bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ulcerative pododermatitis and disseminated erosive lesions associated with cowpox virus infection in a domestic cat
Authors: Ludwig Louisa , Bohn Jéromine , Remy Isabelle , Haegeman Andy , Heimann Marianne , Mauroy Axel , de Clercq Kris , Thiry Etienne
Published: August 2016

The authors report on a case of feline cowpox virus infection associated with severe ulcerative dermatitis of a paw and disseminated erosive lesions. While the anamnesis of the cat being a known rodent‐hunter, a typical seasonality of infection and the progression of clinical signs from a primary anterior lesion (forelimb) indicated a possible cowpox virus infection, the differential diagnosis was complicated by the resemblance of clinical signs to those induced by feline herpesvirus‐dermatitis or feline calicivirus infection. These differential diagnoses were excluded by means of immunostaining and PCR, respectively. Detection of eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in cells from biopsy material and positive PCR and sequencing results confirmed the diagnosis of cowpox virus infection. Genetic characterisation of the isolate, based on the highly diverse haemagglutinin gene, showed that the strain (Liege 2015; GenBank accession number: KU726584) clustered with other European isolates, mostly from exotic zoo animals.
Homotopically equivalent simple loops on 2-bridge spheres in Heckoid orbifolds for 2-bridge links (II)
Authors: Lee Donghi , Sakuma Makoto
Published: August 2016

In this paper and its prequel, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for two essential simple loops on a [Formula: see text]-bridge sphere in an even Heckoid orbifold for a [Formula: see text]-bridge link to be homotopic in the orbifold. We also give a necessary and sufficient condition for an essential simple loop on a [Formula: see text]-bridge sphere in an even Heckoid orbifold for a [Formula: see text]-bridge link to be peripheral or torsion in the orbifold. The prequel treated the case when the [Formula: see text]-bridge link is a [Formula: see text]-torus link, and this paper treats the remaining cases.
PRICING AND HEDGING GAME OPTIONS IN CURRENCY MODELS WITH PROPORTIONAL TRANSACTION COSTS
Authors: ROUX ALET
Published: August 2016

The pricing, hedging, optimal exercise and optimal cancellation of game or Israeli options are considered in a multi-currency model with proportional transaction costs. Efficient constructions for optimal hedging, cancellation and exercise strategies are presented, together with numerical examples, as well as probabilistic dual representations for the bid and ask price of a game option.
A GENERAL ORNSTEIN–UHLENBECK STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY MODEL WITH LÉVY JUMPS
Authors: HOFMANN KARL FRIEDRICH , SCHULZ THORSTEN
Published: August 2016

We present a general class of stochastic volatility models with jumps where the stochastic variance process follows a Lévy-driven Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) process and the jumps in the log-price process follow a Lévy process. This financial market model is a true extension of the Barndorff-Nielsen–Shephard (BNS) model class and can establish a weak link between log-price jumps and volatility jumps. Furthermore, we investigate the weak-link [Formula: see text]-OU-BNS model as a special case, where we calculate the characteristic function of the logarithmic price in closed form. The classical [Formula: see text]-OU-BNS model can be obtained as a limit of weak-link [Formula: see text]-OU-BNS models in the Skorokhod topology. We highlight that the weak-link property may be a useful model extension in the case of pricing barrier options.
Haar wavelet based numerical solution of nonlinear differential equations arising in fluid dynamics
Authors: Shiralashetti S. C. , Kantli M. H. , Deshi A. B.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we obtained the Haar wavelet-based numerical solution of the nonlinear differential equations arising in fluid dynamics, i.e., electrohydrodynamic flow, elastohydrodynamic lubrication and nonlinear boundary value problems. Error analysis is observed, it shows that the Haar wavelet-based results give better accuracy than the existing methods, which is justified through illustrative examples.
Study on irradiation repair of graphene with a crack
Authors: Hua Jun , Liu Yang , Hou Yan
Published: August 2016

Due to the restrictions in graphene manufacturing process, the presence of defects in graphene structures is almost inevitable and these defects can affect its excellent mechanical properties. In this paper, we study the reparation of cracked graphene by C ion irradiation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out to study the performance of graphene with a pre-crack which is irradiated by C ions. First, the reparation mechanism of defect graphene is investigated. The tensile properties of pristine graphene and graphene with a crack are simulated and compared for the cases of irradiation and without irradiation. The simulation results demonstrate that the irradiation can be used to repair the crack in graphene and can improve its mechanical properties. It means that the reparation of defective graphene with irradiation is feasible. The influences of the ion dose and ion energy on the irradiation reparation are analyzed. We found that both ion dose and ion energy have important influences on the defects reparation. Furthermore, temperature effects on tensile properties of graphene after reparation are also studied for the temperature range of 1[Formula: see text]K to 1500[Formula: see text]K. It shows that temperature has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the repaired graphene. With an increase of temperature, the tensile strength and failure strain of repaired graphene decrease linearly. The studies in this article are hoped to promote the application of graphene in practice.
Surface CO
2
emission and rising bubble plumes from degassing of crater lakes in São Miguel Island, Azores
Authors: Melián Gladys , Somoza Luís , Padrón Eleazar , Pérez Nemesio M. , Hernández Pedro A. , Sumino Hirochika , Forjaz Victor H. , França Zilda
Published: August 2016

We report the first detailed study on the types and distributions of active subaqueous fumaroles and surface diffuse CO
2
degassing in the three main volcanic lakes of São Miguel Island (Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas), Azores archipelago, Portugal. The results of the surveys, carried out in May 2011 using a floating accumulation chamber and a dual beam 50 and 200 kHz echo sounder, revealed a very low surface CO
2
degassing at the three lakes, in the range of 32–608 kg d
−1
. However, dense subaqueous degassing plumes were found in the north of the Furnas crater lake (7.5–9 plumes per 100 m
2
), and moderate-density degassing in the Fogo (1.5–2 plumes per 100 m
2
) and Sete Cidades crater lakes (1–1.5 plumes per 100 m
2
). The echo sounder detected hydroacoustic signatures interpreted as acoustic flares, ‘puffing’ bubble plumes or walls of bubbles associated with numerous subaqueous fumaroles. The recorded echograms show that the bubbles rise at average speeds of between 19 and 30 cm s
−1
at the bottom, with frequencies of release from 1–2 to 31 s. Most subaqueous fumaroles disappear due to the dissolution of CO
2
before reaching the lake surface. These dissolution processes are enhanced by the pH range observed in the three volcanic lakes (
c.
7–9). Observed dissolved CO
2
values indicate that the pressure of this gas in the three lakes remained much lower than the hydrostatic pressure and the risk of a limnic eruption is therefore negligible. We suggest that the rising levels of CO
2
from the subaqueous bubbles could constitute a critical fuel for subsurface phytoplankton layers, interpreted as horizontal acoustic layers with high backscattering values. The highest density of subaqueous bubbling correlates with recent submerged secondary craters formed around the caldera rims of the three Late Quaternary stratovolcano complexes of São Miguel Island. Our results emphasize the need to perform regular surface degassing studies as an important volcanic surveillance tool in the Azores archipelago.
The petroleum geology of the West Africa margin: an introduction
Authors: Sabato Ceraldi Teresa , Hodgkinson Richard , Backé Guillaume
Published: August 2016

The continental margin of West Africa formed as result of the south-to-north rifting of Gondwana and the progressive separation of the South American and African continents. This margin has enjoyed a rich and varied exploration history and, in the 70 years or so since the first significant exploration began in the onshore area, the margin has emerged as a significant hydrocarbon-producing region. The amalgamation of hydrocarbon exploration approaches and imaginative ideas, leveraged with modern technologies, is yielding significant scientific and economic successes.

The main objective of this Special Publication is to provide an overview of the advances in our understanding of the crustal structure, tectonic evolution and Mesozoic to Cenozoic stratigraphy of the West Africa margin both onshore and offshore, with a particular focus on the petroleum geology. The papers contained in this Special Publication represent a selection from the 37 abstracts presented at the original conference in March 2014, which covered the entirety of the margin from South Africa to Morocco as well as stratigraphy from the crystalline basement to the most recent strata. The original abstracts from the conference are available through the Geological Society of London website at:
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/pgresources
Algorithm 965
Authors: Ong Benjamin W. , Haynes Ronald D. , Ladd Kyle
Published: August 2016

Revisionist integral deferred correction methods are a family of parallel-in-time methods to solve systems of initial values problems. The approach is able to bootstrap lower-order time integrators to provide high-order approximations in approximately the same wall-clock time, hence providing a multiplicative increase in the number of compute cores utilized. Here we provide a library that automatically produces a parallel-in-time solution of a system of initial value problems given user-supplied code for the right-hand side of the system and a sequential code for a first-order timestep. The user-supplied timestep routine may be explicit or implicit and may make use of any auxiliary libraries that take care of the solution of any nonlinear algebraic systems that may arise or the numerical linear algebra required.
Habitual exercise decreases systolic blood pressure during low-intensity resistance exercise in healthy middle-aged and older individuals
Authors: Otsuki Takeshi , Kotato Takahiro , Zempo-Miyaki Asako
Published: August 2016

Since aerobic exercise (e.g., walking) and resistance exercise (e.g., lifting objects and mopping) are both parts of the activities of daily living, an exaggerated elevation in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during aerobic and resistance exercise is an early marker of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the effects of habitual exercise on SBP during low-intensity resistance exercise using both cross-sectional and interventional approaches. First, in 57 normotensive women (61.9 ± 1.0 yr of age), daily physical activity level, as assessed by triaxial accelerometry, was correlated with SBP during resistance exercise at 20 and 40% of the 1 repetition maximum ( r = −0.408 and r = −0.348, respectively). Maximal oxygen uptake was correlated with SBP during exercise at 20% ( r = −0.385) and 40% ( r = −0.457). Physical activity level or maximal oxygen uptake was identified as a predictor of SBP during the exercise in stepwise regression analysis, independent of SBP at rest and other factors ( R2= 0.729–0.781). Second, 66 men and women (64.6 ± 0.9 yr of age) participated in a 6-wk intervention as a part of the training (walking, 4.3 ± 0.3 days/wk, 55.6 ± 4.1 min/day, 70.7 ± 1.2% of maximal heart rate) or control group. SBP during resistance exercise in the training group decreased after the intervention (before vs. after: 20%, 143 ± 4 vs. 128 ± 4 mmHg; and 40%, 148 ± 5 vs. 134 ± 4 mmHg). In the control group, there were no significant differences in SBP before and after the intervention. SBP during resistance exercise after the intervention was lower in the training group relative to the control group. These results suggest that habitual exercise decreases SBP during low-intensity resistance exercise.
Differential roles of caveolin-1 in ouabain-induced Na+/K+-ATPase cardiac signaling and contractility
Authors: Bai Yan , Wu Jian , Li Daxiang , Morgan Eric E. , Liu Jiang , Zhao Xiaochen , Walsh Aaron , Saikumar Jagannath , Tinkel Jodi , Joe Bina , Gupta Rajesh , Liu Lijun
Published: August 2016

Binding of ouabain to cardiac Na+/K+-ATPase initiates cell signaling and causes contractility in cardiomyocytes. It is widely accepted that caveolins, structural proteins of caveolae, have been implicated in signal transduction. It is known that caveolae play a role in Na+/K+-ATPase functions. Regulation of caveolin-1 in ouabain-mediated cardiac signaling and contractility has never been reported. The aim of this study is to compare ouabain-induced cardiac signaling and contractility in wild-type (WT) and caveolin-1 knockout (cav-1 KO) mice. In contrast with WT cardiomyocytes, ouabain-induced signaling e.g., activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-α/Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, and hypertrophic growth were significantly reduced in cav-1 KO cardiomyocytes. Interactions of the Na+/K+-ATPase α1-subunit with caveolin-3 and the Na+/K+-ATPase α1-subunit with PI3K-α were also decreased in cav-1 KO cardiomyocytes. The results from cav-1 KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts also proved that cav-1 significantly attenuated ouabain-induced ERK1/2 activation without alteration in protein and cholesterol distribution in caveolae/lipid rafts. Intriguingly, the effect of ouabain induced positive inotropy in vivo (via transient infusion of ouabain, 0.48 nmol/g body wt) was not attenuated in cav-1 KO mice. Furthermore, ouabain (1–100 μM) induced dose-dependent contractility in isolated working hearts from WT and cav-1 KO mice. The effects of ouabain on contractility between WT and cav-1 KO mice were not significantly different. These results demonstrated differential roles of cav-1 in the regulation of ouabain signaling and contractility. Signaling by ouabain, in contrast to contractility, may be a redundant property of Na+/K+-ATPase.
Delta Procalcitonin Is a Better Indicator of Infection Than Absolute Procalcitonin Values in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Trásy Domonkos , Tánczos Krisztián , Németh Márton , Hankovszky Péter , Lovas András , Mikor András , Hajdú Edit , Osztroluczki Angelika , Fazakas János , Molnár Zsolt
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To investigate whether absolute value of procalcitonin (PCT) or the change (delta-PCT) is better indicator of infection in intensive care patients.Materials and Methods.Post hocanalysis of a prospective observational study. Patients with suspected new-onset infection were included in whom PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), temperature, and leukocyte (WBC) values were measured on inclusion (t0) and data were also available from the previous day (t-1). Based on clinical and microbiological data, patients were groupedpost hocinto infection- (I-) and noninfection- (NI-) groups.Results. Of the 114 patients, 85 (75%) had proven infection. PCT levels were similar att-1: I-group (median [interquartile range]): 1.04 [0.40–3.57] versus NI-group: 0.53 [0.16–1.68],p=0.444. Byt0PCT levels were significantly higher in the I-group: 4.62 [1.91–12.62] versus 1.12 [0.30–1.66],p=0.018. The area under the curve to predict infection for absolute values of PCT was 0.64 [95% CI = 0.52–0.76],p=0.022; for percentage change: 0.77 [0.66–0.87],p<0.001; and for delta-PCT: 0.85 [0.78–0.92],p<0.001. The optimal cut-off value for delta-PCT to indicate infection was 0.76 ng/mL (sensitivity 80 [70–88]%, specificity 86 [68-96]%). Neither absolute values nor changes in CRP, temperature, or WBC could predict infection.Conclusions. Our results suggest that delta-PCT values are superior to absolute values in indicating infection in intensive care patients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02311816.
RBM5-AS1 Is Critical for Self-Renewal of Colon Cancer Stem-like Cells
Authors: Di Cecilia Serena , Zhang Fan , Sancho Ana , Li SiDe , Aguiló Francesca , Sun Yifei , Rengasamy Madhumitha , Zhang Weijia , Del Vecchio Luigi , Salvatore Francesco , Walsh Martin J.
Published: August 2016

Cancer-initiating cells (CIC) undergo asymmetric growth patterns that increase phenotypic diversity and drive selection for chemotherapeutic resistance and tumor relapse. WNT signaling is a hallmark of colon CIC, often caused by APC mutations, which enable activation of β-catenin and MYC. Accumulating evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) contribute to the stem-like character of colon cancer cells. In this study, we report enrichment of the lncRNA RBM5-AS1/LUST during sphere formation of colon CIC. Its silencing impaired WNT signaling, whereas its overexpression enforced WNT signaling, cell growth, and survival in serum-free media. RBM5-AS1 has been little characterized previously, and we determined it to be a nuclear-retained transcript that selectively interacted with β-catenin. Mechanistic investigations showed that silencing or overexpression of RBM5-AS1 caused a respective loss or retention of β-catenin from TCF4 complexes bound to the WNT target genes SGK1, YAP1, and MYC. Our work suggests that RBM5-AS1 activity is critical for the functional enablement of colon cancer stem-like cells. Furthermore, it defines the mechanism of action of RBM5-AS1 in the WNT pathway via physical interactions with β-catenin, helping organize transcriptional complexes that sustain colon CIC function. Cancer Res; 76(19); 5615–27. ©2016 AACR.
Extracellular Matrix Invasion in Metastases and Angiogenesis: Commentary on the Matrigel “Chemoinvasion Assay”
Authors: Albini Adriana
Published: August 2016

Invasive and metastatic cells must cross the basement membrane's extracellular matrix to disseminate to distant sites. Although in the eighties the concept was well established, no easy in vitro functional assay was available. Working in Hynda Kleinman's and George Martin's laboratory at NIH (Bethesda, MD), where the reconstituted basement membrane Matrigel was discovered, I had the intuition that Matrigel coating of migration filters could represent a valid tool to mimic in vitro biological matrix barriers. The “chemoinvasion assay” using Matrigel in Boyden blind-well chambers was developed in 1985–1986 and published in Cancer Research in 1987. It was a rapid and easy tool for studying invasion, a crucial step in cancer metastasis. Since its conception, the assay has been employed for studies on the metastatic process, angiogenesis, and for the screening of drugs that are potentially able to decrease cell invasion. It was adapted to be easily employed as a routine assay and commercialized. In that historical article, we also described the use of thick layers of Matrigel for the study of morphogenesis of invasive cells, a simple and visual assay, adaptable to reproduce collective cell migration in vitro. To date, in its diverse optimized variants, the chemoinvasion assay is still widely used, contributing to novel data production. In the era of precision medicine and next-generation sequencing, the cheap, fast, and reproducible chemoinvasion assay may have further developments, including possible applications in the investigations on cancer stem cells, immunity and immune modulators, applications with siRNA silencing, selection of aggressive cell populations, and phenotypes and genetic evaluations. Cancer Res; 76(16); 4595–7. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Albini A et al., Cancer Res 1987;47:3239–45.

Visit the Cancer Research 75th Anniversary timeline.
Functional Subclone Profiling for Prediction of Treatment-Induced Intratumor Population Shifts and Discovery of Rational Drug Combinations in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Reinartz Roman , Wang Shanshan , Kebir Sied , Silver Daniel J. , Wieland Anja , Zheng Tong , Küpper Marius , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Fimmers Rolf , Shepherd Timothy M. , Trageser Daniel , Till Andreas , Schäfer Niklas , Glas Martin , Hillmer Axel M. , Cichon Sven , Smith Amy A. , Pietsch Torsten , Liu Ying , Reynolds Brent A. , Yachnis Anthony , Pincus David W. , Simon Matthias , Brüstle Oliver , Steindler Dennis A. , Scheffler Björn
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Investigation of clonal heterogeneity may be key to understanding mechanisms of therapeutic failure in human cancer. However, little is known on the consequences of therapeutic intervention on the clonal composition of solid tumors.

Experimental Design: Here, we used 33 single cell–derived subclones generated from five clinical glioblastoma specimens for exploring intra- and interindividual spectra of drug resistance profiles in vitro. In a personalized setting, we explored whether differences in pharmacologic sensitivity among subclones could be employed to predict drug-dependent changes to the clonal composition of tumors.

Results: Subclones from individual tumors exhibited a remarkable heterogeneity of drug resistance to a library of potential antiglioblastoma compounds. A more comprehensive intratumoral analysis revealed that stable genetic and phenotypic characteristics of coexisting subclones could be correlated with distinct drug sensitivity profiles. The data obtained from differential drug response analysis could be employed to predict clonal population shifts within the naïve parental tumor in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts. Furthermore, the value of pharmacologic profiles could be shown for establishing rational strategies for individualized secondary lines of treatment.

Conclusions: Our data provide a previously unrecognized strategy for revealing functional consequences of intratumor heterogeneity by enabling predictive modeling of treatment-related subclone dynamics in human glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 562–74. ©2016 AACR.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Treatment and Survival
Authors: Bandera Elisa V. , Lee Valerie S. , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Lorna , Powell C. Bethan , Kushi Lawrence H.
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Among patients with ovarian cancer, African American (AA) women experience poorer survival compared with other race/ethnicity groups. This has been attributed to differences in access to health care.

Experimental Design: We evaluated racial/ethnic differences in chemotherapy dosing and survival in a cohort study among members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California, and thus with equivalent access to health care. Analyses included epithelial-invasive ovarian cancer cases (n = 793) receiving adjuvant first-line therapy of carboplatin and paclitaxel with curative intent, with median follow-up of 50 months. Relative dose intensity (RDI) was computed for carboplatin and paclitaxel separately as dose administered per week divided by expected dose per week, and average RDI (ARDI) was then calculated for the regimen. Proportional hazards regression was used to calculate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results: Compared with whites, AAs were more likely to have dose reduction (ARDI < 85%), treatment delay, and early discontinuation. Hispanics were also more likely to have dose reduction, but less likely to have early discontinuation or treatment delay. After controlling for prognostic factors including ARDI, AA women had the worst survival. Compared with whites, adjusted HRs (95% CI) for overall mortality were 1.56 (1.01–2.39) for AAs; 0.89 (0.61–1.31) for Asians; and 1.41 (0.98–2.04) for Hispanics. Findings for ovarian cancer–specific mortality were similar.

Conclusions: Disparities in ovarian cancer treatment and survival in AA persisted among women with equal access to care. These findings warrant further evaluation of biological, personal, and social factors that may be responsible for these differences. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5909–14. ©2016 AACR.
Intravesical Bacillus Calmette Guerin Combined with a Cancer Vaccine Increases Local T-Cell Responses in Non-muscle–Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Derré Laurent , Cesson Valérie , Lucca Ilaria , Cerantola Yannick , Valerio Massimo , Fritschi Urs , Vlamopoulos Yannis , Burruni Rodolfo , Legris Anne-Sophie , Dartiguenave Florence , Gharbi Dalila , Martin Virginie , Vaucher Laurent , Speiser Daniel E. , Romero Pedro , Jichlinski Patrice , Nardelli-Haefliger Denise
Published: August 2016

Purpose: Treatments with cancer vaccines may be delivered as combination therapies for better efficacy. Addition of intravesical immunostimulation with bacteria promotes vaccine-specific T cells in the bladder and tumor-regression in murine bladder cancer models. Here, we determined whether an adjuvanted cancer vaccine can be safely administered with concomitant standard intravesical Bacillus-Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy and how vaccine-specific immune responses may be modulated in patients with non-muscle–invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Experimental Design: In a nonrandomized phase I open-label exploratory study, 24 NMIBC patients, apportioned in three groups, received 5 injections of a subunit cancer vaccine (recMAGE-A3 protein+AS15) alone or in two combinations of intravesical BCG-instillations. Safety profiles were compared between the three treatment groups, considering single vaccine injections or BCG instillations and concomitant interventions. Immune responses in blood and urine were compared between treatment groups and upon BCG instillations.

Results: The mild adverse events (AE) experienced by all the patients were similar to AE previously reported for this vaccine and standard BCG treatment. AEs were not increased by the double interventions, suggesting that BCG did not exacerbate the AE caused by the MAGE-A3 vaccine and vice-versa. All patients seroconverted after MAGE-A3 vaccination. In half of the patients, vaccine-specific T cells were induced in blood, irrespective of BCG treatment. Interestingly, such T cells were only detected in urine upon BCG-induced T-cell infiltration.

Conclusions: Cancer vaccines, including strong adjuvants, can be safely combined with intravesical BCG therapy. The increase of vaccine-specific T cells in the bladder upon BCG provides proof-of-principle evidence that cancer vaccines with local immunostimulation may be beneficial. Clin Cancer Res; 23(3); 717–25. ©2016 AACR.
Immunotherapy Gone Viral: Bortezomib and oHSV Enhance Antitumor NK-Cell Activity
Authors: Suryadevara Carter M. , Riccione Katherine A. , Sampson John H.
Published: August 2016

Oncolytic viruses, proteasome inhibitors, and natural killer (NK)-cell immunotherapy have all been studied extensively as monotherapies but have never been evaluated in combination. Synergetic treatment of oncolytic virus–infected glioblastomas with a proteasome inhibitor induces necroptotic cell death to enhance NK-cell immunotherapy, prolonging survival against human glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5164–6. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Yoo et al., p. 5265
Efficacy and Biological Correlates of Response in a Phase II Study of Venetoclax Monotherapy in Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Konopleva Marina , Pollyea Daniel A. , Potluri Jalaja , Chyla Brenda , Hogdal Leah , Busman Todd , McKeegan Evelyn , Salem Ahmed Hamed , Zhu Ming , Ricker Justin L. , Blum William , DiNardo Courtney D. , Kadia Tapan , Dunbar Martin , Kirby Rachel , Falotico Nancy , Leverson Joel , Humerickhouse Rod , Mabry Mack , Stone Richard , Kantarjian Hagop , Letai Anthony
Published: August 2016

We present a phase II, single-arm study evaluating 800 mg daily venetoclax, a highly selective, oral small-molecule B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL2) inhibitor in patients with high-risk relapsed/refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Responses were evaluated following revised International Working Group (IWG) criteria. The overall response rate was 19%; an additional 19% of patients demonstrated antileukemic activity not meeting IWG criteria (partial bone marrow response and incomplete hematologic recovery). Twelve (38%) patients had isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 mutations, of whom 4 (33%) achieved complete response or complete response with incomplete blood count recovery. Six (19%) patients had BCL2-sensitive protein index at screening, which correlated with time on study. BH3 profiling was consistent with on-target BCL2 inhibition and identified potential resistance mechanisms. Common adverse events included nausea, diarrhea and vomiting (all grades), and febrile neutropenia and hypokalemia (grade 3/4). Venetoclax demonstrated activity and acceptable tolerability in patients with AML and adverse features.

Significance: Venetoclax monotherapy demonstrated clinical activity in patients with AML (relapsed/refractory or unfit for intensive chemotherapy) with a tolerable safety profile in this phase II study. Predictive markers of response consistent with BCL2 dependence were identified. Clinical and preclinical findings provide a compelling rationale to evaluate venetoclax combined with other agents in AML. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1106–17. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Pullarkat and Newman, p. 1082.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1069
Novas perspectivas nos estudos sobre movimentos sociais no Islã e no mundo muçulmano
Authors: Finguerut Ariel
Published: August 2016

Resenha do livro: Social Movements, Mobilization and Contestation in the Middle East and North Africa - (Joel Beinin e Frédéric Vairel, Orgs.), Ed. Stanford, CA, 2011.
Saving Face
Authors: Marinho Joana
Published: August 2016

SAVING FACE - RESENHADiretores: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy e Daniel Junge40 minutos, 2011
O Egito em uma encruzilhada: a influência dos militares na política e uma sociedade dividida
Authors: Lima José Antonio
Published: August 2016

Este artigo examina os acontecimentos no Egito desde a queda do ditador Hosni Mubarak, em fevereiro de 2011, à luz de duas dinâmicas que moldam o país nos dias de hoje: a influência dos militares sobre a política e o duelo entre as identidades secular e religiosa. A proposta da análise é mostrar como a interação entre essas duas dinâmicas se tornou um grande obstáculo à democratização do Egito, por tornar a disputa política um jogo de soma zero no qual os vencedores têm como objetivo suprimir as vozes dissonantes.
A maioria dos israelenses não está escutando: resenha do filme The Gatekeepers
Authors: Maia Natalia Nahas Carneiro
Published: August 2016

FICHA TÉCNICA Documentário (Israel, França, Bélgica e Alemanha) 95 Minutos, Julho 2012, Hebraico Direção: Dror Moreh Cinematografia: Avner Shahaf Produção: Estelle Fialon, Philippa Kowarsky e Dror Moreh
Boletín Malala, Universidad de São Paulo: desafíos, resistencias y espacio en Brasil para debates sobre el Islam y el mundo musulmán
Authors: Finguerut Ariel , Lima Cila
Published: August 2016

A criação de uma publicação para o Grupo de Trabalho Oriente Médio e Mundo Muçulmano (GT-OMMM), em 2013, coordenada pelo professor Peter Robert Demant, ocorreu apenas quatro anos após a fundação do GT, vinculado ao Laboratório de Estudos da Ásia (LEA), no departamento de História da Universidade de São Paulo. O boletim Malala, a começar pela proposta do seu nome suscitou uma série de reflexões sobre disputas político-acadêmicas e questões metodológicas. A experiência com o Boletim tem nos levado a alguns questionamentos: quem estuda Oriente Médio e mundo muçulmano no Brasil, como são e o que se espera desses estudos. A proposta deste paper é abordar a implantação, os primeiros resultados e as percepções que o Boletim recebeu durante este um ano de vida, pontuando a recepção da comunidade acadêmica e as perspectivas que se abrem para se pensar a metodologia para os estudos sobre Oriente Médio e mundo muçulmano no Brasil. Abstract:The creation of a publication for the Working Group Middle East and the Muslim World (GT-OMMM) in 2013, coordinated by Professor Peter Robert Demant, occurred just four years after the foundation of the GT, linked to the Laboratory for the Study of Asia (LEA) in the Department of History, University of São Paulo. The Malala Eletronic Bulletin, starting with the proposal of it is name creates a series of reflections and political and academic disputes and on methodological issues. The experience with the Bulletin has led us to some questions: who studies Middle Eastern and Muslim world in Brazil and what is expected on these studies and work. The purpose of this paper is to address the deployment, to discuss the initial results and the perceptions that the Bulletin received during this first year of existence ,In this paper we will also discuss the methodology for the study of Middle Eastern and Muslim world in Brazil.
Hamas e o Terrorismo Simpático
Authors: Dominguez Diego Balassiano
Published: August 2016

Este artigo acadêmico expõe um novo olhar crítico sobre o papel do Hamas na morte de civis palestinos durante o confronto com o Estado de Israel em 2014, a partir de conceitos de guerra assimétrica e terrorismo pelas Relações Internacionais. O conflito durou cinquenta dias e resultou na morte de 2.205 palestinos, a maioria civis. Serão abordadas as formas estratégicas de um grupo não-estatal para alcançar o objetivo político frente à assimetria de armamento, status e pessoal de um Estado. Devido à desproporcionalidade, o ato terrorista segue dois passos essenciais para atingir o objetivo em voga: colocar a questão social na pauta internacional e, em seguida, alcançar a simpatia no cenário externo. O artigo mostra que o Hamas usou, estrategicamente, a própria população civil como escudo humano para atrair a atenção e a simpatia internacional em meio a uma crise financeira e política para com grupos radicais e países vizinhos.
Raman Investigation of Precious Jewelry Collections Preserved in Paolo Orsi Regional Museum (Siracusa, Sicily) Using Portable Equipment
Authors: Barone Germana , Mazzoleni Paolo , Raneri Simona , Jehlička Jan , Vandenabeele Peter , Lottici Pier Paolo , Lamagna Gioconda , Manenti Angela Maria , Bersani Danilo
Published: August 2016

This work is a part of a large scientific project aimed at highlighting the potential of portable Raman equipment in characterizing jewelry materials preserved in museums, carried out in collaboration with gemologists and archeologists. In detail, we report the results of a measurement campaign performed for the study of gems and jewels preserved in the well-known Medagliere section at the Paolo Orsi Regional Museum of Siracusa (Sicily). The studied materials consist of exquisite examples of engraved loose gems and really rare examples of Hellenistic–Roman jewels, mainly coming from relevant Sicilian archaeological sites. Portable Raman measurements have been carried out using two instruments equipped with different excitation wavelengths. The obtained results have allowed for a complete characterization of the studied gemological materials, also suggesting sometimes misclassification for some valuable objects and gems.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health Care for Children and Young Adults
Authors: Marrast Lyndonna , Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie
Published: August 2016

Psychiatric and behavior problems are common among children and young adults, and many go without care or only receive treatment in carceral settings. We examined racial and ethnic disparities in children’s and young adults’ receipt of mental health and substance abuse care using nationally representative data from the 2006–2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. Blacks’ and Hispanics’ visit rates (and per capita expenditures) were about half those of non-Hispanic whites for all types and definitions of outpatient mental health services. Disparities were generally larger for young adults than for children. Black and white children had similar psychiatric inpatient and emergency department utilization rates, while Hispanic children had lower hospitalization rates. Multivariate control for mental health impairment, demographics, and insurance status did not attenuate racial/ethnic disparities in outpatient care. We conclude that psychiatric and behavioral problems among minority youth often result in school punishment or incarceration, but rarely mental health care.
Life on the Number Line: Routes to Understanding Fraction Magnitude for Students With Difficulties Learning Mathematics
Authors: Gersten Russell , Schumacher Robin F. , Jordan Nancy C.
Published: August 2016

Magnitude understanding is critical for students to develop a deep understanding of fractions and more advanced mathematics curriculum. The research reports in this special issue underscore magnitude understanding for fractions and emphasize number lines as both an assessment and an instructional tool. In this commentary, we discuss how number lines broaden the concept of fractions for students who are tied to the more general part–whole representations of area models. We also discuss how number lines, compared to other representations, are a superior and more mathematically correct way to explain fraction concepts.
Auditory Perception, Suprasegmental Speech Processing, and Vocabulary Development in Chinese Preschoolers
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Lan S. , Chen I-Chen , Chiang Chun-Han , Lai Ying-Hui , Tsao Yu
Published: August 2016

The current study examined the associations between basic auditory perception, speech prosodic processing, and vocabulary development in Chinese kindergartners, specifically, whether early basic auditory perception may be related to linguistic prosodic processing in Chinese Mandarin vocabulary acquisition. A series of language, auditory, and linguistic prosodic tests were given to 100 preschool children who had not yet learned how to read Chinese characters. The results suggested that lexical tone sensitivity and intonation production were significantly correlated with children’s general vocabulary abilities. In particular, tone awareness was associated with comprehensive language development, whereas intonation production was associated with both comprehensive and expressive language development. Regression analyses revealed that tone sensitivity accounted for 36% of the unique variance in vocabulary development, whereas intonation production accounted for 6% of the variance in vocabulary development. Moreover, auditory frequency discrimination was significantly correlated with lexical tone sensitivity, syllable duration discrimination, and intonation production in Mandarin Chinese. Also it provided significant contributions to tone sensitivity and intonation production. Auditory frequency discrimination may indirectly affect early vocabulary development through Chinese speech prosody.
Revisiting the Leadership Scale for Sport
Authors: Chiu Weisheng , Rodriguez Fernando M. , Won Doyeon
Published: August 2016

This study examines the factor structure of the shortened version of the Leadership Scale for Sport, through a survey of 201 collegiate swimmers at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and III institutions, using both exploratory structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis. Both exploratory structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis showed that a five-factor solution fit the data adequately. The sizes of factor loadings on target factors substantially differed between the confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling solutions. In addition, the inter-correlations between factors of the Leadership Scale for Sport and the correlations with athletes’ satisfaction were found to be inflated in the confirmatory factor analysis solution. Overall, the findings provide evidence of the factorial validity of the shortened Leadership Scale for Sport.
Color texture classification of yarn-dyed woven fabric based on dual-side scanning and co-occurrence matrix
Authors: Xin Binjie , Zhang Jie , Zhang Rui , Wu Xiangji
Published: August 2016

Color texture classification as a part of fabric analysis is significant for textile manufacturing. In this research, a new artificial intelligence method based on a dual-side co-occurrence matrix and a back propagation neural network has been proposed for color texture classification, which could achieve relatively accurate classification results for yarn-dyed woven fabric compared with the traditional co-occurrence matrix for a single-side image. Firstly, a laboratory dual-side imaging system has been established to digitize the upper-side and lower-side images sequentially. Secondly, the dual-side co-occurrence matrix could be generated based on these dual images; four texture features could be extracted for the evaluation of the fabric texture characteristics. Thirdly, a well-trained back propagation neural network was established with the four defined features as the input vectors and the color texture type of yarn-dyed woven fabric as the output vector. The efficiency of two different classification systems based on a dual-side co-occurrence matrix and a single-side co-occurrence matrix has been compared systematically. Our experimental results show that the artificial intelligence system based on a dual-side co-occurrence matrix and back propagation neural network model could achieve a relatively better classification effect, with the high coefficient ratio ( R = 0.9726) when d = 0.
An SEM Algorithm for Scale Reduction Incorporating Evaluation of Multiple Psychometric Criteria
Authors: Browne Matthew , Rockloff Matthew , Rawat Vijay
Published: August 2016

Development and refinement of self-report measures generally involves selecting a subset of indicators from a larger set. Despite the importance of this task, methods applied to accomplish this are often idiosyncratic and ad hoc, or based on incomplete statistical criteria. We describe a structural equation modeling (SEM)-based technique, based on the standardized residual variance–covariance matrix, which subsumes multiple traditional psychometric criteria: item homogeneity, reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity. SEMs with a fixed structure, but with substituted candidate items, can be used to evaluate the relative performance of those items. Using simulated data sets, we demonstrate a simple progressive elimination algorithm, which demonstrably optimizes item choice across multiple psychometric criteria. This method is then applied to the task of short-form development of the multidimensional “4Es” (Excitement, Esteem, Escape, Excess) scale, which are understood as indicators of psychological vulnerability to gambling problems. It is concluded that the proposed SEM-based algorithm provides an automatic and efficient approach to the item-reduction stage of scale development and should be similarly useful for the development of short forms of preexisting scales. Broader use of such an algorithm would promote more transparent, consistent, and replicable scale development.
Extra Credit Micro-Incentives and Response Rates for Online Course Evaluations
Authors: Sundstrom Eric D. , Hardin Erin E. , Shaffer Matthew J.
Published: August 2016

To extend prior findings on the motivational value of tiny, nonfinancial incentives, we conducted two quasi-experiments on the relationship of extra credit micro-incentives (ECMIs, worth ≤1% of course grade) and response rates for online course evaluations. Study 1 involved two advanced undergraduate psychology courses taught by the same instructor for 14 semesters, the first 7 of which used paper-and-pencil evaluations and no incentives, with average response rates of 57%. After a switch to online evaluations with no incentives for two semesters, response rates fell to 30% or lower. Following introduction of ECMIs for several semesters, the response rates rose significantly, to 84%. In Study 2, we randomly assigned ECMIs or no incentives to eight sections of an introductory psychology course. Response-rates with ECMIs were significantly higher, 84% versus 51%. Favorability of ratings did not differ significantly. Higher response rates with EMCIs raise questions for research, educational policy, and classroom practice.
Fuzzy Analysis of Students’ Ratings
Authors: Marasini Donata , Quatto Piero , Ripamonti Enrico
Published: August 2016

Background:

Intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFS) represent a methodology for quantifying latent variables in questionnaire analysis through membership and non-membership functions, which are linked by an uncertainty function.

Objectives:

We aim to apply an IFS approach to the problem of students’ satisfaction of university teaching. Such framework can take into account a source of uncertainty related to items and another related to subjects.

Results:

A new technique for IFS analysis is set forth and generalized to a multivariate scenario. Potential advantages of the IFS perspective with respect to other nonfuzzy approaches are provided.

Application:

We apply this method to a national program of university courses evaluation and we focus, in particular, on the outcomes of two Masters in Statistics.
Automatic generation of diverse equilibrium structures through shape grammars and graphic statics
Authors: Lee Juney , Mueller Caitlin , Fivet Corentin
Published: August 2016

This article presents a computational design methodology that integrates generative (architectural) and analytical (engineering) procedures into a simultaneous design process. By combining shape grammars and graphic statics, the proposed methodology enables the following: (1) rapid generation of diverse, yet statically equilibrated discrete structures; (2) exploration of various design alternatives without any biases toward pre-existing typologies; (3) customization of the framework for unique formulations of design problems and a wide range of applications; and (4) intuitive, bidirectional interaction between the form and forces of the structure through reciprocal diagrams. Design tests presented in this article illustrate the creative potential of the proposed approach and demonstrate the possibility for unbiased explorations of richer and broader design spaces during early stages of design, with much more trial and less error.
Diagnostic reference levels in low- and middle-income countries: early “ALARAm” bells?
Authors: Meyer Steven , Groenewald Willem A , Pitcher Richard D
Published: August 2016

Background

In 1996 the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) introduced diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) as a quality assurance tool for radiation dose optimization. While many countries have published DRLs, available data are largely from high-income countries. There is arguably a greater need for DRLs in low- and middle-income-countries (LMICs), where imaging equipment may be older and trained imaging technicians are scarce. To date, there has been no critical analysis of the published work on DRLs in LMICs. Such work is important to evaluate data deficiencies and stimulate future quality assurance initiatives.

Purpose

To review the published work on DRLs in LMICs and to critically analyze the comprehensiveness of available data.

Material and Methods

Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science database searches were conducted for English-language articles published between 1996 and 2015 documenting DRLs for diagnostic imaging in LMICs. Retrieved articles were analyzed and classified by geographical region, country of origin, contributing author, year of publication, imaging modality, body part, and patient age.

Results

Fifty-three articles reported DRLs for 28 of 135 LMICs (21%), reflecting data from 26/104 (25%) middle-income countries and 2/31 (6%) low-income countries. General radiography (n = 26, 49%) and computerized tomography (n = 17, 32%) data were most commonly reported. Pediatric DRLs (n = 14, 26%) constituted approximately one-quarter of published work.

Conclusion

Published DRL data are deficient in the majority of LMICs, with the paucity most striking in low-income countries. DRL initiatives are required in LMICs to enhance dose optimization.