can we rewind?
Authors: Rodrigues Patrícia G. , Leite-Moreira Adelino F. , Falcão-Pires Inês
Published: March 2016

Heart failure (HF) is a systemic disease that can be divided into HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF accounts for over 50% of all HF patients and is typically associated with high prevalence of several comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary hypertension, obesity, and atrial fibrillation. Myocardial remodeling occurs both in HFrEF and HFpEF and it involves changes in cardiac structure, myocardial composition, and myocyte deformation and multiple biochemical and molecular alterations that impact heart function and its reserve capacity. Understanding the features of myocardial remodeling has become a major objective for limiting or reversing its progression, the latter known as reverse remodeling (RR). Research on HFrEF RR process is broader and has delivered effective therapeutic strategies, which have been employed for some decades. However, the RR process in HFpEF is less clear partly due to the lack of information on HFpEF pathophysiology and to the long list of failed standard HF therapeutics strategies in these patient's outcomes. Nevertheless, new proteins, protein-protein interactions, and signaling pathways are being explored as potential new targets for HFpEF remodeling and RR. Here, we review recent translational and clinical research in HFpEF myocardial remodeling to provide an overview on the most important features of RR, comparing HFpEF with HFrEF conditions.
Possible Interaction of Anti–PD-1 Therapy with the Effects of Radiosurgery on Brain Metastases
Authors: Alomari Ahmed K. , Cohen Justine , Vortmeyer Alexander O. , Chiang Anne , Gettinger Scott , Goldberg Sarah , Kluger Harriet M. , Chiang Veronica L.
Published: March 2016

Delayed radiation-induced vasculitic leukoencephalopathy related to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of brain metastases has been reported to manifest clinically 9 to 18 months after treatment. Immune-modulating therapies have been introduced to treatment regimens for malignancies with metastatic predilection to the brain. The interaction of these systemic therapies with other modalities of treatment for brain metastases, namely, SRS, has not been fully characterized. We report two patients with metastatic malignancies to the brain who received SRS followed by immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to programmed death 1 (PD-1). Both patients appeared to have early clinical and radiologic progression of their treated lesions, which was highly suspicious for tumor progression. Both patients underwent surgical resection of their lesions and the material was submitted for histopathologic examination. Pathologic examination in both cases showed predominantly radiation-induced changes characterized by reactive astrocytosis and vascular wall infiltration by T lymphocytes. The accelerated response to SRS in these two patients was temporally related to the initiation of immunotherapy. We propose a possible biologic interaction between SRS and the PD-1 mAbs. Additionally, awareness of this potential occurrence is critical for accurate interpretation and proper management of clinical and radiologic findings in these patients. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(6); 481–7. ©2016 AACR.
Mechano-Pharmacological Characterization of Cardiomyocytes Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Goßmann Matthias , Frotscher Ralf , Linder Peter , Neumann Stephan , Bayer Robin , Epple Matthias , Staat Manfred , (Temiz) Artmann Ayșegül , Artmann Gerhard M.
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Common systems for the quantification of cellular contraction rely on animal-based models, complex experimental setups or indirect approaches. The herein presented CellDrum technology for testing mechanical tension of cellular monolayers and thin tissue constructs has the potential to scale-up mechanical testing towards medium-throughput analyses. Using hiPS-Cardiac Myocytes (hiPS-CMs) it represents a new perspective of drug testing and brings us closer to personalized drug medication. Methods: In the present study, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown on ultra-thin circular silicone membranes and deflect under the weight of the culture medium. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-CMs induced variations of the membrane deflection. The recorded contraction-relaxation-cycles were analyzed with respect to their amplitudes, durations, time integrals and frequencies. Besides unstimulated force and tensile stress, we investigated the effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca2+ channels (S-Bay K8644/verapamil) and Na+ channels (veratridine/lidocaine). Results: The measured data and simulations for pharmacologically unstimulated contraction resembled findings in native human heart tissue, while the pharmacological dose-response curves were highly accurate and consistent with reference data. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of the CellDrum with hiPS-CMs offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological, toxicological studies and offers new preclinical basic research potential.
Tripartite Motif Protein 72 Regulates the Proliferation and Migration of Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts via the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Jianquan , Lei Han
Published: March 2016

Background: The proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts are critical for the progress of cardiac fibrosis. Tripartite motif protein 72 (Trim72), also known as MG53, mediates the dynamic process of membrane fusion and exocytosis in striated muscle. However, the role of Trim72 in the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts is unknown. Methods: In the present study, we used small interference RNA (siRNA) to silence Trim72 and then investigated the effects of Trim72 on cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration, which were activated during cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from 2- to 3-day-old neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats and transfected with siRNA. A cell-counting assay was used to determine the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. A Boyden chamber assay was performed to determine the migration of cardiac fibroblasts. Results: Our study has, for the first time, demonstrated that Trim72 regulates the cell proliferation and migration of rat cardiac fibroblasts. Furthermore, the data from the gene expression profile microarray analysis indicate that Trim72 depletion can cause downregulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway, suggesting that Trim72 regulates the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts probably via the TGF-β signaling pathway. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that Trim72 might play a pivotal role in the proliferation of neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts, which could be a potential target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. However, the involvement of other signaling pathways and factors in the formation of cardiac fibrosis cannot be excluded.
Reed's Syndrome: A Case of Multiple Cutaneous Leiomyomas Treated with Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy
Authors: Basendwh Mohammad A. , Fatani Mohammad , Baltow Badee
Published: March 2016

Reed's syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Affected individuals are at increased risk of developing benign smooth muscle tumors in the skin and uterus. In this article, we report a case of a 52-year-old female who presented to our dermatology clinic complaining of painful skin lesions on her right arm, left forearm and trunk. The patient had a past medical history of uterine leiomyomatosis for which she underwent hysterectomy 17 years ago. The patient's family history revealed that her mother, 2 sisters and 2 maternal aunts also had uterine leiomyomas. The diagnosis of Reed's syndrome was confirmed by histopathologic examination of the patient's dermal lesion in conjunction with her surgical and family histories. Five years after the initial presentation, the patient underwent treatment with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for the dermal leiomyomas. After the treatment, marked improvement was noticed with regard to the pain and size of the skin lesions.
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve-in-Valve Implantation for the Treatment of Dysfunctional Surgical Bioprosthetic Valves
Authors: McElhinney Doff B. , Cabalka Allison K. , Aboulhosn Jamil A. , Eicken Andreas , Boudjemline Younes , Schubert Stephan , Himbert Dominique , Asnes Jeremy D. , Salizzoni Stefano , Bocks Martin L. , Cheatham John P. , Momenah Tarek S. , Kim Dennis W. , Schranz Dietmar , Meadows Jeffery , Thomson John D.R. , Goldstein Bryan H. , Crittendon Ivory , Fagan Thomas E. , Webb John G. , Horlick Eric , Delaney Jeffrey W. , Jones Thomas K. , Shahanavaz Shabana , Moretti Carolina , Hainstock Michael R. , Kenny Damien P. , Berger Felix , Rihal Charanjit S. , Dvir Danny
Published: March 2016

Background—

Off-label use of transcatheter aortic and pulmonary valve prostheses for tricuspid valve-in-valve implantation (TVIV) within dysfunctional surgical tricuspid valve (TV) bioprostheses has been described in small reports.

Methods and Results—

An international, multicenter registry was developed to collect data on TVIV cases. Patient-related factors, procedural details and outcomes, and follow-up data were analyzed. Valve-in-ring or heterotopic TV implantation procedures were not included. Data were collected on 156 patients with bioprosthetic TV dysfunction who underwent catheterization with planned TVIV. The median age was 40 years, and 71% of patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV. Among 152 patients in whom TVIV was attempted with a Melody (n=94) or Sapien (n=58) valve, implantation was successful in 150, with few serious complications. After TVIV, both the TV inflow gradient and tricuspid regurgitation grade improved significantly. During follow-up (median, 13.3 months), 22 patients died, 5 within 30 days; all 22 patients were in New York Heart Association class III or IV, and 9 were hospitalized before TVIV. There were 10 TV reinterventions, and 3 other patients had significant recurrent TV dysfunction. At follow-up, 77% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I or II (
P
<0.001 versus before TVIV). Outcomes did not differ according to surgical valve size or TVIV valve type.

Conclusions—

TVIV with commercially available transcatheter prostheses is technically and clinically successful in patients of various ages across a wide range of valve size. Although preimplantation clinical status was associated with outcome, many patients in New York Heart Association class III or IV at baseline improved. TVIV should be considered a viable option for treatment of failing TV bioprostheses.
Talking past each other: Regional and domestic resistance in the Burundian intervention scene
Authors: Wodrig Stefanie , Grauvogel Julia
Published: March 2016

Peacebuilding attempts invoke a considerable amount of friction. In this article we argue that these frictional encounters can be made visible by focusing on articulations of resistance voiced by different actors in the intervention scene, including national elites and interveners. Departing from the discussion of the regionally led facilitation in Burundi, we show that the respective national elites and African interveners referred to different scales in order to legitimise their resistance: the Great Lakes Peace Initiative for Burundi resisted sedimented continental practices as well as international attempts to impose their conceptions of peace, whereas the Burundian elites repeatedly rejected regionally sponsored ‘solutions’ with reference to the domestic situation. Drawing on interviews with and statements by diverse national and regional forces, we show how claims to resist were articulated with respect to different spatial reference points and thereby explore how regional and domestic actors talked past each other.
Effect of pre-curing process on epoxy resin foaming using carbon dioxide as blowing agent
Authors: Lyu Jiaxun , Liu Tao , Xi Zhenhao , Zhao Ling
Published: March 2016

A thermosetting epoxy resin system consisting of diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and m-xylylenediamine (MXDA) was successfully foamed by carbon dioxide (CO2) using two-step batch process. Isothermal curing kinetics of epoxy system was developed to help control the pre-curing degree of resin under different pre-curing conditions. Samples with different pre-curing degrees were prepared and then foamed via temperature-rising foaming process. It was found that the pre-curing degree was a crucial index for the foamability of epoxy resin. The effects of pre-curing conditions on curing reaction as well as further foaming results were investigated, and the results showed that the pre-curing degree from 37.7% to 46.3% was the proper foaming range for the chosen epoxy resin. With increasing pre-curing degrees from 37.7% to 51.6%, viscosity and elasticity of pre-cured resins increased, and correspondingly, average cell size of epoxy foams decreased from 329.8 µm to 60.8 µm while cell density increased from 1.4 × 105 cells/cm3 to 8.6 × 105 cells/cm3. Furthermore, the foamed samples with the same pre-curing degree had similar cell morphology regardless of pre-curing conditions.
Endogenous networks and international cooperation
Authors: Gallop Max B
Published: March 2016

The rise of social network analyses in the social sciences has allowed empirical work to better account for interdependencies among actors and among their actions. However, this work has been, to a large extent, descriptive: it has treated these actions as exogenous and immutable. In many cases these networks describe actions like alliance formation or trade – phenomena that are the outcome variables for programs of social scientific research. In this article, I attempt to account for both interdependencies and the endogenous nature of networks by incorporating formal theory, helping answer the question of how these networks arise by looking at the incentives of actors to form links with each other. I discuss the appropriate solution concept for a network formation game, and present an algorithm for finding the equilibrium of these networks computationally as well as ways to compare the theoretical networks to observed networks in order to evaluate the fit of the theory. I apply these methods to the study of international cooperation – a subject where both the interdependencies and purposive nature of actors must be accounted for. The theoretical network is able to reproduce a number of important observed characteristics. Still, there are more factors that must be accounted for if we want to understand how the network of international cooperation is formed.
The effects of shocks on international networks
Authors: Maoz Zeev , Joyce Kyle A
Published: March 2016

We study the effects of shocks – such as major wars that change states’ strategic environments – on alliance networks. This has important implications for the structure of security cooperation networks. We develop an agent-based model (ABM) that: (1) models network evolution processes of security cooperation networks; (2) induces shocks that cause significant changes in agents’ utilities due to shifts in common interests between states; (3) analyzes how networks reorganize in the post-shock period. We derive propositions from the ABM about the relationship between shock attributes and network structure. We compare the results of the ABM to similar shocks that operate on real-world alliance networks. The ABM results with random network data suggest that states that experience dramatic changes in their strategic environment increase network connectivity and consistency. Consequently, post-shock networks become increasingly connected (denser) and consistent (transitive). With a few notable exceptions, these results are corroborated by analysis of alliance network reorganization following shocks. We discuss the theoretical and empirical implications of the results and offer directions for future research on shocks and international networks.
Suicide notes and cadaveric organ donation
Authors: Behera C , Krishna Karthik , Kumar R
Published: March 2016

A suicide note is an important tool for medico-legal investigation on the manner and circumstances surrounding the death. It can also act as a facilitator for organ donation when the victim expresses their wish to do so. This article cites four examples, where the victims had specifically mentioned a “last wish” to donate their organs. The importance of such “expressed consent” in suicide notes is discussed. Such observations are not found in available scientific literature and are of importance in countries where there is a long waiting list for organ recipients and a very large number of suicidal deaths.
Deprivation and Social Support in Mental Health of Welfare Recipients in Japan
Authors: Yoshizumi Takahiro , Mizutani Seiko , Yamada Soshiro
Published: March 2016

Although many Western studies examining the mental health of welfare recipients exist, Japanese welfare recipients have been overlooked. This study investigated mental health among welfare recipients in Japan and relations with a sense of deprivation of life's necessities and social support. Participants ( n = 305) completed the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Proportional Deprivation Index, and a social support scale. Participants' GHQ-12 scores exceeded those of the general public, as 54.9% scored above the cut-off, suggesting poorer mental health among welfare recipients than the general population. Proportional Deprivation Index and emotional support from relatives and friends were associated with GHQ-12 scores. These results suggest that while chronic deprivation is associated with poorer mental health among welfare recipients, receiving emotional support may help cope with distress and maintain mental health.
Log-likelihood-based Pseudo-R2 in Logistic Regression
Authors: Hemmert Giselmar A. J. , Schons Laura M. , Wieseke Jan , Schimmelpfennig Heiko
Published: March 2016

The literature proposes numerous so-called pseudo- R2 measures for evaluating “goodness of fit” in regression models with categorical dependent variables. Unlike ordinary least square- R2, log-likelihood-based pseudo- R2s do not represent the proportion of explained variance but rather the improvement in model likelihood over a null model. The multitude of available pseudo- R2 measures and the absence of benchmarks often lead to confusing interpretations and unclear reporting. Drawing on a meta-analysis of 274 published logistic regression models as well as simulated data, this study investigates fundamental differences of distinct pseudo- R2 measures, focusing on their dependence on basic study design characteristics. Results indicate that almost all pseudo- R2s are influenced to some extent by sample size, number of predictor variables, and number of categories of the dependent variable and its distribution asymmetry. Hence, an interpretation by goodness-of-fit benchmark values must explicitly consider these characteristics. The authors derive a set of goodness-of-fit benchmark values with respect to ranges of sample size and distribution of observations for this measure. This study raises awareness of fundamental differences in characteristics of pseudo- R2s and the need for greater precision in reporting these measures.