bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA18: The post-transcriptional response to bulky-adduct DNA damage
Authors: Willis Anne E.
Published: May 2017

Under conditions of physiological cell stress, including those that are found within a tumor cell and following treatment with chemotoxic drugs that cause DNA damage, post-transcriptional control pathways are initiated to aid cell survival. Global rates of protein synthesis are reduced by altering the phosphorylation status of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), leading to decreases in the levels of ternary complex (required to bring the initiator Met-tRNAi to the 40S ribosomal subunit) and eIF4F complex (which binds to the 7methyl G cap). In parallel with protein synthesis shut down there is reprogramming of the translatome to allow the translation of “survival” mRNAs, which is mediated by RNA motifs within their 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) and their interaction with RNA binding proteins. Interestingly, the data show that this re-programming of the translatome is dependent upon the type of DNA damage initiated. For example, we have shown that following treatment with agents that cause bulky-adduct DNA damage, such a platinum-based compounds (cisplatin, oxaliplatin) or mitomycin C, the polysomes are enriched with mRNAs that encode enzymes that function in nucleotide excision repair. We have shown that these mRNAs contain regulatory upstream open reading frames (uORFs). Importantly, we have identified a common polymorphism in an uORF in the 5' UTR of the critical DNA repair enzyme ERCC5 and show that this determines sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy by controlling ERCC5 translation. Signaling from DNA-PKcs to eIF2 is required as part of this response, and modulation of this pathway alters the synthesis of critical repair enzymes and can chemosensitize cells to treatment with platinum-based compounds. We have used RNA-interactome capture to examine changes in the interactions of RNA binding proteins with their target mRNAs following bulky adduct-DNA damage and have identified a cytoplasmic RNA-BP complex that responds specifically to this type of DNA damage.

Citation Format: Anne E. Willis. The post-transcriptional response to bulky-adduct DNA damage. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translational Control of Cancer: A New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapy; 2016 Oct 27-30; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA18.
Abstract IA23: eIF4E as anti-cancer target
Authors: Wagner Gerhard , Papadopoulos Evangelos , Yi Tingfang , Leger-Abraham Melissa , Sekiyama Naotaka
Published: May 2017

The interaction of the cap-binding protein eIF4E with eIF4G is central for recruiting the small ribosomal subunit to the 5' end of mRNA. This interaction is regulated by the competitive interaction with the 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs). Genome analyses have shown that mRNAs coding for proto-oncogenes, transcription factors, translation factors, growth factors and their receptors have statistically long 5' UTRs with large negative free energies estimated with mfold. Translation of these genes thus, depends heavily on an efficient translation-initiation machinery. This is in contrast to 5' TOP mRNAs and highly expressed genes with expression controlled at the transcription level that have small negative free estimated with mfold. Consistently, overexpression of 4E-BP1 has been shown to suppress tumor growth in mouse xenografts. In a high-throughput screen of compound libraries we discovered a small molecule that mimics the action of 4E-BP1 by displacing eIF4G from eIF4E. Surprisingly, the compound does not displace 4E-BP1 but rather stabilizes its binding both in vitro and in vivo. To understand this effect we have solved crystal structures of complexes between eIF4E and several inhibitor analogs. In addition, we determined the structure of eIF4E in complex with a long fragment of 4E-BP1. These data revealed the dual mechanism of the compound displacing the tumor promoter eIF4G while stabilizing the tumor suppressor 4E-BP1. Furthermore, we investigated the activities of 4EGI-1 aggressive breast cancer cells that have properties of cancer stem cells and find that the compound specifically suppresses the aggressive properties of these cancer cells. In addition, we discovered that eIF4E is transcriptionally upregulated in hypoxia as it promoter contains hypoxia response elements utilized by Hif1a. Finally, we tested 4EGI-1 against a panel of ~1000 cancer cell lines and tested the global impact on Jurkat cells in a proteomics approach.

Citation Format: Gerhard Wagner, Evangelos Papadopoulos, Tingfang Yi, Melissa Leger-Abraham, Naotaka Sekiyama. eIF4E as anti-cancer target. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translational Control of Cancer: A New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapy; 2016 Oct 27-30; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA23.
Abstract IA25: Third-generation inhibitors of mTOR
Authors: Shokat Kevan M.
Published: May 2017

Precision medicines exert selective pressure on tumor cells that leads to the preferential growth of resistant subpopulations, necessitating the development of next-generation therapies to treat the evolving cancer. The PIK3CA–AKT–mTOR pathway is one of the most commonly activated pathways in human cancers, which has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors that target various nodes in the pathway. Among these agents, first-generation mTOR inhibitors (rapalogs) have caused responses in “N-of-1” cases, and second-generation mTOR kinase inhibitors (TORKi) are currently in clinical trials. Here we seek to delineate the likely resistance mechanisms to existing mTOR inhibitors in human cell lines, as a guide for next-generation therapies. The mechanism of resistance to the TORKi was unusual in that intrinsic kinase activity of mTOR was increased, rather than a direct active-site mutation interfering with drug binding. Indeed, identical drug-resistant mutations have been also identified in drug-naive patients, suggesting that tumors with activating MTOR mutations will be intrinsically resistant to second-generation mTOR inhibitors. We report the development of a new class of mTOR inhibitors that overcomes resistance to existing first- and second-generation inhibitors. The third-generation mTOR inhibitor exploits the unique juxtaposition of two drug-binding pockets to create a bivalent interaction that allows inhibition of these resistant mutants.

Citation Format: Kevan M. Shokat. Third-generation inhibitors of mTOR. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translational Control of Cancer: A New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapy; 2016 Oct 27-30; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA25.
Abstract B43: Towards a Cancer Dependency Map
Authors: Tsherniak Aviad , Vazquez Francisca , Weir Barbara , Montgomery Philip , Cowley Glenn , Gill Stanley , Kryukov Gregory , Pantel Sasha , Harrington Will , Burger Mike , Meyers Robin , Ali Levi , Goodale Amy , Lee Yenarae , Garraway Levi , Boehm Jesse , Root David , Golub Todd , Hahn William
Published: May 2017

This abstract is being presented as a short talk in the scientific program. A full abstract is printed in the Proffered Abstracts section (PR02) of the Conference Proceedings.

Citation Format: Aviad Tsherniak, Francisca Vazquez, Barbara Weir, Philip Montgomery, Glenn Cowley, Stanley Gill, Gregory Kryukov, Sasha Pantel, Will Harrington, Mike Burger, Robin Meyers, Levi Ali, Amy Goodale, Yenarae Lee, Levi Garraway, Jesse Boehm, David Root, Todd Golub, William Hahn. Towards a Cancer Dependency Map. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Targeting the Vulnerabilities of Cancer; May 16-19, 2016; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2017;23(1_Suppl):Abstract nr B43.
Genomics of Cardiometabolic Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adebamowo Sally N. , Tekola-Ayele Fasil , Adeyemo Adebowale A. , Rotimi Charles N.
Published: May 2017

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a growing burden of cardiometabolic disorders, including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The increasing trends are expected to accelerate as SSA continues to experience economic progress, population growth, and the shift from communicable to noncommunicable diseases. These complex disorders are caused by multiple, potentially interacting, environmental, and genetic factors. While considerable progress has been made in the identification of the sociocultural, demographic, and lifestyle risk factors for cardiometabolic disorders, many genetic factors that underlie individual susceptibility to these diseases remain largely unknown. Although progress in genomic technologies has allowed for systematic characterization of genome-wide genetic diversity in health and disease in European and Asian ancestry populations, conduct of genetic studies in SSA has been underwhelming until recently. Here, we summarize recent understanding of the body of knowledge and highlight research opportunities on the genomics of cardiometabolic disorders in SSA. Published by S. Karger AG, Basel
Prolonged Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Eguchi Hidetoshi , Yamada Daisaku , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Gotoh Kunihito , Kawamoto Koichi , Wada Hiroshi , Asaoka Tadafumi , Noda Takehiro , Takeda Yutaka , Tanemura Masahiro , Sakai Daisuke , Satoh Taroh , Kudo Toshihiro , Isohashi Fumiaki , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate if prolonged neoadjuvant therapy, for locally advanced pancreatic cancer could be used to identify those patients who could benefit from resection surgery. Methods: Thirty-four patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer invading the adjacent major arteries underwent chemoradiotherapy, followed by 6 months of systemic chemotherapy, unless their tumor was already resectable. After this combination treatment, surgical resection was performed on those patients with tumors judged to be at least borderline resectable. Results: Reevaluation after chemoradiotherapy revealed that, at that stage, surgery was only possible for one case; resection was successfully performed. Following 6 months of systemic chemotherapy, a further 7 patients were diagnosed with borderline resectable lesions; 4 underwent surgery with no postoperative complications. The median survival time of the patients following surgery was 3.63 years; this was reduced to approximately a third in patients not undergoing surgery (1.01 years; p = 0.0005). Conclusions: For patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, prolonged neoadjuvant therapy was successfully used to select candidates that could benefit from surgical resection of their tumor. Resection significantly increased the long-term survival rate.
Foot Function, Foot Pain, and Falls in Older Adults: The Framingham Foot Study
Authors: Awale Arunima , Hagedorn Thomas J. , Dufour Alyssa B. , Menz Hylton B. , Casey Virginia A. , Hannan Marian T.
Published: May 2017

Background: Although foot pain has been linked to fall risk, contributions of pain severity, foot posture, or foot function are unclear. These factors were examined in a cohort of older adults. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of foot pain, severity of foot pain, and measures of foot posture and dynamic foot function with reported falls in a large, well-described cohort of older adults from the Framingham Foot Study. Methods: Foot pain, posture, and function were collected from Framingham Foot Study participants who were queried about falls over the past year (0, 1, and ≥2 falls). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relation of falls with foot pain, pain severity, foot posture, and foot function adjusting for covariates. Results: The mean age of the 1,375 participants was 69 years; 57% were female, and 21% reported foot pain (40% mild pain, 47% moderate pain, and 13% severe pain). One-third reported falls in the past year (1 fall: n = 263, ≥2 falls: n = 152). Foot pain was associated with a 62% increased odds of recurrent falls. Those with moderate and severe foot pain showed increased odds of ≥2 falls (OR 1.78, CI 1.06-2.99, and OR 3.25, CI 1.65-7.48, respectively) compared to those with no foot pain. Foot function was not associated with falls. Compared to normal foot posture, those with planus foot posture had 78% higher odds of ≥2 falls. Conclusion: Higher odds of recurrent falls were observed in individuals with foot pain, especially severe foot pain, as well as in individuals with planus foot posture, indicating that both foot pain and foot posture may play a role in increasing the risk of falls among older adults.
Sources of Sodium in US Adults From 3 Geographic Regions
Authors: Harnack Lisa J. , Cogswell Mary E. , Shikany James M. , Gardner Christopher D. , Gillespie Cathleen , Loria Catherine M. , Zhou Xia , Yuan Keming , Steffen Lyn M.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Most US adults consume excess sodium. Knowledge about the dietary sources of sodium intake is critical to the development of effective reduction strategies.

Methods:

A total of 450 adults were recruited from 3 geographic locations: Birmingham, AL (n=150); Palo Alto, CA (n=150); and the Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN (n=150), metropolitan areas. Equal numbers of women and men from each of 4 race/ethnic groups (blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites) were targeted for recruitment. Four record-assisted 24-hour dietary recalls were collected from each participant with special procedures, which included the collection of duplicate samples of salt added to food at the table and in home food preparation.

Results:

Sodium added to food outside the home was the leading source of sodium, accounting for more than two thirds (70.9%) of total sodium intake in the sample. Although the proportion of sodium from this source was smaller in some subgroups, it was the leading contributor for all subgroups. Contribution ranged from 66.3% for those with a high school level of education or less to 75.0% for those 18 to 29 years of age. Sodium inherent to food was the next highest contributor (14.2%), followed by salt added in home food preparation (5.6%) and salt added to food at the table (4.9%). Home tap water consumed as a beverage and dietary supplement and nonprescription antacids contributed minimally to sodium intake (<0.5% each).

Conclusions:

Sodium added to food outside the home accounted for ≈70% of dietary sodium intake. This finding is consistent with the 2010 Institute of Medicine recommendation for reduction of sodium in commercially processed foods as the primary strategy to reduce sodium intake in the United States.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02474693.
A new karst dwelling species of the Gekko japonicus group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from central Laos
Authors: LUU VINH QUANG , NGUYEN TRUONG QUANG , LE MINH DUC , BONKOWSKI MICHAEL , ZIEGLER THOMAS
Published: May 2017

A new species of the Gekko japonicus group is described from Khammouane Province, central Laos, based on morphological characters and molecular data. Morphologically, Gekko nadenensis sp. nov. is differentiated from the remaining congeners by a combination of the following characters: size moderate (SVL 61.0–77.1 mm); nares bordered with rostral; internasals absent; postmentals enlarged; interorbital scales between anterior corners of the eyes 28–30; dorsal tubercles absent; ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 175–185; midbody scale rows 123–140; ventral scale rows 38–40; subdigital lamellae on first toes 13–15, on fourth toes 14–16; finger and toe webbing present at base; tubercles on dorsal surface of fore and hind limbs absent; precloacal pores six (3+3 or 5+1) in a discontinuous row in males, absent in the female; postcloacal tubercles 1 or 2; tubercles absent on dorsal surface of tail base; subcaudals distinctly enlarged; dorsal surface of body with greyish brown blotches. Molecular analyses demonstrated the new species is closely related to G. bonkowskii and G. thakhekensis, but separated from them by approximately 7% in genetic divergence as shown by a fragment of the mitochondrial ND2 gene.
A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae) from the central hills of Sri Lanka
Authors: WICKRAMASINGHE L. J. MENDIS , VIDANAPATHIRANA DULAN RANGA , RAJEEV M. D. GEHAN , GOWER DAVID J.
Published: May 2017

A new species of uropeltid snake, Rhinophis roshanpererai sp. nov., is described based on three specimens from Badulla District, Sri Lanka. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the number of dorsal scale rows and ventral scales, a colour pattern that lacks pale stripes, and by having a very small tail shield with four or three prominent spines. Based on lack of records from similar habitats and elevations elsewhere in Sri Lanka, the new species likely has a very small range in the central highlands. The description of the new species brings the total nominal species of Rhinophis to 20, with four of the 16 Sri Lankan species having been described since 2009.
The Antarctic Circumpolar Wave: Its Presence and Interdecadal Changes during the Last 142 Years
Authors: Cerrone D. , Fusco G. , Cotroneo Y. , Simmonds I. , Budillon G.
Published: May 2017

The Southern Ocean (SO) is the region of the World Ocean bordering on Antarctica over which significant exchanges between the atmosphere, the ocean, and the sea ice take place. Here, the strong and nearly unhindered eastward flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays an important role in mean global climate as it transmits climate anomalies around the hemisphere. Features of interannual variability have been observed to propagate eastward around the SO with the circumpolar flow in the form of a system of coupled anomalies, known as the Antarctic circumpolar wave (ACW). In the present study, the 142-yr series of the Twentieth Century Reanalysis, version 2, dataset (850-hPa geopotential height, sea level pressure, sea surface temperature, surface meridional wind, and surface air temperature) spanning from 1871 to 2012 is used to investigate the presence and variability of ACWs. This examination shows, for the first time, the presence of the ACW before the mid-1950s and interdecadal changes in its characteristics. Modifications in the strength and speed of the circumpolar wave are shown to be linked with large-scale climate changes. Complex empirical orthogonal function analyses confirm that the ACW becomes apparent when the tropical El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal gives rise to the Pacific–South American (PSA) pattern and is a consequence of the constructive combination of the PSA and the subantarctic zonal wavenumber 3. Correlation analyses are also performed to quantify the role played by ENSO teleconnections for the appearance of the ACW, and the impact on the presence of ACWs of three super–El Niño events is investigated.
Predicting the U.S. Drought Monitor Using Precipitation, Soil Moisture, and Evapotranspiration Anomalies. Part II: Intraseasonal Drought Intensification Forecasts
Authors: Lorenz David J. , Otkin Jason A. , Svoboda Mark , Hain Christopher R. , Anderson Martha C. , Zhong Yafang
Published: May 2017

Probabilistic forecasts of U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) intensification over 2-, 4-, and 8-week time periods are developed based on recent anomalies in precipitation, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture. These statistical forecasts are computed using logistic regression with cross validation. While recent precipitation, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture do provide skillful forecasts, it is found that additional information on the current state of the USDM adds significant skill to the forecasts. The USDM state information takes the form of a metric that quantifies the “distance” from the next-higher drought category using a nondiscrete estimate of the current USDM state. This adds skill because USDM states that are close to the next-higher drought category are more likely to intensify than states that are farther from this threshold. The method shows skill over most of the United States but is most skillful over the north-central United States, where the cross-validated Brier skill score averages 0.20 for both 2- and 4-week forecasts. The 8-week forecasts are less skillful in most locations. The 2- and 4-week probabilities have very good reliability. The 8-week probabilities, on the other hand, are noticeably overconfident. For individual drought events, the method shows the most skill when forecasting high-amplitude flash droughts and when large regions of the United States are experiencing intensifying drought.
Vineyard Energy Partitioning Between Canopy and Soil Surface: Dynamics and Biophysical Controls
Authors: Zhao Peng , Zhang Xiaotao , Li Sien , Kang Shaozhong
Published: May 2017

For sparse planting crops, soil surface plays an important role in energy balance processes within the soil–canopy–atmosphere continuum; thus, it is necessary to partition field energy fluxes into soil surface and canopy to provide useful information to reduce agricultural water use and to develop evapotranspiration models. Field experiments were conducted in vineyards during four growing seasons to examine the energy partitioning among soil surface, canopy, and field separately. Vineyard energy fluxes including latent heat (LE) were measured by eddy covariance system and canopy latent heat LEc was obtained from sap flow. Then, soil surface latent heat LEs was calculated as the difference between LE and LEc. The Bowen ratio and the ratio of latent heat to available energy were used to examine energy partitioning. Results indicate daily and hourly LEs obtained from LE and LEc overestimated microlysimeter-derived values by 13.0% and 10.8%, respectively. Seasonal-average latent heat accounted for 59.0%–64.3%, 65.8%–77.8%, and 56.6%–62.5% of corresponding available energy for vineyard, canopy, and soil surface, respectively. Soil water content and canopy were the main controlling factors on energy partitioning. Surface soil moisture explained 32%, 11%, and 52% of the seasonal variability in energy partitioning at field, canopy, and soil surface, respectively. Leaf area index explained 41% and 26% of the seasonal variability in energy partitioning at field and soil surface. Air temperature was related to canopy and field energy partitioning. During wet periods, soil can absorb sensible heat from the canopy and LEs may exceed soil surface available energy, while during dry periods, the canopy may absorb sensible heat from the soil and LEc may exceed canopy available energy.
The Impact of Low-Level Moisture Errors on Model Forecasts of an MCS Observed during PECAN
Authors: Peters John M. , Nielsen Erik R. , Parker Matthew D. , Hitchcock Stacey M. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: May 2017

This article investigates errors in forecasts of the environment near an elevated mesoscale convective system (MCS) in Iowa on 24–25 June 2015 during the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field campaign. The eastern flank of this MCS produced an outflow boundary (OFB) and moved southeastward along this OFB as a squall line. The western flank of the MCS remained quasi stationary approximately 100 km north of the system’s OFB and produced localized flooding. A total of 16 radiosondes were launched near the MCS’s eastern flank and 4 were launched near the MCS’s western flank.

Convective available potential energy (CAPE) increased and convective inhibition (CIN) decreased substantially in observations during the 4 h prior to the arrival of the squall line. In contrast, the model analyses and forecasts substantially underpredicted CAPE and overpredicted CIN owing to their underrepresentation of moisture. Numerical simulations that placed the MCS at varying distances too far to the northeast were analyzed. MCS displacement error was strongly correlated with models’ underrepresentation of low-level moisture and their associated overrepresentation of the vertical distance between a parcel’s initial height and its level of free convection (, which is correlated with CIN). The overpredicted in models resulted in air parcels requiring unrealistically far northeastward travel in a region of gradual meso-α-scale lift before these parcels initiated convection. These results suggest that erroneous MCS predictions by NWP models may sometimes result from poorly analyzed low-level moisture fields.
The U.S. National Blend of Models for Statistical Postprocessing of Probability of Precipitation and Deterministic Precipitation Amount
Authors: Hamill Thomas M. , Engle Eric , Myrick David , Peroutka Matthew , Finan Christina , Scheuerer Michael
Published: May 2017

The U.S. National Blend of Models provides statistically postprocessed, high-resolution multimodel ensemble guidance, providing National Weather Service forecasters with a calibrated, downscaled starting point for producing digital forecasts.

Forecasts of 12-hourly probability of precipitation (POP12) over the contiguous United States are produced as follows: 1) Populate the forecast and analyze cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) to be used later in quantile mapping. Were every grid point processed without benefit of data from other points, 60 days of training data would likely be insufficient for estimating CDFs and adjusting the errors in the forecast. Accordingly, “supplemental” locations were identified for each grid point, and data from the supplemental locations were used to populate the forecast and analyzed CDFs used in the quantile mapping. 2) Load the real-time U.S. and Environment Canada (now known as Environment and Climate Change Canada) global deterministic and ensemble forecasts, interpolated to ⅛°. 3) Using CDFs from the past 60 days of data, apply a deterministic quantile mapping to the ensemble forecasts. 4) Dress the resulting ensemble with random noise. 5) Generate probabilities from the ensemble relative frequency. 6) Spatially smooth the forecast using a Savitzky–Golay smoother, applying more smoothing in flatter areas.

Forecasts of 6-hourly quantitative precipitation (QPF06) are more simply produced as follows: 1) Form a grand ensemble mean, again interpolated to ⅛°. 2) Quantile map the mean forecast using CDFs of the ensemble mean and analyzed distributions. 3) Spatially smooth the field, similar to POP12.

Results for spring 2016 are provided, demonstrating that the postprocessing improves POP12 reliability and skill, as well as the deterministic forecast bias, while maintaining sharpness and spatial detail.
Von Willebrand Factor as a Novel Player in Valvular Heart Disease: From Bench to Valve Replacement
Authors: Gragnano Felice , Crisci Mario , Bigazzi Maurizio Cappelli , Bianchi Renatomaria , Sperlongano Simona , Natale Francesco , Fimiani Fabio , Concilio Claudia , Cesaro Arturo , Pariggiano Ivana , Diana Vincenzo , Limongelli Giuseppe , Cirillo Plinio , Russo Mariagiovanna , Golia Enrica , Calabrò Paolo
Published: May 2017

von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is a well-known mediator of hemostasis and vascular inflammation. Its dynamic modulation in the bloodstream, according to hemodynamic conditions, makes it an appealing biomarker in patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Recent studies highlight the close connection between vWF and VHD, with possible implications in the pathogenesis of VHD, promoting valve aging and calcification or favoring the development of infective endocarditis. Moreover, vWF has been recently proposed as a new diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with valve stenosis or regurgitation, showing a strict correlation with severity of valve disease, outcome, and bleeding (Heyde syndrome). A novel role for vWF is also emerging in patients undergoing percutaneous or surgical valve repair/replacement to select and stratify patients, evaluate periprocedural bleeding risk, and detect procedural complications. We also report our single-center experience, suggesting, for the first time, possible clinical implications for vWF in percutaneous mitral valve repair (MitraClip). This review summarizes recent advances in the role of vWF in VHD with an updated overview going from bench to operating room.
Changes in brain activation during sedation induced by dexmedetomidine
Authors: Kim Won-Ho , Cho Dongrae , Lee Boreom , Song Jae-Jin , Shin Teo Jeon
Published: May 2017

Objective

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been widely used as a sedative, acting as an α2-adrenergic agonist on autoreceptors, presynaptic receptors and postsynaptic receptors without risk of respiratory depression. Although consciousness impairment is closely related to disturbances of brain function in different frequency bands, the time-varying DEX effects on cortical activity in specific frequency bands has not yet been studied.

Methods

We used electroencephalography (EEG) to analyse differences in cerebral cortex activity between the awake and sedated states, using electromagnetic tomography (standardized low resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA)) to localize multiple channel scalp recordings of cerebral electric activity to specific brain regions.

Results

The results revealed increased activity in the cuneus at delta-band frequencies, and in the posterior cingulate cortex at theta frequencies, during awake and sedated states induced by DEX at specific frequency bands. Differences in standardized low resolution cingulate gyrus were found in beta1 frequencies (13–18 Hz), and in the cuneus at gamma frequencies.

Conclusion

Cerebral cortical activity was significantly altered in various brain areas during DEX sedation, including parts of the default mode network and common midline core in different frequency ranges. These alterations may elucidate the mechanisms underlying DEX sedation.
Morbidity and mortality after fragility hip fracture in a Saudi Arabian population: Report from a single center
Authors: Sadat-Ali Mir , Alfaraidy Moaad , AlHawas Abdulaziz , Al-Othman Ahmed Abdallah , Al-Dakheel Dakheel A , Tayara Badar K
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine the functional morbidity and mortality after fragility hip fracture and compare the mortality with three other common diseases.

Methods

Data were collected from patients admitted to King Fahd Hospital of the University, AlKhobar from January 2010 to December 2014. Demographic data included the preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score as assessed by the anesthetist and the type of surgery. Personal and telephone interviews were performed, and data were entered into a database and analyzed.

Results

We identified 203 patients with fragility proximal femoral fractures, and the data of 189 patients (109 male, 80 female; average age, 66.90 ± 13.43 years) were available for analysis. The overall mortality rate was 26.98% (51 patients). The mortality rate was significantly higher among patients with an ASA score of 4 (36.36%) than 1 (20.45%). With respect to morbidity, only 48.23% of patients were able to return to their pre-fracture status; 32.35% of those who required assisted walking and 83.4% of those who required a wheelchair became bedridden.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that patients with fragility hip fractures have high morbidity and a mortality rate approaching 30%. Age and the ASA score significantly influence this high mortality rate.
Urban Form and Energy Demand
Authors: Silva Mafalda , Oliveira Vítor , Leal Vítor
Published: May 2017

The implications of urban form on energy have long been present in international debate, whether considering travel patterns or thermal comfort in buildings. The urban environment is a result of a set of intertwined attributes, the understanding of which is often unclear. The energy trade-offs between urban form attributes haven’t received proper attention. Research remains sectorial, considering buildings and transport in isolation. In order to allow for a comprehensive analysis of this relationship, this article reviews urban attributes with energy relevance. A collection of attributes and metrics is gathered from the literature for incorporating urban form in urban energy analysis.
The Nature and Extent of Physical Restraint–Related Deaths in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bellenger Emma N. , Ibrahim Joseph E. , Lovell Janaka Jonathan , Bugeja Lyndal
Published: May 2017

Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the published research to examine the extent, nature, and risk factors of mortality due to physical restraint use. Method: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement, this review examined all peer-reviewed studies published in English describing mortality due to physical restraint in nursing home residents. Results: The combined searches yielded 2,016 records of which eight articles were eligible for inclusion. There were 174 deaths due to physical restraint in nursing home residents across the eight studies. Neck compression ( n = 8) was the most common mechanism of harm resulting in death due to mechanical asphyxia. Conclusions: Physical restraint is associated with deaths in nursing home residents. Further research is needed to investigate alternative interventions to restraint use.
Controllability of a square solar sail with movable membrane tips
Authors: Fu Bo , Gede Gilbert , Eke Fidelis O
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a controllability study for a square solar sail that uses the wing tip displacement method for its attitude control. The goal is to determine whether this method of attitude control guarantees full control authority over normal attitude maneuvers that would be expected during a typical solar sail mission. The controllability of a given state is determined by first linearizing the full nonlinear equations of motion of the craft about the chosen state, and then applying the classical controllability test to the resulting linear model. This process is then repeated enough times to adequately span the allowable states of the vehicle. Because of the nature of the expressions for the control torques, direct analytical linearizations are not practical; and a full numerical approach is inefficient because of the sheer volume of computations involved. A hybrid linearization method that judiciously combines analytical and numerical approaches was therefore adopted. Results obtained show that the sailcraft is controllable throughout the tested region. A study of the influence of various actuator failure scenarios on controllability revealed that the wing tip displacement method of attitude control exhibits a very high degree of redundancy. The system’s controllability only becomes seriously impaired if more than half of its actuators fail.
Causal Action: A Fundamental Constraint on Perception and Inference About Body Movements
Authors: Peng Yujia , Thurman Steven , Lu Hongjing
Published: May 2017

The human body navigates the environment via locomotory movements that leverage gravity and limb biomechanics to propel the body in a particular direction. This process creates a causal link between limb movements and whole-body translation. However, it is unknown whether humans use this causal relation as a constraint in perception and inference with body movements. In the present study, participants rated actions of other individuals as more natural when limb movements (as a cause) occurred before body displacements (as an effect) than when limb movements temporally lagged behind body displacements. This causal expectation for human body movements not only affected perceptual impressions regarding the naturalness of observed actions but also guided the interpretation of motion cues within a more generalized causal context. We interpret these results within a framework of causality as evidence that the constraint of causal action plays an important role in perception and inference with body movements.
Improved compressor corner separation prediction using the quadratic constitutive relation
Authors: Su Xinrong , Yuan Xin
Published: May 2017

This work presents the implementation and study of the quadratic constitutive relation nonlinear eddy-viscosity model with representative compressor application, for which the corner separation has been poorly predicted with the widely used linear Boussinesq eddy-viscosity model. With the introduction of the Reynolds stress anisotropy, the secondary flow of the second kind and its effect on the corner flow can be well captured and this results in greatly improved prediction of pressure coefficient, total pressure loss coefficient and the corner separation size. Without the quadratic constitutive relation model, the separation size and loss are generally over-estimated. The mechanism of the improvement is studied using both the vortex dynamics and the momentum equation. It is proved that quadratic constitutive relation model consumes low CPU time and provides much improved compressor corner separation prediction without worsening the convergence property.
Debating the 2015 Islam law in Austrian Parliament: Between legal recognition and Islamophobic populism
Authors: Hafez Farid
Published: May 2017

This article analyses the two national parliamentary debates on the new Islam law of 2015 using a Viennese School of Critical Discourse Analysis. It asks how the new Islam law was framed from the perspectives of the political parties in power and of those in opposition. It also shows in detail which arguments were raised to defend, alter or support the proposed law by identifying the list of topoi used. It asks especially how racist arguments were debated between on one side a comparably tolerant Austrian system of laws on religion, and on the other, the dominant right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria, which aimed to foster Islamophobia.
Optimization of fecal cytology in the dog: comparison of three sampling methods
Authors: Frezoulis Petros S. , Angelidou Elisavet , Diakou Anastasia , Rallis Timoleon S. , Mylonakis Mathios E.
Published: May 2017

Dry-mount fecal cytology (FC) is a component of the diagnostic evaluation of gastrointestinal diseases. There is limited information on the possible effect of the sampling method on the cytologic findings of healthy dogs or dogs admitted with diarrhea. We aimed to: (1) establish sampling method–specific expected values of selected cytologic parameters (isolated or clustered epithelial cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, spore-forming rods) in clinically healthy dogs; (2) investigate if the detection of cytologic abnormalities differs among methods in dogs admitted with diarrhea; and (3) investigate if there is any association between FC abnormalities and the anatomic origin (small- or large-bowel diarrhea) or the chronicity of diarrhea. Sampling with digital examination (DE), rectal scraping (RS), and rectal lavage (RL) was prospectively assessed in 37 healthy and 34 diarrheic dogs. The median numbers of isolated ( p = 0.000) or clustered ( p = 0.002) epithelial cells, and of lymphocytes ( p = 0.000), differed among the 3 methods in healthy dogs. In the diarrheic dogs, the RL method was the least sensitive in detecting neutrophils, and isolated or clustered epithelial cells. Cytologic abnormalities were not associated with the origin or the chronicity of diarrhea. Sampling methods differed in their sensitivity to detect abnormalities in FC; DE or RS may be of higher sensitivity compared to RL. Anatomic origin or chronicity of diarrhea do not seem to affect the detection of cytologic abnormalities.
What Works for Adolescent Black Males at Risk of Suicide
Authors: Joe Sean , Scott Marquisha Lawrence , Banks Andrae
Published: May 2017

We reviewed the controlled studies that report outcome findings for Black adolescent males 24 years of age and younger at risk of suicide. Our review identified 48 articles published from 2000 to 2015, 33 that met our initial criteria for full-text articles review, resulting in 6 that met all inclusion criteria. We sought to understand what works for Black males experiencing suicide ideation or engaging in suicidal behaviors (e.g., attempts). We identified crossover effects for multisystemic therapy for reducing the risk for suicide ideation and attempts. Attachment-based family therapy was salient for use as a component of clinical practice for Black males being treated for suicide ideation. While remaining randomized control trials did involve Black youth, disaggregated data based on ethnicity and gender were not reported. Overall, the located studies are too few to provide unequivocal guidance for practice.
Asian Intercultural Marriage Couples in the United States
Authors: Lee ShinHwa , Balkin Richard S. , Fernandez Mary A.
Published: May 2017

Asian-involved intercultural couples are increasing as society becomes more open and accepting of intercultural relationships. Although issues and conflicts exist due to cultural differences, acculturation and personality characteristics may strengthen intercultural relationships. Ninety-two Asian and non-Asian individuals in Asian couples and Asian intercultural couples in the United States were compared based on the level of marital satisfaction, the level of acculturation, and personality characteristics. Findings indicated no differences in the level of marital satisfaction. However, significantly higher levels of acculturation in Asians in Asian intercultural couples and significantly higher levels of openness, conscientiousness, and extroversion in individuals in Asian intercultural couples were evident.
A Study on Attachment Orientations of Married Couples Living in the Suburbs of Kuala Lumpur and Rural Areas of Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Kadir Nor Ba’yah , Wan Sulaiman Wan Shahrazad , Desa Asmawati , Omar Fatimah , Halim Fatimah Wati , Yusooff Fatimah
Published: May 2017

This study investigated the attachment orientations among married couples living in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur and rural areas of Kota Bahru, Kelantan, Malaysia. The door-to-door approach was used to collect the data. The Experience in Close Relationship–Revised version and the Experiences in Close Relationship–Relationship Structures were used to measure attachment orientations. The results showed that husbands scored higher in anxiety and lower in avoidance than their wives. The participants from Kuala Lumpur reported more anxiety and more avoidance for the partner domain but less avoidance for the best friend domain. The implications of the study as well as the need for understanding attachment orientations for married couples are discussed.
Stress and Marital Satisfaction of Married Middle Eastern Students in Malaysia
Authors: Vaez Elham , Juhari Rumaya
Published: May 2017

This study examined the relationship between stress and marital satisfaction from the perspective of the vulnerability–stress–adaptation model. We hypothesised that some stress factors were associated with lower marital satisfaction. Making use of the structure equation modeling, the results of data analysis on 462 Middle Eastern students in Malaysia, supported the hypotheses of our study and showed that a higher level of stress is strongly related to a negative marital satisfaction. Moreover, the results indicated that marital stress is the strongest stressors that negatively affect the marital satisfaction of the respondents. This research provides a general view of stressors that have an impact on the marital satisfaction of married Middle East students who live as sojourners in Malaysia.
The psychological effect of electoral systems in founding elections
Authors: Lago Ignacio
Published: May 2017

In this research note, I revisit the conventional wisdom about when the psychological effect of electoral systems is observed. I rely on data from the first presidential and legislative elections in 45 third- and fourth-wave presidential and semi-presidential regimes to show that the psychological effect of electoral systems manifests itself in the first election. The effective number of legislative parties is significantly higher than the effective number of presidential candidates in the first election when the electoral system in legislative elections is more permissive than in presidential elections.
Beyond Muslim identity: Opinion-based groups in the Gezi Park protest
Authors: Baysu Gülseli , Phalet Karen
Published: May 2017

Media depicted Turkish Gezi Park protests as a clash between secularists and Islamists within a majority-Muslim country. Extending a social identity approach to protests, this study aims (a) to distinguish the protest participants in terms of their opinion-based group memberships, (b) to investigate how their religious identification and their group membership were associated with democratic attitudes. Six hundred and fifty highly educated urban young adult participants were surveyed during the protest. Latent class analysis of participants’ political concerns and online and offline actions yielded four distinct opinion-based groups labeled “liberals,” “secularists,” “moderates,” and “conservatives.” Looking at the intersection of the participants’ group identities with their Muslim identification, we observed that the higher conservatives’ and moderates’ religious identification, the less they endorsed democratic attitudes, whereas religious identification made little or no difference in liberals’ and secularists’ democratic attitudes. Our findings of distinct groups among protest participants in a majority-Muslim country challenge an essentialist understanding of religion as a homogeneous social identity.
How do social beliefs affect political action motivation? The cases of Russia and Ukraine
Authors: Gulevich Olga , Sarieva Irena , Nevruev Andrey , Yagiyayev Illya
Published: May 2017

Political action is one of the main methods of social change. Previous research has shown that readiness to participate in such actions is determined by an evaluation of the current situation. The question arises as to how stable beliefs influence such evaluations. In this study we have analyzed the link between such beliefs and readiness to participate in political actions. We assumed that just and dangerous world beliefs are factors that influence readiness to participate in political actions. However, these factors’ influence is mediated by political efficacy. Respondents from Russia ( N = 440) and Ukraine ( N = 249) participated in our study. Structural equation modeling partly confirmed the hypotheses. It has shown that the more people believe in a just world and the less they believe in a dangerous world, the higher their internal and external political efficacy is. Political efficacy, in turn, predicts readiness to participate in various forms of political action. Internal political efficacy is positively linked to normative political collective actions, while external political efficacy is negatively linked to nonnormative collective actions. However, the extent of these patterns is dependent on cultural context.
A social psychological examination of the empowering role of language in Indigenous resistance
Authors: Droogendyk Lisa , Wright Stephen C.
Published: May 2017

An understanding of how groups engage in sustained collective action over long periods of time (sometimes over multiple generations) must take into account sociocultural factors. We consider the role of Indigenous languages in motivating and sustaining collective action among Indigenous peoples, drawing on basic social psychological theory as well as insights from Indigenous writers. We contend that the knowledge and use of one’s Indigenous language can facilitate the psychological conditions shown to underpin interest in participating in collective action (i.e., collective identification, perceptions of injustice, collective control, and group boundary permeability). Our perspective highlights the fact that there may be unique predictors of collective action among Indigenous peoples. We discuss the importance of these ideas in light of the reality of language loss in many Indigenous groups, and call for social psychologists to increase their attention to issues of language and social justice, especially among Indigenous peoples.