bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and genetic mapping of a mutation affecting apurinic endonuclease activity in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tam J E , Pattee P A
Published: December 2016

Protoplast fusion between the Rec- mutant RN981 (L. Wyman, R. V. Goering, and R. P. Novick, Genetics 76:681-702, 1974) of Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 and a Rec+ NCTC 8325 derivative yielded Rec+ recombinants that exhibited the increased sensitivity to N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine characteristic of RN981. Transformation analyses identified a specific mutation, designated ngr-374, that was responsible not only for N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine sensitivity, but also sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, nitrous acid, and UV irradiation. However, ngr-374-carrying recombinants showed no significant increase in their sensitivity to mitomycin C or 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide and were unaffected in recombination proficiency. In vitro assays showed that ngr-374-carrying strains had lower apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activities than the wild type. The chromosomal locus occupied by ngr-374 was shown to exist in the gene order omega(Chr::Tn551)40-ngr-374-thrB106.
Cyclic AMP inhibits developmental regulation of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Kaul R , Wenman W M
Published: December 2016

The effect of cyclic AMP (cAMP) on the chlamydial growth cycle was studied with Chlamydia trachomatis-infected HeLa cells. At concentrations of 1 mM, cAMP had a profound effect on the chlamydial developmental cycle, resulting in small, immature inclusions. Immunoblot analysis revealed the absence of elementary body (EB)-specific antigens in the cAMP-treated cells. This effect was observed only if cAMP was added within the first 12 h of incubation and continued thereafter. Its withdrawal at any time from the medium led to the reappearance of fully mature, infectious organisms. Analogs or breakdown products of cAMP exerted no inhibitory effect on chlamydial development. Intracellular inclusions from the cAMP-treated cells were unable to infect fresh HeLa monolayers, in contrast to the completely infectious nontreated inclusions. Protein profiles of the cAMP-treated organisms (at any time point) resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis very closely resembled reticulate bodies (RB) and did not possess characteristic EB-binding proteins. Collectively, these observations suggest an inhibitory role for cAMP at the RB stage of intracellular development. We also identified a cAMP receptor protein which is associated with RB and not with EB, further supporting a role for this system in the developmental regulation of chlamydiae.
Expression of Escherichia coli infC: identification of a promoter in an upstream thrS coding sequence
Authors: Pramanik A , Wertheimer S J , Schwartz J J , Schwartz I
Published: December 2016

infC, the gene which codes for translation initiation factor 3, is situated in a cluster in the genome of Escherichia coli with genes for several other components of the translation apparatus. Only three nucleotides separate the termination codon of thrS from the initiation codon of infC. This implies that infC is either cotranscribed with thrS from a thrS promoter or that the transcriptional signals for infC are embedded within the upstream thrS coding region. In the present work, several plasmids have been constructed which encompass infC and various amounts of the upstream thrS sequence. The ability of the plasmid DNA, or derived restriction fragments, to direct the synthesis of initiation factor 3 was tested in an in vitro DNA-dependent coupled transcription-translation system and in plasmid-transformed maxicells. The results indicate that initiation factor 3 is synthesized in the absence of the thrS promoter. A promoter whose presence is sufficient for the expression of infC has been localized to an 89-base-pair region which lies 178 to 267 base pairs upstream of the infC initiation codon. S1 nuclease mapping of in vivo transcripts confirms that a transcription initiation site is located in this region. These studies demonstrate that infC can be transcribed from a promoter within the upstream thrS coding sequence.
Alteration of glucose transport and diauxic growth in 5-thio-D-glucose-resistant mutants of Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: McKenney D , Melton T
Published: December 2016

Spontaneous mutants of Azotobacter vinelandii defective for glucose utilization were selected as resistant to 5-thio-D-glucose. Mutant strains AM2, AM38, and AM39 exhibited longer generation times than the wild type when grown on glucose. Mutant strain AM2 also exhibited an altered Km and Vmax for glucose uptake. During acetate-glucose diauxie, glucose utilization in the 5-thio-D-glucose-resistant mutants was subject to severe inhibition by acetate. These mutants did not exhibit the normal glucose phase of diauxie. Transport studies during diauxie indicated that glucose uptake was not induced in mutant strain AM2. However, increasing the glucose concentration from 25 to 200 mM relieved the severe acetate inhibition, and under these conditions the mutant strain AM2 exhibited normal diauxie. Revertants of mutant strain AM2 exhibited normal glucose and diauxie growth. The results are discussed in terms of a model for acetate regulation of glucose utilization in A. vinelandii.
Biochemical and immunochemical properties of the cell surface of Renibacterium salmoninarum
Authors: Fiedler F , Draxl R
Published: December 2016

The biochemical composition of the cell envelope of Renibacterium salmoninarum was investigated in a total of 13 strains isolated from different salmonid fish species at various geographical locations of the United States, Canada, and Europe. A marked similarity with the type strain R. salmoninarum ATCC 33209 was found both in the peptidoglycan and the cell wall polysaccharide. The primary structure of the peptidoglycan was found to be consistent with lysine in the third position of the peptide subunit, a glycyl-alanine interpeptide bridge between lysine and D-alanine of adjacent peptide subunits, and a D-alanine amide substituent at the alpha-carboxyl group of D-glutamic acid in position 2 of the peptide subunit. The cell wall polysaccharide contained galactose as the major sugar component which was accompanied by rhamnose, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylfucosamine. The polysaccharide amounted to more than 60% of the dry weight of the cell walls. It was found to be covalently linked to the peptidoglycan and was released by hot formamide treatment. On gel filtration chromatography the extracted polysaccharide behaved like a homogeneous polymeric compound. The purified cell wall polysaccharide showed antigenic activity with antiserum obtained by immunization of rabbits with heat-inactivated trypsinized cells of R. salmoninarum. Immunoblotting experiments with nontrypsinized cell walls and antisera raised against R. salmoninarum cells revealed that antigenic proteins were attached to the cell walls.
Probabilistic Solutions of a Nonlinear Plate Excited by Gaussian White Noise Fully Correlated in Space
Authors: Er G. K. , Iu V. P.
Published: December 2016

This paper addresses the nonlinear random vibration of a rectangular von Kármán plate excited by uniformly distributed Gaussian white noise which is fully correlated in space. The state-space-split method and exponential polynomial closure method are jointly utilized to analyze the probabilistic solutions of the plate. The computational efficiency and numerical accuracy of the methodology for analyzing the nonlinear random vibration of the plate are verified by comparing the computational effort and numerical results with those obtained by Monte Carlo simulation and equivalent linearization, respectively. Meanwhile, the convergence of the probabilistic solution in the sense of Galerkin’s approximation is examined by analyzing the plate modeled as single-degree-of-freedom and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Some phenomena are discussed after numerically studying the behaviors of probabilistic solutions of the deflection at different locations of the plate.
Local quantum uncertainty for a class of two-qubit X states and quantum correlations dynamics under decoherence
Authors: Jebli L. , Benzimoune B. , Daoud M.
Published: December 2016

A special emphasis is devoted to the concept of local quantum uncertainty as an indicator of quantum correlations. We study quantum discord for a class of two-qubit states parametrized by two parameters. Quantum discord based on local quantum uncertainty, von Neumann entropy and trace distance (Schatten 1-norm) are explicitly derived and compared. The behavior of quantum correlations, quantified via local quantum uncertainty, under decoherence effects is investigated. We show that the discordlike local quantum uncertainty exhibits the possibility of freezing behavior during its evolution.
Study of the structural and electrical behavior of Bi(Mg,Ti)O3 modified (Ba,Ca)TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Shamim Md. Kashif , Sharma Seema , Singh Arpana , Rai Radheshyam , Rani Rashmi
Published: December 2016

The ability of BaTiO3 to form solid solutions with different dopants (both iso- and aliovalent) makes it versatile for various applications. In the present study, (Ba,Ca)TiO3 (BCT) is modified with Bi(MgTi)O3 (BMT) in search for new lead-free ferroelectric material and improve their properties. For this purpose, BCT acts as a main base material and BMT acts as a modifier to fabricate a multifunctional material. In this study, we report the structural and electrical properties of lead free piezo-ceramics ([Formula: see text])(Ba[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text])TiO3–[Formula: see text]Bi(Mg[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text])O3 with [Formula: see text], 0.4, 0.5 prepared by solid-state sintering technique. Single perovskite phase with tetragonal structure is obtained for all the compositions, which is reconfirmed by the Raman Spectroscopic study. Dielectric study confirm the temperature stable behavior of the dielectric permittivity values above 300[Formula: see text]C. The dielectric constant value decreases with increase in BMT doping content. Impedance Spectroscopic study confirms non-Debye type dielectric relaxation in the specimen. The Nyquist plot and conductivity studies show the negative temperature coefficient of resistance behavior (NTCR) of the samples.
The art and design of autonomous machines
Authors: Rastogi Nidhi , Scoică Adrian
Published: December 2016

Dr. Raffaello D'Andrea speaks at length about what it takes to build commercially viable robotic systems, the future of autonomous machines, the role humans will play in this future, and how we can best prepare for it.
Building a brighter future for crowd work
Authors: Bigham Jeff , Williams Kristin
Published: December 2016

Skill ladders may help crowd workers to "skill up" as they work. But what other technical innovations will lead to better opportunities for crowd work?
The interaction of estrogen and CSE/H2S pathway in the development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Hongzhu , Mani Sarathi , Wu Lingyun , Fu Ming , Shuang Tian , Xu Changqing , Wang Rui
Published: December 2016

Both estrogen and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been shown to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis. We previously reported that cystathionine γ-lyase knockout (CSE-KO) male mice develop atherosclerosis earlier than male wild-type (WT) mice. The present study investigated the interaction of CSE/H2S pathway and estrogen on the development of atherosclerosis in female mice. Plasma estrogen levels were significantly lower in female CSE-KO mice than in female WT mice. NaHS treatment had no effect on plasma estrogen levels in both WT and CSE-KO female mice. After CSE-KO and WT female mice were fed with atherogenic diet for 12 wk, plasma lipid levels were significantly increased and triglyceride levels decreased compared with those of control diet-fed mice. Atherogenic diet induced more atherosclerotic lesion, oxidative stress, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and NF-κB in CSE-KO mice than in WT mice. Estrogen treatment of atherogenic diet-fed WT mice attenuated hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress, ICAM-1 expression, and NF-κB in WT mice but not in atherogenic diet-fed CSE-KO mice. Furthermore, H2S production in both the liver and vascular tissues was enhanced by estrogen in WT mice but not in CSE-KO mice. It is concluded that the antiatherosclerotic effect of estrogen is mediated by CSE-generated H2S. This study provides new insights into the interaction of H2S and estrogen signaling pathways on the regulation of cardiovascular functions.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Female cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE)-knockout mice have significantly lower plasma estrogen levels and more severe early atherosclerotic lesion than female wild-type mice. H2S production in liver and vascular tissues is enhanced by estrogen via its stimulatory effect on CSE activity. The antiatherosclerotic effect of estrogen is mediated by CSE-generated H2S.
The JCR:LA-cp rat: a novel rodent model of cystic medial necrosis
Authors: Pung Yuh Fen , Chilian William M. , Bennett Martin R. , Figg Nichola , Kamarulzaman Mohd Hamzah
Published: December 2016

Although there are multiple rodent models of the metabolic syndrome, very few develop vascular complications. In contrast, the JCR:LA-cp rat develops both metabolic syndrome and early atherosclerosis in predisposed areas. However, the pathology of the normal vessel wall has not been described. We examined JCR:LA control (+/+) or cp/cp rats fed normal chow diet for 6 or 18 mo. JCR:LA-cp rats developed multiple features of advanced cystic medial necrosis including “cysts,” increased collagen formation and proteoglycan deposition around cysts, apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells, and spotty medial calcification. These appearances began within 6 mo and were extensive by 18 mo. JCR:LA-cp rats had reduced medial cellularity, increased medial thickness, and vessel hypoxia that was most marked in the adventitia. In conclusion, the normal chow-fed JCR:LA-cp rat represents a novel rodent model of cystic medial necrosis, associated with multiple metabolic abnormalities, vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and vessel hypoxia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Triggers for cystic medial necrosis (CMN) have been difficult to study due to lack of animal models to recapitulate the pathologies seen in humans. Our study is the first description of CMN in the rat. Thus the JCR:LA-cp rat represents a useful model to investigate the underlying molecular changes leading to the development of CMN.
Altered nuclear dynamics in MDX myofibers
Authors: Iyer Shama R. , Shah Sameer B. , Valencia Ana P. , Schneider Martin F. , Hernández-Ochoa Erick O. , Stains Joseph P. , Blemker Silvia S. , Lovering Richard M.
Published: December 2016

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder in which the absence of dystrophin leads to progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Although the genetic basis is known, the pathophysiology of dystrophic skeletal muscle remains unclear. We examined nuclear movement in wild-type (WT) and muscular dystrophy mouse model for DMD (MDX) (dystrophin-null) mouse myofibers. We also examined expression of proteins in the linkers of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, as well as nuclear transcriptional activity via histone H3 acetylation and polyadenylate-binding nuclear protein-1. Because movement of nuclei is not only LINC dependent but also microtubule dependent, we analyzed microtubule density and organization in WT and MDX myofibers, including the application of a unique 3D tool to assess microtubule core structure. Nuclei in MDX myofibers were more mobile than in WT myofibers for both distance traveled and velocity. MDX muscle shows reduced expression and labeling intensity of nesprin-1, a LINC protein that attaches the nucleus to the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton. MDX nuclei also showed altered transcriptional activity. Previous studies established that microtubule structure at the cortex is disrupted in MDX myofibers; our analyses extend these findings by showing that microtubule structure in the core is also disrupted. In addition, we studied malformed MDX myofibers to better understand the role of altered myofiber morphology vs. microtubule architecture in the underlying susceptibility to injury seen in dystrophic muscles. We incorporated morphological and microtubule architectural concepts into a simplified finite element mathematical model of myofiber mechanics, which suggests a greater contribution of myofiber morphology than microtubule structure to muscle biomechanical performance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Microtubules provide the means for nuclear movement but show altered organization in the muscular dystrophy mouse model (MDX) (dystrophin-null) muscle. Here, MDX myofibers show increased nuclear movement, altered transcriptional activity, and altered linkers of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex expression compared with healthy myofibers. Microtubule architecture was incorporated in finite element modeling of passive stretch, revealing a role of fiber malformation, commonly found in MDX muscle. The results suggest that alterations in microtubule architecture in MDX muscle affect nuclear movement, which is essential for muscle function.
Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Cognitive Impairment in Children with Perinatal Stroke
Authors: Ilves Nigul , Ilves Pilvi , Laugesaar Rael , Juurmaa Julius , Männamaa Mairi , Lõo Silva , Loorits Dagmar , Tomberg Tiiu , Kolk Anneli , Talvik Inga , Talvik Tiina
Published: December 2016

Perinatal stroke is a leading cause of congenital hemiparesis and neurocognitive deficits in children. Dysfunctions in the large-scale resting-state functional networks may underlie cognitive and behavioral disability in these children. We studied resting-state functional connectivity in patients with perinatal stroke collected from the Estonian Pediatric Stroke Database. Neurodevelopment of children was assessed by the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measurement and the Kaufman Assessment Battery. The study included 36 children (age range 7.6–17.9 years): 10 with periventricular venous infarction (PVI), 7 with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), and 19 controls. There were no differences in severity of hemiparesis between the PVI and AIS groups. A significant increase in default mode network connectivity (FDR 0.1) and lower cognitive functions (p<0.05) were found in children with AIS compared to the controls and the PVI group. The children with PVI had no significant differences in the resting-state networks compared to the controls and their cognitive functions were normal. Our findings demonstrate impairment in cognitive functions and neural network profile in hemiparetic children with AIS compared to children with PVI and controls. Changes in the resting-state networks found in children with AIS could possibly serve as the underlying derangements of cognitive brain functions in these children.
Clinical Significance of UCA1 to Predict Metastasis and Poor Prognosis of Digestive System Malignancies: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Xiao-Dong , Huan Chen , Qiu Wei , Sun Da-Wei , Shi Xiao-Ju , Wang Chuan-Lei , Jiang Chao , Wang Guang-Yi , Lv Guo-Yue
Published: December 2016

Purpose. Urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 (UCA1) has been reported to be overexpressed and correlated with progression in various cancers. However, the association between UCA1 expression and some clinicopathological features of digestive system malignancies, such as metastasis and survival, remains inconclusive. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate the clinical significance of UCA1 in digestive system malignancies.Methods. Relevant literatures were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases updated to May 2016.Results. A total of 1089 patients from 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that digestive system malignancy patients with UCA1 overexpression were significantly more susceptible to developing lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.28–2.67) and distant metastasis (DM) (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.77–5.58) and suffer from poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.89–2.82, univariate analysis; HR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.69–2.98, multivariate analysis) and poor disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.59–4.43, univariate analysis; HR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.62–3.86, multivariate analysis).Conclusion. UCA1 overexpression was correlated with LNM, DM, poor OS, and poor DFS. UCA1 may serve as an indicator for metastasis and poor prognosis in digestive system malignancies.
Multilocular Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma or Cystic Nephroma?
Authors: González-Serrano Adolfo , Cortez-Betancourt Roberto , Alías-Melgar Alejandro , Botello-Gómez Pedro Jair , Ramírez-Garduño Emilio , Trujillo-Vázquez Eric Iván , Torres-Santos Yosimart , Mata-Martínez José Antonio , Carreño- de la Rosa Fernando
Published: December 2016

The incidence of Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC) in literature is very low and confounding MCRCC with cystic nephroma (CN) is even more unusual. The aim of this report is to present a case of MCRCC and emphasize the importance of the preoperative radiologic evaluation and immunohistochemical staining confirmation to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A 73-year-old woman presented with a history of 4-month right flank pain. CT showed a Bosniak type III renal mass. After laparoscopic partial nephrectomy the initial report was cystic nephroma. Immunohistochemical staining was performed being positive for Epithelial Membrane Antigen thus changing the diagnosis to MCRCC. Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma cannot reliably be distinguished from cystic nephroma neither by physical examination nor by radiologic evaluation; immunohistochemical staining assay is useful to differentiate between these conditions allowing an accurate diagnosis and proper follow-up.
New Strategies in Metastatic Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer: Searching for Biomarkers to Tailor Endocrine and Other Targeted Therapies
Authors: Jankowitz Rachel C. , Oesterreich Steffi , Lee Adrian V. , Davidson Nancy E.
Published: December 2016

Although major advances in our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer have led to new therapies that have substantially improved patient outcomes, endocrine-resistant disease still remains a leading cause of breast cancer mortality. Comprehensive molecular profiling of breast cancers has highlighted tremendous tumor heterogeneity, and analysis of paired primary and metastatic tumors has shown the evolution that can occur during acquired resistance to systemic therapies. Novel techniques for monitoring tumor load under treatment pressure, including “liquid biopsy” techniques, such as circulating free tumor DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells, have shown promise as biomarkers to direct treatment without invasive tumor biopsies. However, more research is needed to deepen our understanding of breast cancer alterations under treatment pressure to reveal mechanisms of drug resistance and apply precision medicine in biomarker-driven clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 23(5); 1126–31. ©2016 AACR.
Niclosamide Inhibits Oxaliplatin Neurotoxicity while Improving Colorectal Cancer Therapeutic Response
Authors: Cerles Olivier , Benoit Evelyne , Chéreau Christiane , Chouzenoux Sandrine , Morin Florence , Guillaumot Marie-Anne , Coriat Romain , Kavian Niloufar , Loussier Thomas , Santulli Pietro , Marcellin Louis , Saidu Nathaniel E.B. , Weill Bernard , Batteux Frédéric , Nicco Carole
Published: December 2016

Neuropathic pain is a limiting factor of platinum-based chemotherapies. We sought to investigate the neuroprotective potential of niclosamide in peripheral neuropathies induced by oxaliplatin. Normal neuron-like and cancer cells were treated in vitro with oxaliplatin associated or not with an inhibitor of STAT3 and NF-κB, niclosamide. Cell production of reactive oxygen species and viability were measured by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and crystal violet. Peripheral neuropathies were induced in mice by oxaliplatin with or without niclosamide. Neurologic functions were assessed by behavioral and electrophysiologic tests, intraepidermal innervation, and myelination by immunohistochemical, histologic, and morphologic studies using confocal microscopy. Efficacy on tumor growth was assessed in mice grafted with CT26 colon cancer cells. In neuron-like cells, niclosamide downregulated the production of oxaliplatin-mediated H2O2, thereby preventing cell death. In colon cancer cells, niclosamide enhanced oxaliplatin-mediated cell death through increased H2O2 production. These observations were explained by inherent lower basal levels of GSH in cancer cells compared with normal and neuron-like cells. In neuropathic mice, niclosamide prevented tactile hypoesthesia and thermal hyperalgesia and abrogated membrane hyperexcitability. The teniacide also prevented intraepidermal nerve fiber density reduction and demyelination in oxaliplatin mice in this mixed form of peripheral neuropathy. Niclosamide prevents oxaliplatin-induced increased levels of IL6, TNFα, and advanced oxidized protein products. Niclosamide displayed antitumor effects while not abrogating oxaliplatin efficacy. These results indicate that niclosamide exerts its neuroprotection both in vitro and in vivo by limiting oxaliplatin-induced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. These findings identify niclosamide as a promising therapeutic adjunct to oxaliplatin chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(2); 300–11. ©2016 AACR.
Evaluation of Nonpeptidic Ligand Conjugates for the Treatment of Hypoxic and Carbonic Anhydrase IX–Expressing Cancers
Authors: Lv Peng-Cheng , Roy Jyoti , Putt Karson S. , Low Philip S.
Published: December 2016

The majority of tumors contain regions of hypoxia, which cause marked phenotypic changes to resident cells. This altered gene expression often leads to increased resistance to anticancer treatments. Therefore, elimination of these resistant hypoxic cells is crucial to prevent disease recurrence. Herein, we describe the selective delivery of imaging and chemotherapeutic agents to cells expressing carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), a highly upregulated hypoxia receptor. These agents were conjugated to a potent divalent CA IX ligand through a hydrophilic PEG linker. These conjugates are shown to bind CA IX–expressing cells in a receptor-dependent manner in vitro with mid-nanomolar affinities and in vivo with good tumor selectivity. In a mouse xenograft tumor model using HT-29 cells, a cytotoxic tubulysin B conjugate completely inhibited tumor growth. Overall, the targeting of a hypoxia marker, such as CA IX, to selectively deliver imaging or chemotherapeutic agents may lead to better treatment options for solid, hypoxic tumors. In addition, the combination of standard chemotherapeutics that are most potent in normoxic dividing cells and drugs specifically designed to eliminate hypoxic nondividing cells may elicit a superior clinical outcome. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(3); 453–60. ©2016 AACR.
Urine Epidermal Growth Factor, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 or Their Ratio as Biomarkers for Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy in Primary Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Worawichawong Supanat , Worawichawong Suchin , Radinahamed Piyanuch , Muntham Dittapol , Sathirapongsasuti Nuankanya , Nongnuch Arkom , Assanatham Montira , Kitiyakara Chagriya
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: The degree of tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis (IFTA) is an important prognostic factor in glomerulonephritis. Imbalance between pro-inflammatory cytokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein- 1 (MCP-1) and protective cytokines such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) likely determine IFTA severity. In separate studies, elevated MCP-1 and decreased EGF have been shown to be associated with IFTA severity. In this study, we aim to evaluate the predictive value of urinary EGF/MCP-1 ratio compared to each biomarker individually for moderate to severe IFTA in primary glomerulonephritis (GN). Methods: Urine samples were collected at biopsy from primary GN (IgA nephropathy, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy). MCP-1 and EGF were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: EGF, MCP-1 and EGF/MCP-1 ratio from primary GN, all correlated with IFTA (n=58). By univariate analysis, glomerular filtration rate, EGF, and EGF/MCP-1 ratio were associated with IFTA. By multivariate analysis, only EGF/MCP-1 ratio was independently associated with IFTA. EGF/MCP-1 ratio had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 74 % for IFTA. EGF/MCP-1 had good discrimination for IFTA (AUC=0.85), but the improvement over EGF alone was not significant. Conclusion: EGF/MCP-1 ratio is independently associated IFTA severity in primary glomerulonephritis, but the ability of EGF/MCP-1 ratio to discriminate moderate to severe IFTA may not be much better than EGF alone.
Relationship between Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers and Thrombus Characteristics in Patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Niccoli Giampaolo , Menozzi Alberto , Capodanno Davide , Trani Carlo , Sirbu Vasile , Fineschi Massimo , Zara Chiara , Crea Filippo , Trabattoni Daniela , Saia Francesco , Ladich Elena , Biondi Zoccai Giuseppe , Attizzani Guilherme , Guagliumi Giulio
Published: December 2016

Objectives: To compare angiographic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) data pertinent to thrombi, along with the histologic characteristics of aspirated thrombi in patients presenting with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with or without inflammation, as assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Methods: In the OCTAVIA (Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Gender Diversity in Primary Angioplasty) study, 140 patients with STEMI referred for primary percutaneous intervention were enrolled. The patients underwent OCT assessment of the culprit vessel, along with blood sampling of CRP and MPO, and histologic analysis of the thrombus. Results: Biomarkers were available for 129 patients, and histology and immunohistochemistry of the thrombi were available for 78 patients. Comparisons were made using the median thresholds of CRP and MPO (2.08 mg/L and 604.124 ng/mL, respectively). There was no correlation between CRP and MPO levels in the whole population (p = 0.685). Patients with high CRP levels had higher thrombus grades and more frequent TIMI flow 0/1 compared with those with low CRP levels (5 [1st quartile 3; 3rd quartile 5] vs. 3.5 mg/L [1; 5], p = 0.007, and 69.3 vs. 48.5%, p = 0.04, respectively). Patients with high MPO levels more commonly had early thrombi than had those with low MPO levels (42.5 vs. 20.0%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: CRP and MPO were not correlated in STEMI patients, possibly reflecting different pathogenic mechanisms, with CRP more related to thrombus burden and MPO to thrombus age.
The “Hitch Stitch”: An Effective Method of Preventing Migration in High Tracheal Stenosis
Authors: Mehta Ravindra M. , Singla Abhinav , Shah Aashish , Loknath Chakravarthi
Published: December 2016

Background: The incidence of caudal stent migration in high tracheal stenting is 13-21% and is common with silicone stents. This can lead to major problems, including emergency repeat procedures. Several antimigration methods are described, but have limitations in terms of their success rate, availability, cost or ease of the procedure. Objectives: We describe an innovative method of stent migration prevention using a simple percutaneous anchoring “hitch stitch”, validated in a large series. Methods: After tracheal stent placement, an Ethilon suture was passed into the stent lumen through an 18-G needle. To take this suture back to the exterior to complete the stitch, a retrieval loop was passed through another 14-G percutaneous cannula inserted into the stent lumen. Bronchoscopically, using a forceps the first suture was pulled inside the loop, the loop was retracted, the suture was exteriorized, and the knot was completed and embedded subcutaneously. While removing the stent, an endoscopic scissor was used to cut the stitch to free the stent. Results: A total of 42 “hitch stitches” were done in 29 patients over 5 years, predominantly for silicone stents. Indications for stenting included postintubation tracheal stenosis (83.3%), malignancy (11.9%) and tracheoesophageal fistula (4.8%, metal stents). The procedure was successful in 41/42 (97.6%) patients. Stitch removal was uncomplicated. Conclusion: This is the largest series of an external stent anchoring procedure as a migration prevention strategy in high tracheal stenting, applicable to both silicone and metal stents. Stent migration prevention using this “hitch stitch” is simple, safe and successful, without any complications during stent removal.
Effect of Temporal Fascia and Pedicle Inferior Turbinate Mucosal Flap on Repair of Large Nasal Septal Perforation via Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Xu Ming , He Yong , Bai Xia
Published: December 2016

Background: The repair of large nasal septal perforations (NSPs) is one of the most challenging procedures in nasal surgery. The aim of this prospective clinical study was to determine the efficacy of using a pedicle inferior turbinate mucosal flap combined with temporal fascia to repair a large NSP. Method: Between January 2008 and December 2015, 17 consecutive patients with large NSPs underwent septal perforation repair via an endoscopic approach using a pedicle inferior turbinate mucosal flap combined with temporal fascia. Results: Complete closure of the perforation was achieved in all patients. Conclusion: The pedicle inferior turbinate mucosal flap combined with the temporal fascia technique can easily solve this challenging problem, and the current data from this prospective study suggest that this technique shows promising results.
Rivaroxaban-Induced Gastrointestinal Bleeding Presenting as Acute Colon Obstruction
Authors: Cohen Merav , Nevo Hadar , Hershko Dan , Becker Alexander
Published: December 2016

Background: Rivaroxaban is a member of the novel target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOACs) family of drugs recently approved for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism events. A major drawback of the drug is its potential for causing severe hemorrhagic events, which may be difficult to treat in an emergency setting due to lack of effective antidote. Here, we describe a case of acute gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage leading to complete colon obstruction in a patient treated with rivaroxaban. Summary and Key Messages: The case presented here demonstrates a chain of events originating from an unprovoked intramural bleeding in a patient using rivaroxaban, leading to an organized giant clot formation, and to complete colon obstruction. In the available literature, the specific site of the GI bleeding has not been discussed. A further study is recommended and re-examination of bleeding events and exploration of new cases due to the use of TSOACs can help predict the course and the outcomes of such complications.
The Use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients at a Later Stage
Authors: Juntas-Morales Raul , Pageot Nicolas , Alphandéry Sébastien , Camu William
Published: December 2016

Background/Aims: To describe the use of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at a later stage. Methods: Twenty-five ALS patients in the later stages of the disease underwent PICC insertion followed by parenteral nutrition (PN). For all of them, gastrostomy was non-feasible. Patients were followed until death and monitored for complications. Results: PICC insertion was successful in all patients. Three months after insertion, the mean body weight increased by 4.5% (p = 0.0057). PICC could be maintained until death in all but 1 patient. The mean delay between insertion and death was 4.5 months, but PN was administered for more than 1 year in 2 patients. Complications were noted in 6 patients: sepsis (n = 4), venous thrombosis (n = 1), and upper limb oedema (n = 1), none of them resulting in death. Conclusion: PICC insertion for PN at a later stage of ALS, in patients for whom gastrostomy is non-feasible, appears to be a useful option compared to the central venous catheter.
Follow-Up of a Prospective Surgical Strategy to Prevent Intra-Atrial Reentrant Tachycardia After the Fontan Operation
Authors: Law Ian H. , Alam Osman , Bove Edward L. , Ohye Richard G. , Bradley David J. , Yu Sunkyung , Dick Macdonald
Published: December 2016

Background—

Intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART) after the Fontan operation had an early reported incidence of 10% to 35% during early and intermediate follow-up and posed substantial management challenges.

Methods and Results—

To reduce the incidence of IART after the Fontan procedure, we performed a randomized, double-blind study to evaluate the impact of an incision in the right atrium joining the lateral tunnel suture line and the tricuspid valve annulus. Between March 1998 and September 2003, 134 subjects (median age: 1.8 years; range: 1.3–5.2 years; 91 men) were randomly assigned to receive the incision. All 134 patients had a form of single ventricle pathological anatomy. The clinical course, electrocardiograms, and Holter monitoring were available for review in 114 subjects at a median of 8.2-year follow-up (range: 0.9–11.9 years). There were 2 late deaths, neither subject had IART. The combined incidence of sustained IART was 3.5% (4/114). There was no difference in the occurrence of sustained IART between those subjects receiving the incision and those who did not (2 in each group) during follow-up. No patients of either group experienced short-term complications.

Conclusions—

Despite the fact that the primary outcome of this trial was not reached, the most significant finding was that with current management, the incidence of IART is considerably lower than the early retrospective, observational studies suggested.
Predictors of Death in Contemporary Adult Patients With Eisenmenger Syndrome
Authors: Kempny Aleksander , Hjortshøj Cristel Sørensen , Gu Hong , Li Wei , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Landzberg Michael J. , Jensen Annette Schophuus , Søndergaard Lars , Estensen Mette-Elise , Thilén Ulf , Budts Werner , Mulder Barbara J. , Blok Ilja , Tomkiewicz-Pająk Lidia , Szostek Kamil , D’Alto Michele , Scognamiglio Giancarlo , Prokšelj Katja , Diller Gerhard-Paul , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Wort Stephen J. , Gatzoulis Michael A.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Eisenmenger syndrome is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. There is no consensus, however, on mortality risk stratification. We aimed to investigate survival and predictors of death in a large, contemporary cohort of Eisenmenger syndrome patients.

Methods:

In a multicenter approach, we identified adults with Eisenmenger syndrome under follow-up between 2000 and 2015. We examined survival and its association with clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters.

Results:

We studied 1098 patients (median age, 34.4 years; range, 16.1–84.4 years; 65.1% female; 31.9% with Down syndrome). The majority had a posttricuspid defect (n=643, 58.6%), followed by patients with a complex (n=315, 28.7%) and pretricuspid lesion (n=140, 12.7%). Over a median follow-up of 3.1 years (interquartile range, 1.4–5.9), allowing for 4361.6 patient-years observation, 278 patients died and 6 underwent transplantation. Twelve parameters emerged as significant predictors of death on univariable analysis. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41/10 years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–1.59;
P
<0.001), pretricuspid shunt (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.02–2.39;
P
=0.041), oxygen saturation at rest (HR, 0.53/10%; 95% CI, 0.43–0.65;
P
<0.001), presence of sinus rhythm (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32–0.88;
P
=0.013), and presence of pericardial effusion (HR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.59–3.66;
P
<0.001) remained significant predictors of death.

Conclusions:

There is significant premature mortality among contemporary adults with Eisenmenger syndrome. We report, herewith, a multivariable mortality risk stratification model based on 5 simple, noninvasive predictors of death in this population.
On the Effectiveness of Sampling for Evolutionary Optimization in Noisy Environments
Authors: Qian Chao , Yu Yang , Tang Ke , Jin Yaochu , Yao Xin , Zhou Zhi-Hua
Published: December 2016

In real-world optimization tasks, the objective (i.e., fitness) function evaluation is often disturbed by noise due to a wide range of uncertainties. Evolutionary algorithms are often employed in noisy optimization, where reducing the negative effect of noise is a crucial issue. Sampling is a popular strategy for dealing with noise: to estimate the fitness of a solution, it evaluates the fitness multiple ([Formula: see text]) times independently and then uses the sample average to approximate the true fitness. Obviously, sampling can make the fitness estimation closer to the true value, but also increases the estimation cost. Previous studies mainly focused on empirical analysis and design of efficient sampling strategies, while the impact of sampling is unclear from a theoretical viewpoint. In this article, we show that sampling can speed up noisy evolutionary optimization exponentially via rigorous running time analysis. For the (1[Formula: see text]1)-EA solving the OneMax and the LeadingOnes problems under prior (e.g., one-bit) or posterior (e.g., additive Gaussian) noise, we prove that, under a high noise level, the running time can be reduced from exponential to polynomial by sampling. The analysis also shows that a gap of one on the value of [Formula: see text] for sampling can lead to an exponential difference on the expected running time, cautioning for a careful selection of [Formula: see text]. We further prove by using two illustrative examples that sampling can be more effective for noise handling than parent populations and threshold selection, two strategies that have shown to be robust to noise. Finally, we also show that sampling can be ineffective when noise does not bring a negative impact.
Four new chrysophycean stomatocysts with true complex collar from the Shichengskoe raised bog in Central Russia
Authors: KAPUSTIN DMITRY A. , PHILIPPOV DMITRIY A. , GUSEV EVGENIY S.
Published: December 2016

Four new morphotypes of chrysophycean stomatocysts with true complex collar are described following International Statospore Working Group (ISWG) guidelines and illustrated by SEM micrographs. Stomatocyst 1 is ornamented with long ridges while three other morphotypes are ornamented with spines. Differences of our new morphotypes from known stomatocysts are discussed. We suppose that our stomatocysts are produced by acidobiontic and oligotraphentic species but biological affinity of them are currently unknown.
Silene konuralpii (Sect. Spergulifoliae, Caryophyllaceae), a new species from eastern Anatolia
Authors: FIRAT MEHMET , YILDIZ KEMAL
Published: December 2016

A new perennial species, Silene konuralpii sp. nov. (Silene sect. Spergulifoliae) is described and illustrated from eastern Anatolia. A momorphological comparison with the similar species S. stenobotrys, S. spergulifolia, and S. surculosa is given as well as the ultrastructure of the leaf, seed and pollen grain. Original drawings and photographs, distribution map, notes on ecology, and IUCN conservation status are also provided.
New taxa and some clarification of the tribe Steirodontini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae; Phaneropterinae): Tenth contribution to the suprageneric organization of Neotropical phaneropterines
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J.
Published: December 2016

The tribe of the giant katydids Steirodontini is reviewed, its relationship with other groups of Phaneropterinae from the Old and New World is discussed, and an updated key to genera is presented. Nicklephyllum n. gen. is established to accommodate one species described as Stilpnochlora acanthonotum Nickle, 1985 from Colombia. Cnemidophyllum tani n. sp. from the Colombian Amazon is described. Another new combination and two synonymies are proposed: Steirodon (Frontinus) emsleyi (Piza, 1979) n. comb., Steirodon (Posidippus) parastahli Piza, 1979 n. syn. (of Steirodon (Steirodon) ponderosum Stål, 1873), and Steirodon (Posidippus) tricenarius (Piza, 1974) n. syn. (of Steirodon (Frontinus) rufolineatum Emsley, 1970). Finally, Steirodon (Posidippus) rarospinulosum (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1891), only known from Peru, is reported from the Colombian Amazon.
Erythrogene: a database for in-depth analysis of the extensive variation in 36 blood group systems in the 1000 Genomes Project
Authors: Möller Mattias , Jöud Magnus , Storry Jill R. , Olsson Martin L.
Published: December 2016

Key Points

We extracted 210 412 blood group alleles (∼8.5 × 109 bp) from 1000 Genomes and matched them against official blood group reference lists. Of 1241 nonsynonymous variants found, 241 are known blood group polymorphisms while 1000 may represent undiscovered or altered antigens.
Ugly Data in the Age of Weather Satellites
Authors: Grossman Sara J.
Published: December 2016

Three days before Hurricane Sandy’s East Coast landfall, NASA released its first aerial, time-lapse video of the storm. Roughly 22,000 miles above Earth, NOAA’s GOES-14 satellite scanned the hurricane’s movement across the southern United States. NASA’s video, produced through rapid-scanning technology, captured the enormity of the storm, its dynamic cloud structure, and the sharpening of the storm’s eye as the continent dimmed under the setting sun. But despite the complicated process of data gathering and transmission that is involved in meteorological satellite sensing and imaging, satellite media often pass as uninterpreted weather reality for popular audiences, offering visual and textual narratives of weather crises that abstract the human from environmental disaster. This essay considers the twentieth-century turn toward uninterpreted and visually centered weather media by analyzing the meteorological satellite movement of the 1960s, contemporary GOES-14 experimental satellite technology, and the narratological and ontological ramifications of the visual satellite data and media that constitute a weather “movie” during storm crises.
Field Topography of Defects in Magnetic Non-Destructive Testing
Authors: Покровский  , Pokrovskiy Aleksey , Новиков  , Novikov Ilya , Хвостов  , Khvostov Andrey
Published: December 2016

The defect parameters can be evaluated by defect induced magnetic field topography using Hall sensor. Investigations were carried out on specially prepared samples with artificial defects. According to calculations and tests tangential component of magnetic field strength extremes were detected values on either side of the defect in the surface layer l only. But this effect can not be detected by Hall sensors or Foerster probes due to their sizes.

The normal component of the magnetic field strength provides a sufficiently accurate determination of the fault location, where this component becomes zero between the two extreme values located quite close to each other.

The results of the study showed that at distances available to Hall transducers one can confine to the experimental research, whereas computational methods shall be used to study the topography of field defects at very small distances from the surface. This could open the prospects for testing at small distances from the surface of the object.