bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromyelitis Optica in a Nepalese Man
Authors: Subedi Yogesh , Joshi Utsav , Bhandari Sanjeeb Sudarshan , Pokharel Ashbina , Pokharel Ashbita
Published: August 2017

Background. Neuromyelitis optica is a severely disabling inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system of autoimmune etiology that mainly affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Here, we present a case report detailing a patient with tingling and weakness of right upper and lower limbs who was neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G-positive. Case Presentation. A 46-year-old Nepalese man presented to the hospital with a history of tingling and weakness of right upper and lower limbs that developed over a period of two months. Clinical evaluation showed diminished power across all major muscle groups in the right upper and lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging of his cervical spine showed T1 iso- to hypointense signal and T2 hyperintense signal in central cervical spinal cord from first to sixth cervical level, probably suggestive of myelitis or demyelination. The patient was immediately started on intravenous methylprednisolone. The diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica was later confirmed with strongly positive neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G. Conclusion. In resource limited setting, in the absence of tests for neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G, treatment was started and the patient’s condition started to get better. Hence, early initiation of aggressive immunosuppressive treatment is essential in such cases.
Opportunities for Promoting Physical Activity in Rural Communities by Understanding the Interests and Values of Community Members
Authors: Park Thomas , Eyler Amy A. , Tabak Rachel G. , Valko Cheryl , Brownson Ross C.
Published: August 2017

Purpose. Physical activity (PA) has well-established health benefits, but most Americans do not meet national guidelines. In southeastern Missouri, trails have been developed to increase rates of PA. Although this has had success, broad-scale interventions will be needed to improve rates further. In this study, we surveyed residents of southeastern Missouri to identify ways to improve rates of PA. Methods. We conducted a telephone survey in 2015 of adults (n=524) from eight rural Missouri towns that had walking trails, regarding their activities and interests. Findings. Forty percent of respondents reported both walking and meeting PA recommendations, 29% reported walking but not meeting PA recommendations, and the remainder did not walk or did not answer. Respondents who used the trails were significantly more likely to meet PA recommendations (odds ratio = 2.7; 95% confidence interval = 1.7, 4.5). Certain values and interests that may encourage PA or draw people to trails were common. Conclusions. The group that walked but did not meet PA recommendations would be the ideal group to target for intervention, which could focus on their reported values and interests (e.g., personal relationships, being outdoors). Use of walking trails was associated with meeting PA recommendations.
The Effect of Glucocorticoid and Glucocorticoid Receptor Interactions on Brain, Spinal Cord, and Glial Cell Plasticity
Authors: Madalena Kathryn M. , Lerch Jessica K.
Published: August 2017

Stress, injury, and disease trigger glucocorticoid (GC) elevation. Elevated GCs bind to the ubiquitously expressed glucocorticoid receptor (GR). While GRs are in every cell in the nervous system, the expression level varies, suggesting that diverse cell types react differently to GR activation. Stress/GCs induce structural plasticity in neurons, Schwann cells, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes as well as affect neurotransmission by changing the release and reuptake of glutamate. While general nervous system plasticity is essential for adaptation and learning and memory, stress-induced plasticity is often maladaptive and contributes to neuropsychiatric disorders and neuropathic pain. In this brief review, we describe the evidence that stress/GCs activate GR to promote cell type-specific changes in cellular plasticity throughout the nervous system.
Treatment and Recycling of the Process Water in Iron Ore Flotation of Yuanjiacun Iron Mine
Authors: Jiang Wen-li , Xu Hai-feng
Published: August 2017

Coagulating sedimentation and oxidation treatment of process water in iron ore flotation of Yuanjiacun iron mine had been studied. The process water of this mine carried residual polyacrylamide (PAM), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), and Ca2+ from the flotation and caused decrease of the iron flotation recovery or grade of the concentrate. The studies on high-intensity magnetic separation (HIMS) tailings for coagulating sedimentation showed that the settling performance of coagulant (named CYH) was better than that of PDADMAC. The analyses of FTIR spectra and zeta potential demonstrated that CYH is adsorbed mainly through electrostatic attraction onto HIMS tailings. Sodium hypochlorite was adopted to oxidize the residual organics in tailings wastewater. When sodium hypochlorite is at the dosage of 1.0 g/L, reaction temperature is of 20°C, and reaction time is of 30 minutes, the removal rates of PAM, COD, and Ca2+ were 90.48%, 83.97%, and 85.00%, respectively. Bench-scale flotation studies on the treated tailings wastewater indicated that the iron recovery and grade of concentrate were close to those of freshwater.
Long Standing Esophageal Perforation due to Foreign Body Impaction in Children: A Therapeutic Challenge in a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Bernadette Ngo Nonga , Ze Jean Jacques , Pondy Angele O. , Kalla Claude M. , Kamgaing Nelly , Handy Eone Daniel
Published: August 2017

Late presentation of foreign body impaction in the esophagus, complicated by perforation in children, has rarely been reported in the literature. Esophageal surgery is very difficult and challenging in Cameroon (a resource limited setting). We are reporting herein 2 cases of esophageal perforation in children seen very late (12 days and 40 days) after foreign body impaction, complicated with severe sepsis, who were successfully operated upon with very good results.
Correlation of Somatostatin Receptor-2 Expression with Gallium-68-DOTA-TATE Uptake in Neuroblastoma Xenograft Models
Authors: Zhang Libo , Vines Douglass C. , Scollard Deborah A. , McKee Trevor , Komal Teesha , Ganguly Milan , Do Trevor , Wu Bing , Alexander Natasha , Vali Reza , Shammas Amer , Besanger Travis , Baruchel Sylvain
Published: August 2017

Peptide-receptor imaging and therapy with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs such as 68Ga-DOTA-TATE and 177Lu-DOTA-TATE have become an effective treatment option for SSTR-positive neuroendocrine tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of somatostatin receptor-2 (SSTR2) expression with 68Ga-DOTA-TATE uptake and 177Lu-DOTA-TATE therapy in neuroblastoma (NB) xenograft models. We demonstrated variable SSTR2 expression profiles in eight NB cell lines. From micro-PET imaging and autoradiography, a higher uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-TATE was observed in SSTR2 high-expressing NB xenografts (CHLA-15) compared to SSTR2 low-expressing NB xenografts (SK-N-BE(2)). Combined autoradiography-immunohistochemistry revealed histological colocalization of SSTR2 and 68Ga-DOTA-TATE uptake in CHLA-15 tumors. With a low dose of 177Lu-DOTA-TATE (20 MBq/animal), tumor growth inhibition was achieved in the CHLA-15 high SSTR2 expressing xenograft model. Although, in vitro, NB cells showed variable expression levels of norepinephrine transporter (NET), a molecular target for 131I-MIBG therapy, low 123I-MIBG uptake was observed in all selected NB xenografts. In conclusion, SSTR2 expression levels are associated with 68Ga-DOTA-TATE uptake and antitumor efficacy of 177Lu-DOTA-TATE. 68Ga-DOTA-TATE PET is superior to 123I-MIBG SPECT imaging in detecting NB tumors in our model. Radiolabeled DOTA-TATE can be used as an agent for NB tumor imaging to potentially discriminate tumors eligible for 177Lu-DOTA-TATE therapy.
The Diagnostic Value of Nuclear Matrix Proteins in Bladder Cancer in the Aspect of Environmental Risk from Carcinogens
Authors: Szymańska Beata , Sawicka Ewa , Guzik Anna , Zdrojowy Romuald , Długosz Anna
Published: August 2017

Background. The interaction of environmental factors with genetic susceptibility and detoxification level seems to be an important causative factor in bladder cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to look for a BC marker panel which reflects the environmental risk. The nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22), bladder cancer-4 (BLCA-4), and total level proteins NMP22 and BLCA-4 (NMBL) in BC patients with genetic predisposition NAT2 (classified as slow acetylators, SA), DNA damage (8-OHdG), and detoxification by isoenzyme GSTπ activity were measured. Materials and Methods. The urine and blood from 91 BC patients and controls were examined, also according to tumor stage (T) and grade (G). The participants completed a questionnaire in order to evaluate environmental risk. Results. Most patients (75.3%) were previous or actual smokers. The levels of 8-OHdG, NMP22, BLCA-4, NMBL, and GSTπ were significantly higher in BC (p≤0.001). The majority of patients (59.3%) were slow acetylators (SA). The highest BLCA-4/8-OHdG correlation was observed in total BC and SA smokers. Conclusions. The total pool of nuclear matrix proteins in the urine (NMBL) has a higher diagnostic value in bladder cancer than single proteins. The particular value of BLCA-4 and GSTπ in the aspect of environmental risk was noted.
Low-Rank and Sparse Decomposition Model for Accelerating Dynamic MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Chen Junbo , Liu Shouyin , Huang Min
Published: August 2017

The reconstruction of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) from partially sampled k-space data has to deal with a trade-off between the spatial resolution and temporal resolution. In this paper, a low-rank and sparse decomposition model is introduced to resolve this issue, which is formulated as an inverse problem regularized by robust principal component analysis (RPCA). The inverse problem can be solved by convex optimization method. We propose a scalable and fast algorithm based on the inexact augmented Lagrange multipliers (IALM) to carry out the convex optimization. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can achieve superior reconstruction quality and faster reconstruction speed in cardiac cine image compared to existing state-of-art reconstruction methods.
Early-Stage Metastasis Requires Mdm2 and Not p53 Gain of Function
Authors: Hauck Paula M. , Wolf Eric R. , Olivos David J. , Batuello Christopher N. , McElyea Kyle C. , McAtarsney Ciarán P. , Cournoyer R. Michael , Sandusky George E. , Mayo Lindsey D.
Published: August 2017

Metastasis of cancer cells to distant organ systems is a complex process that is initiated with the programming of cells in the primary tumor. The formation of distant metastatic foci is correlated with poor prognosis and limited effective treatment options. We and others have correlated Mouse double minute 2 (Mdm2) with metastasis; however, the mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. Here, it is reported that shRNA-mediated silencing of Mdm2 inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. In vivo analysis demonstrates that silencing Mdm2 in both post-EMT and basal/triple-negative breast cancers resulted in decreased primary tumor vasculature, circulating tumor cells, and metastatic lung foci. Combined, these results demonstrate the importance of Mdm2 in orchestrating the initial stages of migration and metastasis.

Implication: Mdm2 is the major factor in the initiation of metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 15(11); 1598–607. ©2017 AACR.
Age and Outcome in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Population-Based Evaluation of Oesophageal, Gastric and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Schlesinger-Raab Anne , Werner Jens , Friess Helmut , Hölzel Dieter , Engel Jutta
Published: August 2017

Background: With demographic changes and partial representativeness of randomized studies the question arises which results are achieved in the treatment of the elderly. The objective was to analyse population-based data on gastrointestinal cancers in terms of age. Methods: Analyses included data of the Munich Cancer Registry, i.e. 4,014, 10,127 and 42,809 invasive oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer patients, respectively, which were diagnosed between 1998 and 2014. Tumour characteristics and outcome were analysed by age groups and therapy. Overall survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and relative survival was computed as estimation for cancer-specific survival. Additionally, conditional survival of patients surviving at least 6 or 12 months was analysed by age. Results: 21, 44 and 38% of oesophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer patients, respectively, were aged >75 years. Of these, 15, 46 and 73% were surgically treated with curative intent, respectively, which is significantly less than in younger patients. The total 5-year relative survival was 24, 33 and 66%, respectively. The differences in median survival by age group were diminished by selecting those surviving at least 6 or 12 months and those with curatively intended treatment. Conclusion: An adequate patient selection for therapies of these gastrointestinal cancers was demonstrated at large. If the patients' general conditions allowed curatively intended treatment, it was applied and led to similar outcomes irrespective of age.
Elimination Rates of Electrolytes, Vitamins, and Trace Elements during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with Citrate Continuous Veno-Venous Hemodialysis: Influence of Filter Lifetime
Authors: Datzmann Thomas , Träger Karl , Reinelt Helmut , von Freyberg Philipp
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: During continuous renal replacement therapy, relevant losses of nutritional substrates, vitamins, and trace elements via the filter may occur. We investigated filter lifetime efficiency during a 72-h treatment period. Methods: This prospective study included 40 patients undergoing citrate continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD). The elimination rates were measured at 24, 48, and 72 h. To assess the influence of filter lifetime, we determined substrate loss every 24 h over a 72-h interval. Results: Filter lifetime did not affect the loss of ionized calcium, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Nevertheless, we did observe clinically significant loss of ionized calcium and inorganic phosphate during CVVHD that required supplementation. Conclusions: CVVHD leads to significant loss of ionized calcium and inorganic phosphate that is independent of the filter lifetime.
Methylation Status of CYP27B1 and IGF2 Correlate to BMI SDS in Children with Obesity
Authors: Ács Orsolya , Péterfia Bálint , Hollósi Péter , Luczay Andrea , Török Dóra , Szabó András
Published: August 2017

Objective: Worldwide increasing childhood obesity is due to interactions between environmental and genetic factors, linked together by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. Methods: 82 obese children (>95th BMI percentile , age: 3-18 years) were included. Anthropometric data, metabolic parameters, 25-OH vitamin D (25OHD), and pubertal status were recorded, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed. BMI standard deviation score (SDS) was calculated. Using candidate gene approach, obesity- (insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), proopiomelanocortin (POMC)) and vitamin D metabolism-related genes (1-alfa-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), VDR) regulated by DNA methylation were selected. After isolating DNA from peripheral blood, bisulfite conversion, bisulfite specific polymerase chain reaction (BS-PCR), and pyrosequencing were carried out. Results: No significant correlation between 25-OHD and metabolic parameters and DNA methylation status, but a tendency of positive correlation between VDR methylation status and 25-OHD (r = 0.2053,p = 0.066) were observed. Significant positive correlations between BMI SDS and CYP27B1 hypermethylation (r = 0.2371,p = 0.0342) and a significant negative correlation between IGF2 hypomethylation and BMI SDS (r = -0.305,p = 0.0059) were found. Conclusions Rate of obesity shows correlation with DNA methylation. Hypomethylation of IGF2 and hypermethylation of CYP27B1 genes might positively influence the rate of BMI observed in obese children.
Lessons from Anti-Amyloid-β Immunotherapies in Alzheimer Disease: Aiming at a Moving Target
Authors: Wang Youmei , Yan Tao , Lu Honghui , Yin Weiming , Lin Bin , Fan Weibin , Zhang Xiaoli , Fernandez-Funez Pedro
Published: August 2017

Background: Available drugs for the global Alzheimer disease (AD) epidemic only treat the symptoms without modifying disease progression. Accumulating evidence supports amyloid-β42 (Aβ42)as the key triggering agent in AD, making it the ideal target for disease-modifying therapies. Preclinical studies provided extensive support for passive Aβ42 immunotherapy, leading to human clinical trials with different antibodies. Objective: Examine the status of clinical trials for passive immunotherapy against Aβ42. Methods: We performed a thorough literature review of passive Aβ42 immunotherapy. Results: Ten anti-Aβ42 antibodies targeting lineal or conformational epitopes have been tested in clinical trials. Antibody engineering and appropriate dosing have overcome undesired side effects, leading to increased safety profiles. Unfortunately, few trials have shown cognitive protection, leading to legitimate questions about the utility of Aβ42 as an AD target. There is still hope that solanezumab, aducanumab, and other ongoing trials will identify antibodies, patient subpopulations, and administration protocols, with consistent clinical benefits. Conclusions: Despite the overall disappointing results, there is still hope that Aβ immunotherapy in presymptomatic patients will prevent neuronal loss and provide significant clinical benefits that can be applied to larger populations as preventive therapies. Advances with other targets may soon provide additional therapeutic options for AD with increased efficacy.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Human Cervical Dorsal Root Ganglionitis
Authors: Valyi-Nagy Tibor , Rathore Jaivir S. , Rakic Andrei M. , Rathore Ranvir S. , Jain Paavani , Slavin Konstantin V.
Published: August 2017

We present a case of a 34-year-old right-handed Caucasian male with chronic occipital neuralgia refractory to medical therapies and minimally invasive pain procedures who underwent surgical cervical dorsal root ganglionectomy which completely relieved his headaches. The histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of the resected cervical dorsal root ganglia were consistent with active herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection causing ganglionitis. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first histopathologically proven HSV-1 cervical dorsal root ganglionitis in humans. This case provides an insight into a possible etiology of occipital neuralgia.
Two Liters a Day Keep the Doctor Away? Considerations on the Pathophysiology of Suboptimal Fluid Intake in the Common Population
Authors: Lang Florian , Guelinckx Isabelle , Lemetais Guillaume , Melander Olle
Published: August 2017

Suboptimal fluid intake may require enhanced release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin for the maintenance of adequate hydration. Enhanced copeptin levels (reflecting enhanced vasopressin levels) in 25% of the common population are associated with enhanced risk of metabolic syndrome with abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, vascular dementia, cognitive impairment, microalbuminuria, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and premature mortality. Vasopressin stimulates the release of glucocorticoids which in turn up-regulate the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1). Moreover, dehydration upregulates the transcription factor NFAT5, which in turn stimulates SGK1 expression. SGK1 is activated by insulin, growth factors and oxidative stress via phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase PDK1 and mTOR. SGK1 is a powerful stimulator of Na+/K+-ATPase, carriers (e.g. the Na+,K+,2Cl- cotransporter NKCC, the NaCl cotransporter NCC, the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3, and the Na+ coupled glucose transporter SGLT1), and ion channels (e.g. the epithelial Na+ channel ENaC, the Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ channel Orai1 with its stimulator STIM1, and diverse K+ channels). SGK1 further participates in the regulation of the transcription factors nuclear factor kappa-B NFκB, p53, cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), activator protein-1, and forkhead transcription factor FKHR-L1 (FOXO3a). Enhanced SGK1 activity fosters the development of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, thrombosis, stroke, inflammation including inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disease, cardiac fibrosis, proteinuria, renal failure as well as tumor growth. The present brief review makes the case that suboptimal fluid intake in the common population may enhance vasopressin and glucocorticoid levels thus up-regulating SGK1 expression and favouring the development of SGK1 related pathologies.
Characterization of the Genetic Program Linked to the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in CREM-IbΔC-X Mice
Authors: Seidl Matthias D. , Stein Juliane , Hamer Sabine , Pluteanu Florentina , Scholz Beatrix , Wardelmann Eva , Huge Andreas , Witten Anika , Stoll Monika , Hammer Elke , Völker Uwe , Müller Frank U.
Published: August 2017

Background—

Reduced expression of genes regulated by the transcription factors CREB/CREM (cAMP response element-binding protein/modulator) is linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility in patients. Cardiomyocyte-directed expression of the inhibitory CREM isoform CREM-IbΔC-X in transgenic mice (TG) leads to spontaneous-onset AF preceded by atrial dilatation and conduction abnormalities. Here, we characterized the altered gene program linked to atrial remodeling and development of AF in CREM-TG mice.

Methods and Results—

Atria of young (TGy, before AF onset) and old (TGo, after AF onset) TG mice were investigated by mRNA microarray profiling in comparison with age-matched wild-type controls (WTy/WTo). Proteomic alterations were profiled in young mice (8 TGy versus 8 WTy). Annotation of differentially expressed genes revealed distinct differences in biological functions and pathways before and after onset of AF. Alterations in metabolic pathways, some linked to altered peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor signaling, muscle contraction, and ion transport were already present in TGy. Electron microscopy revealed significant loss of sarcomeres and mitochondria and increased collagen and glycogen deposition in TG mice. Alterations in electrophysiological pathways became prominent in TGo, concomitant with altered gene expression of K
+
-channel subunits and ion channel modulators, relevant in human AF.

Conclusions—

The most prominent alterations of the gene program linked to CREM-induced atrial remodeling were identified in the expression of genes related to structure, metabolism, contractility, and electric activity regulation, suggesting that CREM transgenic mice are a valuable experimental model for human AF pathophysiology.
Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in PARADIGM-HF
Authors: Lewis Eldrin F. , Claggett Brian L. , McMurray John J. V. , Packer Milton , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Rouleau Jean L. , Liu Jiankang , Shi Victor C. , Zile Michael R. , Desai Akshay S. , Solomon Scott D. , Swedberg Karl
Published: August 2017

Background

Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL) with variable responses to therapies that target mortality and heart failure hospitalizations. In PARADIGM-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI [Angiotensin Receptor–Neprilysin Inhibitor] With ACEI [Angiotensin-Converting–Enzyme Inhibitor] to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure), sacubitril/valsartan reduced morbidity and mortality compared with enalapril. Another major treatment goal is to improve HRQL. Given improvements in mortality with sacubitril/valsartan, this analysis provides comprehensive assessment of impact of therapy on HRQL in survivors only.

Methods and Results

Patients (after run-in phase) completed disease-specific HRQL using Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) at randomization, 4 month, 8 month, and annual visits. Changes in KCCQ scores were calculated using repeated measures analysis of covariance model that adjusted for treatment and baseline values (principal efficacy prespecified at 8 months). Among the 8399 patients enrolled in PARADIGM-HF, 7623 (91%) completed KCCQ scores at randomization with complete data at 8 months for 6881 patients (90% of baseline). At 8 months, sacubitril/valsartan group noted improvements in both KCCQ clinical summary score (+0.64 versus −0.29;
P
=0.008) and KCCQ overall summary score (+1.13 versus −0.14;
P
<0.001) in comparison to enalapril group and significantly less proportion of patients with deterioration (≥5 points decrease) of both KCCQ scores (27% versus 31%;
P
=0.01). Adjusted change scores demonstrated consistent improvements in sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril through 36 months.

Conclusions

Change scores in KCCQ clinical summary scores and KCCQ overall summary scores were better in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan compared with those treated with enalapril, with consistency in most domains, and persist during follow-up beyond 8 months. These findings demonstrate that sacubitril/valsartan leads to better HRQL in surviving patients with heart failure.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.c
linicalt
rials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01035255.
Transcriptome-Wide Analysis Identifies Novel Associations With Blood Pressure
Authors: Zeller Tanja , Schurmann Claudia , Schramm Katharina , Müller Christian , Kwon Soonil , Wild Philipp S. , Teumer Alexander , Herrington David , Schillert Arne , Iacoviello Licia , Kratzer Adelheid , Jagodzinski Annika , Karakas Mahir , Ding Jingzhong , Neumann Johannes T. , Kuulasmaa Kari , Gieger Christian , Kacprowski Tim , Schnabel Renate B. , Roden Michael , Wahl Simone , Rotter Jerome I. , Ojeda Francisco , Carstensen-Kirberg Maren , Tregouet David-Alexandre , Dörr Marcus , Meitinger Thomas , Lackner Karl J. , Wolf Petra , Felix Stephan B. , Landmesser Ulf , Costanzo Simona , Ziegler Andreas , Liu Yongmei , Völker Uwe , Palmas Walter , Prokisch Holger , Guo Xiuqing , Herder Christian , Blankenberg Stefan , Homuth Georg
Published: August 2017

Hypertension represents a major cardiovascular risk factor. The pathophysiology of increased blood pressure (BP) is not yet completely understood. Transcriptome profiling offers possibilities to uncover genetics effects on BP. Based on 2 populations including 2549 individuals, a meta-analyses of monocytic transcriptome-wide profiles were performed to identify transcripts associated with BP. Replication was performed in 2 independent studies of whole-blood transcriptome data including 1990 individuals. For identified candidate genes, a direct link between long-term changes in BP and gene expression over time and by treatment with BP-lowering therapy was assessed. The predictive value of protein levels encoded by candidate genes for subsequent cardiovascular disease was investigated. Eight transcripts (
CRIP1
,
MYADM
,
TIPARP
,
TSC22D3
,
CEBPA
,
F12, LMNA
, and
TPPP3
) were identified jointly accounting for up to 13% (95% confidence interval, 8.7–16.2) of BP variability. Changes in
CRIP1
,
MYADM
,
TIPARP
,
LMNA
,
TSC22D3
,
CEBPA
, and
TPPP3
expression associated with BP changes—among these,
CRIP1
gene expression was additionally correlated to measures of cardiac hypertrophy. Assessment of circulating CRIP1 (cystein-rich protein 1) levels as biomarkers showed a strong association with increased risk for incident stroke (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.09;
P
=5.0×10
–5
). Our comprehensive analysis of global gene expression highlights 8 novel transcripts significantly associated with BP, providing a link between gene expression and BP. Translational approaches further established evidence for the potential use of CRIP1 as emerging disease-related biomarker.
Consumer-Based Physical Activity Monitor as a Practical Way to Measure Walking Intensity During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Klassen Tara D. , Semrau Jennifer A. , Dukelow Sean P. , Bayley Mark T. , Hill Michael D. , Eng Janice J.
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Identifying practical ways to accurately measure exercise intensity and dose in clinical environments is essential to advancing stroke rehabilitation. This is especially relevant in monitoring walking activity during inpatient rehabilitation where recovery is greatest. This study evaluated the accuracy of a readily available consumer-based physical activity monitor during daily inpatient stroke rehabilitation physical therapy sessions.

Methods—

Twenty-one individuals admitted to inpatient rehabilitation were monitored for a total of 471 one-hour physical therapy sessions which consisted of walking and nonwalking therapeutic activities. Participants wore a consumer-based physical activity monitor (Fitbit One) and the gold standard for assessing step count (StepWatch Activity Monitor) during physical therapy sessions. Linear mixed modeling was used to assess the relationship of the step count of the Fitbit to the StepWatch Activity Monitor. Device accuracy is reported as the percent error of the Fitbit compared with the StepWatch Activity Monitor.

Results—

A strong relationship (slope=0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.01) was found between the number of steps captured by the Fitbit One and the StepWatch Activity Monitor. The Fitbit One had a mean error of 10.9% (5.3) for participants with walking velocities <0.4 m/s, 6.8% (3.0) for walking velocities between 0.4 and 0.8 m/s, and 4.4% (2.8) for walking velocities >0.8 m/s.

Conclusions—

This study provides preliminary evidence that the Fitbit One, when positioned on the nonparetic ankle, can accurately measure walking steps early after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation physical therapy sessions.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01915368.
Physical Scaffolding Accelerates the Evolution of Robot Behavior
Authors: Buckingham David , Bongard Josh
Published: August 2017

In some evolutionary robotics experiments, evolved robots are transferred from simulation to reality, while sensor/motor data flows back from reality to improve the next transferral. We envision a generalization of this approach: a simulation-to-reality pipeline. In this pipeline, increasingly embodied agents flow up through a sequence of increasingly physically realistic simulators, while data flows back down to improve the next transferral between neighboring simulators; physical reality is the last link in this chain. As a first proof of concept, we introduce a two-link chain: A fast yet low-fidelity ( lo-fi) simulator hosts minimally embodied agents, which gradually evolve controllers and morphologies to colonize a slow yet high-fidelity ( hi-fi) simulator. The agents are thus physically scaffolded. We show here that, given the same computational budget, these physically scaffolded robots reach higher performance in the hi-fi simulator than do robots that only evolve in the hi-fi simulator, but only for a sufficiently difficult task. These results suggest that a simulation-to-reality pipeline may strike a good balance between accelerating evolution in simulation while anchoring the results in reality, free the investigator from having to prespecify the robot's morphology, and pave the way to scalable, automated, robot-generating systems.
Imitative and Direct Learning as Interacting Factors in Life History Evolution
Authors: Bullinaria John A.
Published: August 2017

The idea that lifetime learning can have a significant effect on life history evolution has recently been explored using a series of artificial life simulations. These involved populations of competing individuals evolving by natural selection to learn to perform well on simplified abstract tasks, with the learning consisting of identifying regularities in their environment. In reality, there is more to learning than that type of direct individual experience, because it often includes a substantial degree of social learning that involves various forms of imitation of what other individuals have learned before them. This article rectifies that omission by incorporating memes and imitative learning into revised versions of the previous approach. To do this reliably requires formulating and testing a general framework for meme-based simulations that will enable more complete investigations of learning as a factor in any life history evolution scenarios. It does that by simulating imitative information transfer in terms of memes being passed between individuals, and developing a process for merging that information with the (possibly inconsistent) information acquired by direct experience, leading to a consistent overall body of learning. The proposed framework is tested on a range of learning variations and a representative set of life history factors to confirm the robustness of the approach. The simulations presented illustrate the types of interactions and tradeoffs that can emerge, and indicate the kinds of species-specific models that could be developed with this approach in the future.
Workplace Support and Diversity in the Market for Public School Teachers
Authors: Bednar Steven , Gicheva Dora
Published: August 2017

Mentoring, and to a greater extent support from high-level administrators, has been shown to decrease worker turnover in general, but little is known about its differential impact on minority workers. Utilizing four waves of the Schools and Staffing Survey, we find that administrative support is most strongly associated with retention for minority teachers working in schools where minorities are underrepresented. This effect is pronounced for teachers new to the profession and those in schools with more students from low-income families or located in rural areas. The results indicate that workplace support is essential in maintaining or growing minority representation in relatively less-diverse organizations.
Cybernetic-Existentialism in Performance Art
Authors: Dixon Steve
Published: August 2017

A theory of Cybernetic-Existentialism is proposed to offer a new critical perspective on technological performance art. Case studies of Wafaa Bilal, Stelarc and Steve Mann are used to demonstrate how core ideas and themes from both cybernetics and existentialism are increasingly converging in contemporary arts.
Weather, Voter Turnout and Partisan Effects in Korea, 1995–1999
Authors: Lee Junhan , Hwang Wonjae
Published: August 2017

Weather conditions have long been considered as a major factor that affects voter turnout. Does inclement weather suppress voter turnout? If so, which party would benefit from lower voter turnout caused by bad weather conditions? Since voter turnout has an impact on electoral outcomes in many countries, including Korea, addressing these questions is essential for better understanding of voter turnout and electoral outcomes. This paper examines the weather-turnout theory using 146 by-elections held in Korea between 1995 and 1999. The results show that, all else being constant, inclement weather reduces voter turnout, implying that it may benefit right-wing or major parties rather than left-wing or minor parties through its negative impact on voter turnout.
Reinterpreting Split-Ticket Voting in South Korea’s 2004 Legislative Election
Authors: Rich Timothy S.
Published: August 2017

What explains ticket-splitting in South Korea’s 2004 National Assembly election? While the mixed member systems literature generally focuses on strategic rationales to split ticketing, the role of contextual factors—in this case the impeachment of President Roh Moo-Hyun—remains largely unexplored. An analysis of Korea’s first two-vote mixed system election from 2004 finds that, besides traditional strategic voting, approval of Roh’s impeachment influenced strategic voting, but only among supporters of Roh’s own party, the Uri Party.
Reinwardtia glandulifera (Linaceae), a new species from Kachin State, northern Myanmar
Authors: YANG BIN , ZHOU SHI-SHUN , MAUNG KYAW WIN , TAN YUN-HONG
Published: August 2017

Reinwardtia Dumortier (1822: 19) (Linaceae) with one species Reinwardtia indica Dumortier (1822: 19) is mainly distributed in northern India, China and Southeast Asia (Dressler et al. 2014). The genus belongs to subfamily Linoideae, tribe Eulineae (Winkler 1931, Dressler et al. 2014). Reinwardtia indica is heterostylous, and dimorphic pollen and stigmas are reported (Bahadur et al. 1996, Sugawara et al. 2002). Historically, two Reinwardtia species, R. tetragyna Planchon (1848: 523) and R. trigyna (Roxburgh, 1799:357) Planchon (1848: 522) have been recorded in Myanmar (Kress et al. 2003), but R. trigyna has been treated as a synonym of R. indica (Grierson & Long 1987, The Plant List 2013, Dressler et al. 2014).
Phylogenetic taxonomy of Dematiopleospora fusiformis sp. nov. (Phaeosphaeriaceae) from Russia
Authors: HUANG SHIKE , JEEWON RAJESH , WANASINGHE DHANUSHKA N. , MANAWASINGHE ISHARA S , BULGAKOV TIMUR S. , HYDE KEVIN D , KANG JICHUAN
Published: August 2017

Dematiopleospora fusiformis sp. nov., isolated from a decaying upright stem of Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae) in the Rostov Region of Russia is described herein based on morphology and ITS, LSU and SSU rRNA sequence based analyses. The new taxon is similar to D. mariae, the type species of Dematiopleospora, and shares similar features such as unilocular ascomata with brown setae in the ostiole, cylindrical asci and fusiform, muriform ascospores. However, D. fusiformis differs from the type and other species in Dematiopleospora in having light brown and larger ascospores. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses reveal that our new taxon belongs to the family Phaeosphaeriaceae and is nested in between Dematiopleospora mariae and D. cirsii with high support. A comparison with other similar species also points out to other morphological differences that segregates D. fusiformis. Phylogenies also indicate that the affinities of two other Dematiopleospora species (viz. D. luzulae and D. alliariae) are rather ambiguous. Although the latter clearly fits within the Phaeosphaeriaceae, they are phylogenetically distant from all other Dematiopleospora strains that belong to this genus and in addition their relationships to other taxa are not supported. Further taxonomic studies are warranted to clarify their morpho-phylo taxonomy. Dematiopleospora mariae, D. cirsii and D. fusiformis could be treated as Dematiopleospora sensu stricto.
Two new species, two rediscoveries and a range extension in Lachenalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) from southern and western South Africa
Authors: DUNCAN GRAHAM
Published: August 2017

Two recently discovered species of Lachenalia from South Africa, Lachenalia barbarae from the Overberg district of the Western Cape and Lachenalia adamii from the Bokkeveld escarpment of the Northern Cape, are described. In addition, details of the rediscovery of two species previously thought to be possibly extinct in the wild, Lachenalia martleyi from the Overberg district in the Western Cape and Lachenalia macgregoriorum from the Bokkeveld plateau in the Northern Cape, are provided, as well as a range extension for the critically endangered Lachenalia moniliformis from the Breede River Valley in the Western Cape.
New Neoribates (Acari, Oribatida, Parakalummidae) from Vietnam
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , STARÝ JOSEF
Published: August 2017

Three new species of oribatid mites of the genus Neoribates (Oribatida, Parakalummidae) are described based on adult specimens from the Tam Dao National Park of Northern Vietnam. Neoribates pseudojacoti sp. nov. differs from Neoribates jacoti Balogh & Mahunka, 1967 by the presence of clavate bothridial setae, median ridge of rostrum and adanal setae of medium size, and the localization of lamellar setae on prodorsum laterally to lamellar ends. Neoribates striatissimus sp. nov. differs from Neoribates similis Fujikawa, 2007 by the striate body surface, minute rostral setae and five pairs of genital setae. Neoribates protrusus sp. nov. differs from Neoribates rotundus Aoki, 1982 by the presence of barbed bothridial setae, rudimentary parts of translamellar line and very long interlamellar setae with attenuate tips.
Redescriptions of two poorly known deep-sea shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Pasiphaeidae and Glyphocrangonidae) from the Andaman Sea, eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: August 2017

Two deep-sea caridean shrimps are reported on the basis of topotypic materials recently collected from the Andaman Sea off Myanmar, eastern Indian Ocean: Pasiphaea unispinosa Wood-Mason, 1892 (Pasiphaeidae) and Glyphocrangon smithii Wood-Mason & Alcock, 1891b (Glyphocrangonidae). These two taxa are poorly known in literature, and thus their diagnostic features remain to be reassessed. The present material enabled us to describe morphological characters of the two species in detail, even though only a single specimen is available for each species. Pasiphaea unispinosa closely resembles P. merriami Schmitt, 1931 from the western Atlantic, but the distinctly carinate middorsal carapace, the deep branchiostegal sinus and the different structure of the pleonal tergites distinguish P. unispinosa from P. merriami. Glyphocrangon smithii is most similar to G. amblytes Komai, 2004 from the western Indian Ocean and G. wagini from Sala y Gomez Ridge in the eastern Pacific, but it is distinctive in having an unusually deep longitudinal groove on the extensor surface of each pereopod 4 and 5 dactylus.
Type material housed in the Carcinological Collection of the Museo de La Plata, Argentina
Authors: DIAZ ANALÍA R. , ÁLVAREZ VICTOR HUGO MERLO , DAMBORENEA CRISTINA
Published: August 2017

The Carcinological Collection of División Zoología Invertebrados, Museo de La Plata (FCNyM-UNLP) includes of 110 type lots of 42 species. A list of types of the crustacean orders Anostraca (8 species), Diplostraca (5 species), Arguloida (3 species), Cyclopoida (1 species), Poecilostomatoida (8 species), Siphonostomatoida (2 species), Podocopida (4 species), Amphipoda (2 species), Isopoda (2 species), Mysida (2 species) and Decapoda (5 species) is presented. Species names are listed in systematical order, including type locality, collection number, current taxonomic status and original bibliographic reference. For parasite and commensal species, type host and site of infection are also provided.
A new species of Synotaxus and the first chromosomal study on Synotaxidae, presenting a rare XY sex chromosome system in spiders (Araneae, Araneoidea)
Authors: SOUZA LUCAS HENRIQUE BONFIM , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO DOMINGOS , ARAUJO DOUGLAS
Published: August 2017

Studies on spider chromosomes are very scarce, with 44 spider families without any cytogenetically analyzed species. Nevertheless, chromosomal characteristics can be useful for species delimitation, such as the sex chromosome system (SCS), which is particularly diverse in spiders. In this study, we describe Synotaxus jaraguari n. sp., based on male and female specimens from midwestern Brazil. This species has a distinctive “horn” in the male ocular area and seems related to a group of species that includes Synotaxus monocerus (Caporiacco, 1947), S. itabaiana Santos & Rheims, 2005 and S. siolli Santos & Rheims, 2005. We also present the first karyotype study on Synotaxidae. The mitotic and meiotic cells of S. jaraguari n. sp. revealed 2n♂ = 22 + XY and 2n♀ = 22 + XX telocentric chromosomes. This is the ninth spider species with a XY/XX SCS, which is extremely rare in the group.
Quantifying the Accuracy and Uncertainty of Diurnal Thermodynamic Profiles and Convection Indices Derived from the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer
Authors: Blumberg W. G. , Wagner T. J. , Turner D. D. , Correia J.
Published: August 2017

While radiosondes have provided atmospheric scientists an accurate high-vertical-resolution profile of the troposphere for decades, they are unable to provide high-temporal-resolution observations without significant recurring expenses. Remote sensing technology, however, has the ability to monitor the evolution of the atmosphere in unprecedented detail. One particularly promising tool is the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), a passive ground-based infrared radiometer. Through a physical retrieval, the AERI can retrieve the vertical profile of temperature and humidity at a temporal resolution on the order of minutes. The synthesis of these two instruments may provide an improved diagnosis of the processes occurring in the atmosphere. This study provides a better understanding of the capabilities of the AERI in environments supportive of deep, moist convection. Using 3-hourly radiosonde launches and thermodynamic profiles retrieved from collocated AERIs, this study evaluates the accuracy of AERI-derived profiles over the diurnal cycle by analyzing AERI profiles in both the convective and stable boundary layers. Monte Carlo sampling is used to calculate the distribution of convection indices and compare the impact of measurement errors from each instrument platform on indices. This study indicates that the nonintegrated indices (e.g., lifted index) derived from AERI retrievals are more accurate than integrated indices (e.g., CAPE). While the AERI retrieval’s vertical resolution can inhibit precise diagnoses of capping inversions, the high-temporal-resolution nature of the AERI profiles overall helps in detecting rapid temporal changes in stability.
Comparative Ground Validation of IMERG and TMPA at Variable Spatiotemporal Scales in the Tropical Andes
Authors: Manz Bastian , Páez-Bimos Sebastián , Horna Natalia , Buytaert Wouter , Ochoa-Tocachi Boris , Lavado-Casimiro Waldo , Willems Bram
Published: August 2017

An initial ground validation of the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) Day-1 product from March 2014 to August 2015 is presented for the tropical Andes. IMERG was evaluated along with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) against 302 quality-controlled rain gauges across Ecuador and Peru. Detection, quantitative estimation statistics, and probability distribution functions are calculated at different spatial (0.1°, 0.25°) and temporal (1 h, 3 h, daily) scales. Precipitation products are analyzed for hydrometeorologically distinct subregions. Results show that IMERG has a superior detection and quantitative rainfall intensity estimation ability than TMPA, particularly in the high Andes. Despite slightly weaker agreement of mean rainfall fields, IMERG shows better characterization of gauge observations when separating rainfall detection and rainfall rate estimation. At corresponding space–time scales, IMERG shows better estimation of gauge rainfall probability distributions than TMPA. However, IMERG shows no improvement in both rainfall detection and rainfall rate estimation along the dry Peruvian coastline, where major random and systematic errors persist. Further research is required to identify which rainfall intensities are missed or falsely detected and how errors can be attributed to specific satellite sensor retrievals. The satellite–gauge difference was associated with the point-area difference in spatial support between gauges and satellite precipitation products, particularly in areas with low and irregular gauge network coverage. Future satellite–gauge evaluations need to identify such locations and investigate more closely interpixel point-area differences before attributing uncertainties to satellite products.