bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of 10 Serogroup O6 Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Pattabiraman Vaishnavi , Bopp Cheryl A.
Published: December 2014

Entertotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a major cause of global diarrhea, resulting in approximately 200 million occurrences and 300,000 to 400,000 deaths annually, primarily in children under the age of five. Here, we announce the release of the draft genomes of 10 ETEC isolates belonging to serogroup O6.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acetobacter tropicalis Type Strain NBRC16470, a Producer of Optically Pure
d
-Glyceric Acid
Authors: Koike Hideaki , Sato Shun , Morita Tomotake , Fukuoka Tokuma , Habe Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

Here we report the 3.7-Mb draft genome sequence of
Acetobacter tropicalis
NBRC16470
T
, which can produce optically pure
d
-glyceric acid (
d
-GA; 99% enantiomeric excess) from raw glycerol feedstock derived from biodiesel fuel production processes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Ebola Virus Isolates from the 2014 Outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Hoenen T. , Groseth A. , Feldmann F. , Marzi A. , Ebihara H. , Kobinger G. , Günther S. , Feldmann H.
Published: December 2014

Here, we report the complete genome sequences, including the genome termini, of three Ebola virus isolates (species
Zaire ebolavirus
) originating from Guinea that are now being widely used in laboratories in North America for research regarding West African Ebola viruses.
Coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and sarcoidosis: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Mandal Sanjay Kumar , Ghosh Sudip , Mondal Soumya Sarathi , Chatterjee Sumanta
Published: December 2014

Tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are multisystem diseases having different aetiology and management; however, they have similar clinical and histological characteristics. Very rarely they may coexist. We report a rare case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with chronic cough, low-grade fever and respiratory distress that was initially diagnosed as miliary tuberculosis. Diagnosis was supported by positive mycobacterial culture and initially responded to antitubercular treatment, but later recurrences led to further investigations and the diagnosis of coexisting sarcoidosis.
A ghost covered in lice: a case of severe blood loss with long-standing heavy pediculosis capitis infestation
Authors: Hau Veronica , Muhi-Iddin Nadia
Published: December 2014

An 11-year-old child presented with poor school attendance, and signs and symptoms of severe anaemia. He was heavily covered in lice. He was investigated for other causes of anaemia. Following treatment for head lice and also iron supplementation, he was back in full-time education. This case highlights the link between head lice (pediculosis capitis) infestation and iron-deficiency anaemia.
Establishing a standard for assessing the appropriateness of trauma team activation: a retrospective evaluation of two outcome measures
Authors: Bressan Silvia , Franklin Katherine L , Jowett Helen E , King Sebastian K , Oakley Ed , Palmer Cameron S
Published: December 2014

Background

Trauma team activation (TTA) is a well-recognised standard of care to provide rapid stabilisation of patients with time-critical, life-threatening injuries. TTA is associated with a substantial use of valuable hospital resources that may adversely impact upon the care of other patients if not carefully balanced. This study aimed to determine which of the two outcome measures would be a better standard for assessing the appropriateness of TTA at a paediatric centre: retrospective major trauma classification as defined within our state, and the use of emergency department high-level resources as recently published by Falconeet al(Falcone Interventions; FI).

Methods

Trauma registry data and patients’ charts between February 2011 and June 2013 were reviewed. Over-triage and under-triage rates for TTA, using both major trauma and FIs as outcome measures, were compared.

Results

Totallly, 280 patients received TTA, 243 met major trauma definition and 102 received one or more FIs. The rates of over-triage and under-triage were 39.7% (95% CI 35.0 to 44.6%) and 30.5% (95% CI 26.2 to 35.2%), when the major trauma definition was used as the outcome measure, and 67.5% (95% CI 62.2 to 72.5%) and 10.8% (95% CI 7.9 to 14.8%) when FI was used. Only 17.1% (95% CI 11.4% to 24.7%) of the under-triaged patients using the major trauma definition received one or more FIs.

Conclusions

Assessment of TTA appropriateness varied significantly based on the outcome measure used. FIs better reflected the use of acute-care TTA-related resources compared with the major trauma definition, and it should be used as the gold standard to prospectively assess and refine TTA criteria.
Medical aspects of the Battle of Waterloo: the battle
Authors: Crumplin Mick
Published: December 2014

The Duke of Wellington's polyglot army assembled for the Waterloo campaign was hastily aggregated and the Army Medical Department was somewhat short of staff and not entirely of the calibre of the department serving latterly in the Peninsular campaigns. The casualty rates during the battles of this campaign were high and the regimental and hospital staff struggled with the large number of casualties. Lack of stretcher bearers and transport were significant problems, which were compounded by the high density of the casualties. Three quarters of the surviving wounded rejoined their units.
Hencky Bar-Chain Model for Buckling and Vibration of Beams with Elastic End Restraints
Authors: Wang C. M. , Zhang H. , Gao R. P. , Duan W. H. , Challamel N.
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the Hencky bar-chain model (HBM) for buckling and vibration analyses of Euler–Bernoulli beams with elastic end restraints. The Hencky bar-chain comprises rigid beam segments (of length a = L/n where L is the total length of beam and n the number of beam segments) connected by frictionless hinges with elastic rotational springs of stiffness EI/a where EI is the flexural rigidity of the beam. The elasticity and the mass of the beam are concentrated at the hinges with rotational springs. The key contribution of this paper lies in the modeling of the elastic end restraints of the Hencky bar-chain that will simulate the same buckling and vibration results as that furnished by the first-order central finite difference beam model (FDM) which was earlier shown to be analogous to the HBM. The establishment of such a physical discrete beam model allows one to obtain solutions for beam-like structure with repetitive cells (or elements) as well as to calibrate the Eringen's coefficient e0 in the nonlocal beam theory that captures the small length scale effect.
A note on the generation of random dynamical systems from fractional stochastic delay differential equations
Authors: Duc Luu Hoang , Schmalfuß Björn , Siegmund Stefan
Published: December 2014

In this note we prove that a fractional stochastic delay differential equation which satisfies natural regularity conditions generates a continuous random dynamical system on a subspace of a Hölder space which is separable.
Shape Optimization of Acoustic Enclosures Based on a Wavelet–Galerkin Formulation
Authors: Zhang S. , Cheng L.
Published: December 2014

The problem of the shape optimization of acoustic enclosures is investigated in this paper. A general procedure, comprising a Wavelet–Garlerkin formulation and a so-called vertex-driven shape optimization is proposed to deal with the general problem of internal sound field prediction and the optimization of the boundary shape. It is shown that, owing to the compactly supported orthogonal property and the remarkable fitting ability, Daubechies Wavelet can be used as a global basis to approximate the unknown sound field on a relatively large interval globally instead of piecewise approximation like most of element based methods do. This feature avoids meshing the boundary of the enclosure, although vertex points are needed to define the boundary shape, whose positions keep updating during the shape optimization process. A rectangular enclosure is used as benchmark to assess and validate the proposed formulation, by investigating the influence of some key parameters involved in the formulation. It was shown that the sound pressure along the entire boundary of the rectangular enclosure can be accurately approximated without meshing. The same enclosure with an inner rigid acoustic screen is then used to reduce the sound pressure level within a chosen area through optimizing the shape of the screen, which shows the remarkable potentials of the proposed approach as a shape optimal tool for inner sound field problems.
The calculation and characteristic of elemental sensitivity factor in geochemical logging
Authors: Wu Wensheng , Yue Aizhong , Tong Maosong , Luo Li , Niu Wei
Published: December 2014

In geochemical elemental logging, the elemental sensitivity factor is a key parameter for converting relative yields of elements obtained from spectral analysis to actual concentrations of the elements in the formation. Here we perform a quantitative analysis of the Monte Carlo
N
-particle (MCNP) simulated spectra of elements in a model formation and compare the obtained relative yield of each element with its actual dry weight in a model formation to study their relationship. For a series of model formations with simple and complex lithologies, the mixed formation spectrum was obtained through MCNP simulation, and elemental sensitivity factors in these formations were calculated according to elemental sensitivity factor theory and applied in calculating dry weights of actual formation elements. It is thus inferred that the elemental sensitivity factor is a constant quantity and does not vary with the nature of the formation. The elemental sensitivity factors calculated for the simulated formations are close to actually measured sensitivity factors and can be used to analyse actual formation elements.
Creation of pre-oil-charging porosity by migration of source-rock-derived corrosive fluids through carbonate reservoirs: one-dimensional reactive mass transport modelling
Authors: van Berk Wolfgang , Fu Yunjiao , Schulz Hans-Martin
Published: December 2014

Locally increased porosity of carbonate reservoir rocks may result from acidic fluids that migrated as a pre-oil phase through the reservoir. Here, hydrogeochemical modelling, which is based on the principles of chemical equilibrium thermodynamics, is performed to test such a hypothetical concept. Despite the generic nature of the model, the modelling results give basic and quantitative insights into the mechanisms of calcite dissolution in carbonate reservoirs induced by migrating acidic and corrosive aqueous fluids.

The hydrogeochemical batch modelling considers pre-oil-phase aqueous fluids that form by kerogen maturation in siliciclastic source rocks underlying the carbonate reservoir rocks. Although saturated with respect to calcite, migration of such fluids through the carbonate reservoir triggers continuous calcite dissolution along their migration path following a decreasing pressure and temperature regime. One-dimensional reactive transport modelling reveals that thermodynamically controlled chemical re-equilibration among pre-oil-phase fluids, calcite and CO
2(g)
is the driving force for continuous calcite dissolution along this migration path. This reflects the increasing solubility of calcite in the system ‘pre-oil-phase fluids/calcite/CO
2(g)
’ with decreasing pressure and temperature. In consequence, such fluids can preserve their calcite-corrosive character, if they are exposed to continuously decreasing pressure and temperature along their migration path through the reservoir.

Supplementary material:

The modelling input files to ensure retraceability of our modelling approach and its results are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18802
.
Geotourism: an early photographic insight through the lens of the Geologists’ Association
Authors: Larwood Jonathan G.
Published: December 2014

From its earliest days in London in 1858, the Geologists’ Association (GA) brought together people from all backgrounds – amateur and professional geologists, men, women and children – to share their enthusiasm for geology and their desire to seek out and explore the geological world around them. The travels of the Geologists’ Association, in search of geological enlightenment, are documented in the
Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association
. These include accounts of organized excursions, detailing the geology seen and describing the discussion had, the refreshments taken and the transport used. Bringing these accounts to life is the Geologists’ Association’s Carreck Archive, which provides a rare insight into the world of the early geotourist documenting both familiar and lost places. Much is owed to the skill of the photographers such as T. W. Reader, whose albums document the field meetings between 1907 and 1919, while the spirit of the early travelling Geologists’ Association is captured in the albums of Miss M. S. Johnston. This paper explores the early travels of the Geologists’ Association through the literal views of the Carreck Archive and accounts in its literature, and the establishment of the GA as an inadvertent geotourism agent.
On Unexpectedness in Recommender Systems
Authors: Adamopoulos Panagiotis , Tuzhilin Alexander
Published: December 2014

Although the broad social and business success of recommender systems has been achieved across several domains, there is still a long way to go in terms of user satisfaction. One of the key dimensions for significant improvement is the concept of
unexpectedness
. In this article, we propose a method to improve user satisfaction by generating unexpected recommendations based on the utility theory of economics. In particular, we propose a new concept of unexpectedness as recommending to users those items that depart from what they would expect from the system - the consideration set of each user. We define and formalize the concept of unexpectedness and discuss how it differs from the related notions of novelty, serendipity, and diversity. In addition, we suggest several mechanisms for specifying the users’ expectations and propose specific performance metrics to measure the unexpectedness of recommendation lists. We also take into consideration the quality of recommendations using certain utility functions and present an algorithm for providing users with unexpected recommendations of high quality that are hard to discover but fairly match their interests. Finally, we conduct several experiments on “real-world” datasets and compare our recommendation results with other methods. The proposed approach outperforms these baseline methods in terms of unexpectedness and other important metrics, such as coverage, aggregate diversity and dispersion, while avoiding any accuracy loss.
Approaching the Chasm at Depth Four
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Kamath Pritish , Kayal Neeraj , Saptharishi Ramprasad
Published: December 2014

Agrawal and Vinay [2008], Koiran [2012], and Tavenas [2013] have recently shown that an exp (ω(√
n
log
n
)) lower bound for depth four homogeneous circuits computing the permanent with bottom layer of × gates having fanin bounded by √n translates to a superpolynomial lower bound for general arithmetic circuits computing the permanent. Motivated by this, we examine the complexity of computing the permanent and determinant via such homogeneous depth four circuits with bounded bottom fanin.

We show here that any homogeneous depth four arithmetic circuit with bottom fanin bounded by √n computing the permanent (or the determinant) must be of size exp,(Ω(√
n
)).
Corrosion Potential Profile Simulation in a Tube under Cathodic Protection
Authors: Ohanian Mauricio , Martínez-Luaces Víctor
Published: December 2014

The potential distribution in tubes of a heat exchanger is simulated when applying cathodic polarization to its extremes. The comparison of two methods to achieve this goal is presented: a numeric solution based on boundary elements carried out with the commercial software Beasy-GID and a semianalytical method developed by the authors. The mathematical model, the simplifications considered, and the problem solving are shown. Since both approaches use polarization curves as a boundary condition, experimental polarization curves (voltage versus current density) were determined in the laboratory under flow conditions and cylindrical cell geometry. The results obtained suggest the impossibility of extending the protection along the whole tube length; therefore, other protection methods are considered.
Coptis chinensis and Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) Can Synergistically Inhibit Inflammatory Response In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Cui Enhui , Zhi Xiaoyan , Chen Ying , Gao Yuanyuan , Fan Yunpeng , Zhang Weimin , Ma Wuren , Hou Weifeng , Guo Chao , Song Xiaoping
Published: December 2014

Objectives. To investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of Coptis chinensis plus myrobalan (CM) in vitro and in vivo. Methods. The inflammation in mouse peritoneal macrophages was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Animal models were established by using ear swelling and paw edema of mouse induced by xylene and formaldehyde, respectively. In vitro, cytotoxicity, the phagocytosis of macrophages, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in cell supernatant were detected. In vivo, swelling rate and edema inhibitory rate of ear and paw were observed using CM‐treated mice. Results. At 150–18.75 μg·mL−1, CM had no cytotoxicity and could significantly promote the growth and the phagocytosis of macrophages and inhibit the overproduction of NO, iNOS, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in macrophages induced by LPS. In vivo, pretreatment with CM, the ear swelling, and paw edema of mice could be significantly inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner, and the antiedema effect of CM at high dose was better than dexamethasone. Conclusion. Our results demonstrated that Coptis chinensis and myrobalan possessed synergistically anti‐inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo, which indicated that CM had therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of inflammation‐mediated diseases.
Language Development across the Life Span: A Neuropsychological/Neuroimaging Perspective
Authors: Rosselli Mónica , Ardila Alfredo , Matute Esmeralda , Vélez-Uribe Idaly
Published: December 2014

Language development has been correlated with specific changes in brain development. The aim of this paper is to analyze the linguistic-brain associations that occur from birth through senescence. Findings from the neuropsychological and neuroimaging literature are reviewed, and the relationship of language changes observable in human development and the corresponding brain maturation processes across age groups are examined. Two major dimensions of language development are highlighted: naming (considered a major measure of lexical knowledge) and verbal fluency (regarded as a major measure of language production ability). Developmental changes in the brain lateralization of language are discussed, emphasizing that in early life there is an increase in functional brain asymmetry for language, but that this asymmetry changes over time, and that changes in the volume of gray and white matter are age-sensitive. The effects of certain specific variables, such as gender, level of education, and bilingualism are also analyzed. General conclusions are presented and directions for future research are suggested.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Chronic Neurological Diseases: Do We Have Maintenance Dose Right?
Authors: Dolezal Ondrej
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We tried to define, on individual basis, minimal effective maintenance dose of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in 26 patients with chronic neurological conditions requiring long-term IVIG treatment.Methods. Clinical criteria were reviewed in individual cases (Phase 1) followed by titration phase (Phase 2, 12 months) and posttitration/follow-up phase (Phase 3, 3 months). Objective neurological examination and patient self-reports were used for clinical follow-up.Results. 69.2% of patients reported condition as stable, 26.9% as better, and 3.9% as mildly worse. Original mean monthly dose was 1 g/kg; over the period of 12 months we reduced dose of IVIG to mean dose 0.67 g/kg (range 0.3–2.5 g/kg,P<0.0001)which meant reduction by 36.4%. We identified 4 nonresponders and diagnosis in one case was reclassified to degenerative disease. In follow-up phase we reduced dose further to 0.60 g/kg. Cumulative monthly dose dropped from 2040 g to 1298 g and to 991 g, respectively. Financial expenses were reduced significantly (by −36.4% during titration phase and by −51.4% during follow-up phase) (comparing with baseline)(P<0.0001).Conclusion. Individual dose titration leads to significant maintenance IVIG dose reduction with preserved clinical efficacy. Maintenance dose below 1 g/kg (in our study around 0.7 g/kg) has acceptable risk/benefit ratio.
Cancer Immunotherapy and Breaking Immune Tolerance: New Approaches to an Old Challenge
Authors: Makkouk Amani , Weiner George J.
Published: December 2014

Cancer immunotherapy has proven to be challenging as it depends on overcoming multiple mechanisms that mediate immune tolerance to self-antigens. A growing understanding of immune tolerance has been the foundation for new approaches to cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive transfer of immune effectors such as antitumor mAb and chimeric antigen receptor T cells bypasses many of the mechanisms involved in immune tolerance by allowing for expansion of tumor-specific effectors ex vivo. Vaccination with whole tumor cells, protein, peptide, or dendritic cells has proven challenging, yet may be more useful when combined with other cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. Immunomodulatory approaches to cancer immunotherapy include treatment with agents that enhance and maintain T-cell activation. Recent advances in the use of checkpoint blockade to block negative signals and to maintain the antitumor response are particularly exciting. With our growing knowledge of immune tolerance and ways to overcome it, combination treatments are being developed, tested, and have particular promise. One example is in situ immunization that is designed to break tolerance within the tumor microenvironment. Progress in all these areas is continuing based on clear evidence that cancer immunotherapy designed to overcome immune tolerance can be useful for a growing number of patients with cancer. Cancer Res; 75(1); 5–10. ©2014 AACR.
Regulation of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition through SUMOylation of Transcription Factors
Authors: Bogachek Maria V. , De Andrade James P. , Weigel Ronald J.
Published: December 2014

Carcinoma cells can transition from an epithelial-to-mesenchymal differentiation state through a process known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The process of EMT is characterized by alterations in the pattern of gene expression and is associated with a loss of cell polarity, an increase in invasiveness, and an increase in cells expressing cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. The reverse process of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) can also occur, though the transitions characterizing EMT and MET can be incomplete. A growing number of transcription factors have been identified that influence the EMT/MET processes. Interestingly, SUMOylation regulates the functional activity of many of the transcription factors governing transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal states. In some cases, the transcription factor is a small ubiquitin-like modifier conjugated directly, thus altering its transcriptional activity or cell trafficking. In other cases, SUMOylation alters transcriptional mechanisms through secondary effects. This review explores the role of SUMOylation in controlling transcriptional mechanisms that regulate EMT/MET in cancer. Developing new drugs that specifically target SUMOylation offers a novel therapeutic approach to block tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(1); 11–15. ©2014 AACR.
Mini-Laparoscopy Guided Liver Biopsy Increases Diagnostic Accuracy in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Dechêne Alexander , Sowa Jan-Peter , Schlattjan Martin , Wree Alexander , Blomeyer Sandra , Best Jan , Maldonado Evelyn J. , Bechmann Lars P. , Gerken Guido , Baba Hideo A. , Syn Wing-Kin , Canbay Ali
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: For diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of acute liver failure (ALF), macroscopic evaluation and histological assessment of the liver are important. Due to impaired coagulation in ALF, the risk of bleeding is high after a percutaneous liver biopsy. Our aims were to assess (i) safety and benefit of mini laparoscopy (ML) in patients with ALF and (ii) the potential utility of histological markers in ALF prognosis. Methods: ML was performed in 39 patients with ALF to assess liver surface and to obtain a liver biopsy. Serological markers of liver injury and immunohistochemical detection of cell death and proliferation were compared to a non-ALF group (n = 10). Results: Liver biopsies were successfully performed in all patients with no significant complications. All patients had markedly elevated M30 and M65 levels in the serum. In the liver, M30 and Ki67 immune-reactive cells were more abundant in those with ALF. Importantly, there were significantly more Ki67-positive cells but fewer M30-positive cells in livers of ALF patients who recovered spontaneously. Conclusion: ML with liver biopsy in patients with ALF and severe coagulopathy is safe. Immunohistochemical detection of liver cell death and regeneration may identify individuals who would recover spontaneously or who would need a liver transplant.
Pediatric Celiac Disease Patients Who Are Lost to Follow-Up Have a Poorly Controlled Disease
Authors: Barnea Liron , Mozer-Glassberg Yael , Hojsak Iva , Hartman Corina , Shamir Raanan
Published: December 2014

Background: Follow-up of celiac disease (CD) patients is recommended for gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence monitoring and complication detection. We recently showed that 35% of children with CD were lost to follow-up (LTFU). We aimed to characterize LTFU population, and thus identify compliance barriers to GFD and follow-up. Methods: 50 LTFU patients were investigated using a telephone questionnaire, regarding frequency of follow-up, serology testing, and adherence to GFD (using the validated Biagi score). Fifty two regular follow-up patients served as controls. Results: LTFU patients had poor adherence to GFD (average Biagi score of 2.0 ± 1.4) compared to controls (3.0 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). Only 22% of LTFU performed periodic celiac serology testing compared to 82% of controls (p < 0.001). LTFU had higher prevalence of positive celiac serology tests (50% compared to 25% of controls, p = 0.01). Fewer LTFU were National Celiac Association members (24%) compared with controls (44%, p = 0.05). Regression analysis showed positive relationships between LTFU and poor adherence to GFD (R2 = 0.26737, p = 0.001), older age at diagnosis (R2 = 0.30046, p = 0.03), and non-membership in a celiac association (R2 = 0.18591, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: LTFU is associated with non-adherence to GFD and positive serology. Risk factors for LFTU should be identified and addressed in order to improve patient care.
Local Control May be the Key in Improving Treatment Outcomes of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiation
Authors: Kim Hae Won , Kim Jie-Hyun , Lee Ik Jae , Kim Jun Won , Lee Yong Chan , Lee Chang Geol , Park Jae Jun , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim: Little is known about the patterns of treatment failure following definitive chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), especially in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We evaluated definitive CCRT failure patterns and determined the predictive factors for treatment response in esophageal SCC. Methods: We evaluated 136 consecutive patients with esophageal SCC treated with definitive CCRT. We evaluated the factors associated with complete remission (CR) after CCRT and analyzed the pattern of treatment failure of recurred patients and incomplete remission patients. The failures were categorized as either within (locoregional failure) or outside the radiation field (out-field failure). Results: Fifty-seven patients achieved CR after CCRT. Consolidation chemotherapy was significantly associated with CR. Only 4 (7.0%) patients had CR after CCRT in patients with M1a node (Celiac or subclavian lymph nodes involvement by 6th AJCC). During follow-up, 74 patients (54.4%) experienced locoregional failure, 26 (19.1%) out-field failure, and 35 (25.7%) no failure. Esophageal obstruction prior to CCRT, residual tumor according to the first follow-up endoscopy, and poor follow-up computed tomography responses were significantly associated with locoregional failure. Conclusion: Approximately 70% of treatment failures were local failures. Future therapeutic strategies need to focus on improving local control to increase treatment outcomes of CCRT.
Cystic Gene Dosage Influences Kidney Lesions After Nephron Reduction
Authors: Le Corre Stéphanie , Viau Amandine , Burtin Martine , El-Karoui Khalil , Cnops Yvette , Terryn Sara , Debaix Huguette , Bérissi Sophie , Gubler Marie-Claire , Devuyst Olivier , Terzi Fabiola
Published: December 2014

Cystic kidney disease is characterized by the progressive development of multiple fluid-filled cysts. Cysts can be acquired, or they may appear during development or in postnatal life due to specific gene defects and lead to renal failure. The most frequent form of this disease is the inherited polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Experimental models of PKD showed that an increase of cellular proliferation and apoptosis as well as defects in apico-basal and planar cell polarity or cilia play a critical role in cyst development. However, little is known about the mechanisms and the mediators involved in acquired cystic kidney diseases (ACKD). In this study, we used the nephron reduction as a model to study the mechanisms underlying cyst development in ACKD. We found that tubular dilations after nephron reduction recapitulated most of the morphological features of ACKD. The development of tubular dilations was associated with a dramatic increase of cell proliferation. In contrast, the apico-basal polarity and cilia did not seem to be affected. Interestingly, polycystin 1 and fibrocystin were markedly increased and polycystin 2 was decreased in cells lining the dilated tubules, whereas the expression of several other cystic genes did not change. More importantly, Pkd1 haploinsufficiency accelerated the development of tubular dilations after nephron reduction, a phenotype that was associated to a further increase of cell proliferation. These data were relevant to humans ACKD, as cystic genes expression and the rate of cell proliferation were also increased. In conclusion, our study suggests that the nephron reduction can be considered a suitable model to study ACKD and that dosage of genes involved in PKD is also important in ACKD.
Bivalirudin for acute coronary syndromes: premises, promises and doubts
Authors: Capodanno Davide , Caterina Raffaele De
Published: December 2014

Bivalirudin is a valuable anticoagulant option in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Advantages over heparin as a parenteral anticoagulant include more predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, shorter half-life, no need for cofactors, some degree of antiplatelet effect, and the ability to inhibit clot-bound thrombin. Clinical evidence supporting the use of bivalirudin over heparin in current ACS guidelines, however, derives mostly from early randomised trials that may no longer reflect current management patterns, now including the use of oral antiplatelet agents more potent than clopidogrel (i.e. prasugrel or ticagrelor) and a broader implementation of strategies to reduce bleeding (i.e. radial access for percutaneous coronary intervention, and use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors only in bailout situations). Defining the fine balance between bivalirudin efficacy and safety over heparins in the context of other antithrombotic treatments remains a challenge in clinical practice, particularly in a fast-evolving scenario, such as ACS, where numerous new trials have been presented in very recent times. Here we provide an up-to-date overview of the evidence on the use of bivalirudin in ACS, with focus on new data, open issues, and future directions.
Correlação entre o peso, comprimento e anexos fetais de mocós (Kerodon rupestris Wied, 1820)
Authors: Oliveira Moacir Franco de , Oliveira Gleidson Benevides de , Rodrigues Márcio Nogueira , Bezerra Ferdinando Vinícius Fernandes , Coelho Wesley Adson Costa , Assis Neto Antônio Chaves de , Silva Alexandre Rodrigues , Miglino Maria Angélica
Published: December 2014

Foi avaliada a existência de correlação entre diferentes anexos fetais de mocós e determinada a relação entre peso do feto e peso da placenta, relação entre o peso do feto e comprimento do cordão umbilical e a relação entre o peso do feto e comprimento do feto. Foram utilizados anexos fetais e fetos de três, cinco e seis fêmeas, respectivamente, no terço inicial, médio e final de gestação, obtidas no Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres (CEMAS-UFERSA). Os dados foram expressos em média ± desvio padrão, bem como valores mínimos e máximos, avaliados pelo programa estatístico GraphPad Prism Versão 6.0. Após análise dos pressupostos paramétricos, os dados foram submetidos aos Testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney e regressão linear. A relação entre peso do feto e peso da placenta demonstrou expressão y = 33,73 + 16,38x com cálculo do coeficiente de correlação entre peso do feto e o peso da placenta elevado e positivo, evidenciando dependência entre as variáveis (R2 = 0,7251). A relação entre o peso do feto e comprimento do cordão umbilical demonstrou expressão y = 35,64 + 25,64x e a análise de correlação entre as variáveis, positiva (R2 = 0,7201) indicando elevada dependência entre as variáveis. Quanto à relação entre o peso do feto e comprimento do feto, identificou-se uma relação do tipo y = a + bx, cuja expressão definida foi y = 1,26 + 0,41x, com análise de correlação das variáveis apresentando elevada correlação considerando-se o valor de R2 = 0,7890. As variáveis analisadas demonstram uma influência direta no desenvolvimento embrionário e fetal em mocós confirmando a correlação destes com o tamanho do feto.
BubR1 Insufficiency Inhibits Neointimal Hyperplasia Through Impaired Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation in Mice
Authors: Kyuragi Ryoichi , Matsumoto Takuya , Harada Yui , Saito Satoru , Onimaru Mitsuho , Nakatsu Yoshimichi , Tsuzuki Teruhisa , Nomura Masatoshi , Yonemitsu Yoshikazu , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: December 2014

Objective—

BubR1, a cell cycle–related protein, is an essential component of the spindle checkpoint that regulates cell division. Mice with BubR1 expression reduced to 10% of the normal level display a phenotype characterized by progeria; however, the involvement of BubR1 in vascular diseases is still unknown. We generated mice in which BubR1 expression was reduced to 20% (
BubR1
L/L
mice) of that in wild-type mice (
BubR1
+/+
) to investigate the effects of BubR1 on arterial intimal hyperplasia.

Approach and Results—

Ten-week-old male
BubR1
L/L
and age-matched wild-type littermates (
BubR1
+/+
) were used in this study. The left common carotid artery was ligated, and histopathologic examinations were conducted 4 weeks later. Bone marrow transplantation was also performed. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from the thoracic aorta to examine cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression. Severe neointimal hyperplasia was observed after artery ligation in
BubR1
+/+
mice, whereas
BubR1
L/L
mice displayed nearly complete inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia. Bone marrow transplantation from all donors did not affect the reconstitution of 3 hematopoietic lineages, and neointimal hyperplasia was still suppressed after bone marrow transplantation from
BubR1
+/+
mice to
BubR1
L/L
mice. VSMC proliferation was impaired in
BubR1
L/L
mice because of delayed entry into the S phase. VSMC migration was unaffected in these
BubR1
L/L
mice. p38 mitogen–activated protein kinase–inhibited VSMCs showed low expression of BubR1, and BubR1-inhibited VSMCs showed low expression of p38.

Conclusions—

BubR1 may represent a new target molecule for treating pathological states of vascular remodeling, such as restenosis after angioplasty.
MicroRNA 302a Is a Novel Modulator of Cholesterol Homeostasis and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Meiler Svenja , Baumer Yvonne , Toulmin Emma , Seng Kosal , Boisvert William A.
Published: December 2014

Objective—

Macrophage foam cell formation is a key feature of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that specific microRNAs (miRs) are regulated in modified low-density lipoprotein–treated macrophages, which can affect the cellular cholesterol homeostasis. Undertaking a genome-wide screen of miRs regulated in primary macrophages by modified low-density lipoprotein, miR-302a emerged as a potential candidate that may play a key role in macrophage cholesterol homeostasis.

Approach and Results—

The objective of this study was to assess the involvement of miR-302a in macrophage lipid homeostasis and if it can influence circulating lipid levels and atherosclerotic development when it is inhibited in a murine atherosclerosis model. We found that transfection of primary macrophages with either miR-302a or anti–miR-302a regulated the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCA1 mRNA and protein. Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-302a repressed the 3′ untranslated regions (UTR) activity of mouse Abca1 by 48% and human ABCA1 by 45%. In addition, transfection of murine macrophages with miR-302a attenuated cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) by 38%. Long-term in vivo administration of anti–miR-302a to mice with low-density lipoprotein receptor deficiency (
Ldlr
−/−
) fed an atherogenic diet led to an increase in ABCA1 in the liver and aorta as well as an increase in circulating plasma high-density lipoprotein levels by 35% compared with that of control mice. The anti–miR-302a–treated mice also displayed reduced atherosclerotic plaque size by ≈25% and a more stable plaque morphology with reduced signs of inflammation.

Conclusions—

These studies identify miR-302a as a novel modulator of cholesterol efflux and a potential therapeutic target for suppressing atherosclerosis.
Left Atrial Transcriptional Changes Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility and Persistence
Authors: Deshmukh Amrish , Barnard John , Sun Han , Newton David , Castel Laurie , Pettersson Gosta , Johnston Douglas , Roselli Eric , Gillinov A. Marc , McCurry Kenneth , Moravec Christine , Smith Jonathan D. , Van Wagoner David R. , Chung Mina K.
Published: December 2014

Background—

Prior transcriptional studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been limited to specific transcripts, animal models, chronic AF, right atria, or small samples. We sought to characterize the left atrial transcriptome in human AF to distinguish changes related to AF susceptibility and persistence.

Methods and Results—

Left atrial appendages from 239 patients stratified by coronary artery disease, valve disease, and AF history (no history of AF, AF history in sinus rhythm at surgery, and AF history in AF at surgery) were selected for genome-wide mRNA microarray profiling. Transcripts were examined for differential expression with AF phenotype group. Enrichment in differentially expressed genes was examined in 3 gene set collections: a transcription factor collection, defined by shared conserved
cis
-regulatory motifs, a miRNA collection, defined by shared 3′ untranslated region motifs, and a molecular function collection, defined by shared Gene Ontology molecular function. AF susceptibility was associated with decreased expression of the targets of CREB/ATF family, heat-shock factor 1, ATF6, SRF, and E2F1 transcription factors. Persistent AF activity was associated with decreased expression in genes and gene sets related to ion channel function consistent with reported functional changes.

Conclusions—

AF susceptibility was associated with decreased expression of targets of several transcription factors related to inflammation, oxidation, and cellular stress responses. In contrast, changes in ion channel expression were associated with AF activity but were limited in AF susceptibility. Our results suggest that significant transcriptional remodeling marks susceptibility to AF, whereas remodeling of ion channel expression occurs later in the progression or as a consequence of AF.
Global Production Sharing and Wage Premiums: Evidence from the Thai Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Kohpaiboon Archanun , Jongwanich Juthathip
Published: December 2014

The paper aims to promote a better understanding of the determinants of wage skill premiums in developing countries, with emphasis on the role of firm heterogeneity as well as global production sharing. An interplant, cross-sectional analysis of the Thai manufacturing sector is undertaken. Our key finding is in line with the theoretical postulation of the established firm heterogeneity literature—i.e., tariff cuts have different effects on firms depending on the mode by which firms are globally integrated. We also find that outsourced economic activities to developing countries are skills intensive. Our finding has implications for the management of economic globalization. First, reluctance to continue trade policy reform could inflate demand for unskilled workers and eventually jeopardize the competitiveness of exporting firms. Second, participation in global production sharing provides not only lucrative business opportunities, but also the chance to move up to a higher rung on the technology ladder. In addition, increasing economic globalization by participating in global production sharing could bring adverse effects to unskilled workers. Social safety net programs must be put in place to mitigate such adverse effects.
Description of a new leech species of Helobdella (Clitellata: Glossiphoniidae) from Mexico with a review of Mexican congeners and a taxonomic key
Authors: SALAS-MONTIEL RICARDO , PHILLIPS ANNA J. , DE LEON GERARDO PEREZ-PONCE , OCEGUERA-FIGUEROA ALEJANDRO
Published: December 2014

To date, six species of the leech genus Helobdella have been recorded from Mexico: Helobdella atli, Helobdella elongata, Helobdella octatestisaca, Helobdella socimulcensis, Helobdella virginiae and Helobdella temiscoensis n. sp. This new species is characterized by a lanceolate body, the presence of a nuchal scute, uniform brown pigment on both dorsal and ventral surfaces, the absence of papillae, well-separated eyespots, six pairs of testisacs and five pairs of crop caeca, the last of which forms posterior caeca. In addition, we provide new geographic records for Helobdella species from Mexico resulting from our own collections, vouchers deposited at the Colección Nacional de Helmintos from the Instituto de Biología, UNAM, Mexico and vouchers at the Invertebrate Zoology Collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (USNM) Washington D.C., USA. We present a comprehensive review of Mexican Helobdella species, including the new species, with notes on the characteristic morphology and geographic distribution of each species with 91 new records from 20 states. In addition, we provide a taxonomic key for the identification of the Mexican species.
Low-Frequency Seiche in a Large Bay
Authors: MacMahan Jamie
Published: December 2014

Short-term observations of sea surface elevations η along the 10-m isobath and long-term observations inside and outside of a large bay (Monterey Bay, CA) were obtained to describe the nodal structure of the modes 0–3 seiches within the bay and the low-frequency (<346 cpd) seiche forcing mechanism. The measured nodal pattern validates previous numerical estimates associated with a northern amplitude bias, though variability exists across the modal frequency band, particularly for modes 0 and 1. Low-frequency oceanic η white noise within seiche frequency bands (24–69 cpd) provides a continuous resonant forcing of the bay seiche with a η2 (variance) amplification of 16–40 for the different modes. The temporal variation of the oceanic η white noise is significantly correlated (R2 = 0.86) at the 95% confidence interval with the bay seiche η that varies seasonally. The oceanic η white noise is hypothesized as being from low-frequency, free, infragravity waves that are forced by short waves.
Extraction of Tide Constituents by Harmonic Analysis Using Altimetry Satellite Data in the Brazilian Coast
Authors: Daher Victor Bastos , Cristhyna de Oliveira Vieira Paes Rosa , França Gutemberg Borges , Rodrigues Alvarenga João Bosco , Galvão Teixeira Gregório Luiz
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes the sea surface height dataset from the TOPEX, Jason-1, and Jason-2 satellites of a 19-yr time series in order to extract the tide harmonic constituents for the region limited by latitude 5°N–35°S and longitude 55°–20°W. The harmonic analysis results implemented here were compared with the tidal constituents estimated by three classical tidal models [i.e., TOPEX/Poseidon Global Inverse Solution 7.2 (TPXO7.2), Global Ocean Tide 4.7 (GOT4.7), and Finite Element Solution 2102 (FES2102)] and also with those extracted from in situ measurements. The Courtier criterion was used to define the tide regimes and regionally they are classified as semidiurnal between the latitude range from approximately 5°N to 22°S, semidiurnal with diurnal inequality from 22° to about 29°S, and mixed southward of latitude 22°S. The comparison results among all tide approaches were done by analyzing the root-sum-square misfit (RSSmisfit) value. Generally, the RSSmisfit difference values are not higher than 12 cm among them in deep-water regions. On the other hand, in shallow water, all models have presented quite similar performance, and the RSSmisfit values have presented higher variance than the previous region, as expected. The major discrepancy results were particularly noted for two tide gauges located in the latitude range from 5°N to 2°S. The latter was investigated and conclusions have mainly pointed to the influence of the mouth of the Amazon River and the considerable distance between tide measurements and the satellite reference point, which make it quite hard to compare those results. In summary, the results have showed that all models presently generate quite reliable results for deep water; however, further study should done in order to improve them in shallow-water regions too.