bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Method of Calculating Critical Depth of Burial of Explosive Charges to Generate Bulging and Cratering in Rock
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Yue Songlin , Zhang Ning , Gao Kanghua , Wang Derong
Published: June 2016

For underground explosions, a thin to medium thickness layer near the cavity of an explosion can be considered a theoretical shell structure. Detonation products transmit the effective energy of explosives to this shell which can expand thus leading to irreversible deformation of the surrounding medium. Based on mass conservation, incompressible conditions, and boundary conditions, the possible kinematic velocity fields in the plastic zone are established. Based on limit equilibrium theory, this work built equations of material resistance corresponding to different possible kinematic velocity fields. Combined with initial conditions and boundary conditions, equations of motion and material resistance are solved, respectively. It is found that critical depth of burial is positively related to a dimensionless impact factor, which reflects the characteristics of the explosives and the surrounding medium. Finally, an example is given, which suggests that this method is capable of calculating the critical depth of burial and the calculated results are consistent with empirical results.
Mixed Initial-Boundary Value Problem for the Capillary Wave Equation
Authors: Juarez Campos B. , Kaikina Elena , Paredes Hector F. Ruiz
Published: June 2016

We study the mixed initial-boundary value problem for the capillary wave equation:iut+u2u=∂x3/2u,  t>0,  x>0;  u(x,0)=u0(x),  x>0; u(0,t)+βux(0,t)=h(t),  t>0, where∂x3/2u=(1/2π)∫0∞sign⁡x-y/x-yuyy(y) dy. We prove the global in-time existence of solutions of IBV problem for nonlinear capillary equation with inhomogeneous Robin boundary conditions. Also we are interested in the study of the asymptotic behavior of solutions.
Temperature Optimized Ammonia and Ethanol Sensing Using Ce Doped Tin Oxide Thin Films in a Novel Flow Metric Gas Sensing Chamber
Authors: Govardhan K. , Nirmala Grace Andrews
Published: June 2016

A simple process of gas sensing is represented here using Ce doped tin oxide nanomaterial based thin film sensor. A novel flow metric gas chamber has been designed and utilized for gas sensing. Doping plays a vital role in enhancing the sensing properties of nanomaterials. Ce doped tin oxide was prepared by hydrothermal method and the same has been used to fabricate a thin film for sensing. The microstructure and morphology of the prepared materials were analysed by SEM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The SEM images clearly show that doping can clamp down the growth of the large crystallites and can lead to large agglomeration spheres. Thin film gas sensors were formed from undoped pure SnO2and Ce doped SnO2. The sensors were exposed to ammonia and ethanol gases. The responses of the sensors to different concentrations (50–500 ppm) of ammonia and ethanol at different operating temperatures (225°C–500°C) were studied. Results show that a good sensitivity towards ammonia was obtained with Ce doped SnO2thin film sensor at an optimal operating temperature of 325°C. The Ce doped sensor also showed good selectivity towards ammonia when compared with ethanol. Pure SnO2showed good sensitivity with ethanol when compared with Ce doped SnO2thin film sensor. Response time of the sensor and its stability were also studied.
miR-182-5p Induced by STAT3 Activation Promotes Glioma Tumorigenesis
Authors: Xue Jianfei , Zhou Aidong , Wu Yamei , Morris Saint-Aaron , Lin Kangyu , Amin Samirkumar , Verhaak Roeland , Fuller Gregory , Xie Keping , Heimberger Amy B. , Huang Suyun
Published: June 2016

Malignant glioma is an often fatal type of cancer. Aberrant activation of STAT3 leads to glioma tumorigenesis. STAT3-induced transcription of protein-coding genes has been extensively studied; however, little is known about STAT3-regulated miRNA gene transcription in glioma tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that abnormal activation or decreased expression of STAT3 promotes or inhibits the expression of miR-182-5p, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses determined that tumor suppressor protocadherin-8 (PCDH8) is a candidate target gene of miR-182-5p. miR-182-5p negatively regulated PCDH8 expression by directly targeting its 3′-untranslated region. PCDH8 knockdown induced the proliferative and invasive capacities of glioma cells. Silencing of PCDH8 or miR-182-5p mimics could reverse the inhibitory effect of WP1066, a STAT3 inhibitor, or STAT3 knockdown in vitro and in vivo on glioma progression. Clinically, expression levels of PCDH8 were inversely correlated with those of p-STAT3 or miR-182-5p in glioblastoma tissues. These findings reveal that the STAT3/miR-182-5p/PCDH8 axis has a critical role in glioma tumorigenesis and that targeting the axis may provide a new therapeutic approach for human glioma. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4293–304. ©2016 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting the PI3K Pathway in Cancer—BET Inhibitors to the Rescue
Authors: Stratikopoulos Elias E. , Parsons Ramon E.
Published: June 2016

The PI3K signaling pathway is a complex and tightly regulated network that is critical for many physiologic processes, such as cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. Aberrant activation of this pathway can occur through mutation of almost any of its major nodes and has been implicated in a number of human diseases, including cancer. The high frequency of mutations in this pathway in multiple types of cancer has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors of PI3K, several of which are currently in clinical trials. However, several feedback mechanisms either within the PI3K pathway or in compensatory pathways can render tumor cells resistant to therapy. Recently, targeting proteins of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of epigenetic readers of histone acetylation has been shown to effectively block adaptive signaling response of cancer cells to inhibitors of the PI3K pathway, which at least in some cases can restore sensitivity. BET inhibitors also enforce blockade of the MAPK, JAK/STAT, and ER pathways, suggesting they may be a rational combinatorial partner for divergent oncogenic signals that are subject to homeostatic regulation. Here, we review the PI3K pathway as a target for cancer therapy and discuss the potential use of BET inhibition to enhance the clinical efficacy of PI3K inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2605–10. ©2016 AACR.
Voxel Level Radiologic–Pathologic Validation of Restriction Spectrum Imaging Cellularity Index with Gleason Grade in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yamin Ghiam , Schenker-Ahmed Natalie M. , Shabaik Ahmed , Adams Dennis , Bartsch Hauke , Kuperman Joshua , White Nathan S. , Rakow-Penner Rebecca A. , McCammack Kevin , Parsons J. Kellogg , Kane Christopher J. , Dale Anders M. , Karow David S.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI-MRI), an advanced diffusion imaging technique, can potentially circumvent current limitations in tumor conspicuity, in vivo characterization, and location demonstrated by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) techniques in prostate cancer detection. Prior reports show that the quantitative signal derived from RSI-MRI, the cellularity index, is associated with aggressive prostate cancer as measured by Gleason grade (GG). We evaluated the reliability of RSI-MRI to predict variance with GG at the voxel-level within clinically demarcated prostate cancer regions.

Experimental Design: Ten cases were processed using whole mount sectioning after radical prostatectomy. Regions of tumor were identified by an uropathologist. Stained prostate sections were scanned at high resolution (75 μm/pixel). A grid of tiles corresponding to voxel dimensions was graded using the GG system. RSI-MRI cellularity index was calculated from presurgical prostate MR scans and presented as normalized z-score maps. In total, 2,795 tiles were analyzed and compared with RSI-MRI cellularity.

Results: RSI-MRI cellularity index was found to distinguish between prostate cancer and benign tumor (t = 25.48, P < 0.00001). Significant differences were also found between benign tissue and prostate cancer classified as low-grade (GG = 3; t = 11.56, P < 0.001) or high-grade (GG ≥ 4; t = 24.03, P < 0.001). Furthermore, RSI-MRI differentiated between low and high-grade prostate cancer (t = 3.23; P = 0.003).

Conclusions: Building on our previous findings of correlation between GG and the RSI-MRI among whole tumors, our current study reveals a similar correlation at voxel resolution within tumors. Because it can detect variations in tumor grade with voxel-level precision, RSI-MRI may become an option for planning targeted procedures where identifying the area with the most aggressive disease is important. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2668–74. ©2016 AACR.
Dose Finding of Small-Molecule Oncology Drugs: Optimization throughout the Development Life Cycle
Authors: Jänne Pasi A. , Kim Geoffrey , Shaw Alice T. , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Pazdur Richard , McKee Amy E.
Published: June 2016

In the current era of rapid marketing approval for promising new products in oncology, dose finding and optimization for small-molecule oncology drugs occurs throughout the development cycle and into the postmarketing setting. Many trials that support a regulatory application have high rates of dose reductions and discontinuations, which may result in postmarketing requirements (PMR) to study alternate doses or dosing schedules. Kinase inhibitors particularly have been susceptible to this problem, and among the 31 approved drugs of this class, the approvals of eight have included such PMRs and/or commitments. Thus, the current paradigm for dose finding and optimization could be improved. Newer strategies for dose finding rather than traditional 3 + 3 designs should be considered where feasible, and dose optimization should be continued after phase I and throughout development. Such strategies will increase the likelihood of a right dose for the right drug at the time of regulatory approval. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2613–7. ©2016 AACR.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “New Approaches for Optimizing Dosing of Anticancer Agents.”
Lessons Learned: Dose Selection of Small Molecule–Targeted Oncology Drugs
Authors: Bullock Julie M. , Rahman Atiqur , Liu Qi
Published: June 2016

Evaluation of dose plays a critical role in a successful oncology development program. Typically for oncology agents, the first-in-man phase I dose-escalation trials are conducted to determine a maximum tolerated dose (MTD). This MTD is taken forward into subsequent trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the drug product. Although this approach was appropriate historically for cytotoxics, the application of MTD as the recommend phase II dose has been problematic for the newer small molecule–targeted oncology agents. Promising alternative approaches using dose and exposure exploration, including lessons learned from recent targeted oncology agent development and approvals, are summarized and discussed. Clin Cancer Res; 22(11); 2630–8. ©2016 AACR.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “New Approaches for Optimizing Dosing of Anticancer Agents.”
Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Desmoplasia Promote Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Resistance to Chemotherapy
Authors: Incio Joao , Liu Hao , Suboj Priya , Chin Shan M. , Chen Ivy X. , Pinter Matthias , Ng Mei R. , Nia Hadi T. , Grahovac Jelena , Kao Shannon , Babykutty Suboj , Huang Yuhui , Jung Keehoon , Rahbari Nuh N. , Han Xiaoxing , Chauhan Vikash P. , Martin John D. , Kahn Julia , Huang Peigen , Desphande Vikram , Michaelson James , Michelakos Theodoros P. , Ferrone Cristina R. , Soares Raquel , Boucher Yves , Fukumura Dai , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: June 2016

It remains unclear how obesity worsens treatment outcomes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In normal pancreas, obesity promotes inflammation and fibrosis. We found in mouse models of PDAC that obesity also promotes desmoplasia associated with accelerated tumor growth and impaired delivery/efficacy of chemotherapeutics through reduced perfusion. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of angiotensin-II type-1 receptor reverses obesity-augmented desmoplasia and tumor growth and improves response to chemotherapy. Augmented activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) in obesity is induced by tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) recruited by adipocyte-secreted IL1β. PSCs further secrete IL1β, and inactivation of PSCs reduces IL1β expression and TAN recruitment. Furthermore, depletion of TANs, IL1β inhibition, or inactivation of PSCs prevents obesity-accelerated tumor growth. In patients with pancreatic cancer, we confirmed that obesity is associated with increased desmoplasia and reduced response to chemotherapy. We conclude that cross-talk between adipocytes, TANs, and PSCs exacerbates desmoplasia and promotes tumor progression in obesity.

Significance: Considering the current obesity pandemic, unraveling the mechanisms underlying obesity-induced cancer progression is an urgent need. We found that the aggravation of desmoplasia is a key mechanism of obesity-promoted PDAC progression. Importantly, we discovered that clinically available antifibrotic/inflammatory agents can improve the treatment response of PDAC in obese hosts. Cancer Discov; 6(8); 852–69. ©2016 AACR.

See related commentary by Bronte and Tortora, p. 821.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 803
The Effect of an Emollient Containing Urea, Ceramide NP, and Lactate on Skin Barrier Structure and Function in Older People with Dry Skin
Authors: Danby Simon G. , Brown Kirsty , Higgs-Bayliss Tim , Chittock John , Albenali Lujain , Cork Michael J.
Published: June 2016

Xerosis affects up to 75% of older people and develops as a result of a skin barrier defect. Emollients are widely used to treat xerosis; however, there is limited understanding of the differences between them and their effects on the skin barrier in older people. This study aimed to compare the effect of a commercially available emollient containing 5% urea, ceramide NP and lactate (test emollient) to an alternative emollient without these additives (control emollient) on the properties of the skin barrier in older people. Two cohorts of 21 volunteers aged >60 years with dry skin were recruited. The first applied the test emollient to one forearm and no treatment to the other for 28 days. The second compared the test emollient to the control emollient observing the same parameters. Effects on the skin barrier were determined by measuring skin barrier function, hydration, skin surface pH and by analysing Fourier transform infrared spectra before and after treatment. A third cohort of 6 young adults was recruited to investigate the effect of a single treatment with the test emollient on the molecular structure of the skin barrier at greater depths by employing the tape-stripping technique. The test emollient hydrated the skin to a significantly greater extent and for a longer period of time compared to the control emollient, an effect associated with a significant elevation of carboxylate groups (a marker of natural moisturizing factor content) within the stratum corneum. Furthermore, the test emollient imparted additional benefits to the structure and function of the skin barrier not exhibited by the control emollient. In conclusion, the test emollient addressed the pathological features of xerotic aged skin, supporting its use as first-line therapy for xerotic skin conditions in this population.
Use of Contraindicated Antiplatelet Medications in the Setting of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Barnes Geoffrey D. , Stanislawski Maggie A. , Liu Wenhui , Barón Anna E. , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Ho P. Michael , Klein Andrew , Maddox Thomas M. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Rumsfeld John S. , Tsai Thomas T. , Bradley Steven M.
Published: June 2016

Background—

Several antiplatelet medications used during and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are contraindicated for specific patient groups. A broad assessment of contraindicated medication use and associated clinical outcomes is not well described.

Methods and Results—

Using national Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program data for all PCI between 2007 and 2013, we evaluated patients with contraindications to commonly used antiplatelet medications during and after PCI, defined in accordance with package inserts. Adjusted association between contraindicated medication use and outcomes of periprocedural bleeding and 30-day mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards with inverse probability weighting. Among 64 294 patients undergoing PCI, 11 315(17.6%) had a contraindication to a common antiplatelet medication and 737 (6.5%) of these patients received a contraindicated medication. In unadjusted analyses, any contraindicated medication use was associated with both increased bleeding and 30-day mortality. In adjusted models, contraindicated abciximab use in patients with thrombocytopenia (hazard ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.58–3.16) and in patients with a previous stroke (hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–2.71) remained significantly associated with increased bleeding. Contraindicated abciximab use was not significantly associated with 30-day mortality in adjusted models. Use of eptifibatide in dialysis patients was not significantly associated with an increased risk of bleeding or mortality.

Conclusions—

In this national cohort, ≈18% of patients undergoing PCI had contraindications to common antiplatelet medications. Approximately 6% of those patients received a contraindicated medication with attendant bleeding risk, although this did not translate into significantly higher risk of 30-day mortality. Continued efforts to reduce contraindicated medication use may help avoid periprocedural complications.
Associations of Short-Term and Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollutants With Hypertension
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Zhang Bo , Ke Weixia , Feng Baixiang , Lin Hualiang , Xiao Jianpeng , Zeng Weilin , Li Xing , Tao Jun , Yang Zuyao , Ma Wenjun , Liu Tao
Published: June 2016

Hypertension is a major disease of burden worldwide. Previous studies have indicated that air pollution might be a risk factor for hypertension, but the results were controversial. To fill this gap, we performed a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies to investigate the associations of short-term and long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants with hypertension. We searched all of the studies published before September 1, 2015, on the associations of ozone (O
3
), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NO
2
and NO
X
), sulfur dioxide (SO
2
), and particulate matter (PM
10
and PM
2.5
) with hypertension in the English electronic databases. A pooled odds ratio (OR) for hypertension in association with each 10 μg/m
3
increase in air pollutant was calculated by a random-effects model (for studies with significant heterogeneity) or a fixed-effect model (for studies without significant heterogeneity). A total of 17 studies examining the effects of short-term (n=6) and long-term exposure (n=11) to air pollutants were identified. Short-term exposure to SO
2
(OR=1.046, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.081), PM
2.5
(OR=1.069, 95% CI: 1.003–1.141), and PM
10
(OR=1.024, 95% CI: 1.016–1.032) were significantly associated with hypertension. Long-term exposure (a 10 μg/m
3
increase) to NO
2
(OR=1.034, 95% CI: 1.005–1.063) and PM
10
(OR=1.054, 95% CI: 1.036–1.072) had significant associations with hypertension. Exposure to other ambient air pollutants (short-term exposure to NO
2
, O
3
, and CO and long-term exposure to NO
x
, PM
2.5
, and SO
2
) also had positive relationships with hypertension, but lacked statistical significance. Our results suggest that short-term or long-term exposure to some air pollutants may increase the risk of hypertension.
Heart Rate Dependency of Large Artery Stiffness
Authors: Tan Isabella , Spronck Bart , Kiat Hosen , Barin Edward , Reesink Koen D. , Delhaas Tammo , Avolio Alberto P. , Butlin Mark
Published: June 2016

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) quantifies large artery stiffness, it is used in hemodynamic research and is considered a useful cardiovascular clinical marker. cfPWV is blood pressure (BP) dependent. Intrinsic heart rate (HR) dependency of cfPWV is unknown because increasing HR is commonly accompanied by increasing BP. This study aims to quantify cfPWV dependency on acute, sympathovagal-independent changes in HR, independent of BP. Individuals (n=52, age 40–93 years, 11 female) with in situ cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators were paced at 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 bpm. BP and cfPWV were measured at each HR. Both cfPWV (mean [95% CI], 0.31 [0.26–0.37] m/s per 10 bpm;
P
<0.001) and central aortic diastolic pressure (3.78 [3.40–4.17] mm Hg/10 bpm;
P
<0.001) increased with HR. The HR effect on cfPWV was isolated by correcting the BP effects by 3 different methods: (1) statistically, by a linear mixed model; (2) mathematically, using an exponential relationship between BP and cross-sectional lumen area; and (3) using measured BP dependency of cfPWV derived from changes in BP induced by orthostatic changes (seated and supine) in a subset of subjects (n=17). The BP-independent effects of HR on cfPWV were quantified as 0.20 [0.11–0.28] m/s per 10 bpm (
P
<0.001, method 1), 0.16 [0.11–0.22] m/s per 10 bpm (
P
<0.001, method 2), and 0.16 [0.11–0.21] m/s per 10 bpm (
P
<0.001, method 3). With a mean HR dependency in the range of 0.16 to 0.20 m/s per 10 bpm, cfPWV may be considered to have minimal physiologically relevant changes for small changes in HR, but larger differences in HR must be considered as contributing to significant differences in cfPWV.
Novel Biomarkers to Improve the Prediction of Cardiovascular Event Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: van der Leeuw Joep , Beulens Joline W. J. , van Dieren Susan , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Glatz Jan F. C. , Hofker Marten H. , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Boer Jolanda M. A. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Visseren Frank L. J. , Peelen Linda M. , van der Schouw Yvonne T.
Published: June 2016

Background

We evaluated the ability of 23 novel biomarkers representing several pathophysiological pathways to improve the prediction of cardiovascular event (
CVE
) risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus beyond traditional risk factors.

Methods and Results

We used data from 1002 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the Second Manifestations of
ART
ertial disease (
SMART
) study and 288 patients from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition‐
NL
(
EPIC
‐
NL
). The associations of 23 biomarkers (adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, epidermal‐type fatty acid binding protein, heart‐type fatty acid binding protein, basic fibroblast growth factor, soluble FMS‐like tyrosine kinase‐1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and ‐3, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]‐1,
MMP
‐3,
MMP
‐9, N‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide, osteopontin, osteonectin, osteocalcin, placental growth factor, serum amyloid A, E‐selectin, P‐selectin, tissue inhibitor of MMP‐1, thrombomodulin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and vascular endothelial growth factor) with
CVE
risk were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusting for traditional risk factors. The incremental predictive performance was assessed with use of the c‐statistic and net reclassification index (
NRI
; continuous and based on 10‐year risk strata 0–10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, >30%). A multimarker model was constructed comprising those biomarkers that improved predictive performance in both cohorts. N‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide, osteopontin, and
MMP
‐3 were the only biomarkers significantly associated with an increased risk of
CVE
and improved predictive performance in both cohorts. In
SMART
, the combination of these biomarkers increased the c‐statistic with 0.03 (95%
CI
0.01–0.05), and the continuous
NRI
was 0.37 (95%
CI
0.21–0.52). In
EPIC
‐
NL
, the multimarker model increased the c‐statistic with 0.03 (95%
CI
0.00–0.03), and the continuous
NRI
was 0.44 (95%
CI
0.23–0.66). Based on risk strata, the
NRI
was 0.12 (95%
CI
0.03–0.21) in
SMART
and 0.07 (95%
CI
−0.04–0.17) in EPIC‐NL.

Conclusions

Of the 23 evaluated biomarkers from different pathophysiological pathways, N‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide, osteopontin,
MMP
‐3, and their combination improved
CVE
risk prediction in 2 separate cohorts of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus beyond traditional risk factors. However, the number of patients reclassified to a different risk stratum was limited.
Restoration of Mitochondrial Cardiolipin Attenuates Cardiac Damage in Swine Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Ebrahimi Behzad , Kwon Soon Hyo , Fiala Justin A. , Williams Barbara J. , Woollard John R. , He Quan , Gupta Ramech C. , Sabbah Hani N. , Prakash Y.S. , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: June 2016

Background

Renovascular hypertension (
RVH
) impairs cardiac structure and left ventricular (
LV
) function, but whether mitochondrial injury is implicated in
RVH
‐induced myocardial damage and dysfunction has not been defined. We hypothesized that cardiac remodeling in swine
RVH
is partly attributable to cardiac mitochondrial injury.

Methods and Results

After 12 weeks of hypercholesterolemic (
HC
)‐
RVH
or control (n=14 each), pigs were treated for another 4 weeks with vehicle or with the mitochondrial‐targeted peptide (
MTP
), Bendavia (0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously, 5 days/week), which stabilizes mitochondrial inner‐membrane cardiolipin (n=7 each). Cardiac function was subsequently assessed by multidetector‐computed tomography and oxygenation by blood‐oxygen‐level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiolipin content, mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as sarcoplasmic‐reticulum calcium cycling, myocardial tissue injury, and coronary endothelial function were assessed ex vivo. Additionally, mitochondrial cardiolipin content, oxidative stress, and bioenergetics were assessed in rat cardiomyocytes incubated with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (
tBHP
) untreated or treated with
MTP
. Chronic mitoprotection in vivo restored cardiolipin content and mitochondrial biogenesis. Thapsigargin‐sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
‐
ATP
ase activity that declined in
HC
‐
RVH
normalized in
MTP
‐treated pigs. Mitoprotection also improved
LV
relaxation (E/A ratio) and ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy, without affecting blood pressure or systolic function. Myocardial remodeling and coronary endothelial function improved only in
MTP
‐treated pigs. In
tBHP
‐treated cardiomyocytes, mitochondrial targeting attenuated a fall in cardiolipin content and bioenergetics.

Conclusions

Chronic mitoprotection blunted myocardial hypertrophy, improved
LV
relaxation, and attenuated myocardial cellular and microvascular remodeling, despite sustained
HC
‐
RVH
, suggesting that mitochondrial injury partly contributes to hypertensive cardiomyopathy.
Clinical Pregenetic Screening for Stroke Monogenic Diseases
Authors: Bersano Anna , Markus Hugh Stephen , Quaglini Silvana , Arbustini Eloisa , Lanfranconi Silvia , Micieli Giuseppe , Boncoraglio Giorgio B. , Taroni Franco , Gellera Cinzia , Baratta Silvia , Penco Silvana , Mosca Lorena , Grasso Maurizia , Carrera Paola , Ferrari Maurizio , Cereda Cristina , Grieco Gaetano , Corti Stefania , Ronchi Dario , Bassi Maria Teresa , Obici Laura , Parati Eugenio A. , Pezzini Alessando , De Lodovici Maria Luisa , Verrengia Elena P. , Bono Giorgio , Mazucchelli Francesca , Zarcone Davide , Calloni Maria Vittoria , Perrone Patrizia , Bordo Bianca Maria , Colombo Antonio , Padovani Alessandro , Cavallini Anna , Beretta Simone , Ferrarese Carlo , Motto Cristina , Agostoni Elio , Molini Graziella , Sasanelli Francesco , Corato Manuel , Marcheselli Simona , Sessa Maria , Comi Giancarlo , Checcarelli Nicoletta , Guidotti Mario , Uccellini Davide , Capitani Erminio , Tancredi Lucia , Arnaboldi Marco , Incorvaia Barbara , Tadeo Carlo Sebastiano , Fusi Laura , Grampa Giampiero , Merlini Giampaolo , Trobia Nadia , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Braga Massimiliano , Vitali Paolo , Baron Pierluigi , Grond-Ginsbach Caspar , Candelise Livia
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

Lombardia GENS is a multicentre prospective study aimed at diagnosing 5 single-gene disorders associated with stroke (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, Fabry disease, MELAS [mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes], hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and Marfan syndrome) by applying diagnostic algorithms specific for each clinically suspected disease

Methods—

We enrolled a consecutive series of patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack admitted in stroke units in the Lombardia region participating in the project. Patients were defined as probable when presenting with stroke or transient ischemic attack of unknown etiopathogenic causes, or in the presence of <3 conventional vascular risk factors or young age at onset, or positive familial history or of specific clinical features. Patients fulfilling diagnostic algorithms specific for each monogenic disease (suspected) were referred for genetic analysis.

Results—

In 209 patients (57.4±14.7 years), the application of the disease-specific algorithm identified 227 patients with possible monogenic disease. Genetic testing identified pathogenic mutations in 7% of these cases. Familial history of stroke was the only significant specific feature that distinguished mutated patients from nonmutated ones. The presence of cerebrovascular risk factors did not exclude a genetic disease.

Conclusions—

In patients prescreened using a clinical algorithm for monogenic disorders, we identified monogenic causes of events in 7% of patients in comparison to the 1% to 5% prevalence reported in previous series.
Swedish Catholicism and Authoritarian Ideologies: Attitudes to Communism, National Socialism, Fascism, and Authoritarian Conservatism in a Swedish Catholic Journal, 1922–1945
Authors: Nilsson Mikael
Published: June 2016

This article investigates the attitude to communism, National Socialism, Fascism, and authoritarian conservatism in the Swedish Catholic Church’s journal Credo from 1922 to 1945. The comparative approach has made it possible to see how the journal distinguished between the various forms of authoritarian ideologies in Europe during this period. The article shows that the Catholic Church in Sweden took a very negative view of communism (the Soviet Union and the Spanish Republic) and strongly condemned it throughout the period, while it took a largely very positive stance towards Fascism (Italy) and Authoritarian Conservativism (Spain and Portugal). In the case of National Socialism (Nazi Germany) the attitude was more diverse. Credo was largely negative towards National Socialism but only because it was thought to threaten Catholics and Catholicism in Germany. However, Credo never criticized discrimination and genocidal violence against the Jews.
Islamic Shores Along the Black Atlantic
Authors: Gebauer Matthias , de Araújo Shadia Husseini
Published: June 2016

Within the conceptual discussions of ‘Muslim diaspora’, the intersection between cultural blackness and Islam has received little attention. Yet its investigation is necessary to understand the increasing conversion to Islam among people who associate themselves with cultural blackness. In this context, Islam seems to offer new means for resistance and liberation, and contributes to transnational countercultures directed against racism and socio-economic marginalisation in post-colonial societies. Using Gilroy’s ideas of ‘the Black Atlantic’ and ‘diaspora’, we aim to develop an analytical framework to understand processes of black Muslim identity formation. The empirical foundation is provided by two case studies in Brazil and South Africa that focus on social groups who reproduce specific ideas of transnational ‘Muslim blackness’. A comparison of these allows us to offer an analytical framework for research on a ‘blackandMuslim diaspora’ as a transnational counterculture.
Cultural Margins, Hybrid Scripts
Authors: Bachner Andrea
Published: June 2016

Since its emergence in the 1980s, Taiwanese Indigenous writing has constituted a case of minor literature that mostly uses the culturally dominant language of Chinese, rather than indigenous languages, for literary creation. Framed conventionally as cultural traditions without writing in spite of the existence of Romanized script systems for Taiwan’s indigenous languages, the literary expressions of Taiwan’s first cultures face a situation of linguistic diglossia accompanied by that of bigraphism, one of profound inequality between two languages as well as between their script systems. This essay analyzes two recent texts by Taiwanese indigenous authors, Badai’s Diguwan: Damalagaw during the Taisho Years (2007) and Rahic Talif’s Turbidity (2006), for their textual strategies of linguistic and script mixing, in order to explore the complex politics of translation at Taiwan’s cultural margin and beyond.
Lectotypification of Bauhinia galpinii (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: BANDYOPADHYAY SUBIR
Published: June 2016

The name Bauhinia galpinii is lectotypified here.
Systematics of the Adiantum philippense complex (Pteridaceae, Polypodiales) in Taiwan
Authors: KUO LI-YAUNG , HSU TIAN-CHUAN , CHANG YI-HAN , HUANG YAO-MOAN , CHIOU WEN-LIANG
Published: June 2016

Adiantum philippense s.l. is a member of once-pinnate Adiantum but comprise several cytotaxa with different ploidies and reproductive modes. According to the differences of cytotypes, the up-to-date revision had identified three subspecies under the A. philippense complex. In Taiwan, different ploidies and reproductive modes had also been found in this species complex, and existence of (a) cryptic species among these cytotypes had been suggested. The current study focuses on taxonomical revision of Taiwanese A. philippense complex. We sampled not only different Taiwanese cytotypes/populations but also all subspecies under A. philippense and the closely related species of them. By re-examining their phylogeny, ploidies, and reproductive modes, we confirmed that the sexual diploids in Taiwan belong to Adiantum menglianense, and this species is phylogenetically separated from A. philippense. We further approved that A. menglianense can be morphologically distinguished from A. philippense by their frond features and spore numbers in sporangia. Another taxon of Taiwanese A. philippense complex is A. philippense subsp. philippense, which is an apomictic and triploidy subspecies. Additionally, we assigned lectotypes of A. menglianense, and revised the hybrid combination of A. × meishanianum. We also provided a key in order to identify two taxa under Taiwanese A. philippense complex and the other once-pinnate Adiantum species in Taiwan.
Unusual occurrence of a Didymosphenia bloom in a lentic habitat: Observation of Didymosphenia laticollis blooming on the eastern shore of Lake Hövsgöl (Mongolia)
Authors: CANTONATI MARCO , METZELTIN DITMAR , SONINKHISHIG NERGUI , LANGE-BERTALOT HORST
Published: June 2016

The stalked diatom Didymosphenia is being thoroughly studied because it can cause serious nuisance blooms. The species most commonly involved is D. geminata. Although Didymosphenia species occur in running waters and lakes, published reports generally refer to lotic habitats. Given the applied interest in Didymosphenia, as well as its suitability for fundamental ecological studies, here we report an observation of a Didymosphenia bloom occurring on the southern part of the eastern shore of the large oligotrophic Lake Hövsgöl (Mongolia). LM and SEM observations revealed that the bloom was formed by Didymosphenia laticollis. The bloom extended for a long stretch of the eastern shore whilst on the opposing lake margin no bloom was visible, where a different Didymosphenia species was collected (D. mongolica). We interpreted the Lake Hövsgöl D. laticollis bloom in light of the most updated knowledge on Didymosphenia blooms ecophysiology. Lake Hövsgöl meets all main environmental requirements for Didymosphenia bloom formation: conditions are oligotrophic and phosphorus is the limiting factor, waters are very transparent and benthic light availability is consequently high, alkalinity is relatively high, and stable rocky substrata in a hydrologically-turbulent environment are widespread. The light-brown color of the bloom is in good agreement with experimental results suggesting that low-SRP conditions promote bloom formation in the presence of high light and alkalinity, because energy is converted to stalk material (the primary site of alkaline phosphatase production in Didymosphenia) rather than in cells. We speculate that the occurrence of the bloom on the eastern shore and its absence on the western shore might depend upon morphology, land use, and climate change causing alkalinity and organic phosphate inputs on the eastern side.
A new species in the genus Crisicoccus Ferris (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), with a key to Chinese species
Authors: ZHANG JIANG-TAO , WU SAN-AN
Published: June 2016

A new mealybug, Crisicoccus ziziphus sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), collected on the leaves and twigs of Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae), is described from China. All the female developmental stages (adult, third-instar, second-instar and first-instar nymphs) are described and illustrated. Keys are provided to separate the female instars and to identify adult females of Crisicoccus species from China.
A new species of genus Ephemeroporus Frey, 1982 (Cladocera: Anomopoda: Chydoridae) from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: SINEV ARTEM Y. , YUSOFF FATIMAH M.
Published: June 2016

Study of Ephemeroporus Frey, 1982 populations from Peninsular Malaysia revealed a new species. Ephemeroporus malaysiaensis sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of four-five large denticles on anal margin of postabdomen instead of two-three, and five distinctive pigmented spots on each valve. Pigmented spots on the valves were never recorded for any species of family Chydoridae. E. malaysiaensis sp. nov. seems to be another endemic Chydoridae species of South-East Asia. E. malaysiaensis sp. nov. is a rare species, associated with emergent macrophytes in the littoral zone of shallow lake. Most of Ephemeroporus populations from Peninsular Malaysia belong to eurybiotic Paleotropical species Ephemeroporus barroisi (Richard, 1984).
Orphanhood and mistreatment drive children to leave home – A study from early AIDS-affected Kagera region, Tanzania
Authors: Olsson Jeanette , Höjer Staffan , Nyström Lennarth , Emmelin Maria
Published: June 2016

The aim of this mixed-method study was to explore the trajectories of leaving home, and views and experiences among children and youth in the Kagera region in Tanzania, who have lived on the streets or been domestic workers. The main results showed that orphanhood and mistreatment were the main reasons for leaving home: few children lived with their parents before they left, and leaving home was a complex process over several years where three trajectories were identified. The children who had left home showed strong agency and competency but lived in vulnerable conditions, especially young children living on the streets.
Synthesis and properties of novel polystyrene/polyurea and functional graphene-based nanocomposite foams
Authors: Kausar Ayesha
Published: June 2016

A simple route has been adopted for the fabrication of polyurea using polycondensation of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-phenylene diamine. Amalgamation of polystyrene, polyurea and functional graphene (F–G) yielded a series of nanocomposite foams. The morphological, electrical, mechanical, thermal, and flammability properties of materials were investigated and found to be dependent upon the intrinsic properties of graphene-based materials and their state of dispersion in matrix. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a strong interaction between polystyrene/polyurea and functional graphene surface forming unique layered cellular structure. Mechanical results revealed a synergistic interaction between F–G and polystyrene/polyurea matrix providing a shielding mechanism against graphene layer damage during compression. The 10% thermal decomposition temperature of polystyrene/polyurea/F–G 1–5 foams measured was in the range of 432–470℃. UL 94 showed V-1 rating for polystyrene/polyurea foam, while polystyrene/polyurea/F–G 1–5 foams attained V-0 rating. Water absorption capacity was improved steadily with the time and was maximum after 96 h for polystyrene/polyurea/F–G 5 foam (4.53%). Functional graphene also produced excellent electrical conductivity improvement in polystyrene/polyurea/F–G 5 foam (101) relative to polystyrene/polyurea/F–G 1 foam (10−2) and neat polystyrene/polyurea foam materials (10−7).
Life Course Pathways to Racial Disparities in Cognitive Impairment among Older Americans
Authors: Zhang Zhenmei , Hayward Mark D. , Yu Yan-Liang
Published: June 2016

Blacks are especially hard hit by cognitive impairment at older ages compared to whites. Here, we take advantage of the Health and Retirement Study (1998–2010) to assess how this racial divide in cognitive impairment is associated with the racial stratification of life course exposures and resources over a 12-year period among 8,946 non-Hispanic whites and blacks ages 65 and older in 1998. We find that blacks suffer from a higher risk of moderate/severe cognitive impairment at baseline and during the follow-up. Blacks are also more likely to report childhood adversity and to have grown up in the segregated South, and these early-life adversities put blacks at a significantly higher risk of cognitive impairment. Adulthood socioeconomic status is strongly associated with the risk of cognitive impairment, net of childhood conditions. However, racial disparities in cognitive impairment, though substantially reduced, are not eliminated when controlling for these life course factors.
Effects of Word Frequency and Transitional Probability on Word Reading Durations of Younger and Older Speakers
Authors: Moers Cornelia , Meyer Antje , Janse Esther
Published: June 2016

High-frequency units are usually processed faster than low-frequency units in language comprehension and language production. Frequency effects have been shown for words as well as word combinations. Word co-occurrence effects can be operationalized in terms of transitional probability (TP). TPs reflect how probable a word is, conditioned by its right or left neighbouring word. This corpus study investigates whether three different age groups–younger children (8–12 years), adolescents (12–18 years) and older (62–95 years) Dutch speakers–show frequency and TP context effects on spoken word durations in reading aloud, and whether age groups differ in the size of these effects. Results show consistent effects of TP on word durations for all age groups. Thus, TP seems to influence the processing of words in context, beyond the well-established effect of word frequency, across the entire age range. However, the study also indicates that age groups differ in the size of TP effects, with older adults having smaller TP effects than adolescent readers. Our results show that probabilistic reduction effects in reading aloud may at least partly stem from contextual facilitation that leads to faster reading times in skilled readers, as well as in young language learners.
Thermal ablative therapies for treatment of localised renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Gkentzis Agapios , Oades Grenville
Published: June 2016

Background and aims

Small renal masses are commonly diagnosed incidentally. The majority are malignant and require intervention. The gold standard treatment is partial nephrectomy unless the patient has significant co-morbidities when surveillance or ablative therapies are utilised. The latter are relatively novel and their long-term efficacy and safety remain generally poorly understood. We performed a literature review to establish the current evidence on the oncological outcome of thermal ablative techniques in small renal masses treatment.

Methods and results

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, supplemented with additional references. Articles were reviewed for data on indications, tumour characteristics, ablative techniques, oncological outcome, impact on renal function and complications. The vast majority of articles identified were observational studies. There has not been any direct comparison against partial nephrectomy. Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation are the techniques that are more commonly used. They have favourable oncological results on intermediate follow-up and indications that successful outcome is sustained long term. The morbidity and impact on renal function appear to be minimal.

Conclusion

Thermal ablative therapies are valid alternatives to partial nephrectomy for the treatment of small renal masses in patients unfit for surgery. Prospective long-term data will be needed before the indications for their use expand further.
Academic executive programs in public administration and management
Authors: Reichard Christoph
Published: June 2016

Universities and other higher education institutions in Europe offer a vast and increasing number of academic degree programs in the broad field of Public Administration. A subset of these programs is those offering postgraduate degrees to experienced students being already employed by public or private organisations. These executive programs are designed as long-term trainings for midcareer and executive staff and structured according to the specific demands and needs of their experienced target groups. This article provides a general picture of such academic executive programs in Europe and tries to identify common patterns and divergent features in a cross-national comparative view. It shows common trends of development over time and intends to explain observed commonalities, differences and trends by linking them to different civil service systems and state traditions.
‘Absolutely free’? The role of relational work in sustaining artistic innovation
Authors: Montanari Fabrizio , Scapolan Annachiara , Gianecchini Martina
Published: June 2016

Drawing on the relational perspective of artistic innovation, which suggests that different types of ties (weak vs. strong) lead to different outcomes in terms of the development and implementation of new artistic ideas, this study uses an in-depth case study of Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti to explore the role of the relational work artists deploy to develop and implement their artwork. We investigate how artists engage in specific relational actions (broadening, bonding, embedding and dis-embedding) with producing organizations, and how these actions lead to innovation over time. The findings suggest that artistic innovation moves through four stages – proximal innovation, fuzzy innovation, established innovation and maintained innovation – sustained by an artist’s oscillation between a network characterized by strong ties with few organizations and a network characterized by weak ties with many organizations, depending on the artist’s quests for inclusion and differentiation. In this process, a long-lasting relationship between the artist and a specific organization may ‘pivot’ artistic innovation.