bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation-Based 3D Facial Expression Representation
Authors: Demisse Girum G. , Aouada Djamila , Ottersten Björn
Published: March 2018

We propose a deformation-based representation for analyzing expressions from three-dimensional (3D) faces. A point cloud of a 3D face is decomposed into an ordered deformable set of curves that start from a fixed point. Subsequently, a mapping function is defined to identify the set of curves with an element of a high-dimensional matrix Lie group, specifically the direct product of SE(3). Representing 3D faces as an element of a high-dimensional Lie group has two main advantages. First, using the group structure, facial expressions can be decoupled from a neutral face. Second, an underlying non-linear facial expression manifold can be captured with the Lie group and mapped to a linear space, Lie algebra of the group. This opens up the possibility of classifying facial expressions with linear models without compromising the underlying manifold. Alternatively, linear combinations of linearised facial expressions can be mapped back from the Lie algebra to the Lie group. The approach is tested on the Binghamton University 3D Facial Expression (BU-3DFE) and the Bosphorus datasets. The results show that the proposed approach performed comparably, on the BU-3DFE dataset, without using features or extensive landmark points.
ACM UMAP 2018 - User Modeling, Adaptation and Personalization
Authors: Zhang Jie , Mitrovic Tanja , Chin David , Chen Li
Published: March 2018

UMAP (User Modeling, Adaptation and Personalization) is the premier international conference for researchers and practitioners working on systems that adapt to individual users, to groups of users, and that collect, represent, and model user information. UMAP is the successor to the biennial User Modeling (UM) and Adaptive Hypermedia and Adaptive Web-based Systems (AH) conferences that were merged in 2009. It is sponsored by ACM SIGCHI and SIGWEB, and organized under the auspices of User Modeling Inc. The proceedings are published by ACM and will be part of the ACM Digital Library.
Wave Propagation in Inhomogeneous Excitable Media
Authors: Zykov Vladimir S. , Bodenschatz Eberhard
Published: March 2018

Excitable media are ubiquitous in nature and can be found in physical, chemical, and biological systems that are far from thermodynamic equilibrium. The spatiotemporal self-organization of these systems has long attracted the deep interest of condensed matter physicists and applied mathematicians alike. Spatial inhomogeneity of excitable media leads to nontrivial spatiotemporal dynamics. Here, we report on well-established as well as recent developments in the experimental and theoretical studies of inhomogeneous excitable media.
Low-Temperature Alteration of the Seafloor: Impacts on Ocean Chemistry
Authors: Coogan Laurence A. , Gillis Kathryn M.
Published: March 2018

Over 50% of Earth is covered by oceanic crust, the uppermost portion of which is a high-permeability layer of basaltic lavas through which seawater continuously circulates. Fluid flow is driven by heat lost from the oceanic lithosphere; the global fluid flux is dependent on plate creation rates and the thickness and distribution of overlying sediment, which acts as a low-permeability layer impeding seawater access to the crust. Fluid-rock reactions in the crust, and global chemical fluxes, depend on the average temperature in the aquifer, the fluid flux, and the composition of seawater. The average temperature in the aquifer depends largely on bottom water temperature and, to a lesser extent, on the average seafloor sediment thickness. Feedbacks between off-axis chemical fluxes and their controls may play an important role in modulating ocean chemistry and planetary climate on long timescales, but more work is needed to quantify these feedbacks.
A Geologist Reflects on a Long Career
Authors: MKenzie Dan
Published: March 2018

Fifty years ago Jason Morgan and I proposed what is now known as the theory of plate tectonics, which brought together the ideas of continental drift and sea floor spreading into what is probably their final form. I was twenty-five and had just finished my PhD. The success of the theory marked the beginning of a change of emphasis in the Earth sciences, which I have spent the rest of my career exploring. Previously geophysicists had principally been concerned with using ideas and techniques from physics to make measurements. But the success of plate tectonics showed that it could also be used to understand and model geological processes. This essay is concerned with a few such efforts in which I have been involved: determining the temperature structure and rheology of the oceanic and continental lithosphere, and with how mantle convection maintains the plate motions and the long-wavelength part of the Earth's gravity field. It is also concerned with how such research is supported.
The Thermal Conductivity of Earth's Core: A Key Geophysical Parameter's Constraints and Uncertainties
Authors: Williams Q.
Published: March 2018

The thermal conductivity of iron alloys at high pressures and temperatures is a critical parameter in governing ( a) the present-day heat flow out of Earth's core, ( b) the inferred age of Earth's inner core, and ( c) the thermal evolution of Earth's core and lowermost mantle. It is, however, one of the least well-constrained important geophysical parameters, with current estimates for end-member iron under core-mantle boundary conditions varying by about a factor of 6. Here, the current state of calculations, measurements, and inferences that constrain thermal conductivity at core conditions are reviewed. The applicability of the Wiedemann-Franz law, commonly used to convert electrical resistivity data to thermal conductivity data, is probed: Here, whether the constant of proportionality, the Lorenz number, is constant at extreme conditions is of vital importance. Electron-electron inelastic scattering and increases in Fermi-liquid-like behavior may cause uncertainties in thermal conductivities derived from both first-principles-associated calculations and electrical conductivity measurements. Additional uncertainties include the role of alloying constituents and local magnetic moments of iron in modulating the thermal conductivity. Thus, uncertainties in thermal conductivity remain pervasive, and hence a broad range of core heat flows and inner core ages appear to remain plausible.
Preparation and Characterization of Nano‐Dy2O3‐Doped PVA + Na3C6H5O7 Polymer Electrolyte Films for Battery Applications
Authors: Ramesh Babu J. , Ravindhranath K. , Vijaya Kumar K.
Published: March 2018

Composite polymer electrolyte films containing various concentrations of nano‐Dy2O3 (1.0 to 4.0%) in PVA + sodium citrate (90 : 10) are synthesized adopting solution cast method and are characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and DSC techniques. The investigations indicate that all components are homogenously dispersed. Films containing 3% of nano‐Dy2O3 are more homogenous and less crystalline, and the same is supported by DSC studies indicating the friendly nature to ionic conductivity. Transference number studies reveal that the major charge carriers are ions. With the increase in % of nano‐Dy2O3, the conductivity increases and reaches maximum in 3% film with a value of 1.06 × 10−4 S/cm (at 303 K). Further, the conductivity of the film increases with raise in temperature due to the hopping of interchain and intrachain ion movements and fall in microscopic viscosity at the matrix interface of the film. Electrochemical cells are fabricated using these films with the configuration “anode (Mg + MgSO4)/[PVA (90%) + Na3C6H5O7 (10%) + (1–4% nano‐Dy2O3)]/cathode (I2 + C + electrolyte),” and various discharge characteristics are evaluated. With 3% nano‐Dy2O3 film, the maximum discharge time of 118 hrs with open‐circuit voltage of 2.68 V, power density of 0.91 W/kg, and energy density of 107.5 Wh/kg are observed. These findings reflect the successful adoption of the developed polymer electrolyte films in electrochemical cells.
Resveratrol Prevents Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Increasing Nrf2 Expression and Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Wang Guan , Song Xianjin , Zhao Lei , Li Zhibo , Liu Bing
Published: March 2018

Objective. This study investigated if resveratrol ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by targeting associated oxidative stress mechanisms. Method. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in FVB mice was induced by several intraperitoneal injections of a low dose of streptozotocin. Hyperglycemic and age-matched control mice were given resveratrol (10 mg/kg per day) for 1 month and subsequently monitored for an additional 6 months. Mice were assigned to four groups: control, resveratrol, DM, and DM/resveratrol. Cardiac function and blood pressure were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after DM induction. Oxidative damage and cardiac fibrosis were analyzed by histopathology, real-time PCR, and Western blot. Result. Mice in the DM group exhibited increased blood glucose levels, cardiac dysfunction, and high blood pressure at 1, 3, and 6 months after DM induction. Resveratrol did not significantly affect blood glucose levels and blood pressure; however, resveratrol attenuated cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy in DM mice. Resveratrol also reduced DM-induced fibrosis. In addition, DM mice hearts exhibited increased oxidative damage, as evidenced by elevated accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal, which were both attenuated by resveratrol. Mechanistically, resveratrol increased NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and transcriptional activity, as well as Nrf2’s downstream antioxidative targets. Conclusion. We demonstrated that resveratrol prevents DM-induced cardiomyopathy, in part, by increasing Nrf2 expression and transcriptional activity.
Melatonin Treatment Improves Insulin Resistance and Pigmentation in Obese Patients with Acanthosis Nigricans
Authors: Sun Hang , Wang Xingchun , Chen Jiaqi , Gusdon Aaron M. , Song Kexiu , Li Liang , Qu Shen
Published: March 2018

Objective. This study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin on insulin resistance in obese patients with acanthosis nigricans (AN). Methods. A total of 17 obese patients with acanthosis nigricans were recruited in a 12-week pilot open trial. Insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, inflammatory factors, and other biochemical parameters before and after the administration of melatonin were measured. Results. After 12 weeks of treatment with melatonin (3 mg/day), homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (8.99 ± 5.10 versus 7.77 ± 5.21, p<0.05) and fasting insulin (37.09 5 ± 20.26 μU/ml versus 32.10 ± 20.29 μU/ml, p<0.05) were significantly decreased. Matsuda index (2.82 ± 1.54 versus 3.74 ± 2.02, p<0.05) was significantly increased. There were also statistically significant declines in the AN scores of the neck and axilla, body weight, body mass index, body fat, visceral index, neck circumference, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers. Conclusions. It was concluded that melatonin could improve cutaneous symptoms in obese patients with acanthosis nigricans by improving insulin sensitivity and inflammatory status. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02604095.
HSCT-GAVE as a Manifestation of Chronic Graft versus Host Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Existing Literature
Authors: Grant Michael J. , Horwitz Mitchell E.
Published: March 2018

Gastric antral vascular ectasia or “watermelon stomach” is a significant cause of nonvariceal upper GI bleeding and is characterized by red, tortuous ectatic vessels along longitudinal folds in the gastric antrum. The existing literature links GAVE to patients with cirrhosis, scleroderma, bone marrow transplantation, and chronic renal failure among other associations, but its pathophysiology remains ill-defined. Over 30 cases of hematopoietic stem cell transplant-related GAVE (HSCT-GAVE) have been reported in the literature to date and there are likely many more that go undiagnosed or are attributed to another cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Interestingly, a busulfan-containing conditioning regimen has been the primary factor implicated in the etiology of HSCT-GAVE because this was common to all cases in the literature to date. Here, we present the first case of HSCT-GAVE in a patient that was treated with a non-busulfan-containing conditioning regimen. We propose a link between chronic GVHD and the development of HSCT-GAVE that is supported by a similar development of GAVE in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Speculation of the Time-Dependent Change of FIB4 Index in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Miyata Hiroshi , Miyata Satoru
Published: March 2018

Aim. To speculate on the time-dependent change of FIB4 index in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its increase-decrease rate per year, simply and accurately. Methods. In all 23 patients with NAFLD with the value of FIB4 index over 1.30 at the peak, the period from the first to each examination date was calculated and this period (years) was regarded as x. Next, the mean value of FIB4 index during the past year to each examination date was regarded as y. In every y, the minimum and the maximum y value were found out. Between x corresponding to this minimum y and x corresponding to this maximum y, the correlation between x and y was analyzed as the main subject. Then, the slope of each correlation was investigated, because it should indicate increase-decrease rate per year. Results. In all 23 patients, the correlations as the main subject were recognized and the mean absolute value of correlation coefficient (r) was 0.91±0.08. As for the slope, the mean absolute value was 0.1371±0.1147 (/year). Conclusion. Simply and accurately, the time-dependent change of FIB4 index and its increase-decrease rate per year could be approximately speculated.
Hepatotoxicity Associated with Use of the Weight Loss Supplement Garcinia cambogia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kothadia Jiten P. , Kaminski Monica , Samant Hrishikesh , Olivera-Martinez Marco
Published: March 2018

The use of herbal and dietary supplements for weight loss is becoming increasingly common as obesity is becoming major health problem in the United States. Despite the popularity of these natural supplements, there are no guidelines for their therapeutic doses and their safety is always a concern. Garcinia cambogia extract with its active ingredient “hydroxycitric acid” is a component of many weight loss regimens. It suppresses fatty acid biosynthesis and decreases appetite. However, its prolonged use in weight maintenance is unknown. Here we describe a case of acute hepatitis after the use of Garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Nucleus Pulposus Cells from Compression‐Induced Apoptosis and Necroptosis via Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Wang Wenzheng , Qing Xiangcheng , Wang Baichuan , Ma Kaige , Wei Yulong , Shao Zengwu
Published: March 2018

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a kind of hydrophilic bile acid, which could protect cells from death via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the role of TUDCA in compression‐induced intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has not been elucidated. Here, we used a previously described device to mimic in vivo compression conditions. NP cells treated with DMSO or TUDCA were exposed to compression. Then, cell viability, morphology, and apoptosis were detected. Furthermore, apoptosis‐related proteins and necroptosis markers were detected too. To investigate the specific cytoprotective mechanisms of TUDCA in IVDD, we detected the ER morphology by electron microscopy. In addition, the ER stress of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells was quantitatively evaluated by analyzing the level of ER‐stress‐associated proteins. Our results revealed that TUDCA could protect NP cells from excessive compression‐induced death by reducing the apoptosis and necroptosis. In addition, ER stress is involved in pathogenesis of IVDD induced by excessive compression and plays a detrimental role. TUDCA exerts its protective functions by inhibiting ER stress. In conclusion, TUDCA could protect NP cells from compression‐induced death, which suggested that treatment by TUDCA may be a potential method to retard IVDD.
Plasma Neuregulin 4 Levels Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yan Pijun , Xu Yong , Wan Qin , Feng Jian , Li Hua , Yang Jun , Zhong Haihua , Zhang Zhihong
Published: March 2018

Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) has been proposed to play a role in the pathogeneses of obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. However, information about the link between Nrg4 and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is scarce, especially in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM). This study aimed at investigating whether Nrg4 is associated with MetS in nT2DM patients. A total of 311 patients with nT2DM were recruited. Plasma Nrg4 concentration was determined by ELISA. Plasma Nrg4 concentration was lower in nT2DM patients with MetS than in nT2DM patients without MetS (P=0.001). Nrg4 concentration showed negative correlations with most of the analyzed indicators of MetS. MetS was less prevalent among subjects in the highest quartile of plasma Nrg4 concentration than among those in the lowest quartile (P<0.01). Age- and sex-adjusted plasma Nrg4 concentrations were positively correlated with concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A (both P<0.05) and negatively correlated with triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase concentrations, neutrophil count, and white blood cell (WBC) count (all P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, Nrg4 was independently associated with hs-CRP level, WBC count, and HDL-C level (P=0.001 or P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis of MetS prediction by Nrg4 revealed an odds ratio of 0.560 (95% CI: 0.374–0.837; P<0.01). Decreased plasma Nrg4 levels, which may be associated with augmented oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia, might be involved in the development of MetS in nT2DM patients.
Biomarkers in Urachal Cancer and Adenocarcinomas in the Bladder: A Comprehensive Review Supplemented by Own Data
Authors: Reis Henning , Krafft Ulrich , Niedworok Christian , Módos Orsolya , Herold Thomas , Behrendt Mark , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat , Hadaschik Boris , Nyirady Peter , Szarvas Tibor
Published: March 2018

Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare but aggressive cancer. Due to overlapping histomorphology, discrimination of urachal from primary bladder adenocarcinomas (PBAC) and adenocarcinomas secondarily involving the bladder (particularly colorectal adenocarcinomas, CRC) can be challenging. Therefore, we aimed to give an overview of helpful (immunohistochemical) biomarkers and clinicopathological factors in addition to survival analyses and included institutional data from 12 urachal adenocarcinomas. A PubMed search yielded 319 suitable studies since 1930 in the English literature with 1984 cases of UrC including 1834 adenocarcinomas (92%) and 150 nonadenocarcinomas (8%). UrC was more common in men (63%), showed a median age at diagnosis of 50.8 years and a median tumor size of 6.0 cm. No associations were noted for overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) and clinicopathological factors beside a favorable PFS in male patients (p=0.047). The immunohistochemical markers found to be potentially helpful in the differential diagnostic situation are AMACR and CK34βE12 (UrC versus CRC and PBAC), CK7,β-Catenin and CD15 (UrC and PBAC versus CRC), and CEA and GATA3 (UrC and CRC versus PBAC). Serum markers like CEA, CA19-9 and CA125 might additionally be useful in the follow-up and monitoring of UrC.
Decision-Making in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Neuhaus Mireille , Calabrese Pasquale , Annoni Jean-Marie
Published: March 2018

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently associated with cognitive and behavioural deficits. A growing number of studies suggest an impact of MS on decision-making abilities. The aim of this systematic review was to assess if (1) performance of MS patients in decision-making tasks was consistently different from controls and (2) whether this modification was associated with cognitive dysfunction and emotional alterations.Methods. The search was conducted on Pubmed/Medline database. 12 studies evaluating the difference between MS patients and healthy controls using validated decision-making tasks were included. Outcomes considered were quantitative (net scores) and qualitative measurements (deliberation time and learning from feedback).Results. Quantitative and qualitative decision-making impairment in MS was present in 64.7% of measurements. Patients were equally impaired in tasks for decision-making under risk and ambiguity. A correlation to other cognitive functions was present in 50% of cases, with the highest associations in the domains of processing speed and attentional capacity.Conclusions. In MS patients, qualitative and quantitative modifications may be present in any kind of decision-making task and can appear independently of other cognitive measures. Since decision-making abilities have a significant impact on everyday life, this cognitive aspect has an influential importance in various MS-related treatment settings.
Activation of Jordanian Bentonite by Hydrochloric Acid and Its Potential for Olive Mill Wastewater Enhanced Treatment
Authors: Al-Essa Khansaa
Published: March 2018

Jordanian bentonite was activated by hydrochloric acid at room temperature. FTIR, XRD, TGA, and BET surface area analyses of the samples were carried out to examine the structure of bentonite before and after acid activation. It is found that the octahedral cations were removed, which altered the chemical composition of the bentonite. Difference of surface area was noticed (66.2 to 287.8 m2 g−1), which was caused by structural changes in the bentonite. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of activated bentonite in OMWW treatment. Batch and column techniques were applied. Crude and treated OMWW samples were characterized; physiochemical parameters, total phenolic compounds, and heavy metal ions concentrations were measured. Several parameters that affected the adsorption capacity were studied: the pH value of the solution, temperature, and the adsorbent dose. It was found that the maximum removal of total phenolic compounds and heavy metal ions (Zn, Fe, and Mn) was at pH 6. Adsorption capacity of phenolic compounds was enhanced with an increase in the temperature of the solution and also with the adsorbent dose. The optimum adsorbent concentration needed for the maximum removal of total phenolic compounds is 1 g of activated bentonite/0.01 L of OMWW. The percentage removal exceeded 99% for Zn, Fe, and Mn ions, while it reached 65.2 and 61.5 for K+ and Na+ ions, respectively. Finally, the percentage removal of pollutants was increased by using activated bentonite. This study will provide valuable insight into the effect of activated bentonite towards the treatment and recyclability of OMWW, which is essential for the local olive mill industry.
Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Degludec versus Insulin Glargine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Fifteen Clinical Trials
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Xiaojie , Huang Jing
Published: March 2018

Aims. Insulin degludec (IDeg) and insulin glargine (IGlar) are both proved to be effective in diabetes. This study aimed to assess the effects and safety of IDeg versus IGlar. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library electronic databases to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results. Fifteen RCTs were identified. The combined data showed that the decrease in the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was slightly different, and the proportion of patients who achieved HbA1c < 7% was similar between the IDeg and IGlar groups. Further, a statistically significant decrease in the fasting plasma glucose level was observed in the IDeg group as compared to the IGlar group. In patients with T2DM, IDeg was associated with lower rates of overall hypoglycemia. Nocturnal hypoglycemia was significantly lower in the case of IDeg than in the case of IGlar in both T1DM and T2DM patients. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups. Conclusions. Compared with IGlar, IDeg is associated with equivalent glycemic control and a statistically significantly lower rate of nocturnal hypoglycemia in patients with T1DM and T2DM. In T2DM patients, IDeg also provides better results in terms of overall hypoglycemia.
Survival among Lung Cancer Patients in the U.S. Military Health System: A Comparison with the SEER Population
Authors: Lin Jie , Kamamia Christine , Brown Derek , Shao Stephanie , McGlynn Katherine A. , Nations Joel A. , Carter Corey A. , Shriver Craig D. , Zhu Kangmin
Published: March 2018

Background: The U.S. military health system (MHS) provides universal health care access to its beneficiaries. However, whether the universal access has translated into improved patient outcome is unknown. This study compared survival of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in the MHS with that in the U.S. general population.

Methods: The MHS data were obtained from The Department of Defense's (DoD) Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR), and the U.S. population data were drawn from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. The study subjects were NSCLC patients diagnosed between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 2012, in ACTUR and a sample of SEER patients who were matched to the ACTUR patients on age group, sex, race, and year of diagnosis group with a matching ratio of 1:4. Patients were followed through December 31, 2013.

Results: A total of 16,257 NSCLC patients were identified from ACTUR and 65,028 matched patients from SEER. Compared with SEER patients, ACTUR patients had significantly better overall survival (log-rank P < 0.001). The better overall survival among the ACTUR patients remained after adjustment for potential confounders (HR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.81). The survival advantage of the ACTUR patients was present regardless of cancer stage, grade, age group, sex, or race.

Conclusions: The MHS's universal care and lung cancer care programs may have translated into improved survival among NSCLC patients.

Impact: This study supports improved survival outcome among NSCLC patients with universal care access. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 673–9. ©2018 AACR.
Association of p27 and Cyclin D1 Expression and Benefit from Adjuvant Trastuzumab Treatment in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: A TransHERA Study
Authors: Filipits Martin , Dafni Urania , Gnant Michael , Polydoropoulou Varvara , Hills Margaret , Kiermaier Astrid , de Azambuja Evandro , Larsimont Denis , Rojo Federico , Viale Giuseppe , Toi Masakazu , Harbeck Nadia , Prichard Kathleen I. , Gelber Richard D. , Dinh Phuong , Zardavas Dimitrios , Leyland-Jones Brian , Piccart-Gebhart Martine J. , Dowsett Mitch
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To assess the prognostic and predictive value of selected biomarkers involved in cell-cycle regulation or proliferation in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer.

Experimental Design: Protein expression of TOP2A, Ki67, cyclin D1, and p27 was immunohistochemically determined in tissue microarrays of surgical specimens from 862 patients randomized to trastuzumab (1 or 2 years; N = 561) and observation (N = 301) arms of the HERA trial. The primary analysis endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). Biomarkers were examined as continuous or categorical variables (predefined cutoffs). Interaction terms between biomarkers and treatment were assessed in multivariate Cox models adjusted for variables of clinical interest.

Results: A significant interaction was detected between p27 and treatment (adjusted P = 0.0049). Trastuzumab effect was significant in the p27-low subgroup (≤70% p27-positive tumor cells; N = 318). HR Comb Trast vs. Obs 0.44, 95% CI, 0.29–0.65 (P < 0.001). No trastuzumab effect was observed in the p27-high subgroup N = 435; HR Comb Trast vs. Obs 0.97, 95% CI, 0.66–1.44, P = 0.89), indicating that these patients derived little or no benefit from trastuzumab treatment. A prognostic effect of p27 on DFS was observed, with p27-high patients experiencing half the hazard of a DFS event compared with low ones (HR p27 High vs. Low 0.49, 95% CI, 0.32–0.75). TOP2A, Ki67, and cyclin D1, as categorical variables were not predictive, whereas cyclin D1 as continuous variable was predictive of trastuzumab benefit.

Conclusions: In TransHERA, patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer with low p27 expression in their tumors benefited from trastuzumab treatment, whereas patients with high p27 expression did not. Clin Cancer Res; 24(13); 3079–86. ©2018 AACR.
Long Noncoding RNA Meg3 Regulates Mafa Expression in Mouse Beta Cells by Inactivating Rad21, Smc3 or Sin3α
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Yanan , Xie Min , Wang Lintao , Jin Feiyan , Li Yihui , Yuan Qingxin , De Wei
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: The main pathogenic mechanism of diabetes is a decrease in the number of islet beta cells or a decline in their function. Recent studies have shown that pancreatic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a high degree of tissue specificity and may be involved in the maintenance of islet cells function and the development of diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of mouse maternal expressed gene 3 (Meg3) in insulin biosynthesis in pancreatic islets. Methods: Chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA immunoprecipitation–qPCR were used to investigate the molecular mechanism of lncRNA Meg3 in insulin biosynthesis by regulating v-Maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein A (MafA), a mature beta cell marker in the MIN6 beta cell line. Further, the expression levels of Meg3, Ezh2, MafA, Rad21, Smc3, and Sin3α were analyzed in vivo and in vitro by RT-PCR and western blotting. Results: Intranuclear lncRNA Meg3 can bind EZH2, a methyltransferase belonging to the Polycomb repressive complex-2, in pancreatic islet cells. In addition, knockdown of Ezh2 can also inhibit the expression of MafA and Ins2, while expression levels of Rad21, Smc3, and Sin3α are upregulated, by interfering with Ezh2 or Meg3 in pancreatic beta cells. Knockdown of Meg3 resulted in the loss of EZH2 binding and H3K27 trimethylation occupancy of Rad21, Smc3, and Sin3α promoter regions. The inhibition of Rad21, Smc3, or Sin3α, which directly act on the MafA promoter, leads to upregulated expression of MafA in both MIN6 cells and mouse islets. Moreover, the synthesis and secretion of insulin were increased by inhibition of these transcription factors. Conclusions: Pancreatic lncRNA Meg3 can epigenetically regulate the expression of Rad21, Smc3, and Sin3α via EZH2-driven H3K27 methylation. By inhibiting the expression of Rad21, Smc3, or Sin3α, Meg3 promotes the expression of MafA and affects the production of insulin.
Análise epidemiológica das oclusões arteriais agudas dos membros inferiores em hospital terciário
Authors: Moraes-Silva Melissa Andreia de , Bueno Gabriela , Jesus-Silva Seleno Glauber de , Krupa Arturo Eduardo , Cardoso Rodolfo Souza
Published: March 2018

Introdução: a oclusão arterial aguda (OAA) dos membros inferiores é qualquer diminuição ou piora súbita na perfusão do membro, que determine ameaça à sua viabilidade. Objetivos: analisar as características epidemiológicas dos pacientes portadores de OAA em um hospital terciário. Casuística e Métodos: estudo retrospectivo e transversal, com revisão de prontuários de pacientes internados devido OAA em membros inferiores ocorridas de 2013 a 2016. Foram analisadas as variáveis: idade, sexo, comorbidades (diabete melito, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, cardiopatias), tabagismo, tratamento e evolução durante a internação. Foi utilizado o teste do Qui-quadrado para comparação entre os grupos. Resultados: foram avaliados 51 pacientes (52,9% sexo masculino), com média de idade de 68 anos em ambos os sexos. Entre as comorbidades, 78,4% eram hipertensos, 66,7% tabagistas, 35,3% portadores de fibrilação atrial, e 27,4% diabéticos. Dezesseis casos evoluíram para amputação, sendo 14 amputações maiores. Não houve diferença estatística significativa nas comorbidades entre os grupos que evoluíram ou não para amputação. No entanto, os pacientes classificados como Rutherford III apresentaram índices maiores de amputação (p=0.0043). O procedimento cirúrgico mais comum foi a tromboembolectomia, realizada em 39,7%, seguido da revascularização endovascular, em 12,70%. Conclusão: o tratamento endovascular ainda é pouco indicado nos casos de OAA, recaindo na cirurgia convencional a opção de revascularização imediata do membro. Os pacientes portadores de OAA de membro inferior possuem alta prevalência de fatores de risco para doença aterosclerótica, apesar de os mesmos não estarem diretamente relacionados à perda do membro.
Exercise Therapy and Cardiovascular Toxicity in Cancer
Authors: Scott Jessica M. , Nilsen Tormod S. , Gupta Dipti , Jones Lee W.
Published: March 2018

Cardio-oncology is an emerging discipline focused predominantly on the detection and management of cancer treatment–induced cardiac dysfunction (cardiotoxicity), which predisposes to development of overt heart failure or coronary artery disease. The direct adverse consequences, as well as those secondary to anticancer therapeutics, extend beyond the heart, however, to affect the entire cardiovascular-skeletal muscle axis (ie, whole-organism cardiovascular toxicity). The global nature of impairment creates a strong rationale for treatment strategies that augment or preserve global cardiovascular reserve capacity. In noncancer clinical populations, exercise training is an established therapy to improve cardiovascular reserve capacity, leading to concomitant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and its attendant symptoms. Here, we overview the tolerability and efficacy of exercise on cardiovascular toxicity in adult patients with cancer. We also propose a conceptual research framework to facilitate personalized risk assessment and the development of targeted exercise prescriptions to optimally prevent or manage cardiovascular toxicity after a cancer diagnosis.
Blood Pressure Measurement in SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial)
Authors: Johnson Karen C. , Whelton Paul K. , Cushman William C. , Cutler Jeffrey A. , Evans Gregory W. , Snyder Joni K. , Ambrosius Walter T. , Beddhu Srinivasan , Cheung Alfred K. , Fine Lawrence J. , Lewis Cora E. , Rahman Mahboob , Reboussin David M. , Rocco Michael V. , Oparil Suzanne , Wright Jackson T.
Published: March 2018

Recent publications have stated that the blood pressure (BP) measurement technique used in SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) was unattended. However, the SPRINT protocol does not address the issue of attendance. A survey was conducted immediately after SPRINT closeout visits were completed to inquire whether BP measurements were usually attended or unattended by staff. There were 4082 participants at 38 sites that measured BP after leaving the participant alone the entire time (always alone), 2247 at 25 sites that had personnel in the room the entire time (never alone), 1746 at 19 sites that left the participant alone only during the rest period (alone for rest), and 570 at 6 sites that left the participant alone only during the BP readings (alone for BP measurement). Similar systolic and diastolic BPs within randomized groups were noted during follow-up at the majority of visits in all 4 measurement categories. In the always alone and never alone categories, the intensive group had a similarly reduced risk for the primary outcome compared with the standard group (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.76 and hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.91, respectively; pairwise interaction
P
value, 0.88); risk was not significantly reduced for the intensive group in the smaller alone-for-rest and the alone-for-BP-measurement categories. Similar BP levels and cardiovascular disease risk reduction were observed in the intensive group in SPRINT participants whether the measurement technique used was primarily attended or unattended.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01206062.
Changes in Cerebral Arteries and Parenchymal Arterioles With Aging
Authors: De Silva T. Michael , Modrick Mary L. , Dabertrand Fabrice , Faraci Frank M.
Published: March 2018

Vascular aging fundamentally contributes to large and small vessel disease. Despite the importance of such changes for brain function, mechanisms that mediate such changes are poorly defined. We explored mechanisms that underlie changes with age, testing the hypothesis that ROCK (Rho kinase) plays an important role. In C57BL/6 mice, baseline diameters of isolated pressurized parenchymal arterioles were similar in adult (4–5 month) and old mice (22±1 month; ≈15±1 µm). Endothelium-dependent dilation was impaired in old mice compared with adults in a pathway-specific manner. Vasodilation to NS-309 (which activates small- and intermediate-conductance Ca
2+
activated K
+
channels in endothelial cells) was intact while endothelial nitric oxide synthase–mediated vasodilation was reduced by ≥60%, depending on the concentration (
P
<0.05). A similar reduction was present in basilar arteries. Inhibiting both ROCK isoforms with Y-27632 restored the majority of endothelial function in old mice. Because genetic background is a determinant of vascular disease, we performed similar studies using FVB/N mice. Endothelial dysfunction was seen with aging in both FVB/N and C57BL/6 mice although the magnitude was increased ≈2-fold in the latter strain (
P
<0.05). In both strains of mice, age-induced endothelial dysfunction was reversed by inhibition of ROCK2 with SLX-2119. Thus, aging impairs endothelial function in both cerebral arteries and parenchymal arterioles, predominantly via effects on endothelial nitric oxide synthase–dependent regulation of vascular tone. The magnitude of these changes was influenced by genetic background and mediated by ROCK2.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of Longidorus pinus sp. n. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from China and a key to known species of Longidorus in China
Authors: Xu Yumei , Ye Weimin , Wang Jianming , Zhao Zengqi
Published: March 2018

Longidorus pinussp. n. from China is characterised by females 3.3-4.9 mm long; lip region 8-12 μm diam., distinctly offset by a constriction; amphidial fovea pocket-shaped without basal lobes; a short odontostyle (67-81 μm); anteriorly located guide ring (30-38 μm); and short and conoid tail (31-40 μm long, c = 84-138, c′ = 1.2-1.9), with one or two pairs of caudal pores on each side. Males were not found. Three developmental juvenile stages were identified, the first-stage juvenile with conoid tail (c′ = 2.4-2.9). The polytomous key codes for the new species are: A2(3), B1, C23, D4, E1, F2, G23, H23, I1, J2, K6. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on SSU, D2-D3 of LSU, ITS1 and ITS2 rDNA sequences indicate thatL. pinussp. n. is closely related toL. hangzhouensis,L. asiaticus, andL. camelliae, all of which apparently share a common Asiatic geographic origin. In addition, a key for identification ofLongidorusfound in China, based on morphological characters of both female and first-stage juvenile, is provided.
Non-appearance before the International Court of Justice and the Role and Function of Judges ad hoc
Authors: Sarmiento Lamus Andres , Arévalo Ramírez Walter
Published: March 2018

An endless discussion has taken place regarding the role and function of judges ad hoc in contemporary international adjudication. In this regard, doctrine has been important through its ample contribution to the understanding of the institution of the judge ad hoc and its role and function. In fact, from these contributions it is possible to affirm the relevance of the judge ad hoc in contemporary international adjudication. Nonetheless, all these aspects have been analysed having in mind cases where both parties take part in the proceedings. Consequently, a question arises as to what is the role and function of a judge ad hoc when the appointing state fails to defend its case. This article seeks therefore to analyse the role and function of judges ad hoc in cases of partial non-appearance before the International Court of Justice.
Tylopilus callainus, a new species with a sea-green color change of hymenophore and context from the south of China
Authors: LIANG ZHI-QUN , SU MING-SHENG , JIANG SHUAI , HONG DENG , ZENG NIAN-KAI
Published: March 2018

Tylopilus callainus (Boletaceae, Boletales) is described as a new species from the south of China. It is morphologically characterized by a brown pileus tinged with sea-green, a sea-green color change of hymenophore and context when injured, a stipe with sea-green color on the upper part, and a trichodermal pileipellis with slightly inflated hyphae. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from partial 28S regions, the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1) also confirm that T. callainus forms an independent lineage within Tylopilus s. str. Consequently, a detailed description, color photos of fresh basidiomata and line-drawings of microstructures are presented.
Palicella lueckingii (Lecanorales, Ascomycota), a new lichen species inhabiting Araucaria from the extratropical South America
Authors: RODRIGUEZ-FLAKUS PAMELA
Published: March 2018

Palicella lueckingii is a newly described corticolous lecideoid lichen from the Malalcahuelo National Reserve growing on the bark of Araucaria araucana in Chile. Detailed morphological studies and inference from molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of single gene locus (ITS), clearly indicate that the new species is a member of the recently introduced genus Palicella. Palicella lueckingii is most closely related to P. glaucopa, but clearly differs in having smaller ascospores, comparatively thicker thallus, epruinose apothecia, lack of oil droplets inside of exciple and presence of thiophanic acid as a major metabolite.
Dendrophorbium capixabense (Compositae, Senecioneae), a new species from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: CALVO JOEL , ROQUE NÁDIA
Published: March 2018

Recent collection activities carried out in southern Espírito Santo State (Brazil) lead us to describe a new species of Dendrophorbium. It has been overlooked and misidentified as D. bradei or D. fruticosum until now. Morphological characters are provided to easily distinguish each other, as well as detailed pictures of the new species. It occurs in Atlantic ombrophilous dense forest remnants.
On the taxonomic status of Bufo brasiliensis Laurenti, 1768
Authors: VALENCIA-ZULETA ALEJANDRO , CARAMASCHI ULISSES , MACIEL NATAN M.
Published: March 2018

The name Bufo brasiliensis was proposed by Laurenti (1768) and, for a long time, has been associated with the widely distributed Marine toad - Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758). However, we found several inconsistences in this taxonomic proposal and disagree with it. We argue that the specimen illustrated does not correspond to any bufonid form (even less the Neotropical genus Rhinella) based on the following argumentation presented below. Laurenti (1768) used Seba’s (1734) illustration in plate 73 (Fig. 1) to establish the name B. brasiliensis.
Antarctic Summer Sea Ice Trend in the Context of High-Latitude Atmospheric Circulation Changes
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Zhong Shiyuan , Zhou Mingyu , Sun Bo , Lenschow Donald H.
Published: March 2018

The potential mechanisms underlying the observed increasing trend in Antarctic summertime sea ice cover for the 1979–2017 period have been investigated using a relatively novel method called the self-organizing map (SOM). Among the nine nodes generated to explain the variability of Antarctic sea ice cover, two (nodes 3 and 7) exhibit a statistically significant linear trend in the time series of the frequency of the SOM pattern occurrence that together explain 40% of the total trend in the sea ice cover. These two nodes have completely opposite spatial patterns and directions of trend and are associated with different atmospheric circulation patterns. Node 3, which represents an increase in sea ice over the Weddell Sea and the eastern Ross Sea and a decrease over the other coastal seas of West Antarctica, appears to be related to the positive phase of the southern annular mode (SAM) linked with the La Niña pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) over the tropical Pacific Ocean. The opposite spatial pattern and trend represented by node 7 is associated with a wave train originating over northern Australia. The anomalous wind field, surface downward longwave radiation, and surface air temperature generated by these circulation patterns are consistent with the spatial pattern and overall trends in the Antarctic sea ice cover.
Time-Lagged Response of the Antarctic and High-Latitude Atmosphere to Tropical MJO Convection
Authors: Henderson Gina R. , Barrett Bradford S. , Lois Ashley , Elsaawy Haadi
Published: March 2018

Intraseasonal tropical variability has important implications for the mid- and high-latitude atmosphere, and in recent studies has been shown to modulate a number of weather processes in the Northern Hemisphere, such as snow depth, sea ice concentration, precipitation, atmospheric rivers, and air temperature. In such studies, the extratropical atmosphere has tended to respond to the tropical convection of the leading mode of intraseasonal variability, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), with a time lag of approximately 7 days. However, the time lag between the MJO and the Antarctic atmosphere has been found to vary between less than 7 and greater than 20 days. This study builds on previous work by further examining the time-lagged response of Southern Hemisphere tropospheric circulation to tropical MJO forcing, with specific focus on the latitude belt associated with the Antarctic Oscillation, during the months of June (austral winter) and December (austral summer) using NCEP–DOE Reanalysis 2 data for the years 1979–2016. Principal findings indicate that the time lag with the strongest height anomalies depends on both the location of the MJO convection (e.g., the MJO phase) and the season, and that the lagged height anomalies in the Antarctic atmosphere are fairly consistent across different vertical levels and latitudinal bands. In addition, certain MJO phases in December displayed lagged height anomalies indicative of blocking-type atmospheric patterns, with an approximate wavenumber of 4, whereas in June most phases were associated with more progressive height anomaly centers resembling a wavenumber-3-type pattern.
Comparing Review Strategies in the Classroom
Authors: Lloyd E. Paige , Walker Ryan J. , Metz Molly A. , Diekman Amanda B.
Published: March 2018

Although previous research has demonstrated that guided testing (i.e., self-testing) and question generation effectively increase retention compared to control methods, no work has simultaneously implemented both strategies in the classroom. In a semester-long study designed to maximize experimental control in a naturalistic setting, we adapted both review strategies for an introduction-level psychology course. We found that guided testing produced better student performance on exams than generating one’s own practice questions. Additionally, students evaluated guided testing more positively than question generation. These findings build upon previous guided testing and question generation work by showing that, in the context of an introductory classroom, guided testing is more effective and efficient than generating questions.