bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRESS-INDUCED ASYMMETRIC MAGNETOIMPEDANCE EFFECT IN Ni80Fe20/Cu COMPOSITE WIRES
Authors: LV WENXING , LI XIN , XIE WENHUI , ZHAO QIANG , ZHAO ZHENJIE
Published: March 2017

The magnetoimpedance effect of Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]/Cu composited wires was experimentally investigated by varying the Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] coating thickness. An asymmetric MI behavior with a tunable linear region around zero magnetic field by altering the thickness of Ni[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text] layer was demonstrated. And the MI behavior was governed by the different anisotropy induced by the residual local stress in the multi-layer region. In addition, our investigation also suggested that the interactions between interface phase and outer phase of coating layer decreased with thickness, resulting in the domination of the asymmetric MI characteristic. For thickness of 485[Formula: see text]nm, the sensitivity was up to 225%/Oe from [Formula: see text] Oe to 2 Oe, providing a promising candidate for linear sensor application.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR RUPTURE RISK PREDICTION OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSMS (AAA) BASED ON ITS MORPHOMETRY
Authors: GUILLERMO VILALTA-ALONSO , JOSÉ ALBERTO VILALTA-ALONSO , EDUARDO SOUDAH , FÉLIX NIETO-PALOMO , LAUTENTIU LIPSA , ÁNGELES PÉREZ-RUEDA MARÍA , MARIELA LÓPEZ-AGUILAR BÁRBARA , CARLOS VAQUERO-PUERTA
Published: March 2017

The morphometry of the abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) has been recognized as one of the main factors that may predispose its rupture. The variation of the AAA morphometry, over time, induces modifications in hemodynamic behavior which, in turn, alters the spatial and temporal distribution of hemodynamic stress on the aneurismatic wall, establishing a bidirectional process that can influence the rupture phenomenon. In order to evaluate potential correlations between the main geometric parameters characterizing the AAA and hemodynamic stresses, 13 unrupture AAA patient-specific models were created. To AAA geometric characterization, 12 indices based on lumen center line were defined and determined. The computing of temporal and spatial distributions of hemodynamic stresses was conducted through Computational Fluid Dynamics. Statistical techniques were used to assess the relationships between the hemodynamic parameters and the different geometrical indices of the AAA. Regression analyses were conducted to obtain linear predictor models for hemodynamic stresses using the different indices defined in this paper as predictor variables. The statistical analysis confirmed that the length L, the asymmetry and the saccular index significantly influenced the hemodynamic stresses. The results obtained show the potential of the use of statistical techniques in predicting the rupture risk of patient-specific AAA.
STARTUPS’ INNOVATION BEHAVIOUR: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATIONS
Authors: GUNDOLF KATHERINE , GAST JOHANNA , GÉRAUDEL MICKAËL
Published: March 2017

Although it is argued that competitiveness and successful performance in the long term is facilitated if ventures engage in innovations in diverse domains (e.g., product, process, production, administration, etc.), the development of diversified innovation has been rarely analysed. As the entrepreneurs’ initial motivations to startup are likely to influence their subsequent entrepreneurial behaviour, this study aims to explore whether and how entrepreneurial motivations affect diversified innovation behaviour in startups. Using data on over 48,000 French startups, we present novel insights into the consequences of entrepreneurial motivation for innovation behaviour. In fact, we find that distinct startup motivations can have different effects on the development of diverse innovations. As such, our findings contribute to extant research on innovation development of startups and advance the present understanding of the determinants of startups’ innovative behaviour.
Mechanisms of the deep, slow-wave, sleep-related increase of upper airway muscle tone in healthy humans
Authors: Hicks Amelia , Cori Jennifer M. , Jordan Amy S. , Nicholas Christian L. , Kubin Leszek , Semmler John G. , Malhotra Atul , McSharry David G. P. , Trinder John A.
Published: March 2017

Upper airway muscle activity is reportedly elevated during slow-wave sleep (SWS) when compared with lighter sleep stages. To uncover the possible mechanisms underlying this elevation, we explored the correlation between different indices of central and reflex inspiratory drive, such as the changes in airway pressure and end-expiratory CO2and the changes in the genioglossus (GG) and tensor palatini (TP) muscle activity accompanying transitions from the lighter N2 to the deeper N3 stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in healthy young adult men. Forty-six GG and 38 TP continuous electromyographic recordings were obtained from 16 men [age: 20 ± 2.5 (SD) yr; body mass index: 22.5 ± 1.8 kg/m2] during 32 transitions from NREM stages N2 to N3. GG but not TP activity increased following transition into N3 sleep, and the increase was positively correlated with more negative airway pressure, increased end-tidal CO2, increased peak inspiratory flow, and increased minute ventilation. None of these correlations was statistically significant for TP. Complementary GG and TP single motor unit analysis revealed a mild recruitment of GG units and derecruitment of TP units during the N2 to N3 transitions. These findings suggest that, in healthy individuals, the increased GG activity during SWS is driven primarily by reflex stimulation of airway mechanoreceptors and central chemoreceptors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The characteristic increase in the activity of the upper airway dilator muscle genioglossus during slow-wave sleep (SWS) in young healthy individuals was found to be related to increased stimulation of airway mechanoreceptors and central chemoreceptors. No evidence was found for the presence of a central SWS-specific drive stimulating genioglossus activity in young healthy individuals. However, it remains to be determined whether a central drive exists in obstructive sleep apnea patients.
Adaptive Reprogramming of De Novo Pyrimidine Synthesis Is a Metabolic Vulnerability in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Brown Kristin K. , Spinelli Jessica B. , Asara John M. , Toker Alex
Published: March 2017

Chemotherapy resistance is a major barrier to the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and strategies to circumvent resistance are required. Using in vitro and in vivo metabolic profiling of TNBC cells, we show that an increase in the abundance of pyrimidine nucleotides occurs in response to chemotherapy exposure. Mechanistically, elevation of pyrimidine nucleotides induced by chemotherapy is dependent on increased activity of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway. Pharmacologic inhibition of de novo pyrimidine synthesis sensitizes TNBC cells to genotoxic chemotherapy agents by exacerbating DNA damage. Moreover, combined treatment with doxorubicin and leflunomide, a clinically approved inhibitor of the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway, induces regression of TNBC xenografts. Thus, the increase in pyrimidine nucleotide levels observed following chemotherapy exposure represents a metabolic vulnerability that can be exploited to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy for the treatment of TNBC.

Significance: The prognosis for patients with TNBC with residual disease after chemotherapy is poor. We find that chemotherapy agents induce adaptive reprogramming of de novo pyrimidine synthesis and show that this response can be exploited pharmacologically, using clinically approved inhibitors of de novo pyrimidine synthesis, to sensitize TNBC cells to chemotherapy. Cancer Discov; 7(4); 391–9. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Mathur et al., p. 380.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 339
PTEN Regulates Glutamine Flux to Pyrimidine Synthesis and Sensitivity to Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Inhibition
Authors: Mathur Deepti , Stratikopoulos Elias , Ozturk Sait , Steinbach Nicole , Pegno Sarah , Schoenfeld Sarah , Yong Raymund , Murty Vundavalli V. , Asara John M. , Cantley Lewis C. , Parsons Ramon
Published: March 2017

Metabolic changes induced by oncogenic drivers of cancer contribute to tumor growth and are attractive targets for cancer treatment. Here, we found that increased growth of PTEN-mutant cells was dependent on glutamine flux through the de novo pyrimidine synthesis pathway, which created sensitivity to the inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, a rate-limiting enzyme for pyrimidine ring synthesis. S-phase PTEN-mutant cells showed increased numbers of replication forks, and inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase led to chromosome breaks and cell death due to inadequate ATR activation and DNA damage at replication forks. Our findings indicate that enhanced glutamine flux generates vulnerability to dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition, which then causes synthetic lethality in PTEN-deficient cells due to inherent defects in ATR activation. Inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase could thus be a promising therapy for patients with PTEN-mutant cancers.

Significance: We have found a prospective targeted therapy for PTEN-deficient tumors, with efficacy in vitro and in vivo in tumors derived from different tissues. This is based upon the changes in glutamine metabolism, DNA replication, and DNA damage response which are consequences of inactivation of PTEN. Cancer Discov; 7(4); 380–90. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Brown et al., p. 391.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 339
Modified Fluorodeoxyglucose Metabolism in Motor Circuitry by Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Cao Chunyan , Zhang Huiwei , Li Dianyou , Zhan Shikun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zuo Chuantao , Sun Bomin
Published: March 2017

Background: Adjustment of the motor circuitry has been described in the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD). Objectives: To evaluate the modulation of the motor circuitry of PD patients by subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: Resting-state brain 18F-FDG PET imaging was performed for 8 PD patients before surgery and also 1 year after STN DBS treatment; changes in regional glucose metabolism were identified. The PD-related pattern (PDRP) of metabolic covariation was also evaluated. In addition, the correlations between glucose metabolism and clinical alleviation were determined. Results: Pronounced elevations in parietal and occipital glucose metabolism due to STN DBS modification were found; an obvious reduction in caudate, putamen, cerebellum, and frontal cortex glucose metabolism was detected after STN DBS interventions. The alleviation of rigidity correlated with an increment in glucose metabolism in the parietal lobe. STN DBS inhibited the PDRP; the decrease in the PDRP correlated with the inhibition of the glucose metabolism of the caudate and the augmented glucose metabolism of the occipital lobe. Conclusion: STN DBS modulates cortical function through the cortical-striatothalamocortial motor circuitry and cerebellothalamocortical motor circuitry.
Pediatric Tourette Syndrome: A Tic Disorder with a Tricky Presentation
Authors: Warsi Qurratul , Kirby Caroline , Beg Mirza
Published: March 2017

Dysphagia is a condition in which disruption of the swallowing process interferes with a patient’s ability to eat. This may result in coughing or choking while swallowing, food sticking in the throat, or globus sensation. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disease with a varied clinical spectrum of symptoms including dysphagia. Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that manifests itself as a series of motor and vocal tics and may include oropharyngeal dysphagia. Dysphagia as a result of TS generally affects female, elderly patients and is not reported in children. While the pathophysiology is relatively unknown, experts believe TS is closely linked to damage or abnormalities in the basal ganglia of the brain. We present this interesting pediatric case of dysphagia due to EoE, which had been previously thought to be related to the patient’s TS.
Gallstone Ileus Caused by Cholecystocolonic Fistula and Gallstone Impaction in the Sigmoid Colon: Review of the Literature and Novel Surgical Treatment with Trephine Loop Colostomy
Authors: O’Brien James W. , Webb Lucy-Anne , Evans Luke , Speakman Chris , Shaikh Irshad
Published: March 2017

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction and occurs following the formation of a cholecystoenteric fistula, permitting passage of gallstones into the gastrointestinal tract. Impaction of a gallstone in the sigmoid colon is rare and is usually at sites of previous colonic disease. Definitive management can be challenging due to the advanced age and co-morbidity usually seen in this group of patients. We describe a patient successfully managed with on-table endoscopy and, under local anaesthetic, the formation of a left iliac fossa trephine loop colostomy, permitting an enterolithotomy to deliver the stone whilst accommodating for severe pre-existing distal sigmoid diverticular disease. A review of the literature identified various endoscopic and surgical treatments that, depending on local expertise and patient characteristics, can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We advocate the management described in this case for patients presenting with large bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus, with a background of diverticular disease and who are not fit for general anaesthetic or formal bowel resection, as an alternative to medical palliation alone.
Perianal Pagetoid Intraepithelial Carcinoma
Authors: Sisodia Suanga , Boushey Robin , Lee Goo , Marginean Celia , Gomes Marcio M. , Bhattacharya Gaurav , Dennis Kristopher
Published: March 2017

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) involving the perianal region is rare and challenging to manage. Primary EMPD involves stand-alone noninvasive lesions within the epidermis, while secondary EMPD involves phenotypically similar lesions derived from separate underlying malignancies. Differentiating between primary and secondary EMPD is challenging when no underlying malignancies are detected during workup. Continued reporting of perianal EMPD cases is encouraged so that risk stratification can be improved and patients can be managed with an appropriate level of aggressiveness. Herein, we report the case of a 74-year-old woman who chose aggressive surgical management after being diagnosed with perianal pagetoid intraepithelial carcinoma from a suspected occult underlying primary colorectal tumor.
Basic Self-Disturbances beyond Schizophrenia: Discrepancies and Affinities in Panic Disorder - An Empirical Clinical Study
Authors: Madeira Luís , Carmenates Sergio , Costa Cristina , Linhares Ludgero , Stanghellini Giovanni , Figueira Maria Luísa , Sass Louis
Published: March 2017

Background: Anomalous self-experiences (ASEs), presumably involving alterations in “core” or “minimal self,” have been studied as manifest in schizophrenia and its spectrum, in contrast with mood disorder and personality disorder samples. This is the first study to examine ASEs in panic disorder (PD), beginning the exploration of these disturbances of subjectivity in anxiety disorders. We aimed to clarify what might, or might not, be specific to the schizophrenia spectrum domain - which, in turn, could be useful for developing pathogenetic models for various disorders. Sampling and Methods: 47 hospital outpatients with PD and no other medical and psychiatric comorbidity and 47 healthy control (HC) subjects were assessed with the Examination of Anomalous Self Experiences (EASE) and Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS). Results: All our PD patients had overall ASE and EASE scores significantly higher than our HCs (mean ± SD 17.94 ± 11.88 vs. HC 1.00 ± 1.81), approaching levels found in previous schizophrenia spectrum samples. The distribution of particular EASE items and subitems in the PD sample was heterogeneous, varying from rare (<10%) or absent (termed “discrepancies” with schizophrenia spectrum: 29 items) to being present in >50% of subjects (“affinities” with schizophrenia spectrum: 7 items). EASE and CDS scores were highly correlated (r = 0.756, 95% CI 0.665-0.840). Conclusions: PD patients scored higher on items suggesting common forms of derealization and depersonalization, perhaps suggesting “secondary” and defensive psychological processes, while lacking indicators of more profound ipseity disturbance. Our study supports the basic-self-disturbance model of schizophrenia, while suggesting the possibility of transnosological “schizophrenia-like phenomena,” which might require careful phenomenological exploration to be distinguished from those of true psychotic or schizophrenic conditions.
Characterization of Thyroid Abnormalities in a Large Cohort of Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Pierce Melinda J. , LaFranchi Stephen H. , Pinter Joseph D.
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: Thyroid disease is a common comorbidity in individuals with Down syndrome (DS), but historical studies have multiple limitations. We assessed thyroid abnormalities in a large cohort of children with DS. Methods: Retrospective records review from a single institution. Calculated prevalence of common thyroid abnormalities and associations with common comorbidities. Results: Among 508 patients, 120 (24%) had a thyroid-related diagnosis, the majority having elevated thyrotropin treated with levothyroxine. A Kaplan-Meier estimate projects that 50% have thyroid disorder by adulthood, with 20% of hypothyroidism diagnosed before the age of 6 months. When tested, approximately 50% had positive antithyroid antibodies, though this rate was 100% in overt hypothyroidism. There was no association between congenital or acquired hypothyroidism and common comorbidities. Conclusion: Thyroid disease in DS is more common and occurs earlier than in the general population, and is often transient. Thyroid disease is unrelated to gender, obesity, or other comorbidities. Apart from overt hypothyroidism, much of hypothyroidism in DS appears unrelated to autoimmunity; we recommend checking of antithyroid antibodies only in select cases. An additional screen for thyroid disease between the newborn screen and the 6-month well-child visit will detect early cases of hypothyroidism who passed their newborn screen.
Noninvasive Prenatal Testing - When Is It Advantageous to Apply
Authors: Liehr Thomas , Lauten Angela , Schneider Uwe , Schleussner Ekkehard , Weise Anja
Published: March 2017

Nowadays it is common sense in obstetrics that an increased risk for pregnancy loss due to invasive testing does not exist. Nonetheless, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a hot topic, even though this approach does not provide a reduction of unintentionally induced abortions. NIPT has a number of shortcuts which are highlighted in this review, including: (1) in NIPT placental rather than fetal DNA is studied, (2) NIPT fails in 2-6% of cases, and (3) trisomy 21 accounts for only ∼50% of existing chromosomal aberrations. Thus, we agree with the literature that NIPT is a fascinating possibility to gain information on unborn life from minimal amounts of DNA. However, it remains a pure risk estimation test directed towards the detection of specific chromosomal abnormalities from peripheral blood of the pregnant woman. It is important to highlight that families buying this test, and getting a normal result, may be provided with a false sense of security. Thus, careful and comprehensive genetic counselling should be performed before the test is offered, and should include a clear explanation of the advantages and disadvantages, as well as limitations, compared to other methods.
HIV-Associated Lung Cancer
Authors: Kiderlen Til R. , Siehl Jan , Hentrich Marcus
Published: March 2017

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common non-AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)-defining malignancies. It occurs more frequently in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) than in the HIV-negative population. Compared to their HIV-negative counterparts, patients are usually younger and diagnosed at more advanced stages. The pathogenesis of LC in PLWHIV is not fully understood, but immunosuppression in combination with chronic infection and the oncogenic effects of smoking and HIV itself all seem to play a role. Currently, no established preventive screening is available, making smoking cessation the most promising preventive measure. Treatment protocols and standards are the same as for the general population. Notably, immuno-oncology will also become standard of care in a significant subset of HIV-infected patients with LC. As drug interactions and hematological toxicity must be taken into account, a multidisciplinary approach should include a physician experienced in the treatment of HIV. Only limited data is available on novel targeted therapies and checkpoint inhibitors in the setting of HIV.
Post-Stroke Seizures Is Associated with Low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score
Authors: Chen Ziyuan , Churilov Leonid , Koome Miriam , Chen Ziyi , Naylor Jillian , Kwan Patrick , Yan Bernard
Published: March 2017

Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of new-onset seizures. Cortical ischemia and large ischemic lesion size are among the most consistently reported risk factors for post-stroke seizures. Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) is a simple and reliable tool for quantifying the extent of cerebral ischemia and may function as a screening tool for patients with high risk of seizure development. We investigated the association of post-stroke seizures with the extent of ischemia assessed by ASPECTS and with cortical involvement identified on non-contrast CT (NCCT). Methods: This cohort study was based on a prospectively maintained clinical database of acute ischemic stroke patients who were given intravenous tissue plasminogen activator treatment. We included patients with anterior circulation stroke admitted between January 2008 and October 2014. Patients with pre-stroke seizures were excluded. Clinical data and seizure follow-up data were collected. NCCT scans acquired both on stroke admission and at 24 h were analyzed. Logistic regression and cox regression were performed in statistical analysis. Results: A total of 348 patients (median age 73 years, interquartile range [IQR] 63-80, 55% male) were included. During follow-up (median duration 559 days, IQR 107.5-1188.5 days), 22 (6.3%) patients developed post-stroke seizures. Median time from stroke to seizure onset was 138 days (IQR 10-342 days). In univariate logistic regression, both ASPECTS on admission (OR 0.69 per 1-point increase; 95% CI 0.55-0.86; p = 0.001) and at 24 h (OR 0.80 per 1-point increase; 95% CI 0.70-0.92; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with post-stroke seizures. Cortical involvement at 24 h also correlated with seizure occurrence (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.08-8.34; p = 0.03). Cox regression confirmed the higher risk of developing seizures at any time point in patients with lower ASPECTS value and cortical ischemia. Of note, ASPECTS was the only independent predictor for post-stroke seizures in multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion: The extent of ischemia assessed by ASPECTS and cortical involvement identified on NCCT were associated with the development of post-stroke seizures.
Small Foci of Serous Component as a Predictor of Recurrence and Prognosis for Stage IA Endometrial Carcinomas
Authors: Miyamoto Morikazu , Takano Masashi , Tsuda Hitoshi , Soyama Hiroaki , Aoyama Tadashi , Ishibashi Hiroki , Kato Kento , Iwahashi Hideki , Matuura Hiroko , Yoshikawa Tomoyuki , Suzuki Ayako , Hirata Junko , Furuya Kenichi
Published: March 2017

Objective: Most of the endometrial carcinomas are detected in early stages and have a better prognosis; however, predictive factors for recurrence have not been determined. Methods: Patients with grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma (EG1) according to the 2014 WHO criteria at FIGO 2009 stage IA that were identified through scanning medical charts were included, and we assessed whether the presence of uterine serous carcinoma (SC) component which comprised less than 5% of the total volume using the ovarian two-tiered grading system could be a recurrent risk factor in these patients. Results: Among 126 cases which met inclusion criteria, 12 cases had SC. SC tumors were divided into 2 groups: SC resembling high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and SC resembling low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC). Five (3.9%) cases had HGSC and 7 (5.6%) cases had LGSC. Recurrence was observed in 3 of all cases (2.3%): 2 cases with HGSC, and 1 case with LGSC. Regarding several clinicopathological factors, only the presence of SC was associated with recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity to predict recurrence using this system were 100 and 93%, respectively. Conclusion: The identification of SC using the ovarian two-tiered grading system could be an accurate predictor of recurrence in stage IA EG1.
Rescue Treatment with Pipeline Embolization for Postsurgical Clipping Recurrences of Anterior Communicating Artery Region Aneurysms
Authors: Lin Li-Mei , Iyer Rajiv R. , Bender Matthew T. , Monarch Thomas , Colby Geoffrey P. , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J. , Coon Alexander L.
Published: March 2017

Background: Postsurgical clipping aneurysm recurrences or residuals can be difficult to manage with either traditional open microsurgical approaches or endosaccular coiling. Endoluminal parent vessel reconstruction with flow diversion may be an ideal method for treating these recurrences by avoiding reoperative surgery or intraprocedural aneurysm rupture with aneurysm access. Method: We retrospectively reviewed a single-center aneurysm database identifying all anterior communicating artery (ACom) region aneurysms with recurrences after microsurgical clipping. Cases subsequently treated with Pipeline embolization device (PED) were identified for analysis. Results: Nine PED neurointerventions were performed for the treatment of 6 ACom region recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping (ACom, n = 4 and A1-A2 junction, n = 2). Of the 6 aneurysms treated, 4 were previously ruptured. Mean patient age was 59.5 ± 6.9 years (range 50-67 years). Mean aneurysm size was 5.1 ± 2.2 mm (range 3-9 mm). Mean fluoroscopy time was 44.1 ± 12.4 min. A single PED, deployed from ipsilateral A2 to ipsilateral A1, was used in 6 cases. No instances of periprocedural complications were encountered. Angiographic follow-up was available in all aneurysms; 5 of these 6 (83%) demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion. Conclusion: Flow diversion with PED can be a safe and efficacious treatment approach for recurrent ACom region aneurysms after surgical clipping.
MicroRNA-150 Modulates Ischemia-Induced Neovascularization in Atherosclerotic Conditions
Authors: Desjarlais Michel , Dussault Sylvie , Dhahri Wahiba , Mathieu Raphael , Rivard Alain
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Hypercholesterolemia is an atherosclerotic condition that is associated with impaired neovascularization in response to ischemia. This study sought to define the role of microRNAs in that pathophysiology.

Approach and Results—

Next-generation sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses identified miR-150 as a proangiogenic microRNA, which expression is significantly reduced in the ischemic muscles of hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice, and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Forced expression of miR-150 using a miR mimic could rescue oxidized low-density lipoprotein–mediated impairment of endothelial cell migration and tubule formation in vitro. In a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia, intramuscular injection of miR-150 mimic restored blood flow recuperation, vascular densities in ischemic muscles, and functional mobility in ApoE
−/−
mice. Treatment of ApoE
−/−
mice with miR-150 also increased the number and the activities of proangiogenic cells. miR-150 targets SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1, an important regulator of Src (proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src) activity. Here we found that hypercholesterolemia and oxidized low-density lipoprotein exposure are associated with increased SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 expression and decreased Src activity. However, treatment with miR-150 mimic reduces SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 expression and restores Src and downstream endothelial nitric oxide synthase and Akt (protein kinase B) activities both in vitro and in vivo. We also demonstrate the interrelation between miR-150 and SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 and their importance for endothelial cell angiogenic activities.

Conclusions—

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with reduced expression of miR-150, impaired Src signaling, and inefficient neovascularization in response to ischemia. Forced expression of miR-150 using a miR mimic could constitute a novel therapeutic strategy to improve ischemia-induced neovascularization in atherosclerotic conditions.
RXR Ligands Negatively Regulate Thrombosis and Hemostasis
Authors: Unsworth Amanda J. , Flora Gagan D. , Sasikumar Parvathy , Bye Alexander P. , Sage Tanya , Kriek Neline , Crescente Marilena , Gibbins Jonathan M.
Published: March 2017

Objective—

Platelets have been found to express intracellular nuclear receptors including the retinoid X receptors (RXRα and RXRβ). Treatment of platelets with ligands of RXR has been shown to inhibit platelet responses to ADP and thromboxane A2; however, the effects on responses to other platelet agonists and the underlying mechanism have not been fully characterized.

Approach and Results—

The effect of 9-
cis
-retinoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and methoprene acid on collagen receptor (glycoprotein VI [GPVI]) agonists and thrombin-stimulated platelet function; including aggregation, granule secretion, integrin activation, calcium mobilization, integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling and thrombus formation in vitro and in vivo were determined. Treatment of platelets with RXR ligands resulted in attenuation of platelet functional responses after stimulation by GPVI agonists or thrombin and inhibition of integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling. Treatment with 9-
cis
-retinoic acid caused inhibition of thrombus formation in vitro and an impairment of thrombosis and hemostasis in vivo. Both RXR ligands stimulated protein kinase A activation, measured by VASP S157 phosphorylation, that was found to be dependent on both cAMP and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell activity.

Conclusions—

This study identifies a widespread, negative regulatory role for RXR in the regulation of platelet functional responses and thrombus formation and describes novel events that lead to the upregulation of protein kinase A, a known negative regulator of many aspects of platelet function. This mechanism may offer a possible explanation for the cardioprotective effects described in vivo after treatment with RXR ligands.
Heart Failure Incidence and Mortality in the Southern Community Cohort Study
Authors: Akwo Elvis A. , Kabagambe Edmond K. , Wang Thomas J. , Harrell Frank E. , Blot William J. , Mumma Michael , Gupta Deepak K. , Lipworth Loren
Published: March 2017

Background—

There is a paucity of data on heart failure (HF) incidence among low-income and minority populations. Our objective was to investigate HF incidence and post-HF survival by race and sex among low-income adults in the southeastern United States.

Methods and Results—

Participants were 27 078 white and black men and women enrolled during 2002 to 2009 in the SCCS (Southern Community Cohort Study) who had no history of HF and were receiving Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Incident HF diagnoses through December 31, 2010 were ascertained using
International Classification of Diseases
9th Revision codes 428.x via linkage with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services research files. Most participants were black (68.8%), women (62.6%), and earned <$15 000/y (69.7%); mean age was 55.5 (10.4) years. Risk factors for HF were common: hypertension (62.5%), diabetes mellitus (26.5%), myocardial infarction (8.6%), and obesity (44.8%). Over a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 4341 participants were diagnosed with HF. The age-standardized incidence rates were 34.8, 37.3, 34.9, and 35.6 /1000 person-years in white women, white men, black men, and black women, respectively, remarkably higher than previously reported. Among HF cases, 952 deaths occurred over a median follow-up of 2.3 years. Men had lower survival; hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.63 (1.27–2.08), 1.38 (1.11–1.72), and 0.90 (0.73–1.12) for white men, black men, and black women compared with white women.

Conclusions—

In this low-income population, HF incidence was higher for all race–sex groups than previously reported in other cohorts. The SCCS is a unique resource to investigate determinants of HF risk in a segment of the population underrepresented in other existing cohorts.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Severity, Progression and Outcomes: A Multi‐State Model
Authors: Cannon Jeffrey , Roberts Kathryn , Milne Catherine , Carapetis Jonathan R.
Published: March 2017

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (
RHD
) remains a disease of international importance, yet little has been published about disease progression in a contemporary patient cohort. Multi‐state models provide a well‐established method of estimating rates of transition between disease states, and can be used to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of potential interventions. We aimed to create a multi‐state model for
RHD
progression using serial clinical data from a cohort of Australian patients.

Methods and Results

The Northern Territory
RHD
register was used to identify all Indigenous residents diagnosed with
RHD
between the ages of 5 and 24 years in the time period 1999–2012. Disease severity over time, surgeries, and deaths were evaluated for 591 patients. Of 96 (16.2%) patients with severe
RHD
at diagnosis, 50% had proceeded to valve surgery by 2 years, and 10% were dead within 6 years. Of those diagnosed with moderate
RHD
, there was a similar chance of disease regression or progression over time. Patients with mild
RHD
at diagnosis were the most stable, with 64% remaining mild after 10 years; however, 11.4% progressed to severe
RHD
and half of these required surgery.

Conclusions

The prognosis of young Indigenous Australians diagnosed with severe
RHD
is bleak; interventions must focus on earlier detection and treatment if the observed natural history is to be improved. This multi‐state model can be used to predict the effect of different interventions on disease progression and the associated costs.
A revision of the genus Eutetrapha Bates (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Saperdini)
Authors: LIN MEI-YING , BI WEN-XUAN , YANG XING-KE
Published: March 2017

A revision of the genus Eutetrapha Bates, 1884 is presented. Four new species are described from China: E. parastigmosa Lin & Yang, sp. nov. from Hubei, Chongqing and Shaanxi; E. tianmushana Lin & Bi, sp. nov. from Zhejiang; E. shaanxiana Lin & Yang, sp. nov. from Shaanxi, Hubei, Gansu; and E. gui Lin & Yang, sp. nov. from Hainan. Eutetrapha virides Pu & Jin, 1991 is transferred to the genus Paraglenea, and Glenea ocelota Bates, 1873 is transferred from Eutetrapha to Saperda (Lopezcolonia). Eutetrapha laosensis is newly recorded from India and Myanmar, while Eutetrapha flavoguttata Pu & Jin, 1991 is newly recorded from Myanmar. India and Myanmar represent new country records for Eutetrapha. Twenty-one taxa are recognized in the genus Eutetrapha, and a key to the described species of the genus is presented.
A new species of Phylloicus Müller 1880 (Trichoptera: Calamoceratidae) from Espírito Santo State, southeastern Brazil
Authors: BARCELOS-SILVA PATRIK , DESIDÉRIO GLEISON ROBSON , PES ANA MARIA
Published: March 2017

The worldwide caddisfly family Calamoceratidae comprises about 175 extant species in eight genera (Holzenthal et al. 2007). Among these, two are exclusively recorded from the Neotropics: Banyallarga Navás with 18 described species (Prather 2004) and Phylloicus Müller with 57 described species (Prather 2003, Dumas & Nessimian 2010, Santos & Nessimian 2010, Quinteiro et al. 2011), both genera recently reviewed by Prather (2003, 2004).
A new species of the genus Amyrsidea (Phthiraptera: Amblycera: Menoponidae) parasitizing domestic chickens in Saudi Arabia
Authors: ALAHMED AZZAM , ALDRYHIM YOUSIF , SHOBRAK MOHAMMED , NASSER MOHAMED
Published: March 2017

Amyrsidea Ewing, 1927 is a genus of chewing lice comprising 52 species, divided into five subgenera: Amyrsidea sensu stricto, Argimenopon Eichler, 1947, Cracimenopon Carriker, 1954, Desumenopon Carriker, 1954 and Numidimenopon Scharf & Price, 1977 (see Price et al. 2003: 86), which parasitise a wide range of hosts belonging to the avian order Galliformes (see Price et al. 2003: 321). Species of Amyrsidea can be distinguished from species of Menacanthus Neumann, 1912—the other menoponid genus with species parasitic on the same hosts—by lacking ventral spinous processes in the head (Scharf & Price 1977: 815). Revisions of all subgenera and species of Amyrsidea, including keys for their identification, were published by Scharf & Price (1977, 1983) and Scharf & Emerson (1983, 1984).
Out of Amazonia: the unexpected trans-Andean distribution of Cochranella resplendens (Lynch and Duellman, 1978) (Anura: Centrolenidae)
Authors: MOLINA-ZULUAGA CLAUDIA , CANO ESTEFANY , RESTREPO ADRIANA , RADA MARCO , DAZA JUAN M.
Published: March 2017

The glassfrog genus Cochranella, with nine recognized species, is distributed in the lowlands and mid elevation of the Neotropical forests, from Nicaragua to Bolivia (Guayasamin et al. 2009; Twomey et al. 2014). Four species are trans-Andean—C. granulosa (Taylor 1949) occurs in the lowlands and mountains, at mid elevation, of Central America, C. litoralis (Ruiz-Carranza & Lynch 1996) and C. mache Guayasamin & Bonaccorso 2004 occur in the Pacific lowlands and the western cloud forests of Colombia and Ecuador, and C. euknemos (Savage & Starrett 1967) occurs both in Central America and South America (northwestern Colombia).—The other five species have cis-Andean distributions in the Amazonian slopes and lowlands, from Colombia to Bolivia: C. nola Harvey 1996, C. guayasamini Twomey, Delia & Castroviejo-Fisher 2014, C. resplendens (Lynch & Duellman 1973), C. erminea Torres-Gastello, Suárez-Segovia & Cisneros-Heredia 2007, and C. phryxa Aguayo-Vedia & Harvey 2006. In Colombia, C. resplendens is known from the foothills of the Amazon versant in Caquetá (Malambo et al. 2013) and Putumayo (Lynch & Duellman 1973; Ruiz-Carranza et al. 1996). The species is also known from Ecuador (Lynch & Duellman 1973) and Peru (Twomey et al. 2014). Here, we report two new records of Cochranella resplendens, extending the species distribution beyond the Amazonian lowlands into the northern Cordillera Central in Colombia.
An Anomalous Genesis Potential Index for MJO Modulation of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Wang Bin , Moon Ja-Yeon
Published: March 2017

Modulation of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) has been quantitatively diagnosed by using a climatological genesis potential index (GPI). Analysis of TC genesis during November–April of 1979–2014 indicates the most effective factors controlling intraseasonal TC genesis are 850-hPa relative vorticity weighted by the Coriolis parameter fζr850 and 500-hPa vertical motion ω500. The total vertical wind shear and maximum potential intensity are unimportant, and the role of 600-hPa relative humidity is greatly represented by ω500. The MJO modulates TC genesis primarily through changing low-level vorticity induced by its Rossby wave gyres and meridional shears of equatorial zonal winds. A new intraseasonal GPI (ISGPI) is proposed to quantify the MJO’s modulation of TC genesis. The ISGPI significantly improves representation of intraseasonal variation of TC genesis in the tropics and in each subregion of the southern Indian Ocean, Australian monsoon, and South Pacific. In the hot spots of the Southern Hemisphere TC genesis zone, the probability of TC genesis can differ by a factor of 5–19 as a result of MJO modulation. The results suggest that the large-scale factors controlling TC genesis may vary with different time scales, and the climatological GPI may not be quite applicable for diagnoses of climate variability and future change of TC genesis potential. To simulate realistic impacts of the MJO on TC genesis, general circulation models must reproduce not only realistic eastward propagation but also the MJO low-level circulation structure. Application of the new ISGPI may have a large potential to improve dynamical subseasonal prediction of TC genesis.
Measurement of Cough Aerodynamics in Healthy Adults
Authors: Feinstein Aaron J. , Zhang Zhaoyan , Chhetri Dinesh K. , Long Jennifer
Published: March 2017

Importance:

Cough is a critical human reflex and also among the most frequent symptoms in medicine. Despite the prevalence of disordered cough in laryngeal pathologies, comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of cough in these patients is lacking.

Objective:

Herein we seek to establish normative values for cough aerodynamics to provide a population standard for reference in future studies.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Healthy subjects were recruited from an outpatient clinic to perform voluntary cough. Subjects were instructed on the technique for maximal voluntary cough production with measurements recorded on pneumotachograph. Fifty-two subjects were studied, including 29 women and 23 men with a mean age of 51.6 and 52.3 years, respectively.

Main Outcomes and Measures:

Cough peak airflow, peak pressure, and expiratory rise time. Results were stratified by age, gender, and height.

Results:

Peak airflow demonstrated significant differences across age, gender, and height, with flow increasing according to increasing height. Peak cough pressure also increased with height and was significantly greater in males versus females. Expiratory rise time, the time from glottal opening to peak airflow, did not vary with age or height but was statistically significantly longer in women.

Conclusions:

Cough aerodynamics can be readily measured objectively in the outpatient setting. Expiratory rise time, peak flow, and peak pressure are important aspects of each cough epoch. Normative data provided herein can be used for future studies of patients with laryngotracheal disorders, and these cough parameters may prove to be simple, accessible, and repeatable outcome measures.
What Do Performance Appraisals Do?
Authors: Cappelli Peter , Conyon Martin J.
Published: March 2017

Performance appraisals, the evaluation of an employee’s job performance over the previous period by one’s supervisor, are a standard practice in virtually every organization. They are one of the most important, time-consuming, and unpopular tasks in management. Despite this, remarkably little is known about how performance appraisals operate, especially their consequences. Indeed, much of what is written from a practitioner perspective typically suggests that they do little. By contrast, we document empirical evidence of the importance of performance appraisals using data from a large US corporation. The results in this case show that appraisals are informative and directly influence many dimensions of employee outcomes, including employee bonuses, merit pay, employee promotions, and decisions to exit the firm. The evidence shows that the appraisal process here is consistent with a relational, open-ended view of employment. It is not consistent with the common economic view that performance appraisals simply settle-up contractually based employment relationships.
Reading Fluency and Students With Reading Disabilities: How Fast Is Fast Enough to Promote Reading Comprehension?
Authors: O’Connor Rollanda E.
Published: March 2017

The goal of improving reading rate and fluency is to positively impact reading comprehension; however, it is unclear how fast students with learning disabilities (LD) need to read to reap this benefit. The purpose of this research was to identify the point of diminishing return for students who were dysfluent readers. Participants included 337 students with reading difficulties in second and fourth grade (61% eligible for special education; 80% with a diagnosis of LD in the area of reading) and 150 typical readers from the same general education classes. LOESS (LOcal regrESSion) plots (logistic regression) were used to determine where linear relations between reading rate and comprehension broke down for these students: the rate at which getting faster no longer contributed clearly to reading comprehension improvement. Although typical readers in this sample showed patterns of oral reading rate and comprehension similar to students in other studies, patterns for students with reading difficulties differed. For dysfluent readers, improving reading rate improved comprehension only in the bands between 35 and 75 words correct per minute in second grade and between 40 and 90 words correct in fourth grade. Reading at faster rates revealed no clear advantage for reading comprehension.
Music Listening Is Creative
Authors: Kratus John
Published: March 2017

Active music listening is a creative activity in that the listener constructs a uniquely personal musical experience. Most approaches to teaching music listening emphasize a conceptual approach in which students learn to identify various characteristics of musical sound. Unfortunately, this type of listening is rarely done outside of schools. This article establishes a framework for teaching music listening as creative by maximizing students’ individual and diverse ways of listening.
The Neuroscience of Improvisation
Authors: Landau Andrew T. , Limb Charles J.
Published: March 2017

Current research in the neuroscience of musical creativity reveals promising implications for the value of learning to improvise. This article outlines the neuroscientific literature on musical improvisation and relates these findings to the benefits of musical creativity. We begin by describing the neural substrates of flow with respect to the mechanisms of improvisation. We then discuss how neuroscientific literature supports the argument that musical improvisation is a powerful means to express oneself and communicate with others, facilitating self-actualization and deeper connections with peers. Music educators can use these discoveries to bolster their advocacy for the use of creativity in music education and support their use of improvisation in the classroom.
Communalism Moderates the Association Between Racial Centrality and Emergency Department Use for Sickle Cell Disease Pain
Authors: Bediako Shawn M. , Harris Chey
Published: March 2017

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that predominantly affects people of African descent. However, there is limited information on how social and cultural contexts affect SCD-related health care use. We explored whether communalism moderated the relation between racial centrality and emergency department use for SCD pain in a sample of 62 adults who were seen at a comprehensive clinic. Bivariate analyses showed a significant correlation between racial centrality and emergency department use ( r = −.30, p = .02). Pain-adjusted regression analyses indicated a moderating effect of communalism ( b = .77, p < .01) such that an inverse association between racial centrality and emergency department use was observed only at mean and low levels of communalism. Additional studies are needed to replicate these findings with larger samples. There is also a need for further studies that elucidate the role of culturally centered coping strategies on health care use in this patient group.