bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Approximate Score Computation on Large-Scale Distributed Data for Learning Multinomial Bayesian Networks
Authors: Katib Anas , Rao Praveen , Barnard Kobus , Kamhoua Charles
Published: March 2019

In this article, we focus on the problem of learning a Bayesian network over distributed data stored in a commodity cluster. Specifically, we address the challenge of computing the scoring function over distributed data in an efficient and scalable manner, which is a fundamental task during learning. While exact score computation can be done using the MapReduce-style computation, our goal is to compute approximate scores much faster with probabilistic error bounds and in a scalable manner. We propose a novel approach, which is designed to achieve the following: (a) decentralized score computation using the principle of gossiping; (b) lower resource consumption via a probabilistic approach for maintaining scores using the properties of a Markov chain; and (c) effective distribution of tasks during score computation (on large datasets) by synergistically combining well-known hashing techniques. We conduct theoretical analysis of our approach in terms of convergence speed of the statistics required for score computation, and memory and network bandwidth consumption. We also discuss how our approach is capable of efficiently recomputing scores when new data are available. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of our approach and compared with the MapReduce-style computation using datasets of different characteristics on a 16-node cluster. When the MapReduce-style computation provided exact statistics for score computation, it was nearly 10 times slower than our approach. Although it ran faster on randomly sampled datasets than on the entire datasets, it performed worse than our approach in terms of accuracy. Our approach achieved high accuracy (below 6% average relative error) in estimating the statistics for approximate score computation on all the tested datasets. In conclusion, it provides a feasible tradeoff between computation time and accuracy for fast approximate score computation on large-scale distributed data.
Amyloid Peptideβ1-42 Induces IntegrinαIIbβ3 Activation, Platelet Adhesion, and Thrombus Formation in a NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Manner
Authors: Abubaker Aisha Alsheikh , Vara Dina , Visconte Caterina , Eggleston Ian , Torti Mauro , Canobbio Ilaria , Pula Giordano
Published: March 2019

The progression of Alzheimer’s dementia is associated with neurovasculature impairment, which includes inflammation, microthromboses, and reduced cerebral blood flow. Here, we investigate the effects ofβamyloid peptides on the function of platelets, the cells driving haemostasis. Amyloid peptideβ1-42 (Aβ1-42), Aβ1-40, and Aβ25-35 were tested in static adhesion experiments, and it was found that platelets preferentially adhere to Aβ1-42 compared to other Aβpeptides. In addition, significant platelet spreading was observed over Aβ1-42, while Aβ1-40, Aβ25-35, and the scAβ1-42 control did not seem to induce any platelet spreading, which suggested that only Aβ1-42 activates platelet signalling in our experimental conditions. Aβ1-42 also induced significant platelet adhesion and thrombus formation in whole blood under venous flow condition, while other Aβpeptides did not. The molecular mechanism of Aβ1-42 was investigated by flow cytometry, which revealed that this peptide induces a significant activation of integrinαIIbβ3, but does not induce platelet degranulation (as measured by P-selectin membrane translocation). Finally, Aβ1-42 treatment of human platelets led to detectable levels of protein kinase C (PKC) activation and tyrosine phosphorylation, which are hallmarks of platelet signalling. Interestingly, the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor VAS2870 completely abolished Aβ1-42-dependent platelet adhesion in static conditions, thrombus formation in physiological flow conditions, integrinαIIbβ3 activation, and tyrosine- and PKC-dependent platelet signalling. In summary, this study highlights the importance of NOXs in the activation of platelets in response to amyloid peptideβ1-42. The molecular mechanisms described in this manuscript may play an important role in the neurovascular impairment observed in Alzheimer’s patients.
Case Report of Three Immature Cystic Teratomas in Northern Ghana
Authors: Der E. M. , Seidu S.
Published: March 2019

Background. Preoperative diagnosis of immature cystic teratoma can be challenging for clinicians. In this report, we present three cases.Methods. We describe three women aged 10, 20, and 23 years, respectively, who presented with abdominal masses which were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound as mature cystic teratomas. All women had emergency laparotomy and oophorectomy.Results. Histopathological examination reported these ovarian tumours to be immature cystic teratomas. This case report also provided a brief summary of the clinicopathological features of all ovarian teratomas diagnosed in two centres during the period of review.Conclusion. Immature ovarian teratoma affects primarily younger patients; it is important for clinicians to have a high sense of suspicion whenever the diagnosis of a germ cell tumour is entertained.
Effect of RE3+ on Structural Evolution of Rare-Earth Carbonates Synthesized by Facile Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Spiridigliozzi Luca , Accardo Grazia , Frattini Domenico , Marocco Antonello , Esposito Serena , Freyria Francesca S. , Pansini Michele , Dell’Agli Gianfranco
Published: March 2019

In this work, nanoparticles of cerium hydroxycarbonates were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal treatment at 120°C with ammonium carbonate as the precipitating/mineralizer agent in diluted solution. The as-formed amorphous coprecipitate undergoes several morphological and structural modifications as a function of the duration of the hydrothermal treatment, leading after 8 h to the formation of monosized nanoparticles of hexagonal CeCO3OH. A similar behavior has been found when neodymium-based precursors are used as well, whereas the same treatment produces very different results by using different lanthanides-based precursors in terms of formed phases and morphologies, thus leading to the formation of pure tengerite-type structure phases, biphasic systems (tengerite type and hexagonal), or even entirely amorphous systems. Furthermore, the hydrothermal transformation is influenced by the redox behavior of the rare-earth cation (i.e., cerium) too, eventually resulting in the formation of fluorite-like structures. Therefore, a specific pathway of Ce(III) precursor transformations during hydrothermal treatment is proposed in this paper. Definitely, our results show that ammonium carbonate can be used as the precipitating/mineralizer agent to obtain cerium, doped-cerium, and neodymium hydroxycarbonates, which show excellent morphologies (i.e., characterized by spherical, nanosized particles with monomodal size distribution). Therefore, they can be used as optimal precursors for oxide powders. Conversely, when tengerite-type carbonate precursors are formed, their morphology is characterized by large and acicular particles.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Behavior of a New Backfilling Material: Cement-Treated Marine Clay
Authors: Zhou Nan , Ouyang Shenyang , Cheng Qiangqiang , Ju Feng
Published: March 2019

Backfilling mining method is an overlying strata control way, which is widely used in underground coal mine. This method is effective in preventing and controlling geological disasters such as surface subsidence, mine water inrush, rock burst, and other disasters. Cement-treated marine clay (CMC) is a typical porous media, which has abundant reserves and can be used as a new backfilling material. Therefore, the mechanical characteristics of CMC are very important for overlying strata control in coal mine. To investigate stress-strain behavior of CMC, isotropic consolidated drained (CID) triaxial test and isotropic compression test (ICT) were conducted with different confining pressures in the range of 50–800 kPa. Stress-strain behavior was found similar to those of the overconsolidated stress-strain behavior as well as the pore water pressure versus strain. Stress versus strain curves under lower confining pressure 50–250 kPa presented shear dilatancy. The result shows that the peak strength increased linearly with increasing confining pressure. The internal friction angle and cohesion are 48° and 590 kPa, respectively. Before the confining pressure reaches 727 kPa, which is the primary yielding point, the secant modulus E1 (the secant modulus at 1% axial strain) and the secant modulus E50 (corresponding to the 50% of the peak point) increase initially and decrease afterwards with the increasing of confining pressure. Afterwards, the two parameters increased with increasing confining pressure. The yielding stress occurred in the stage, generating a dramatic decrease in tangent modulus. This study can be a theoretical basis for engineering application of this new backfilling material.
Development and Field Test of New Environmentally Friendly Water-Rich Sand Grout Material
Authors: Hongbo Wang , Rentai Liu , Qingsong Zhang
Published: March 2019

The water-rich sand layer is a common source for underground engineering disasters. Considering the poor performance, high cost, and serious environmental pollution of conventional grouting materials, based on the requirements of environmental grouting treatment, a new type of environmental water-rich sand grouting material was proposed, which was mainly based on fly ash and cement and supplemented by water glass. The performance of the slurry was studied. The parameters such as the initial set time, the ratio of stone, and the compressive strength of the material under different water contents and fly ash contents were determined by experiments. The new grouting material was obtained with rapid setting, early strength, high ratio of stone formation, and strength, which were less affected by water content. The successful application of the new environmental grouting material in the Qingdao Metro not only ensures the safety of the project but also meets the requirements of environmental protection. It also verifies the scientificity of the material and will be useful for the innovation of the water-rich sand grouting material.
Central Nervous System Involvement by Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia: A Case Report of the Bing–Neel Syndrome
Authors: Arjunan Ananth , Rai Hema
Published: March 2019

Bing–Neel syndrome (BNS) is a rare complication of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) defined by a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the central nervous system (CNS). Patients present with a range of neurologic symptoms of variable severity. Diagnosis requires a low threshold of suspicion and is considered in WM patients with unexplained neurologic symptoms. It can occur in the presence of quiescent serum markers of WM. Direct CNS tissue biopsy should be pursued if feasible and remains the gold standard for diagnosis. No standard of care treatment exists, but expert guidelines suggest intravenous chemotherapy in standard dose or high-dose regimens or use of oral ibrutinib. Consideration is also made for intravenous rituximab, intrathecal therapies, and autologous stem cell transplantation. Patient factors and tolerability should drive decisions regarding treatment choice in this arena, given a lack of data for standard frontline therapy.
Effect of Warm‐Mix Agent EC‐120 on Performance of Asphalt Binder and Its Microscopic Mechanism
Authors: Xiaoge Tian , Zhang Ren , Xv Yichao , Chu Yantian , Yang Zhen , Zhen Shaohua
Published: March 2019

In order to figure out the influence of the warm‐mix agent EC‐120 on the performance of the asphalt binder and its micro mechanism in warm‐mixing process, a matrix asphalt, A‐70, and SBS‐modified asphalt, SBS I‐D, were modified with different contents of EC‐120, respectively. Then, conventional macromechanic performance tests, dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test at high‐temperature, and bending beam rheological (BBR) test at low‐temperature were carried out on asphalt binder samples. Meanwhile, they were microscopically analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results indicated that EC‐120 can reduce the viscosity of asphalt binder at high temperature. With the increase of EC‐120 content, the high‐temperature rutting resistance of two kinds of warm‐mix asphalt (WMA) increased, but their crack resistance at low‐temperature was reduced. FTIR indicated that this is due to the generation of oxides containing carbonyl functional groups after EC‐120 was blended with asphalt binder. The DSC endothermic curves of WMA binders are obviously different from those of base binders, and a strong endothermic peak appears in the interval of 102°C–113°C, indicating that EC‐120 will endothermically melt at the temperature of 102°C∼113°C, so it can play the role in reducing the viscosity of asphalt binder at the range of construction temperatures.
One-Pot Synthesis of Titanate Nanotubes Decorated with Anatase Nanoparticles Using a Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Reaction
Authors: Gusmão Suziete B. S. , Ghosh Anupama , Marques Thalles M. F. , Ferreira Odair P. , Lobo Anderson O. , Osajima Josy A. O. , Luz-Lima Cleanio , Sousa Romulo R. M. , Matos Jose M. E. , Viana Bartolomeu C.
Published: March 2019

A nanoheterostructure of titanate nanotubes decorated with anatase nanoparticles (TiNT@AnNP) was synthesized for the first time by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal one-pot reaction. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed highly crystalline and nanometer-sized TiNT@AnNP. The synthesized TiNT@AnNP degraded an anionic dye (Remazol blue) more efficiently under UV-visible light (380–780 nm) than a commercial anatase-TiO2 precursor. We correlated this increased efficiency of photodegradation to the large surface area and the efficient separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Finally, we propose a mechanism to highlight the influence of a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis in the production of TiNT@AnNP for environmental applications.
Comparison of Serum Potassium, MagnEsium, and Calcium Levels between Kanamycin and Capreomycin-BASEd Regimen-Treated MultiDrug-Resistant TuBerculosis Patients in Bandung (CEASE MDR-TB): A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Soeroto Arto Yuwono , Darmawan Guntur , Supriyadi Rudi , Bhaskara Panji Gugah , Santoso Prayudi , Alisjahbana Bachti , Parwati Ida
Published: March 2019

Treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with second-line injectable drugs may result in an electrolyte imbalance. This retrospective study was performed to compare and evaluate the effect of kanamycin and capreomycin on serum potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the first and second month treatment at a tertiary, top-referral hospital in Bandung, Indonesia. Data from 84 subjects with complete medical records of at least serum potassium during either kanamycin-based or capreomycin-based treatment were retrieved from the institutional database. Among these, 53 subjects had complete serum calcium data and 53 subjects had complete serum magnesium data. After the first month of MDR-TB treatment, there was a significant decrease in mean serum potassium (4.0 ± 0.4 mEq/L to 3.7 ± 0.5 mEq/L, p<0.003) in the kanamycin-based group and (4.1 ± 0.5 mEq/L to 3.2 ± 0.6 mEq/L, p<0.001) in the capreomycin-based group. Serum potassium levels were significantly lower in the capreomycin-based group than in the kanamycin-based group (3.2 ± 0.6 mEq/L vs 3.7 ± 0.5 mEq/L, p<0.001). The incidence of hospitalization and requirement for a change in the treatment regimen due to electrolyte imbalances were higher in the capreomycin-based group. No previous longitudinal study has evaluated serum potassium, magnesium, and calcium from the first month of MDR-TB treatment with either kanamycin-based or capreomycin-based regimens. Our findings emphasize the importance of routine monitoring of serum potassium, magnesium, and calcium during MDR-TB treatment, and that more attention should be paid when treatment is given using the capreomycin-based regimen. Moreover, our study supported the 2018 World Health Organization treatment guideline recommendations for removal of kanamycin and capreomycin from the MDR-TB regimens.
“Special K” Drug on Adolescent Rats: Oxidative Damage and Neurobehavioral Impairments
Authors: de Carvalho Cartágenes Sabrina , Fernandes Luanna Melo Pereira , Carvalheiro Taiana Cristina Vilhena Sarmento , de Sousa Thais Miranda , Gomes Antônio Rafael Quadros , Monteiro Marta Chagas , de Oliveira Paraense Ricardo Sousa , Crespo-López Maria Elena , Lima Rafael Rodrigues , Fontes-Júnior Enéas Andrade , Prediger Rui Daniel , Maia Cristiane Socorro Ferraz
Published: March 2019

Ketamine is used in clinical practice as an anesthetic that pharmacologically modulates neurotransmission in postsynaptic receptors, such as NMDA receptors. However, widespread recreational use of ketamine in “party drug” worldwide since the 1990s quickly spread to the Asian orient region. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the behavioral and oxidative effects after immediate withdrawal of intermittent administration of ketamine in adolescent female rats. For this, twenty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and ketamine group (n=10/group). Animals received ketamine (10 mg/kg/day) or saline intraperitoneally for three consecutive days. Three hours after the last administration, animals were submitted to open field, elevated plus-maze, forced swim tests, and inhibitory avoidance paradigm. Twenty-four hours after behavioral tests, the blood and hippocampus were collected for the biochemical analyses. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, nitrite, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in the blood samples. Nitrite and LPO were measured in the hippocampus. The present findings demonstrate that the early hours of ketamine withdrawal induced oxidative biochemistry unbalance in the blood samples, with elevated levels of nitrite and LPO. In addition, we showed for the first time that ketamine withdrawal induced depressive- and anxiety-like profile, as well as short-term memory impairment in adolescent rodents. The neurobehavioral deficits were accompanied by the hippocampal nitrite and LPO-elevated levels.
Pregnancy in a Woman with Latent Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Induced Chronic Portal Vein Thrombosis, Portal Cavernoma, and Gastric Varices
Authors: Durivage Andréanne , Le Templier Geneviève , Cumyn Annabelle , Sauvé Nadine
Published: March 2019

Extra-hepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVO) represents the obstruction of the portal vein outside the liver and is not related to chronic liver disease or neoplasia. In chronic EHPVO, collateral veins and portal hypertension develop, resulting in splenomegaly and variceal formation. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are the most frequent acquired etiology of EHPVO. These conditions put pregnant women at increased risk of vascular complications, including venous thrombosis, occlusion of the placental circulation, and variceal bleeding. In this report, we present a 36-year-old pregnant woman with chronic, anticoagulated EHPVO secondary to latent MPN who developed severe intrauterine growth restriction and had cesarean section at 32+1 weeks for increased umbilical doppler resistance and breech presentation. The article will emphasize outcome and management of pregnancies complicated by chronic EHPVO, portal hypertension, and MPN.
A Systematic Review of Right Ventricular Diastolic Assessment by 4D Flow CMR
Authors: Barker Natasha , Fidock Benjamin , Johns Christopher S. , Kaur Harjinder , Archer Gareth , Rajaram Smitha , Hill Catherine , Thomas Steven , Karunasaagarar Kavitasagary , Capener David , Al-Mohammad Abdullah , Rothman Alexander , Kiely David G. , Swift Andrew J. , Wild James M. , Garg Pankaj
Published: March 2019

Background. Four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) is a noninvasive novel imaging technology that can be used to visualise and assess right ventricular function. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the literature available on 4D flow CMR methods used to determine right ventricular diastolic function. Methods. A systematic review of current literature was carried out to ascertain what is known about right ventricular assessment by quantification of 4D flow CMR. Structured searches were carried out on Medline and EMBASE in December 2018. PG and NB screened the titles and abstracts for relevance. Results. Of the 20 articles screened, 5 studies met eligibility for systematic review. After a further search on pubmed 1 more relevant article was found and added to the review. Conclusions. These proposed methods using 4D flow CMR can quantify right ventricular diastolic assessment. The evidence gathered is mainly observational, featuring single-centred studies. Larger, multicentre studies are required to validate the proposed techniques, evaluate reproducibility, and investigate the clinical applicability that 4D flow CMR offers compared to standard practices. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42019121492.
Alpinia oxyphyllaFruit Extract Ameliorates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through the Regulation of Th1/Th17 Cells
Authors: Huang Kuo-Kuei , Lin Meng-Nan , Hsu Yi-Ling , Lu I-Huang , Pan I-Hong , Yang Jia-Ling
Published: March 2019

Alpinia oxyphyllais a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for treating diarrhea, ulceration, and enuresis. Moreover,A. oxyphyllais effective for cognitive function improvement and nerve regeneration. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuronal inflammatory autoimmune disease that commonly affects young adults in high-latitude regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects ofA. oxyphyllain an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model, which is an extensively used model for human MS. The ethanolic extract ofA. oxyphyllafruit (AO-1) was orally administered to EAE mice. Our results showed AO-1 significantly reduced EAE symptoms. Histopathological analysis showed AO-1 reduced demyelination, inflammation, gliosis, and axonal swelling in the spinal cord. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) studies revealed that the infiltration of CD4+, CD8+T cells, and CD11b+monocytes into the spinal cord decreased in the AO-1-treated group. Mechanistically, the Th1 transcription factor T-bet, Th17 transcription factor retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptorγ(RORγt), and inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γand interleukin (IL)-17 were reduced in the spinal cords of mice treated with AO-1. The expression levels of T-bet and RORγt were also lowered in the spleens of those mice. Furtherin vitrostudy showed AO-1 inhibited production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and tumor necrosis factor-αfromMOG35-55-peptide-stimulated splenocytes. One component isolated from AO-1, yakuchinone A, inhibited IL-17 productionin vitroand reduced EAE symptoms in the mice. Collectively, our results indicate that AO-1 ameliorated the severity of EAE in mice and may involve the regulation of Th1/Th17 response.A. oxyphyllawarrants further investigation, particularly regarding its clinical benefits for MS.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Level IV Thrombus: Contemporary Management with Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy
Authors: Bhat Abhishek , Nahar Bruno , Venkatramani Vivek , Banerjee Indraneel , Kryvenko Oleksandr N. , Parekh Dipen J.
Published: March 2019

Renal cell carcinoma, particularly the most common clear cell type, is one of the most aggressive of urological cancers with significant risk of metastatic spread. It also has a propensity for venotropism with a proportion of tumors developing thrombi up to the right atrium. The response with newly adopted targeted therapy has been considered to be in the evolutionary stage with no clear role with respect to debulking or reducing the size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus. We describe a case of a right-sided metastatic RCC with Level IV thrombus initially managed with Pazopanib followed by Nivolumab and Adalimumab followed by cytoreductive nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy in the post-targeted therapy setting with complete curative response.
Modeling Dose and Schedule Effects of AZD2811 Nanoparticles Targeting Aurora B Kinase for Treatment of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Floc'h Nicolas , Ashton Susan , Ferguson Douglas , Taylor Paula , Carnevalli Larissa S. , Hughes Adina M. , Harris Emily , Hattersley Maureen , Wen Shenghua , Curtis Nicola J. , Pilling James E. , Young Lucy A. , Maratea Kim , Pease Elizabeth J. , Barry Simon T.
Published: March 2019

Barasertib (AZD1152), a pro-drug of the highly potent and selective Aurora B kinase inhibitor AZD2811, showed promising clinical activity in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients administered as a 4-day infusion. To improve potential therapeutic benefit of Aurora B kinase inhibition, a nanoparticle formulation of AZD2811 has been developed to address limitations of repeated intravenous infusion. One of the challenges with the use of nanoparticles for chronic treatment of tumors is optimizing dose and schedule required to enable repeat administration to sustain tumor growth inhibition. AZD2811 gives potent cell growth inhibition across a range of DLBCL cells lines in vitro. In vivo, repeat administration of the AZD2811 nanoparticle gave antitumor activity at half the dose intensity of AZD1152. Compared with AZD1152, a single dose of AZD2811 nanoparticle gave less reduction in pHH3, but increased apoptosis and reduction of cells in G1 and G2–M, albeit at later time points, suggesting that duration and depth of target inhibition influence the nature of the tumor cell response to drug. Further exploration of the influence of dose and schedule on efficacy revealed that AZD2811 nanoparticle can be used flexibly with repeat administration of 25 mg/kg administered up to 7 days apart being sufficient to maintain equivalent tumor control. Timing of repeat administration could be varied with 50 mg/kg every 2 weeks controlling tumor control as effectively as 25 mg/kg every week. AZD2811 nanoparticle can be administered with very different doses and schedules to inhibit DLBCL tumor growth, although maximal tumor growth inhibition was achieved with the highest dose intensities.
Decreased miR-218–5p Levels as a Serum Biomarker in Bone Metastasis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Peng Peng , Chen Tao , Wang Qing , Zhang Yixi , Zheng Fangfang , Huang Shuai , Tang Yubo , Yang Chunxiao , Ding Wenqing , Ren Dong , Huang Zongwen , Guo Yuanqing
Published: March 2019

Background: miR-218–5p is an extensively studied microRNA (miRNA) in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the clinical significance and biological role of miR-218–5p in bone metastasis of PCa remain unclear. Materials and Methods: miR-218–5p expression was evaluated in 38 bone metastatic and 115 non-bone metastatic PCa tissues and serum samples. Clinical correlation of miR-218–5p expression with clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The biological roles of miR-218–5p in bone metastasis of PCa were investigated in vitro by invasion and migration assays. Bioinformatics analysis, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and luciferase reporter assay were applied to discern and examine the relationship between miR-218–5p and its potential targets. Results: miR-218–5p expression was reduced in bone metastatic PCa tissue and serum samples, which positively correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and bone metastasis-free survival in PCa patients. Upregulating miR-218–5p repressed PCa cell invasion and migration. Furthermore, miR-218–5p inhibited NF-κB signaling via simultaneously targeting TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF5, which suppressed the invasion and migration abilities of PCa cells. ROC curve analysis of miR-218–5p in the serum of PCa patients exhibited an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.80–0.92, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that miR-218–5p might represent a novel serum biomarker for bone metastasis of PCa.
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture Combined with Tuina Therapy in Patients with Migraine
Authors: Nie Lijin , Cheng Jiawei , Wen Yuecai , Li Jinhu
Published: March 2019

Background: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture combined with tuina therapy in patients with migraine. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled assessor-blind clinical trial was performed between January 2017 and May 2018, and 135 patients were assigned into acupuncture combined with tuina (A), acupuncture (B), and control (flunarizine hydrochloride) (C) groups, each with 45 patients. Treatments were performed for 12 weeks and a 4-week follow-up. Frequency of attacks, severity of pain, duration of migraine, associated symptoms, patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, and frequency of analgesic consumption were assessed. Results: The total effective rate was 95.6, 88.9, and 75.6% for group A, B, and C, respectively, with a significant reduction in attack frequency, severity of pain, duration of migraine, and associated symptoms at post-treatment and follow-up compared to pre-treatment. The PRO scores and frequency of analgesic consumption were significantly improved (group A, p < 0.01; groups B and C, ­ p < 0.05). The differences in pre-/post-treatment and in pre-treatment/follow-up in groups A and B were significantly improved compared to group C (A vs. C, p < 0.01; B vs. C, A vs. B, p < 0.05). No significant adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with tuina could significantly increase the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in migraine treatment.
Inherited Ataxia and Intrathecal Baclofen for the Treatment of Spasticity and Painful Spasms
Authors: Berntsson Shala G. , Gauffin Helena , Melberg Atle , Holtz Anders , Landtblom Anne Marie
Published: March 2019

Background: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) treatment is considered a powerful tool in the management of severe spasticity in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and traumatic spinal cord and brain injury. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the ITB in patients with inherited ataxia suffering from severe painful spasms and/or spasticity. Method: A total of 5 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia 3 or 7 or Friedreich’s ataxia were included in this observational multicenter study. The patients were interviewed and completed outcome measures assessing pain (The Brief Pain Inventory), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), and life satisfaction (LiSAT-9) before and 1 year after the treatment. Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale) and spasm frequency (SPFS) were measured objectively for each patient. Results: The mean treatment time was 1.9 years. Evaluation of established standard forms revealed symptomatic relief from spasticity, spasms, pain, and fatigue in addition to improved body posture, sleep, and life satisfaction after ITB treatment. Conclusions: We report the potential beneficial effects of ITB treatment in patients with inherited ataxia who also suffer from spasticity/spasms. ITB treatment indication in neurological disorders allows for extension to the treatment of spasticity/ spasms in patients with hereditary ataxia.
Smoking and Increased White and Red Blood Cells
Authors: Pedersen Kasper Mønsted , Çolak Yunus , Ellervik Christina , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Bojesen Stig Egil , Nordestgaard Børge Grønne
Published: March 2019

Objective—

Whether tobacco smoking causally affects white and red blood cells and thrombocyte counts is unknown. Using a Mendelian randomization approach, we tested the hypothesis that smoking causes increases in these blood cell indices.

Approach and Results—

We included 104 607 white Danes aged 20 to 100 years from the Copenhagen General Population Study with information on blood cell indices, smoking habits, and
CHRNA3
(alpha 3 nicotinic cholinergic receptor) rs1051730 genotype, where the T allele causes higher tobacco consumption; 41 759 were former smokers and 17 852 current smokers. In multivariable adjusted observational analyses and compared with never smokers, white blood cells were associated with up to 19% increases, thrombocytes with up to 4.7% increases, and red blood cell indices with up to 2.3% increases in former and current smokers. All associations were dose dependent, with tobacco consumption but for white blood cells and thrombocytes also dependent on smoking cessation time in former smokers; highest increases were for <1-year smoking cessation and lowest increases for >10-year smoking cessation. In age- and sex-adjusted genetic analyses, percent differences per T allele increase in current smokers were 1.15% (95% CI, 0.61%–1.68%) for leukocytes, 1.07% (0.38%–1.76%) for neutrophils, 1.34% (0.66%–2.02%) for lymphocytes, 1.50% (0.83%–2.18%) for monocytes, −0.60% (−1.91% to 0.74%) for eosinophils, 0.17% (−0.94% to 1.29%) for basophils, 0.38% (−0.17% to 0.93%) for thrombocytes, 0.04% (−0.14% to 0.23%) for erythrocytes, 0.34% (0.17% to 0.50%) for hematocrit, 0.26% (0.09% to 0.43%) for hemoglobin, and 0.29% (0.18% to 0.41%) for mean corpuscular volume.

Conclusions—

Smoking causes increased blood leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, as well as increased hematocrit, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume. The observational smoking relationships were long term for white blood cells and short term for red blood cell indices.
Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Kitani Tomoya , Ong Sang-Ging , Lam Chi Keung , Rhee June-Wha , Zhang Joe Z. , Oikonomopoulos Angelos , Ma Ning , Tian Lei , Lee Jaecheol , Telli Melinda L. , Witteles Ronald M. , Sharma Arun , Sayed Nazish , Wu Joseph C.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Molecular targeted chemotherapies have been shown to significantly improve the outcomes of patients who have cancer, but they often cause cardiovascular side effects that limit their use and impair patients’ quality of life. Cardiac dysfunction induced by these therapies, especially trastuzumab, shows a distinct cardiotoxic clinical phenotype in comparison to the cardiotoxicity induced by conventional chemotherapies.

Methods:

We used the human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) platform to determine the underlying cellular mechanisms in trastuzumab-induced cardiac dysfunction. We assessed the effects of trastuzumab on structural and functional properties in iPSC-CMs from healthy individuals and performed RNA-sequencing to further examine the effect of trastuzumab on iPSC-CMs. We also generated human induced pluripotent stem cells from patients receiving trastuzumab and examined whether patients’ phenotype could be recapitulated in vitro by using patient-specific iPSC-CMs.

Results:

We found that clinically relevant doses of trastuzumab significantly impaired the contractile and calcium-handling properties of iPSC-CMs without inducing cardiomyocyte death or sarcomeric disorganization. RNA-sequencing and subsequent functional analysis revealed mitochondrial dysfunction and altered the cardiac energy metabolism pathway as primary causes of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxic phenotype. Human iPSC-CMs generated from patients who received trastuzumab and experienced severe cardiac dysfunction were more vulnerable to trastuzumab treatment than iPSC-CMs generated from patients who did not experience cardiac dysfunction following trastuzumab therapy. It is important to note that metabolic modulation with AMP-activated protein kinase activators could avert the adverse effects induced by trastuzumab.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that alterations in cellular metabolic pathways in cardiomyocytes could be a key mechanism underlying the development of cardiac dysfunction following trastuzumab therapy; therefore, targeting the altered metabolism may be a promising therapeutic approach for trastuzumab-induced cardiac dysfunction.
Is Marriage Incompatible with Political Liberalism?
Authors: Toop Alison
Published: March 2019

This paper examines three arguments that claim marriage, as a political institution, is incompatible with political liberalism. These arguments are drawn from Elizabeth Brake
1
and Clare Chambers.
2
My purpose here is to determine which, if any, of the arguments show marriage to be incompatible with political liberalism.

The “Neutrality Argument” claims that the political institution of marriage violates the political liberal principle of neutrality. I claim that no such violation occurs. The “Unjustified Discrimination Argument” alleges that marriage involves the state in unjustified discrimination. I suggest there are grounds for the differential treatment identified. The “Public Reason Argument” argues that marriage, as it is currently structured, violates the political liberal principle of public reason. I claim that its current structure can be justified by appeal to public reasons. I therefore conclude that none of these arguments successfully demonstrate that marriage is incompatible with political liberalism.
The complete plastid genome sequence and the photosynthetic activity of the putative mycoheterotrophic orchid Limodorum abortivum
Authors: Shevtsov Sofia , Murik Omer , Zer Hagit , Weinstein Ofir , Keren Nir , Fragman-Sapir Ori , Ostersetzer-Biran Oren
Published: March 2019

The sparsely distributed Limodorum abortivum is a European-Mediterranean orchid species, which grows on decomposing plant material. Although some chlorophyll-pigmentation is observed in the degenerated scales-shaped leaf and stems regions of the plant, its photosynthetic capacity is assumed to be insufficient to support the full energy requirements of an adult plant. In Israel, L. abortivum shows a patchy distribution patterns in the Galilee, Golan, Carmel and Judean regions. To gain more insights into the physiology and photosynthetic activity of L. abortivum, we analyzed the organellar morphologies, photosynthetic activities the chloroplast-DNA sequence by Illumina-HTS. Microscopic analyses indicated to the presence of mature chloroplasts with well-organized grana-thylakoids in the leaves and stems of L. abortivum. However, the numbers of chloroplasts per cell and the grana ultrastructure density within the organelles were notably lower than those of model plant species and fully photosynthetically-active orchids. The cpDNA of L. abortivum (154,954 bp) encodes 60 proteins, 34 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs. The coding-regions of 24 genes are interrupted by 26 group-II intron-sequences. While many genes related to photosynthesis (RuBisCo, PSI, PSII and cytochrome b

6

/f subunits) have remained intact in the cpDNA, the majority of the NADH-dehydrogenase (ndh) subunits were either lost or became nonfunctional (i.e. pseudogenized). In agreement with previous reports, the photosynthetic-rates of adult Limodorum plants were found to be very low, further indicating that carbon-assimilation activity is insufficient to support the energy requirements of an adult plant, and may suggest that L. abortivum have adopted nutritional strategies similar to that of mycoheterotrophic orchid species.
Notes on the generic position of Brassica deserti (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Ziffer-Berger Jotham , Keren-Keiserman Alexandra , Doron-Faigenboim Adi , Mummenhoff Klaus , Barazani Oz
Published: March 2019

Molecular tools provide new insights into phylogenetic relationships of plant species, and by relating phylogenetic groups to their geographical distribution, we can cast light upon the evolution history of plant clades. In the current study, we evaluated the phylogenetic position of the Sinai endemic Brassica deserti (Brassicaceae), later renamed as Erucastrum deserti, based on morphological data and 5.8S rDNA and ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) regions. Our results indicate that B. deserti belongs to an East-Mediterranean – Saharo Arabian clade and was not assigned to the core Brassica and Erucastrum clades, respectively, which evolved in the West Mediterranean area. We tentatively conclude that Brassica deserti evolved independently of core Brassica and Erucastrum.
The Pteris aspericaulis complex in India (Pteridaceae)
Authors: DAS PIU
Published: March 2019

The Pteris aspericaulis complex is widely distributed in Himalayan regions and extends to East Asia. Due to tremendous morphological variation within and between taxa, previous taxonomic treatments have been plagued with an element of uncertainty. In this study, morphological characteristics are used to clarify and delineate each taxon. Six species are recognized in the Pteris aspericaulis complex in India, namely P. aspericaulis, P. normalis, P. roseolilacina, P. scabririgens, P. subindivisa and P. tricolor. Each species is described in detail. A key is provided to facilitate the identifications of all species.
Critoniopsis hermogenesii (Vernonieae, Asteraceae), a new endemic species from Serra do Mar Mountain Range, São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: MONGE MARCELO , VOLET DANILO POSO , SEMIR JOÃO
Published: March 2019

A new species of Critoniopsis from São Paulo state in Brazil is described from São Luis do Paraitinga and Cunha and is an endemic of the Atlantic Forest in the Serra do Mar Mountain Range. The new species is differentiated from the other Brazilian species of the genus by its habit, colour of the glandular trichomes on leaves, venation, size of inflorescences, and colour of involucral bracts. The new species is considered critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List guidelines. We also conducted a micromorphological analysis of vegetative and reproductive organs using scanning electron micrography.
Numerical study on the flow characteristics in swirl meter
Authors: Qi Liu , Zhe Lin
Published: March 2019

The swirl meter (vortex precession flow meter) popularly used in natural gas industry is a kind of velocity flow meter with high turndown ratio and well performance in low flow measurement and other known advantages. In order to further understand the flow pattern of swirl meter to further improve its performance, computational fluid dynamics simulations are used to simulate the flow and predict the coefficient for swirl meter at different flow rates. Using renormalization group k–ε turbulent model and SIMPLEC algorithm, numerical simulations have been performed through commercial codes Fluent, and meter coefficients are also obtained experimentally to validate the numerical results. The simulated velocity and pressure in swirl meter are analyzed in detail, which are time-averaged distributions during a time period based on the transient numerical simulation. It is found that centerline pressure is lowest at the outlet of the swirler and rises gradually along the axial direction. While near-wall pressure presents an opposite variation tendency, it is significantly low at the end of throat due to strong influence of vortex precession. Centerline velocity increases as the flow approaches throat and reaches its maximum at center region of throat, and then it decreases and keeps relatively stable at downstream of divergent section. Both time-averaged pressure and axial velocity distributions are axisymmetric, and pressure variation is small on the cross section at the end of throat, although vortex precession is strong.
Success of embryo transfer in mice with freshly collected and cryopreserved two-cell embryos with different genetic backgrounds correlated with the number of transferred embryos: A 5-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Dorsch Martina , Wittur Isabell , Garrels Wiebke
Published: March 2019

Embryo transfer of pre-implantation embryos to surrogate dams is a key technique for the hygienic sanitation of strains, cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, genetic modification and engineering. However, the effects of several parameters, such as the number of transferred embryos, on the success of embryo transfer are not well studied. In this retrospective study, we reanalysed 1320 embryo transfers of two-cell embryos originating from genetically altered donors, which were performed under routine conditions in our facility over a period of 5 years. Of them, 453 embryo transfers were done with freshly collected embryos and 867 transfers were performed with cryopreserved embryos. Despite the fact that the genetic background of the embryo donors was quite heterogeneous, we found that the transfer of ≥ 21 embryos reduced the success of embryo transfers for freshly collected embryos in correlation with the number of pregnancies and born pups, whereas this was not the case for transfer in the cryopreservation group. Most pregnancies were achieved after embryo transfer of 10–20 freshly collected embryos (90.4%), which dropped to 37.5% if more embryos were transferred. The highest pregnancy rates in the cryopreservation group were achieved if 15–17 embryos were transferred (62.9%). Despite the fact that the precise substrains were only rarely defined, we confirmed that beside the number of transferred embryos, the genetic background of the donors had an influence on the success of embryo transfer. Significantly more embryos in a C57BL/6 background developed to term than embryos on a BALB/c background.
Who Belongs? How Status Influences the Experience of Gemeinschaft
Authors: Beckwith Cary
Published: March 2019

Belonging is a central human aspiration, one that has drawn attention from sociologists and social psychologists alike. Who is likely to realize this aspiration? This paper addresses that question by examining how “we-feeling”—the experience of gemeinschaft—is distributed within small groups. Previous research has argued that the feeling of belonging is positively related to a person’s social status through a cumulative advantage process. But high status can recast the responsibilities of group life as burdens if a person regards them as incongruent with his or her rank, and this can dim one’s feelings toward the group. This paper proposes that a “high-status penalty” diminishes we-feeling for high-ranking individuals, thereby concentrating we-feeling in the middle of a status hierarchy. It tests this theory using data from the Urban Communes Project, a survey of 60 naturally occurring communities. The findings suggest that status-incongruent responsibilities can suppress the benefits of status at the top of a hierarchy.
Persistent Identity Threats: Emotional and Neurological Responses
Authors: Miller Brennan J. , Kalkhoff Will , Pollock Joshua , Pfeiffer Matthew A.
Published: March 2019

In the past few decades, sociologists have called for the incorporation of biological ideas and methods into sociology as a means of improving our understanding of social behavior. In this vein, researchers have argued that bringing neuroscience into the study of self and identity processes will help sociologists refine and construct more accurate theories. The present study pursues this agenda by using neuroscience insights and methodology to empirically examine a poorly understood aspect of identity processes: persistent identity nonverification. We find that increasing the amount of nonverifying feedback increases emotional and neurological arousal but only to a point before leveling out. Furthermore, our findings suggest that healthy individuals may employ an immediate coping mechanism of “suppression” to deal with persistent identity threats. We discuss the implications of our findings for future research on self and identity.