bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Minutiae Extraction for High-Resolution Palmprint Recognition
Authors: Fei Lunke , Teng Shaohua , Wu Jigang , Rida Imad
Published: October 2017

A palmprint generally possesses about 10 times more minutiae features than a fingerprint, which could provide reliable biometric-based personal authentication. However, wide distribution of various creases in a palmprint creates a number of spurious minutiae. Precisely and efficiently, minutiae extraction is one of the most critical and challenging work for high-resolution palmprint recognition. In this paper, we propose a novel minutiae extraction and matching method for high-resolution palmprint images. The main contributions of this work include the following. First, a circle-boundary consistency is proposed to update the local ridge orientation of some abnormal points. Second, a lengthened Gabor filter is designed to better recover the discontinuous ridges corrupted by wide creases. Third, the principal ridge orientation of palmprint image is calculated to establish an angle alignment system, and coarse-to-fine shifting is performed to obtain the optimal coordinate translation parameters. Following these steps, minutiae matching can be efficiently performed. Experiment results conducted on the public high-resolution palmprint database validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Epileptic Seizure Prediction Using CSP and LDA for Scalp EEG Signals
Authors: Alotaiby Turky N. , Alshebeili Saleh A. , Alotaibi Faisal M. , Alrshoud Saud R.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a patient-specific epileptic seizure predication method relying on the common spatial pattern- (CSP-) based feature extraction of scalp electroencephalogram (sEEG) signals. Multichannel EEG signals are traced and segmented into overlapping segments for both preictal and interictal intervals. The features extracted using CSP are used for training a linear discriminant analysis classifier, which is then employed in the testing phase. A leave-one-out cross-validation strategy is adopted in the experiments. The experimental results for seizure prediction obtained from the records of 24 patients from the CHB-MIT database reveal that the proposed predictor can achieve an average sensitivity of 0.89, an average false prediction rate of 0.39, and an average prediction time of 68.71 minutes using a 120-minute prediction horizon.
Modeling Loss-of-Flow Accidents and Their Impact on Radiation Heat Transfer
Authors: Khatry Jivan , Aydogan Fatih
Published: October 2017

Long-term high payload missions necessitate the need for nuclear space propulsion. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) investigated several reactor designs from 1959 to 1973 in order to develop the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA). Study of planned/unplanned transients on nuclear thermal rockets is important due to the need for long-term missions. In this work, a system model based on RELAP5 is developed to simulate loss-of-flow accidents on the Pewee I test reactor. This paper investigates the radiation heat transfer between the fuel elements and the structures around it. In addition, the impact on the core fuel element temperature and average core pressure was also investigated. The following expected results were achieved: (i) greater than normal fuel element temperatures, (ii) fuel element temperatures exceeding the uranium carbide melting point, and (iii) average core pressure less than normal. Results show that the radiation heat transfer rate between fuel elements and cold surfaces increases with decreasing flow rate through the reactor system. However, radiation heat transfer decreases when there is a complete LOFA. When there is a complete LOFA, the peripheral coolant channels of the fuel elements handle most of the radiation heat transfer. A safety system needs to be designed to counteract the decay heat resulting from a post-LOFA reactor scram.
Remotely Exploiting AT Command Attacks on ZigBee Networks
Authors: Vaccari Ivan , Cambiaso Enrico , Aiello Maurizio
Published: October 2017

Internet of Things networks represent an emerging phenomenon bringing connectivity to common sensors. Due to the limited capabilities and to the sensitive nature of the devices, security assumes a crucial and primary role. In this paper, we report an innovative and extremely dangerous threat targeting IoT networks. The attack is based on Remote AT Commands exploitation, providing a malicious user with the possibility of reconfiguring or disconnecting IoT sensors from the network. We present the proposed attack and evaluate its efficiency by executing tests on a real IoT network. Results demonstrate how the threat can be successfully executed and how it is able to focus on the targeted nodes, without affecting other nodes of the network.
Hybrid Reliability Analysis for Spacecraft Docking Lock with Random and Interval Uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Qiu Jiwei , Wang Pidong
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a novel procedure based on first-order reliability method (FORM) for structural reliability analysis with hybrid variables, that is, random and interval variables. This method can significantly improve the computational efficiency for the abovementioned hybrid reliability analysis (HRA), while generally providing sufficient precision. In the proposed procedure, the hybrid problem is reduced to standard reliability problem with the polar coordinates, where an n-dimensional limit-state function is defined only in terms of two random variables. Firstly, the linear Taylor series is used to approximate the limit-state function around the design point. Subsequently, with the approximation of the n-dimensional limit-state function, the new bidimensional limit state is established by the polar coordinate transformation. And the probability density functions (PDFs) of the two variables can be obtained by the PDFs of random variables and bounds of interval variables. Then, the interval of failure probability is efficiently calculated by the integral method. At last, one simple problem with explicit expressions and one engineering application of spacecraft docking lock are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Modulation of H-Reflex Depression with Paired-Pulse Stimulation in Healthy Active Humans
Authors: Oza Preeti D. , Dudley-Javoroski Shauna , Shields Richard K.
Published: October 2017

Depression of the Hoffman reflex (H-reflex) is used to examine spinal control mechanisms during exercise, fatigue, and vibration and in response to training. H-reflex depression protocols frequently use trains of stimuli; this is time-consuming and prevents instantaneous assessment of motor neuronal excitability. The purpose of this study was to determine if paired-pulse H-reflex depression is reproducible and whether paired-pulse stimulation adequately estimates the depression induced by the more traditional ten-pulse train. H-reflexes were elicited via ten-pulse trains at 0.1, 0.2, 1, 2, and 5 Hz in ten neurologically intact individuals on two separate days. We measured the depression elicited by the second pulse (H2) and the mean depression elicited by pulses 2–10 (Hmean). H2 was consistent at all frequencies on both days (r2 = 0.97, p<0.05, and ICC(3,1) = 0.81). H2 did not differ from Hmean (p>0.05). The results indicate that paired-pulse H-reflex depression has high between-day reliability and yields depression estimates that are comparable to those obtained via ten-pulse trains. Paired-pulse H-reflex depression may be especially useful for studies that require rapid assessment of motor neuronal excitability, such as during exercise, fatigue, and vibration, or to establish recovery curves following inhibition.
Enhancement of the Wettability and Lubrication of Shale Rock via Nanoemulsions
Authors: Xu Quan , Li Qingqiao , Wu Xu , Li Bofan , Yao Erdong , Li Yuan , Zhou Fujian , Luo Yan , Cai Wei
Published: October 2017

Nanoemulsions have been widely used as additives for drilling fluids in recent years. With the development of nanotechnology, multifunctional nanomaterials have been added to nanoemulsions. The improvement of wettability of the surfaces, alteration of oil-wet on shale rock surfaces, and environmentally friendly conditions are considered as the future development directions of nanoemulsions. In this work, a novel nanoemulsion was prepared by using hydrocarbon-based polyoxyethylene ether, oil (hydrocarbon), distilled water, and formation crude oil as the main raw materials. The shale rocks before and after immersion with as-prepared nanoemulsion were characterized by contact angle measurement, atomic force microscope (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It is clearly observed that the nanoemulsion greatly improved the wettability of the sandstone and rock surface by forming a layer of active agent film on the surface of the rock. The as-prepared nanoemulsion had good ability to curb the anticollapse and lubricate and protect the oil and gas layer.
Correlation between CH2DS2-VASc Score and Serum Leptin Levels in Cardioembolic Stroke Patients: The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Szczepańska-Szerej Anna , Kurzepa Jacek , Grabarska Aneta , Bielewicz Joanna , Wlizło-Dyś Ewa , Rejdak Konrad
Published: October 2017

Objective. To determine adipokines levels in patients with different etiologic subtypes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) status.Methods. Serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels were determined by ELISA in 99 AIS patients and 59 stroke-free control group subjects. Stroke patients were grouped based on MetS, modified TOAST classification, and CHA2DS2-VASc scale in case of cardioembolic stroke following atrial fibrillation.Results. No differences were found in all adipokine serum levels between AIS patients and appropriately matched control group. MetS-AIS patients had significantly higher leptin levels (22.71 ± 19.01 ng/ml versus 8.95 ± 9.22 ng/ml,p<0.001) and lower adiponectin levels (10.71 ± 8.59 ng/ml versus 14.93 ± 10.95 ng/ml,p<0.05) than non-MetS-AIS patients. In patients with cardioembolic stroke, leptin levels were significantly higher than in remaining stroke cases (19.57 ± 20.53 ng/ml versus 13.17 ± 12.36 ng/ml,p<0.05) and CHA2DS2-VASc score positively correlated with leptin levels only (p<0.001). Analysis of individual components of CHA2DS2-VASc score showed that hypertension, female gender, and diabetes had greatest impact on elevated serum leptin level.Conclusion. This pilot study revealed that leptin could be a potential biomarker for risk stratification of cardioembolic stroke in MetS patients and that heterogeneity of stroke subtypes should be considered for more refined and precise clinical stroke studies.
Changes in Glaucoma Medication during the Past Eight Years and Future Directions in Japan Based on an Insurance Medical Claim Database
Authors: Sakamoto Masako , Kitamura Kazuyoshi , Kashiwagi Kenji
Published: October 2017

Purpose. To investigate changes in the status of glaucoma care between 2006 and 2013 and to predict future directions of glaucoma care in Japan. Subjects and Methods. Japanese subjects registered in the largest national insurance claim database in Japan from 2006 to 2013 were analyzed. Estimations of the number of glaucoma patients during the past eight years and of the number of future patients were calculated. Changes in prescription trends among the same patients in the three-year period after initiating antiglaucoma medication were also investigated. Results. There was a total of 3,016,000 subjects in the database. The proportion of glaucoma patients increased consistently from 2.5% in 2006 to 4.5% in 2013. This trend was predicted to continue until 2025, followed by a constant decrease with age. The most frequently prescribed antiglaucoma medications were prostaglandin analogues (PGs); however, in recent years, fixed combination therapy has emerged as a major treatment. Among 2856 newly diagnosed glaucoma patients; 94.7% of the patients initially received a single medication, but 25% of the patients received additional medications within 3 years. Conclusions. The prevalence of glaucoma patients has significantly increased during the past eight years. The number of antiglaucoma medications continuously increased during the treatment period.
Multimodal Personal Verification Using Likelihood Ratio for the Match Score Fusion
Authors: Binh Tran Long , Le Thai Hoang
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the authors present a novel personal verification system based on the likelihood ratio test for fusion of match scores from multiple biometric matchers (face, fingerprint, hand shape, and palm print). In the proposed system, multimodal features are extracted by Zernike Moment (ZM). After matching, the match scores from multiple biometric matchers are fused based on the likelihood ratio test. A finite Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is used for estimating the genuine and impostor densities of match scores for personal verification. Our approach is also compared to some different famous approaches such as the support vector machine and the sum rule with min-max. The experimental results have confirmed that the proposed system can achieve excellent identification performance for its higher level in accuracy than different famous approaches and thus can be utilized for more application related to person verification.
Review of Routine Laboratory Monitoring for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Biologic or Nonbiologic DMARDs
Authors: Rigby William F. C. , Lampl Kathy , Low Jason M. , Furst Daniel E.
Published: October 2017

Safety concerns associated with many drugs indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be attenuated by the early identification of toxicity through routine laboratory monitoring; however, a comprehensive review of the recommended monitoring guidelines for the different available RA therapies is currently unavailable. The aim of this review is to summarize the current guidelines for laboratory monitoring in patients with RA and to provide an overview of the laboratory abnormality profiles associated with each drug indicated for RA. Recommendations for the frequency of laboratory monitoring of serum lipids, liver transaminases, serum creatinine, neutrophil counts, and platelet counts in patients with RA were compiled from a literature search for published recommendations and guidelines as well as the prescribing information for each drug. Laboratory abnormality profiles for each drug were compiled from the prescribing information for each drug and a literature search including meta-analyses and primary clinical trials data.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Enhances the Antitumor Activity of a MEK Inhibitor in Lung Cancer Cells Harboring RAS Mutations
Authors: Yamada Tadaaki , Amann Joseph M. , Tanimoto Azusa , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Shukuya Takehito , Timmers Cynthia , Yano Seiji , Shilo Konstantin , Carbone David P.
Published: October 2017

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be identified by precise molecular subsets based on genomic alterations that drive tumorigenesis and include mutations in EGFR, KRAS, and various ALK fusions. However, despite effective treatments for EGFR and ALK, promising therapeutics have not been developed for patients with KRAS mutations. It has been reported that one way the RAS–ERK pathway contributes to tumorigenesis is by affecting stability and localization of FOXO3a protein, an important regulator of cell death and the cell cycle. This is through regulation of apoptotic proteins BIM and FASL and cell-cycle regulators p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. We now show that an HDAC inhibitor affects the expression and localization of FOXO proteins and wanted to determine whether the combination of a MEK inhibitor with an HDAC inhibitor would increase the sensitivity of NSCLC with KRAS mutation. Combined treatment with a MEK inhibitor and an HDAC inhibitor showed synergistic effects on cell metabolic activity of RAS-mutated lung cancer cells through activation of FOXOs, with a subsequent increase in BIM and cell-cycle inhibitors. Moreover, in a mouse xenograft model, the combination of belinostat and trametinib significantly decreases tumor formation through FOXOs by increasing BIM and the cell-cycle inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. These results demonstrate that control of FOXOs localization and expression is critical in RAS-driven lung cancer cells, suggesting that the dual molecular-targeted therapy for MEK and HDACs may be promising as novel therapeutic strategy in NSCLC with specific populations of RAS mutations. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 17–25. ©2017 AACR.
Ceramide Nanoliposomes as a MLKL-Dependent, Necroptosis-Inducing, Chemotherapeutic Reagent in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Kitatani Kazuyuki , Toyoshima Masafumi , Ishibashi Masumi , Usui Toshinori , Minato Junko , Egiz Mahy , Shigeta Shogo , Fox Todd , Deering Tye , Kester Mark , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: October 2017

Ceramides are bioactive lipids that mediate cell death in cancer cells, and ceramide-based therapy is now being tested in dose-escalating phase I clinical trials as a cancer treatment. Multiple nanoscale delivery systems for ceramide have been proposed to overcome the inherent toxicities, poor pharmacokinetics, and difficult biophysics associated with ceramide. Using the ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL), we now investigate the therapeutic efficacy and signaling mechanisms of this nanoscale delivery platform in refractory ovarian cancer. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with CNL decreased the number of living cells through necroptosis but not apoptosis. Mechanistically, dying SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells exhibit activation of pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) as evidenced by oligomerization and relocalization to the blebbing membranes, showing necroptotic characteristics. Knockdown of MLKL, but not its upstream protein kinases such as receptor-interacting protein kinases, with siRNA significantly abolished CNL-induced cell death. Monomeric MLKL protein expression inversely correlated with the IC50 values of CNL in distinct ovarian cancer cell lines, suggesting MLKL as a possible determinant for CNL-induced cell death. Finally, systemic CNL administration suppressed metastatic growth in an ovarian cancer cell xenograft model. Taken together, these results suggest that MLKL is a novel pronecroptotic target for ceramide in ovarian cancer models. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 50–59. ©2017 AACR.
Selective and Concentrated Accretion of SN-38 with a CEACAM5-Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate (ADC), Labetuzumab Govitecan (IMMU-130)
Authors: Sharkey Robert M. , Govindan Serengulam V. , Cardillo Thomas M. , Donnell Jennifer , Xia Jing , Rossi Edmund A. , Chang Chien-Hsing , Goldenberg David M.
Published: October 2017

Labetuzumab govitecan (IMMU-130), an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) with an average of 7.6 SN-38/IgG, was evaluated for its potential to enhance delivery of SN-38 to human colonic tumor xenografts. Mice bearing LS174T or GW-39 human colonic tumor xenografts were injected with irinotecan or IMMU-130 (SN-38 equivalents ∼500 or ∼16 μg, respectively). Serum and homogenates of tumors, liver, and small intestine were extracted, and SN-38, SN-38G (glucuronidated SN-38), and irinotecan concentrations determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Irinotecan cleared quickly from serum, with only 1% to 2% injected dose/mL after 5 minutes; overall, approximately 20% was converted to SN-38 and SN-38G. At 1 hour with IMMU-130, 45% to 63% injected dose/mL of the SN-38 was in the serum, with >90% bound to the ADC over 3 days, and with low levels of SN-38G. Total SN-38 levels decreased more quickly than the IgG, confirming a gradual SN-38 release from the ADC. AUC analysis found that SN-38 levels were approximately 11- and 16-fold higher in LS174T and GW-39 tumors, respectively, in IMMU-130–treated animals. This delivery advantage is amplified >30-fold when normalized to SN-38 equivalents injected for each product. Levels of SN-38 and SN-38G were appreciably lower in the liver and small intestinal contents in animals given IMMU-130. On the basis of the SN-38 equivalents administered, IMMU-130 potentially delivers >300-fold more SN-38 to CEA-producing tumors compared with irinotecan, while also reducing levels of SN-38 and SN-38G in normal tissues. These observations are consistent with preclinical and clinical data showing efficacy and improved safety. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 196–203. ©2017 AACR.
HIF2α-Targeted RNAi Therapeutic Inhibits Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wong So C. , Cheng Weijun , Hamilton Holly , Nicholas Anthony L. , Wakefield Darren H. , Almeida Aaron , Blokhin Andrei V. , Carlson Jeffrey , Neal Zane C. , Subbotin Vladimir , Zhang Guofeng , Hegge Julia , Bertin Stephanie , Trubetskoy Vladimir S. , Rozema David B. , Lewis David L. , Kanner Steven B.
Published: October 2017

Targeted therapy against VEGF and mTOR pathways has been established as the standard-of-care for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, these treatments frequently fail and most patients become refractory requiring subsequent alternative therapeutic options. Therefore, development of innovative and effective treatments is imperative. About 80%–90% of ccRCC tumors express an inactive mutant form of the von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes target protein degradation. Strong genetic and experimental evidence supports the correlate that pVHL functional loss leads to the accumulation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) and that an overabundance of HIF2α functions as a tumorigenic driver of ccRCC. In this report, we describe an RNAi therapeutic for HIF2α that utilizes a targeting ligand that selectively binds to integrins αvβ3 and αvβ5 frequently overexpressed in ccRCC. We demonstrate that functional delivery of a HIF2α-specific RNAi trigger resulted in HIF2α gene silencing and subsequent tumor growth inhibition and degeneration in an established orthotopic ccRCC xenograft model. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 140–9. ©2017 AACR.
Characterization of Thyroid Disorders in Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Hodi F. Stephen , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Ott Patrick A. , Buchbinder Elizabeth I. , Haq Rizwan , Tolaney Sara , Barroso-Sousa Romualdo , Zhang Kevin , Donahue Hilary , Davis Meredith , Gargano Maria E. , Kelley Kristina M. , Carroll Rona S. , Kaiser Ursula B. , Min Le
Published: October 2017

Thyroid disorders have emerged as one of the most common immune-related adverse events associated with anti–PD-1 monotherapy or combination anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapy. This study characterizes and compares the evolution of monotherapy and combination therapy-related thyroid disorders. We analyzed the dynamic evolution of thyroid disorders in 45 patients who developed thyroid disorders following treatment with either anti–PD-1 monotherapy or anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 combination therapy. The patients presented with thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism as the initial presentation of their thyroid disorder. Thyrotoxicosis as the initial presentation occurred in the majority of patients (93% and 56% of the patients receiving combination therapy and monotherapy, respectively). The onset pattern of the thyroid disorder was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.01). Subsequently, 76% and 90% of the patients with thyrotoxicosis evolved to develop hypothyroidism in the combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. In the combination therapy and monotherapy groups, the median times to onset of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism after first treatment were 21 and 63 days, and 31 and 68 days, respectively. The median time for transition from thyrotoxicosis to hypothyroidism was 42 days in both groups. Our study demonstrates that most thyroid disorders induced by either anti–PD-1 or combination anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 therapy are thyroiditis. The time to onset of thyrotoxicosis after treatment initiation and evolution of thyrotoxicosis to hypothyroidism was short, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring of thyroid function in these patients. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(12); 1133–40. ©2017 AACR.
Identifying Hemodynamic Determinants of Pulse Pressure
Authors: Vennin Samuel , Li Ye , Willemet Marie , Fok Henry , Gu Haotian , Charlton Peter , Alastruey Jordi , Chowienczyk Phil
Published: October 2017

We examined the ability of a simple reduced model comprising a proximal characteristic impedance linked to a Windkessel element to accurately predict central pulse pressure (PP) from aortic blood flow, verified that parameters of the model corresponded to physical properties, and applied the model to examine PP dependence on cardiac and vascular properties. PP obtained from the reduced model was compared with theoretical values obtained in silico and measured values in vivo. Theoretical values were obtained using a distributed multisegment model in a population of virtual (computed) subjects in which cardiovascular properties were varied over the pathophysiological range. In vivo measurements were in normotensive subjects during modulation of physiology with vasoactive drugs and in hypertensive subjects. Central PP derived from the reduced model agreed with theoretical values (mean difference±SD, −0.09±1.96 mm Hg) and with measured values (mean differences −1.95±3.74 and −1.18±3.67 mm Hg for normotensive and hypertensive subjects, respectively). Parameters extracted from the reduced model agreed closely with theoretical and measured physical properties. Central PP was seen to be determined mainly by total arterial compliance (inversely associated with central arterial stiffness) and ventricular dynamics: the blood volume ejected by the ventricle into the aorta up to time of peak pressure and blood flow into the aorta (corresponding to the rate of ventricular ejection) up to this time point. Increased flow and volume accounted for 20.1 mm Hg (52%) of the 39.0 mm Hg difference in PP between the upper and lower tertiles of the hypertensive subjects.
Forward Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: A Simple Risk Marker in Patients With Primary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Dupuis Marlène , Mahjoub Haïfa , Clavel Marie‐Annick , Côté Nancy , Toubal Oumhani , Tastet Lionel , Dumesnil Jean G. , O'Connor Kim , Dahou Abdellaziz , Thébault Christophe , Bélanger Catherine , Beaudoin Jonathan , Arsenault Marie , Bernier Mathieu , Pibarot Philippe
Published: October 2017

Background

The timing of mitral valve surgery in asymptomatic patients with primary mitral regurgitation (
MR
) is controversial. We hypothesized that the forward left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (
LVEF
; ie,
LV
outflow tract stroke volume divided by
LV
end‐diastolic volume) is superior to the total
LVEF
to predict outcomes in
MR
. The objective of this study was to examine the association between echocardiographic parameters of
MR
severity and
LV
function and outcomes in patients with
MR
.

Methods and Results

The clinical and Doppler‐echocardiographic data of 278 patients with ≥mild
MR
and no class I indication of mitral valve surgery at baseline were retrospectively analyzed. The primary study end point was the composite of mitral valve surgery or death. During a mean follow‐up of 5.4±3.2 years, there were 147 (53%) events: 96 (35%)
MV
surgeries and 66 (24%) deaths. Total
LVEF
and global longitudinal strain were not associated with the occurrence of events, whereas forward
LVEF
(
P
<0.0001) and
LV
end‐systolic diameter (
P
=0.0003) were. After adjustment for age, sex,
MR
severity, Charlson probability, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation, forward
LVEF
remained independently associated with the occurrence of events (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.09, [95% confidence interval]: 1.02–1.17 per 5% decrease;
P
=0.01), whereas
LV
end‐systolic diameter was not (
P
=0.48).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the forward
LVEF
may be superior to the total
LVEF
and
LV
end‐systolic diameter to predict outcomes in patients with primary
MR
. This simple and easily measurable parameter may be useful to improve risk stratification and select the best timing for intervention in patients with primary
MR
.
Prognostic Impact of Subsequent Acute Coronary Syndrome and Unplanned Revascularization on Long‐Term Mortality After an Index Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Report From a Japanese Multicenter Registry
Authors: Inohara Taku , Kohsaka Shun , Miyata Hiroaki , Sawano Mitsuaki , Ueda Ikuko , Maekawa Yuichiro , Fukuda Keiichi , Jones Philip G. , Cohen David J. , Zhao Zhenxiang , Spertus John A. , Smolderen Kim G.
Published: October 2017

Background

Whereas composite end points are often used in clinical trials of percutaneous coronary interventions (
PCI
), the impact of individual components on subsequent survival is incompletely defined. We evaluated the association of subsequent acute coronary syndromes (
ACS
) and unplanned coronary revascularization post‐
PCI
with long‐term survival.

Methods and Results

From 2009 to 2011, the Ki
CS
‐
PCI
(Keio interhospital Cardiovascular Studies) consecutively enrolled patients undergoing
PCI
in 14 Japanese teaching hospitals. We identified patients who experienced
ACS
or unplanned coronary revascularization following their index
PCI
and compared subsequent survival during the 2‐year follow‐up period using propensity‐matched cohorts of patients who did and did not experience these events. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess 2‐year all‐cause mortality. Because unstable angina is less severe than acute myocardial infarction, we also generated a separate propensity‐matched cohort for
UA
post‐
PCI
. Among 3348
PCI
patients (mean age, 67.5±10.7 years; 79.7% male), 214 (6.4%) experienced a subsequent
ACS
(168 events [78.5%] were unstable angina), and 198 (5.9%) underwent unplanned revascularization. In the propensity‐matched cohorts, patients with a subsequent
ACS
admission had an increased risk of mortality as compared with those without (hazard ratio, 4.73; 95% confidence interval=1.35–16.6;
P
=0.015), whereas those with an unplanned revascularization did not have significantly higher risk (hazard ratio, 2.97; 95% confidence interval=0.57–14.3;
P
=0.19). Among unstable angina events, no association with mortality was observed (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval=0.48–4.00;
P
=0.54).

Conclusions

In the Ki
CS
‐
PCI
registry, the incidence of a subsequent
ACS
was associated with higher mortality, but this association was less apparent after unplanned coronary revascularization or unstable angina. The prognostic implications of different outcomes in a composite end point should be considered when interpreting the results of clinical trials in
PCI
.
Attenuated Superoxide Dismutase 2 Activity Induces Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability During Aging in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Vendrov Aleksandr E. , Stevenson Mark D. , Alahari Samthosh , Pan Hua , Wickline Samuel A. , Madamanchi Nageswara R. , Runge Marschall S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Atherosclerosis progression during aging culminates in the development of vulnerable plaques, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Increased generation and/or decreased scavenging of reactive oxygen species in the vascular wall are major contributors to atherogenesis. We previously showed that superoxide dismutase 2 deficiency increased vascular oxidative stress and reduced aortic compliance in aged wild‐type mice and that young
Apoe
−/−
/
Sod2
+/−
had increased mitochondrial
DNA
damage and atherosclerosis versus young
Apoe
−/−
mice. Here we investigated the effects of superoxide dismutase 2 deficiency on atherosclerosis progression and plaque morphology in middle‐aged
Apoe
−/−
mice.

Methods and Results

Compared with
Apoe
−/−
, middle‐aged
Apoe
−/−
/
Sod2
+/−
mice had increased vascular wall reactive oxygen species (
P
<0.05) and higher atherosclerotic lesion area (
P
<0.001). The atherosclerotic plaques in middle‐aged
Apoe
−/−
/
Sod2
+/−
mice had an increased necrotic core with higher inflammatory cell infiltration, a thinned fibrous cap with depleted smooth muscle content, and intraplaque hemorrhage. In addition, the plaque shoulder area had higher levels of calpain‐2, caspase‐3, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 in intimal smooth muscle cells and depleted fibrous cap collagen. Targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species with Mito
TEMPO
attenuated features of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability in middle‐aged
Apoe
−/−
/
Sod2
+/−
mice by lowering expression of calpain‐2, caspase‐3, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and decreasing smooth muscle cell apoptosis and matrix degradation.

Conclusions

Enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress under hyperlipidemic conditions in aging induces plaque instability, in part by increasing smooth muscle cell apoptosis, necrotic core expansion, and matrix degradation. Targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species or its effectors may be a viable therapeutic strategy to prevent aging‐associated and oxidative stress–related atherosclerosis complications.
Associations of Nocturnal Blood Pressure With Cognition by Self‐Identified Race in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: The GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study
Authors: Yano Yuichiro , Butler Kenneth R. , Hall Michael E. , Schwartz Gary L. , Knopman David S. , Lirette Seth T. , Jones Daniel W. , Wilson James G. , Hall John E. , Correa Adolfo , Turner Stephen T. , Mosley Thomas H.
Published: October 2017

Background

Whether the association of blood pressure (
BP
) during sleep (nocturnal
BP
) with cognition differs by race is unknown.

Methods and Results

Participants in the GENOA (Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy) Study underwent ambulatory
BP
measurements, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and cognitive function testing (the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Task, and the Trail Making Test Part B) between 2000 and 2007. We examined multivariable linear regression models of the nocturnal
BP
‐cognition association. Among 755 participants (mean age, 63 years; 64% women; 42% self‐identified black race; 76% taking antihypertensive medication), mean nocturnal systolic
BP
(
SBP
)/diastolic
BP
was 126/69 mm Hg, daytime
SBP
/
diastolic BP
level was 139/82 mm Hg, and mean reduction in
SBP
from day to night (dipping) was 9%. Among the entire sample, a race interaction was observed in Digit Symbol Substitution Task and
Trail Making Test Part B
(both
P
<0.15). Race‐stratified analyses showed that a 1‐
SD
increase in nocturnal
SBP
levels was associated with poorer
Digit Symbol Substitution Task
and log‐transformed
Trail Making Test Part B
scores (unstandardized regression coefficient [95%
confidence interval
]: −1.98 [−3.28 to −0.69] and 0.06 [0.004–0.12]; both
P<
0.05) in black but not white individuals. Additional adjustments for white matter hyperintensity volumes or brain atrophy, measured via brain
magnetic resonance
imaging, did not change the results. Results were similar when nocturnal
SBP
dipping was assessed as the exposure, yet daytime
SBP
levels yielded no association with cognition.

Conclusions

Nocturnal
SBP
measurements may be useful in assessing the potential risk for lower cognitive function in middle‐aged and older adults, particularly in black individuals.
Essentiality of Regulator of G Protein Signaling 6 and Oxidized Ca
2+
/Calmodulin‐Dependent Protein Kinase II in Notch Signaling and Cardiovascular Development
Authors: Chakravarti Bandana , Yang Jianqi , Ahlers‐Dannen Katelin E. , Luo Zili , Flaherty Heather A. , Meyerholz David K. , Anderson Mark E. , Fisher Rory A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects worldwide. Although defective Notch signaling is the major cause of mouse embryonic death from cardiovascular defects, how Notch signaling is regulated during embryonic vasculogenesis and heart development is poorly understood.

Methods and Results

Regulator of G protein signaling 6 (RGS6)
−/−
/Ca
2+
/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)
VV
double mutant mice were developed by crossing
RGS
6
−/−
mice with mice expressing an oxidation‐resistant Ca
MKII
δ (Ca

MKII
VV

), and the resulting embryonic defects/lethality were investigated using E7.5 to E15.5 embryos. While loss of either
RGS
6 or oxidized Ca
MKII
δ does not alter embryogenesis, their combined loss causes defective Notch signaling, severe cardiovascular defects, and embryonic lethality (≈E10.5–11.5). Embryos lacking
RGS
6 and expressing oxidation‐resistant Ca
MKII
δ exhibit reduced myocardial wall thickness, abnormal trabeculation, and arterial specification defects. Double mutants show vascular remodeling defects, including reduced neurovascularization, delayed neural tube maturation, and small dorsal aortae. These striking cardiovascular defects were accompanied by placental and yolk sac defects in angiogenesis, hematopoiesis, and vascular remodeling similar to what is seen with defective Notch1 signaling. Double mutant hearts, embryos, and yolk sacs exhibit profound downregulation of Notch1, Jagged 1, and Notch downstream target genes Hey1, Hey2, and Hey1L as well as impaired Notch1 signaling in embryos/hearts.

Conclusions

RGS
6 and oxidized Ca
MKII
δ together function as novel critical upstream modulators of Notch signaling required for normal cardiovascular development and embryo survival. Their combined need indicates that they function in parallel pathways needed for Notch1 signaling in yolk sac, placenta and embryos. Thus, dysregulated embryonic
RGS
6 expression and oxidative activation of Ca
MKII
may potentially contribute to congenital heart defects.
Swine Atrioventricular Node Ablation Using Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Methods and In Vivo Feasibility Investigation for Catheter‐Free Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Refaat Marwan M. , Ballout Jad A. , Zakka Patrick , Hotait Mostafa , Al Feghali Karine A. , Gheida Ibrahim Abu , Saade Charbel , Hourani Mukbil , Geara Fady , Tabbal Malek , Sfeir Pierre , Jalbout Wassim , Al‐Jaroudi Wael , Jurjus Abdo , Youssef Bassem
Published: October 2017

Background

Linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery delivered to cardiac arrhythmogenic foci could be a promising catheter‐free ablation modality. We tested the feasibility of in vivo atrioventricular (
AV
) node ablation in swine using stereotactic radiosurgery.

Methods and Results

Five Large White breed swine (weight 40–75 kg; 4 females) were studied. Single‐chamber St Jude pacemakers were implanted in each pig. The pigs were placed under general anesthesia, and coronary/cardiac computed tomography simulation scans were performed to localize the
AV
node. Cone beam computed tomography was used for target positioning. Stereotactic radiosurgery doses ranging from 35 to 40 Gy were delivered by a linear accelerator to the
AV
node, and the pigs were followed up with weekly pacemaker interrogations to observe for potential electrocardiographic changes. Once changes were observed, the pigs were euthanized, and pathology specimens of various tissues, including the
AV
node and tissues surrounding the
AV
node, were taken to study the effects of radiation. All 5 pigs had disturbances of
AV
conduction with progressive transition into complete heart block. Macroscopic inspection did not reveal damage to the myocardium, and pigs had preserved systolic function on echocardiography. Immunostaining revealed fibrosis in the target region of the
AV
node, whereas no fibrosis was detected in the nontargeted regions.

Conclusions

Catheter‐free radioablation using linear accelerator–based stereotactic radiosurgery is feasible in an intact swine model.
No Racial Difference in Rehabilitation Therapy Across All Post-Acute Care Settings in the Year Following a Stroke
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Feng Chunyang , Burke James F.
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose—

Black stroke survivors experience greater poststroke disability than whites. Differences in post-acute rehabilitation may contribute to this disparity. Therefore, we estimated racial differences in rehabilitation therapy utilization, intensity, and the number of post-acute care settings in the first year after a stroke.

Methods—

We used national Medicare data to study 186 168 elderly black and white patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of stroke in 2011. We tabulated the proportion of stroke survivors receiving physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy in each post-acute care setting (inpatient rehabilitation facility, skilled nursing facility, and home health agency), minutes of therapy, and number of transitions between settings. We then used generalized linear models to determine whether racial differences in minutes of physical therapy were influenced by demographics, comorbidities, thrombolysis, and markers of stroke severity.

Results—

Black stroke patients were more likely to receive each type of therapy than white stroke patients. Compared with white stroke patients, black stroke patients received more minutes of physical therapy (897.8 versus 743.4;
P
<0.01), occupational therapy (752.7 versus 648.9;
P
<0.01), and speech and language therapy (865.7 versus 658.1;
P
<0.01). There were no clinically significant differences in physical therapy minutes after adjustment. Blacks had more transitions (median, 3; interquartile range, 1–5) than whites (median, 2; interquartile range, 1–5;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

There are no clinically significant racial differences in rehabilitation therapy utilization or intensity after accounting for patient characteristics. It is unlikely that differences in rehabilitation utilization or intensity are important contributors to racial disparities in poststroke disability.
New names of fossil Rubus (Rosaceae)
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: October 2017

The nomenclature of some fossil homonyms of Rubus is resolved. Fossil Rubus acutiformis M.Chandler, being an illegitimate later homonym of extant R. ×acutiformis Schmidely, is re-named as R. chandlerae nom. nov. R. alnifolius Fotjanova (fossil) is replaced by a new name R. fotjanovae nom. nov., because of the earlier homonym, R. alnifolius Rydberg (extant). Rubus brevis Nikitin (fossil) is replaced by a new name R. laticarpus nom. nov., because of the earlier homonym, R. brevis Gremli (extant). Rubus mammuthicus nom. nov. is proposed to replace the later homonym R. decipiens Nikitin (fossil) non R. decipiens Müller nec R. decipiens Foerster nom. illeg. (extant). Rubus nikitinii nom. nov. is proposed instead of the later homonym R. pygmaeus Nikitin (fossil) non R. pygmaeus Weihe & Nees ex Bluff & Fingerhuth (extant). Rubus aralioides Negru (fossil) is replaced by a new name R. novorossicus nom. nov., because of the earlier homonym, R. aralioides Hance (extant). A new name is proposed for the illegitimate later fossil homonym R. minor Nikitin non Kuntze (extant) (R. tobolicus nom. nov.).
New records of Solenocera barunajaya Crosnier, 1994 and Solenocera rathbuni Ramadan, 1938 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Penaeoidea) from the southwest coast of India
Authors: PURUSHOTHAMAN P. , CHAKRABORTY REKHA DEVI , MAHESWARUDU G. , KUBERAN G.
Published: October 2017

The genus Solenocera Lucas, 1849 consist of 43 species, most with commercial importance and occurring in offshore, deeper waters (Pérez Farfante & Kensley 1997; De Grave & Fransen 2011). Twelve species in the genus Solenocera were reported from India, with a few contributing to the regular fishery (S. crassicornis, S. choprai, and S. hextii), and others seldom captured (S.alfonso, S.alticarinata, S.annectens, S.halli, S.koelbeli, S.melantho, S.pectinata, S.pectinulata and S.waltairensis). Members of the Solenoceridae are identified based on the key taxonomic characters of the genitalia and the cephalothorax. Major taxonomic references on solenocerids include Crosnier (1978, 1989), Perez Farfante (1977), and Dall (1999). Specimens are deposited in the Marine Biodiversity Museum at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kerala (CMFRI).
A new Caryophyllaceae-feeding species of Macrosiphum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Republic of Georgia, and a redescription of Macrosiphum hartigi Hille Ris Lambers
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , BARBAGALLO SEBASTIANO , BLACKMAN ROGER , ÖZDEMIR IŞIL
Published: October 2017

Apterous and alate viviparous females and the alate males of Macrosiphum eastopi Barjadze & Blackman sp. n. living on Oberna multifida Ikonn. (=Silene multifida Rohrb.) (Caryophyllaceae) are described from the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus). Type specimens are deposited at the Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University (IZISU), Tbilisi, Georgia; the Natural History Museum (BMNH), London, U.K.; and the University of Catania (UCI), Sicily, Italy. Apterous and alate viviparous females of its close relative M. hartigi Hille Ris Lambers, 1947, living on Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke and Stellaria holostea L. (Caryophyllaceae) are redescribed, based on co-types and other material from Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. The hitherto unknown fundatrix, oviparous females and alate males of M. hartigi are described from Italy and Switzerland. Macrosiphum eastopi sp. n. is differentiated from the morphologically similar M. hartigi and compared with other Macrosiphum species living on Caryophyllaceae. A key is provided to apterous viviparous females of all aphid species recorded on Oberna multifida.
New replacement name for Tricella Catalano & Dietrich, 2017 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: CATALANO MARÍA INÉS , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H.
Published: October 2017

We recently established the leafhopper genus Tricella with the type species Tricella antonellae from Ecuador (Catalano & Dietrich 2017). Unfortunately, Tricella n.gen is junior homonym of Tricella Daniels, 1975 (Diptera). Therefore, we propose a new replacement name Carpaneura nom. nov. for Tricella Catalano & Dietrich, 2017 as required by Article 60 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. The genus is named in honor of the first author's husband, Pablo Carpane. The name combines his family name with the suffix of the type genus of the tribe and is treated as a feminine noun. Replacement of the junior homonym also requires the following new combination for the originally designated type species: Carpaneura antonellae (Catalano & Dietrich), comb. nov.
A new species of the genus Madecorphnus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Orphninae) from Madagascar
Authors: FROLOV ANDREY V. , SMITH ANDREW B.T. , AKHMETOVA LILIA A.
Published: October 2017

Madagascar has a unique and diverse Orphninae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) fauna with four genera and 39 described species (Paulian 1977, Frolov et al. 2016). Half of these species belong to the genus Madecorphnus Paulian, 1992 (Paulian 1992, Frolov 2010a,b, 2012, 2014). The purpose of this paper is to describe a new species of Madecorphnus and provide a new record for M. dentatus Frolov, 2010.