bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top Partner Production at e+e- Collider in the Littlest Higgs Model with T-Parity
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Yang Bingfang
Published: August 2017

In the framework of the littlest Higgs Model with T-parity, we discuss the top partner production at future e+e- collider. We calculate the cross sections of the top partner production processes and associated production processes of Higgs and top partner under current constraints. Then, we investigate the observability of the T-odd top partner pair production through the process e+e-→T-T¯-→tt¯AHAH in the tt¯ dilepton channel for two T-odd top partner masses mT-=603  (708) GeV at s=1.5 TeV. We analyze the signal significance depending on the integrated luminosity and find that this signal is promising at the future high energy e+e- collider.
Lipolymphedema Associated with Idiopathic Cyclic Edema: A Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Jose Maria , Pereira de Godoy Henrique Jose , de Sene Souza Aline Aparecida , Budtinger Filho Ricardo , de Fatima Guerreiro Godoy Maria
Published: August 2017

Idiopathic cyclic edema is a type of generalized edema that mainly affects women. Diagnosis is made by the patient’s clinical history and an evaluation of the accumulation of weight during the day. The objective of this study is to report the clinical control of lymphedema associated with idiopathic cyclic edema using calcium dobesilate. A 55-year-old female patient reported generalized edema for years in that she woke up in the morning with her legs swollen and the edema worsened during the day. The physical examination revealed generalized edema. After four days of treatment with calcium dobesilate, the patient returned to the Clínica Godoy, Brazil, with less edema and reductions in body weight and the amount of extracellular and intracellular fluid. With further treatment, there was a total reduction of the edema. It is concluded that calcium dobesilate helps to control lymphedema secondary to idiopathic cyclic edema.
Social Interaction and the City: The Effect of Space on the Reduction of Entropy
Authors: Netto Vinicius M. , Meirelles Joao , Ribeiro Fabiano L.
Published: August 2017

How can individual acts amount to coherent systems of interaction? In this paper, we attempt to answer this key question by suggesting that there is a place for cities in the way we coordinate seemingly chaotic decisions. We look into the elementary processes of social interaction exploring a particular concept, “social entropy,” or how social systems deal with uncertainty and unpredictability in the transition from individual actions to systems of interaction. Examining possibilities that (i) actions rely on informational differences latent in their environments and that (ii) the city itself is an information environment to actions, we propose that (iii) space becomes a form of creating differences in the probabilities of interaction. We investigate this process through simulations of distinct material scenarios, to find that space is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the reduction of entropy. Finally, we suggest that states and fluctuations of entropy are a vital part of social reproduction and reveal a deep connection between social, informational, and spatial systems.
A Mathematical Programming Approach to Brand Efficiency of Smartphones in the US Market
Authors: Hung Shiu-Wan , Chou Han-Chung , Lu Wen-Min , Wang Shi-Xiao
Published: August 2017

This study applied mathematical programming approach to investigate the brand efficiency of smartphone brands by collecting data of 2013–2015 from Consumer Report. The brand efficiency was completed by employing the slack‐based measure in data envelopment analysis. The degree of inefficiency of each brand was evaluated, and each brand’s metatechnology ratio was calculated using the metafrontier concept. The results revealed that the sampled smartphone brands reach the highest average brand efficiency in 2013, where Apple exhibited the highest brand efficiency among the sampled brands. The high brand efficiency in 2013 was attributed to the small number of product types at beginning of the growth period of smartphones. Finally, this study examined the efficiency of smartphone brands among four major telecommunications operators in the United States. It was found that Apple demonstrated the highest efficiency with all four operators, while no significant difference was noted among operators and smartphone brands.
Electromagnetic Interference from Swimming Pool Generator Current Causing Inappropriate ICD Discharges
Authors: Roberto Edward Samuel , Aung Thein Tun , Hassan Atif , Wase Abdul
Published: August 2017

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) includes any electromagnetic field signal that can be detected by device circuitry, with potentially serious consequences: incorrect sensing, pacing, device mode switching, and defibrillation. This is a unique case of extracardiac EMI by alternating current leakage from a submerged motor used to recycle chlorinated water, resulting in false rhythm detection and inappropriate ICD discharge. A 31-year-old female with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and Medtronic dual-chamber ICD placement presented after several inappropriate ICD shocks at the public swimming pool. Patient had never received prior shocks and device was appropriate at all regular follow-ups. Intracardiac electrograms revealed unique, high-frequency signals at exactly 120 msec suggestive of EMI from a strong external source of alternating current. Electrical artifact was incorrectly sensed as a ventricular arrhythmia which resulted in discharge. ICD parameters including sensing, pacing thresholds, and impedance were all normal suggesting against device malfunction. With device failure and intracardiac sources excluded, EMI was therefore strongly suspected. Avoidance of EMI source brought complete resolution with no further inappropriate shocks. After exclusion of intracardiac interference, device malfunction, and abnormal settings, extracardiac etiologies such as EMI must be thoughtfully considered and excluded. Elimination of inappropriate shocks is to “first, do no harm.”
Trajectory Optimization Based on Multi‐Interval Mesh Refinement Method
Authors: Li Ningbo , Lei Humin , Shao Lei , Liu Tao , Wang Bin
Published: August 2017

In order to improve the optimization accuracy and convergence rate for trajectory optimization of the air‐to‐air missile, a multi‐interval mesh refinement Radau pseudospectral method was introduced. This method made the mesh endpoints converge to the practical nonsmooth points and decreased the overall collocation points to improve convergence rate and computational efficiency. The trajectory was divided into four phases according to the working time of engine and handover of midcourse and terminal guidance, and then the optimization model was built. The multi‐interval mesh refinement Radau pseudospectral method with different collocation points in each mesh interval was used to solve the trajectory optimization model. Moreover, this method was compared with traditional h method. Simulation results show that this method can decrease the dimensionality of nonlinear programming (NLP) problem and therefore improve the efficiency of pseudospectral methods for solving trajectory optimization problems.
Efficient Estimator of a Finite Population Mean Using Two Auxiliary Variables and Numerical Application in Agricultural, Biomedical, and Power Engineering
Authors: Lu Jingli
Published: August 2017

To improve the efficiency of an estimator with two auxiliary variables, we propose a new estimator of a finite population mean under simple random sampling. The bias and mean square error expressions of the proposed estimator have been obtained. In a comparison study, we found that the new estimator was consistently better than those of Abu‐Dayyeh et al., Kadilar and Cingi, and Malik and Singh, as well as the regression estimator using two auxiliary variables, and that the minimum MSE values of the previous three above reported estimators were equal. We used four numerical examples in agricultural, biomedical, and power engineering to support these theoretical results, thus enriching the theory of survey samples by the development of new estimators with two auxiliary variables.
Prediction Model of Collapse Risk Based on Information Entropy and Distance Discriminant Analysis Method
Authors: He Hujun , An Le , Liu Wei , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2017

The prediction and risk classification of collapse is an important issue in the process of highway construction in mountainous regions. Based on the principles of information entropy and Mahalanobis distance discriminant analysis, we have produced a collapse hazard prediction model. We used the entropy measure method to reduce the influence indexes of the collapse activity and extracted the nine main indexes affecting collapse activity as the discriminant factors of the distance discriminant analysis model (i.e., slope shape, aspect, gradient, and height, along with exposure of the structural face, stratum lithology, relationship between weakness face and free face, vegetation cover rate, and degree of rock weathering). We employ postearthquake collapse data in relation to construction of the Yingxiu‐Wolong highway, Hanchuan County, China, as training samples for analysis. The results were analyzed using the back substitution estimation method, showing high accuracy and no errors, and were the same as the prediction result of uncertainty measure. Results show that the classification model based on information entropy and distance discriminant analysis achieves the purpose of index optimization and has excellent performance, high prediction accuracy, and a zero false‐positive rate. The model can be used as a tool for future evaluation of collapse risk.
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived TSC2-Haploinsufficient Smooth Muscle Cells Recapitulate Features of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Julian Lisa M. , Delaney Sean P. , Wang Ying , Goldberg Alexander A. , Doré Carole , Yockell-Lelièvre Julien , Tam Roger Y. , Giannikou Krinio , McMurray Fiona , Shoichet Molly S. , Harper Mary-Ellen , Henske Elizabeth P. , Kwiatkowski David J. , Darling Thomas N. , Moss Joel , Kristof Arnold S. , Stanford William L.
Published: August 2017

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a progressive destructive neoplasm of the lung associated with inactivating mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 tumor suppressor genes. Cell or animal models that accurately reflect the pathology of LAM have been challenging to develop. Here, we generated a robust human cell model of LAM by reprogramming TSC2 mutation–bearing fibroblasts from a patient with both tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and LAM (TSC-LAM) into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), followed by selection of cells that resemble those found in LAM tumors by unbiased in vivo differentiation. We established expandable cell lines under smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth conditions that retained a patient-specific genomic TSC2+/− mutation and recapitulated the molecular and functional characteristics of pulmonary LAM cells. These include multiple indicators of hyperactive mTORC1 signaling, presence of specific neural crest and SMC markers, expression of VEGF-D and female sex hormone receptors, reduced autophagy, and metabolic reprogramming. Intriguingly, the LAM-like features of these cells suggest that haploinsufficiency at the TSC2 locus contributes to LAM pathology, and demonstrated that iPSC reprogramming and SMC lineage differentiation of somatic patient cells with germline mutations was a viable approach to generate LAM-like cells. The patient-derived SMC lines we have developed thus represent a novel cellular model of LAM that can advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and develop therapeutic strategies against LAM. Cancer Res; 77(20); 5491–502. ©2017 AACR.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Vitamin D–Related Genes May Modify Vitamin D–Breast Cancer Associations
Authors: O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , Kinyamu H. Karimi , Taylor Jack A. , Weinberg Clarice R.
Published: August 2017

Background: We previously observed that high serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D; >38.0 ng/mL) was inversely associated with breast cancer. Here, we examined effect modification by SNPs in vitamin D–related genes.

Methods: The Sister Study enrolled 50,884 U.S. women who had a sister with breast cancer, but who had never had breast cancer themselves. Using a case–cohort design, we compared 1,524 women who developed breast cancer within 5 years to 1,810 randomly selected participants. We estimated ratios of HRs (RHRs) for the 25(OH)D–breast cancer association per copy of the minor allele using Cox proportional hazards models. We considered 82 SNPs in 7 vitamin D–related genes (CYP24A1, CYP27B1, CYP2R1, GC, DHCR7/NADSYN1, RXRA, and VDR). We also tested gene-based interactions with 25(OH)D.

Results: The SNP with the smallest interaction P value was rs4328262 in VDR (P = 0.0008); the 25(OH)D HR was 0.92 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68–1.24] among those homozygous for the common allele, and the minor allele was estimated to decrease the HR by 33% per copy (RHR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.53–0.85). Five other VDR SNPs showed evidence of interaction at P < 0.05, as did one SNP in CYP2R1 and one in RXRA. As a group, the 82 SNPs showed evidence of multiplicative interaction with 25(OH)D (P = 0.04). In gene-based tests, only VDR showed strong evidence of interaction (P = 0.04).

Conclusions: SNPs in vitamin D–related genes may modify the association between serum 25(OH)D and breast cancer.

Impact: This work strengthens the evidence for protective effects of vitamin D. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(12); 1761–71. ©2017 AACR.
Deletion of 11q in Neuroblastomas Drives Sensitivity to PARP Inhibition
Authors: Sanmartín Elena , Muñoz Lisandra , Piqueras Marta , Sirerol J. Antoni , Berlanga Pablo , Cañete Adela , Castel Victoria , Font de Mora Jaime
Published: August 2017

Purpose: Despite advances in multimodal therapy, neuroblastomas with hemizygous deletion in chromosome 11q (20%–30%) undergo consecutive recurrences with poor outcome. We hypothesized that patients with 11q-loss may share a druggable molecular target(s) that can be exploited for a precision medicine strategy to improve treatment outcome.

Experimental Design: SNP arrays were combined with next-generation sequencing (NGS) to precisely define the deleted region in 17 primary 11q-loss neuroblastomas and identify allelic variants in genes relevant for neuroblastoma etiology. We assessed PARP inhibitor olaparib in combination with other chemotherapy medications using both in vitro and in vivo models.

Results: We detected that ATM haploinsufficiency and ATM allelic variants are common genetic hallmarks of 11q-loss neuroblastomas. On the basis of the distinct DNA repair pathways triggered by ATM and PARP, we postulated that 11q-loss may define a subgroup of neuroblastomas with higher sensitivity to PARP inhibitors. Noteworthy, concomitant treatment with olaparib and DNA alkylating agent temozolomide potently inhibited growth of cell lines harboring 11q-loss. This drug synergism was less potent when temozolomide was exchanged for cisplatin or irinotecan. Intact 11q cells concomitantly treated with ATM inhibitor displayed growth arrest and enhanced apoptosis, revealing a role for ATM in the mechanism that mediates sensitivity to temozolomide–olaparib. Interestingly, functional TP53 is required for efficacy of this treatment. In an in vivo model, coadministration of temozolomide–olaparib resulted in sustained xenograft regression.

Conclusions: Our findings reveal a potent synergism between temozolomide and olaparib in treatment of neuroblastomas with 11q-loss and provide a rationale for further clinical investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6875–87. ©2017 AACR.
Impact of Therapy on Genomics and Transcriptomics in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Docetaxel and Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Beltran Himisha , Wyatt Alexander W. , Chedgy Edmund C. , Donoghue Adam , Annala Matti , Warner Evan W. , Beja Kevin , Sigouros Michael , Mo Fan , Fazli Ladan , Collins Colin C. , Eastham James , Morris Michael , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Sboner Andrea , Halabi Susan , Gleave Martin E.
Published: August 2017

Purpose: The combination of docetaxel chemotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has become a standard treatment for patients with metastatic prostate cancer. The recently accrued phase III CALGB 90203 trial was designed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of this treatment approach earlier in the disease. Specimens from this trial offer a unique opportunity to interrogate the acute molecular response to docetaxel and ADT and identify potential biomarkers.

Experimental Design: We evaluated baseline clinical data, needle biopsies, and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from 52 (of 788) patients enrolled on CALGB 90203 at one high volume center. Pathology review, tumor and germline-targeted DNA sequencing (n = 72 genes), and expression profiling using NanoString platform (n = 163 genes) were performed to explore changes in critical prostate cancer pathways linked to aggression and resistance.

Results: Three of 52 patients had only microfocal residual cancer at prostatectomy. The most common alterations included TMPRSS2-ERG fusion (n = 32), TP53 mutation or deletion (n = 11), PTEN deletion (n = 6), FOXA1 (n = 6), and SPOP (n = 4) mutation, with no significant enrichment in posttreated specimens. We did not observe AR amplification or mutations. The degree of AR signaling suppression varied among treated tumors and there was upregulation of both AR and AR-V7 expression as well as a subset of neuroendocrine and plasticity genes.

Conclusions: These data support the feasibility of targeted and temporal genomic and transcriptome profiling of neoadjuvant-treated prostate cancer with limited formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue requirement. Characterization of the heterogeneity of treatment response and molecular outliers that arise posttreatment provides new insight into potential early markers of resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6802–11. ©2017 AACR.
Constitutive Signaling from an Engineered IL7 Receptor Promotes Durable Tumor Elimination by Tumor-Redirected T Cells
Authors: Shum Thomas , Omer Bilal , Tashiro Haruko , Kruse Robert L. , Wagner Dimitrios L. , Parikh Kathan , Yi Zhongzhen , Sauer Tim , Liu Daofeng , Parihar Robin , Castillo Paul , Liu Hao , Brenner Malcolm K. , Metelitsa Leonid S. , Gottschalk Stephen , Rooney Cliona M.
Published: August 2017

Successful adoptive T-cell immunotherapy of solid tumors will require improved expansion and cytotoxicity of tumor-directed T cells within tumors. Providing recombinant or transgenic cytokines may produce the desired benefits but is associated with significant toxicities, constraining clinical use. To circumvent this limitation, we constructed a constitutively signaling cytokine receptor, C7R, which potently triggers the IL7 signaling axis but is unresponsive to extracellular cytokine. This strategy augments modified T-cell function following antigen exposure, but avoids stimulating bystander lymphocytes. Coexpressing the C7R with a tumor-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) increased T-cell proliferation, survival, and antitumor activity during repeated exposure to tumor cells, without T-cell dysfunction or autonomous T-cell growth. Furthermore, C7R-coexpressing CAR T cells were active against metastatic neuroblastoma and orthotopic glioblastoma xenograft models even at cell doses that had been ineffective without C7R support. C7R may thus be able to enhance antigen-specific T-cell therapies against cancer.

Significance: The constitutively signaling C7R system developed here delivers potent IL7 stimulation to CAR T cells, increasing their persistence and antitumor activity against multiple preclinical tumor models, supporting its clinical development. Cancer Discov; 7(11); 1238–47. ©2017 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1201
Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Esophagus: An NCDB-Based Investigation on Comparative Features and Overall Survival in a Rare Tumor
Authors: Evans Michael , Liu Yuan , Chen Chuqing , Steuer Conor , Cassidy III Richard , Landry Jerome , Higgins Kristin , Beitler Jonathan J. , Willingham Field , Owonikoko Taofeek Kunle , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Shin Dong Moon , Jegadeesh Naresh Kumar , El-Rayes Bassel , Fernandez Felix , Krasinskas Alyssa M. , Gillespie Theresa , Saba Nabil F.
Published: August 2017

Objectives: Esophageal adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare tumor with characteristics of adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common esophageal cancers. Its behavior is aggressive but poorly understood. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), the clinical features and overall survival of ASC were compared with AC and SCC. Methods: The NCDB was queried for patients with esophageal ASC, AC, and SCC. Univariate association of histology with patient characteristics and overall survival were analyzed and socioeconomic characteristics were balanced. Results: Clinical M stage was 0 in a significantly lower proportion of ASC (69.0%) than in AC (70.9%) or SCC (75.6%) (p < 0.001). Median survival was lower in patients with ASC (9.6 months) than with AC (13.5) or SCC (9.7) and 2-year OS was lower in patients with ASC (23.8%) than with AC (34.6%) or SCC (26.5%) (p < 0.001). The OS hazard ratio for ASC was 1.14 when compared to AC (95% CI = 1.016-1.267, p = 0.025) and 1.10 when compared to SCC, but the latter was not significant (95% CI = 0.980-1.222, p = 0.111). Conclusion: ASC is a rare tumor among esophageal carcinomas with a greater burden of metastatic disease than AC or SCC and worse OS than AC.
Granular Cell Tumor Located in the Bulbar Subconjunctival Space
Authors: Marback Eduardo F. , Studart Eduardo , Espinheira Fonseca Jr. Luciano , Marback Roberto L.
Published: August 2017

Aim: To report an unusual case of granular cell tumor. Methods: Case report. Results: A 14-year-old male presented with a bulbar conjunctival yellowish nonmovable mass, in the left eye. The tumor was removed and histopathologic evaluation revealed a granular cell tumor. Conclusion: Granular cell tumor can occur at the bulbar subconjunctival space.
Histopathology of the Human Inner Ear in the Cogan Syndrome with Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Kamakura Takefumi , Lee Daniel J. , Herrmann Barbara S. , Nadol Jr. Joseph B.
Published: August 2017

The Cogan syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by nonsyphilitic interstitial keratitis and audiovestibular symptoms. Profound sensorineural hearing loss has been reported in approximately half of the patients with the Cogan syndrome resulting in candidacy for cochlear implantation in some patients. The current study is the first histopathologic report on the temporal bones of a patient with the Cogan syndrome who during life underwent bilateral cochlear implantation. Preoperative MRI revealed tissue with high density in the basal turns of both cochleae and both vestibular systems consistent with fibrous tissue due to labyrinthitis. Histopathology demonstrated fibrous tissue and new bone formation within the cochlea and vestibular apparatus, worse on the right. Severe degeneration of the vestibular end organs and new bone formation in the labyrinth were seen more on the right than on the left. Although severe bilateral degeneration of the spiral ganglion neurons was seen, especially on the right, the postoperative word discrimination score was between 50 and 60% bilaterally. Impedance measures were generally higher in the right ear, possibly related to more fibrous tissue and new bone found in the scala tympani on the right side.
Group Composition and Monandry in Grizzled Langurs, Presbytis comata, on Java
Authors: Nijman Vincent
Published: August 2017

Grizzled langurs, Presbytis comata, a largely sexually monomorphic species, are reported to occur in populations where either the majority of groups comprise 1 adult male with 1 adult female, or where groups comprise 1 adult male with multiple females. As such, they may have a monandrous mating system. I investigated whether 1-male/1-female groups indeed form a significant part of the species' social system, and whether habitat variation (forest fragment size, distance to the forest edge, altitude) affects social organization. I found the species from sea level to 2,565 m above sea level in groups from 1 to 13 individuals. I recorded mostly 1-male/multifemale groups with offspring or, alternatively, all-male groups. Two out of 55 groups comprised 1-male/1-female groups with offspring. Group size was negatively correlated with altitude and forest fragment size, and positively correlated with increasing distance from the forest edge. Altitudinal variation in group sizes was driven mainly by fewer adult females being present in groups at higher elevations; the number of adult males (almost invariably 1), subadults, juveniles, and infants, as well as the infant/adult female ratio, showed little altitudinal variation. One-male/1-female groups have been recorded repeatedly over a 25-year period in a high-altitude population on Mt. Patuha, West Java, but even here, on average, three fifths of the groups comprise 1 adult male with multiple females. At high-altitude sites, P. comata may indeed have a monandrous mating system, but at lower elevations it seems similar to that of other Presbytis langurs.
Abrupt Decline in a Protected Population of Siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) in Southern Sumatra
Authors: Lappan Susan , Sibarani Marsya , Rustiati Ely L. , Andayani Noviar
Published: August 2017

Between 2011 and 2016, approximately 50% of siamangs in the Way Canguk Research Area disappeared, including members of 7 of 12 habituated groups. Demographic data from 1998 to 2015 confirm that the population decline in the habituated groups reflects a larger trend in the local population. There was no evidence of hunting of primates in the area, and ecological data do not suggest substantial changes in food availability or predation pressure during this period. From 2011 to 2014, we monitored the habituated groups only intermittently, and most deaths or disappearances were not observed. However, in 2014-2016, we monitored some groups more intensively, and observed 2 individuals with symptoms including whitened skin on the face, hands, and abdomen, hair loss, swelling of the face, frequent scratching, and lethargy. One affected individual disappeared days after this observation, while the other survived. The spatiotemporal pattern of disappearances in the habituated groups was consistent with that expected if the deaths resulted from disease transmission among neighbouring groups. Thus, the available evidence, while preliminary, suggests that a local disease epizootic may have been a factor driving the population decline. We recommend that researchers establish monitoring protocols to better understand primate disease epidemiology and to guide conservation management.
Clinical Impact of Aprepitant in Patients Receiving High-Dose Chemotherapy prior to Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Nakamura Ayumi , Kojima Yuki , Miyazawa Kenji , Matsumoto Syuichi , Iida Hiroatsu , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: August 2017

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cost benefits of the administration of aprepitant for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) during high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who received HDCT at our institution between January 2009 and December 2013. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed using direct medical costs. Results: We identified a total of 38 patients (27 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 11 with multiple myeloma). Thirteen patients received aprepitant and granisetron (aprepitant group) for CINV prophylaxis, whereas 25 patients received granisetron only (non-aprepitant group). The incidence of severe nausea (≥grade 3) was significantly lower in the aprepitant group than in the non-aprepitant group (p = 0.039). The total mean cost per patient during hospitalization, excluding the cost of HDCT and transplantation, was USD 10,941.8 in the aprepitant group and USD 14,577.2 in the non-aprepitant group (p = 0.041). This cost benefit reflected reductions in the costs of hospitalization, transfusion, and infection treatment. Conclusions: Our data indicated that the addition of aprepitant for CINV prophylaxis during HDCT reduced the incidence of severe nausea and might also provide economic benefit in the overall management of HDCT prior to autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
Cortical Functional Connections and Fluid Intelligence in Adolescent APOE ε4 Carriers
Authors: Woo Minjung , Kim Yujin
Published: August 2017

Aims: This study examined differences in corticocortical communication between adolescent ε4 carriers (ε4+) and noncarriers (ε4-) during a fluid intelligence task (Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal Intelligence [CTONI]). Methods: Sixteen ε4+ and 20 ε4- individuals aged 13-15 years performed the CTONI while real-time EEG signals were acquired. Inter- and intrahemispheric coherences were analyzed. Results: The ε4+ subjects exhibited lower inter- and intrahemispheric coherences than the ε4- individuals. Conclusion: ε4 carriers have lower corticocortical communication than noncarriers during an intelligence task, implying that carrying the ε4 allele may reduce brain networking in adolescence, several decades before the onset of Alzheimer disease.
Effects of Incubation Temperature on the Expression of Sex-Related Genes in the Chinese Pond Turtle, Mauremys reevesii
Authors: Tang Wen-Qi , Mu Yi , Valenzuela Nicole , Du Wei-Guo
Published: August 2017

Despite widespread temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in reptiles, it is still unclear how the molecular network responds to temperature variation and drives the sexual fate. Profiling of sex-related genes is the first step in understanding the sex determination system in reptiles. In this study, we cloned the full-length coding sequences of Cyp19a1, Foxl2, Rspo1, Sf1, and Sox9 in an Asian freshwater turtle (Mauremys reevesii) with TSD and identified the expression patterns of these genes and Dmrt1 at different incubation temperatures to understand their roles in urogenital development. Our results showed that Cyp19a1, Foxl2, and Rspo1 were expressed in the adrenal-kidney-gonadal complex at a high level in females, while Sf1 and Dmrt1 were highly expressed in males. In addition, Foxl2 and Rspo1 showed sex-dimorphic expression in the presumed early thermosensitive period (TSP), Dmrt1 was upregulated at the beginning of the presumed TSP, and Sox9 did not show sex-dimorphic expression until the end of the presumed TSP. These results suggest that Foxl2 and Rspo1 are probably upstream genes involved in female sex determination and that Dmrt1 may be a key factor in male sex determination. Therefore, our study provides a solid foundation for further investigations on the molecular mechanism underlying sex determination in M. reevesii.
Combined Extensive Esophageal Squamous Papillomas and Florid Cardiac Gland Hyperplasia in a Patient with Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Suganuma Takanori , Yoon Han-Seung
Published: August 2017

We report a rare case of extensive esophageal squamous papillomas (ESPs) involving the entire esophagus and florid cardiac gland hyperplasia involving only the lower esophagus in a 39-year-old woman with heartburn and epigastric distress for the past 2 years. Previous esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed multiple ESPs involving the entire esophagus extending 38 cm from the esophageal orifice to the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). Additionally, prominent cardiac gland hyperplasia over the esophageal posterior wall was exhibited extending 12 cm from the mid-esophagus to the EGJ. A biopsy obtained from the ESP area showed typical squamous papillomas and cardiac gland hyperplasia with no evidence of koilocytosis or malignancy. Polymerase chain reaction was negative for a variety of human papilloma virus DNAs. Subsequently, Siewert type II gastric cancer with submucosal elevation of the stomach was detected at the EGJ. Endoscopy showed a 20-mm-thick lesion appearing to extend to the muscularis propria; subsequent biopsy showed invasive adenocarcinoma. Total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection, splenectomy, and Roux-en-Y reconstruction were performed for the EGJ cancer. The patient died from widespread multiorgan metastasis within 2 years following surgery.
Nedaplatin as a Single-Agent Chemotherapy May Support Palliative Therapy for Patients with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Hirakawa Hiroyuki , Kiba Takayoshi , Saito Yuko , Watanabe Yoshiteru , Suzuki Takahiro  , Ota Nobuo
Published: August 2017

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare form of adenocarcinoma, which is a broad term describing any cancer that begins in the glandular tissues. It can be found in the head and neck. We report a patient with recurrent ACC arising from the submandibular gland, treated with 100 mg/m2 nedaplatin every 4 weeks. Although our patient’s lactate dehydrogenase levels, which is produced by ACC, showed a rising trend throughout the treatment, the level decreased for approximately 2 weeks immediately after administration of nedaplatin every 4 weeks. Thus, there is a possibility that the agent may be effective. Complications such as anorexia and nausea were observed, but they were tolerated and manageable. Nedaplatin may be considered as a supportive agent during palliative therapy for patients with ACC. More clinical trials regarding nedaplatin are necessary, as this study may indicate that a medical approach works well for ACC.
Role of Stat3 Signaling in Control of EMT of Tubular Epithelial Cells During Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Jingsong , Zhong Ying , Liu Guoyong , Zhang Xiaobai , Xiao Bofei , Huang Shang , Liu Hong , He Liyu
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1) plays a critical role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) during renal injury, a major cause of acute renal failure, renal fibrosis and obstructive nephropathy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we addressed this question. Methods: Expression of TGFβ1, Snail, and phosphorylated Stat3 was examined by immunohistochemistry in the kidney after induction of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. In vitro, primary TECs were purified by flow cytometry, and then challenged with TGFβ1 with/without presence of specific inhibitors for phosphorylation of SMAD3 or Stat3. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting. Results: We detected significant increases in Snail and phosphorylated Stat3, an activated form for Stat3, in the kidney after induction of UUO in mice. In vitro, TGFβ1-challenged primary TECs upregulated Snail, in a SMAD3/Stat3 dependent manner. Conclusion: Our study sheds light on the mechanism underlying the EMT of TECs after renal injury, and suggests Stat3 signaling as a promising innovative therapeutic target for prevention of renal fibrosis.
Addressing the Social Needs of Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Schoenthaler Antoinette , Knafl George J. , Fiscella Kevin , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: August 2017

Background—

Poor medication adherence is a pervasive problem in patients with hypertension. Despite research documenting an association between patient–provider communication and medication adherence, there are no empirical data on how the informational and relational aspects of communication affect patient’s actual medication-taking behaviors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of patient–provider communication on medication adherence among a sample of primary care providers and their black and white hypertensive patients.

Methods and Results—

Cohort study included 92 hypertensive patients and 27 providers in 3 safety-net primary care practices in New York City. Patient–provider encounters were audiotaped at baseline and coded using the Medical Interaction Process System. Medication adherence data were collected continuously during the 3-month study with an electronic monitoring device. The majority of patients were black, 58% women, and most were seeing the same provider for at least 1 year. Approximately half of providers were white (56%), 67% women, and have been in practice for an average of 5.8 years. Fifty-eight percent of patients exhibited poor adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications. Three categories of patient–provider communication predicted poor medication adherence: lower patient centeredness (odds ratio: 3.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–9.12), less discussion about patients’ sociodemographic circumstances (living situation, relationship with partner; odds ratio: 6.03; 95% confidence interval: 2.15–17), and about their antihypertensive medications (odds ratio: 6.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.83–23.0). The effect of having less discussion about patients’ sociodemographic circumstances on medication adherence was heightened in black patients (odds ratio: 8.01; 95% confidence interval: 2.80–22.9).

Conclusions—

The odds of poor medication adherence are greater when patient–provider interactions are low in patient centeredness and do not address patients’ sociodemographic circumstances or their medication regimen.
Outcomes Associated With Extraction Versus Capping and Abandoning Pacing and Defibrillator Leads
Authors: Pokorney Sean D. , Mi Xiaojuan , Lewis Robert K. , Greiner Melissa , Epstein Laurence M. , Carrillo Roger G. , Zeitler Emily P. , Al-Khatib Sana M. , Hegland Donald D. , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Lead management is an increasingly important aspect of care in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices; however, relatively little is known about long-term outcomes after capping and abandoning leads.

Methods:

Using the 5% Medicare sample, we identified patients with de novo cardiac implantable electronic device implantations between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013, and with a subsequent lead addition or extraction ≥12 months after the de novo implantation. Patients who underwent extraction for infection were excluded. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, we compared cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality, device-related infection, device revision, and lead extraction at 1 and 5 years for the extraction versus the cap and abandon group.

Results:

Among 6859 patients, 1113 (16.2%) underwent extraction, whereas 5746 (83.8%) underwent capping and abandonment. Extraction patients tended to be younger (median, 78 versus 79 years;
P
<0.0001), were less likely to be male (65% versus 68%;
P
=0.05), and had shorter lead dwell time (median, 3.0 versus 4.0 years;
P
<0.0001) and fewer comorbidities. Over a median follow-up of 2.4 years (25th, 75th percentiles, 1.0, 4.3 years), the overall 1-year and 5-year cumulative incidence of mortality was 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.7–14.4) and 54.3% (95% CI, 52.8–55.8), respectively. Extraction was associated with a lower risk of device infection at 5 years relative to capping (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.97;
P
=0.027). There was no association between extraction and mortality, lead revision, or lead extraction at 5 years.

Conclusions:

Elective lead extraction for noninfectious indications had similar long-term survival to that for capping and abandoning leads in a Medicare population. However, extraction was associated with lower risk of device infections at 5 years.
Unexplained Variation for Hospitals’ Use of Inpatient Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities After an Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Xian Ying , Thomas Laine , Liang Li , Federspiel Jerome J. , Webb Laura E. , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Duncan Pamela W. , Schwamm Lee H. , Stein Joel , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hoenig Helen , Montalvo Cris , George Mary G. , Lutz Barbara J. , Peterson Eric D. , Bettger Janet Prvu
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose—

Rehabilitation is recommended after a stroke to enhance recovery and improve outcomes, but hospital’s use of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) or skilled nursing facility (SNF) and the factors associated with referral are unknown.

Methods—

We analyzed clinical registry and claims data for 31 775 Medicare beneficiaries presenting with acute ischemic stroke from 918 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke hospitals who were discharged to either IRF or SNF between 2006 and 2008. Using a multilevel logistic regression model, we evaluated patient and hospital characteristics, as well as geographic availability, in relation to discharge to either IRF or SNF. After accounting for observed factors, the median odds ratio was reported to quantify hospital-level variation in the use of IRF versus SNF.

Results—

Of 31 775 patients, 17 662 (55.6%) were discharged to IRF and 14 113 (44.4%) were discharged to SNF. Compared with SNF patients, IRF patients were younger, more were men, had less health-service use 6 months prestroke, and had fewer comorbid conditions and in-hospital complications. Use of IRF or SNF varied significantly across hospitals (median IRF use, 55.8%; interquartile range, 34.8%–75.0%; unadjusted median odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 2.44–2.77). Hospital-level variation in discharge rates to IRF or SNF persisted after adjustment for patient, clinical, and geographic variables (adjusted median odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 2.68–3.11).

Conclusions—

There is marked unexplained variation among hospitals in their use of IRF versus SNF poststroke even after accounting for clinical characteristics and geographic availability.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02284165.
Asia's Geographic Development
Authors: Desmet Klaus , Nagy Dávid Krisztián , Rossi-Hansberg Esteban
Published: August 2017

This paper studies the impact of spatial frictions on Asia's long-term spatial development. Using the framework provided in Desmet, Nagy, and Rossi-Hansberg ( 2016 ), we analyze the evolution of Asia's economy and the relative performance of specific regions and countries. We then perform a number of counterfactual experiments and find that a worldwide drop in transport costs of 40% increases the present discounted value of real income by 70.7% globally and 78% in Asia. These figures are much larger than those found in standard quantitative trade models because they include dynamic effects and take into account intracountry transport costs. We also perform exercises in which we upgrade Asia's road network or relax migratory restrictions between locations in Asia. These exercises emphasize the important role of spatial frictions in the development of Asia's economy.
Evolution of the Size and Industrial Structure of Cities in Japan between 1980 and 2010: Constant Churning and Persistent Regularity
Authors: Mori Tomoya
Published: August 2017

This paper investigates the evolution of the Japanese economy between 1980 and 2010 with regard to the population and industrial structure of cities. With the rural-to-urban transformation settling by the 1970s, Japan experienced the second stage of urbanization through the integration of nearby cities. This led, on average, to a disproportionately high population growth rate of 24% for a set of core cities during the review period. At the same time, cities experienced substantial changes to their industrial composition: on average, 35% of the manufacturing industries (at the 3-digit level) present in a city in 1980 had left by 2010, while 30% of manufacturing industries located in a city in 2010 had not been present in the same city in 1980. Remarkably, this substantial relocation of populations and industries among cities took place while a simple yet rigid relationship between the size and industrial composition of cities was preserved, characterized by the roughly constant elasticity between the number and average size of cities in which an industry was present. This paper discusses the policy implications of this persistent regularity and the possible underlying mechanisms.
Real Estate Bubbles and Urban Development
Authors: Glaeser Edward L.
Published: August 2017

Real estate booms have regularly occurred throughout the world, leaving painful busts and financial crises in their wake. Real estate is a natural investment for more passive debt investors, including banks, because real estate's flexibility makes it a better source of collateral than production facilities built for a specific purpose. Consequently, passive capital may flow disproportionately into real estate and help generate real estate bubbles. The preference of banks for more fungible real estate assets also explains why real estate is so often the source of a financial crisis. Real estate bubbles can be welfare enhancing if cities would otherwise be too small, either because of agglomeration economies or building restrictions. But given reasonable parameters, the large welfare costs of any financial crisis are likely to be higher than the modest benefits of extra building. The benefits of real estate bubbles are welfare “triangles,” while the costs of widespread default are welfare “rectangles.”
Versatile Offending: Criminal Careers of Female Prisoners in Australia, 1860–1920
Authors: Piper Alana Jayne , Nagy Victoria
Published: August 2017

The use of longitudinal data from the criminal records of a sample of 6,042 female prisoners in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Victoria reveals limitations in the traditional method of examining criminality within specific offense categories. Investigations devoted exclusively to particular categories of women’s offenses potentially obscures the extent to which women resorted to multiple forms of offending. Such versatile activity challenges conceptions of women as predominantly petty offenders by suggesting that some women were arrested for minor offenses because of their engagement in more serious crimes and their participation in criminal sub-cultures.
Development and validation of real-time PCR assays based on novel molecular markers for the simultaneous detection and identification of Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis and Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Gamel Sylvie , Letort Aude , Fouville Didier , Folcher Laurent , Grenier Eric
Published: August 2017

Considering the growing trade of seed potato, reliable diagnostic protocols are required for the detection of regulated nematode species. In this study, a specific and sensitive multiplex Taqman-based real-time PCR method was developed in order to detect and identifyGlobodera pallida,G. rostochiensisandHeterodera schachtii. The newly designed primers and probes enabled the detection of all the target populations tested and with no cross-reaction for closely related non-target species (55 populations tested). The limit of detection (LOD) was one juvenile forG. rostochiensisandG. pallidaand five juveniles forH. schachtii. For monitoring potato cyst nematodes, this analytical tool would extend the number of cyst investigated as five juveniles can be detected among 50 cysts in a sample. Furthermore, this multiplex assay detects DNA of the three targeted species in template DNA obtained directly from float material after nematode extraction from soil.
Wives of Commoners and the Masculinity of the Rabbis: Jokes, Serious Matters, and Migrating Traditions
Authors: Kiperwasser Reuven
Published: August 2017

This article analyses the migration of rabbinic narrative traditions between the land of Israel and Babylonia and examines plot transformations in these narratives in order to illustrate the cultural differences between these two centers of rabbinic thought. In particular, I explore the positioning of women as an internal Other and the construction of a rabbinic, masculine identity that is distinct from the masculine identity of the common, unlearned man. I will look at some brief, entertaining stories about a few rabbinic sages and their interactions with unnamed women and unidentified unlearned men.