bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A family of Crouzeix–Raviart finite elements in 3D
Authors: Ciarlet Patrick , Dunkl Charles F. , Sauter Stefan A.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we will develop a family of non-conforming “Crouzeix–Raviart” type finite elements in three dimensions. They consist of local polynomials of maximal degree [Formula: see text] on simplicial finite element meshes while certain jump conditions are imposed across adjacent simplices. We will prove optimal a priori estimates for these finite elements. The characterization of this space via jump conditions is implicit and the derivation of a local basis requires some deeper theoretical tools from orthogonal polynomials on triangles and their representation. We will derive these tools for this purpose. These results allow us to give explicit representations of the local basis functions. Finally, we will analyze the linear independence of these sets of functions and discuss the question whether they span the whole non-conforming space.
On generalized Melvin solutions for Lie algebras of rank 3
Authors: Bolokhov S. V. , Ivashchuk V. D.
Published: February 2018

Generalized Melvin solutions for rank-[Formula: see text] Lie algebras [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are considered. Any solution contains metric, three Abelian 2-forms and three scalar fields. It is governed by three moduli functions [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a radial variable), obeying three differential equations with certain boundary conditions imposed. These functions are polynomials with powers [Formula: see text] for Lie algebras [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively. The solutions depend upon integration constants [Formula: see text]. The power-law asymptotic relations for polynomials at large [Formula: see text] are governed by integer-valued [Formula: see text] matrix [Formula: see text], which coincides with twice the inverse Cartan matrix [Formula: see text] for Lie algebras [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], while in the [Formula: see text]-case [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the identity matrix and [Formula: see text] is a permutation matrix, corresponding to a generator of the [Formula: see text]-group of symmetry of the Dynkin diagram. The duality identities for polynomials and asymptotic relations for solutions at large distances are obtained. Two-form flux integrals over a two-dimensional disc of radius [Formula: see text] and corresponding Wilson loop factors over a circle of radius [Formula: see text] are presented.
Linearized electromagnetic and gravito-Heavisidian chirality in split octonion space-time
Authors: Chanyal B. C.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we construct a split octonionic mathematical approach to generalized electromagnetic and gravito-Heavisidian chirality of dyons by modification of the Drude–Born–Fedorov constitutive relations. In this context, we describe dual Euclidean space-times structure associated with [Formula: see text] Zorn’s vector matrix realization of split octonion. As such, using the Zorn’s vector matrix realization, an alternative form of generalized Proca–Maxwell equations of massive dyons is obtained in chiral media. It is well known that in weak unified gravito-Heavisidian field, the Einstein’s equations become Maxwell-like equations under the first approximation. Thus, we study the gravito-Heavisidian analogous theory to electromagnetic theory, and discuss the Drude–Born–Fedorov constitutive relations, gravito-Heavisidian field, Proca–Maxwell equations and gravito-Heavisidian wave equations for linear gravitational chiral field of gravito-dyons in flat split octonion space-time.
Facile synthesis of nickel-based metal organic framework [Ni3(HCOO)6] by microwave method and application for supercapacitor
Authors: Luo Jujie , Yang Xing , Wang Shumin , Bi Yuhong , Nautiyal Amit , Zhang Xinyu
Published: February 2018

The metal organic framework (MOF) [Ni3(HCOO)6] was synthesized via the simple and fast microwave method, and the effect of irradiation power on crystallinity of synthesized Ni-based MOF was studied. The samples were characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The synthesized Ni-based MOF was electrochemically characterized by using galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The synthesized MOF showed the highest specific capacitance of 1196.2[Formula: see text]F/g at 1[Formula: see text]A/g with excellent cyclability (86.04% capacitance retention after 2,000 cycles), thereby demonstrating its potential application in supercapacitors.
A first-principle study on the electronic properties of substitutionally Cu (I, II)-doped LiNbO3
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Que Wenxiu , He Yucheng , Zhou Huanfu
Published: February 2018

The electronic properties of Cu-doped lithium niobate (LiNbO3) systems are investigated by first-principles calculations. In this work, we focus on substitutionally Cu[Formula: see text]Li-doped LiNbO3 system with cuprous and cupric doping, which corresponds to the Li[Formula: see text]Cu[Formula: see text]NbO3 and Li[Formula: see text]Cu[Formula: see text]NbO3 [abbreviated as (Li, Cu I)NbO3 and (Li, Cu II)NbO3]. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the electronic property of LiNbO3 is completely different from (Li, Cu I)NbO3 and (Li, Cu II)NbO3. The calculated band structure and density of state (DOS) of (Li, Cu I)NbO3 show a small band gap of 1.34[Formula: see text]eV and the top of valance band (VB) is completely composed of a doping energy level originating from Cu 3d filled orbital. However, the calculated band structure and DOS of (Li, Cu II)NbO3 show a relatively large band gap of 2.22[Formula: see text]eV and the top of VB is mainly composed of Cu 3d unfilled orbital and O 2p orbital.
An Analysis of Flash Page Reuse With WOM Codes
Authors: Yadgar Gala , Yaakobi Eitan , Margaglia Fabio , Li Yue , Yucovich Alexander , Bundak Nachum , Gilon Lior , Yakovi Nir , Schuster Assaf , Brinkmann André
Published: February 2018

Flash memory is prevalent in modern servers and devices. Coupled with the scaling down of flash technology, the popularity of flash memory motivates the search for methods to increase flash reliability and lifetime. Erasures are the dominant cause of flash cell wear, but reducing them is challenging because flash is a write-once medium— memory cells must be erased prior to writing.

An approach that has recently received considerable attention relies on write-once memory (WOM) codes, designed to accommodate additional writes on write-once media. However, the techniques proposed for reusing flash pages with WOM codes are limited in their scope. Many focus on the coding theory alone, whereas others suggest FTL designs that are application specific, or not applicable due to their complexity, overheads, or specific constraints of multilevel cell (MLC) flash.

This work is the first that addresses all aspects of page reuse within an end-to-end analysis of a general-purpose FTL on MLC flash. We use a hardware evaluation setup to directly measure the short- and long-term effects of page reuse on SSD durability and energy consumption, and show that FTL design must explicitly take them into account. We then provide a detailed analytical model for deriving the optimal garbage collection policy for such FTL designs, and for predicting the benefit from reuse on realistic hardware and workload characteristics.
Blockchains for Business Process Management - Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mendling Jan , Weber Ingo , Aalst Wil Van Der , Brocke Jan Vom , Cabanillas Cristina , Daniel Florian , Debois Søren , Ciccio Claudio Di , Dumas Marlon , Dustdar Schahram , Gal Avigdor , García-Bañuelos Luciano , Governatori Guido , Hull Richard , Rosa Marcello La , Leopold Henrik , Leymann Frank , Recker Jan , Reichert Manfred , Reijers Hajo A. , Rinderle-Ma Stefanie , Solti Andreas , Rosemann Michael , Schulte Stefan , Singh Munindar P. , Slaats Tijs , Staples Mark , Weber Barbara , Weidlich Matthias , Weske Mathias , Xu Xiwei , Zhu Liming
Published: February 2018

Blockchain technology offers a sizable promise to rethink the way interorganizational business processes are managed because of its potential to realize execution without a central party serving as a single point of trust (and failure). To stimulate research on this promise and the limits thereof, in this article, we outline the challenges and opportunities of blockchain for business process management (BPM). We first reflect how blockchains could be used in the context of the established BPM lifecycle and second how they might become relevant beyond. We conclude our discourse with a summary of seven research directions for investigating the application of blockchain technology in the context of BPM.
PanCD44 Immunohistochemical Evaluation in Prostatectomies from Patients with Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hirth Carlos Gustavo , Santos Adriele Machado dos , Cerqueira João Batista Gadelha de , Jamacaru Francisco Vagnaldo Fechine , da Cunha Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Saldanha , Dornelas Conceição Aparecida
Published: February 2018

Introduction. CD44 has been proposed as a prognostic marker and a stem cell marker but studies in patients with prostate cancer have yielded inconsistent results. Patients and Methods. Patients submitted to radical prostatectomy between 2008 and 2013 at a university hospital were followed with biannual serum PSA tests to determine the biochemical recurrence (BR). Archived paraffin blocks with neoplastic and nonneoplastic tissue were evaluated immunohistochemically for a panCD44 and MYC. Results. Sixty-nine patients completed follow-up and were included. CD44 positivity was observed in inflammatory cells (42%), nonneoplastic epithelium (39.7%), and neoplastic tissue (12.3%). In nonneoplastic tissues staining was observed in basal and luminal cells with the morphology of terminally differentiated cells. In neoplastic tissues, CD44 negativity was correlated with higher Gleason scores (Rho = −0.204; p=0.042) and higher preoperative serum PSA levels when evaluated continuously (p=0.029). CD44 expression was not associated with tumor stage (p=0.668), surgical margin status (p=0.471), or BR (p=0.346), nor was there any association between CD44 and MYC expression in neoplastic tissue (p=1.0). Conclusion. In the bulk of cells, the minority of cancer stem cells would not be detected by immunohistochemistry using panCD44. As a prognostic marker, its expression was weakly correlated with Gleason score and preoperative PSA level, but not with surgical margin status, tumor stage, or BR.
The Role of Free Radicals in Autophagy Regulation: Implications for Ageing
Authors: Pajares M. , Cuadrado A. , Engedal N. , Jirsova Z. , Cahova M.
Published: February 2018

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, resp.) have been traditionally perceived solely as detrimental, leading to oxidative damage of biological macromolecules and organelles, cellular demise, and ageing. However, recent data suggest that ROS/RNS also plays an integral role in intracellular signalling and redox homeostasis (redoxtasis), which are necessary for the maintenance of cellular functions. There is a complex relationship between cellular ROS/RNS content and autophagy, which represents one of the major quality control systems in the cell. In this review, we focus on redox signalling and autophagy regulation with a special interest on ageing‐associated changes. In the last section, we describe the role of autophagy and redox signalling in the context of Alzheimer’s disease as an example of a prevalent age‐related disorder.
Implementation of Fractal Dimension and Self-Organizing Map to Detect Toxic Effects of Toluene on Movement Tracks of Daphnia magna
Authors: Liu Yuedan , Xia Chunlei , Fan Zhongya , Wu Renren , Chen Xianglin , Liu Zuoyi
Published: February 2018

Movement behaviors of an indicator species, Daphnia magna, in response to contaminants have been implemented to monitor environmental disturbances. Complexity in movement tracks of Daphnia magna was characterized by use of fractal dimension and self-organizing map. The individual movement tracks of D. magna were continuously recorded for 24 hours before and after treatments with toluene at the concentration of 10 mg/L, respectively. The general complexity in movement tracks (10 minutes) was characterized by fractal dimension. Results showed that average fractal dimension of movement tracks was decreased from 1.62 to 1.22 after treatments. The instantaneous movement parameters of movement segments in 5 s were input into the self-organizing map to investigate the swimming pattern changes under stresses of toluene. Abnormal behaviors of D. magna are more frequently observed after treatments than before treatments. Computational methods in ecological informatics could be utilized to obtain the useful information in behavioral data of D. magna and would be further applied as an in situ monitoring tool in water environment.
Development of a Physiological Frailty Index for the World Trade Center General Responder Cohort
Authors: Bello Ghalib A. , Lucchini Roberto G. , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Shapiro Moshe , Crane Michael A. , Todd Andrew C.
Published: February 2018

Responders to the 9/11/2001 WTC attacks were exposed to multiple toxic pollutants. Since 2002, the health of the responder cohort has been continuously tracked by the WTC Health Monitoring Program. However, no assessments have been made of frailty, an important health metric given the current average age of the WTC responder cohort (55 years). In this study, we use laboratory test results and other physiological parameters to construct a physiological frailty index (FI-Lab) for this cohort. The study sample comprised responders aged 40 years or older who completed a health monitoring visit at Mount Sinai Center within the past 5 years. For each subject, FI-Lab was computed as the proportion of 20 physiological parameters (lab tests, pulmonary function, and blood pressure) on which the subject had abnormal values. Using negative binomial regression models, we tested FI-Lab’s association with the SF-12 wellbeing score and various demographic characteristics. FI-Lab showed strong associations with the physical and mental components of the SF-12 as well as age, race, and smoking status. Using a cutoff of 0.25 to define presence of physiological/preclinical frailty, we found frailty prevalence in the study sample to be approximately 12%. This study demonstrates the feasibility of assessing preclinical frailty in the WTC responder cohort.
Preclinical Evaluation of Radioiodinated Hoechst 33258 for Early Prediction of Tumor Response to Treatment of Vascular-Disrupting Agents
Authors: Zhang Dongjian , Gao Meng , Yao Nan , Jiang Cuihua , Liu Wei , Li Tiannv , Song Shaoli , Huang Dejian , Yin Zhiqi , Qiu Yunliang , Jin Qiaomei
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to explore the use of 131I-Hoechst 33258 (131I-H33258) for early prediction of tumor response to vascular-disrupting agents (VDAs) with combretastatin-A4 phosphate (CA4P) as a representative. Necrosis avidity of 131I-H33258 was evaluated in mouse models with muscle necrosis and blocking was used to confirm the tracer specificity. Therapy response was evaluated by 131I-H33258 SPECT/CT imaging 24 h after CA4P therapy in W256 tumor-bearing rats. Radiotracer uptake in tumors was validated ex vivo using γ-counting, autoradiography, and histopathological staining. Results showed that 131I-H33258 had predominant necrosis avidity and could specifically bind to necrotic tissue. SPECT/CT imaging demonstrated that an obvious “hot spot” could be observed in the CA4P-treated tumor. Ex vivo γ-counting revealed 131I-H33258 uptake in tumors was increased 2.8-fold in rats treated with CA4P relative to rats treated with vehicle. Autoradiography and corresponding H&E staining suggested that 131I-H33258 was mainly localized in necrotic tumor area and the higher overall uptake in the treated tumors was attributed to the increased necrosis. These results suggest that 131I-H33258 can be used to image induction of cell necrosis 24 h after CA4P therapy, which support further molecular design of probes based on scaffold H33258 for monitoring of tumor response to VDAs treatment.
Access to Hemoglobin A1c in Rural Africa: A Difficult Reality with Severe Consequences
Authors: Park Paul H. , Pastakia Sonak D.
Published: February 2018

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continues to have the highest diabetes-related mortality rate in the world. While there exists a multitude of health system barriers driving poor diabetes control, rural facilities particularly in SSA lack access to proper monitoring of glucose and other key biologic tests. At best, most of these diabetes patients receive random blood sugar readings only on the day of their clinic visit. This approach has very limited clinical value in determining dosage adjustments for narrow therapeutic index medications such as insulin. Furthermore, access to other blood tests and physical exam tools for detecting early signs of diabetes complications is limited. We propose that routine access to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing would not only allow for close monitoring of diabetes control but also provide critical data informing the population level risk for diabetes complications. However, implementing HbA1c testing does have its own barriers at rural facilities, including high costs, refrigeration requirements, and perceived discordance between HbA1c values and mean blood glucose levels for SSA patients. Fortunately, several pilots in rural SSA have illustrated feasibility of HbA1c testing. Further political will, price reduction, and context-specific research are needed. Increasing access to HbA1c testing is a critical step to combat the high diabetes-related mortality rates in rural SSA.
Anti‐Helicobacter pylori and Anti‐Inflammatory Effects and Constituent Analysis of Modified Xiaochaihutang for the Treatment of Chronic Gastritis and Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Lijuan , Wu Huanhuan , Liu Wei , Chen Shuhe , Zhou Aijun , Liu Yanwen
Published: February 2018

Chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers are prevalent throughout the world and are considered to be a global health problem. Modified Xiaochaihutang (MXCHT) prescription is broadly used in traditional medicine hospital for the treatment of gastritis. In order to assess the anti‐Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) effect of MXCHT, agar diffusion method in vitro and fluid dilution method for the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were established. The anti‐inflammatory effects were then evaluated using mouse ear edema model and rat paw edema model. The ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer method was employed to verify the gastroprotective effect of active extracts in MXCHT. HPLC‐TOF‐MS/MS was used for analyzing the possible active constituents after oral administration of effective extracts in ethanol‐induced gastric ulcer models. MXCHT and 4 different extracts of the bacterial inhibition diameter and MIC were dramatically decreased compared with control group, showing anti‐Helicobacter pylori effects. High dose groups of MXCHT, water extract, EtOAc extract, and n‐BuOH extract displayed significant anti‐inflammatory effects in xylene‐induced mouse ear edema model and carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema model test. MXCHT and all active extracts exhibited gastroprotective activity and prevented gastric lesions induced by ethanol in rats. 4 prototype components and 4 metabolites were identified after oral administration of EtOAc extract. In addition, 6 prototype components and 6 metabolites were identified in n‐BuOH extract. MXCHT, EtOAc extract, and n‐BuOH extract demonstrate gastroprotective effects through anti‐Helicobacter pylori and anti‐inflammatory activities. Thus, this prescription may be a suitable natural source for the prevention and treatment of chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers.
Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Masquerading as Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Qasrawi Ayman , Abughanimeh Omar , Abu Ghanimeh Mouhanna , Arora-Elder Simran , Yousef Osama , Tamimi Tarek
Published: February 2018

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an uncommon cancer and accounts only for 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. In this report, we present a case of an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma masquerading as acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). A 38-year-old female who is 36-week pregnant presented with a 1-week history of headache, nausea, vomiting, and right upper abdominal pain, along with hepatomegaly. Laboratory investigations were remarkable for mild leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, proteinuria, and elevated transaminases and prothrombin time. Ultrasound of the liver revealed hepatomegaly, fatty infiltration, and a right hepatic lobe mass. Based on the overall picture, AFLP was suspected, and the patient underwent delivery by Cesarean section. However, bilirubin and liver enzyme levels gradually increased after delivery. MRI revealed a large dominant hepatic mass along with multiple satellite lesions in both lobes. Biopsy revealed the presence of intrahepatic CCA. CCA presenting during pregnancy is extremely rare with only 9 other cases reported in the literature. Therefore, the signs and symptoms can be easily confused with other more common disorders that occur during pregnancy.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Chlorite Minerals
Authors: Yang Min , Ye Meifang , Han Haihui , Ren Guangli , Han Ling , Zhang Zhuan
Published: February 2018

The mineral chemistry of twenty chlorite samples from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) spectral library and two other regions, having a wide range of Fe and Mg contents and relatively constant Al and Si contents, was studied via infrared (IR) spectroscopy, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Five absorption features of the twenty samples near 4525, 4440, 4361, 4270, and 4182 cm−1 were observed, and two diagnostic features at 4440 and 4280 cm−1 were recognized. Assignments of the two diagnostic features were made for two combination bands (ν+δAlAlO−OH and ν+δSiAlO−OH) by regression with IR fundamental absorptions. Furthermore, the determinant factors of the NIR band position were found by comparing the band positions with relative components. The results showed that Fe/(Fe + Mg) values are negatively correlated with the two NIR combination bands. The findings provide an interpretation of the NIR band formation and demonstrate a simple way to use NIR spectroscopy to discriminate between chlorites with different components. More importantly, spectroscopic detection of mineral chemical variations in chlorites provides geologists with a tool with which to collect information on hydrothermal alteration zones from hyperspectral-resolution remote sensing data.
Maxillary Bone Regeneration Based on Nanoreservoirs Functionalizedε-Polycaprolactone Biomembranes in a Mouse Model of Jaw Bone Lesion
Authors: Strub Marion , Van Bellinghen Xavier , Fioretti Florence , Bornert Fabien , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia , Idoux-Gillet Ysia , Kuchler-Bopp Sabine , Clauss François
Published: February 2018

Current approaches of regenerative therapies constitute strategies for bone tissue reparation and engineering, especially in the context of genetical diseases with skeletal defects. Bone regeneration using electrospun nanofibers’ implant has the following objectives: bone neoformation induction with rapid healing, reduced postoperative complications, and improvement of bone tissue quality.In vivoimplantation of polycaprolactone (PCL) biomembrane functionalized with BMP-2/Ibuprofen in mouse maxillary defects was followed by bone neoformation kinetics evaluation using microcomputed tomography. Wild-Type (WT) and Tabby (Ta) mice were used to compare effects on a normal phenotype and on a mutant model of ectodermal dysplasia (ED). After 21 days, no effect on bone neoformation was observed in Ta treated lesion (4% neoformation compared to 13% in the control lesion). Between the 21st and the 30th days, the use of biomembrane functionalized with BMP-2/Ibuprofen in maxillary bone lesions allowed a significant increase in bone neoformation peaks (resp., +8% in mutant Ta and +13% in WT). Histological analyses revealed a neoformed bone with regular trabecular structure, areas of mineralized bone inside the membrane, and an improved neovascularization in the treated lesion with bifunctionalized membrane. In conclusion, PCL functionalized biomembrane promoted bone neoformation, this effect being modulated by the Ta bone phenotype responsible for an alteration of bone response.
Lateral Flow Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Test with Stem Primers: Detection ofCryptosporidiumSpecies in Kenyan Children Presenting with Diarrhea
Authors: Mamba Timothy S. , Mbae Cecilia K. , Kinyua Johnson , Mulinge Erastus , Mburugu Gitonga Nkanata , Njiru Zablon K.
Published: February 2018

Background. Cryptosporidiumis a protozoan parasite and a major cause of diarrhea in children and immunocompromised patients. Current diagnostic methods for cryptosporidiosis such as microscopy have low sensitivity while techniques such as PCR indicate higher sensitivity levels but are seldom used in developing countries due to their associated cost. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, a method with shorter time to result and with equal or higher sensitivity compared to PCR, has been developed and applied in the detection ofCryptosporidiumspecies. The test has a detection limit of 10 pg/µl (~100 oocysts/ml) indicating a need for more sensitive diagnostic tools. This study developed a more sensitive lateral flow dipstick (LFD) LAMP test based on SAM-1 gene and with the addition of a second set of reaction accelerating primers (stem primers).Results. The stem LFD LAMP test showed analytical sensitivity of 10 oocysts/ml compared to 100 oocysts/ml (10 pg/ul) for each of the SAM-1 LAMP test and nested PCR. The stem LFD LAMP and nested PCR detected 29/39 and 25/39 positive samples of previously identifiedC. parvumandC. hominisDNA, respectively. The SAM-1 LAMP detected 27/39. On detection ofCryptosporidiumDNA in 67 clinical samples, the stem LFD LAMP detected 16 samples and SAM-2 LAMP 14 and nested PCR identified 11. Preheating the templates increased detection by stem LFD LAMP to 19 samples. Time to results from master mix preparation step took ~80 minutes. The test was specific, and no cross-amplification was recorded with nontarget DNA.Conclusion.The developed stem LFD LAMP test is an appropriate method for the detection ofC. hominis, C. parvum,andC. meleagridisDNA in human stool samples. It can be used in algorithm with other diagnostic tests and may offer promise as an effective diagnostic tool in the control of cryptosporidiosis.
Defective Autophagy in Atherosclerosis: To Die or to Senesce?
Authors: Grootaert Mandy O. J. , Roth Lynn , Schrijvers Dorien M. , De Meyer Guido R. Y. , Martinet Wim
Published: February 2018

Autophagy is a subcellular process that plays an important role in the degradation of proteins and damaged organelles such as mitochondria (a process termed “mitophagy”) via lysosomes. It is crucial for regulating protein and mitochondrial quality control and maintaining cellular homeostasis, whereas dysregulation of autophagy has been implicated in a wide range of diseases including atherosclerosis. Recent evidence has shown that the autophagic process becomes dysfunctional during the progression of atherosclerosis, regardless of whether there are many autophagy‐stimulating factors (e.g., reactive oxygen species, oxidized lipids, and cytokines) present within the atherosclerotic plaque. This review highlights the recent insights into the causes and consequences of defective autophagy in atherosclerosis, with a special focus on the role of autophagy and mitophagy in plaque macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and endothelial cells (ECs). It has been shown that defective autophagy can promote apoptosis in macrophages but that it accelerates premature senescence in VSMCs. In the ECs, defective autophagy promotes both apoptosis and senescence. We will discuss the discrepancy between these three cell types in their response to autophagy deficiency and underline the cell type‐dependent role of autophagy, which may have important implications for the efficacy of autophagy‐targeted treatments for atherosclerosis.
Urinary Mitochondrial DNA Identifies Renal Dysfunction and Mitochondrial Damage in Sepsis‐Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Hu Qiongyuan , Ren Jianan , Ren Huajian , Wu Jie , Wu Xiuwen , Liu Song , Wang Gefei , Gu Guosheng , Guo Kun , Li Jieshou
Published: February 2018

Background. Recent animal studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction initiates and accelerates renal injury in sepsis, but its role in sepsis remains unknown. Mitochondrial stress or dying cells can lead to fragmentation of the mitochondrial genome, which is considered a surrogate marker of mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, we evaluated the efficiency of urinary mitochondrial DNA (UmtDNA) as a marker of renal dysfunction during sepsis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods. We isolated DNA from plasma and urine of patients. mtDNA levels were quantified by quantitative PCR. Sepsis patients were divided into no AKI, mild AKI, and severe AKI groups according to RIFLE criteria. Additionally, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was established in rats to evaluate the association between UmtDNA and mitochondrial function. Results. A total of 52 (49.5%) developed AKI among enrolled sepsis patients. Increased systemic mtDNA did not correlate with systemic inflammation or acute renal dysfunction in sepsis patients, while AKI did not have an additional effect on circulating mtDNA levels. In contrast, UmtDNA was significantly enriched in severe AKI patients compared with that in the mild AKI or no AKI group, positively correlated with plasma creatinine, urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, and kidney injury molecule‐1, and inversely with the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Additionally, UmtDNA increased in rats following CLP‐induced sepsis. UmtDNA was predictive of AKI development and correlated with plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen in the rat sepsis model. Finally, the UmtDNA level was inversely correlated with the cortical mtDNA copy number and relative expression of mitochondrial gene in the kidney. Conclusion. An elevated UmtDNA level correlates with mitochondrial dysfunction and renal injury in sepsis patients, indicating renal mitochondrial injury induced by sepsis. Therefore, UmtDNA may be regarded as a valuable biomarker for the occurrence of AKI and the development of mitochondria‐targeted therapies following sepsis‐induced AKI.
Optical Coherence Tomographic Study of a Chronically Retained Coronary Guidewire
Authors: Corballis Natasha , Sulfi Sreekumar , Ryding Alisdair
Published: February 2018

Guidewire entrapment is a rare complication of coronary intervention, and management depends on the individual circumstances. This is a case of an urgent percutaneous coronary angioplasty in which a guidewire became entrapped behind a bare metal stent with subsequent fracture of the core filament, which could not be retrieved. Using optical coherence tomography, our case demonstrates extensive tissue coverage of the retained guidewire at twelve months. Five-year follow-up suggests that retained guidewires can be managed without long-term anticoagulation, even when there is substantial intra-aortic material.
hPCL3s Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis by Activating β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Cai Zhen , Qian Zhen-Yu , Jiang Hao , Ma Ning , Li Zhi , Liu Li-Yu , Ren Xin-Xin , Shang Yu-Rong , Wang Jing-Jing , Li Jing-Jing , Liu Dong-Ping , Zhang Xiu-Ping , Feng Dan , Ni Qian-Zhi , Feng Yuan-Yuan , Li Nan , Zhou Xiao-Yan , Wang Xiang , Bao Ying , Zhang Xue-Li , Deng Yue-Zhen , Xie Dong
Published: February 2018

Two isoforms of human Polycomb-like protein 3 (hPCL3) have been reported as components of the nuclear Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), with the short isoform (hPCL3s) showing a dominant cytoplasmic localization. The function of cytoplasmic hPCL3s has, however, not been addressed. In this study, we report that hPCL3s is upregulated in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and its expression correlated with HCC clinical features. hPCL3s positively regulated the migration, invasion, and metastasis of HCC cells. hPCL3s interacted with components of the cytoplasmic β-catenin destruction complex, inhibited β-catenin degradation, and activated β-catenin/T-cell factor signaling. Downstream of the β-catenin cascade, IL6 mediated the motility-promoting functions of hPCL3s. Forced expression of hPCL3s in the liver of a HCC mouse model promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis. Taken together, these data show that hPCL3s promotes the metastasis of HCC by activating the β-catenin/IL6 pathway.

Significance: hPCL3s has an oncogenic role in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the β-catenin/IL6 signaling axis to promote metastasis. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2536–49. ©2018 AACR.
Hölderlin's Patmos by Lucchesi: 30 years of an itinerary-experience
Authors: Rondinelli Marcelo
Published: February 2018

2017 marked the thirtieth anniversary of publication of Patmos e outros poemas de Hölderlin, the first translated poetry book by Marco Lucchesi. The young poet traces a sample of Friedrich Hölderlin’s poetry through translation, while experiencing his own poetry, and refers us to the Benjaminian conception of Erfahrung [experience], which, as Jeanne-Marie Gagnebin, among others, observes “comes from the radical fahr-, still used in the Old German in its literal sense of walking, of crossing a region during a journey” (GAGNEBIN 1994: 66). In a reflection on the elements that make up a differentiated poíesis, we notice that an Erfahrung is put forth as a “itinerary” for Lucchesi’s future course of poet-translator. The present work aims to expose this “itinerary”, not with the intention to track down and to analyze exhaustively the references that are bent to produce a somewhat chaotic network or to interpret all the often hermetic poetry that operates this network, but to point out how, in spite of the condition of indomitable creation in a kind of collage or mosaic work, Lucchesi was launching an attempt at dialogue with the German lyric, as a privileged part of Western lyric production from different ages.
Indications of mythical thought in Walter Benjamin
Authors: Otte Georg , Silva Bianka Teixeira de Andrade
Published: February 2018

While disputing the supposed overcoming of myth in the modern world and the validity of the mythos-logos dichotomy, this paper suggests an approximation between the categories of mythical thought enumerated by Ernst Cassirer and the work of Walter Benjamin, represented here especially by the author’s youthful writings, which make up his philosophy of language. More precisely, other essays and books of his will be resorted to in order to suggest this thinker’s abundance of material as a profitable field for the study of myth.
Records of the Indian Pangolin (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae: Manis crassicaudata) from Mansehra District, Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Kanwal Konish , Zaman Iftikhar-Uz
Published: February 2018

This study investigated records of distribution and population density of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata in Mansehra District, Pakistan.  Field surveys were conducted from September 2015 to August 2016 to record direct and indirect signs of the species, including burrows and faecal matter.  Information was also collected from local people through unstructured interviews.  Our results show that the Indian Pangolin occurred at two sampling sites only (Lassan Nawab and Paras) in the study area.  We recorded low numbers of burrows (feeding and permanent burrows) at these two sites.  One direct field sighting of one individual was made at Paras.  A low mean population density of 0.28±0.45 per km2 was estimated at seven different selected sites, but for the district as a whole, the population density was as low as 0.00044 individuals per km2.  This study recommends initiating conservation efforts in the study area to further understand and conserve the remaining population of Indian Pangolin in Mansehra District.
Observations of occurrence and daily activity patterns of ungulates in the Endau Rompin Landscape, peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Tan Win Sim , Bin Amir Hamzah Norazmi , Saaban Salman , Zawakhir Nurul Aida , Rao Yugees , Jamaluddin Norolhuda , Cheong Francis , Binti Khalid Norhidayati , Mohd Saat Nur Iadiah , Binti Zaidee Ee Eka Nadia , Bin Hamdan Azwan , Chow Mei Mei , Low Chee Pheng , Voon Mufeng , Liang Song Horng , Tyson Martin , Gumal Melvin Terry
Published: February 2018

Camera trap data was used to study occurrence and daily activity patterns in the Endau Rompin Landscape of peninsular Malaysia during 2011, 2013 and 2015 to estimate Malayan Tiger Panthera tigris jacksoni population densities.  By-catch data were also collected for seven ungulate species: Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak, Bearded Pig Sus barbatus, Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Greater Mousedeer Tragulus napu, Lesser Mousedeer Tragulus kanchil, Malayan Tapir Tapirus indicus and Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor.  Of these, Bayesian single-season occupancy analysis suggested that Barking Deer were the most widespread and Mousedeer spp. the least widespread during the study period.  Bearded Pig, Malayan Tapir and Wild Boar were recorded in more than half of the camera trap area (Sambar Deer was excluded due to small sample size).  Daily activity patterns based on independent captures in 2015 suggest that Barking Deer, Bearded Pig and Wild Boar are mostly diurnal, mousedeer species are crepuscular and Malayan Tapir strongly nocturnal.
A preliminary study on the dung beetles of the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Kalawate Aparna Sureshchandra
Published: February 2018

The present study documented 50 species represented by 25 genera, 17 tribes, seven subfamilies belonging to Hybosoridae, Geotrupidae and Scarabaeidae of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.  The identified specimens are deposited at the National Zoological Collection, Zoological Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India.  This is the preliminary study and a first report on the dung beetle fauna of this region covering almost the entire northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
Prognostic Value of Echocardiography in Hypertensive Versus Nonhypertensive Participants From the General Population
Authors: Modin Daniel , Biering-Sørensen Sofie Reumert , Mogelvang Rasmus , Landler Nino , Jensen Jan Skov , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: February 2018

Hypertension may be the most significant cardiovascular risk factor. Few studies have assessed the prognostic value of echocardiography in hypertensive individuals. This study examines the incremental prognostic value of adding echocardiographic parameters to established risk factors in individuals from the general population with and without hypertension. A total of 1294 individuals from the general population underwent a health examination and an echocardiogram including 2-dimensional speckle tracking. Outcome was a composite of ischemic heart disease and heart failure. The prevalence of hypertension was 38.3%. During a median follow-up of 12.5 years (interquartile range, 9.4–12.8 years), 222 participants (17.2%) developed the outcome. Out of these 222 events, 145 (65%) occurred in hypertensive participants, whereas 77 (35%) occurred in nonhypertensive individuals, corresponding to an incidence rate of 32/(1000×person-years) and 8/(1000×person-years), respectively. Follow-up was 100%. After multivariable adjustment, only left ventricular mass index predicted the outcome in hypertensive individuals, whereas only global longitudinal strain predicted the outcome in nonhypertensive individuals. In hypertensive individuals the prognostic value of left ventricular mass index was incremental to SCORE and abnormal ECG status. In nonhypertensive individuals the prognostic value of global longitudinal strain was incremental to SCORE and abnormal ECG status. The prognostic value of echocardiography in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in the general population is altered by hypertension. In hypertensive individuals, left ventricular mass index added incremental prognostic value in addition to established risk factors. In nonhypertensive individuals, global longitudinal strain added incremental prognostic value in addition to established risk factors.
MicroRNA‐210 Promotes Accumulation of Neural Precursor Cells Around Ischemic Foci After Cerebral Ischemia by Regulating the SOCS1–STAT3–VEGF‐C Pathway
Authors: Meng Zhao‐You , Kang Hua‐Li , Duan Wei , Zheng Jian , Li Qian‐Ning , Zhou Zhu‐Juan
Published: February 2018

Background

Neural precursor cell (
NPC
) migration toward lesions is key for neurological functional recovery. The neovasculature plays an important role in guiding
NPC
migration. Micro
RNA
‐210 (miR‐210) promotes angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and hippocampus after cerebral ischemia; however, whether miR‐210 regulates
NPC
migration and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This study investigated the role of miR‐210 in
NPC
migration.

Methods and Results

Neovascularization and
NPC
accumulation was detected around ischemic foci in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (
MCAO
) and reperfusion. Bone marrow–derived endothelial progenitor cells (
EPC
s) were found to participate in neovascularization. miR‐210 was markedly upregulated after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Overexpressed miR‐210 enhanced neovascularization and
NPC
accumulation around the ischemic lesion and vice versa, strongly suggesting that miR‐210 might be involved in neovascularization and
NPC
accumulation after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the underlying mechanism. The transwell assay showed that
EPC
s facilitated
NPC
migration, which was further promoted by miR‐210 overexpression in
EPC
s. In addition, miR‐210 facilitated
VEGF
‐C (vascular endothelial growth factor C) expression both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR‐210 directly targeted the 3′ untranslated region of SOCS1 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 1), and miR‐210 overexpression in
HEK
293 cells or
EPC
s decreased
SOCS
1 and increased STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and VEGF‐C expression. When
EPC
s were simultaneously transfected with miR‐210 mimics and
SOCS
1, the expression of
STAT
3 and
VEGF
‐C was reversed.

Conclusions

miR‐210 promoted neovascularization and
NPC
migration via the
SOCS
1–
STAT
3–
VEGF
‐C pathway.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Nonobstructive, Labile, and Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lu Dai‐Yin , Pozios Iraklis , Haileselassie Bereketeab , Ventoulis Ioannis , Liu Hongyun , Sorensen Lars L. , Canepa Marco , Phillip Susan , Abraham M. Roselle , Abraham Theodore P.
Published: February 2018

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (
HCM
) is a common inherited cardiac disease characterized by varying degrees of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In a large cohort, we compare the outcomes among 3 different hemodynamic groups.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled patients fulfilling standard diagnostic criteria for
HCM
from January 2005 to June 2015. Detailed phenotypic characterization, including peak left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradients at rest and after provocation, was measured by echocardiography. The primary outcome was a composite cardiovascular end point, which included new‐onset atrial fibrillation, new sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, new or worsening heart failure, and death. The mean follow‐up was 3.4±2.8 years. Among the 705 patients with HCM (mean age, 52±15 years; 62% men), 230 with obstructive HCM were older and had a higher body mass index and New York Heart Association class. The 214 patients with nonobstructive HCM were more likely to have a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. During follow‐up, 121 patients experienced a composite cardiovascular end point. Atrial fibrillation occurred most frequently in the obstructive group. Patients with nonobstructive HCM had more frequent sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation events. In multivariate analysis, obstructive (hazard ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.64–4.80) and nonobstructive (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–3.45) HCM were associated with more adverse events compared with labile
HCM
.

Conclusions

Nonobstructive
HCM
carries notable morbidity, including a higher arrhythmic risk than the other
HCM
groups. Patients with labile
HCM
have a relatively benign clinical course. Our data suggest detailed sudden cardiac death risk stratification in nonobstructive
HCM
and monitoring with less aggressive management in labile
HCM
.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibition Potentiates Stimulated Growth Hormone Secretion and Vasodilation in Women
Authors: Wilson Jessica R. , Brown Nancy J. , Nian Hui , Yu Chang , Bidlingmaier Martin , Devin Jessica K.
Published: February 2018

Background

Diminished growth hormone (
GH
) is associated with impaired endothelial function and fibrinolysis.
GH
‐releasing hormone is the primary stimulus for
GH
secretion and a substrate of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4. We tested the hypothesis that dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition with sitagliptin increases stimulated
GH
secretion, vasodilation, and tissue plasminogen activator (
tPA
) activity.

Methods and Results

Healthy adults participated in a 2‐part double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study. First, 39 patients (29 women) received sitagliptin or placebo on each of 2 days separated by a washout. One hour after study drug, blood was sampled and then arginine (30 g IV) was given to stimulate
GH
. Vasodilation was assessed by plethysmography and blood sampled for 150 minutes. Following a washout, 19 of the original 29 women received sitagliptin alone versus sitagliptin plus antagonist to delineate
GH
receptor (
GHR
)– (n=5), nitric oxide– (n=7), or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor– (n=7) dependent effects. Sitagliptin enhanced stimulated
GH
secretion (
P
<0.01 versus placebo, for 30 minutes) and free insulin–like growth factor‐1 (
P
<0.001 versus placebo, after adjustment for baseline) in women. Vasodilation and
tPA
increased in all patients, but sitagliptin enhanced vasodilation (
P
=0.01 versus placebo) and increased
tPA
(
P
<0.001) in women only.
GHR
blockade decreased free insulin–like growth factor‐1 (
P
=0.04 versus sitagliptin alone) and increased stimulated
GH
(
P
<0.01), but decreased vascular resistance (
P
=0.01) such that nadir vascular resistance correlated inversely with
GH
(
r
s
=−0.90,
P
<0.001).
GHR
blockade suppressed
tPA
. Neither nitric oxide nor glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor blockade affected vasodilation or
tPA
.

Conclusions

Sitagliptin enhances stimulated
GH
, vasodilation, and fibrinolysis in women. During sitagliptin, increases in free insulin–like growth factor‐1 and
tPA
occur via the
GHR
, whereas vasodilation correlates with
GH
but occurs through a
GHR
‐independent mechanism.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
01701973.
Times of Dispossession and (Re)possession: An Interview with Silvia Federici
Authors: Austin Arlen , Capper Beth , Schneider Rebecca
Published: February 2018

In this wide-ranging interview with the Marxist feminist activist and theorist Silvia Federici, Arlen Austin asks Federici about the genesis of her book Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation (2004), what it means to acknowledge and feel the trace of the past in the present, and the importance of aesthetic forms such as music and theatre to feminist social movements.