bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iterative Schedule Optimization for Parallelization in the Polyhedron Model
Authors: Ganser Stefan , Grösslinger Armin , Siegmund Norbert , Apel Sven , Lengauer Christian
Published: August 2017

The polyhedron model is a powerful model to identify and apply systematically loop transformations that improve data locality (e.g., via tiling) and enable parallelization. In the polyhedron model, a loop transformation is, essentially, represented as an affine function. Well-established algorithms for the discovery of promising transformations are based on performance models. These algorithms have the drawback of not being easily adaptable to the characteristics of a specific program or target hardware. An iterative search for promising loop transformations is more easily adaptable and can help to learn better models. We present an iterative optimization method in the polyhedron model that targets tiling and parallelization. The method enables either a sampling of the search space of legal loop transformations at random or a more directed search via a genetic algorithm. For the latter, we propose a set of novel, tailored reproduction operators. We evaluate our approach against existing iterative and model-driven optimization strategies. We compare the convergence rate of our genetic algorithm to that of random exploration. Our approach of iterative optimization outperforms existing optimization techniques in that it finds loop transformations that yield significantly higher performance. If well configured, then random exploration turns out to be very effective and reduces the need for a genetic algorithm.
SHErrLoc
Authors: Zhang Danfeng , Myers Andrew C. , Vytiniotis Dimitrios , Peyton-Jones Simon
Published: August 2017

We introduce a general way to locate programmer mistakes that are detected by static analyses. The program analysis is expressed in a general constraint language that is powerful enough to model type checking, information flow analysis, dataflow analysis, and points-to analysis. Mistakes in program analysis result in unsatisfiable constraints. Given an unsatisfiable system of constraints, both satisfiable and unsatisfiable constraints are analyzed to identify the program expressions most likely to be the cause of unsatisfiability. The likelihood of different error explanations is evaluated under the assumption that the programmer’s code is mostly correct, so the simplest explanations are chosen, following Bayesian principles. For analyses that rely on programmer-stated assumptions, the diagnosis also identifies assumptions likely to have been omitted. The new error diagnosis approach has been implemented as a tool called SHErrLoc, which is applied to three very different program analyses, such as type inference for a highly expressive type system implemented by the Glasgow Haskell Compiler—including type classes, Generalized Algebraic Data Types (GADTs), and type families. The effectiveness of the approach is evaluated using previously collected programs containing errors. The results show that when compared to existing compilers and other tools, SHErrLoc consistently identifies the location of programmer errors significantly more accurately, without any language-specific heuristics.
Moving beyond the Turing Test with the Allen AI Science Challenge
Authors: Schoenick Carissa , Clark Peter , Tafjord Oyvind , Turney Peter , Etzioni Oren
Published: August 2017

Answering questions correctly from standardized eighth-grade science tests is itself a test of machine intelligence.
Is that social bot behaving unethically?
Authors: de Lima Salge Carolina Alves , Berente Nicholas
Published: August 2017

A procedure for reflection and discourse on the behavior of bots in the context of law, deception, and societal norms.
Integration of TRPC6 and NADPH oxidase activation in lysophosphatidylcholine-induced TRPC5 externalization
Authors: Chaudhuri Pinaki , Rosenbaum Michael A. , Birnbaumer Lutz , Graham Linda M.
Published: August 2017

Lipid oxidation products, including lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC), activate canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channels, and the subsequent increase in intracellular Ca2+ leads to TRPC5 activation. The goal of this study is to elucidate the steps in the pathway between TRPC6 activation and TRPC5 externalization. Following TRPC6 activation by lysoPC, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) is phosphorylated. This leads to phosphorylation of p47phox and subsequent NADPH oxidase activation with increased production of reactive oxygen species. ERK activation requires TRPC6 opening and influx of Ca2+ as evidenced by the failure of lysoPC to induce ERK phosphorylation in TRPC6−/− endothelial cells. ERK siRNA blocks the lysoPC-induced activation of NADPH oxidase, demonstrating that ERK activation is upstream of NADPH oxidase. The reactive oxygen species produced by NADPH oxidase promote myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activation with phosphorylation of MLC and TRPC5 externalization. Downregulation of ERK, NADPH oxidase, or MLCK with the relevant siRNA prevents TRPC5 externalization. Blocking MLCK activation prevents the prolonged rise in intracellular calcium levels and preserves endothelial migration in the presence of lysoPC.
Ventilation and neurochemical changes during µ-opioid receptor activation or blockade of excitatory receptors in the hypoglossal motor nucleus of goats
Authors: Langer Thomas M. , Neumueller Suzanne E. , Crumley Emma , Burgraff Nicholas J. , Talwar Sawan , Hodges Matthew R. , Pan Lawrence , Forster Hubert V.
Published: August 2017

Neuromodulator interdependence posits that changes in one or more neuromodulators are compensated by changes in other modulators to maintain stability in the respiratory control network. Herein, we studied compensatory neuromodulation in the hypoglossal motor nucleus (HMN) after chronic implantation of microtubules unilaterally ( n = 5) or bilaterally ( n = 5) into the HMN. After recovery, receptor agonists or antagonists in mock cerebrospinal fluid (mCSF) were dialyzed during the awake and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep states. During day studies, dialysis of the µ-opioid inhibitory receptor agonist [d-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO; 100 µM) decreased pulmonary ventilation (V̇i), breathing frequency ( f), and genioglossus (GG) muscle activity but did not alter neuromodulators measured in the effluent mCSF. However, neither unilateral dialysis of a broad spectrum muscarinic receptor antagonist (atropine; 50 mM) nor unilateral or bilateral dialysis of a mixture of excitatory receptor antagonists altered V̇i or GG activity, but all of these did increase HMN serotonin (5-HT) levels. Finally, during night studies, DAMGO and excitatory receptor antagonist decreased ventilatory variables during NREM sleep but not during wakefulness. These findings contrast with previous dialysis studies in the ventral respiratory column (VRC) where unilateral DAMGO or atropine dialysis had no effects on breathing and bilateral DAMGO or unilateral atropine increased V̇i and f and decreased GABA or increased 5-HT, respectively. Thus we conclude that the mechanisms of compensatory neuromodulation are less robust in the HMN than in the VRC under physiological conditions in adult goats, possibly because of site differences in the underlying mechanisms governing neuromodulator release and consequently neuronal activity, and/or responsiveness of receptors to compensatory neuromodulators.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Activation of inhibitory µ-opioid receptors in the hypoglossal motor nucleus decreased ventilation under physiological conditions and did not affect neurochemicals in effluent dialyzed mock cerebral spinal fluid. These findings contrast with studies in the ventral respiratory column where unilateral [d-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]enkephalin (DAMGO) had no effects on ventilation and bilateral DAMGO or unilateral atropine increased ventilation and decreased GABA or increased serotonin, respectively. Our data support the hypothesis that mechanisms that govern local compensatory neuromodulation within the brain stem are site specific under physiological conditions.
The physiology of oral whistling: a combined radiographic and MRI analysis
Authors: Azola Alba , Palmer Jeffrey , Mulheren Rachel , Hofer Riccardo , Fischmeister Florian , Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: August 2017

The fluid mechanics of whistling involve the instability of an air jet, resultant vortex rings, and the interaction of these rings with rigid boundaries (see http://www.canal-u.tv/video/cerimes/etude_radiocinematographique_d_un_siffleur_turc_de_kuskoy.13056 and Meyer J. Whistled Languages. Berlin, Germany: Springer, 2015, p. 74–774). Experimental models support the hypothesis that the sound in human whistling is generated by a Helmholtz resonator, suggesting that the oral cavity acts as a resonant chamber bounded by two orifices, posteriorly by raising the tongue to the hard palate, and anteriorly by pursed lips (Henrywood RH, Agarwal A. Phys Fluids 25: 107101, 2013). However, the detailed anatomical changes in the vocal tract and their relation to the frequencies generated have not been described in the literature. In this study, videofluoroscopic and simultaneous audio recordings were made of subjects whistling with the bilabial (i.e., “puckered lip”) technique. One whistling subject was also recorded, using magnetic resonance imaging. As predicted by theory, the frequency of sound generated decreased as the size of the resonant cavity increased; this relationship was preserved throughout various whistling tasks and was consistent across subjects. Changes in the size of the resonant cavity were primarily modulated by tongue position rather than jaw opening and closing. Additionally, when high-frequency notes were produced, lateral chambers formed in the buccal space. These results provide the first dynamic anatomical evidence concerning the acoustic production of human whistling.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We establish a new and much firmer quantitative and physiological footing to current theoretical models on human whistling. We also document a novel lateral airflow mechanism used by both of our participants to produce high-frequency notes.
Distinct coordinate systems for adaptations of movement direction and extent
Authors: Poh Eugene , Carroll Timothy J. , de Rugy Aymar
Published: August 2017

Learned compensations for perturbed visual feedback of movement extent and direction generalize differently to unpracticed movement directions, which suggests different underlying neural mechanisms. Here we investigated whether gain and rotation adaptations are consistent with representation in different coordinate systems. Subjects performed a force-aiming task with the wrist and learned different gains or rotations for different force directions. Generalization was tested without visual feedback for the same extrinsic directions but with the forearm in a different pronation-supination orientation. When the change in forearm orientation caused the adapted visuomotor map to conflict in extrinsic and joint-based coordinates, rotation generalization occurred in extrinsic coordinates but with reduced magnitude. In contrast, gain generalization appeared reduced and phase shifted. When the forearm was rotated further, such that all imposed perturbations aligned in both joint-based and extrinsic coordinates in both postures, rotation generalization was further reduced, whereas there was neither reduction nor phase shift in the pattern of extent generalization. These results show that rotation generalization was expressed in extrinsic coordinates, and that generalization magnitude was modulated by posture. In contrast, gain generalization appeared to depend on target direction defined by an integrated combination of extrinsic and joint-based coordinates and was not reduced substantially by posture changes alone. Although the quality of the model fit underlying our interpretation prevents us from making strong conclusions, the data suggest that adaptations of movement direction and extent are represented according to distinct coordinate systems.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Visuomotor gain and rotation adaptations generalize differently to novel movement directions, which suggests different neural mechanisms. When extrinsic and joint-based coordinates are effectively dissociated in an isometric aiming task, we find that they also generalize in different coordinate systems. Specifically, rotation generalized in extrinsic coordinates and decayed as posture departed from that adopted during adaptation. In contrast, gain generalization was expressed according to mixed extrinsic/joint-based coordinates and was not substantially reduced by postural changes.
Vowel generalization and its relation to adaptation during perturbations of auditory feedback
Authors: Reilly Kevin J. , Pettibone Chelsea
Published: August 2017

Repeated perturbations of auditory feedback during vowel production elicit changes not only in the production of the perturbed vowel (adaptation) but also in the production of nearby vowels that were not perturbed (generalization). The finding that adaptation generalizes to other, nonperturbed vowels suggests that sensorimotor representations for vowels are not independent; instead, the goals for producing any one vowel may depend in part on the goals for other vowels. The present study investigated the dependence or independence of vowel representations by evaluating adaptation and generalization in two groups of speakers exposed to auditory perturbations of their first formant (F1) during different vowels. The speakers in both groups who adapted to the perturbation exhibited generalization in two nonperturbed vowels that were produced under masking noise. Correlation testing was performed to evaluate the relations between adaptation and generalization as well as between the generalization in the two nonperturbed vowels. These tests identified significant coupling between the F1 changes of adjacent vowels but not nonadjacent vowels. The pattern of correlation findings indicates that generalization was due in part to feedforward representations that are partly shared across adjacent vowels, possibly to maintain their acoustic contrast.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Speech adaptations to alterations, or perturbations, of auditory feedback have provided important insights into sensorimotor representations underlying speech. One finding from these studies that is yet to be accounted for is vowel generalization, which describes the effects of repeated perturbations to one vowel on the production of other vowels that were not perturbed. The present study used correlation testing to quantify the effects of changes in a perturbed vowel on neighboring (i.e., similar) nonperturbed vowels. The results identified significant correlations between the changes of adjacent, but not nonadjacent, vowel pairs. This finding suggests that generalization is partly a response to adaptation and not solely due to the auditory perturbation.
Baicalin Attenuates Subarachnoid Hemorrhagic Brain Injury by Modulating Blood‐Brain Barrier Disruption, Inflammation, and Oxidative Damage in Mice
Authors: Shi Xianqing , Fu Yongjian , Zhang SongSong , Ding Hao , Chen Jin
Published: August 2017

In subarachnoid hemorrhagic brain injury, the early crucial events are edema formation due to inflammatory responses and blood‐brain barrier disruption. Baicalin, a flavone glycoside, has antineuroinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We examined the effect of baicalin in subarachnoid hemorrhagic brain injury. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced through filament perforation and either baicalin or vehicle was administered 30 min prior to surgery. Brain tissues were collected 24 hours after surgery after evaluation of neurological scores. Brain tissues were processed for water content, real‐time PCR, and immunoblot analyses. Baicalin improved neurological score and brain water content. Decreased levels of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin‐5, ZO‐1, and collagen IV) required for blood‐brain barrier function were restored to normal level by baicalin. Real‐time PCR data demonstrated that baicalin attenuated increased proinflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and CXCL‐3) production in subarachnoid hemorrhage mice. In addition to that, baicalin attenuated microglial cell secretion of IL‐1β and IL‐6 induced by lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/ml) dose dependently. Finally, baicalin attenuated induction of NOS‐2 and NOX‐2 in SAH mice at the mRNA and protein level. Thus, we demonstrated that baicalin inhibited microglial cell activation and reduced inflammation, oxidative damage, and brain edema.
Least‐Squares Filtering Algorithm in Sensor Networks with Noise Correlation and Multiple Random Failures in Transmission
Authors: Caballero-Águila R. , Hermoso-Carazo A. , Linares-Pérez J.
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the least‐squares centralized fusion estimation problem of discrete‐time random signals from measured outputs, which are perturbed by correlated noises. These measurements are obtained by different sensors, which send their information to a processing center, where the complete set of data is combined to obtain the estimators. Due to random transmission failures, some of the data packets processed for the estimation may either contain only noise (uncertain observations), be delayed (randomly delayed observations), or even be definitely lost (random packet dropouts). These multiple random transmission uncertainties are modelled by sequences of independent Bernoulli random variables with different probabilities for the different sensors. By an innovation approach and using the last observation that successfully arrived when a packet is lost, a recursive algorithm is designed for the filtering estimation problem. The proposed algorithm is easily implemented and does not require knowledge of the signal evolution model, as only the first‐ and second‐order moments of the processes involved are used. A numerical simulation example illustrates the feasibility of the proposed estimators and shows how the probabilities of the multiple random failures influence their performance.
The Effect of Polymer-Fiber Stabilization on the Unconfined Compressive Strength and Shear Strength of Sand
Authors: Liu Jin , Feng Qiao , Wang Yong , Bai Yuxia , Wei Jihong , Song Zezhuo
Published: August 2017

The mixed soil stabilizer of polyurethane organic polymer and polypropylene fiber was used to reinforce sand. The unconfined compressive test and direct shear test were carried out to evaluate the effects of polymer-fiber reinforced sand. The different contents of polymer and fiber were selected for the tests. The test results indicated that polymer-fiber mixture can improve strongly the strength of sand. The presence of polyurethane organic polymer enhances sand structural stability and the best composition of polymer and fiber was 4% and 0.2–0.3% of dry sand, respectively. Based on the test results and images of scanning electron microscope (SEM), the reinforcement mechanism was analyzed. The research results can be considered as the reference for sand reinforced engineering.
Severe Thyrotoxicosis Secondary to Povidone-Iodine from Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Lithgow Kirstie , Symonds Christopher
Published: August 2017

A 73-year-old male on home peritoneal dialysis (PD) with recent diagnosis of atrial fibrillation presented with fatigue and dyspnea. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed with TSH < 0.01 mIU/L and FT4 > 100 pmol/L. He had no personal or family history of thyroid disease. There had been no exposures to CT contrast, amiodarone, or iodine. Technetium thyroid scan showed diffusely decreased uptake. He was discharged with a presumptive diagnosis of thyroiditis. Three weeks later, he had deteriorated clinically. Possible iodine sources were again reviewed, and it was determined that povidone-iodine solution was used with each PD cycle. Methimazole 25 mg daily was initiated; however, he had difficulty tolerating the medication and continued to clinically deteriorate. He was readmitted to hospital where methimazole was restarted at 20 mg bid with high dose prednisone 25 mg and daily plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy. Biochemical improvement was observed with FT4 dropping to 48.5 pmol/L by day 10, but FT4 rebounded to 67.8 pmol/L after PLEX was discontinued. PLEX was restarted and thyroidectomy was performed. Pathology revealed nodular hyperplasia with no evidence of thyroiditis. Preoperative plasma iodine levels were greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal range. We hypothesize that the patient had underlying autonomous thyroid hormone production exacerbated by exogenous iodine exposure from a previously unreported PD-related source.
An X-Band Dual-Polarized Vivaldi Antenna with High Isolation
Authors: Huang Denghui , Yang Hu , Wu Yuqing , Zhao Fei
Published: August 2017

An X-band dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna with high isolation is proposed. The procedure of this antenna design includes the conventional Vivaldi antenna with regular slot edge (RSE), the dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna with two Vivaldi antennas which have different feeding point positions in a cross-shaped form, and the two Vivaldi antennas with a galvanic contact in soldering point. By applying the RSE, it reduced the dimensions of the Vivaldi antenna and improved its radiation performance. The modified antenna is fabricated and measured. The measured results show that S11<-10 dB at the entire X-band for the two Vivaldi antennas. The isolation (S21) between the two feeding ports, which has been improved by applying the different feeding point positions and the galvanic contact in soldering point, is better than 34 dB at X-band. In addition, the cross-polarized discrimination is better than 21 dB for the two Vivaldi antennas, and the measured results also include the gain of two Vivaldi antennas.
Vehicle Tracking and Counting System in Dusty Weather with Vibrating Camera Conditions
Authors: Yaghoobi Ershadi Nastaran , Menéndez José Manuel
Published: August 2017

Traffic surveillance systems are interesting to many researchers to improve the traffic control and reduce the risk caused by accidents. In this area, many published works are only concerned about vehicle detection in normal conditions. The camera may vibrate due to wind or bridge movement. Detection and tracking of vehicles are a very difficult task when we have bad weather conditions in winter (snowy, rainy, windy, etc.) or dusty weather in arid and semiarid regions or at night, among others. In this paper, we proposed a method to track and count vehicles in dusty weather with a vibrating camera. For this purpose, we used a background subtraction based strategy mixed with extra processing to segment vehicles. In this paper, the extra processing included the analysis of the headlight size, location, and area. In our work, tracking was done between consecutive frames via a particle filter to detect the vehicle and pair the headlights using the connected component analysis. So, vehicle counting was performed based on the pairing result. Our proposed method was tested on several video surveillance records in different conditions such as in dusty or foggy weather, with a vibrating camera, and on roads with medium-level traffic volumes. The results showed that the proposed method performed better than other previously published methods, including the Kalman filter or Gaussian model, in different traffic conditions.
Characterization of Biobased Polyurethane Foams Employing Lignin Fractionated from Microwave Liquefied Switchgrass
Authors: Huang Xingyan , De Hoop Cornelis F. , Xie Jiulong , Hse Chung-Yun , Qi Jinqiu , Hu Tingxing
Published: August 2017

Lignin samples fractionated from microwave liquefied switchgrass were applied in the preparation of semirigid polyurethane (PU) foams without purification. The objective of this study was to elucidate the influence of lignin in the PU matrix on the morphological, chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the PU foams. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that lignin with 5 and 10% content in the PU foams did not influence the cell shape and size. The foam cell size became larger by increasing the lignin content to 15%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that chemical interactions occurred between the lignin hydroxyl and isocyanate revealing that lignin was well dispersed in the matrix materials. The apparent density of the foam with 10% lignin increased by 14.2% compared to the control, while the foam with 15% lignin had a decreased apparent density. The effect of lignin content on the mechanical properties was similar to that on apparent density. The lignin containing foams were much more thermally stable than the control foam as evidenced by having higher initial decomposition temperature and maximum decomposition rate temperature from the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) profiles.
Difference of Success Rates of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Pulpotomies Performed Both by Undergraduate Dental Students and by an Expert Operator: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pasini Marco , Giuca Maria Rita , Gatto Roberto , Caruso Silvia
Published: August 2017

Aim. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of pulpotomy on primary molars performed by dental students compared to that performed by an expert operator.Methods. The study was conducted on 142 second primary molars in 102 children. The patients were randomly selected from the available records. The test group (treated by dental students) included 51 subjects (28 males and 23 females, mean age:7.2±1) and the control group included 51 children (29 males and 22 females, mean age:7.4±1.2years). After pulpotomy, a clinical and radiographic evaluation after 12 months was performed. Chi-square test and odds ratio were calculated and significance level was set atp<0.05.Results. The success rate was significantly lower, 81.6% (p<0.05), in the test group than in the control group (93%). The test group showed less clinical and radiographic success (86% and 80%, resp.) compared to the control group (97.2% for clinical success and 93% for radiographic success).Conclusions. Pulpotomy with MTA is an effective method that ensures a good percentage of success. The clinical experience of the operator is a contributing factor.
Chondroma of the Bladder: An Atypical Localization
Authors: Tamayo-Jover M. , Nazco-Deroy A. , González-Álvarez R. , Álvarez-Argüelles Cabrera H. , Padilla-Fernández B. , Concepción-Masip T.
Published: August 2017

Chondroma is a benign tumour of mesenchymal origin that is composed of cartilage and rarely located in soft tissues, being described so far only in four cases, as located in the bladder, according to our knowledge. We describe the fifth case of a 67-year-old woman who consulted for microscopic haematuria, with an endoscopic finding of submucosal nodular image in the anterior wall of the bladder, which after resection and the histologic study shows cartilage and fibroconnective tissue, in part hyalinised, and positive immunohistochemical staining of cells with vimentin and S-100; this fact can support the diagnosis of bladder chondroma.
Evolutionary Network Games: Equilibria from Imitation and Best Response Dynamics
Authors: Cimini Giulio
Published: August 2017

We consider games of strategic substitutes and complements on networks and introduce two evolutionary dynamics in order to refine their multiplicity of equilibria. Within mean field, we find that for the best-shot game, taken as a representative example of strategic substitutes, replicator-like dynamics does not lead to Nash equilibria, whereas it leads to a unique equilibrium for complements, represented by a coordination game. On the other hand, when the dynamics becomes more cognitively demanding, predictions are always Nash equilibria: for the best-shot game we find a reduced set of equilibria with a definite value of the fraction of contributors, whereas, for the coordination game, symmetric equilibria arise only for low or high initial fractions of cooperators. We further extend our study by considering complex topologies through heterogeneous mean field and show that the nature of the selected equilibria does not change for the best-shot game. However, for coordination games, we reveal an important difference: on infinitely large scale-free networks, cooperative equilibria arise for any value of the incentive to cooperate. Our analytical results are confirmed by numerical simulations and open the question of whether there can be dynamics that consistently leads to stringent equilibria refinements for both classes of games.
Sarcoidosis and Systemic Sclerosis: Strange Bedfellows
Authors: Yu Micah , Sandhu Vaneet K. , Lezcano Sheila D. , Maken Kanwaljeet , Kirk Shannon , Torralba Karina D.
Published: August 2017

Coexistence of systemic sclerosis and sarcoidosis is rare. Both have predominant lung manifestations, each with distinctive features on computed tomography (CT) of the chest. We present herein a 52-year-old male with limited systemic sclerosis manifested primarily by sclerodactyly and subsequently by shortness of breath. A series of CT scans of the chest were reviewed. Initial CT chest one year prior to sclerodactyly onset revealed bilateral hilar and right paratracheal, prevascular, and subcarinal adenopathy. Five-year follow-up demonstrated thin-walled cysts, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and nonspecific nodules. Due to progression of dyspnea, follow-up CT chest after one year again demonstrated multiple cysts with peripheral nodularity and subpleural nodules, but no longer with hilar or mediastinal adenopathy. Diagnostic open lung biopsy was significant for noncaseating granulomas suggestive of sarcoidosis. This is the first known case of a patient with systemic sclerosis diagnosed with sarcoidosis through lung biopsy without radiographic evidence of hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy at the time of biopsy. A review of cases of concomitant sarcoidosis and systemic sclerosis is discussed, including the pathophysiology of each disease with shared pathways leading to the development of both conditions in one patient.
Prevalence and Correlates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Patients with Lung Cancer: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Beirut, Lebanon
Authors: Naja Farah , Anouti Bilal , Shatila Hibeh , Akel Reem , Haibe Yolla , Tfayli Arafat
Published: August 2017

Patients with lung cancer are increasingly seeking complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve their physiological and psychological well‐being. This study aimed to assess CAM use among lung cancer patients in Lebanon. Using a cross‐sectional design, 150 lung cancer patients attending the Basile Cancer Institute at the American University of Beirut Medical Center were interviewed. Participants completed a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, lung cancer condition, and use of CAM. The main outcome of interest was “use of any CAM therapy since diagnosis.” Prevalence of CAM use was 41%. The most commonly used CAM modality among study participants was “dietary supplements/special foods.” Results of the multiple logistic regression analyses showed that CAM use was positively associated with Lebanese nationality and paying for treatment out of pocket and was negatively associated with unemployment and having other chronic diseases. About 10% of patients used CAM on an alternative base, 58% did not disclose CAM use to their physician, and only 2% cited health professionals as influencing their choice of CAM. This study revealed a prevalent CAM use among lung cancer patients in Lebanon, with a marginal role for physicians in guiding this use. Promoting an open‐communication and a patient‐centered approach regarding CAM use is warranted.
Chinese Classical Formula Sijunzi Decoction and Chronic Atrophic Gastritis: Evidence for Treatment Approach?
Authors: Gan Danan , Xu Aili , Du Hongbo , Ye Yong’an
Published: August 2017

Objective. This aim is to evaluate the effect of Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods. We performed searches in seven databases. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SJZD with standard medical care or inactive intervention for CAG were enrolled. Combined therapy of SJZD plus conventional therapies compared with conventional therapies alone was also retrieved. The primary outcome included the incidence of gastric cancer and the improvement of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia based on the gastroscopy and pathology. The secondary outcomes were Helicobacter pylori clearance rate, quality of life, and adverse event/adverse drug reaction. Results. Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The research quality was low in the trials. For the overall effect rate, pooled analysis from 4 trials showed that modified SJZD plus conventional medications exhibited a significant improvement (OR = 4.86; 95% CI: 2.80 to 8.44; P < 0.00001) and without significant heterogeneity compared with the conventional medications alone. None reported the adverse effect. Conclusions. Modified SJZD combined with conventional western medicines appears to have benefits for CAG. Due to the limited number and methodological flaw, the beneficial and harmful effects of SJZD for CAG could not be identified. More high‐quality clinical trials are needed to confirm the results.
Feasibility of Metatranscriptome Analysis from Infant Gut Microbiota: Adaptation to Solid Foods Results in Increased Activity of Firmicutes at Six Months
Authors: Hugenholtz Floor , Ritari Jarmo , Nylund Lotta , Davids Mark , Satokari Reetta , de Vos Willem M.
Published: August 2017

Newborns are rapidly colonized by microbes and their intestinal tracts contain highly dynamic and rapidly developing microbial communities in the first months of life. In this study, we describe the feasibility of isolating mRNA from rapidly processed faecal samples and applying deep RNA-Seq analysis to provide insight into the active contributors of the microbial community in early life. Specific attention is given to the impact of removing rRNA from the mRNA on the phylogenetic and transcriptional profiling and its analysis depth. A breastfed baby was followed in the first six months of life during adaptation to solid food, dairy products, and formula. It was found that, in the weaning period, the total transcriptional activity of Actinobacteria, mainly represented by Bifidobacterium, decreased while that of Firmicutes increased over time. Moreover, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, including the canonical Bifidobacteria as well as Collinsella, were found to be important contributors to carbohydrate fermentation and vitamin biosynthesis in the infant intestine. Finally, the expression of Lactobacillus rhamnosus-like genes was detected, likely following transfer from the mother who consumed L. rhamnosus GG. The study indicates that metatranscriptome analysis of the infant gut microbiota is feasible on infant stool samples and can be used to provide insight into the core activities of the developing community.
EZH2 Inhibition by Tazemetostat Results in Altered Dependency on B-cell Activation Signaling in DLBCL
Authors: Brach Dorothy , Johnston-Blackwell Danielle , Drew Allison , Lingaraj Trupti , Motwani Vinny , Warholic Natalie M. , Feldman Igor , Plescia Christopher , Smith Jesse J. , Copeland Robert A. , Keilhack Heike , Chan-Penebre Elayne , Knutson Sarah K. , Ribich Scott A. , Raimondi Alejandra , Thomenius Michael J.
Published: August 2017

The EZH2 small-molecule inhibitor tazemetostat (EPZ-6438) is currently being evaluated in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We have previously shown that EZH2 inhibitors display an antiproliferative effect in multiple preclinical models of NHL, and that models bearing gain-of-function mutations in EZH2 were consistently more sensitive to EZH2 inhibition than lymphomas with wild-type (WT) EZH2. Here, we demonstrate that cell lines bearing EZH2 mutations show a cytotoxic response, while cell lines with WT-EZH2 show a cytostatic response and only tumor growth inhibition without regression in a xenograft model. Previous work has demonstrated that cotreatment with tazemetostat and glucocorticoid receptor agonists lead to a synergistic antiproliferative effect in both mutant and wild-type backgrounds, which may provide clues to the mechanism of action of EZH2 inhibition in WT-EZH2 models. Multiple agents that inhibit the B-cell receptor pathway (e.g., ibrutinib) were found to have synergistic benefit when combined with tazemetostat in both mutant and WT-EZH2 backgrounds of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL). The relationship between B-cell activation and EZH2 inhibition is consistent with the proposed role of EZH2 in B-cell maturation. To further support this, we observe that cell lines treated with tazemetostat show an increase in the B-cell maturation regulator, PRDM1/BLIMP1, and gene signatures corresponding to more advanced stages of maturation. These findings suggest that EZH2 inhibition in both mutant and wild-type backgrounds leads to increased B-cell maturation and a greater dependence on B-cell activation signaling. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2586–97. ©2017 AACR.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promote Epigenetic Silencing of Gelsolin through DNA Methyltransferase 1 in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Hao-Chen , Chen Chin-Wang , Yang Chia-Lung , Tsai I-Min , Hou Ya-Chin , Chen Chang-Jung , Shan Yan-Shen
Published: August 2017

Epigenetic repression of the tumor suppressor gelsolin (GSN) is frequently observed in cancers. Chronic inflammation can promote tumor progression via aberrant DNA methylation. In this study, we investigated the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in DNA methylation of the GSN gene during gastric cancer progression. Immunofluorescence staining of 121 gastric cancer tissues showed aberrant localization of GSN and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and juxtaposition of DNMT1 and M2 TAMs. Decreased GSN protein and mRNA expression and increased DNA methylation in the GSN promoter were observed in gastric cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. To examine the effect of TAMs on DNA methylation in gastric cancer cells, we performed in vitro coculture assays and found increased DNMT1 expression but decreased GSN expression in gastric cancer cells after coculture with U937 cells. Knockdown of DNMT1 expression in gastric cancer cells could abort U937 coculture-mediated GSN downregulation. Meanwhile, CCL5 was the main chemokine upregulated in coculture medium. Treatment with CCL5 could induce DNMT1 expression in gastric cancer cells via STAT3 signaling. Inhibiting DNMT1 activity with procainamide, inhibiting DNA methylation with 5-AZA, or inhibiting CCL5/CCR5 signaling with maraviroc reduced tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, upregulation of DNMT1 by CCL5/CCR5/STAT3 signaling is critical for TAM-mediated GSN silencing in gastric cancer. This study identified potential targets for gastric cancer therapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 885–97. ©2017 AACR.
Gender Differences of Nonmotor Symptoms Affecting Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Yoon Jee-Eun , Kim Ji Sun , Jang Wooyoung , Park Jinse , Oh Eungseok , Youn Jinyoung , Park Suyeon , Cho Jin Whan
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Gender differences of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with various disorders have been reported. Various nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) also affect the patients' lives and HRQoL, even in the early stages of Parkinson disease (PD). Our study aimed to identify whether there are gender differences of HRQoL in PD patients in the early stages, and which NMSs are associated with HRQoL depending on gender. Method: Eighty-nine PD patients (47 males, 42 females) and 36 healthy controls were enrolled. We evaluated HRQoL, NMSs, and their associations in each gender. Result: The total Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores were higher in female patients than in male patients. The correlation analysis revealed no association between NMSs and HRQoL in male patients. In female patients, HRQoL was highly correlated with depression, and moderately associated with fatigue. Conclusions: Gender differences of an association between HRQoL and NMSs exist in PD. We found that fatigue and depression were the main determinants of poor HRQoL in female patients even in the early stages. We suggest that a gender-specific therapeutic approach is important, and it is necessary to pay special attention to the predictors associated with causing poor HRQoL.
Synthetic Cannabinoid Use in a Psychiatric Patient Population: A Pilot Study
Authors: Welter Stella , Lücke Caroline , Lam Alexandra Philomena , Custal Christina , Moeller Sebastian , Sörös Peter , Thiel Christiane M. , Philipsen Alexandra , Müller Helge H.O.
Published: August 2017

Background: Consumption of natural cannabis (NC) and synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) has been associated with psychotic disorders. We compared the prevalence of use, consumer profiles, and psychosis-inducing potential of NC and SCs in a specific high-risk population. Methods: This prospective pilot study included 332 patients (18-64 years, mean 36.83, SD 13.33). Patients' sociodemographics and medical histories as well as illicit substance use and psychiatric symptom histories were collected using a drug consumption survey that assessed the use of new psychoactive substances and the Psychotic Symptoms Interview. Results: In total, 7.2% of all patients, 10.6% of psychotic patients, and 4.5% of nonpsychotic patients reported SC consumption. Compared with SCs, NC was consumed much more frequently by its users (mean 222.73, SD 498.27). NC and SC use induced persistent psychosis. Psychotic symptoms were first experienced by patients with a history of NC or SC use during intoxication and persisted after cessation (>1 year) of drug use. Positive and negative symptoms tended to be more severe in SC and NC users, respectively. Conclusions: NC and SCs may cause different symptom clusters. These relationships should be further evaluated.
Platelet count recovery and seroreversion in immune HIT despite continuation of heparin: further observations and literature review
Authors: Sheppard Jo-Ann , Warkentin Theodore , Shih Andrew
Published: August 2017

One of the standard distinctions between type 1 (non-immune) and type 2 (immune-mediated) heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is the transience of thrombocytopenia: type 1 HIT is viewed as early-onset and transient thrombocytopenia, with platelet count recovery despite continuing heparin administration. In contrast, type 2 HIT is viewed as later-onset (i. e., 5 days or later) thrombocytopenia in which it is generally believed that platelet count recovery will not occur unless heparin is discontinued. However, older reports of type 2 HIT sometimes did include the unexpected observation that platelet counts could recover despite continued heparin administration, although without information provided regarding changes in HIT antibody levels in association with platelet count recovery. In recent years, some reports of type 2 HIT have confirmed the observation that platelet count recovery can occur despite continuing heparin administration, with serological evidence of waning levels of HIT antibodies (“seroreversion”). We now report two additional patient cases of type 2 HIT with platelet count recovery despite ongoing therapeutic-dose (1 case) or prophylactic-dose (1 case) heparin administration, in which we demonstrate concomitant waning of HIT antibody levels. We further review the literature describing this phenomenon of HIT antibody seroreversion and platelet count recovery despite continuing heparin administration. Our observations add to the concept that HIT represents a remarkably transient immune response, including sometimes even when heparin is continued.
The Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Hess Paul L. , Al‐Khalidi Hussein R. , Friedman Daniel J. , Mulder Hillary , Kucharska‐Newton Anna , Rosamond Wayne R. , Lopes Renato D. , Gersh Bernard J. , Mark Daniel B. , Curtis Lesley H. , Post Wendy S. , Prineas Ronald J. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Al‐Khatib Sana M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Prior studies have demonstrated a link between the metabolic syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Whether the metabolic syndrome is associated with sudden cardiac death is uncertain.

Methods and Results

We characterized the relationship between sudden cardiac death and metabolic syndrome status among participants of the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study (1987–2012) free of prevalent coronary heart disease or heart failure. Among 13 168 participants, 357 (2.7%) sudden cardiac deaths occurred during a median follow‐up of 23.6 years. Participants with the metabolic syndrome (n=4444) had a higher cumulative incidence of sudden cardiac death than those without it (n=8724) (4.1% versus 2.3%,
P
<0.001). After adjustment for participant demographics and clinical factors other than components of the metabolic syndrome, the metabolic syndrome was independently associated with sudden cardiac death (hazard ratio, 1.70, 95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.12,
P
<0.001). This relationship was not modified by sex (interaction
P
=0.10) or race (interaction
P
=0.62) and was mediated by the metabolic syndrome criteria components. The risk of sudden cardiac death varied according to the number of metabolic syndrome components (hazard ratio 1.31 per additional component of the metabolic syndrome, 95% confidence interval, 1.19–1.44,
P
<0.001). Of the 5 components, elevated blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, and low high‐density lipoprotein were independently associated with sudden cardiac death.

Conclusions

We observed that the metabolic syndrome was associated with a significantly increased risk of sudden cardiac death irrespective of sex or race. The risk of sudden cardiac death was proportional to the number of metabolic syndrome components.
European Tort Law in Chinese Eyes
Authors: Infantino Marta
Published: August 2017

The book herein reviewed – ‘The Aims of Tort Law. Chinese and European Perspectives’, edited by Helmut Koziol and published by Jan Sramek Verlag in 2017 – offers something that is much needed: a comparative study of tort law functions that, additionally, focuses on China. On the basis of that study, the paper sketches out some comparative lessons Europeans can learn by looking at Chinese tort law, and in particular at the Chinese approaches to the aims of tort law.
Society Islands beach bum black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae)
Authors: CRAIG DOUGLAS A. , EVENHUIS NEAL L.
Published: August 2017

Aspects of the body of work on the Central and Western Pacific black fly Simulium (Inseliellum) are briefly reviewed. Female adults collected from beaches in Tahiti and Raiatea are described as Simulium (Inseliellum) littopyga n. sp., Simulium (Inseliellum) littosocius n. sp. and Simulium (Inseliellum) littosodalis n. sp.. Immature stages of the three species are not associated.
Ensigeropus, a new genus of the family Platyischnopidae (Amphipoda: Amphilochidea) from Northern Chile
Authors: PÉREZ-SCHULTHEISS JORGE
Published: August 2017

A new genus and species of Platyischnopidae from the sandy intertidal of two localities in the north of Chile are described. Ensigeropus cachinalito n. gen., n. sp. is similar to Eudevenopus Thomas & Barnard, 1983 in most characters; however, it presents characters hitherto not reported in the family, as the lobate upper lip and the absence of a mandibular molar. The new taxon is easily recognized among all American Platyischnopidae by the presence of a conspicuous tooth on the posterior margin of the basis of pereopod 7, a character present also in species of the Australian genus Tomituka Barnard & Drummond, 1979.
Review of the genus Habropogon Loew, 1847 (Diptera: Asilidae) from Russia, with description of new species from Siberia
Authors: SAKHVON VITAL V. , LELEJ ARKADY S.
Published: August 2017

Five species of genus Habropogon Loew, 1847 from Russia are reviewed. Habropogon lehri Sakhvon sp. nov. (Altai Republic and Zabaykalsky Territory) is described and illustrated. The status of H. verticalis mesasiaticus Lehr, 1960 is updated to species level and a lectotype of the latter is designated. Habropogon mesasiaticus Lehr is newly recorded from Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. A key to males of the species is presented.